Our click-and-go guide to earth-friendly materials
Written bySunsetDecember 5, 2007
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GREEN GLOSSARY
Active solar energy: Energy created from exposure to the sun, captured through equipment installed in buildings; used to generate energy and heat.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs): Fluorescent lighting that uses up to one quarter the energy of incandescent bulbs, producing the same output with a lifespan up to 10 times longer.
Drip irrigation: Landscape watering through small, perforated underground pipes that deliver water to roots of plants, slowing evaporation.
Dual flush: Long popular in Europe and Asia, a dual flush toilet system reduces overall water consumption by providing two different flushing forces.
Energy Star: A government-backed program that encourages production and use of household products that use less energy, save money, and help protect the environment. To gain the Energy Star rating, products must meet stringent energy efficiency criteria set by the U. S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Engineered wood: A wood product derived from fast-growing, small-diameter trees as well as from wood strands, veneers, lumber, and other forms of wood fiber that might otherwise be discarded.
Fly ash: A byproduct of coal-burning power plants, which is usually dumped in landfills. Fly ash has binding properties similar to cement and can be substituted for the large portions of cement used when making concrete. Also used as an ingredient in brick, block, paving, and structural fills.
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): A nonprofit organization that sets environmental standards for forest management worldwide. FSC-certified wood is sustainably harvested, helping to conserve old-growth forests and the ecosystems they support.
Gray water: Wastewater from sinks, showers, and laundry that is reused for irrigation systems.
Low-E windows: Low emissivity glass has a clear coating that absorbs and reflects radiant heat and UV rays, helping to keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in the winter.
Low VOC: Volatile organic compounds (VOC) area chemicals that evaporate easily at room temperature. The term “organic” indicates that the compounds contain carbon which off-gasses and pollutes the air. Paints and materials with low VOCs have low levels of toxicity.
Natural fiber fabrics: Materials such as cotton, wool, silk, and linen that are biodegradable and require little energy to process.
Passive solar energy: Energy created from exposure to the sun, captured primarily through the design and orientation of a building.
Permeable pavers: Allows rainwater to rapidly infiltrate and enter the sub-base where it is naturally filtered, rather than run off into storm sewers.
Photovoltaic array (PV): Rooftop solar panel system that directly converts sunlight into electricity via an electrical inverter connected to your power meter.
Radiant barrier: A thin layer of metallic foil bonded to roof sheathing, reflecting up to 97 percent of the sun’s heat. Reduces indoor temperatures during peak summer days.
Rainwater harvesting: Storage of rain runoff from downspouts, gutters, and roofs collected in large barrels or tanks for use in landscape irrigation.
Tankless water heater: Up to 70 percent more efficient than traditional water heaters, tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand, reduce or eliminate standby losses, use less space, and last longer than conventional water heaters.
Title 24: Part of the California energy code, revised standards for new home construction require that 50 percent of light output in kitchens derive from high efficiency fluorescent bulbs.
Wheat board: Non toxic particleboard made from 60 million tons of straw waste produced in the U. S. each year and used for furniture, cabinetry, and countertop substrate. Bales of wheat straw are milled into fine particles, and then sorted, dried, and bound together with a formaldehyde-free resin.
Xeriscape:Low-water landscaping with slow-growing, drought-tolerant plants in order to conserve water and reduce yard trimmings. Xeriscapes generally require less maintenance, fertilizer, and pest control than traditional landscapes.
DSIRE / Database of State Incentives for Renewables, a project of the North Carolina Solar Center and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council & Efficiency 800/336-2786, North Carolina Solar Center
Find Solar / directory of renewable energy professionals created through a joint partnership between the American Solar Energy Society, Solar Electric Power Association, Energy Matters LLC, and the U.S. Department of Energy 303/443-3130, American Solar Energy Society
