LEED, harvesting, sustainability, carbon footprint… It can get confusing trying to decipher all of the terms we hear thrown about when people talk about going green. Here are some basics that will bring it in to focus. Going green isn’t as hard as it seems! LEED - The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ – the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings, recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
Carbon Footprint - a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide emitted through the combustion of fossil fuels. A carbon footprint is often expressed as tons of carbon dioxide, or tons of carbon emitted, usually on an annual basis.
Certified Wood - Under the guidance of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), wood-based materials used in building construction that are supplied from sources that comply with sustainable forestry practices, protecting trees, wildlife habitat, streams and soil. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) – A group of volatile gases believed to deplete the ozone layer of the Earth’s stratosphere. These gases have been discontinued from use as refrigerants and as blowing agents used to make foam. Energy Efficient – Products and systems that use less energy to perform as well or better than standard products. While some have higher up-front costs, energy-efficient products cost less to operate over their lifetime. Energy Star® Rating – The label given by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to appliances and products that exceed federal energy efficiency standards. This label helps consumers identify products that will save energy and money. ENERGY STAR® -labeled appliances often exceed the efficiency levels of other new products. Formaldehyde – A gaseous chemical used to bind together and preserve building materials and household products – such as carpet. A potential carcinogen, its use should be avoided whenever possible. Fossil Fuels – Fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas extracted from beneath the Earth’s surface, often with significant environmental and political cost. These fuels are a finite resource and are non-renewable. Green (products or design) – While there are many definitions of “green” or “sustainable,” the one most commonly used looks at meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. A truly “green” product would be durable, repairable, energy efficient, made with recycled materials, and eventually recyclable. Also, the manufacture, use, disposal, and packaging would have minimal impact on the environment. Rainwater Harvesting – Through the use of appropriate roofing materials and gutter systems, rainwater can be harvested or collected then stored for future non-potable use such as showers, watering, etc.
Renewable Energy – Energy harvested from sources that are not depleted when used, typically causing very low environmental impact. Examples include solar energy, hydroelectric power and wind power.
Sustainable (products or design) – While there are many definitions of “green” or “sustainable,” the one most commonly used looks at meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. A truly “sustainable” product would be durable, repairable, energy efficient, made with recycled materials, and eventually recyclable. Also, the manufacture, use, disposal, and packaging would have minimal impact on the environment.
Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) – These substances are indoor air pollutants or chemical compounds that exist as vapor or gases at normal temperatures and are carbon-based molecules typically used as solvents in products such as household cleaners, paints, inks and dyes.
