glossary
Welcome to our glossary of useful terms and expressions related to sustainability in the m&e sector.
You can search for definitions and explanations using our alphabetical links below or simply by scrolling through.
We hope you find these helpful and you will see as you navigate other pages on the site that each time a glossary term occurs there is a live link to its definition here.
Please contact the site editor Ewen Rose if there are other subjects you think we should include.
- Air leakage rate
- The uncontrolled movement of air in and out of a building, usually measured in cubic metres per hour per square metre of façade (see air pressure testing).
- Air permeability
- The rate of air flow passing through a known area under a prescribed air pressure.
- Air pressure testing
- Testing to measure the air leakage rate from a building, usually based on a standard 50 Pa reference pressure difference.
- Air source heat pumps
- Systems designed to extract low grade heat from the air surrounding a building and converting it into usable heat in the winter or, in reverse cycles, cooling in summer.
- Alternative Energy
- Energy derived from non-fossil fuel sources.
- Asset rating
- An energy efficiency rating given to new buildings based on their modelled energy use.