Education
Carbon dioxide
A chemical compound often referred to as CO2, which is present in the Earth's atmosphere and is a key contributor to greenhouse gases
Carbon footprint
The sum of all emissions of CO2 (carbon dioxide), which were induced by the activities of a person or process in a given time frame
Compact fluorescents (CFLs)
Fluorescent light bulbs that fit standard light sockets and are more energy efficient than regular incandescent light bulbs
Energy efficiency
Ways of reducing how much electricity or other energy it takes to perform the same function
Estimated monthly energy savings
Value of the energy efficient measures - known as the Energy Savings Value
Forest certification
A process for identifying wood that has been sourced from responsibly managed forests
Global warming
The increase in the average temperature of the Earth's near-surface air and oceans.
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
A long-term, multi-stakeholder, international process whose mission is to develop and disseminate globally applicable Sustainability Reporting Guidelines.
GCP
Green Certified Professional is a designation for individuals representing companies. This designation certifies that the individual is proficient in NAHB Green Guidelines and best practices. Always look for this designation when you are being sold a "green home."
Greenhouse effect
The process that increases the air temperature in the lower atmosphere as a result of heat trapped by greenhouse gases.
Greenhouse gas (GHG)
A gas in the atmosphere that contributes to the greenhouse effect, either as a natural occurrence or as a result of human actions.
HBAM
Home Builders Association of Maryland. This is a chapter of NAHB which creates guidelines and provides resources to local builders and developers.
Life cycle assessment
Method of assessing the environmental costs of a product, from raw material to final disposal.
Low emissivity (low-E) windows
Window technology that reduces how much energy is lost through windows by reducing heat transmission.
NAHB
The National Association of Home Builders. This organization governs all aspects of home construction and land development of which local chapters are affiliated.
Recycling
The reprocessing of previously used material to create usable raw materials.
Urban planning
The science of managing the growth of cities and communities.
Volatile organic compound (VOC)
Gases emitted from certain solids or liquids into the atmosphere, some of which may have short- or long-term adverse health effects.
Water quality
The safety or purity of drinking water.
Waste minimization
Methods of reducing how much waste is generated by a process.