Home Energy Rating System (HERS) -Index system for evaluating energy efficiency of a home using an energy simulation model.
Light-Emitting Diode (LED) - A long-lasting illumination technology which requires very little power.
Local Heat Island Effect - The incidence of higher air and surface temperatures caused by the absorption of solar energy and its reemission from roads, buildings and other structures.
Low-Emittance (Low-E) Windows - Windows 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 through windows.
Low-flow Toilet - A toilet that uses less water than a traditional unit, generally 1.3 gallons/flush, therefore lowering costs by using water more efficiently.
Louvers - Frames with horizontal and vertical slats that allow light and air in while keeping out direct sunlight.
Photovoltaic Systems (PV) - Also known as solar panels PV systems use sunlight to create electricity. Thermal hot water systems, however, use sunlight to heat water directly.
Recycled Materials - Made of previously used resources or products (as opposed to virgin materials). Post-consumer recycled content is used and then recycled by consumers. Pre-consumer recycled content describes recycled by-products from manufacturing.
Reclaimed material Building components that have been salvaged from a demolition site and reused.
Solar Reflective Index (SRI) - The measure of a surfaces ability to reject solar heat. The SRI index is the combined value of reflectivity and emittance.
Title-24 - The Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings established in 1978 in response to a legislative mandate to reduce California's energy consumption.
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO). As demand increases for heat-reflective and energy efficient roofing systems, thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) single-ply roofing membranes continue to provide exceptional resistance to ultraviolet, ozone and chemical exposure.
Urea Formaldehyde - A combination of urea and formaldehyde used in some glues and adhesives, particularly in composite wood products. At room temperature, urea formaldehyde emits formaldehyde, a toxic and possibly carcinogenic gas.
Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) - Harmful organic compounds emitted as gases and often found in carpets, paints, adhesives and sealants. VOCs contribute to indoor air pollution and are a health hazard.
Glossary of Green Terms
Blown Cellulose Insulation - Insulation derived from plant fibers (like soy) applied as liquid or foam that expands to fill cavities and voids. It provides a sealed thermal envelope that does not sag or settle over time.
Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) - A fluorescent light bulb that has been compressed into the size of a standard incandescent light bulb. CFLs use significantly less energy and have a longer life than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Composite Wood -A product consisting of wood or plant particles or fibers bonded together by a synthetic resin or binder. Examples include plywood, particleboard, and composite door cores.
Conditioned Space - Interior area that utilized any method of air-conditioning or heating to control the temperature and/or humidity levels.
Drip Irrigation System - A network of pipes and valves that rest on the soil or underground at the root zone and slowly deliver water to the root systems of plants. Drip irrigation saves water by minimizing evapotranspiration and topsoil runoff.
Durability - The ability of a building or any of its components to perform its required function over a period of time without unforeseen maintenance and repair.
Emissivity - A ratio of radiation a surface gives off. Using products with low emissivityfor example white roofs rather than black roofsreduces the heat island effect whereby urban landscapes become significantly warmer than surrounding rural landscapes.
Evapotranspiration - Water lost to the atmosphere through evaporation and transpiration. Evaporation accounts for the movement of water to the air from sources such as the soil and surface water. Transpiration accounts for the movement of water within a plant and the subsequent loss of water through its leaves. Evapotranspiration is an important part of the water cycle and affects irrigation needs.
Fly Ash - The fine ash residue from coal combustion. Fly ash can be substituted for Portland cement, a bonding material in concrete. It improves durability and reduces the need for other materials by making use of a byproduct.
Formaldehyde - A naturally occurring volatile organic compound used as a preservative. When present in high concentrations, formaldehyde can cause health problems and may be a carcinogen.
FSC Certified Wood - certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, a third-party certifier of environmentally, socially responsible, economically viable wood verified by a chain-of-custody certification which means the product is tracked from forest to consumer.
Greywater - Wastewater that comes from household baths and clothes washers. It has not come in contact with toilet waste or kitchen sink/dishwasher wastewater and can be treated with a greywater system for outdoor use in irrigation.
