Environmental issues glossary

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

W

Watercourse

A term including all rivers, streams ditches drains cuts culverts dykes sluices and passages through which water flows.

Waste management

Strategies which reduce the likelihood of waste being produced, and that deal with waste when it is produced.

Waste water

The spent used water of a community or industry which usually contains dissolved and suspended matter.

Weatherstripping

Thin strips of metal, rubber, vinyl or foam around doors and windows that prevent infiltration of air or moisture.

Wetland

A pond that has a high proportion of emergent vegetation in relation to open water.

Whole-of-life cost

The integration of life cost analysis and life cycle assessment and analysis in project planning, assessment, design and management decisions, so that all economic and environmental costs and considerations are integrated into decision-making processes.

Whole systems thinking

A process through which the interconnections of systems are actively considered, and solutions are sought that address multiple problems at the same time.

Willingness-to-pay

The amount an individual is willing to pay to acquire some good or service. This amount can be elicited from the individual's stated or revealed preferences.

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