Glossary of Green Terms
Alternative Fuels
Derived from resources other than carbon-based materials, such as coal or petroleum.
Biofuels
Any fuel derived from biomass. Agricultural products specifically grown for conversion to biofuels include corn & soybeans. R&D is being conducted to improve the conversion of non-grain crops, such as switchgrass and a variety of woody crops, to biofuels.
Carbon Footprint
A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide.
Energy Star
Rated products meet the energy efficiency guidelines specified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
Geothermal
Systems that produce energy in regions with specific geological conditions in which heat escapes from the Earth’s core at temperatures high enough to create steam that can be used to power a turbine. (Such conditions are uncommon in the eastern United States.)
Gray Water
Untreated wastewater from households and businesses that has not come into contact with toilet waste. Gray water includes water from sinks, showers, dishwashers and washing machines. It can be used in toilets, for washing cars, watering plants and other uses, and the use of either reduces the demand for potable water.
Green
An adjective now commonly used to describe something or someone that is environmentally conscious or friendly, sustainable, or has positive environmental attributes, effects, or objectives.
Green Collar
Refers to jobs in renewable energy, weatherization, alternative fuels, recycling and similar fields.
Greenhouse Gases
Gases in the Earth’s atmosphere that produce the greenhouse effect. Greenhouse gases include water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, halogenated fluorocarbons, ozone, perfluorinated carbons and hydro fluorocarbons.
Greenwashing
Disinformation to present an environmentally responsible public image that isn’t warranted.
Green Roof
A roofing system that uses vegetation to absorb rainwater and reduce heat reflection.
Ground-Source Heat Pumps
Often mistakenly called geothermal heat pumps, these pumps circulate liquid through an underground loop, bringing warmer or cooler temperatures to a building depending on the season. Because it uses the constant temperature (45-50 degrees Fahrenheit) of the Earth at 5-6 fee below ground, heating and cooling costs are reduced. Electricity drives the pump, but the system is 300%-400% efficient, and the payback period is generally three to five years. These can be installed anywhere.
Heat Island
Occurs when warmer temperatures are experienced in urban landscapes compared with adjacent rural areas as a result of solar energy retention on surfaces such as streets, sidewalks, parking lots and buildings. Trees, green roofs, reflective coloring, vegetated landscaping and bodies of water mitigate the effect.
Impervious Surfaces
Impenetrable by water and contribute to storm water runoff and the heat island effect. Porous surfaces allow some water infiltration, thereby reducing runoff. For example, open-grid paving allows space for vegetation.
LEED
Stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a rating system designed by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Offsetting
Reducing one’s carbon footprint by removing as much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as one puts into it. This is often accomplished by planting trees.
Photovoltaic Panels
Solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity with the aid of a semiconductor.
Recyclable
Easily recycled and reused in the future.
Renewable Energy
Refers to electricity supplied from continuously replenished sources such as wind and solar power, geothermal, hydropower and various forms of biomass.
Runoff
A term used to describe when soil is infiltrated to full capacity with excess water, from rain, snowmelt, or other sources. This is a major component of the water cycle. When runoff flows along the ground, it can pick up soil contaminants such as petroleum, pesticides (in particular herbicides and insecticides), or fertilizers that pollute water sources.
Sedum
A hardy, succulent plant type that is preferable to grass on green roofs because it absorbs and retains water, reducing runoff and the need for watering.
Solar Panels
Can refer to either photovoltaic systems, which produce electricity from sunlight or solar hot water systems, which heat water directly with sunlight. In a solar hot water system, water or antifreeze is circulated through the closed loop system and preheats a tank of water.
Sustainability
Practices that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Sustainability is measured in three dimensions: the environment, economics, and society – often referred to as the triple bottom line.
