Green-Techno-Pedia

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

Alternative Energy refers to any energy that is renewable as compared to traditional carbon based fossil fuels. These include sources of energy such as solar energy, wind power, and wave power.

Alternative fuels are produced from resources other than petroleum. These fuels are derived from renewable sources of energy such as electricity, ethanol, hydrogen , and biodesiel. The use of these fuels reduces our dependence on imported oil, and produces less pollution than gasoline or diesel.

B

Biodegradable refers to materials that are broken down naturally and can be absorbed into the eco-system.

Biodiesel is a non-petroleum based diesel fuel derived from vegetable or animal fats. Ethanol is the most common form of biodiesel, based on corn, sugar cane or other organic matter such as algae or switchgrass.

C


Cap-and-trade system is a market-based approach to controlling pollution that allows organizations to trade emissions allowances that have a cap, or limitation, on the emissions.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a naturally occurring greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. CO2 is also created when we burn fossil fuels, leading to global warming.

Carbon footprint is the measure of environmental impact resulting from the actions (lifestyle or operation) of an entity (from individual to company to governmental unit) measured in units of carbon dioxide.

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and highly toxic gas commonly created during combustion.

Carbon neutral refers to an action that does not result in an overall increase in carbon emissions. It is also possible that carbon emitters can off-set their emission to be carbon neutral.

Carbon offset is a credit that can be purchased to negate carbon emission activities. Revenue generated from the purchase of offsets is typically invested in environmental projects that mitigate the impact of carbon emissions. When purchasing carbon offsets be sure to verify the effectiveness and credibility of the organization selling them.

Carbon sink occurs when carbon is absorbed by natural systems such as oceans, forests and peat bogs.

Carbon tax is a charge on fossil fuels based on their carbon content.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are man-made chemical compounds containing carbon, chlorine, fluorine and sometimes hydrogen. The chlorine in CFCs damage the ozone layer.

D

E

Eco-assessment is an evaluation of any building, whether a home or workplace to define ways to reduce the impact on the environment. Areas of emphasis include energy analysis, recycling, and water usage.

Emissions cap is a limit placed on large scale use regarding the amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted.

Energy efficiency includes technology and actions that reduce the amount of electricity or fuel used.

F

Fossil fuel includes coal, oil and natural gas which are fuels created by decomposition of carbon based fossilized plants and animals.

Fuel cell is a technology that uses an electrochemical process to convert energy into electrical power. Often powered by natural gas, fuel cell power is cleaner than grid-connected power sources.

G

Geothermal energy is heat based energy that is tapped from the earth.

Global warming is an increase in the average temperature of the earth, attributed to the burning of fossil fuels.

Green building uses eco-friendly building materials in construction.

Green design conforms to environmentally sound principles of building, material and energy use. 

Green technology is the application of tools, materials and innovative design to conserve and protect the environment. Green technology includes everything from renewable energy, water sanitation to recycling.

Greenhouse effect is the basis of global warming. Gases, such as carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and ozone are trapped in the atmosphere and capture the sun’s energy thus raising the temperature of air in the atmosphere.

Greywater is waste water that does not contain sewage or fecal contamination (such as from the shower) and can be reused for irrigation after filtration.

H

Hydroelectric energy is electric energy produced by water moving from higher to lower elevations.

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K

Kilowatt-hours (kWH)  is used to measure electricity and natural gas usage.

L

Landfill is an area where waste is dumped and is covered with dirt and topsoil.

Life cycle assessment is a methodology developed to assess a product’s full environmental costs, from raw material to final disposal.

Low-emission vehicles have engines that emit less pollution compared to conventional engines.

M

N

Non-renewable resources such as oil, coal, and natural gas only exist in limited supply.

O

Offsetting is the process of reducing carbon emissions by a carbon emitting activity that compensates another entity, resulting in reducing its carbon use equal to its carbon emission.

Organic is used as a term for anything that is natural and without additives or man-made embellishment.

P

Photovoltaic is a technology thatconverts sunlight into electricity. Power is produced when sunlight strikes the semiconductor material and creates an electrical current. At this time, solar photovoltaic panels are the common application of this technology.

Q

R

Recycling  is the process of collecting, sorting, and reprocessing old material into usable raw materials.

Renewable energy includes alternative energy sources such as wind power or solar energy that can keep producing energy indefinitely without exhaustion.

S

Solar energy is energy derived from the sun.

Solar: Passive vs. Active. Active solar technology uses electrical or mechanical equipment to convert the sun's rays into usable energy. Passive solar technology does not use any outside non-solar energy.

Solar heating is heat from the sun that is absorbed by collectors and transferred by pumps or fans to a storage unit for later use or to the house interior directly.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a heavy, smelly gas which can be condensed into a clear liquid. Used to make sulfuric acid, bleaching agents, preservatives and refrigerants, it a major source of air pollution.

Sustainability focuses on the long term ability to maintain and preserve systems whether the environment or manmade systems. At the heart of sustainability is the concern to support long term value for future needs. Key initiatives include sustainable architecture, sustainable agriculture, and sustainable urban development.

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V

W

WEEE stands for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment, and encompasses electronic equipment such as computers, mobile phones, monitors, etc.

Windpower is energy generated from the wind. X

Y

Z

Zero or low-energy building has no net energy consumption when measured across a year's time. It uses alternative energy sources like solar and wind power.