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.
- SEDBUK (Seasonal Efficiency of Domestic Boilers in the UK)
- The average annual efficiency achieved in typical domestic conditions, making reasonable assumptions about pattern of usage, climate, control, and other influences.
- Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM)
- The calculation software developed by the BRE to enable building services designers to meet the requirements of Part L of the Building Regulations (2006).
- Sinks (also 'Carbon sinks')
- Plants absorbing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than they emit.
A mechanism which removes a greenhouse gas from the atmosphere e.g. forest planting - Site waste management plan (SWMP)
Provides a structure for waste delivery and disposal at all stages during a project, identifying who is responsible for resource management, types of waste generated, and how waste will be managed and measured.
- Solar heating (also solar thermal)
- Using the energy from the sun to provide hot water for a building. Solar panels usually come in two types: flat panels or vacuum tubes.
- Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP)
- Government endorsed energy rating system for homes, giving properties a score out of 120 whereby a score of 120 is the most efficient and 0 the least.
- Sustainable development
- Development that takes account of the available materials and natural resources and does not deplete them to the detriment of future development.
- Sustainable Development Commission
The Government's independent watchdog on sustainable development. The Commission's main role is to advocate sustainable development across all sectors in the UK, review progress towards it and build consensus on the actions needed if further progress is to be achieved.
- Sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS)
- Drainage systems, which mimic as closely as possible the natural drainage of a site so as to minimise the impact of urban development on the flooding and pollution of waterways.