Environmental issues glossary

A glossary of words and phrases used in green construction and sustainable development.

M

Maximum sustainable yield

The maximum amount of a Renewable resource that can be harvested over an indefinite period without causing its stock to be depleted.

Methane (CH4)

A colourless, odourless gas formed when organic matter anaerobically decomposes. Methane is about 20 times more potent than Carbon dioxide as a Greenhouse gas. Major sources include fermentation in ruminant animals, decay of organic material and Landfill.

Microclimate

The small scale climate of a site, affected by site geography, site topography, vegetation, and proximity to bodies of water, etc., which may very slightly from the prevalent regional climatic conditions.

Microcosm

Small scale example of reality

Microgeneration

The generation of zero or low-carbon heat and power by individuals, small businesses and communities to meet their own needs; technologies include small scale wind turbines, water turbines, Ground source heat pumps, solar collectors, solar electricity and Micro Combined Heat and Power installations

Mixed use development

A development in one or several buildings that combines several revenue producing uses that are integrated into a comprehensive plan, such as a project with a elements of housing, retail, and office space.

Monopoly

The situation wherein one company has the market power to control the price or availability of a good or service. If this is unregulated, the company is likely to produce fewer goods or to sell goods more expensively than would be the case in a competitive environment. In practice, a monopoly may refer to an industry where one company has power to control the sector regardless of other companies or it may refer to a sector where only one company exists.

Monopsony

A market where a single consumer of a service or good has sufficient market power to dictate the price of that good or service. One example of such a situation can occur in the electricity sector if the sector has only one main buyer of electricity.

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