Carbon Footprint The total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted by a building, product, or service over its lifetime, usually expressed in grams of CO2. The bigger the footprint, the more significant the global warming impact.
Fossil Fuels Coal, oil, natural gas, and other materials derived from the fossilized remains of plants and animals.
Global Warming The increase in the mean temperature of the earth. Since this phrase has been used so many times by extreme environmentalists, it now inherently assesses blame for said warming. It is no longer a descriptor of temperature, but has come to mean the warming of the earth due to excessive emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrogen. Many scientists now believe that, unchecked, global warming will produce disastrous climate changes over the next 100 years.
Geothermal A system that uses the relatively constant temperature of the earth or ground water to heat and cool buildings. It pulls warm air from the earth into the house in winter, and pulls it from the house into the ground in the summer. The constancy of the temperatures makes these systems more efficient than oil, gas, or electricity, but they also cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 for an average new house.
Green Architecture Buildings that have minimal impact on the environment because they are designed to conserve energy, water, land, and other natural resources. Green architecture is more a set of strategies and values than an architectural style.
Green Design Buildings that have minimal impact on the environment because they are designed to conserve energy, water, land, and other natural resources. Green architecture is more a set of strategies and values than an architectural style.
Greenhouse Effect A natural and biologically essential process in which certain gases (carbon dioxide, methane, ozone) trap energy from the sun to keep the earth’s temperature relatively constant. Life would be impossible without the greenhouse effect; raised to the power of 10, however, it leads to global warming.
Kyoto Protocol A legally binding agreement signed in 1997 by 169 industrial nations to reduce greenhouse gases by roughly 5 percent by 2010. It was slanted tremendously against the United States, who did not sign the agreement.
LEED An acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a certification program created by the U.S. Green Building Council to measure the energy efficiency of buildings. Points are awarded for such things as solar orientation, day-lighting, use of recycled materials, and proximity to transit. Buildings are rated silver, gold, and platinum depending on their total score.
Low Impact Development Most commonly defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Development that doesn’t compromise future ecological and economic health by wasteful practices, in other words. Often also referred to as Sustainable Development.
NAHB Green The National Association of Homebuilders Model Home Green Building Program. Download Guidelines »
Offgassing The release of hazardous organic compounds into the air at room temperature. Paints, varnishes, carpets, and upholstery are among the major culprits. The emissions can continue for years.
Ozone Layer A gaseous layer in the upper atmosphere that protects the earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. At lower levels, ozone becomes a major pollutant.
Passive Solar Using the sun’s energy to heat and cool buildings without fans, pumps, or other mechanical devices. Appropriate orientation, cross ventilation, overhangs, and increased thermal mass are common strategies in passive solar design.
Renewable Resources Resources that replace themselves naturally and quickly, such as sun, wind, and hydroelectric power.
Sustainable Development Most commonly defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Development that doesn’t compromise future ecological and economic health by wasteful practices, in other words. Often also referred to as Low Impact Development.
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