Glossary

Albedo: See Solar Reflectance.

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE): International technical society organized to advance the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and refrigeration.

Asbestos: A naturally occurring mineral fiber used for thermal and acoustic insulation. Disturbed, damaged, or deteriorating asbestos releases fibers into building air, which, when inhaled into the lungs, can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Since the mid-1980s, use of asbestos has been banned in many countries.

Audit: An in-depth analysis of a building’s capacity to support current and future program needs. Typical systems examined include structure and envelope, mechanical, electrical, lighting, plumbing, site, hazardous materials, and life safety. Sustainability audits focus on the categories included in this Guide to Green Embassies (the Guide).

Biomass: The biological material used as a substitute for carbon-based fossil fuels. Biomass power uses a variety of technologies, including a direct-fired system, where burning the biomass heats water and generates steam that turns a turbine; and co-firing, in which biomass replaces some of the coal in a coal plant.

Biomimicry: A relatively new science that studies nature—its models, systems, processes, and elements—and then imitates or takes creative inspiration from them to solve human problems sustainably.

Biophilia: The concept (Greek for ‘love of nature’) that humans hold a biological need for connection with nature on physical, mental, and social levels, and that this connection affects our personal well-being, productivity, and societal relationships.

Building Automation System (BAS): A centralized computerized network to control devices that monitor the operation of a building’s mechanical, electrical, lighting, and security systems in order to optimize efficiency of the systems.The shape and measurement of the site area occupied by a building perimeter or horizontal roof projection. In the context of sustainability, the smaller the footprint, the less intrusion on existing environmental systems and habitats.

Building Footprint: The shape and measurement of the site area occupied by a building perimeter or horizontal roof projection. In the context of sustainability, the smaller the footprint, the less intrusion on existing environmental systems and habitats.

Carbon Footprint: The total calculation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced as a result of human activity, measured in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) output. The main human activity that emits carbon dioxide (CO2) is the combustion of fossil fuels for energy and transportation; certain industrial processes and land use changes also emit CO2.

Climate Change: Any significant change in the measures of climate lasting for an extended period of time, including major changes in temperature, precipitation, sea level rise, or wind patterns, among others, that occur over several decades or longer.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2): The primary GHG emitted through human activities. CO2 sensors are used in HVAC applications to respond to varying occupancy loads by controlling the amount of outdoor ventilation air introduced into a building to dilute indoor air contaminants, such as CO2 exhaled by occupants.

Commissioning (Cx), Re-Commissioning (Re-Cx), and Retro-Commissioning (Retro-Cx): A process of testing and balancing a building’s systems to ensure compliance with design intent, increase system efficiency and performance, and test the interdependency of the systems. Cx applies to new buildings; existing buildings undergo Re-Cx to fine-tune performance or Retro-Cx if they have never been previously commissioned.

Constructed Wetlands: A biological wastewater treatment technology designed to mimic processes found in natural wetland ecosystems. Constructed wetlands are typically shallow basins filled with filter material (usually sand or gravel) and planted with vegetation tolerant of saturated conditions. Wastewater is introduced into the basin and through the filter medium, and is discharged out of the basin as treated effluent.

Daylighting: Illumination that is provided by light from the sun—as opposed to that from an artificial light source—and that typically includes controls to dim or turn off artificial lighting when the required light levels are met by daylight.

Effluent: Treated or untreated wastewater that flows out of a treatment plant, sewer, or industrial outfall and that is generally discharged into surface water.

Embodied Energy: The total amount of energy consumed in all phases of a product or material or service life. Embodied energy extends from material extraction and harvesting to final assembly and construction, transportation and delivery to point of use, and includes deconstruction and ultimate disposal.

Ergonomics: The scientific discipline concerned with designing according to human needs, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data, and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance. Ergonomics encompasses safety, comfort, ease of use, productivity, performance, and aesthetics.

Executive Order (EO): A rule or order issued by the president to the executive branch of the government and having the force of law.

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE): The calculation used to define occupancy load for systems and infrastructure purposes. FTE represents the number of employees assigned to work an eight-hour shift, or combination of part-time employees that would equal an eight-hour shift. Visitors are also included in FTE, according to their duration of stay (e.g., four visitors staying an average of two hours each would equal one FTE).

Graywater: Synonymous with greywater. A non-industrial wastewater generated from domestic processes such as dish washing, laundry, and bathing. Graywater comprises 50-80% of residential wastewater. Graywater is distinct from blackwater, in that it does not contain contaminants such as feces or toxic chemicals.

Green Cleaning Products: Cleaning products that are as effective as traditional products, but that do not contain harsh ingredients such as toxins or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Examples of green cleaning alternatives include citrus-based solvents, baking soda, and vinegar.

Green Power: See Renewable Energy.

Green Roof: See Vegetated Roof.

Greenhouse Gas (GHG): A gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation. The primary GHGs are water vapor, CO2, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone. Other GHGs include chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride.

Greening Diplomacy Initiative (GDI): A U.S. Department of State (the Department) overarching program to lead by example and reduce the Department’s environmental footprint, comprehensively looking at both policy and implementation impacts on sustainability (see Using This Guide: Resources).

Heat Island Effect: Also known as urban heat island effect. The condition experienced in urban areas with higher temperatures than surrounding areas, due to absorbed solar radiance of dark surfaces such as roads, roofs, and other paving. Heat island effect can raise temperatures by as much as 10 degrees Celsius (⁰ C) (15 degrees Fahrenheit (⁰ F)).

Impervious Surfaces: Surfaces characterized by a reduction or elimination of precipitation infiltration on the ground plane, resulting in increased runoff. The imperviousness of a site can be calculated by the types of surfacing (e.g., asphalt, pavers, grass, shrubs, or slope) and their corresponding coefficients of runoff.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): The result of the interaction between site, climate, building system, construction techniques, contaminant sources, and building air quality as influenced by occupants. IAQ is often quantified by measuring the concentration of airborne pollutants in parts per million (ppm).

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ): The overall quality of the indoor environment, encompassing IAQ, thermal comfort, daylighting, views, acoustics, and ergonomics.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): A management policy and program that uses a combination of tactics—including authorized use of pesticides—to control what attracts or facilitates pest access in order to reduce pest populations.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO): International standard-setting body that promotes worldwide, proprietary, industrial and commercial standards.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®): An internationally adopted and recognized green building rating system developed and administered by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Light Emitting Diode (LED): A semiconductor diode that emits electroluminescent light when power is applied. The color of the emitted light depends on the composition and condition of the semiconducting material used, and can be infrared, visible, or ultraviolet. LEDs use 10% of the power and last up to five times longer than incandescent lighting.

Light Pollution: Interior or exterior lighting that is directed upward to the sky or trespasses off the property. Light pollution disrupts natural habitats and can cause adverse health effects, in addition to obscuring the stars for city dwellers and interfering with astronomical observatories.

Low Environmental Impact: Having an acceptably small impact on soil contamination, air and water pollution, noise pollution, local ecology, and geology, as determined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Minimum Efficiency Rating Value (MERV): A 16-point scale developed by ASHRAE measuring the effectiveness of air filters at capturing particulate matter ranging from 0.3 to 10 microns (μ). Higher MERV values correspond to a greater percentage of particles captured.

Municipal Water: Water provided by the local public sector through reservoirs, piping, and water treatment. In some instances municipal water may not be potable as provided, but must be treated on-site for use as domestic building or site water supply.

Photocell: A device that measures light intensity, usually to activate a switch that engages artificial lighting when the light level falls to a preset limit. Photocells are used to turn on exterior lighting when the sun goes down, or, in conjunction with daylight harvesting, to turn off interior lighting when there is adequate daylight.

Photovoltaic (PV): A renewable technology that uses specially constructed panel arrays to absorb the sun’s energy and convert it into electrical current. Appropriate use of PVs can help offset reliance on grid-produced, fossil fuel-based power.

Pollinator-Friendly Habitat: An outdoor ecosystem that specifically attracts nectar-feeding organisms such as butterflies, hummingbird moths, honey bees, and hummingbirds. The human food chain relies on the productivity of pollinators, and it is therefore beneficial to provide these organisms with appropriate habitat.

Potable Water: Water meeting EPA’s quality standards to serve as drinking water, whether or not it is used as such. Sources of potable water can include rainwater, wells, or municipal water systems, though some may require treatment.

Radon: A radioactive gas resulting from the natural decay of uranium commonly found in soils. Radon can enter buildings through cracks and other holes in building foundations and slabs. The amount of radon present in indoor air depends on the weather, soil porosity, soil moisture, and the relative pressurization of the building.

Rainwater Harvesting: The collection of rainwater to supply building water, typically requiring treatment prior to use, or to offset potable water for irrigation purposes. Rainwater harvesting minimizes municipal water use and depletion of groundwater aquifer.

Renewable Energy: Synonymous with Green Power. Power generated through the use of natural energy resources—those that do not use fossil fuels or other one-use materials. Examples include solar, wind, wave, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biofuels.

Solar Insolation: A measure of solar radiation energy received on a given surface area and recorded during a given time. Measured in megajoules per square meter (MJ/m2).

Solar Reflectance: Synonymous with Albedo. The ratio of the reflected solar energy to the incoming solar energy over wavelengths of approximately 0.3 to 2.5 micrometers (μm). A reflectance of 100% means that all of the energy striking a reflecting surface is reflected, and none of the energy is absorbed by the surface. White surfaces have the highest albedo.

Sustainability: In its environmental usage, the potential longevity of vital human ecological support systems, such as the planet’s climatic system; systems of agriculture, industry, forestry, and fisheries; and the systems on which they depend. Typically includes environmental, social, and economic considerations. In recent years, public discourse has led to a use of ‘sustainability’ in reference to the period of time over which human ecological systems can be expected to be usefully productive.

Tririga Real Estate and Environmental Sustainability (TREES): OBO’s Utility Management, Analysis, and Reporting tool (see Using This Guide: Resources).

Upcycle: Reuse so as to create a product of a higher quality or value than the original.

Variable Frequency Drive (VFD): A system for controlling the rotational speed of an electric motor by controlling the frequency of the electrical power supplied to the motor. A VFD reduces the amount of power needed to operate a motor at slower speeds when the full speed is not needed, optimizing efficiency.

Vegetated Roof: Synonymous with Green Roof. A building roof that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and soil, or a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. Vegetated roofs control stormwater run off, reduce the heat island effect, provide insulation to reduce energy consumption, attract biodiversity, and filter pollutants out of the atmosphere.

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC): A carbon compound that vaporizes (evaporates) at room temperatures. Examples of such compounds include gasoline, paint, paint thinners, adhesives, and cleaning solvents. VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritations; headaches; dizziness; visual disorders; and memory impairment. Some VOCs are known or suspected carcinogens.

Wastewater: Any water that has been adversely affected in quality by human contamination, whether industrial or residential. Called ‘blackwater’ when containing fecal matter.

Xeriscaping: Landscaping that results in water savings. In common usage, xeriscaping (from the Greek ‘xeri,’ or ‘dry’) refers to the practice of using native or adapted plants that require no supplemental irrigation.