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.
- Daylighting
- The use of natural light, usually indirect, through windows, skylights, light shelves, and other techniques that minimize glare and heat. Daylighting in commercial buildings can help to improve worker productivity and a sense of wellbeing.
- Demand-side management (DSM)
- DSM is designed to help balance the amount of demand for energy with the capability of supply. It is particularly important with electricity because of the technical difficulties of storing it: DSM helps shift the loads between times of day or seasons to better utilise power resources. DSM also assists the reduction of overall demand for energy through, for example, improved energy efficient building services.
- District heating
- Heating provided from a local heating or energy centre via a network of pipes to serve a number of buildings in the locality. The size of the network can vary but in practice will usually be limited to a medium sized town or districts of a large city.