Greed to Green, referenced as “the transformation of an industry and a life,” by David Gottfried, is a must-read for all green building professionals.

When I received a copy of Greed to Green at the 2003 Greenbuild conference in Pittsburgh, I wasn’t sure what to expect – but I discovered I couldn’t put it down. The book details the author’s life changing events and experiences that led to the development of the U.S. Green Building Council. This autobiographical account of David’s personal and professional transformation even has the elements of a compelling novel — greed, money, sex, failure and success — but it’s all true, and all relevant to the state of green building today.

Some of you may have already read Greed to Green; if not, get it! It is easy to read, unlike any green building book I have ever read. It is fascinating to discover the hope and disappointment, and successes and failures, that David faced along the way to developing the U.S. Green Building Council. As a successful real estate developer initially concerned with expensive suits and nice cars, David realizes the environmental and financial impacts of building green that transcend the green building movement and his life.

In Greed to Green’s forward, Paul Hawken, author of Ecology of Commerce and Growing a Business, coauthor of Natural Capitalism, writes: “To say this book is about the power of one person to change the world, though true, would be a cliché. This book is not about David, sustainability, or even green buildings. It is about the mystery of change.”

I would recommend you buy (or borrow) a copy of this book today. Greed to Green is available for $15.95 at www.AECstore.com. Or visit www.greedtogreen.com for more book details and testimonials. If you have been part of the green building movement from the start, or if you’re just getting your feet wet, you will appreciate the inspirational chronicle of David’s transformation from Greed to Green.

About the Author

David Gottfried has literally changed the world by dedicating his life to green building. David is the founder of the U.S. Green building council and the founder of the world green building council. He is also the founding chairman of ASTM’s green building committee and the managing editor of the US DOE and EPA funded sustainable building technical manual. He is currently the president of Worldbuild technologies inc., based in Berkeley, Calif. David is also a member of ED+C’s editorial advisory board.

Without a doubt, David practices what he preaches. He changed his personal lifestyle throughout the years. Even his wedding in October 2003 illustrated his commitment to sustainability. The “green” wedding on a rooftop of a green building in San Francisco incorporated organic food, e-invitations, hotels within walking distance and other eco-friendly details.