provided by the Green Resource Council Aerated Autoclaved Concrete (AAC) Precast concrete that is cured by steam pressure inside a kiln called autoclave. The material is lighter weight than conventional concrete and has good insulation properties. AbsorberA component of a solar heater that soaks up heat from the sun and helps transmit it to the water or heating system. ANSI/ ASHRAE/ IESNA Standards American National Standards Institute (ANSI), American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers Inc. (ASHRAE), Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) Energy Standard for Buildings. A nationally recognized energy standard for commercial buildings. ApertureAn opening for the purpose of admitting light. BalometerAn instrument, a capture hood, that measure airflow. Bioremediation
A process that uses biological organisms to clean up contaminated water or soil; often used in oil spill cleanup. Bioswale
A landscape element, often a planted strip along a street or parking lot, for the purpose of capturing surface water runoff and filtering out silt and pollution before the storm water enters the drainage system or groundwater. Blower Door
A test that measures the air tightness of a building Brownfields A former industrial site, particularly one compromised by hazardous contaminants; examples are former dry cleaning establishments and gas stations. Building Envelope
The separation between the interior and exterior environment of a building. Usually consisting of the roof, doors, windows, foundation, and walls. Carbon Footprint A calculation of the amount of greenhouse gases produced as a result of commercial, industrial, and individual activities. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) The most prevalent of the greenhouse gases. Emitted by burning fossil fuels. Naturally occurring from sources such as human and animal respiration, ocean-atmosphere exchange, and volcanic eruptions. Carbon Offset A system intended to equalize carbon production around the globe by trading greenhouse gas emissions-typically produced through fossil fuels consumption - for environmentally friendly actions, such as planting trees and using clean energy sources. Climate Change Also called climate destabilization or greenhouse effect, this term represents the adverse effects of greenhouse gasses on weather patterns and ecosystems. Coheat Test A test that measures the distribution of heating and cooling systems throughout a building. Measures the overall heat loss factor. The home is alternately heated with the furnace and an array of small heaters (coheaters) to calculate heat-delivery efficiency. Commissioning A quality assurance process intended to confirm that all systems of a building-heat, air conditioning, electrician, plumbing, safety, security-are operating as intended by the building owner and designed by the architect and engineer. Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) Small fluorescent light bulbs that can be used in place of incandescent light bulbs. CFLs consume significantly less electricity and last 8 -10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Day lighting Designing a building to take advantage of natural sunlight illumination. Deconstruction Dismantlement of a building so that components can be reused and recycled. Duct Blaster A test that measures the air tightness of heating and cooling ducts. Emissions Trading A system created by the Kyoto Protocol, which allows countries that are under-target on emissions to swap spare emissions with over-target countries with the goal of limiting carbon emissions worldwide. Energy Assessment A written report prepared by a qualified party evaluating energy usage, highlighting weak points in energy efficiency, and identifying cost-savings measures. A less rigorous process than an energy audit. Energy Audit A written report prepared by a qualified tester using methods and measurements that comply with industry standards. An audit typically involves collection of detailed data and an engineering analysis. The result is a report of detailed project costs and savings expected when an energy-efficient project is completed and operated as designed. Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) A mortgage that figures conserved energy into the loan in the form of credits as an energy efficiency incentive, mostly for new homes already certified as energy efficient. Energy Guide Label An appliance label that provides an estimate of how much energy the appliance uses, compares energy use of similar products, and lists approximate annual operating costs. Required by the U.S. Department of Energy. Energy Improvement Mortgage (EIM) A mortgage intended for existing homes for the purpose of installing energy efficiency improvements. ENERGYSTAR A certification granted by the Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy for household appliances and buildings that perform at specified levels of energy efficiency. Evaporative Cooler Also know as swamp cooler. A simple cooling system that operates by moving air across or through a wet pad. Evapotranspiration The natural atmospheric process of water entering the atmosphere after plants and soil have soaked up the moisture. Fenestration Design and construction of windows and doors. Fluorinated Gas A greenhouse gas typically associated with refrigerants and aerosols. FSC-Certified, Forest Stewardship Council Certified Wood harvested from forests that meet standards for environmentally responsible forestry management, such as replanting and maintaining of wildlife habitats. Fuel Cell A clean fuel source that converts chemical energy from hydrogen to electrical energy. Yields zero emissions. Geothermal Energy extracted from the natural heat of the earth's rocks and fluids. Green Guides Guidelines published by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) providing standards for advertising claims that a product is green. Green Roof Surfaces that reduce the temperature of buildings' rooftops by absorbing heat as well as trapping dust and adding sound and temperature insulation to buildings. Greenfield An undeveloped plot of land. Greenhouse Gases Emitted gases that are trapped in the atmosphere and contribute to atmospheric warming. Green Seal A certification for construction products, such as windows, paints, and adhesives, attesting that the products were manufactured and can be used with minimal impact on the environment. Greenwashing Falsely promoting or exaggerating the greenness of a product of service. Grey water Water from laundry, bathing, and similar uses that can be reused for non potable activities Greyfields A site, such as a mall or commercial facility, that has been abandoned leaving behind a large developed but empty area. Heat Exchanger Two-way air conditioner that heats and cools by exchanging heat with the ground through a buried loop. HERS, Home Energy Rating System A home energy rating that supplies credible verification for a home's energy efficiency using the home's construction plans and the results of onsite inspections. Hubbert's Curve A prediction, made by a geologist in the late 1950s, that classified fossil fuels as finite, and said that after a peak time access to these resources would rapidly decline, eventually diminishing entirely. Hydrofluorcarbon A greenhouse gas. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) A measurement of the overall cleanliness of the air within a building or home. Insulation-Compatible Air-Tight Recessed Lighting (IC-AT) Lighting that eliminates the heat-producing chimney effect of convention incandescent lighting. Kyoto Protocol A United Nations agreement signed in Kyoto, Japan in the 1990s. The agreement set country-targets for reduction of carbon emissions and created a method for offsetting (trading) carbon emissions. LEED, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design A certification granted by the United States Green Building Council. The detailed rating system involves full assessment of the construction, operation, and innovation of the structure as a sustainable and practices. LEED-ND LEED certification for neighborhoods. Level Spreader A mechanism that manages storm water runoff by containing, filtering, and slowly releasing it back into a stream or water source. Consists of a forebay, channel, and buffer. Light-Emitting Diode Lamp (LED) A technology that produces light by causlng electrons to flow through the lamp and release energy in the form of light. Light Pollution
Excessive illumination of night-skies by artificial light. Methane (CH4) A greenhouse gas. Livestock production is a major source of methane emissions. National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) National organization that sets standards for windows and doors. Naturescaping A landscaping method that uses native plants to conserve and create natural habitats that provide nurturing environments for wildlife. Net Metering A method of gaining a credit for excess electricity produced by a consumer, often by means of a wind turbine or solar paneling. Nitrogen Runoff The harmful release of nitrogen into waterways. It negatively impacts aquatic wildlife by decreasing oxygen levels in the water. Livestock and fertilizers are main sources. Nitrous Oxide (N2O) A greenhouse gas. Also known as laughing gas. Nutrient Loading See nitrogen runoff. On Demand Water Circulation Pump A water-conservation device that rapidly moves water from a water heater to fixtures. On Demand Water heater A device that heats water rapidly as it is dispensed from the faucet. Eliminates the need for a conventional tank water heater. Panelized Construction
Prefabricated building structures. Perfluorocarbon A greenhouse gas emitted primarily by industrial processes. Permeable Pavement A paving material that allows the penetration of water, thus significantly reducing runoff from storm water. Photovoltaic A solar energy system that captures light from the sun and converts it into electricity. Pressure Meter A device for gauging the difference in air pressure between two spaces such as a garage and a crawl space. Radon A naturally occurring gas, colorless and odorless, that has been shown to cause adverse health effects. Radon gas often enters a structure by seeping through cellar walls and floors. Rain Garden An area, planted with deep-rooted plants, that collects storm water runoff and encourages absorption into the ground. Rammed Earth Construction A building technique involving dense compression of clay and dirt materials to create thick, flat surfaces, such as walls or floors. Renewable energy sources Materials and natural resources that can be replaced, such as wind, solar, or hydroelectric power. Ridership Shed The area surrounding a mass transit embarkation point, such as a rail station or bus stop, from which riders are drawn. Refers to both the area and number of riders. Sequestration The process by which carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere by plants. Sulfur Hexafluoride A greenhouse gas. Trombe Wall An insulating wall that traps heat and releases into the home for heating, or deflects heat. Urban lnfill Redevelopment of sites, in the core of metropolitan areas, for commercial and residential purposes. VOC (volatile organic compound) An organic gas with harmful effects on air quality. VOCs are frequently associated with paint, pesticides, carpet, and adhesives. Water Footprint An estimation of the amount of water used. Wetland Areas that serve as links and buffers between land and water resources by collecting and filtering runoff. Xeriscaping A landscaping method used in arid areas. Uses native plants that can tolerate infrequent watering. |