Below are some important terms to know if you are starting to explore Environmental Design.
We'll be adding to this based on your questions and new technologies.
BLACK WATER: Waste water generated by toilets, kitchen sinks, and dishwashers.
CFC: Chlorofluorocarbon, a chemical compound found in many aerosol products or manufacturing processes and believed to be responsible for depleting the Earth’s diminishing ozone layer.
EMBODIED ENERGY: All of the energy invested in bringing a material to its final product, including transportation.
ENGINEERED LUMBER: recycled or reconstituted wood materials, which employ laminated wood chips or strands and finger-jointing (gluing large pieces together).
FENG SHUI: Translates literally to "wind-water". Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of placement. The goal of Feng Shui is to achieve harmony, comfort, and balance, first in ones environment and then in one's life.
FLY ASH: A product of coal burning that makes concrete stronger.
GRAY WATER: Wastewater produced from baths and showers, clothes washers, and lavatories: sometimes used for irrigation.
HARVESTED RAINWATER: Rainwater captured and used for indoor needs, irrigation, or both.
HCFC: Hydrochlorofluorocarbon, a chemical compound used in aerosol cans.
HYDRONIC HEATING: In-floor hot water heating system where hot water is pumped through a thermal mass floor which absorbs the heat and evenly radiates the over an extended period of time.
HYDROPOWER: Hydropower is the production of electricity by harnessing the power of flowing water, usually through the use of a waterwheel
MICRO-HYDROPOWER: Micro-hydropower is similar to hydropower, except it can be achieved through the use of a small stream.
PASSIVE SOLAR: Passive solar is the technology of heating and cooling a building naturally, through the use of energy efficient materials, and proper site placement of the structure.
PHOTOVOLTAICS: Photovoltaics are the solar panels used to harness the suns energy, and turn it electricity that can be stored in batteries and used to power a homes electrical systems.
RENEWABLE: When a resource comes into being through a relatively fast-acting natural processes (rain is an example).
SEALED-COMBUSTION APPLIANCES: Appliances with the ignition heating element sealed and vented to prevent gases from mixing with and polluting indoor air quality.
SUSTAINABLE: A resource or system that meets present needs without compromising those of future generations. Example: a continuously maintained forest where mature trees are harvested and new trees are replanted to filter pollutants and provide continued resources and products for future generations.
VOC: Volatile organic compound. A highly evaporative, carbon-based chemical substance, which produces noxious fumes; found in many paints, caulks, stains, and adhesives.
WIND POWER: Wind power is generated through the use of a turbine, usually mounted on a tower. The turbine collects wind energy and converts it to electricity which is transferred to your houses breaker panel, allowing you to rely on your existing utility power supply as only a backup.
XERISCAPE: Quality, low-maintenance landscaping that conserves water and protects the environment by using mulch, soil analysis, and appropriate plant selection. Especially beneficial in drought-ridden areas.
Are there any terms you think should be included on this page? Contact Us and let us know.
