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.
- Balance of System (BoS)
- Parts of the photovoltaic system other than the PV array, including: switches, controls, meters, power-conditioner and storage components if any.
- Biodegradable
- The ability of a substance to naturally degrade and return its nutrients to the earth.
- Biodegradable waste
- Waste that can be broken down by a natural process of decomposition with bacteria or other organisms.
- Biodiversity
- The variety of lifeforms that make up the ecosystems of the planet and how they interact. A system made up of a community of animals, plants and bacteria and its interrelated physical and chemical environment
- Biomass fuel
- Organic matter, such as wood, crops, or vegetation, that may be converted to an energy source. Common types of biomass fuel are wood chips and wood pellets.
- BREEAM
- Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method – a way of assessing the environmental performance of buildings.
- Brown Water
- Water that has been used at least once, but that can be recycled without health risks and used in non-potable functions such as toilet flushing.
- Building Emissions Rate
- The level at which a building contributes to global warming and climate change by direct leakage of harmful gases or indirect generation of carbon dioxide from power generation.