Introduction
What is LEED?
Benefits
Costs
Resources
Incentives
Glossary
Statistics

BROWNFIELD- An abandoned or underused industrial or commercial property where redevelopment is complicated by actual or perceived environmental contamination.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIVITY- Close proximity of a building to residential zones/neighborhoods and basic community services, such as schools, banks, supermarkets, etc.

DAYLIGHTING- The use of natural light to provide interior illumination.

DECONSTRUCTION- The dismantlement of a building with the intention of salvaging and recycling materials while reducing waste generation, used as an alternative to full scale demolition.

DEVELOPMENT DENSITY - A measure of development within an area, measured in square footage of floor space per acre. The LEED requirement for high development density is designed to reduce sprawl and channel new development to already developed areas with existing infrastructure.

GEOTHERMAL- The generation of power from heat stored below the earth’s surface.

GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMP- A pump that uses the constant temperature of the earth, instead of outside air, in order to heat a building's air or water supply.

GREYWATER- Wastewater generated in buildings from sources like dishwashers, laundry machines, and toilets.

GREEN ROOF- A building roof covered fully or partially by vegetation, preventing stormwater runoff and absorbing carbon dioxide from the air.

GREEN PREMIUM- An increase in project costs associated with the inclusion of green features.

HYDROELECTRIC- The generation of electricity powered by the energy of moving water.

LOW EMITTING MATERIALS- Materials (such as adhesives, sealants, paints, and carpets) giving off little or no contaminants that may be odorous, irritating and/or harmful to the comfort and well-being of installers and occupants.

NET PRESENT VALUE – A method of financial appraisal measuring the returns or losses of a long term project by comparing the value of a dollar at the time of investment to the value of that same dollar in the future.

PERMEABLE PAVEMENT- A method of paving that allows water and air movement through the paving material.

PHOTOVOLTAIC- The generation of power using solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity.

REFRIGERANT- A chemical that produces a refrigerating effect, sometimes emitting compounds that contribute to ozone depletion and global warming.

SOIL EROSION- The displacement of soil by wind, water, or other moving currents, sometimes leading to landscape degradation, ecosystem damage, or waterway pollution.

SOLAR SPACE HEAT- The use of power generated by sunlight to heat the interior of a building.

SOLAR WATER HEAT- The use of power generated by sunlight to heat water.

STORMWATER RUNOFF- Precipitation water that flows off of non-permeable surfaces rather than being absorbed into the ground.

URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT- The tendency of an urban area to be hotter than its surroundings.

VOC-VOC stands for "volitile organic compound." VOCs are emitted as gases from certain materials, including paint, and can cause negative health effects.

WATERWAY SEDIMENTATION- The flow of solid material into a body of water, often resulting in contamination of water sources with pollutants.

WHOLE –LIFE CYCLE COSTING- A method of cost assessment that examines the net efficiency and cost effectiveness of a building through all stages of its existence, encompassing planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and potential disassembly.