Green Abbreviations
an agency of the United States' Federal Government whose mission is to protect human and environmental health
EPA
greenhouse gas that increases global warming
carbon dioxide
These heat pumps use the constant temperature of the earth to provide cooling and heating for a home.
Geothermal heat systems
a federal law made in 1973 designed to protect human health and the environment from the effects of air pollution
Clean Air Act
Also called climate destabilization or greenhouse effect, this term represents the adverse effects of greenhouse gases on long term weather patterns.
Climate Change
replace your usual lightbulbs with these Light-Emitting Diodes
LED
a proposed tax charge on carbon dioxide emissions because of burning fossil fuels
carbon tax
Heating systems with separate thermostat controls in different parts of a structure to allow for independent temperature control in each area.
Zoned Heating
the act of preserving, guarding and protecting earths natural resources
conservation
a type of product design that is waste free
cradle-to-cradle design
This is the molecular formula for carbon dioxide.
CO2
the measure of greenhouse gas emitted by certain actions of humans or industries
carbon footprint
A solar electric (photovoltaic or "PV") system, not passive solar design, that converts the sun's energy into electricity for the home. It is usually done with PV panels installed on the roof.
Active Solar Power
Refers to electric appliances that continue to use energy after they are supposedly turned off.
Energy Vampires
temperature increase in air and oceans because of human activity
Global Warming
This is the most widely used green building rating system in the world.
LEED
Emitted gases that are trapped in the atmosphere and contribute to climate change
Greenhouse gases
A type of design which takes maximum advantage of the sun's energy to help warm the home in winter and helps to redirect or block that energy to reduce cooling needs in the summer.
Passive Solar
A certification granted by the Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy for household appliances and buildings that perform at specified levels of energy efficiency.
Energy Star
companies caring about more than just money.
people, profit, planet
Triple Bottom Line
This is a replacement for traditional light bulbs.
CFL
Any naturally-occurring carbon or hydrocarbon fuel, such as coal, petroleum, peat, and natural gas, formed by the decomposition of prehistoric organisms
fossil fuels
A way to heat spaces using radiant energy that is emitted from a heat source. There are three types of radiant floor heat: radiant air floors (air is the heat-carrying medium); electric radiant floors; and hot water (hydronic) radiant floors.
Radiant Heated floors
Materials and natural resources that can be replaced, such as wind, solar, or hydroelectric power
Renewable Resources
Runoff from washers, sinks, tub etc., but has no sewage materials.
grey water