Glossary of Green Buildings

7/28/2019 Glossary of Green Buildings

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Glossaryof Green

Buildings


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A/CSee "Air Conditioning" and "Heating Ventilation and Air

Conditioning."

AbatementReduction of the degree or intensity of, or elimination of pollution.

Abridged Life Cycle Assessment (ALCA)A simplified methodology to evaluate the environmental effects of

a product or activity holistically, by analyzing the most significant

environmental impacts in the life cycle of a particular product,

process, or activity. The abridged life cycle assessment consists of

three complimentary components, restricted inventory analysis,

abridged impact assessment, and improvement analysis, togetherwith an integrative procedure known as "Scoping."

Absolute PressureThe sum of the gauge pressure reading and atmospheric pressure.

See also "PSIA."

Absorption

Process by which a substance or particle is drawn into the structureof another.

ACESee "Air Change Effectiveness."

AcetoneA colorless, volatile, extremely flammable liquid ketone,CH3COCH3, widely used as an organic solvent.

ACHSee "Air Changes per Hour."

Acid DepositionThe deposition of acid constituents to a surface. This occurs not

only through precipitation, but also by the deposition of


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atmospheric particulate matter and the incorporation of solublegases.

Acid Rain

The precipitation of dilute solutions of strong mineral acids,formed by the mixing in the atmosphere of various industrial

pollutants (primarily sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides) with

naturally occurring oxygen and water vapor.

AcrylicsA family of plastics used for fibers, rigid sheets and paints.

Active Diffuser

An air supply outlet with a local fan to deliver air from the plenumthrough the diffuser into the conditioned space.

Active Solar TechniquesMechanisms, such as flat-plate collectors, which are designed to

actively collect the energy of sunlight and use it; for example, to

heat a building or to heat water.

Active SystemA traditional HVAC system that uses mechanical means toartificially condition (cool, heat, ventilate) the air supply in a

building and that draws power for these processes from electricity

or gas.

Acute ExposureA single exposure to a toxic substance that may result in severe

biological harm or death. Acute exposures are usually

characterized as lasting no longer than a day, as compared tolonger, continuing exposure over a period of time.

Acute ToxicityThe ability of a substance to cause severe biological harm or death


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soon after a single exposure or dose. Also, any poisonous effectthat results from a single short-term exposure to a toxic substance.

Adaptive Reuse

Renovation of a building or site to include elements that allow aparticular use or uses to occupy a space that originally wasintended for a different use.

AdsorbentMaterial that is capable of the binding and collection of substances

or particles on its surface without chemically altering them.

Adsorption

Removal of a pollutant from air or water by collecting the pollutanton the surface of a solid material.

Advanced TreatmentA level of wastewater treatment more stringent than secondary

treatment; requires an 85% reduction in conventional pollutant

concentration or a significant reduction in non-conventional

pollutants. Sometimes called tertiary treatment.

AEE (Association of Energy Engineers)A trade organization for certification and information on energy

efficiency, utility deregulation, facility management, plant

engineering, and environmental compliance.

AerationExposing water to the air; often results in the release into theatmosphere of gaseous impurities found in polluted water.

Aerobic TreatmentProcess by which microbes decompose complex organic

compounds in the presence of oxygen and use the liberated energy

for reproduction and growth.


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AerosolSuspended droplets of liquid or liquid dispersions in air.

AFUE

See "Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency."

Agenda 21A comprehensive blueprint for global action drafted by the 172

governments present at the 1992 Earth Summit organized by the

United Nations in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Agricultural Bi-productsProducts developed in agriculture but are not primary products.

These are often converted into building materials, such as strawused in wall panels or entire bales used as building blocks.

Agricultural FibersNatural fibers, such as cotton, often used as insulation materials.

AHUSee "Air Handling Unit."

Air BarrierMaterial installed around a building frame to reduce the infiltration

of air into the interior.

Air ChangeThe replacement of air contained within a room with an equivalentvolume of fresh air.

Air Change Effectiveness (ACE)The ability of an air distribution system to provide ventilation(outside) air at the breathing zone (where occupants breathe). It is

defined as the age of air that would occur throughout the space if

the air was perfectly mixed, divided by the average age of airwhere occupants breathe.


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Air Changes Per Hour (ACH)Number of times per hour a volume of air, equivalent to the

volume of space, enters that space.

Air CleanerA filtering device that actively removes impurities from the air.

Air Conditioning (A/C)A system that extracts heat from an area using a refrigeration

cycle. A complete system of heating, ventilation, and air

conditioning is referred to as HVAC. See "Heating, Ventilatingand Air Conditioning."

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI)A trade association (representing manufacturers of more than 90

percent of the air conditioning and commercial refrigeration

equipment installed in North America) that develops standards forand certifies the performance of these products.

Air ConsumptionThe volume of air required to operate a pneumatic device.

Air Exchange RateThe rate at which outside air replaces indoor air in a given space.

Also see "Air Changes Per Hour."

Air FlowThe movement of air within a room, duct, or plenum.

Air Flow Sensor

A device that measures air velocity (via differential pressure)inside a duct.

Air Handling Unit (AHU)Equipment that includes a fan or blower, heating and/or coolingcoils, regulator controls, condensate drain pans, and air filters.


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Air InletApertures (grilles, diffusers, or louvered openings) through which

air is intentionally drawn from a conditioned space.

Air OutletApertures (grilles, diffusers, or louvered openings) through whichair is intentionally delivered to a conditioned space.

Air PlenumAny space used to convey air in a building, furnace or structure.

The space above a suspended ceiling is often used as an airplenum.

Air PollutantAny substance in air that could, in high enough concentration,

harm man, other animals, vegetation or material. Pollutants may

include almost any natural or artificial composition of matter

capable of being airborne. They may be in the form of solid

particles, liquid droplets, gases or any combination thereof. Air

pollutants are often grouped in categories for ease in classification.

Some of these categories are solids, sulfur compounds, volatile

organic chemicals, particulate matter, nitrogen compounds, oxygencompounds, halogen compounds, radioactive compounds and

odors.

Air PollutionThe presence of contaminants or pollutant substances in the air that

interfere with human health or welfare, or produce other harmfulenvironmental effects.

Air Quality StandardsThe level of pollutants prescribed by regulations that are not to be

exceeded during a given time in a defined area.

Air RetarderSee "Air Barrier."


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Air Supply VolumeThe volume of supply air flowing through a cross-sectional plane

of a duct per unit time, found by multiplying air velocity by thecross-sectional area of the duct.

Air ToxicsAny air pollutant for which a National Ambient Air Quality

Standard (NAAQS) does not exist that may reasonably be

anticipated to cause serious or irreversible chronic or acute healtheffects in humans.

Airborne ParticulatesTotal suspended particulate matter found in the atmosphere as

solid particles or liquid droplets. Chemical composition of

particulates varies widely, depending on location and time of year.

Sources of airborne particulates include dust, emissions from

industrial processes, combustion products from the burning of

wood and coal, combustion products associated with motor vehicle

or non-road engine exhausts, and reactions to gases in the

atmosphere.

AlbedoA reflective property of a surface.

AllergenA substance (also known as an antigen) that can trigger immune

responses resulting in an allergic reaction.

Alternative EnergyEnergy from a source other than the conventional fossil-fuel

sources of oil, natural gas and coal (i.e., wind, running water, thesun). Also referred to as "alternative fuel."

Alternative Energy SourcesEnergy sources, which can be substituted for fossil fuels, nuclear


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power, and large-scale hydroelectric power; e.g., solar, wind,geothermal, biomass.

Ambient Air

The surrounding air.

Ambient TemperatureTemperature of the surrounding air or other medium.

American National Standards InstituteSee "ANSI."

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-

Conditioning EngineersSee "ASHRAE."

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)(AFUE) Seasonal efficiency of a gas-fired furnace or boiler. Takes

into account cyclic operation. The higher the number, the more

efficient the heating equipment.

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)

A measure of efficiency for gas furnaces and boilers, the ratio ofannual output energy to annual input energy.

ANSI (American National Standards Institute)A private nonprofit organization overseeing the development of

voluntary consenses standards for products, services, processes,

systems, and personnel in the United States. The organization also

coordinates U.S. standards with international standards so that

American products can be used worldwide.

AnthropogenicDerived from human activities.

AntigenSee "Allergen."


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AntimicrobialAn agent that kills microbes.

Aquifer

Any underground water-bearing rock formation or group offormations, that supplies ground water, wells, or springs.

ARISee "Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute."

AsbestosA mineral fiber that can pollute air or water and cause cancer or

asbestosis when inhaled. The EPA has banned or severely

restricted its use in manufacturing and construction.

Asbestos AbatementProcedures to control fiber release from asbestos-containing

materials in a building or to remove them entirely, including

removal, encapsulation, repair, enclosure, encasement, and

operations and maintenance programs.

ASHRAEAmerican Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air ConditioningEngineers. A world-wide organization that promotes the arts and

sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration

and that publishes standards. Particularly important in relationship

to green building construction is ASHRAE 90.1 Energy Standard

for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, a code

setting requirements for energy efficiency and methods of

determining compliance.

ASHRAE Standard 62Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality. Details two

methods for compliance: Ventilation Rate Procedure and the

Indoor Air Quality Procedure. Rapidly becoming the standard of

care for building ventilation and indoor air quality.


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Atmospheric PressureThe pressure due to the weight of the atmosphere (14.7 PSI at sea

level).

Attainment AreaAn area considered to have air quality as good as or better than thenational ambient air quality standards as defined in the Clean Air

Act. An area may be an attainment area for one pollutant and anon-attainment area for others.


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BackdraftingPotentially hazardous condition in which the exhaust from

combustion appliances does not properly exit the building. This

can be due to a number of factors including a blocked flue or a

pressure difference within the home.

BACT -Best Available Control TechnologyAn emission limitation based on the maximum degree of emission

reduction (considering energy, environmental and economic

impacts) achievable through application of production processes

and available methods, systems and techniques. BACT does not

permit emissions in excess of those allowed under any applicable

Clean Air Act provisions. Use of the BACT concept is allowableon a case-by-case basis for major new or modified emissions

sources in attainment areas and applies to each regulated pollutant.

Bake-outProcess by which a building is heated in an attempt to accelerateVOC emissions from furniture and materials.

Bakeout

A technique for reducing the exposure of occupants to emissions ofnew construction. The building temperature is raised to a high

level (to enhance emissions of volatile compounds from new

materials) for several days before occupancy, while running theventilation system at full capacity to exhaust the emissions.

Balance PointThe outdoor temperature at which a building's heat loss to the

environment is equal to internal heat gains from people, lights, and

equipment.

BEESSee "Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability."


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Benefit/Cost AnalysisAn economic method for assessing the benefits and costs of

achieving alternative health-based standards at given levels ofhealth protection.

BenzeneA clear, colorless, highly refractive flammable liquid derived from

petroleum and used in or to manufacture a wide variety of

chemical products, including DDT, insecticides, and motor fuels.Also called benzine.

Big Five Energy SourcesCoal, oil, natural gas, large-scale hydroelectric, and nuclear power.

BioaccumulantsSubstances that increase in concentration in living organisms as

they take in contaminated air, water or food because the substancesare very slowly metabolized or excreted.

BioaerosolsAirborne microbial contaminants, including viruses, bacteria,

fungi, algae, and protozoa.

BioassayDiverse sets of analytical methodologies, which utilize living

organisms - applications range from assessment of water pollutantsto screening pharmaceuticals.

BiocideProduct typically used to kill microorganisms.

BiocontaminantContaminants that are either life forms (e.g., bacteria) or are

derived from living things (e.g., rodent droppings).

BiodegradableWaste material composed primarily of constituent parts that occur


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naturally, are able to be decomposed by bacteria or fungi, and are

absorbed into the ecosystem. Wood, for example, is biodegradable,

while plastics are not.

BiodiversityA large number and wide range of species of animals, plants, fungiand microorganisms. Ecologically, wide biodiversity is conducive

to the development of all species.

BioengineeringCreation of new organisms with specific attributes through the

insertion of the appropriate genetic material into the original

organisms genome.

Biological ContaminationContamination of a building environment caused by bacteria,

molds and their spores, pollen, viruses, and other biological

materials. It is often linked to poorly designed and maintained

HVAC systems. People exposed to biologically contaminated

environments may display allergic-type responses or physical

symptoms such as coughing, muscle aches and respiratory

congestion.

Biological ImpoverishmentThe loss of variety in the biosphere (even when species have not

gone completely extinct).

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)A measure of the amount of oxygen consumed in the biological

processes that break down organic matter in water. BOD is used as

an indirect measure of the concentration of biologically degradablematerial present in organic wastes. It usually reflects the amount of

oxygen consumed in five days by biological processes breaking

down organic waste. BOD can also be used as an indicator of

pollutant level, where the greater the BOD, the greater the degree

of pollution. Also referred to as "biochemical oxygen demand."


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Biological ProductivityNature's capability to reproduce and regenerate, thereby

accumulating biomass.

BiomagnificationThe increasing concentration of a substance as it passes into highertrophic levels of a food web. Many bioaccumulants are also

biomagnified.

BiomassPlant matter such as trees, grasses, agricultural crops or other

biological material. It can provide a renewable source of electrical

power, fuel, or chemical feedstocks.

BiomeA large-scale category that includes many communities of a

similar nature.

BioremediationThe use of bacteria and other small organisms (such as single-

celled and multicellular microbes and fungi) to clean up or reduce

unwanted concentrations of certain substances: also known asbiotreatment.

Biosphere1. The part of the earth and its atmosphere in which living

organisms exist or that is capable of supporting life.

2. The ecosystem composed of the earth and the living organisms

inhabiting it.

Black WaterWastewater from toilets and urinals, which contains pathogens that

must be neutralized before the water can be safely reused. After

neutralization, black water is typically used for non-potable

purposes, such as flushing or irrigation.


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Blower DoorA large fan placed in an exterior doorway to pressurize or

depressurize a building to determine its air leakage rate expressedin air changes per hour or cubic feet per minute.

BMSSee "Building Management System."

Bottom-Up ApproachThe development and encouragement of sustainable uses of

biodiversity that provides incentives to save species while also

respecting the right of all people to support their families and have

a decent quality of life.

BrownfieldAbandoned, idled or underused real property where expansion or

redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmentalcontamination.

Building Automation System (BAS)An integration of digital, electronic, and/or pneumatic controls and

devices to provide unattended and automatic operation of buildingssystems. Systems may include HVAC, elevators, fire suppression,

smoke control, security, lighting, and other subsystems.

Building Control System (BCS)A system that controls the comfort and safety of a building's assetsand environment.

Building Ecology

The physical environment and systems found inside the building.

Building EnvelopeThe exterior surface of a building's construction - the walls,

windows, roof and floor. Also referred to as "building shell."


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Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability(BEES)Software program developed by the NIST (National Institute of

Standards and Technology). It is aimed at designers, builders, and

product manufacturers. It provides a way to balance theenvironmental and economic performance of building products.

BEES measures the environmental performance of building

products by using an environmental life-cycle assessment approach

specified in the latest versions of ISO 14000 draft standards. All

stages in the life of a product line are analyzed: raw material

acquisition, manufacture, transportation, installation, use, and

recycling and waste management.

Economic performance is measured using the ASTM standard life

cycle cost method, which covers the costs of initial investment,

replacement, operation, maintenance and repair, and disposal.

Environmental and economic performance are combined into an

overall performance measure using the ASTM standard for Multi-

Attribute Decision Analysis. The BEES methodology is being

refined and expanded under sponsorship of the EPA's

Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program. BEES currently

addresses categories of product choices and is not specific to a type

of product.

Building Life CycleThe amortized annual cost of a building, including capital costs,

installation costs, operating costs, maintenance costs and disposalcosts discounted over the lifetime of the building.

Building Management and Control System (BMCS)A BMS and BCS integrated together.

Building Management System (BMS)A system for centralizing and optimizing the monitoring,

operating, and managing of a building. Services may include


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heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, security, and energymanagement.

Building-related Illness (BRI)

Diagnosable illness whose cause and symptoms can be directlyattributed to a specific pollutant source within a building (i.e.,

Legionnaire's disease, hypersensitivity, pneumonitis). Also see

"Sick Building Syndrome."

Buildings RebornThe adaptation of old buildings for uses different from theiroriginal purpose.

Built EnvironmentStructures created by humans (as opposed to the natural

environment).

BuoyancyThe tendency of warmer air or smoke to rise because cooler air is

denser.

By-productMaterial, other than the principal product, generated as aconsequence of an industrial process or as a breakdown product in

a living system.


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California CornerAn Optimum Value Engineering technique that uses two studs

(instead of the usual three or four) to make an exterior corner. The

result is better insulation and use of fewer resources, in addition to

cost savings. Several variations are possible.

Carbon DioxideOdorless gas commonly sourced by respiration, and has been

widely used as a measure of the ventilation adequacy of a space. A

principle greenhouse gas. It is the result of the oxidation (including

active combustion and respiration) of carbon based substances.

Carbon MonoxideA colorless, odorless and highly toxic gas commonly createdduring combustion.

Carbon TaxA charge on fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) based on their

carbon content. When burned, the carbon in these fuels becomes

carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, a significant greenhouse gas.

CarcinogenAny substance capable of causing cancer.

Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE)A carpet industry and government voluntary initiative to prevent

carpet from burdening landfills, CARE focuses on developingcarpet reclamation and recycling methods.

Carrying Capacity

1. In recreation management, the amount of use a recreation areacan sustain without loss of quality.

2. In wildlife management, the maximum number of animals an

area can support during a given period.


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CategoryLEED Green Building Rating System component. Each LEED

prerequisite and credit falls within one of six categories (five

Sustainable Categories and one Innovation and Design Process

category).

CelluloseA fibrous part of plants used to manufacture paper/textiles.

Cellulose InsulationInsulation is made from recycled newspaper with borates to

provide fire protection.

Central PlantAn area or building in which the chillers and boilers for a building

or group of buildings are located.

CFMSee "cubic foot/min"

ChainWood-based materials used in building construction that are

supplied from sources that comply with sustainable, forestrypractices, protecting trees, wildlife habitat, streams and soil as

determined by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Chain-of-custody CertificationA product that has met certain requirements throughout its life,

beginning from its extraction and production all the way to itsdistribution and sale.

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)A measure of the oxygen required to oxidize all compounds, both

organic and inorganic, in water.


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ChillerAn A/C device that cools water (instead of air) for distribution via

pipes through a building.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)Stable, artificially created chemical compounds containing carbon,chlorine, fluorine and sometimes hydrogen. Chlorofluorocarbons,

used primarily to facilitate cooling in refrigerators and air

conditioners, have been found to deplete the stratospheric ozone

layer which protects the earth and its inhabitants from excessive

ultraviolet radiation.

ChronicAn exposure which spans long time periods - typically years. In

toxicology, a chronic health effect is the result of a long termexposure; e.g., emphysema as a result of smoking.

Chronic ToxicityThe capacity of a substance to cause long-term poisonous health

effects in humans, animals, fish, and other organisms.

CITESConvention on International Trade in Endangered Species of WildFauna and Flora (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) provides lists ofendangered species of timber and other natural products.

Clean Air ActA federal statute enacted in 1963 that was the first of a series of

acts and amendments that exerted increasing federal pressure on

air polluters to clean up their emissions.

Clean Air Act 1972Ground breaking legislation administrered by the EPA that

mandates specific measures to protect the air quality and

respiratory health of U.S. inhabitants.


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Clean DesignThe systematic incorporation of life cycle environmental

considerations into product design.

Clean EnergyEnergy created from renewable sources with low environmentalimpact.

Clean Water ActA federal statute enacted in 1972 that has been successful in

improving the water quality of lakes and rivers.

Climate

The temperature, humidity, precipitation, winds, radiation, andother meteorological conditions characteristic of a locality or

region over an extended period of time.

Climate ChangeThe term "climate change" is sometimes used to refer to all forms

of climatic inconsistency, but because the earth's climate is never

static, the term is more properly used to imply a significant change

from one climatic condition to another. In some cases, "climatechange" has been used synonymously with the term "global

warming"; scientists, however, tend to use the term in the wider

sense to also include natural changes in climate. Also referred to as

"global climate change." Also see "Global Warming."

Climate ControlAn HVAC system.

Closed-loop ProcessPart of an industrial production process; not part of a wastemanagement process. Materials reclaimed and returned in a closed-

loop process are neither classified as, defined as, nor operate as, a

waste, i.e., any discarded material. Materials in a closed-loop

process are treated as commodities in a manner designed to avoid


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loss or release to the environment (See Electronic Code of FederalRegulations (e-CFR), 40 C.F.R. SS 261.4(a)(8)).

Closed-loop Recycling

When a used product is recycled into a similar product; a recyclingsystem in which a particular mass of material (possibly after

upgrading) is remanufactured into the same product (e.g., glass

bottles into glass bottles).

Co-productsMaterials that are intentionally, or incidentally, produced whenmaking another product.

Coefficient of Performance (COP)Measurement of the steady-state performance of electrically

operated systems, including ground-source heat pumps. It is the

ratio of useful-energy output to purchased-energy input. Can alsorefer to gas-fired systems.

CogenerationThe simultaneous production of electrical or mechanical energy

(power) and useful thermal energy from the same fuel/energysource such as oil, coal, gas, biomass or solar.

Combination SystemHeating system that uses the domestic water heater for both water

and space heating. Hot water is typically piped to a heat exchanger(coil), where a fan blows air over the coil to produce heated air.

Combustion By-Products

Gases and small particles (e.g., carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide,carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, water vapor, particles, and

unburned hydro-carbons) caused by the incomplete burning of

fuels.


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CommissioningProcess by which the operating systems of a building are tested

and adjusted prior to occupancy.

Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL)Small fluorescent lamps used as more efficient alternatives toincandescent lighting. Also called PL, CFL, Twin-Tube, or BIAX

lamps.

Comparative Risk AnalysisAn environmental decision-making tool used to systematically

measure, compare and rank environmental problems or issue areas.

The process typically focuses on the risks a problem poses to

human health, the natural environment and quality of life, and

results in a list (or lists) of issue areas ranked in terms of relativerisk

Competitive ExclusionA situation where niche overlap is very great and competition is so

intense that one species eliminates another from a particular area.

CompostProcess whereby organic wastes, including food wastes, paper andyard wastes, decompose naturally, resulting in a product rich in

minerals and ideal for gardening and farming as a soil conditioner,

mulch, resurfacing material or landfill cover

ConcentrationAmount of a material per unit volume; i.e., milligrams per liter.

CondensationThe change in matter of a substance to a denser phase, such as thedeposit of water vapor from air on a cold surface that has a

temperature below the dew point.


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CondenserAn HVAC component used to convert a vapor or gas to a liquid.

Condensing Furnace or Boiler

Refers to high-efficiency systems that extract such a highpercentage of the available energy from gas combustion that the

water vapor in the burned gas (combustion products) condenses to

liquid water before leaving the furnace.

Conditioned SpaceArea within a house that is heated and/ or cooled. Conditioned

space is separated from unconditioned space be a thermal

envelope.

ConductorA material capable of transmitting electricity, heat, or sound.

ConservationPreserving and renewing, when possible, human and natural

resources. The use, protection and improvement of natural

resources according to principles that will ensure their highest

economic or social benefits.

Conservation EasementsA preservation tool that may be used by a land trust or

conservation group to limit development.

Constructed WetlandA human-made habitat for waterfowl and other life, often usinggreywater or rainwater catchment overflow.

Construction Administration (CA)The representation of the owner relative to the integrity of the

design.

Construction and Demolition (C&D) DebrisNonhazardous materials such as asphalt, concrete, brick, lumber,


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wallboard, roofing materials, ceramics, and plastics resulting from

construction, deconstruction, remodeling, repair, cleanup, or

demolition operations.

Construction Waste Management Plan (CWMP)A plan that diverts construction debris from landfills through theprocesses of recycling, salvaging and reusing.

ConsumptionThe use of goods and services, materials and energy, by humans.

ContaminantAny physical, chemical, biological or radiological substance or

matter that has an adverse effect on air, water or soil.

ContaminationIntroduction into water, air and soil of microorganisms, chemicals,

toxic substances, wastes or wastewater in a concentration that

makes the medium unfit for its next intended use. Also applies to

surfaces of objects, buildings, and various household and

agricultural use products.

Contingent Valuation Method (CVM)A method that attempts to "objectively" measure the dollar value

of changes in environmental quality; often uses questionnaires and

other surveys that ask people what they would pay for variousenvironmental improvements.

Continuous CommissioningAn on-going program of structured commissioning throughout the

lifetime of a building.

Conventional PowerPower produced from non-renewable fuels such as coal, oil,

nuclear and gas, also known as traditional power.


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Cooling LoadThe amount of heat generated within a building space (from

occupants, electrical equipment, artificial lighting, solar radiation,etc.) that the HVAC system must remove.

Cooling TowerA structure outside or on top of a building used to extract heat

from water that has been used for cooling.

CoproductA marketable by-product from a process. This includes materials

that may be traditionally defined as wastes such as industrial scrap

that is subsequently used as a raw material in a different

manufacturing process.

Cradle-to-CradleA term used in life-cycle analysis to describe a material or productthat is recycled into a new product at the end of its defined life.

Cradle-to-Grave or Manifest SystemA term used in life-cycle analysis to describe the entire life of a

material or product up to the point of disposal. Also refers to asystem that handles a product from creation through disposal.

CreditLEED Green Building Rating System component. Compliance is

optional and meeting credit criteria results in the earning of pointstoward certification.

Credit Interpretation Ruling (CIR)

Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in theapplication of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically,

difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by

LEED information/guides or a special conflict exists that requires

resolution.


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Criteria PollutantsA list of air pollutants identified in the 1970 Clean Air Act

Amendments deemed to be critical in controlling air pollution and

for which National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) were

established. Criteria pollutants include: sulfur dioxide (SO2),nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs),

particulate matter, carbon monoxide (CO), and lead (Pb).

Cross VentilationThe circulation of fresh air through openings on opposite sides of a

space.

Cubic ft./min. (CFM)Cubic feet per minute, a common measure of airflow.


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Day lightingNatural daylight introduced into interior spaces and controlled

specifically to reduce levels of electric lighting, minimize glare andoptimize lighting quality.

DaylightingUsing natural light in many different ways in a building. By using

various design methods, this light decreases reliance on electricityby using windows and skylights.

Decay RateMath function that reflects the declining emissions of a product

over time.

DeconstructionA process to carefully dismantle or remove useable materials from

structures, as an alternative to demolition. It maximizes the

recovery of valuable building materials for reuse and recycling and

minimizes the amount of waste land-filled. Deconstruction options

may include: Reusing the entire building by remodeling, moving

the structure to a new location or taking the building apart to reuse

lumber, windows, doors, and other materials.

Deep-well InjectionDeposition of raw or treated, filtered hazardous waste by pumping

it into deep wells, where it is contained in the pores of permeable

subsurface rock.

DeforestationThe removal of forest cover from an area.

Delisted SpeciesSpecies that are removed from the endangered species list either

because it is no longer endangered or threatened, or because it has

gone extinct.


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Demand-side Waste ManagementProcess whereby consumers use purchasing decisions to

communicate to product manufacturers that they prefer

environmentally sound products packaged with the least amount of

waste, made from recycled or recyclable materials, and containingno hazardous substances.

DematerializationThe reduction of the size of products, particularly as a way toconserve mineral resources.

Department of Energy (DOE)A department of the United States government responsible for

energy policy and nuclear safety, including setting industry

efficiency standards and monitoring the consumption of energysources.

DesertificationThe spread of desert-like conditions due to human exploitation and

misuse of the land.

Design for EnvironmentAn engineering perspective in which the environmentally relatedcharacteristics of a product, process, or facility design areoptimized.

DesuperheaterDevice that takes waste heat extracted by heat pumps or air

conditioners and uses it to heat domestic hot water.

Dew PointThe temperature at which water vapor in air will condense at agiven state of humidity and pressure.


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DilutionThe reduction of concentration of airborne contaminants through

an increase in fresh air supplied to the space.

DioxinTypically defined as a class of similar chorinated compounds thatare persistent, bioaccumulative, and very toxic. Predominantly

related to human activities - manufacturing and incineration.

DisposalFinal placement or destruction of toxic, radioactive or other

wastes; surplus or banned pesticides or other chemicals; polluted

soils; and drums containing hazardous materials from removal

actions or accidental releases. Disposal may be accomplished

through use of approved secure landfills, surface impoundments,land farming, deep-well injection, ocean dumping or incineration.

Domestic HardwoodDeciduous trees whose wood is the only in the U.S. and where the

growth of new trees exceeds the removal rate.

Dose-responseRelationship between exposure levels and adverse effects.

DowncyclingA term coined to disparagingly describe creation of a product of

lesser intrinsic value manufactured from a material at the end of its

service life, which had higher initial end use value; it is important

to note that as the term downcycle has historically been used, it

does not provide insight into environmental benefit (e.g. there may

actually be more environmental benefit from extending the life of acomplex polymer prior to energy recovery or taking it apart into its

respective building blocks).


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Downstream ImpactsEnvironmental impacts caused by consumer use and product

disposal.

Dust Spot EfficiencyA measure of a filter's collection efficiency for fine particles.

Dynamic Environmental ChamberWell-controlled system (including temperature, relative humidity

(RH) and air quality/purity) that utilizes realistic air flows for the

assessment of chemical emissions from products and materials


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Earth Sheltered DesignA home designed to be built partially or completely below ground,

either by digging into existing ground or by covering over parts of

the house. This design utilizes the constant temperature of the soil

to improve energy efficiency and reduces environmental impact.

Earth SummitThe United Nations Conference on Environment and Development

(UNCED), held an international meeting in Rio de Janeiro in June1992 to discuss environmental and development issues.

Earth's Thermal EnergyA little below the surface, the earth keeps a constant temperature

close to the human comfort level, and this type of heating can beused efficiently for geothermal heating systems.

EcodesignA design process that considers the environmental impacts

associated with a product throughout its entire life: from

acquisition of raw materials through production/manufacturing and

use to end of life. Ecodesign seeks to improve the aesthetic and

functional aspects of the product with due consideration to socialand ethical needs while simultaneously reducing environmental

impacts.

Ecological ImpactThe effect that a human-caused or natural activity has on livingorganisms and their nonliving environment.

Ecological Indicator

A characteristic of an ecosystem that is related to or derived from ameasure of biotic or abiotic variable that can provide qualtitative

information on ecological structure and function. An indicator cancontribute to a measure of integrity and sustainability.


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Ecological/Environmental SustainabilityMaintenance of ecosystem components and functions for future

generations.

EcologyA branch of science concerned with the interrelationship oforganisms and their environment.

Ecology, first law ofGarrett Hardin's concept that "we can never do merely one thing;

sometimes referred to as the "Law of Unintended Consequences."

Ecosphere

The "biobubble" that contains life on earth, in surface waters, andin the air.

EcosystemAn interconnected and symbiotic grouping of animals, plants,

fungi and micro-organisms that sustains life through biological,

geological and chemical activity.

Electric UtilityAn entity owning and operating transmission and/or distributionfacilities and delivering electric energy to customers.

ElectricityA property of matter that results from the presence or movement of

electric charge.

Electrostatic Air Cleaner

A device that has an electrical charge to trap particles traveling inthe airstream.

Embodied EnergyThe quantity of energy that is necessary for the fabrication of a

specific material. When measuring embodied energy, all energy


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inputs, from raw material extraction, to transport, manufacturing,assembly, installation and others are considered.

Emission Controls

Any measure that reduces emissions into air, water or soil. Themost effective emission controls involve the redesign of the

process so less waste is produced at the source. Common emission

controls are wastewater treatment plants, stack scrubbers and in-plant, solid waste reduction programs.

Emission FactorQuantity of a substance or substances released from a given area or

mass of a material at a set point in time; i.e., milligrams per square

meter per hour.

Emission RateA measure of the quantity of a chemical released into the air froma given quantity of a source during a given amount of time.

Emission StandardEither a voluntary guideline or a government regulation that

specifies the maximum rate at which a contaminant can be releasedfrom a source.

EmissionsThe release of gases, liquids and/or solids from any process orindustry. Liquid emissions are commonly referred to as effluents.

Emissions OffsetsAn approach to local emissions control by reduction of existing

sources to allow for the addition of new sources.

EMSSee "Energy Management System."

EncapsulationThe treatment of asbestos-containing material with a liquid that


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covers the surface with a protective coating or embeds the fibers inan adhesive matrix to prevent their release into the air.

Endangered Species Act of 1973

An act that directs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to maintain alist of species that are endangered (in immediate danger ofextinction) or threatened (likely to be endangered soon).

EnergyThe capacity for doing work, a force applied through a distance.

Energy & Atmosphere (EA)LEED Rating System category. Prerequisites and credits in this

category focus on the individual aspects of energy efficiency,lighting, HVAC, and appliances and equipment.

Energy ConservationDecreasing the demand for use of energy.

Energy EfficiencyThe ratio of energy output of a conversion process or a system to

its energy input.

Energy Efficiency Mortgage (EEM)EEMs recognize that the monthly energy bill savings from

improved energy efficiency can more than offset the increased

monthly mortgage cost attributed to energy-efficiency upgrades.

Some products allow a higher loan-to-income or debt-to-income

ratio while other newer, more innovative products finance 100

percent of all cost-effective energy-efficiency upgrades in the

mortgage, thereby eliminating any increased down payment andrequalification requirements.

Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)Instantaneous efficiency of air conditioners measured at standard

test conditions. The amount of cooling provided per unit of


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electricity purchased. The higher the EER, the more efficient theair conditioner.

Energy Factor (EF)

Overall efficiency of a water heater or other appliance. The amountof hot water produced per unit of gas or electricity purchased. The

higher the energy factor number, the more efficient the water

heater.

Energy Management SystemA control system capable of monitoring environmental and system

loads and adjusting HVAC operations accordingly in order to

conserve energy while maintaining comfort.

Energy ModelingA computer model used to analyze a building's energy systems in

order to project its possible consumption rate.

Energy Plus BuildingA building that over a typical year produces more energy from on-

site renewable energy sources than it consumes. See also "Zero

Energy Building."

Energy RecoveryObtaining usable energy by consuming waste through a variety of

processes.

Energy Star HomeAn Energy Star Home Is predicted to use 30 % less energy that

houses build to the Model Energy Code (MEC) while maintaining

or improving indoor air quality. The ENERGY STAR HomeProgram of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and theU.S. Department of Energy.

Energy Star RatingThe designation given by the EPA and the U.S. Department of


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Energy (DOE) to appliances and products that exceed federal

energy efficiency standards. This label helps consumers identify

products that will save energy and money.

Energy UseThe total energy consumed by a device or system in the course ofits operation.

EnthalpyA measure of the total heat content within a given sample of air. It

is typically used to determine the amount of fresh outside air thatcan be added to recirculated air for the lowest heating/cooling cost.

Envelope/ Thermal or Building EnvelopeThe protective shell of a building that separates the inside

environment from the outside environment; includes both an

insulation layer and an air infiltration layer.

Environmental AspectThe way a manufacturer's activities or products can relate

positively or negatively with the environment.

Environmental AuditAn assessment of a company's (or person's) compliance with

environmental requirements.

Environmental FootprintFor an industrial setting, this is a company's environmental impact

determined by the amount of depletable raw materials and

nonrenewable resources it consumes to make its products, and the

quantity of wastes and emissions that are generated in the process.Traditionally, for a company to grow, the footprint had to get

larger. Today, finding ways to reduce the environmental footprint

is a priority for leading companies.


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Environmental ImpactAny change to the environment, whether adverse or beneficial,

wholly or partially resulting from human activity, industry ornatural disasters.

Environmental PreferenceTo revise product specifications, policies, and/or purchasing

contract terms to request or give preference to products or services

that minimize impacts on the environment throughout the process

of manufacture, distribution, use, reuse and recycling, and

disposal.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)Established in 1970 to consolidate the federal government's

environmental regulatory activities under the jurisdiction of a

single agency, the mission of the EPA is to protect human health

and to safeguard the natural environment. The EPA ensures that

federal environmental laws are enforced fairly and effectively.

Environmental RestorationThe act of repairing damage to a site caused by human activity,

industry or natural disasters. The ideal environmental restoration,though rarely achieved, is to restore the site as closely as possible

to its natural condition before it was disturbed.

Environmental SustainabilityLong-term maintenance of ecosystem components and functionsfor future generations.

Environmental Testing Verification (ETV)

An Environmental Protection Agency program that developstesting protocols and verifies the performance of new technologies.

Environmental Tobacco SmokeSecondhand tobacco smoke exposure.


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Environmental WisdomThe ability to sort through facts and information about the

environment and make correct decisions and plan long-termstrategies.

Environmentally FriendlyA term that refers to the degree to which a product may harm the

environment, including the biosphere, soil, water, and air.

Environmentally Preferable ProductsEstablished by Executive Order 13101. Products that have a lesser

or reduced effect on human health and the environment when

compared with competing products that serve the same purpose.

The product comparison may consider raw materials acquisition,

production, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, reuse,operation, maintenance, or disposal.

Environmentally Preferable PurchasingEnvironmentally Preferable Purchasing is a United States federal-

wide program (Executive Order 13101) that encourages and assists

Executive agencies in the purchasing of Environmentally

Preferable Products and services.

EPPSee "Environmentally Preferable Products."

ErosionThe process of soil and nutrient loss, which leads to a decline in

biological productivity of an area. Can also be used metaphorically

to refer to depletion.

EstuaryA bay or inlet, often at the mouth of a river, in which large

quantities of freshwater and seawater mix together. These unique

habitats are necessary nursery grounds for many marine fishes and

shellfishes


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EthylbenzeneA component of paint formations, and associated with some

carpeting, ethylbenzene off-gasses in the home, in office furniture

products, in office buildings, and in subject's breath. Ethylbenzene

is considered a chronic toxin, capable of causing fertility problemsand development defects.

EtiologicalRelating to cause, such as of disease or disorder.

ETSSee "Environmental Tobacco Smoke."

Evaporative CoolingThe drop in temperature occurring with the removal of latent heat

that occurs when water evaporates.

Executive Order 13101An executive order signed in 1998, by then President Clinton,

directing federal agencies to purchase Environmentally Preferable

products and services.

ExfiltrationThe uncontrolled, unintentional, flow of inside air out of a

building, such as through cracks, closures that are not airtight, and

the everyday use of windows and doors. See also "Infiltration."

Exhaust AirThe air extracted from a space and discharged outside.

Exotic SpeciesA non-native species that is articially introduced to an area.

ExposureAmount of radiation or pollutant present in a given environmentthat represents a potential health threat to living organisms.


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ExtinctionThe complete loss of an entire species.

Extinction Vortex

Term describing the rapid decline and eventual extinction of aspecies.


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Facilities Management SystemThe planing, control, and management of buildings for optimizing

the use of real estate, interior environment, energy usage,

mechanical infrastructure, communication networks, and

maintenance. It considers the "life cycle" of the building (e.g.,purchase, construction, operation, relocation, renovation,

demolition, or sale). In the HVAC industry, the term is sometimes

used in a more limited way that is synonymous with a BAS. See

"Building Automation System."

FenestrationAn architectural term for windows and their placement.

FertilizerA substance, often an artificial chemical mixture, which is spreadon or through the soil to make it more fertile.

FiltrationThe percolation of water through sand and other settled sediment

to remove suspended particles.

First CostsThe initial costs involved in a building project, typically incurredduring the construction and installation stages. Compare with"Life-Cycle Costs."

Five E'sThe five potential values of environmental resources: esthetic

(aesthetic), emotional, economic, environmental services, and

ethical.

Flex-DuctFlexible ductwork made with an interior liner, a layer of insulation,

and an outer covering of plastic.


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FlowThe volume of a substance passing a point per unit time (e.g.,

gallons per hour).

FluorocarbonA non-flammable liquid or gas used as a propellant; often used inspray cans, they are classified as ozone-depleting substances.

Flush OutThe operation of mechanical systems for a minimum of two weeks

using 100 percent outside air at the end of construction and prior to

building occupancy to ensure safe indoor air quality. See also

"Bakeout."

Fly AshA fine, glass-powder recovered from the gases of burning coal

during the production of electricity. These micron- sized earth

elements consist primarily of silica, alumina and iron. When mixed

with lime and water the fly ash forms a cementitious compound

with properties very similar to that of portland cement. Because of

this similarity, fly ash can be used to replace a portion of cement in

the concrete, providing some distinct quality advantages. Theconcrete is denser resulting in a tighter, smoother surface with less

bleeding. Fly Ash concrete offers a distinct architectural benefit

with improved textural consistency and sharper detail.

Fly ash with a low LOI (carbon content) is used as a substitute for

portland cement in concrete. Regulations vary from state to state,

however, ASTM suggests that fly ash must not contain more than

6% unburned carbon to be used for its cementitious qualities.

Otherwise, concrete companies use it as a fine aggregate in

concrete block. Others use it for filling old coal mines, seasidedocking areas and as a lining for hazardous waste dumps.

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)A non-profit organization, which administers a forestry


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certification program to assure that businesses supply trees and

wood from a forest managed in an ecologically sustainable

manner.

FormaldehydeA colorless, pungent, and irritating gas used chiefly as adisinfectant and preservative and in synthesizing other compounds

like resins. It may cause respiratory problems, chemical sensitivity,and other health problems.

Fossil FuelA fuel, such as coal, crude oil and natural gas, produced by the

decomposition of ancient (fossilized) plants and animals; compare

to "Alternative Energy."

Fossil ResourcesElectric generation using natural gas, oil, coal, or petroleum cokeor other petroleum-based fuels.

Fresh AirOutside air drawn into a space or HVAC system.

Frost-Protected Shallow Foundation (FPSF)Foundation system in which foam insulation is placed around the

perimeter of a foundation to reduce heat loss through the slab and/

or below-grade walls, subsequently raising the frost depth of a

building and allowing foundations to be as shallow as 16inchesbelow grade.

Fuel Cell

In this device, electrons are removed from hydrogen atoms to forman electric current; the hydrogen ions combine with oxygen toform water.

Fugitive EmissionsEmissions from valves or leaks in process equipment or material


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storage areas that are difficult to measure and do not flow throughpollution-control devices.

Full Spectrum Lights

Lights that imitate the natural light spectrum and are thereforeconsidered healthier.

Full-Cost AccountingAn accounting system in which environmental costs are built

directly into the prices of products and services.

Fundamental Building Systems CommissioningVerification by an outside source that the fundamental building

elements and systems are designed, installed and calibrated tooperate as intended.

FungicidePesticides that are used to control, deter or destroy fungi.

Fungus (Fungi)Molds, mildews, yeasts, mushrooms and puffballs; a group of

organisms that are lacking in chlorophyll and usually non-mobile,

filamentous and multicellular. Some grow in soil; others attachthemselves to decaying trees and other plants to obtain nutrients.

Some are pathogens; others stabilize sewage and digest composted

waste.

Future CostsEnvironmental costs of a product which are not paid now, butrather are passed on to future generations.


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Gas ChromatographyAnalytical process by which chemical mixtures are separated into

individual components for quantitative and perhaps qualitativeanalysis.

GeneratorA power plant producing electricity for a large number of people.

GeothermalEnergy (heat) originating from deep within the Earth.

Geothermal HeatA technology that utilizes the warmth from subsurface water to

heat buildings, and it also extracts this heat to put back into theground for cooling.

Geothermal SystemA heat pump that uses the ground or water as a heat source or sink.

Efficiency is improved over air source heat pumps as the

temperature of the ground or water is more constant and moderate

than that of the air. Geothermal systems typically incorporate some

method to contribute heat to the domestic hot water system.

Global Climate ChangeA significant alteration from one climatic condition to another,

beyond the usual alterations in various climates throughout the

globe, as the result of human activities. "Global warming" refers

more specifically to temperature, and global climate change

encompasses broader changes, such as shrinking glaciers and polar

ice and a rising sea level.

Global EconomyThe emerging international economy characterized by free trade in

goods and services, unrestricted capital flows and weakened

national powers to control domestic economies.


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Global WarmingA process that raises the air temperature in the lower atmosphere

due to heat trapped by greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide,

methane, nitrous oxide, CFCs and ozone. It can occur as the result

of natural influences, but the term is most often applied to thewarming predicted to occur as a result of human activities (i.e.,emissions of greenhouse gases). See "Global Climate Change."

Gray WaterUntreated or partially treated waste-water that is used for such

purposes as watering lawns or flushing toilets (rather than usingcleaner water of drinkable quality).

GreenA practice that works with nature instead of against it.

Green AccountingAn informal term referring to management accounting systems that

specically delineate the environmental costs of business activities

rather than including those costs in overhead accounts.

Green BuildingsBuildings in which environmental considerations are given todesign, construction and operation.

Green DesignA design, usually architectural, conforming to environmentally

sound principles of building, material and energy use. A green

building, for example, might make use of solar panels, skylights

and recycled building materials.

Green DevelopmentA development approach that integrates environmental

responsiveness (benefiting the surrounding environment), resource

efficiency (using resources in the construction, development, and

operations of buildings and/or communities in ways that are not


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wasteful), and sensitivity to existing culture and community(fostering community in design, construction, and operations).

Green Electricity Provider

A utility or company that generates, purchases, and/or invests inelectricity from renewable sources, such as wind or solar power,

and sells it to customers for a small premium over standard

electricity costs.

Green RoofA garden roof with lightweight medium to support low growing

plants. It provides evaporative cooling, converts carbon dioxide to

oxygen and reduces stormwater runoff. Green roofs can also

include reflective roofs (cool roofs).

Green SealAn independent nonprofit organization that aims to safeguard the

environment and transform the marketplace by promoting the

manufacture, purchase, and use of environmentally responsible

products and services.

Green TechnologiesEnvironmentally friendly technologies including technologies thatpromote sustainability via efficiency improvements,reuse/recycling, and substitution.

Greenbelt ZonesZones or areas in or around a city where the removal of native

vegetation is prohibited and/or parks and other open, undeveloped,

and vegated space is protected.

GreenfieldSemirural real property that is undeveloped, except for possible

agricultural use, which is being considered as a site for

development


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Greenfield SiteLand on which no urban development has previously taken place;

usually understood to be on the periphery of an existing built-uparea.

GreenGuardEstablished performance-based standards to define goods such as

building materials, interior furnishings, furniture, cleaning and

maintenance products, electronic equipment and personal care

products with low chemical and particle emissions for use indoor.

The GreenGuard standards establish certification procedures

including test methods, allowable emissions levels, product samply

collection and handling, testing type and frequency, and programapplication processes and acceptance.

Greenhouse Effect1. The warming of earth's surface and lower atmosphere as a result

of carbon dioxide and water vapor in the atmosphere, which absorb

and reradiate infrared radiation.

2. An intensification of this warming effect brought about by

increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, resultingfrom the burning of fossil fuels.

Greenhouse GasesGases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and CFCs, that are

relatively transparent to the higher-energy sunlight, but trap lower-

energy infrared radiation.

GreenmailWhen companies threaten to close or relocate (often to anothercountry) if they are forced to comply with environmental laws.

GreenwashDisinformation disseminated by an organization so as to present an

environmentally responsible public image.


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GreywaterWastewater that doesn't contain contaminates and can then be

reused for irrigation after filtration.

GridA term used to describe the network of wires and cables whichtransport electricity from a power plant.

GroundwaterA general term for the water beneath the Earth's surface.


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Habitat1. The natural home of an animal or plant.

2. The sum of the environmental conditions that determine the

existence of a community in a specific place.

Habitat FragmentationHabitat disruption where natural habitat is broken into small,relatively isolated sections.

HalocarbonsManmade chemicals that, when released into the atmosphere as

greenhouse gases, can disrupt global climate patterns. Their most

common use is in refrigeration and air conditioning technologies.

HalogenA type of incandescent lamp with a higher energy-efficiency thanstandard ones.

HalonsEffective fire suppressants, which leave no residue and are of

relatively low toxicity. Historically, they have been used inapplications where conventional extinguishing agents (e.g., water)

would be dangerous or result in significant peripheral damage -

(e.g., electronics, electrical, and HVAC.) Note, Halons adversely

affect stratospheric ozone and are being phased out.

Harvested RainwaterRainwater captured and used for indoor needs, irrigation, or both.

HazardA material or condition that may cause damage, injury, or otherharm, frequently established through standardized assays

performed on biological systems or organisms. The confluence of

hazard and exposure create a risk.


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Hazardous WasteWastes that are particularly dangerous or destructive; specifically

characterized by one or more of the following properties: ignitable,corrosive, reactive, or toxic.

Heat Island EffectThe increase in ambient temperature that occurs over large paved

areas compared to natural landscape. See also "Urban Heat Island."

Heat PumpSimilar to an air conditioner but can operate in reverse to heat as

well as cool. Transfers heat (usually from the air) from one

location to another.

Heat Recovery or Energy Recovery Ventilator (HRV/ERV)A system that reclaims the heat from warm exhaust air exiting a

building and uses it to pre-heat entering fresh air.

Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)Efficiency of a heat pump in the heating mode, taking cycling into

account; the amount of heating provided per unit of electricity

purchased. The higher the HSPF number, the more efficient theheat pump.

Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)A term generally used to describe a building's comfort system. In

older buildings, heating (radiators), ventilation (windows), and air

conditioning (window units) may be separate, but usually these

services are integrated into a single system that conditions air that

is distributed through ducts.

Heavy MetalsElements such as lead, mercury, zinc, copper, cadmium, and so

forth, that may be required in trace amounts by organisms, but can

cause damage when ingested in larger quantities.


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HerbicideA chemical substance used to kill plants.

High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter (HEPA)

An air filter that captures a high percent of all particles, includingvery small particles not captured by other types of filters.

High Intensity DischargeA generic term for mercury, vapor, metal halide, and high pressure

sodium lamps and fixtures.

High Performance BuildingA green or sustainable building often with an emphasis on the use

of advanced technology, or "smart infrastructure," and its impacton tenant ability to control key building comfort measures such as

temperature and light levels to increase performance.

High-quality Duct SystemAn alternative system in which all the ducts are sealed with

fibrated latex material and fiberglass tape, and then run outside to

avoid significant heating and cooling losses and potential health

threats caused by de/pressurizing a house.

Historic Image RestorationThe renovation of a building or community that saves and restores

the historic image of that place.

HolisticA wide-reaching approach to a theory, a task, or a problem that

encompasses all the elements of the system because of the

interdependency of those elements.

Home Energy Rating System (HERS)A collection of programs throughout the country that assign energy

ratings based on predicted energy use of the house. Ratings are

either on a scale of 1 to 100 points or 1 to 5-plus stars. Most houses


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built today without any special attention to energy efficiencytypically earn an 80-point or three-star rating.

Horizontal Recycling

A recycling system that turns a majority of the original productback into a similar product as the original.

Hot SpotAn area of exceptionally high species richness, especially

concentrations of localized rare species that occur nowhere else.

HVACSee "Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning."

HVAC&R (Heating Ventilating Air Conditioning andRefrigeration)See "Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning."

Hydrocarbons (HC)Chemical compounds that consist entirely of carbon and hydrogen.

Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)

A fluorocarbon that is replacing chlorofluorocarbon as a refrigerantand propellant in aerosol cans; considered to be somewhat less

destructive to the atmosphere.

Hydroelectric PowerThe use of artificial or natural waterfalls to generate electricity.

Hydrological CycleThe natural cycle of water from evaporation, transportation in the

atmosphere, condensation (rain), and the flow back to the ocean.

Hydronic HeatingA radiant heat system that distributes hot water through pipes,

either to radiators or through a thermal mass floor. The floor

absorbs heat and evenly radiates it to the living space.


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HydrophilicHaving a strong affinity for water; attracting, dissolving in or

absorbing water.

HydrophobicHaving a strong aversion to water; repelling water.

Hydropower (hydroelectricity)Clean energy technology that uses moving water to produce

electricity. Water flows through a hydraulic turbine, which spins

and then rotates generators and converts rotational energy intoelectricity.

HypersensitivityExaggerated immune system response to an allergen.


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IAQSee "Indoor Air Quality."

IESNA (Illumination Engineering Society of North America)

The professional society of lighting engineers, including thosefrom manufacturing companies and other professionally involved

in lighting. It produces standard practice documents for applying

proper lighting techniques to indoor and outdoor spaces.

Impact AnalysisThe second stage of life cycle assessment, in which the

environmental impacts of a process, product, or facility are

determined.

Improvement AnalysisThe third stage of life cycle assessment, in which design for

environment techniques are used in combination with the results of

the first and second LCA stages to improve the environmental plan

of a process, product, or facility.

Incineration

The burning of trash and garbage at high temperatures in a largefurnace.

Indicator SpeciesA species in a community or ecosystem that is more susceptible todisturbances than most other species.

Indicators(1) A measurement or reporting tool used to gauge how well a

society is achieving its economic, environmental and societalgoals. (2) A species of plant or animal, or a community, whose

occurrence serves as evidence that certain environmental

conditions exist.


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Indigenous MaterialsBuilding with materials that are produced in an area near to where

the construction is taking place. This reduces building costs andhelps to boost local economies.

Indoor Air PollutionChemical, physical, or biological contaminants in indoor air.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)ASHRAE defines acceptable indoor air quality as air in which

there are no known contaminants at harmful concentrations as

determined by cognizant authorities and with which 80% or more

people exposed do not express dissatisfaction

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)LEED Rating System category. Prerequisites and credits in this

category focus on the strategies and systems that result in a healthyindoor environment for building occupants.

Innovation & Design Process (ID)LEED Rating System category. Prerequisites and credits in this

category recognize projects for innovative building features andsustainable building knowledge.

Insulating Concrete Form (ICF)Concrete form-wall constructed of foam insulation that remains in

place after the concrete cures.

Integrated Coastal Zone ManagementA continuous and dynamic process by which decisions are made

for the sustainable use, development and protection of coastal andmarine areas and resources. ICM acknowledges the

interrelationships that exist among coastal and ocean uses and the

environments they potentially affect.


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Integrated Design TeamThe team of all individuals involved in a project from very early in

the design process, including the design professionals, the owner'srepresentatives and the general contractor and subcontractors.

Integrated Pest ManagementA cost-effective way to prevent pests by using less invasive

techniques to both animal and occupant alike.

Integrated Waste ManagementThe complementary use of a variety of practices to handle solid

waste safely and effectively. Techniques include source reduction,

recycling, composting, combustion and landfilling.

IntentLEED Green Building Rating System component. Identifies the

primary goal of each prerequisite or credit.

Inventory AnalysisThe first stage of life cycle assessment, in which the inputs and

outputs of materials and energy are determined for a process,

product, or facility.

Irreversible DisassemblyDisassembly in which brute force is used to recover the bulk of the

principal materials from a product, and in which no refurbishmentand reuse of components or modules is possible.


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Keystone SpeciesA certain species that one or more other species are dependent

upon for food, reproduction, or some other basic need.

Kyoto ProtocolFrom December 1 through 11, 1997, more than 160 nations met inKyoto, Japan, to negotiate binding limitations on greenhouse gases

for the developed nations, pursuant to the objectives of the

Framework Convention on Climate Change of 1992. The outcome

of the meeting was the Kyoto Protocol, in which the developed

nations agreed to limit their greenhouse gas emissions, relative to

the levels emitted in 1990. The United States' target is to reduce

emissions from 1990 levels by 7 percent during the period 2008 to2012.


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Land Trust AllianceAn association of hundreds of local land trusts, dedicated to

preserving open space and natural habitat, in the United States.

Landfills1. Sanitary landfills are disposal sites for non-hazardous solidwastes spread in layers, compacted to the smallest practical volume

and covered by material applied at the end of each operating day.

2. Secure chemical landfills are disposal sites for hazardous waste,

selected and designed to minimize the chance of release ofhazardous substances into the environment.

LeachateThe solution that is produced by the action of percolating waterthrough a permeable solid, as in a landfill.

LeadA toxic pollutant, typically found in older homes, that is a

component of lead-based paint.

LEED Steering Committee (LEED SC)Oversight committee of the USGBC responsible for direction anddecisions for the LEED program.

LEED Technical and Scientific Advisory Committee (LEEDTSAC)The Technical and Scientific Advisory Committee is a standing

LEED committee comprised of six to eight individuals

representing a diversity of building community perspectives and

technical areas of competency. The Technical and ScientificAdvisory Committee provides support for each of the LEED

products and advice on topics as assigned by the LEED SteeringCommittee and the USGBC Board of Directors.


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LEED-CILEED for Commercial Interiors. One of the six LEED Rating

Systems. LEED for Commercial Interiors focuses on tenant

improvements in interior spaces in single and multi-tenant

buildings.

LEED-CI Reference GuideThe LEED-CI Reference Guide is a supporting document to the

LEED-CI Green Building Rating System. The Guide is intended to

assist project teams understand LEED-CI criteria and the benefits

of compliance with the criteria.

LEED-CSLEED for Core and Shell. One of the six LEED Rating Systems.

LEED for Core and Shell focuses on buildings being developed

where the developer is responsible for the core and shell of the

structure and has no responsibility for the design and decisions

concerning the interior space fit-outs.

LEED-EBLEED for Existing Buildings. One of the six LEED Green

Building Rating Systems. LEED for Existing Buildings establishesa set of performance standards for the sustainable upgrades and

operation of existing buildings.

LEED-HLEED for Homes. One of the six LEED Green Building Rating

Systems. LEED for Homes is under development and will address

single-family homes, both detached and attached, and multifamily

residential buildings with up to three stories, developed on a single

lot.

LEED-NCLEED for New Construction. One of the six LEED Green Building

Rating Systems. LEED for New Construction focuses on the


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design and construction process for new construction and majorreconstruction of buildings.

LEED-NC Reference Guide

The LEED-NC Reference Guide is a supporting document to theLEED-NC Green Building Rating System. The Guide is intended

to assist project teams understand LEED-NC criteria and the

benefits of compliance with the criteria.

LEED-NDLEED for Neighborhood Developments. One of the six LEED

Green Building Rating Sytems. LEED for Neighborhood

Developments is under development and will address the design

and location of new, multi-lot residential, commercial, or mixed-use developments.

LEED Green Building Rating SystemThe LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

Green Building Rating System is a voluntary, consensus-based,

market driven building rating system based on existing proven

technology. The LEED Green Building Rating System represents

the USGBC's effort to provide a national standard for whatconstitutes a "green building." Through it's use as a design

guideline and third-party certification tool, the LEED Green

Building Rating System aims to improve occupant well-being,

environmental performance and economic returns of building

using established and innovative practices, standards, and

technologies.

Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)The assessment of a product's full environmental costs, from rawmaterial to final disposal, in terms of consumption of resources,

energy and waste.

Life Cycle Cost (LCC) MethodA technique of economic evaluation that sums over a given study


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period the costs of initial investment (less resale value),

replacements, operations (including energy use), and maintenance

and repair of an investment decision (expressed in present orannual value terms).

Life Cycle Inventory (LCI)An accounting of the energy and waste associated with the creation

of a new product through use and disposal.

Life Cycle of a ProductAll stages of a product's development, from extraction of fuel for

power to production, marketing, use and disposal.

Life-Cycle AssessmentThe comprehensive examination of a product's environmental and

economic effects throughout its lifetime, including raw material

extraction, transportation, manufacturing, use and disposal.

Life-Support SystemsAccording to the World Conservation Union (IUCN), the

biophysical processes "that sustain the productivity, adaptability

and capacity for renewal of lands, waters, and/or the biosphere as awhole."

Light PollutionExcess "waste" light given off by outside sources (or sourcesvisible from the outside) at night.

Light ShelfA daylighting strategy that allows natural light to bounce off a

shelf located in a window and onto the building to bring light deepinto a space.

Light-Emitting DiodeA long-lasting illumination technology used for exit signs which

requires very little power.


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Limiting NutrientThe nutrient in shortest supply in a particular ecosystem.

Low Biocide

Paint that does not contain toxic additives, such as fungicide orpesticide.

Low Emissivity WindowsWindows with special coatings that transmit most of the sun's light

but block heat radiation from passing through.

Low-Emittance (Low-E) WindowsWindows with a thin, invisible, metallic coating on one or more

glazing surfaces that reduces the radiation of heat from windows.Low-e glass has a thin, invisible coating that reduces the flow of

radiant heat through windows. The most common coating reduces

solar heat gain and increases resistance to radiant heat loss throughwindows.

Low-flow ToiletA toilet that uses less water than a traditional unit, therefore

lowering costs by using water more efficiently.

Low-pressure Drop Air FilersHigh-efficiency air filters with an extended surface, which allows

for more filtration without an increase in horsepower.

Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL)The lowest level of a stressor that causes statistically and

biologically significant differences in test samples as compared to

other samples subjected to no stressor.


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Manual-JMethod developed by the air conditioning Contractors of America

to size heating and cooling equipment.

Mass EffectDescribes the effect of a high-mass material on heating or coolingrequirements. High mass materials such as concrete, used in floors

and walls, can absorb and store significant amounts of heat, which

is later released. In some climates (those with lots of sunshine, low

humidity, and large daily temperature fluctuations), high-mass

materials can mean a reduction in cooling and heating

requirements by delaying the time at which the heat is released into

the house.

Mass SpectrumCharacteristic fingerprint of a substance, which makes its

identification possible.

MasticStrong, flexible material, which has a thick, creamy consistency

when applied, used to seal ductwork. Also used to describe a type

of ceramic adhesive.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)A compilation of information required under the OSHA

Commercial Standard on the identity of hazardous chemicals,

health, and physical hazards, exposure limits and precautions.

Materials Recovery FacilityCommonly called a MRF (pronounced "murf"). A processing

facility that removes recyclables from the waste stream. A "dirtyMRF" removes reusable materials from unseparated trash; a "clean

MRF" separates commingled recyclables.

Mechanical VentilationThe use of fans and intake and exhaust vents to mechanically


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distribute ventilation and other conditioned air. See also"Ventilation, Natural."

Megalopolis

A single vast urban area formed by the expansion and merging ofadjacent cities and their suburbs.

MethaneA colorless, nonpoisonous, flammable gas created by anaerobic

decomposition of organic compounds. A major component of

natural gas used in the home.

Microbial Growth

The amplification or multiplication of microorganisms such asbacteria, algae, diatoms, plankton and fungi.

Microbiological OrganismBroad range of living organisms, which typically can be viewed

only through a microscope.

MicronA measure of length; one millionth of a meter.

Model Energy Code (MEC)A building code that requires houses to meet certain energy

efficiency-related minimums such as insulation levels or energy

consumption. Like most building codes, it is adopted on either a

state or local basis, if at

Documents

Glossary of Green Buildings