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Environmental issues glossary
A glossary of words and phrases used in green construction and sustainable development.
B
Balance point|
Balancing pond|
Benchmarking|
Bio-accumulation|
Biodegradation|
Biodiversity|
Biocatalyst|
Biocide|
Biodegradable|
Biodiversity|
Biodiversity responsibility|
Biofuel|
Biological productivity|
Biological wastewater treatment|
Biomagnification|
Biomass|
Bioretention area|
Biosphere|
Biotic|
Blackwater|
Brownfield|
Brown roof|
Building ecology|
Building envelope|
Building Related illnesses (BRI)|
Built-in obsolescence|
By-product|
The outdoor temperature at which a building’s heat loss to the environment is equal to internal heat gains from people, lights, and equipment. Surface load dominated buildings such as single family detached residences will have balance points in the 15-20oC range. Internally load dominated structures, like office buildings, may have balance points so low that the climate never overcomes their internal heat gain.
A pond designed to attenuate flows by storing Runoff during the peak flow and releasing it at a controlled rate during and after the peak flow has passed. The pond always contains water. Also known as wet detention pond.
The continuous process of measuring companies in similar service areas against strong competitors or recognised industry leaders. Benchmarking is used by regulators to improve performance and can be applied to all facets of operation. It requires a measurement mechanism so that the performance gap can be identified.
The accumulation of a substance (typically a persistent chemical or Heavy metal) in the tissue of a plant or animal, generally through the uptake of water or food, at a rate faster than the plant or animal can excrete it, resulting in a steady increase in contamination over the organism's lifetime.
Decomposition of organic matter by micro-organisms and other living things.
The variety of life in all its forms, levels and combinations. This phrase acts as a coverall for Eco-system diversity, species diversity, and genetic diversity.
A substance, such as an enzyme, that initiates or modifies the rate of a biological process and is generally consumed in that process, in contrast with a chemical catalyst, which accelerates a chemical reaction without being consumed.
An additive which will prevent growth of bacteria or fungi. Used in paints, floor coverings and sometimes in fabrics; toxic materials which are usually only safe in low concentrations.
Materials that will decompose into naturally occurring, harmless components with exposure to air, sunlight and/or moisture.
The variability among living organisms, including diversity within species, between species and of Ecosystem.
The amount of biologically productive area a nation would need to set aside in order for global Biodiversity to be maintained. A figure of 12% is generally accepted as the minimum requirement.
A fuel produced from dry organic matter or combustible oils produced by plants. Examples of biofuel include alcohol (from fermented sugar), bio diesel from vegetable oil and wood.
A measurement of biological production of a given area over a given time period. A typical indicator of biological productivity is the annual Biomass accumulation of an Ecosystem.
Biological wastewater treatment
Purifying Wastewater in a natural or emulated wetland environment. Such systems are powered mainly by sunlight and achieve purification through the combined action of living food chains, many of which are microscopic.
The accumulation of a substance by an animal that preys on other animals that have themselves accumulated the substance. This process can deliver remarkably high concentrations of persistent chemicals or Heavy metals to top predators even if the levels in the surrounding physical environment are quite low.
The total mass of all living organisms within a biological community. In the energy production industry, it refers to living and recently living biological material which can be used as fuel or for industrial production. Most commonly biomass refers to plant matter grown for use as Biofuel, but also includes plant or animal matter used for production of fibres, chemicals or heat. Biomass may also include Biodegradable wastes that can be burnt as fuel.
A depressed landscaping area that is allowed to collect Runoff so it percolates through the soil below the area into an under-drain, thereby promoting pollutant removal.
The part of the earth and its atmosphere in which living organisms exist or that is capable of supporting life.
The living components of an Ecosystem.
Water from toilets, kitchen sink, or other dirty sources, which may be contaminated with microorganisms or harmful bacteria.
An area previously used for housing, industry or other infrastructure which then has to be cleared, de-contaminated and redeveloped for a new use.
A roof that incorporates a Substrate (laid over a waterproof membrane) that is allowed to colonise naturally.
Physical environment and systems found inside the building. Key issues include air quality, acoustics, and electromagnetic fields.
Building elements (e.g., walls, roofs, floors, windows, etc.) that enclose conditioned spaces and through which energy may be transferred to and from the exterior.
Building Related illnesses (BRI)
Illnesses caused by toxic Off-gassing from building materials or moulds, bacteria, etc. that can accumulate in HVAC systems and carpeting.
Products constructed to degrade and malfunction after only a short time of use, needing replacements.
Anything produced in the course of making another product.
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