Energy Star: a rating that denotes the most energy-efficient products on the market. An Energy Star product must exceed minimum Canadian federal energy efficiency standards.
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): a certification system that sets environmental and social standards for timber products. FSC regulations ensure that wood-based materials are supplied from sources that participate in sustainable forestry practices. FSC has offices in more than 46 countries.
Grey water: waste water from sinks, showers and laundry that is reused for such purposes as flushing toilets or watering the lawn. The water should be properly treated before it is reused.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED): a building-rating system that certifies standards in the areas of sustainability, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor air quality, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Off-gassing: the process through which volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) are released into the air from common building materials such as paint, stain, varnish, carpet, insulation, flooring, kitchen cabinets and countertops, plywood, particleboard and paint strippers. This process may continue for years after a material is applied or installed.
Phantom load: the power that electrically powered products may continue to draw even after they are shut off. Any device that remains plugged in after use, such as a TV, may draw a phantom load.
Photovoltaic (PV): the capacity of photocells to convert the sun's energy into electricity. PV panels are now more affordable than ever and homeowners are incorporating them into their building designs.
Thermal mass: the quality of a material to store heat. When applied to building materials, it can help reduce the use of heating or cooling systems by relying on the absorption of more environmentally friendly energy, such as solar.
R-Value: a rating given to a building material signifying its ability to insulate by absorbing radiant heat. The better the insulation, the higher the R-value a product will receive.
Read more in Home Reno & Design and Green Renovations
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