East Valley Real Estate Services, Az – United Brokers Group

• ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standards
  American National Standards Institute (ANSI), American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers Inc. (ASHRAE), Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) Energy Standard for Buildings. A nationally-recognized energy standard for commercial buildings.
• Blower Door
  A test that measures the air tightness of a building.
• Building Envelope
  The separation between the interior and exterior environment of a building. Usually consisting of the roof, doors, windows, foundation and walls.
• Carbon Footprint
  A calculation of the amount of greenhouse gases produced as a result of commercial, industrial and individual activities.
• Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL)
  Small fluorescent light bulbs that can be used in place of incandescent light bulbs. CFL’s consume significantly less electricity and last 8-10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. **These bulbs cannot be thrown away, they must be disposed of properly**
• Energy Assessment
  A written report prepared by a qualified party evaluating energy usage, highlighting weak points in energy efficiency, and identifying cost-saving measures. A less rigorous process than an energy audit.
• Energy Audit
  A written report prepared by a qualified tester using methods and measurements that comply with industry standards. An audit typically involves collection of detailed data and an engineering analysis. The result is a report of detailed project costs and savings expected when an energy-efficient project is completed and operated as designed.
• Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM)
  A mortgage that figures conserved energy into the loan in the form of credits as an energy-efficiency incentive, mostly for new homes already certified as energy efficient.
• Energy Improvement Mortgage (EIM)
  A mortgage intended for existing homes for the purpose of installing energy efficiency improvements.
• ENERGYSTAR
  A certification granted by the Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy for household appliances and buildings that perform at specified levels of energy efficiency.
• Green Guides
  Guidelines published by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) providing standards for advertising claims that a product is green.
• Green Seal
  A certification for construction products, such as windows, paints, and adhesives, attesting that the products were manufactured and can be used with minimal impact on the environment.
• Greenwashing
  Falsely promoting or exaggerating the greenness of a product or service.
• Green Real Estate Designation *
  National Association of Realtors (NAR) designation designed to provide advanced training and resources to commercial and residential realtors.
• Grey water
  Water from laundry, bathing, and similar uses that can be reused for nonpotable activities.
• HERS, Home Energy Rating System
  A home energy rating that supplies credible verification for a home’s energy-efficiency using the home’s construction plans and the results of and onsite inspection.
• Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
  A measurement of the overall cleanliness of the air within a building or home.
• LEED, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
  A certification granted by the United States Building Council. The detailed rating system involves full assessment of the construction, operation, and innovation of the structure including sustainability.
• Light-Emitting Diode Lamp (LED)
  A technology that produces light by causing electrons to flow through the lamp and release energy in the form of light.
• Net metering
  A method of gaining a credit for excess electricity produced by a consumer, often by means of a wind turbine or solar paneling.
• On Demand Water Circulation Pump
  A water conservation device that rapidly moves water from a water heater to fixtures.
• On Demand Water Heater
  A device that heats water rapidly as it is dispensed from the faucet. Eliminate the need for a conventional tank water heater.
• Permeable Pavement
  A paving material that allows the penetration of water, thus significantly reducing runoff from storm water.
• Photovoltaic
  A solar energy system that captures light from the sun and converts it into electricity.
• VOC (volatile organic compound)
  An organic gas with harmful effects on air quality. VOC’s are frequently associated with paint, pesticides, carpet, and adhesives.
• Xeriscaping
  A landscaping method used in arid areas. Uses native plants that can tolerate infrequent watering.

References

National Organizations

• U.S. Green Building Council, www.usgbc.org
• National Association of Home Builders, www.nahb.org
• American Society of Interior Designers, www.asid.org
• U.S. Dept of Energy, www.eere.energy.gov
• Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa.gov

Arizona Organizations

• Arizona Dept. of Transportation-Energy Efficient License Plate
  www.azdot.gov/mvd/vehicle/energyefficient
• Arizona Dept of Commerce-Energy Efficiency Outreach
  www.azcommerce.com/Energy/Efficiency
• AZ Dept of Commerce-Non-Residential Solar & Wind Tax Credit
  www.azcommerce.com/BusAsst/Incentives/Solar+Energy+Tax+Incentives+Program
• AZ Dept. of Environmental Quality
  www.azdeq.gov
• AZ Corporation Commission-Energy Office
  www.cc.state.az.us
• Southwest Energy Efficiency Project
  www.swenergy.org