Green Building Overview Flashcards
Biodegradable
Capable of decomposing under natural conditions (EPA)
Carbon Footprint
A measure of greenhouse gas emissions associated with an activity. A comprehensive carbon footprint includes building construction, operation, energy use, building related transportation, and the embodied energy of water, solid waste, and construction materials
Ecosystem
A basic unit of nature that includes a community of organisms and their nonliving environment linked by biological, chemical and physical processes
Environmental Sustainability
Long-Term maintenance of ecosystem components and functions for the future generations. (EPA)
High-Performance Green Building
A structure designed to conserve water and energy; use space, materials and resources efficiently; minimize construction waste and create a healthful indoor environment.
Integrated Design Team
All the individuals involved in a building project from early in the design process, including the design professionals, the owner’s representatives and the general contractor and subcontractors
Life-cycle Assessment
An analysis of the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with a product, process or service.
Market Transformation
Systematic improvements in the performance of a market segment. For example EPA’s ENERGY STAR program has shifted the performance of homes, buildings and appliances toward higher levels of energy efficiency by providing recognition and comparative performance info through its ENERGY STAR labels.
Regenerative Design
Sustainable plans for built environments that improve existing conditions. Regenerative design goes beyond reducing impacts to create positive change in the local and global environments.
Sustainability
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. (Brundtland Commision)
