Glossary

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Battssearch for term
The same material as is used in blanket insulation but formed into sheets, often sized to fit easily between studs. See also: Blankets
BIBSsearch for term
A patented application process (Blow In Blanket System) that combines loose-fill and mineral wool fiber glass insulation with a fine adhesive mist, then blows it into a home's cavities behind netting.
Blanketssearch for term
A material used for insulation (usually fiberglass) which may be faced or unfaced, comes in rolls, and is flexible so that it can be fit in a wide variety of spaces. There may be a vapor barrier on one side. See also: Batts
Brownfieldsearch for term
Abandoned or under-utilized industrial or commercial sites in urban, suburban or rural areas where redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination and potential health risks. EPA's Brownfields initiative helps communities mitigate potential health risks and restore the economic viability of such areas or properties.
Charrettesearch for term
A collaborative multi-day planning process that harnesses the talents and energies of all project stakeholders held in the pre-design phase to develop goals and objectives, define roles, and select strategies for maximizing the project’s environmental performance. This is when a green building rating system checklist would be introduced to the team.
Daylightingsearch for term
The controlled use of windows that allows natural light into a space to eliminate or reduce electric lighting.
Duct Worksearch for term
The structural elements used to deliver and remove air and for HVAC functions within a building. Thermal comfort, energy costs, and air quality can be significantly affected by the planning, methods and materials used for the ductwork system.
Emissivitysearch for term
The ratio of the radiation emitted by a surface to the radiation emitted by a black body at the same temperature.
Energy Heelssearch for term
Traditionally the point where the roof meets the side walls has created hard-to-insulate "cold spots" resulting in wasted energy. An energy heel is a trussA lightweight and rigid wood framework designed to be stronger than a solid beam of the same weight. which extends the wall allowing for full insulation while also adding more structural stability.
ENERGY STAR ratingsearch for term
A measure of a building’s energy performance compared with building of similar characteristics, determined by use of the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. A score of 50 represents average building performance.
Finger-Jointed Studssearch for term
This type of lumber is made by bonding shorter sections of lumber into longer lumber using structural, water-resistant adhesives. The use of shorter segments reduces warping and adds strength in addition to making the most use out of a log.
FSC Certifiedsearch for term
The Forest Stewardship Council offers certification of lumber addressing both the aspect of the management of the forest of origin and overseeing the chain of custody for best practices as the product moves through all stages of processing and distribution.
Icynenesearch for term
A renewable-based material made from castor oil used for water blown foam insulation. It is nontoxic, won't lose R-valueA unit used to measure thermal resistance, derived from the ratio of the temperature difference across an insulator and the heat flux through it; the ability of the structure to hold internal temperature. The larger the number, the more effective the insulation. over time, shrink or sag, provides acoustic insulation, and will stick to many construction materials, allowing less use of petroleum-based products for these purposes.
Infill Sitesearch for term
A building site on previously developed land that is now vacant or underutilized.
Loose-Fill Cellulose Insulationsearch for term
A method of installing loose insulation in wall cavities, using a powerful blower and a fabric containment screen, which is particularly effective for situations with small or unusually shaped areas to insulate.
Oriented Strand Boardsearch for term
Small chips of wood are pressed together and embedded in phenolic glue to make a strong material that can replace plywood and is used for structural sheathing and subflooring.
Photovoltaic (PV) panelssearch for term
Photovoltaic cells in a panel convert sunlight into electricity.
R-valuesearch for term
A unit used to measure thermal resistance, derived from the ratio of the temperature difference across an insulator and the heat flux through it; the ability of the structure to hold internal temperature. The larger the number, the more effective the insulation.
Radiant Roof Barriersearch for term
A foil sheet or coating designed to reflect solar heat rays or impede their emission.
Rigid Board Insulationsearch for term
Lightweight thermal insulation, such as polystyrene, manufactured in a rigid or semi-rigid form, for use where structural strength is not an issue. May have a finish side or be used under a finish material.
Sill Sealersearch for term
A material used to close any gaps between the foundation and the sill plate; some types are foam and rolls of solid fiberglass sized for this purpose.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficientsearch for term
SHGC is the ratio of solar heat gain through a window to incident solar heat. It includes both transmitted heat and absorbed and reradiated heat. The lower the number, the less solar heat the item transmits.
Sprayed Foamsearch for term
A liquid containing a foaming agent and a polymer is sprayed through a nozzle into wall, ceiling and floor cavities where it expands to fill the space. It does not settle or biodegrade and acts as a wind and air barrier, aiding in the efficiency of the heating and cooling system.
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)search for term
Two sheets of oriented strand boardSmall chips of wood are pressed together and embedded in phenolic glue to make a strong material that can replace plywood and is used for structural sheathing and subflooring. with solid foam insulation sandwiched between them, used for roof, wall or floor structures and providing high insulation values while using less facilitating the use of less wood.
Thermal Bridgingsearch for term
Rapid heat conduction resulting from direct contact between highly thermally conductive materials like metal and glass.
Trusssearch for term
A lightweight and rigid wood framework designed to be stronger than a solid beam of the same weight.
U-Valuesearch for term
Otherwise known as U-factor, is the amount of heat that will flow through a square foot of building cross-section experiencing a temperature difference of 1 degree Farenheight. The lower the number, the more effective the material is at insulating.
Wet Blown Insulationsearch for term
A mixture of water, adhesive and insulating material such as cellulose, rockwool or fiberglass is blown into wall and ceiling cavities. It sticks to all surfaces, forms an air seal between electrical and plumbing elements and other obstructions, does not settle, and can provide R-values of 3.5 per inch when applied at the correct density.
Whole Building Designsearch for term
Otherwise known as integrated design process, whole building designOtherwise known as integrated design process, whole building design emphasizes structured interaction between building disciplines and building elements, and begins in the pre-design phase to maximize opportunities for cost-effective green building features. This type of design is in contrast to traditional design in which building components are viewed as isolated elements, with separate budgets and decision-making processes. emphasizes structured interaction between building disciplines and building elements, and begins in the pre-design phase to maximize opportunities for cost-effective green building features. This type of design is in contrast to traditional design in which building components are viewed as isolated elements, with separate budgets and decision-making processes.