renovation of a building or site to include elements that allow a particular use or uses to occupy a space that originally was intended for a different use

land previously used for industrial or certain commercial uses that may be contaminated by low concentrations of hazardous waste or pollution but has the potential to be reused after being cleaned up

condition in which symptoms of diagnosable illness are identified and can be attributed directly to airborne building contaminants

        (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

analysis of the impact of a product from the beginning of its source gathering processes, through the end of its useful life, to disposal of all waste products. cradle-to-cradle is a related term signifying the recycling or reuse of materials at the end of their first useful life

(Green Building Encyclopedia)

waste building materials, dredging materials, tree stumps, and rubble resulting from construction, remodeling, repair, and demolition of homes, commercial buildings and other structures and pavements

(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

the process of removing materials of value from buildings prior to and during demolition for recycling or reuse.  examples include: electrical and plumbing fixtures that are reused, steel, copper, and lumber that are reused or recycled, wood flooring that is remilled, and doors and windows that are refinished for use in new construction

    (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

the energy consumed by all of the processes associated with the production of a building: the acquisition of natural resources, manufacturing the product, transportation of materials, and disposal energy

land that has never been developed that is in its natural state or being used for agricultural purposes

the greenhouse effect is a natural warming process of the earth’s surface, caused by absorption of the sun’s energy and emission of heat energy back toward space as long-wave radiation. this outgoing long-wave radiation is partially trapped by greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and water vapor which then radiate the energy in all directions, warming the earth's surface and atmosphere

(Green Building Encyclopedia)

good indoor air quality includes introduction and distribution of adequate ventilation air, control of airborne contaminants, and maintenance of acceptable temperature and relative humidity

        (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health)

Leaders in Energy and Environmental Design is a third-party certification program developed and operated by the U.S. Green Building Council, and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings

        (U.S. Green Building Council)

the design of building materials, components, information systems, and management practices to create buildings that anticipate future adaptation or disassembly.  lifecycle building reduces construction and demolition waste and greenhouse gas emissions through designs that facilitate the recovery of all systems, components, and materials

        (Lifecycle Building Challenge)

the practice of recovering building materials for use in future construction or renovation projects  to reduce the consumption of new resources and avoid landfill waste and pollution

use of environmental phenomena to cool buildings, such as natural ventilation, evaporative cooling, and radiative cooling

a process of evaporation or chemical decomposition through which vapors are released from materials, often damaging good indoor air quality

designing a building’s architectural elements to collect, store, and distribute solar resources for heating, cooling, and daylighting

material that would otherwise be destined for disposal but is diverted or separated from the waste stream, reintroduced, and processed into marketed end-products.

energy generated from natural resources which are naturally replenished —sunlight, wind, rain, tides and geothermal heat.  renewable energy technologies range from solar power, wind power, hydroelectricity/micro hydro, biomass and biofuels

        (Renewable Energy Policy Network)

condition in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified

        (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

        (World Commission on Environment and Development)

gaseous, chemical emissions from certain solids or liquids, which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects.  use of “low-VOC” products – building materials and finishes that release low (or no) levels of VOCs – help to prevent poor indoor air quality and are environmentally preferable

a strategy that decreases the amount of waste generated by reducing the quantity of materials used or reusing existing materials.  waste prevention conserves natural resources, avoids the energy needed to manufacture new products, and reduces pollution

collection of both runoff and rainwater for various purposes, such as irrigation or fountains