Green Glossary
“Built Green™”
– A voluntary program developed by the Canadian Homebuilders Association (CHBA) to proved independently audited building standards for new homes that lead to reduction of construction waste, improved use of materials, better indoor air quality, lower energy costs, and recycling of materials. Read more…
“Carbon Footprint”
– The total energy impact incurred by the sourcing, manufacture, distribution, installation, off-gassing, and expected life span (and subsequent need for replacement) of a particular housing component. Read more…
“Green-Washing”
- Misleading advertising claims or promotions, which play on consumers’ desires to make good sustainable choices and purchases. (Have you already been a victim of this practice?) Read more…
“Grey-water Recycling”
– The process of “cleaning” and re-using water within a home. Usually involves collecting water from shower and vanity drains, as well as household laundry, filtering and treating the water, and then re-using it for flushing toilets. Read more…
“Heat Pump”
– (Ground Source or Air Source) Appliances that take latent heat from the ground (year round) or the outside air (even at temperatures as low as minus five degrees Celsius) and distribute it inside a house. Most commonly used for space heating, but also used for heating domestic hot water, pools, and hot tubs. Read more…
“Heat Recovery Ventilator”
- (HRV) a whole house ventilation system that removes latent heat from outgoing humid, stale and odor-filled air from the house and transfers this heat to fresh incoming air. Read more…
“LEED Program”
– (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) LEED Canada for Homes promotes a rating system that measures 8 categories promoting the design and construction of high-performance green homes which uses less energy, water and natural resources; creates less waste; and is healthier and more comfortable for the occupants. Read more…
“Low E”
– (Low Emissivity) Transparent (and barely visible) metallic coatings added to certain glass surfaces to reduce the transfer of radiant heat through windows. Low E coatings combined with other glazing features can dramatically improve the insulating value of windows. Read more…
“Low VOC”
– (Low Volatile Organic Compounds) A standard to which some products are manufactured assuring consumers that certified products do not contain potentially harmful chemicals at unhealthy levels. Read more…
“Net Zero Housing”
- a general term applied to a building with zero net energy consumption and zero carbon emissions annually. Read more…
“Off-gassing”
– The process by which all (but particularly man-made) materials release toxins into the surrounding atmosphere. These include heavy metals, formaldehyde, and a vast array of other toxins that are ingested by people every hour they spend indoors. When added to natural odors and moisture generated by human presence, cooking, combustion appliances such as fireplaces, bathing, and laundry activities in a home, material off-gassing can produce very unhealthy air within a home. Read more…
“On-Demand Water Heater”
– (ODWH) Domestic hot water heaters that heat water only when it is required for use, as opposed to hot water tanks, which constantly heat hot water whether it is needed or not. These are relatively small units which have no standing pilot light and hang on the wall. They are powered by either natural gas, propane, or electricity. Read more…
“Passive Solar”
– Housing designs which incorporate the free heat and light available from the sun to maximize seasonal heat gains, heat hot water, generate electricity, reduce cooling loads, and store heat energy within the home. Read more…
“Photovoltaic”
– (PV) the process by which light energy from the sun is transformed into (DC) electrical current. Through the assistance of inverters, battery banks, and proper wiring and controls, photovoltaic panels can provide much, if not all, of the electricity required to operate a home in B. C. Read more…
“R2000 Program”
– Canada’s flagship energy-efficient residential construction program. Developed in the early 1980’s, this made-in-Canada program is world-renown for the quality of building science it incorporates. Building codes across Canada and the Built Green BC ™ Program have all benefited tremendously from the technology developed through the R2000 Program. Read more…
“Solar Thermal”
– (ST) Panels or systems which collect heat energy from the sun’s rays and transfer that heat into space heating systems, thermal mass storage systems, domestic hot water supply, or pools or hot tubs. ST systems are growing in popularity as they provide a relatively quick return on investment in terms of reduced annual heating costs. Read more…
“Thermal mass”
– Elements of the building structure that serve as heat storage components. Read more…
