Yale Sustainability: Sustainability Glossary

A biological process that produces a gas principally composed of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) otherwise known as biogas. These gases are produced from organic wastes such as livestock manure, food processing waste, etc.

Anaerobic processes could either occur naturally or in a controlled environment such as a biogas plant. Organic waste such as livestock manure and various types of bacteria are put in an airtight container called digester so the process could occur. Depending on the waste feedstock and the system design, biogas is typically 55 to 75 percent pure methane. State-of the-art systems report producing biogas that is more than 95 percent pure methane.

The process of anaerobic digestion consists of three steps.

The first step is the decomposition (hydrolysis) of plant or animal matter. This step breaks down the organic material to usable-sized molecules such as sugar. The second step is the conversion of decomposed matter to organic acids. And finally, the acids are converted to methane gas.

Process temperature affects the rate of digestion and should be maintained in the mesophillic range (95 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit) with an optimum of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It is possible to operate in the thermophillic range (135 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit), but the digestion process is subject to upset if not closely monitored.

Many anaerobic digestion technologies are commercially available and have been demonstrated for use with agricultural wastes and for treating municipal and industrial wastewater.

Where unprocessed wastes cause odor and water pollution such as in large dairies, anaerobic digestion reduces the odor and liquid waste disposal problems and produces a biogas fuel that can be used for process heating and/or electricity generation.

Source: California Energy Commission

(http://www.energy.ca.gov/development/biomass/anaerobic.html)

Anthropogenic

Human made. In the context of greenhouse gases, anthropogenic refers to emissions that are produced as the result of human activities.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#A)

Berlin Mandate

A ruling negotiated at the first Conference of the Parties (COP 1), which took place in March, 1995, concluding that the present commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change are not adequate. Under the Framework Convention, developed countries pledged to take measures aimed at returning their greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2000. The Berlin Mandate establishes a process that would enable the Parties to take appropriate action for the period beyond 2000, including a strengthening of developed country commitments, through the adoption of a protocol or other legal instruments.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#Berlin_mandate)

Biodegradable

Material that can be broken down into simpler substances (elements and compounds) by bacteria or other decomposers. Paper and most organic wastes such as animal manure are biodegradable.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#B)

Biodigestion

See Anaerobic Digestion.

Biofuel

Gas or liquid fuel made from plant material (biomass). Includes wood, wood waste, wood liquors, peat, railroad ties, wood sludge, spent sulfite liquors, agricultural waste, straw, tires, fish oils, tall oil, sludge waste, waste alcohol, municipal solid waste, landfill gases, other waste, and ethanol blended into motor gasoline.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#B)

Biodiversity

The variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.

Source: Convention on Biological Diversity

(http://www.cbd.int/convention/articles.shtml?a=cbd-02)

Biological Diversity

See Biodiversity

Biomass

Total dry weight of all living organisms that can be supported at each tropic level in a food chain. Also, materials that are biological in origin, including organic material (both living and dead) from above and below ground, for example, trees, crops, grasses, tree litter, roots, and animals and animal waste.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#B)

Biomass Energy

Energy produced by combusting biomass materials such as wood. The carbon dioxide emitted from burning biomass will not increase total atmospheric carbon dioxide if this consumption is done on a sustainable basis (i.e., if in a given period of time, regrowth of biomass takes up as much carbon dioxide as is released from biomass combustion). Biomass energy is often suggested as a replacement for fossil fuel combustion.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#B)

British Thermal Unit

The quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree of Fahrenheit at or near 39.2 degrees Fahrenheit.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#B)

Brundtland Commission

See World Commission on Environment and Development.

Building Related Illness (BRI)

The term "building related illness" (BRI) is used when symptoms of diagnosable illness are identified and can be attributed directly to airborne building contaminants.

Indicators of BRI include:

Building occupants complain of symptoms such as cough; chest tightness; fever, chills; and muscle aches
The symptoms can be clinically defined and have clearly identifiable causes.
Complainants may require prolonged recovery times after leaving the building.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/sbs.html)

Carbon Dioxide

A colorless, odorless, non-poisonous gas that is a normal part of the ambient air. Carbon dioxide is a product of fossil fuel combustion. Although carbon dioxide does not directly impair human health, it is a greenhouse gas that traps terrestrial (i.e., infrared) radiation and contributes to the potential for global warming.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#C)

Carbon Dioxide Equivalent

A metric measure used to compare the emissions of various greenhouse gases based upon their global warming potential (GWP). Carbon dioxide equivalents are commonly expressed as "million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (MMTCDE)." The carbon dioxide equivalent for a gas is derived by multiplying the tons of the gas by the associated GWP.

MMTCDE = (million metric tons of a gas) * (GWP of the gas)

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#C)

Carbon Equivalent

A metric measure used to compare the emissions of different greenhouse gases based upon their global warming potential (GWP). Greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. are most commonly expressed as "million metric tons of carbon equivalents" (MMTCE). Global warming potentials are used to convert greenhouse gases to carbon dioxide equivalents - they can be converted to carbon equivalents by multiplying by 12/44 (the ratio of the molecular weight of carbon to carbon dioxide). The formula for carbon equivalents is:

MMTCE = (million metric tons of a gas) * (GWP of the gas) * (12/44)

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#C)

Carbon Sequestration

The uptake and storage of carbon. Trees and plants, for example, absorb carbon dioxide, release the oxygen and store the carbon. Fossil fuels were at one time biomass and continue to store the carbon until burned.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#C)

Carbon Sink

Carbon reservoirs and conditions that take-in and store more carbon (i.e., carbon sequestration) than they release. Carbon sinks can serve to partially offset greenhouse gas emissions. Forests and oceans are large carbon sinks.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#C)

Carrying Capacity

The "maximum population size of a species that an area can support without reducing its ability to support the same species in the future"1 . Biological studies of population change typically demonstrate that once the carrying capacity of an ecosystem is exceeded, a severe crash or collapse of the population follows associated with rapid environmental degradation.2

Source: Institute for Lifecycle Environmental Assessment

(http://www.ilea.org/leaf/richard2002.html)

Climate

The average weather, usually taken over a 30 year time period, for a particular region and time period. Climate is not the same as weather, but rather, it is the average pattern of weather for a particular region. Weather describes the short-term state of the atmosphere. Climatic elements include precipitation, temperature, humidity, sunshine, wind velocity, phenomena such as fog, frost, and hail-storms, and other measures of the weather.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#C)

Climate Change

A change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods.

Source: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

(http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/convkp/conveng.pdf)

Climate Neutrality

The principle of climate neutrality is based on balancing out the total amount of carbon output.

The concept is simple: Greenhouse gases cause damage globally. Therefore it is irrelevant where emissions are caused or where they are reduced. So unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions in location A can be neutralized by additional protective measures in location B. Emissions caused by air travel are the only ones where this rule does not apply without qualifications.

Almost any activity – using transport, producing goods or using office space – can be organized in a climate-neutral fashion.

Source: 3C - The Carbon Credit Company LLC

(http://www.3c-company.com/en/climate-neutral/climate-neutrality.html)

Climate Variability

Refers to variations in the mean state and other statistics (such as standard deviations, the occurrence of extremes, etc.) of the climate on all temporal and spatial scales beyond that of individual weather events. Variability may be due to natural internal processes within the climate system (internal variability), or to variations in natural or anthropogenic external forcing (external variability).

Source: Climate Change 2001: Working Group I: The Scientific Basis

(http://www.grida.no/climate/ipcc_tar/wg1/518.htm)

Coal

Formed from plant and animal matter that has been subjected to geologic heat and pressure, and transformed over millions of years into hard black solids. Because coal is a readily available resource in the United States, coal power plants provide about half of the nation's electricity. However, coal-fired power plants generally cause more pollution per unit of electricity than any other fuel. Coal is considered a nonrenewable resource because it cannot be replenished on a human time frame.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-and-you/affect/coal.html)

Cogeneration

Production of two useful forms of energy such as high-temperature heat and electricity from the same process. For example, while boiling water to generate electricity, the leftover steam can be sold for industrial processes or space heating.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#C)

Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

Also known as cogeneration, an efficient, clean, and reliable approach to generating power and thermal energy from a single fuel source. Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is not a specific technology but an application of technologies to meet an energy user's needs. CHP systems achieve typical effective electric efficiencies of 50 to 80 percent — a dramatic improvement over the average efficiency of separate heat and power. Since CHP is highly efficient, it reduces traditional air pollutants and carbon dioxide, the leading greenhouse gas associated with climate change.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/glossary.htm#N)

Compost

Partially decomposed organic plant and animal matter that can be used as a soil conditioner or fertilizer.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#C)

Composting

Partial breakdown of organic plant and animal matter by aerobic bacteria to produce a material that can be used as a soil conditioner or fertilizer.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#C)

Conference of the Parties (COP) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

The Conference of the Parties (COP) of the UNFCCC is the “supreme” body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The COP consists of all the countries that are Parties to the convention. It currently meets once a year to review the UNFCCC’s progress, unless the Parties decide otherwise. The COP's role is to promote and review the implementation of the UNFCCC. It will periodically review existing commitments in light of the UNFCCC’s objective, new scientific findings, and the effectiveness of national climate change programs. A key task for the COP is to review the national communications and emission inventories submitted by Parties. Based on this information, the COP assesses the effects of the measures taken by Parties and the progress made in achieving the ultimate objective of the UNFCCC.

Source: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

(http://unfccc.int/essential_background/convention/convention_bodies/items/2629.php)

Convention on Biological Diversity

Adopted at the Earth Summit in 1992. The Convention on Biodiversity has three main goals: conservation of biological diversity (or biodiversity); sustainable use of its components; and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. The convention recognized for the first time in international law that the conservation of biological diversity is "a common concern of humankind" and is an integral part of the development process. The agreement covers all ecosystems, species, and genetic resources. It links traditional conservation efforts to the economic goal of using biological resources sustainably. It sets principles for the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources, notably those destined for commercial use. It also covers the rapidly expanding field of biotechnology through its Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, addressing technology development and transfer, benefit-sharing and biosafety issues. The Convention is legally binding on its parties.

Source: The Convention On Biological Diversity News Special Edition

(http://www.cbd.int/doc/publications/CBD-10th-anniversary.pdf)

Deforestation

Those practices or processes that result in the change of forested lands to non-forest uses. This is often cited as one of the major causes of the enhanced greenhouse effect for two reasons: 1) the burning or decomposition of the wood releases carbon dioxide; and 2) trees that once removed carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in the process of photosynthesis are no longer present and contributing to carbon storage.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#D)

Desertification

The progressive destruction or degradation of existing vegetative cover to form desert. This can occur due to overgrazing, deforestation, drought, and the burning of extensive areas. Once formed, deserts can only support a sparse range of vegetation. Climatic effects associated with this phenomenon include increased albedo, reduced atmospheric humidity, and greater atmospheric dust (aerosol) loading.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#D)

Dioxin

Man-made chemical compounds that enter the air through fuel and waste emissions, including motor vehicle exhaust fumes, burning fuels (like wood, coal or oil), and from garbage incineration. Skin rashes, liver damage, weight loss, and a reduction in the effectiveness of the immune system have all been attributed to human exposure to dioxins.

Source:U.S Food and Drug Administration

(http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/dioxinqa.html#g1)

Earth Summit

In June, 1992 the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), convened in Rio de Janeiro to address urgent problems of environmental protection and socio-economic development. Agenda 21, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, the Statement of Forest Principles, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity all arose out of The Earth Summit. The Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) was created to monitor and report on implementation of the Earth Summit agreements. It was agreed that a five year review of Earth Summit progress would be made in 1997 by the United Nations General Assembly meeting in special session. This special session of the United Nations General Assembly took stock of how well countries, international organizations and sectors of civil society have responded to the challenge of the Earth Summit.

Source: United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, United Nations Earth Summit + 5

(http://www.un.org/geninfo/bp/enviro.html, http://www.un.org/esa/earthsummit/)

Ecosystem

The complex system of plant, animal, fungal, and microorganism communities and their associated non-living environment interacting as an ecological unit. Ecosystems have no fixed boundaries; instead their parameters are set to the scientific, management, or policy question being examined. Depending upon the purpose of analysis, a single lake, a watershed, or an entire region could be considered an ecosystem.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#E)

Emission Inventory

A list of air pollutants emitted into a community's, state's, nation's, or the Earth's atmosphere in amounts per some unit time (e.g. day or year) by type of source. An emission inventory has both political and scientific applications.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#E)

Emissions

The release of a substance (usually a gas when referring to the subject of climate change) into the atmosphere.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#E)

Energy

The capacity for doing work as measured by the capability of doing work (potential energy) or the conversion of this capability to motion (kinetic energy). Energy has several forms, some of which are easily convertible and can be changed to another form useful for work. Most of the world's convertible energy comes from fossil fuels that are burned to produce heat that is then used as a transfer medium to mechanical or other means in order to accomplish tasks. In the United States, electrical energy is often measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), while heat energy is often measured in British thermal units (Btu).

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#E)

Energy Efficiency

The ratio of the useful output of services from an article of industrial equipment to the energy use by such an article; for example, vehicle miles traveled per gallon of fuel (mpg).

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#E)

Enhanced Greenhouse Effect

The concept that the natural greenhouse effect has been enhanced by anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases. Increased concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorinated carbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), Nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) and other photochemically important gases caused by human activities such as fossil fuel consumption, trap more infrared radiation, thereby exerting a warming influence on the climate.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#E)

Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP)

The purchasing of products or services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose. The product or service comparison applies to raw materials acquisition, production, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, reuse, operation, maintenance, or disposal.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

(http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=1&realattid=f_fbse7vup&attid=0.1&disp=vah&view=att&th=117a891e851d57ff)

Environmental Stewardship

The responsibility for environmental quality shared by all those whose actions affect the environment.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/stewardship/)

Ethanol (C2H5OH)

Otherwise known as ethyl alcohol, alcohol, or grain spirit. A clear, colorless, flammable oxygenated hydrocarbon with a boiling point of 78.5 degrees Celsius in the anhydrous state. In transportation, ethanol is used as a vehicle fuel by itself (E100), blended with gasoline (E85), or as a gasoline octane enhancer and oxygenate (10 percent concentration).

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#E)

Extensive Garden

Have thinner soil depths and require less management and less structural support than intensive gardens. Extensive Gardens do not require artificial irrigation. Plants chosen for these gardens are low-maintenance, hardy species that do not have demanding habitat requirements. The goal of an extensive planting design is to have a self-sustaining plant community.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/greeningepa/glossary.htm#e)

Fossil Fuels

A general term for buried combustible geologic deposits of organic materials, formed from decayed plants and animals that have been converted to crude oil, coal, natural gas, or heavy oils by exposure to heat and pressure in the earth's crust over hundreds of millions of years. The popularity of these fuels is largely due to their low costs. Fossil fuels come in three major forms-coal, oil, and natural gas. Because fossil fuels are a finite resource and cannot be replenished once they are extracted and burned, they are not considered renewable.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#E)

Gasohol

Vehicle fuel consisting of a mixture of gasoline and ethyl or methyl alcohol; typically 10 to 23 percent ethanol by volume.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#G)

Geothermal Energy

Heat transferred from the Earth's molten core to under-ground deposits of dry steam (steam with no water droplets), wet steam (a mixture of steam and water droplets), hot water, or rocks lying fairly close to the Earth's surface.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#G)

Global Warming

The progressive gradual rise of the Earth's surface temperature thought to be caused by the greenhouse effect and responsible for changes in global climate patterns. An increase in the near surface temperature of the Earth. Global warming has occurred in the distant past as the result of natural influences, but the term is most often used to refer to the warming predicted to occur as a result of increased emissions of greenhouse gases.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#G)

Global Warming Potential

The index used to translate the level of emissions of various gases into a common measure in order to compare the relative radiative forcing of different gases without directly calculating the changes in atmospheric concentrations. Global Warming Potentials (GWPs) are calculated as the ratio of the radiative forcing that would result from the emissions of one kilogram of a greenhouse gas to that from emission of one kilogram of carbon dioxide over a period of time (usually 100 years). The chart below shows the GWPs for the most important greenhouse gases.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/glossary.html#G)

Greenhouse Effect

The effect produced as greenhouse gases allow incoming solar radiation to pass through the Earth's atmosphere, but prevent part of the outgoing infrared radiation from the Earth's surface and lower atmosphere from escaping into outer space. This process occurs naturally and has kept the Earth's temperature about 59 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than it would otherwise be. Current life on Earth could not be sustained without the natural greenhouse effect.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#G)

Greenhouse Gas

Any gas that absorbs infrared radiation in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases include, but are not limited to, water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), halogenated fluorocarbons (HCFCs), ozone (O3), perfluorinated carbons (PFCs), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/glossary.html#G)

Green Pricing

An optional utility service that allows customers of traditional utilities to support a greater level of utility investment in renewable energy by paying a premium on their electric bill to cover any above-market costs of acquiring renewable energy resources.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/gpmarket/index.htm)

Green Roof

Also known as rooftop gardens, green roofs are planted over existing roof structures, and consist of a waterproof, root-safe membrane that is covered by a drainage system, lightweight growing medium, and plants. Green roofs reduce rooftop and building temperatures, filter pollution, lessen pressure on sewer systems, and reduce the heat island effect.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/greeningepa/glossary.htm#g)

Green Tags

See Renewable Energy Certificate.

Green Power

Electricity that is generated from renewable energy sources. Green power products can include electricity generated exclusively from renewable resources or, more frequently, electricity produced from a combination of fossil and renewable resources. Also known as “blended” products, these products typically have lower prices than 100 percent renewable products. Customers who take advantage of these options usually pay a premium for having some or all of their electricity produced from renewable resources.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/greeningepa/documents/greentags.pdf)

Grey Water

Wastewater other than sewage, such as sink drainage or washing machine discharge.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/safewater/pubs/gloss2.html#G)

Ground Source Heat Pump (GHP)

Electrically powered systems that tap the stored energy of the Earth. These systems use the Earth's relatively constant temperature to provide heating, cooling, and hot water for homes and commercial buildings.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/greeningepa/glossary.htm#g)

Habitat

The place or type of site where an organism or population naturally occurs.

Source: Convention on Biological Diversity

(http://www.cbd.int/convention/articles.shtml?a=cbd-02)

Heat

Form of kinetic energy that flows from one body to another when there is a temperature difference between the two bodies. Heat always flows spontaneously from a hot sample of matter to a colder sample of matter. This is one way to state the second law of thermodynamics.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#H)

Heat Island Effect

This phenomenon describes urban and suburban temperatures that are 2° to 10°Farenheit (1° to 6° Celsius) warmer than nearby rural areas.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/greeningepa/glossary.htm#h)

Hydropower

Electrical energy produced by falling or flowing water.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#H)

Impervious Surface

Man made surface areas, such as roads, buildings and parking areas that generate large volumes of surface runoff when it rains and increase flooding, erosion, and pollution.

Source: Natural Resources Defense Council

(http://www.nrdc.org/water/pollution/gutter/execsum.asp)

Infrared Radiation

The heat energy that is emitted from all solids, liquids, and gases. In the context of the greenhouse issue, the term refers to the heat energy emitted by the Earth's surface and its atmosphere. Greenhouse gases strongly absorb this radiation in the Earth's atmosphere, and radiate some back towards the surface, creating the greenhouse effect.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#I)

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

The coordinated use of current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment with available pest control methods to prevent unacceptable levels of pest damage by the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.

The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach can be applied to both agricultural and non-agricultural settings, such as the home, garden, and workplace. IPM takes advantage of all appropriate pest management options including, but not limited to, using mechanical trapping devices, natural predators (e.g., insects that eat other insects), insect growth regulators, mating disruption substances (pheromones), and if necessary, chemical pesticides. The use of biological pesticides is an important component of IPM.. In contrast, organic food production applies many of the same concepts as IPM but limits the use of pesticides to those that are produced from natural sources, as opposed to synthetic chemicals.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/ipm.htm, http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/food/ipm.htm)

Intensive Garden

Have thicker soil depths and generally require more management and artificial irrigation systems. The plants chosen for these gardens must thrive in the specific roof environment they inhabit. Intensive gardens are heavier than extensive gardens, requiring more structural support and maintenance

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/greeningepa/glossary.htm#i)

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

Established jointly by the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Meteorological Organization in 1988. The purpose of the IPCC is to assess information in the scientific and technical literature related to all significant components of the issue of climate change. The IPCC draws upon hundreds of the world's expert scientists as authors and thousands as expert reviewers. Leading experts on climate change and environmental, social, and economic sciences from some 60 nations have helped the IPCC to prepare periodic assessments of the scientific underpinnings for understanding global climate change and its consequences. With its capacity for reporting on climate change, its consequences, and the viability of adaptation and mitigation measures, the IPCC is also looked to as the official advisory body to the world's governments on the state of the science of the climate change issue. For example, the IPCC organized the development of internationally accepted methods for conducting national greenhouse gas emission inventories.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/glossary.html#I)

Invasive Species

Invasive species means an alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Invasive species are one of the largest threats to our terrestrial, coastal and freshwater ecosystems, as well as being a major global concern.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/owow/invasive_species/)

Joint Implementation

A mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol through which a developed country can receive "emissions reduction units" when it helps to finance projects that reduce net greenhouse-gas emissions in another developed country (in practice, the recipient state is likely to be a country with an "economy in transition"). An Annex I Party must meet specific eligibility requirements to participate in joint implementation.

Source: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change website

(http://unfccc.int/essential_background/glossary/items/3666.php#J)

Kyoto Protocol

Adopted at the Third Conference of the Parties (COP3) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Kyoto, Japan on December 11, 1997. This international agreement, which builds on the UNFCCC, sets legally binding targets and timetables for cutting the greenhouse-gas emissions of industrialized countries which have accepted it. The Kyoto Protocol entered into force on 16 February 2005. The United States has chosen not to ratify it.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change website

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#Kyoto_protocol

http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/items/2830.php)

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System

The nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.

The LEED Rating System was created to transform the built environment to sustainability by providing the building industry with consistent, credible standards for what constitutes a green building. The rating system is developed and continuously refined via an open, consensus based process that has made LEED the green building standard of choice for federal agencies and state and local governments nationwide.

The first step to LEED certification is to register the project. A project is a viable candidate for LEED certification if it can meet all prerequisites and achieve the minimum number of points to earn the Certified level of LEED project certification. To earn certification, a building project must meet certain prerequisites and performance benchmarks ("credits") within each category. Projects are awarded Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum certification depending on the number of credits they achieve. This comprehensive approach is the reason LEED-certified buildings have reduced operating costs, healthier and more productive occupants, and conserve our natural resources.

Source: U.S. Green Building Council

(http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=222)

Life Cycle Assessment

A technique to assess the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with a product, process, or service, by:

compiling an inventory of relevant energy and material inputs and environmental releases;
evaluating the potential environmental impacts associated with identified inputs and releases; and
interpreting the results to help you make a more informed decision.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/lcaccess/)

Lifetime (Atmospheric)

With respect to greenhouse gases, refers to the approximate amount of time it would take for the anthropogenic increment to an atmospheric pollutant concentration to return to its natural level (assuming emissions cease) as a result of either being converted to another chemical compound or being taken out of the atmosphere via a sink. This time depends on the pollutant's sources and sinks as well as its reactivity. The lifetime of a pollutant is often considered in conjunction with the mixing of pollutants in the atmosphere; a long lifetime will allow the pollutant to mix throughout the atmosphere. Average lifetimes can vary from about a week (sulfate aerosols) to more than a century (CFCs, carbon dioxide).

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#L)

Low Impact Development (LID)

A sustainable landscaping approach that can be used to replicate or restore natural watershed functions and/or address targeted watershed goals and objectives.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/greeningepa/glossary.htm#l)

Methane (CH4)

A hydrocarbon that is a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential (GWP) most recently estimated at 23 times that of carbon dioxide (CO2). The GWP is from the IPCC's Third Assessment Report (TAR). Methane is produced through anaerobic (without oxygen) decomposition of waste in landfills, animal digestion, decomposition of animal wastes, production and distribution of natural gas and petroleum, coal production, and incomplete fossil fuel combustion. The atmospheric concentration of methane has been shown to be increasing at a rate of about 0.6 percent per year and the concentration of about 1.7 per million by volume (ppmv) is more than twice its pre-industrial value. However, the rate of increase of methane in the atmosphere may be stabilizing.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#M, http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/glossary.html#M)

Methanol (CH33OH)

A colorless poisonous liquid with essentially no odor and little taste. It is the simplest alcohol with a boiling point of 64.7 degrees Celsius. In transportation, methanol is used as a vehicle fuel by itself (M100), or blended with gasoline (M85).

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#M)

Metric Ton

Common international measurement for the quantity of greenhouse gas emissions. A metric ton is equal to 2205 pounds or 1.1 short tons.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/glossary.html#M)

Metric Tons of Carbon Equivalent (MTCE)

See Carbon Equivalent.

Millennium Development Goals

See United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer

An international agreement, originally signed in 1987 and substantially amended in 1990, 1992 and 1995, that controls the phase out of ozone depleting substances production and use. Under the Protocol, several international organizations report on the science of ozone depletion, implement projects to help move away from ozone depleting substances, and provide a forum for policy discussions. In the United States, the Protocol is implemented under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#Montreal_protocol)

Mount Pinatubo

A volcano in the Philippine Islands that erupted in 1991. The eruption of Mount Pinatubo ejected enough particulate and sulfate aerosol matter into the atmosphere to block some of the incoming solar radiation from reaching Earth's atmosphere. This effectively cooled the planet from 1992 to 1994, masking the warming that had been occurring for most of the 1980s and 1990s.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/glossary.html#M)

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit

A national program under Section 402 of the Clean Water Act for regulation of discharges of pollutants from point sources to waters of the United States. Discharges are illegal unless authorized by a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/glossary.cfm?program_id=0#N)

Natural Gas

Underground deposits of gases consisting of 50 to 90 percent methane (CH4) and small amounts of heavier gaseous hydrocarbon compounds such as propane (C3H8) and butane (C4H10).

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/glossary.html#N)

Natural Resource

Raw materials or energy supplied by nature and its processes (e.g., water, minerals, plants). Trees are a natural resource used to make paper, and sunlight is a natural resource that can be used to heat homes.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/education/quest/gloss1a.htm#n)

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

Gases consisting of one molecule of nitrogen and varying numbers of oxygen molecules. Nitrogen oxides are produced, for example, by the combustion of fossil fuels in vehicles and electric power plants. In the atmosphere, nitrogen oxides can contribute to formation of photochemical ozone (smog), impair visibility, and have health consequences; they are considered pollutants.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/glossary.html#N)

Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

A powerful greenhouse gas with a global warming potential (GWP) of 296 times that of carbon dioxide (CO2). Major sources of nitrous oxide include soil cultivation practices, especially the use of commercial and organic fertilizers, fossil fuel combustion, nitric acid production, and biomass burning. The GWP is from the IPCC's Third Assessment Report (TAR).

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/glossary.html#N)

Nonbiodegradable

A substance that cannot be broken down in the environment by natural processes.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#N)

Non-point Source

Unlike pollution from industrial and sewage treatment plants, it comes from many diffuse sources. Non-point Source pollution is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground. As the runoff moves, it picks up and carries away natural and human-made pollutants, such as fertilizers, oil, grease, and toxic chemicals from urban runoff and energy production, and sediment from improperly managed construction site, finally depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, and even underground sources of drinking water.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/qa.html)

Nonrenewable Resource

Naturally occurring raw materials that are exhaustible and become depleted more quickly than they naturally regenerate. Some nonrenewable resources, such as peat, petroleum, and metals, are only available in limited quantities, take a long time to form, and are used up rapidly.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/education/quest/gloss1a.htm#n)

Nuclear Electric Power

Electricity generated by an electric power plant whose turbines are driven by steam generated in a reactor by heat from the fissioning of nuclear fuel.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#N)

Nuclear Energy

Energy released when atomic nuclei undergo a nuclear reaction such as the spontaneous emission of radioactivity, nuclear fission, or nuclear fusion.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#N)

Oil

As with other fossil fuels, oil is found in underground reservoirs. It is the end product of the decomposition of organic materials that have been subjected to geologic heat and pressure over millions of years. Oil is considered a nonrenewable resource because it cannot be replenished on a human timeframe.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency (http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-and-you/affect/oil.html)

Onsite Renewable Energy Generation

Electricity generated by renewable resources using a system or device located at the site where the power is used. Onsite generation is a form of distributed energy generation.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/greeningepa/glossary.htm)

Organic Food

Produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled "organic," a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too.

Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture

(http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/Consumers/brochure.html)

Organic Food – Labeling Standards

Labeling requirements based on the percentage of organic ingredients in a product.

Foods labeled "100 percent organic" and "organic"

Products labeled as "100 percent organic" must contain (excluding water and salt) only organically produced ingredients.

Products labeled "organic" must consist of at least 95 percent organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt). Any remaining product ingredients must consist of nonagricultural substances approved on the National List or non-organically produced agricultural products that are not commercially available in organic form.

Products meeting the requirements for "100 percent organic" and "organic" may display these terms and the percentage of organic content on their principal display panel.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) seal and the seal or mark of involved certifying agents may appear on product packages and in advertisements.

Foods labeled "100 percent organic" and "organic" cannot be produced using excluded methods, sewage sludge, or ionizing radiation.

Processed products labeled "made with organic ingredients"

Processed products that contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients can use the phrase "made with organic ingredients" and list up to three of the organic ingredients or food groups on the principal display panel. For example, soup made with at least 70 percent organic ingredients and only organic vegetables may be labeled either "soup made with organic peas, potatoes, and carrots," or "soup made with organic vegetables."

Processed products labeled "made with organic ingredients" cannot be produced using excluded methods, sewage sludge, or ionizing radiation.

The percentage of organic content and the certifying agent seal or mark may be used on the principal display panel. However, the USDA seal cannot be used anywhere on the package.

Processed products that contain less than 70 percent organic ingredients

These products cannot use the term organic anywhere on the principal display panel. However, they may identify the specific ingredients that are organically produced on the ingredients statement on the information panel.

Other labeling provisions

Any product labeled as organic must identify each organically produced ingredient in the ingredient statement and must display the name and address of the certifying agent of the final product on the product’s information panel. There are no restrictions on the use of other truthful labeling claims such as "no drugs or growth hormones used," "free range," or "sustainably harvested."

Important

Food labeled "organic" means that it was produced using the highest organic production and handling standards in the world.

Natural and organic are not interchangeable. Other truthful claims, such as free-range, hormone-free, and natural, can still appear on food labels. However, don't confuse these terms with "organic." Only food labeled "organic" has been certified as meeting USDA organic standards.

Source: Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture

(http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/Consumers/brochure.html

, http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/FactSheets/LabelingE.html)

Ozone (O3)

A colorless gas with a pungent odor, having the molecular form of O3 , found in two layers of the atmosphere, the stratosphere (about 90% of the total atmospheric loading) and the troposphere (about 10%). Ozone, the triatomic form of oxygen (O3), is a gaseous atmospheric constituent. In the troposphere, it is created both naturally and by photochemical reactions involving gases resulting from human activities (photochemical smog). In high concentrations, tropospheric ozone can be harmful to a wide range of living organisms. Tropospheric ozone acts as a greenhouse gas. In the stratosphere, ozone is created by the interaction between solar ultraviolet radiation and molecular oxygen (O2). Stratospheric ozone plays a decisive role in the stratospheric radiative balance. Depletion of stratospheric ozone, due to chemical reactions that may be enhanced by climate change, results in an increased ground-level flux of ultraviolet (UV-) B radiation.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#O, http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/glossary.html#O)

Ozone-Depleting Substance (ODS)

A family of man-made compounds that includes, but are not limited to, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), bromofluorocarbons (halons), methyl chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, methyl bromide, and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). These compounds have been shown to deplete stratospheric ozone, and therefore are typically referred to as ozone-depleting substances (ODSs).

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency (http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/glossary.html#O)

Ozone Layer

Begins approximately 15 kilometers above Earth and thins to an almost negligible amount at about 50 kilometers, shielding the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. The highest natural concentration of ozone (approximately 10 parts per million by volume) occurs in the stratosphere at approximately 25 kilometers above Earth. The stratospheric ozone concentration changes throughout the year as stratospheric circulation changes with the seasons. Natural events such as volcanoes and solar flares can produce changes in ozone concentration, but man-made changes are of the greatest concern.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/glossary.html#O)

Photovoltaic (PV)

A system that converts sunlight directly into electricity using cells made of silicon or other conductive materials. When sunlight hits the cells, a chemical reaction occurs, resulting in the release of electricity.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/greeningepa/glossary.htm#p)

Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal Energy

Energy radiated by the Sun as electromagnetic waves (electromagnetic radiation) that is converted into electricity by means of solar (i.e., photovoltaic) cells or useable heat by concentrating (i.e., focusing) collectors.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#P)

Point Source (Air)

A single identifiable source that discharges pollutants into the environment. Examples are smokestack, sewer, ditch, or pipe.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#P)

Point Source (Water)

Any discernible, confined, and discrete conveyance, including but not limited to, any pipe, ditch, channel, tunnel, conduit, well, discrete fissure, container, rolling stock concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO), landfill leachate collection system, vessel or other floating craft from which pollutants are or may be discharged. This term does not include return flows from irrigated agriculture or agricultural stormwater runoff.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency (http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/glossary.cfm?program_id=0#P)

Pollution

A change in the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of the air, water, or soil that can affect the health, survival, or activities of humans in an unwanted way. Some expand the term to include harmful effects on all forms of life.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#P)

Postconsumer Content

Percentage of materials recovered by consumers (from the municipal solid waste stream). For example, a newspaper might be made from 30 percent recovered newsprint.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/education/quest/gloss1a.htm#p)

Postconsumer Material

Material recovered through recycling programs (i.e., materials recovered from the municipal solid waste stream, not from internal industrial processes). These materials are often used to make new products. Newspapers that are recycled by consumers, for example, are a postconsumer material used to make newsprint.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/education/quest/gloss1a.htm#p)

Preconsumer Content

Percentage of materials salvaged for reuse from the waste stream of a manufacturing process (rather than from consumers) subsequently used to manufacture a product.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/education/quest/gloss1a.htm#p)

Radiation

Energy transfer in the form of electromagnetic waves or particles that release energy when absorbed by an object. Radiation has differing characteristics depending upon the wavelength. Because the radiation from the Sun is relatively energetic, it has a short wavelength (ultra-violet, visible, and near infrared) while energy radiated from the Earth's surface and the atmosphere has a longer wavelength (e.g., infrared radiation) because the Earth is cooler than the Sun.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/glossary.html#P,

http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#R)

Recycling

Collecting and reprocessing a resource so it can be used again. An example is collecting aluminum cans, melting them down, and using the aluminum to make new cans or other aluminum products.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/glossary.html#S)

Renewable Energy

Energy obtained from sources that are essentially inexhaustible, unlike, for example, the fossil fuels, of which there is a finite supply. Renewable sources of energy include wood, waste, geothermal, wind, photovoltaic, and solar thermal energy.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#R)

Renewable Energy Certificate (REC)

Also known as green tags, green energy certificates, or tradable renewable certificates, renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) represent the technology and environmental attributes of electricity generated from renewable sources. RECs are usually sold in one megawatt-hour (MWh) units. A certificate can be sold separately from the MWh of generic electricity it is associated with. This flexibility enables customers to offset a percentage of their annual electricity use with certificates generated elsewhere.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/greeningepa/glossary.htm#r)

Renewable Energy Credit

See Renewable Energy Certificate.

Renewable Resource

Naturally occurring raw material that comes from a limitless or cyclical source such as the sun, wind, water (hydroelectricity), or trees. When properly used and managed, renewable resources are not consumed faster than they are replenished.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/education/quest/gloss1a.htm#r)

Residence Time

The average time spent in a reservoir by an individual atom or molecule. With respect to greenhouse gases, residence time usually refers to how long a particular molecule remains in the atmosphere.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

( http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/glossary.html#R)

Short Ton

Common measurement for a ton in the United States. A short ton is equal to 2,000 pounds or 0.907 metric tons.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/glossary.html#S)

Sick Building Syndrome

Describes situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. The complaints may be localized in a particular room or zone, or may be widespread throughout the building.

Indicators of sick building syndrome (SBS) include:

Building occupants complain of symptoms associated with acute discomfort, e.g., headache; eye, nose, or throat irritation; dry cough; dry or itchy skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty in concentrating; fatigue; and sensitivity to odors.
The cause of the symptoms is not known.
Most of the complainants report relief soon after leaving the building.

It is important to note that complaints may result from other causes. These may include an illness contracted outside the building, acute sensitivity (e.g., allergies), job related stress or dissatisfaction, and other psychosocial factors. Nevertheless, studies show that symptoms may be caused or exacerbated by indoor air quality problems.

The following have been cited causes of or contributing factors to sick building syndrome:

Inadequate ventilation: In the early and mid 1900's, building ventilation standards called for approximately 15 cubic feet per minute (cfm) of outside air for each building occupant, primarily to dilute and remove body odors. As a result of the 1973 oil embargo, however, national energy conservation measures called for a reduction in the amount of outdoor air provided for ventilation to 5 cfm per occupant. In many cases these reduced outdoor air ventilation rates were found to be inadequate to maintain the health and comfort of building occupants. Inadequate ventilation, which may also occur if heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems do not effectively distribute air to people in the building, is thought to be an important factor in SBS. In an effort to achieve acceptable IAQ while minimizing energy consumption, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recently revised its ventilation standard to provide a minimum of 15 cfm of outdoor air per person (20 cfm/person in office spaces). Up to 60 cfm/person may be required in some spaces (such as smoking lounges) depending on the activities that normally occur in that space (see ASHRAE Standard 62-1989).

Chemical contaminants from indoor sources: Most indoor air pollution comes from sources inside the building. For example, adhesives, carpeting, upholstery, manufactured wood products, copy machines, pesticides, and cleaning agents may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde. Environmental tobacco smoke contributes high levels of VOCs, other toxic compounds, and respirable particulate matter. Research shows that some VOCs can cause chronic and acute health effects at high concentrations, and some are known carcinogens. Low to moderate levels of multiple VOCs may also produce acute reactions. Combustion products such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, as well as respirable particles, can come from unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, woodstoves, fireplaces and gas stoves.

Chemical contaminants from outdoor sources: The outdoor air that enters a building can be a source of indoor air pollution. For example, pollutants from motor vehicle exhausts; plumbing vents, and building exhausts (e.g., bathrooms and kitchens) can enter the building through poorly located air intake vents, windows, and other openings. In addition, combustion products can enter a building from a nearby garage.

Biological contaminants: Bacteria, molds, pollen, and viruses are types of biological contaminants. These contaminants may breed in stagnant water that has accumulated in ducts, humidifiers and drain pans, or where water has collected on ceiling tiles, carpeting, or insulation. Sometimes insects or bird droppings can be a source of biological contaminants. Physical symptoms related to biological contamination include cough, chest tightness, fever, chills, muscle aches, and allergic responses such as mucous membrane irritation and upper respiratory congestion. One indoor bacterium, Legionella, has caused both Legionnaire's Disease and Pontiac Fever.

These elements may act in combination, and may supplement other complaints such as inadequate temperature, humidity, or lighting. Even after a building investigation, however, the specific causes of the complaints may remain unknown.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/sbs.html)

Sink

Any process, activity or mechanism which removes a greenhouse gas, an aerosol or a precursor of a greenhouse gas or aerosol from the atmosphere. A reservoir that uptakes a chemical element or compound from another part of its cycle. For example, soil and trees tend to act as natural sinks for carbon.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/glossary.html#S, http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#S)

Solar Energy

Direct radiant energy from the Sun. It also includes indirect forms of energy such as wind, falling or flowing water (hydropower), ocean thermal gradients, and biomass, which are produced when direct solar energy interact with the Earth.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#S)

Solar Radiation

Radiation emitted by the Sun . Also referred to as short-wave radiation. Solar radiation has a distinctive range of wavelengths (spectrum) determined by the temperature of the Sun. Of importance to the climate system, solar radiation includes ultraviolet radiation, visible radiation, and infrared radiation..

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/glossary.html#S, http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#S)

Source

Any process or activity that releases a greenhouse gas, an aerosol, or a precursor of a greenhouse gas into the atmosphere.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#S)

Storm Water

Storm water discharges are generated by precipitation and runoff from land, pavements, building rooftops and other surfaces. Storm water runoff accumulates pollutants such as oil and grease, chemicals, nutrients, metals, and bacteria as it travels across land. Heavy precipitation or snowmelt can also cause sewer overflows which, in turn, may lead to contamination of water sources with untreated human and industrial waste, toxic materials, and other debris. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) controls storm water and sewer overflow discharges through its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). NPDES provides guidance to municipalities and state and federal permitting authorities on how to meet storm water pollution control goals as flexibly and cost-effectively as possible.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/ebtpages/watestormwater.html)

Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6)

A colorless gas soluble in alcohol and ether, slightly soluble in water. A very powerful greenhouse gas used primarily in electrical transmission and distribution systems and as a dielectric in electronics. The global warming potential (GWP) of SF6 is 22,200. This GWP is from the IPCC's Third Assessment Report (TAR).

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/glossary.html#S)

Sulfur Oxides (SOx)

Compounds of sulfur and oxygen molecules. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is the predominant form found in the lower atmosphere.

Most sulfur dioxide is produced by burning fuels containing sulfur or by roasting metal sulfide ores, although there are natural sources of sulfur dioxide (accounting for 35–-65% of total sulfur dioxide emissions) such as volcanoes. Thermal power plants burning high-sulfur coal or heating oil are generally the main sources of anthropogenic sulfur dioxide emissions worldwide, followed by industrial boilers and nonferrous metal smelters. Emissions from domestic coal burning and from vehicles can also contribute to high local ambient concentrations of sulfur dioxide.

Health effects attributed to sulfur oxides are due to exposure to sulfur dioxide, sulfate aerosols, and sulfur dioxide adsorbed onto particulate matter.

Sulfur oxide emissions cause adverse impacts to vegetation, including forests and agricultural crops. Studies in the United States and elsewhere have shown that plants exposed to high ambient concentrations of sulfur dioxide may lose their foliage, become less productive, or die prematurely.

Sulfur dioxide emissions may affect building stone and ferrous and nonferrous metals. Sulfurous acid, formed from the reaction of sulfur dioxide with moisture, accelerates the corrosion of iron, steel, and zinc. Sulfur oxides react with copper to produce the green patina of copper sulfate on the surface of the copper. Acids in the form of gases, aerosols, or precipitation may chemically erode building materials such as marble, limestone, and dolomite. Of particular concern is the chemical erosion of historical monuments and works of art. Sulfurous and sulfuric acids formed from sulfur dioxide and sulfur trioxide when they react with moisture may also damage paper and leather.

Source: World Bank Group

(http://lnweb18.worldbank.org/essd/envext.nsf/51ByDocName/SulfurOxides/$FILE/HandbookSulfurOxides.pdf)

Sustainability

Any process or condition that can be maintained indefinitely without interruption, weakening, or loss of valued qualities. Sustainability is a necessary and sufficient condition for a population to be at or below carrying capacity. Carrying capacity always embodies sustainability.

Source: (Daily and Ehrlich, (1998), p.992)

Sustainable Agriculture

As it pertains to agriculture, sustainable describes farming systems that are "capable of maintaining their productivity and usefulness to society indefinitely. Such systems... must be resource-conserving, socially supportive, commercially competitive, and environmentally sound." [John Ikerd, as quoted by Richard Duesterhaus in "Sustainability's Promise," Journal of Soil and Water Conservation (Jan.-Feb. 1990) 45(1): p.4. NAL Call # 56.8 J822]

"Sustainable agriculture" was addressed by Congress in the 1990 "Farm Bill" [Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (FACTA), Public Law 101-624, Title XVI, Subtitle A, Section 1603 (Government Printing Office, Washington, DC, 1990) NAL Call # KF1692.A31 1990]. Under that law, "the term sustainable agriculture means an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long term:

satisfy human food and fiber needs
enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends
make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls
sustain the economic viability of farm operations
enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole."

Source: National Agricultural Library, U.S. Department of Agriculture

(http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/AFSIC_pubs/srb9902.htm#toc2)

Sustainable Development

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs Source: Division for Sustainable Development, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/)

Tradable Renewable Credit

See Renewable Energy Certificate.

Transportation Demand Management (TDM)

Refers to all policies and measures to reduce the total volume of traffic orto promote shifts towards more sustainable modes of transport.

Source: The World Bank

(http://www.worldbank.org/transport/utsr/budapest/mar1am/breithau.pdf)

United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED)

See Earth Summit

United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development

In December 2002, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution 57/254 to put in place a “United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development” (DESD) to begin on January 1, 2005. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) serves as the lead agency of the DESD.

The overall goal of the DESD is to integrate the principles, values, and practices of sustainable development into all aspects of education and learning. This educational effort will encourage changes in behavior that will create a more sustainable future in terms of environmental integrity, economic viability, and a just society for present and future generations.

The primary goal for the DESD is laid out in the United Nations General Assembly resolution 59/237 in which the General Assembly “encourages Governments to consider the inclusion … of measures to implement the Decade in their respective education systems and strategies and, where appropriate, national development plans”. Furthermore, the General Assembly “invites Governments to promote public awareness of and wider participation in the Decade, inter alia, through cooperation with and initiatives engaging civil society and other relevant stakeholders, especially at the beginning of the Decade”.

The objectives for the DESD are to:
1. facilitate networking, linkages, exchange and interaction among stakeholders in education for sustainable development;
2. foster an increased quality of teaching and learning in education for sustainable development;
3. help countries make progress towards and attain the millennium development goals through education for sustainable development efforts;
4. provide countries with new opportunities to incorporate education for sustainable development into education reform efforts.

Seven interlinked strategies are proposed for the Decade: advocacy and vision building; consultation and ownership; partnership and networks; capacity building and training; research and innovation; information and communication technologies; monitoring and evaluation. Together strategies form a coherent approach to the incremental increase over the Decade of the promotion and implementation of ESD. They will ensure that change in public attitudes and educational approaches keep pace with the evolving challenges of sustainable development.

Source: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

(http://portal.unesco.org/education/en/ev.php-URL_ID=23280&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html)

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Adopted on May 9, 1992 in New York and signed at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro by more than 150 countries and the European Community. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) ultimate objective is the “stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system”. It contains commitments for all parties. Under the UNFCCC, parties included in Annex I aim to return greenhouse gas emissions not controlled by the Montreal Protocol to 1990 levels. Parties also gather and share information on greenhouse gas emissions, national policies and best practices, launch national strategies for addressing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to expected impacts, including the provision of financial and technological support to developing countries, and cooperate in preparing for adaptation to the impacts of climate change. The UNFCCC entered into force in March 1994. The United States was the first industrialized nation to ratify this agreement.

Source: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://unfccc.int/essential_background/convention/items/2627.php, http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#UNFCCC)

United Nations Millennium Development Goals

The eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which range from halving extreme poverty to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS and providing universal primary education, all by the target date of 2015, form a blueprint agreed to by all the world’s countries and all the world’s leading development institutions. They have galvanized unprecedented efforts to meet the needs of the world’s poorest.

The MDGs:

Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

Reduce by half the proportion of people living on less than a dollar a day
Reduce by half the proportion of people who suffer from hunger

Achieve universal primary education
Ensure that all boys and girls complete a full course of primary schooling
Promote gender equality and empower women
Eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education preferably by 2005, and at all levels by 2015
Reduce child mortality
Reduce by two thirds the mortality rate among children under five
Improve maternal health
Reduce by three quarters the maternal mortality ratio
Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
Halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS
Halt and begin to reverse the incidence of malaria and other major diseases
Ensure environmental sustainability
Integrate the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programs; reverse loss of environmental resources
Reduce by half the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water
Achieve significant improvement in lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers, by 2020
Develop a global partnership for development
Develop further an open trading and financial system that is rule-based, predictable and non-discriminatory, includes a commitment to good governance, development and poverty reduction— nationally and internationally
Address the least developed countries' special needs. This includes tariff- and quota-free access for their exports; enhanced debt relief for heavily indebted poor countries; cancellation of official bilateral debt; and more generous official development assistance for countries committed to poverty reduction
Address the special needs of landlocked and small island developing States
Deal comprehensively with developing countries' debt problems through national and international measures to make debt sustainable in the long term
In cooperation with the developing countries, develop decent and productive work for youth
In cooperation with pharmaceutical companies, provide access to affordable essential drugs in developing countries

In cooperation with the private sector, make available the benefits of new technologies— especially information and communications technologies

Source: United Nations Millennium Development Goals

(http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/)

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)

Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the atmosphere at normal temperatures. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) contribute significantly to photochemical smog production and certain health problems.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#V)

Watershed

The area that drains to a common waterway, such as a stream, lake, estuary, wetland, aquifer, or even the ocean.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/owow/)

Water Vapor

The most abundant greenhouse gas; it is the water present in the atmosphere in gaseous form. Water vapor is an important part of the natural greenhouse effect. While humans are not significantly increasing its concentration, water vapor contributes to the enhanced greenhouse effect because the warming influence of greenhouse gases leads to a positive water vapor feedback. In addition to its role as a natural greenhouse gas, water vapor plays an important role in regulating the temperature of the planet because clouds form when excess water vapor in the atmosphere condenses to form ice and water droplets and precipitation.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/glossary.html#W)

Weather

The specific condition of the atmosphere at a particular place and time. It is measured in terms of such things as wind, temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, cloudiness, and precipitation. In most places, weather can change from hour-to-hour, day-to-day, and season-to-season. Climate in a narrow sense is usually defined as the "average weather", or more rigorously, as the statistical description in terms of the mean and variability of relevant quantities over a period of time ranging from months to thousands or millions of years. The classical period is 30 years, as defined by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). These quantities are most often surface variables such as temperature, precipitation, and wind. Climate in a wider sense is the state, including a statistical description, of the climate system. A simple way of remembering the difference is that climate is what you expect (e.g. cold winters) and “weather” is what you get (e.g. a blizzard).

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/glossary.html#W)

Wetlands

Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas and vary widely because of regional and local differences in soils, topography, climate, hydrology, water chemistry, vegetation, and other factors, including human disturbance.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/what/definitions.html)

Wood Energy

Wood and wood products used as fuel, including roundwood (i.e., cordwood), limbwood, wood chips, bark, sawdust, forest residues, and charcoal.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://yosemite.epa.gov/OAR/globalwarming.nsf/content/Glossary.html#W)

World Commission on Environment and Development

Commissioned by the UN General Assembly in 1983 to make available a report on environment and the global problem to the year 2000 and beyond, including proposed strategies for sustainable development. The World Commission on Environment and Development is also known as the Brundtland Commission from its chairperson Gro Harlem Brundtland of Norway, the World Commission on Environment and Development was asked by the United Nations to: (a) propose long-term environmental strategies for achieving sustainable development to the year 2000 and beyond; (b) recommend ways in which concern for the environment may be translated into greater cooperation among developing countries and between countries at different stages of economic and social development and lead to the achievement of common and mutually supportive objectives which take account of the interrelationships between people, resources, environment and development; (c) consider ways and means by which the international community can deal more effectively with environmental concerns, in the light of the other recommendations in its report; (d) help to define shared perceptions of long-term environmental issues and of the appropriate efforts needed to deal successfully with the problems of protecting and enhancing the environment, a long-term agenda for action during the coming decades, and aspirational goals for the world community, taking into account the relevant resolutions of the session of a special character of the Governing Council in 1982." The World Commission on Environment and Development published a report in 1997 entitled “Our Common Future”. The report addresses sustainable development and provides the most cited definition of the term sustainability today, “sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

Source: Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future

(http://www.un-documents.net/ocf-cf.htm)

Xeriscaping

Landscaping based on native, water-efficient plants to minimize the need for irrigation.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

(http://www.epa.gov/greeningepa/glossary.htm#x)

Zero Waste

A goal that is both pragmatic and visionary, to guide people to emulate sustainable natural cycles, where all discarded materials are resources for others to use. Zero Waste means designing and managing products and processes to reduce the volume and toxicity of waste and materials, conserve and recover all resources, and not burn or bury them. Implementing Zero Waste will eliminate all discharges to land, water or air that may be a threat to planetary, human, animal or plant health.

Source: Zero Waste International Alliance

(http://www.zwia.org/standards.html)