The outdoor temperature at which a building's heat loss to the environment is equal to internal heat gains from people, lights, and equipment.
A pond designed to attenuate flows by storing Runoff during the peak flow and releasing it at a controlled rate during and after the peak flow has passed.
A measure of the overall performance of a window, rated from A-G.
The increase in the concentration of a chemical in a biological organism over time, compared to the chemical's concentration in the environment.
A chemical additive which prevents growth of bacteria or fungi. More often found in paints and floor coverings. Biocides are dangerous in large concentrations.
Decomposition of organic matter by micro-organisms and other living things.
Ethanol and diesel made from crops including corn, sugarcane and rapeseed.
Biological wastewater treatment
The use of bacteria to eat the organic material present in wastewater.
A renewable energy source, commonly used to refer to plant matter grown to generate heat or electricity. (see also: Biomass)
A shallow, landscaped depression that receives runoff from impervious surfaces.
Wastewater containing faecal matter and urine. It is also known as brown water, foul water, or sewage. It is distinct from greywater, the residues of washing processes.
BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) is a voluntary measurement rating for assessing the environmental impact of buildings. It comes in a variety of flavours according to the function of the building.
A board which is vapour permeable enough to allow it to be used externally in timber frame construction.
A membrane which allows vapour to escape whilst preventing water from entering the construction.
‘Breathing’ walls allow a significant amount of water vapour (and other gases) to be absorbed and released quickly to the outside, thereby regulating the room climate and hence indoor air quality. Much debate continues over the value and physics involved.
Local soil and rubble forms a substrate on a low-pitched or flat roof, which is allowed to colonise naturally.
The outer shell that separates the the interior and the exterior environments.