green this … green that … but do you really know what it all means? i’ve put together a short list of the most commonly used terms when trying to talk green (they’re in random order).
check back from time-to-time as this list will continue to grow.
- Energy Star: sponsored by the EPA & the U.S. DOE, it promotes energy efficiency in products found in homes for electronic appliances and products.
- Dual-flush toilet: a toilet with two buttons or levers that have two flush cycles (short & long) to conserve water.
- Photovoltaic (PV): devices, typcially found in panels to generate electricity from the sun (like solar panels on rooftops).
- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): relates to your HVAC or simply air conditioning unit and is a measurement of how efficient your unit operates. a higher SEER rating means a more efficient unit.
- R-value: a measurement of a materials insulation factor and its ability to resist heat exchange through it. typically found in insulation. the higher the R-value, the better insulation.
- Cool roof: found in roofing materials, reflective particles help bounce the sun’s rays away from the roof to lessen heat penetration to the inside of the home.
- Gray water: non-sewage wastewater from sinks, washing machines and bath/showers that is collected in storage tanks and is typically used to irrigate surrounding landscaping.
- Off-gasing: releasing of something into the air
- Volatile Organic Compound (VOC): they either occur naturally or unnaturally; either way, these chemicals are harmful to our bodies. VOC’s are typically found in particleboard, solvents, carpets, synthetic material, paint, etc. in more extreme cases, some people exhibit nausea, headaches or eye irritations with exposure to VOC’s. remember that “new car smell” we all love? it’s VOC’s at work!
- Cellulose Insulation: insulation made of recycled newspaper or post & pre-consumer denim. typically blown into the wall cavity.
- Compact Fluorescent Light bulb (CFL): light bulbs that are 2/3 more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs; their average life is nearly 10+ years.
- Low-Emissivity (Low-e) Window: special coating on window glass that allows a certain amount of light through while controlling overall heat flow.
- Permeable Paving: concrete-like paving material that is perforated to allow for rainwater to seep through; rainwater is either diverted/collected into tanks to irrigate surrounding landscaping or to help offload sewer system capacity.
- Kilowatt (kW): a unit of measure used for electrical power (kilo, k = 1000, W = watts).
- Title 24: a building code for California building energy efficiencies.
