GREEN Glossary

Biodegradable A product or material made from plant or animal material that, after usage, is broken down quickly by other living organisms. Eco-tip: Biodegradable products are better for the environment compared to their plastic counterparts, and many biodegradable alternatives are now available such as plastic bags, servingware, etc.

Bioswale A pocket or indentation in the ground used to collect water that would otherwise run off into nearby streams, rivers and lakes.

Carbon Footprint The environmental impact we have depending on thechoices we make such as raw-material selection, energy selection, transportation,etc.

CFL Compact fluorescent light bulb.Eco-tip: In CFL bulbs, gas inside the bulbemits light when a chemical reactiontakes place. CFLs use 75 percent lessenergy than traditional (incandescent) bulbs and CFLs last up to 10 times longer.

Compost The act of recycling organic materials for fertilizer. Eco-tip: Instead of throwing away vegetable peels, coffee grounds, tea bags, eggshells and paper, these scraps can be composted along with lawn clippings, fall leaves, etc. into a rich soil supplement. Visit www.compostguide.com for more information.

Cradle-to-Cradle A term used to describe a material or product that is recycled into a new or similar product at the end of its intended life.

Cradle-to-Grave A term used to describe a material or product that isdumped in a landfill or burned at the end of its intended life.

Emission The release of any gas, particle or vapor into the environment. Energy Sta r A U.S. government sponsored program designed to help consumers save money and energy. Eco-tip: Energy Star appliances, products and materials meet strict energy efficiency guidelines and sav e you money. Look for the Energy Star label next time you buy an appliance!

Environmentally-friendly A term often used to designate a product or process that has a reduced carbon footprint when compared to other products or processes.

Fly Ash The leftover particles resulting from burning coal; often used as a filler material in concrete to cut down on raw material usage.

FSC Forest Stewardship Council is an international not-for-profit organization that seeks to find solutions to problems created by irresponsible forestry practices and to reward responsible forest management. Eco-tip: To become FSC certified, companies must comply with the 10 Forest Management Principles. Log onto www.fsc.org to find out more about the FSC principles.

Greenhouse Effect Rise in temperature that the Earth experiences because certain gases in the atmosphere trap energy from the sun.

Greenhouse Gases (GHG) Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N20).

Grey-water Post-bath or sink water used to flush toilets and for landscape watering.

LED Light emitting diode. Eco-tip: Compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, LEDs are incredibly energy efficient and can last up to a million hours.

Modular An architectural system in which separate components (like rooms) can be easily added or removed from the overall structure.

Net metering Programs that providean incentive for customers to invest in renewable energy. Customers can generate their own energy to offset consumption; meters turn backwards when energy generated exceeds electricity used. Visit www.eere.energy.gov/greenpower/resources/maps/ for more information and state-by-state availability.

Off-gas The evaporation and release of chemicals from materials (often building and home furnishing materials) that lead to unhealthy indoor living environments. For example, traditional paints, stains, carpets and flooring release toxic chemicals long after they are installed.

Photovoltaic (PV) Cell or devices that directly convert sunlight into electricity.

Real-time pricing A utility monitoring and billing structure whereby consumers are billed for the power they use on hourly market prices. This structure enables consumers to use power during non-peak times to save money. ComEd currently offers this program to consumers. Visit www.exeloncorp.com/Comed-Care_Main/ComedCare/learn/RealTime-PricingPrg/ for more information.

Renewable energy energy from sources that regenerate or reoccur such as wind or sunlight.

Sustainability Practice of making products or materials using resources that can be quickly replaced or replenished.

Urban Heat Island Effect  The phenomenon whereby metropolitan areas are significantly warmer than surrounding areas. This temperature increase currently offers this program to consumers. Visit www.exeloncorp.com/Comed-Care_Main/ComedCare/learn/RealTime-PricingPrg/ for more information. Renewable energy energy from sources that regenerate or reoccur such as wind or sunlight. Sustainability Practice of making products or materials using resources that can be quickly replaced or replenished. Urban Heat Island Effect The phenomenon whereby metropolitan areas are significantly warmer than surrounding areas. This temperature increase occurs because cities are composed of more artificial surfaces such as asphalt and concrete, and these materials easily absorb the sun’s heat, causing the temperature of the area to rise.

VOCs Volatile organic compounds (found in paints and carpet glue) are the leading cause of indoor air pollution. Eco-tip: Look for no-VOC or low-VOC paints and other home products to decrease the amount of pollution inside your home. Go to www.epa.gov/iaq/voc. html to learn more about VOCs.occurs because cities are composed of more artificial surfaces such as asphalt and concrete, and these materials easily absorb the sun’s heat, causing the temperature of the area to rise. VOCs Volatile organic compounds (found in paints and carpet glue) are the leading cause of indoor air pollution. Eco-tip: Look for no-VOC or low-VOC paints and other home products to decrease the amount of pollution insideyour home. Go to www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html to learn more about VOCs.