Green Building

Biodegradable

Capable of decomposing under natural conditions

Carbon footprint

A measure of greenhouse gas emissions associated with an activity.

Ecosystem

A community where living organisms interact with each other and their non living environment.

Environmental sustainability

long-term maintenance of ecosystem components and functions for future generations

High-performance green building

a structure designed to conserve water and energy; use space, materials, and resources efficiently; minimize construction waste; and create a healthful indoor environment

integrated design team

all the individuals involved in a building project from early in the design process, including the design professionals, the owner's representatives, and the general contractor and subcontractors

Life-cycle assessment (LCA)

an analysis of the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with a product, process or service

Market transformation

systematic improvements in performance of a market or market segment

Regenerative design

systems based approach that goes beyond sustainability to do more than just reduce damages

Sustainability

meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs