STORMWATER MITIGATION
STORMWATER RUNOFF
LIGHT POLLUTION
Definition Stormwater that falls of the site and does not leave the site via stormwater runoff. Stormwater used for landscape irrigation, sewage conveyance conveyance or simply remains onsite within a retention pond is considered to be mitigated.
Definition Stormwater that falls of the site and leaves the project site boundaries on the surface is considered to be stormwater runoff. Stormater that falls on the site's hardscapes (concrete, asphalt, etc.) and runs into the sidewalk or street is considered to be stormwater runoff.
Definition Waste light from a building or its site that does not increase security or provide a function and needlessly consumes energy. Lights directed to the night sky is considered to be light pollution. Lights directed to the neighboring site is considered to be light trespass.
HEAT ISLAND EFFECT
NATIVE / ADAPTED VEGETATION
INVASIVE VEGETATION
Definition Absorption of heat by surfaces and its radiation back to the surrounding. Examples that produce heat island effect include black roofs, asphalt hardscapes and dark colored buildings. Urban areas include car exhausts, air conditioners and street equipment as sources of heat island effect.
Definition Plants that can survive on the local environmental conditions and do not require additional water / fertilizer / pesticides to sustain life. (note: water / fertilizer / pesticides may be required during extreme periods however are not required on an annual / ongoing basis)
Definition Plants that are not native to the ecosystem and once introduced are very aggressive to the point of overrunning the ecology. Weeds are considered to be invasive vegetation.
GREENFIELD
BROWNFIELD
IMPERVIOUS
Definition Sites that have not been previously developed by buildings, hardscapes or agriculture.
Definition Property that is considered to be contaminated by a governmental agency or a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment. Typically the soil and groundwater are the items that carry the contaminant. contaminant.
Definition Surfaces that do not allow the flow moisture to pass through. Examples of pervious surfaces include concrete and asphalt.
PERVIOUS
HARDSCAPE
PREFERRED PARKING
Definition Surfaces that allow the flow moisture to pass through. Examples of pervious surfaces include landscaped and vegetated areas.
Definition Inanimate areas of the site. Examples include roadways, concrete paths, parking areas, pavement and brick or tile patios.
Definition Parking closest to the entrance excluding handicapped parking. Discounted parking rates for select vehicles can also be considered preferred parking.
EROSION
SEDIMENTATION
ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLE
Definition The process by which materials of the Earth's surface is loosened, dissovled or worn away and transported by wind, rain or gravity. Erosion is most likely to occur during th building construction process. process.
Definition The addition of soil particles to water bodies. Sedimentation decreases water quality and accelerates the aging process of receiving water bodies.
Definition Low polluting, non-gasoline vehicles. Examples include electricity, hydrogen, natural gas, propane, methanol and ethanol. (note: the LEED rating systems consider hybrid vehicles to be alternative fuel vehicles)
GRAYWATER
BLACKWATER
POTABLE WATER
Definition Graywater is defined by Appendix G of the Uniform Plumbing Code as untreated wastewater that has not come into contact with toilet waste. Used water from lavatories, showers and laundry tubs is considered to be graywater.
Definition Blackwater is considered to be untreated water used for sewage conveyence and kitchen sinks.
Definition Water that meets the EPA's requirement for consumption by people. Potable water is supplied by municipal water systems or onsite wells.
TERTIARY STANDARDS
WELL WATER
PLUMBING FIXTURE
Definition Tertiary treatment is considered to be the highest form of wastewater treatment. Water that has been treated to tertiary standards can be discharged into lakes however is not considered potable water.
Definition Well water is drawn from local wells and is considered to be potable.
Definition Items connected to the plumbing system that can be controlled by the occupant to discharge water. Examples of plumbing fixtures included water closets, urinals, lavatories, sinks and showers.
XERISCAPING
EVAPOTRANSPIRATION
DRIP IRRIGATION
Definition A landscape method that eliminates routine irrigation. It includes the selection of low-water consuming plants and mulching beds to reduce evaporation.
Definition The loss of water by evaporation from the soil and plants.
Definition An irrigation system that delivers water to the landscaping via underground tubes. Water is dispensed by a network of perforated tubes.
COMMISSIONING
BASELINE BLDG PERFORMANCE
PROPOSED BLDG PERFORMANCE
Definition The process of verifying the mechanical equipment operates operates as intended to meet the owner project requirements.
Definition The baseline building performance is based on the minimum requirements outlined in ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G.
Definition The proposed building performance is based on the actual design of the proposed mechanical systems.
ENERGY STAR RATING
REFRIGERANTS
DAYLIGHTING
Definition Measure of a building's energy consumption with respect to similar buildings. Buildings are scored on a scale of 0 to 100. A score of 50 demonstrates demonstrates average performance. A score of 75 can provide an ENERGY STAR rating for a building.
Definition Working fluid of the refrigeration cycle that absorbs heat at low temperatures and reject heat at high temperatures.
Definition Controlled admission of natural light into the building to reduce electrical consumption of the lighting system.
GREEN-E
RENEWABLE ENERGY
RENEWABLE ENERGY CERTIFICATE
Definition A program established by the Center for Resource Solutions to promote renewable electricity generation generation and allow users a nationally recognized method to identify the production.
Definition Energy produced from a source that will not become depleted from our use. Examples include solar, wind and hydro.
Definition Tradable commodities that represent proof that electricity was created from a renewable energy source. RECs are sold seperately from electicity provided to the building.
RAPIDLY RENEWABLE
REGIONAL MATERIAL
COMMINGLE
Definition Products, both plant and animal, that take less than 10-years to grow to maturity. Examples include cork, bamboo, natural rubber, wheat, cotton, straw and linoleum.
Definition Materials extracted and manufactured within a 500 mile radius of the project site.
Definition Locating all waste (paper, plastic, metals, etc.) in one container for seperation offsite.
SOURCE REDUCTION
POST-CONSUMER
PRE-CONSUMER
Definition The practice of limiting the amount of items purchased therefore reducing the waste stream. Purchasing items with less packaging materials is also a form of source control.
Definition Items that have been made from materials that have been used previously in a different item.
Definition Materials that have been diverted from the waste stream during the manufacturing process and used to create a product. The materials have not been used previously however have been diverted from the waste stream and are considered to be post-consumer.
CHAIN OF CUSTODY
FSC - WOOD
BREATHING ZONE
Definition Tracking procedure for a product from the point of harvest to the end use. FSC wood products are required to have a chain of custody certification number to qualify towards a LEED credit.
Definition Forest managers that have been successfully audited by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) can label their wood as "FSC-Wood". The audit requires the forest managers not to remove timber volume faster than they are growing.
Definition The space located between 3 feet and 6 feet above the floor and at least 2 feet from walls or fixed airconditioning systems. systems. It is the space in which indoor air is typically inhaled by building occupants. occupants.
VENTILATION
REGULARLY OCCUPIED SPACE
GLARE
Definition The process of replacing indoor air with outdoor air such that carbon dioxide levels and material off-gassing does not create a problem for the occupants. ASHRAE 62.1 outlines the required minimum ventilation rates for various occupancies. occupancies.
Definition Spaces in which occupants typically are located throughout throughout a work day. Regularly occupied spaces of residential buildings include dining, living rooms and bedrooms.
Definition Excessively bright source of light that causes discomfort or distraction from task.
VISIBLE LIGHT TRANSMITTANCE
VISION GLAZING
INNOVATION
Definition The ratio of total transmitted light to total incident light.
Definition The portion of an exterior window between 30 and 90 inches above the floor that permits a view to the outside.
Definition A strategy that greatly exceeds the requirement of an existing LEED credit…OR…. A new strategy that greatly exceeds standard practices and includes a measurable environmental or energy benefit.
EMISSIVITY
BIODEGRADABLE
CARBON FOOTPRINT
Definition The ratio of the radiation emitted by a surface to the radiation emitted by a black body at the same temperature.
Definition Able to decompose under natural conditions.
Definition The measure of greenhouse gas emissions associated with an activity.
ECOSYSTEM
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
HIGH-PERFORMANCE GREEN BUILDING
Definition A unit of nature that includes a community of organisms and their nonliving environment linked by biological, chemical and physical processes.
Definition Long-term maintenance of ecosystem components and functions for future generations.
Definition 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
LIFE-CYCLE ASSESSMENT
MARKET TRANSFORMATION
Definition All the individuals involved in a building project from early in the design process, including the design professionals, the owner's rep. and the contractors.
Definition An analysis of the environment aspects and the potential impacts associated with a product, process or service.
Definition Systematic improvements improvements in the performance of a market or market segments.
REGENERATIVE DESIGN
SUSTAINABILITY
LEED CREDIT
Definition Sustainable Sustainable plans for built environments that improve existing conditions.
Definition Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to their needs.
Definition An optional component of the LEED rating system. If achieved one point toward certification is awarded.
CREDIT INTERPRETATION REQUEST
LEED INTENT
LEED GREEN BUILDING RATING SYSTEM
Definition A formal USGBC process in which the project team can receive clarification on technical issues.
Definition The primary goal of each LEED prerequsite and credit.
Definition A voluntary, consensus-based, market driven building rating system that provides a benchmark for new and existing buildings.
LEED PREREQUISITE
ACID RAIN
BIODIVERSITY
Definition A LEED rating system requirement which is mandatory for project certification however does not earn points toward certification.
Definition The precipitation of dilute solutions of mineral acids, formed by the mixing in the atmosphere of various industrial pollutants with naturally occuring oxygen and water vapor.
Definition The variety of life in all forms, levels and combinations such as: ecosystem / species / genetic DIVERSITY.
BIOMASS
BIOSWALE
BUILDING DENSITY
Definition Plant material from trees, grass or crops that can be converted to heat energy to produce electricity.
Definition A stormwater control feature that uses a combination of an engineered basin, soils and vegetation to slow and detain stormwater, increase groundwater recharge while reducing peak stormwater runoff.
Definition The floor area (square feet) of the building divided by the total area (acre) of the site.
BUILDING FOOTPRINT
COMMUNITY CONNECTIVITY
DEVELOPMENT DENSITY
Definition The area of the project site that is used by the building structure, defined by the building perimeter. Site hardscapes are not included in the building footprint.
Definition The amount of connection between a site and the surrounding community meausured by the proximity of basic services and pedestrian access.
Definition The total square footage of all buildings within a particular area, measure in square feet per acre.
DRY PONDS
FLOODPLAIN
FLOOR-TO-AREA RATIO
Definition Excavated areas that detain stormwater and slow runoff but are dry between rain events. Wet ponds are similar but are designed to hold water throughout the year.
Definition Land is likely to be flooded by a 100-year storm.
Definition The relationship between the total building floor area and the allowable land area the building can cover.
FOOT CANDLE
PRIME FARMLAND
RAIN GARDEN
Definition A measure of the amount of illumination falling on a surface.
Definition Previous undeveloped undeveloped land with soil suitable for cultivation.
Definition A stormwater management feature consisting of an excavated depression and vegetation that collects and filters runoff to reduce peak discharge rates.
SITE DISTURBANCE
SOLAR REFLECTANCE INDEX
STREET GRID DENSITY
Definition The amount of a site that is disturbed by construction activity.
Definition Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) is the measure of how well a material rejects solar heat.The index ranges from 0 to about 100. 0 equates to least reflective (i.e. black) and 100 equates to most reflective (i.e. white).
Definition An indicator of neighborhood density, calculated as the number of centerline miles per square mile.
TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT
WETLAND VEGETATION
COOLING TOWER
Definition The process of reducing peak-period vehicle trips.
Definition Plants that require saturated soils to survive or can tolerate prolonged wet soil conditions.
Definition A structure that uses water to absorb heat from air-conditioning air-conditioning systems and regulate air temperature in a facility.
GALLONS PER FLUSH
GALLONS PER MINUTE
IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY
Definition The amount of water consumed by flush fixtures (water closets, urinals).
Definition The amount of water consumed by flow fixtures. (faucet, showers, etc.)
Definition The percentage of water delivered by irrigation irri gation equipment that is actually used for irrigation and does not evaporate.
HARVESTED RAINWATER
WASTEWATER
BRITISH THERMAL UNIT
Definition Precipitation collected and used for the water needs of the facility or site.
Definition The spent water from a building or site that contains dissolved or suspended matter.
Definition The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of liquid on degree of temperature in Fahrenheit.
BUILDING ENVELOPE
CHILLER
COMPACT FLOURESCENT LIGHTS
Definition The exterior surface of a building - wals, roof, windows, floor - also referred to as the shell.
Definition A device that removes heat from a liquid, typically as part of a refrigeration system used to cool and dehumidify buildings.
Definition A small fluorescent lamp, used as an efficient alternative to incandescent lighting.
GREENHOUSE GAS EMMISSIONS PER CAPITA
ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
ENERGY USE INTENSITY
Definition A community's total greenhouse gas emissions divided by the total number of residents.
Definition A control system capable of monitoring environmental environmental and system loads and adjusting HVAC operations accordingly in order to conserve energy while maintaining comfort.
Definition Energy consumption divided by the floor area of the building.
FOSSIL FUEL
LIGHTING POWER DENSITY
MEASURES OF ENERGY USE
Definition Energy derived from ancient organic remains, such as peat, coal, crude oil and natural gas.
Definition The installed lighting power per unit area.
Definition Typical primary measures of energy consumption associated with buildings include kilo-watt hours of electricity, therms of natural gas and gallons of liquid fuel.
NONRENEWABLE
PERFORMANCE RELATIVE TO BENCHMARK
PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY
Definition Not capable of being replaced once used. Oil and natural gas are nonrenewable energy sources.
Definition A comparison of a building system's performance with a standard, such as ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.
Definition Electricity produced from cells that convert sunlight.
BY-PRODUCT
CONSTRUCTION & DEMOLITION DEBRIS
CONSTRUCTION WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN
Definition A material, other than the pricipal product, generated as a consequence of an industrial process or as a breakdown product in a living system.
Definition Waste and recyclables generated from demolition, renovation and construction process. It does not include land-clearing debris or hazardous materials.
Definition A plan that diverts demolition + renovation + construction waste from landfills and incinerators.
RECYCLED CONTENT
REUSE
SALVAGED MATERIAL
Definition The percentage of a material, by weight or volume, that is from a previous material.
Definition A building material that is being returned to active use in its i ts original capacity.
Definition Items recovered from existing sites and reused . Examples include structural beams, floors, doors and cabinetry.
SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY
WASTE DIVERSION
AIR QUALITY STANDARDS
Definition Management Management of forest resources to meet long-term forest production needs.
Definition The amount of waste disposed of other than through landfills or incinerators.
Definition The level of pollutants prescribed by regulations that is not to be exceeded during a given time in a defined area.
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
ASHRAE
BAKE-OUT
Definition The temperature of the surrounding air or medium.
Definition American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
Definition A process used to remove volatile organic compounds from a building by elevating the temperature in the fully furnished and ventilated building prior to human occupancy.
CARBON DIOXIDE CONCENTRATION
CONTAMINANT
CONTROLLABILITY OF SYSTEMS
Definition An indicator of the ventilation effectiveness effectiveness within a facility.
Definition An airborne element that is detrimental to indoor air quality.
Definition The percentage of occupants who have direct control over temperature, temperature, airflow and lighting within their work space.
FLUSH-OUT
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
MINIMUM EFFICIENY REPORTING VALUE (MERV)
Definition Providing 100% outside air to the building after construction and before occupancy to remove chemicals that may be off-gassing from new building materials.
Definition The nature of the air within a building that effects the health and wellbeing of the occupants.
Definition A rating that indicates the efficiency of an air filter. The rating ranges from 1 - 16. 1 = very inefficient filter. 16 very efficient filter.
OFF-GASSING
PARTICULATES
POLLUTANTS
Definition The emission of volatile organic compounds compounds from synthetic and natural products.
Definition Solid particles or liquid droplets within the atmosphere. Examples include dust, emissions and combustions by-products.
Definition Any substance introduced into the environment that harms the usefullness of a resource or health of humans, animals or ecosystems. Air pollutants include Carbon Dioxide, Sulfure Dioxide, Nitrogen Oxides, Mercury, small particulates (PM2.5) and large particulatesd (PM10).
SICK BUILDING SYNDROME
THERMAL COMFORT
VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOC)
Definition A combination of symptoms experienced by occupants that are linked to the time spent within a building.
Definition The temperature, humidity and ventilation ranges in which most people experience experience comfort comfort within a building.
Definition The amount of carbon compounds that participate in atmospheric photochemical photochemical reactions and vaporize at room temperature. VOC's are measured in grams per liter and are typically found in paints, sealants, chalks, carpet, and adhesives
