Hot Links
Building with rock is more energy efficient than building with brick or concrete. Most earthen structures provide thermal mass, which is the ability to absorb, store & release heat energy.
e.g., hybrid-electric, electric, natural-gas, bio-diesel, and fuel-cell
An international organization advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.
Design information necessary to accomplish the owner’s project requirements.
A network of electronic devices that control mechanical and lighting systems. e.g., integrated with roof, spandrels, glazing, or shading devices
Proper accounting of materials flows, as used by the FSC CxA Commissioning Authority, an independent representative who guides the commissioning process.
Ozone-depleting constituent of the most widely used HVAC refrigerants.
Department of Energy database logging actual building energy use figures.
Design ventilation rate divided by the air-change effectiveness.
Outdoor airflow rate is determined by CO2 monitors within occupied spaces.
Tracked in support of measurement and verification.
A method of measuring total occupant hours in a building.
The percentage ratio of exterior illumination to interior illumination.
Green Advantage ® A green building Environmental Certification program that brings consumers together with certified building practitioners who have proven knowledge about green building techniques and approaches.
Green Globes™
A green building guidance and assessment program that integrates a comprehensive environmental assessment protocol, software tools, qualified assessors with green building expertise, and a rating/certification system.
The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) was established as a separately incorporated entity with the support of the U.S. Green Building Council. GBCI administers credentialing programs related to green building practice such as the development and implementation of a maintenance program for LEED AP credential holders.
Gases in an atmosphere that absorb and emit radiation within the thermal infrared range.
Alternative refrigerant type that has reduced ozone-depleting effects.
Alternative refrigerant with no ozone-depleting effects but some tradeoffs.
The content of interior air that could affect health and comfort of building occupants.
Includes IAQ, thermal comfort, daylighting, acoustics etc.
Chiller efficiency including part-load operation for a given duty cycle
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Development (LEED) Green Building Rating System ™
A third-party certification program and benchmark for design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.
LEED Accredited Professional (APLEED AP credential represents the individual's knowledge of the LEED Rating System and its application in practice.
LEED Project Certification A third-party verification that a building project meets the highest green building and performance measures.
A technique to assess the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with a product, process, or service.
ASHRAE/IESNA divisions (4) that determine the amount of light appropriate to a land use.
Provides essential information on composition, hazards, & precautions.
The process of monitoring building systems to ensure optimal performance.
A measure of the effectiveness of air filtration media.
Rating of a gaseous substance's ability to destroy stratospheric ozone.
The functional requirements of a project and the expectations of use and operations.
Requires development of an energy model for the proposed building design.
Rurchased as offsets when alternative energy (e.g., wind) cannot be directly used.
The fraction of solar radiation admitted though a particular glazing.
The measure of a material’s ability to reject solar heat, demonstrated by a temperature rise.
A characteristic or state whereby the needs of the present and local population can be met without compromising the ability of future generations or populations in other locations to meet their needs.
Particles too small or light to be removed from a liquid via gravity settling.
Phosphates, polyphosphates, and orthophosphates in storm water.
The total amount of water used for irrigation, including potable and non-potable.
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable building design and construction. Developers of the LEED building rating system.
Ventilation system configuration differentiated from Constant Air Volume.
Potentially hazardous substances that off gas from certain materials.
California Air Resources Board designation for alternative-fuel vehicles.