Green Terms

Biodegradable- Waste material composed primarily of constituent parts that occur naturally, are able to be decomposed by bacteria or fungi, and are absorbed into the ecosystem.

Carbon Emissions- Refers to polluting carbon compounds that are released into the atmosphere, usually as a result of human activity such as burning fossil fuels.

Carbon Footprint- a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) and other green house gases (GHGs) associated with a particular activity. A carbon footprint is often expressed as tons of carbon dioxide or tons of carbon emitted, usually on a yearly basis. 

Carbon Neutral- The fact that no extra carbon dioxide is released as a result of a particular manufacturing process, service or lifestyle. This is brought about by balancing the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere with an equal amount of carbon dioxide that has been sequestered or offset. Examples include planting trees or using renewable energies that don't emit any carbon dioxide.

Compost-  Process whereby organic wastes, including food wastes, paper and yard wastes, decompose naturally, resulting in a product rich in minerals and ideal for gardening and farming as a soil conditioner, mulch, resurfacing material or landfill cover 

Eco-friendly- Also known as "environmentally friendly" or "nature-friendly," eco-friendly refers to goods and services that inflict minimal harm on the environment.

Environmentally Responsible- using products or materials do not harm the environment.

Greenhouse Gas- a gas, such as carbon dioxide or methane, which contributes to potential climate change. 

Hydropower- energy in water (in the form of motive energy or temperature differences) can be harnessed and used. Since water is about 800 times denser than air, even a slow flowing stream of water, or moderate sea swell, can yield considerable amounts of energy.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)- a nationally accepted benchmark developed by the U.S. Green Building Council for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.  LEED includes design criteria for new buildings and existing building renovations.

Recycle/Reuse- Minimizing waste generation by recovering and reprocessing usable products that might otherwise become waste (.i.e. recycling of aluminum cans, paper, and bottles, etc.).

Renewable Energy- energy derived from natural processes that are replenished constantly. In its various forms, it derives directly from the sun, or from heat generated deep within the earth. Included in the definition is electricity and heat generated from solar, wind, ocean, hydropower, biomass, geothermal resources, and biofuels and hydrogen derived from renewable resources. 

Solar Power- is used synonymously with solar energy or more specifically to refer to the conversion of sunlight into electricity. This can be done either through the photovoltaic effect or by heating a transfer fluid to produce steam to run a generator. 

Sustainability- the ability to achieve continuing economic prosperity while protecting the natural systems of the plant and providing a high quality of life for its people. Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Green Terms

Biodegradable- Waste material composed primarily of constituent parts that occur naturally, are able to be decomposed by bacteria or fungi, and are absorbed into the ecosystem.

Carbon Emissions- Refers to polluting carbon compounds that are released into the atmosphere, usually as a result of human activity such as burning fossil fuels.

Carbon Footprint- a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) and other green house gases (GHGs) associated with a particular activity. A carbon footprint is often expressed as tons of carbon dioxide or tons of carbon emitted, usually on a yearly basis. 

Carbon Neutral- The fact that no extra carbon dioxide is released as a result of a particular manufacturing process, service or lifestyle. This is brought about by balancing the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere with an equal amount of carbon dioxide that has been sequestered or offset. Examples include planting trees or using renewable energies that don't emit any carbon dioxide.

Compost-  Process whereby organic wastes, including food wastes, paper and yard wastes, decompose naturally, resulting in a product rich in minerals and ideal for gardening and farming as a soil conditioner, mulch, resurfacing material or landfill cover 

Eco-friendly- Also known as "environmentally friendly" or "nature-friendly," eco-friendly refers to goods and services that inflict minimal harm on the environment.

Environmentally Responsible- using products or materials do not harm the environment.

Greenhouse Gas- a gas, such as carbon dioxide or methane, which contributes to potential climate change. 

Hydropower- energy in water (in the form of motive energy or temperature differences) can be harnessed and used. Since water is about 800 times denser than air, even a slow flowing stream of water, or moderate sea swell, can yield considerable amounts of energy.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)- a nationally accepted benchmark developed by the U.S. Green Building Council for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.  LEED includes design criteria for new buildings and existing building renovations.

Recycle/Reuse- Minimizing waste generation by recovering and reprocessing usable products that might otherwise become waste (.i.e. recycling of aluminum cans, paper, and bottles, etc.).

Renewable Energy- energy derived from natural processes that are replenished constantly. In its various forms, it derives directly from the sun, or from heat generated deep within the earth. Included in the definition is electricity and heat generated from solar, wind, ocean, hydropower, biomass, geothermal resources, and biofuels and hydrogen derived from renewable resources. 

Solar Power- is used synonymously with solar energy or more specifically to refer to the conversion of sunlight into electricity. This can be done either through the photovoltaic effect or by heating a transfer fluid to produce steam to run a generator. 

Sustainability- the ability to achieve continuing economic prosperity while protecting the natural systems of the plant and providing a high quality of life for its people. Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.