Best House Floor Plans

Going green has a language of all its own.  The concept of being “eco-friendly” or “going green” means that it is conducive for the planet, saves energy or offers other well being benefits. Best House Floor Plans compiled a list of the most commonly used eco-friendly (green) jargon.  

Carbon Footprint – An environmental measure of carbon dioxide produced from the emission of greenhouse gases. From using fuel, electricity, charging a battery, every person has carbon footprint, which ultimately impacts the planet greenhouse effect.

Compact fluorescent light (CFL) are considered energy efficient alternative to incandescent light bulbs. Since CFLs save energy overtime and the longer they are in use, these light bulbs are touted as being “green.” 

ENERGY STAR –  Certain household appliances are manufactured for energy efficiency meet a number of standards predetermined by the United State’s federally funded ENERGY STAR program.

Geothermal Energy, considered to be one of the most energy efficient means of heating the home, geothermal energy is derived from the earth.

Greenhouse gases are vapors, which entrap heat in the hemisphere, raising the planet’s temperature via the greenhouse effect. If the earth did not endure the greenhouse effect, it would be too cold for human and animal habitation. However, excessive heat is unsuitable for any life to live.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) design system for assessing commercial or residential building certification process, which meets various “green building” standards. Although LEED certifications vary by type, many consist of sustainable sites, innovation, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, indoor environmental quality, materials and resources. (All LEED certification categories have to meet a set of prerequisite requirements).

Renewable resources are energy derived from the earth’s natural resources: solar, wind and geothermal energy. All forms are considered to be less harmful for the environment than oil, coal, natural gas and nuclear power.

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)

Organic substances have the capacity to release toxic elements via vapor, solid or liquid form.
USDA Organic is a white and green stamp, indicating that produce was cultivated and processed in accordance with the organic agricultural guidelines mandated by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Click “going green terms” to review other definitions and resources.