Glossary
Glossary

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a
- A Pattern LanguageChristopher Alexander’s ground breaking book first published in 1977. It is part 2 of a 3-part trilogy about the nature of the built environment. A Pattern Language includes 253 universal patterns of human nature. Selecting and organizing the relevant patterns to solve a design problem(...)
- AbsorbtionProcess whereby a porous material extracts one or more substances from an atmosphere, a mixture of gases, or a mixture of liquids. Source: (from Gatley, Understanding Psychrometrics)
- (ACH) Air Changes per HourACH is an acronym for Air Changes per Hour and is a measurement of air infiltration. It is the total volume of air in a home that is turned over in one hour. Source: http://www.energyauditingblog.com
- Adsorption(1) Process in which fluid molecules are concentrated on a surface by chemical or physical forces or both; (2) surface adherence of a material in extracting one or more substances present in an atmosphere or mixture of gases and liquids, unaccompanied by physical or chemical change. Source:(...)
- Air BarrierA system of materials that enclose a volume of air with minimal air leakage between the enclosed air and the exterior. The effectiveness or adequacy of the air barrier can be measured by the volume of air (in cubic feet per minute) that must be added or removed from the enclosure to maintain a(...)
- Air InfiltrationUncontrolled inward leakage of air (that may contain entrained water vapor) through cracks and insterstices in any building element and around windows and doors of a building, caused by the pressure effects of wind or the effect of differences in the indoor and outdoor air density. Source:(...)
- Air LeakageUncontrolled and/or unintended airflow through a building enclosure or between units of occupancy. Leakage from indoors to outdoors is known as exfiltration and leakage from outdoors to indoors is known as infiltration. Air leakage can cause indoor air quality problems, condensation, excess(...)
- Air RetarderA material or assembly that does not meet the performance requirements of an air control layer material or assembly, but that is nonetheless designed and constructed to control air flow. Source: The Passivhaus Handbook
- Air Source Heat PumpAir Source Heat Pumps absorb heat from the outside air. This heat can then be used to heat radiators, underfloor heating systems, warm air convectors and hot water in your home. It extracts heat from the outside air in the same way that a fridge extracts heat from its inside. It can get heat(...)
- AirtightnessThe degree of leakage of air through the thermal envelope. (See air permeability and air changes per hour, above). Airtightness is a property of a building. Source: The Passivhaus Handbook
- Arduino
- AsbestosNaturally occurring fibrous minerals that because of their extreme durability and fire resistance were used extensively in residential and industrial construction. The inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause serious illnesses such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Source:(...)
- (ASHRAE) American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning EngineersA building technology society with more than 50,000 members worldwide. ASHRAE’s activities include research, standards writing, publishing, and continuing education. Its areas of interest include building systems, energy efficiency, indoor air quality and sustainability within the(...)
b
- BeamA structural supporting member that resists loads primarily in bending. May be vertical or horizontal and made of any material or composite.
- BIM (Building Information Modeling)BIM is an intelligent 3D model-based process that equips architecture, engineering, and construction professionals with the insight and tools to more efficiently plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure. The National Building Information Model Standard Project(...)
- Black Eyed SusanPlant Name : Rudbeckia fulgida Height : 2'-3" Light Conditions : Sun Blooms : Summer Color : Yellow Notes : Self Sows
- Blower DoorA machine used to test the airtightness of buildings or of smaller spaces within buildings. A blower door is mounted in an opening such as a window or door and then uses a fan to pressurize or depressurize the measured space. The more airtight the space, the less air is needed from the blower(...)
- Blower Door TestTest used to determine a home’s airtightness: a powerful fan is mounted in an exterior door opening and used to pressurize or depressurize the house. By measuring the force needed to maintain a certain pressure difference, a measure of the home’s airtightness can be determined. Operating the(...)
- Building EnclosureThe system or assembly of components that provides environmental separation between the conditioned space and the exterior environment. Note: The enclosure is a special type of environmental separator. Environmental separators also exist within buildings as dividers between spaces with(...)
- Building EnvelopeExterior components of a house that provide protection from colder (and warmer) outdoor temperatures and precipitation; includes the house foundation, framed exterior walls, roof or ceiling, and insulation, and air sealing materials. Source: Green Building Advisor
- Building MorphologyBuilding Morphology in architecture is the study of the evolution of form within the built environment.
c
- CAD (Computer-Aided Design)CAD, or computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), is the use of computer technology for design and design documentation. CAD software replaces manual drafting with an automated process. AutoCAD software was the first CAD program, and it is still the most widely used CAD(...)
- CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing)CAD/CAM refers to computer software that is used to both design and manufacture products. CAD/CAM applications are used to both design a product and program manufacturing processes, specifically, CNC (computer numerical control) machining. CAD/CAM software is most often used for machining of(...)
- CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing)CAM software is used to design and manufacture products. CAM software uses the models and assemblies created in CAD software to generate tool paths that drive the machines that turn the designs into physical parts. Source: http://www.autodesk.com/solutions/cad-cam,(...)
- CaulkingSee Sealant.
- CelluloseCellulose is made from recycled newsprint and other recycled paper with one of the highest percentages of post-consumer waste content of any insulation. It is treated with recognized safe fire retardants. Cellulose insulation is blown onto attic floors, into wall and ceiling cavities, or is(...)
- Certified Passive House ConsultantAn individual who has trained (taken a Passivehouse-Institute-of-the United States [PHIUS]-recognized Certified Passive House Consultant [CPHC] course and PHIUS CPHC examination) and qualified in the principles and methodology needed to design a Passivehouse. Source: PHIUS
- Cladding
- ClimateThe exterior environmental conditions that will impose a load on the building enclosure, including temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind, and solar radiation. Dividing a map into climate zones allows designers, code bodies, and others to make recommendations based on expected regional(...)
- Climate ZoneA climate zone is a classification of the type of weather that is experienced in a specific geographic region of the world. Climate zones are differentiated based on average temperatures, precipitation, and heating degree-days (HDD) that occurs in an area. The US Department of Energy(...)
- CommisioningA quality assurance process during and following building construction, prior to occupancy. Tests and inspections should note any problems to be fixed immediately (“fix and tune”). Tests should be conducted for duct leakage, building enclosure leakage, air pressure relationships under all(...)
- CondensationThe change of state from vapor to liquid. A common factor in moisture damage. Occurs on surfaces, which must be cooler than the air containing vapor next to it. Vapor supply to the condensation surface is usually by airflow but can be by diffusion. Source: BSD-163: Controlling Cold-Weather(...)
- Conditioned SpaceThe part of the building that is designed to be thermally conditioned (heated or cooled), either for the comfort of occupants or for other reasons such as preserving temperature-sensitive goods. Source: BSI 022: The Perfect HVAC
- Connected HomeA Connected Home is a home that contains a communication network that connects security, lighting, sound, TV’s, appliances, HVAC, and energy monitoring allowing the owner to control the network from a single app on a tablet, phone, or computer both locally and remotely.
- Cooling Degree DaysHeating degree days and cooling degree days are climatological metrics used to express the magnitude of the heating or cooling load in a given location. These metrics are expressed in terms of a "base temperature" (e.g., "Cooling Degree Days Base 65 F"). Cooling degree days are calculated by(...)
- CorrosionThe deterioration of metal by chemical or electrochemical reaction resulting from exposure to weathering, moisture, chemicals or other agents or media. Source: RR-0605: Assessing the Durability Impacts of Energy Efficienct Upgrades Using Hygrothermal Modeling
- CPHBCertified Passive House Builder. An individual who has successfully completed the training and exam administered by PHIUS to build buildings that meet the Passive House building standard.
- CPHCCertified Passive House Consultant. An individual who has successfully completed the training and exam administered by PHIUS to design and engineer buildings that meet the Passive House building standard.
- CPHDCertified Passive House Designer. An individual who has successfully completed the training and exam administered by PHI to design and engineer buildings that meet the Passivhaus building standard.
d
- DaylightingThe efficient use of natural light in ways that minimize the need for artificial light in buildings. It is achieved by control strategies and adapted components which fall mainly into three categories: • conduction components - spaces used to guide or distribute light towards the interior of a(...)
- DehumidificationRemoval of water vapor from air. Source: from Gatley, Understanding Psychrometrics. Related Resources: RR-0215: Dehumidification Systems Research Results; RR-1008: Building America Special Research Project—Enhanced Dehumidification
- Dense Pack InsulationA method of insulation application that results in insulation that is less prone to air filtration and settling. Source: www.buildingscience.com.
- Dew PointThe temperature at which the relative humidity of a sample of air with constant water vapor reaches 100%. The air is saturated with water when it reaches the dew point and condensation will occur on a surface. Source: BSI-049: Confusion About Diffusion; RR-0203: Relative Humidity
- DiffusionThe movement of individual molecules through a material. The movement occurs because of concentration gradients and (to a much lesser degree) thermal gradients, independent of airflow. A mode of water vapor transport in building enclosures that is much slower than airflow. Source: BSI 049:(...)
- Drainage PlaneDrainage planes are water repellent materials (building paper, housewrap, foam insulation, etc.) which are designed and constructed to drain water. They are interconnected with flashings, window and door openings, and other penetrations of the building enclosure to provide drainage of water to(...)
- DrainedA building enclosure rain control strategy (or ground water control) that accepts that some water will penetrate the outer surface (the cladding, which “screens” rain) and removes this water back to the exterior by gravity drainage over a drainage plane, through a drainage gap, and exiting via(...)
- DurabilityThe capability of a building, assembly, component, or product to maintain serviceability over a specified time. Source: BSD 144: Increasing the Durability of Building Constructions; RR-1207: Vancouver Field Exposure Facility—Phase III Exterior Insulation Analysis
e
- Off-Site ConstructionOff-site construction refers to the planning, design, fabrication, and assembly of building elements at a location other than their final installed location to support the rapid and efficient construction of a permanent structure. Such building elements may be prefabricated in a different(...)
- (EIFS) External Insulation Finishing SystemA system which combines exterior insulation and some type of stucco cladding for buildings. Based on rain control strategy, there are two types of EIFS available in the U.S.—perfect barrier face-sealed systems and drained systems. Source: BSD-146: EIFS—Problems and Solutions, RR-0406: Face(...)
- Energy
- Energy AuditAn energy audit is an assessment of the insulation, building structure, heating and hot water systems and electrical use. It is a practical way to protect your biggest asset, save money and live healthier. Our approach to auditing is based on the House as a System concept, balancing air(...)
- Energy Performance StandardThe measure of a building energy efficiency.
- Energy Star
- EnerPHitThe Passivhaus Institut's energy performance standard for retrofits. It allows a maximum annual [specific] space heated demand of 25kWh/m^2.a and an upper airtightness limit of 1.0ACH, if the 0.6ACH target can be shown to be impracticable, and also sets requirements for individual elements of(...)
- Enthalpy
- ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator or Enthalpy Recovery Ventilator)Exchanges the energy contained in air exhausted from a building and uses this to heat or cool the building’s incoming outdoor ventilation air. Source: Zehnder Passive House Blog
- EUI
f
- Flashing
- FloorplanA horizontal section drawing showing the basic layout of a building, including the placement of walls, windows and doors.
- Foam
- Framing MemberStuds, joists, plates (tracks), bridging, bracing, and related accessories manufactured or supplied for wood or light gauge steel framing. Source: Future of Framing is Here
h
- HeaderA framing member that goes over a window, door, or other opening. A beam placed perpendicular to joists and to which joists are nailed in framing for chimney, stairway, or other opening. Source: BSI-030: Advanced Framing
- HERS
- HousewrapAny of the numerous artificial polymer rolled sheet goods designed to function as drainage planes, a class of sheathing membranes. Some are also used as part of an air barrier system. Can be made of spun-fiber polyolefin, perforated plastic films, or coated and micro-perforated polymers.(...)
- How Buildings LearnWritten by Stewart Brand, who brought us “The Whole Earth” catalog, “How Buildings Learn” explores what happens to buildings after they’re built. These post construction insights allow us to “design-in” the inevitable evolution of our rooms and spaces. Buy the Book Here
- HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator)Also known as HRV, mechanical ventilation heat recovery, or MVHR, is an energy recovery ventilation system using equipment known as a heat recovery ventilator, heat exchanger, air exchanger, or air-to-air heat exchanger which employs a counter-flow heat exchanger (countercurrent heat exchange)(...)
- HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning)HVAC equipment performs heating and/or cooling for residential, commercial or industrial buildings. The HVAC system may also be responsible for providing fresh outdoor air to dilute interior airborne contaminants such as odors from occupants, volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) emitted from(...)
i
- IAQ (Indoor Air Quality)The quality of air within buildings, in regard to both health and comfort. Indoor air often contains a complex mixture of contaminants and common pollutants, including smoke, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and molds. The level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in indoor air also relates to IAQ, and(...)
- Insulated SheathingNon-structural insulating board products with varying R-values and a wide variation in vapor permeability and drainage characteristics. Materials include expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), polyisocyanurate (most often foil-faced), rigid fiberglass, and mineral(...)
- Insulation(1) Thermal insulation: Any material which significantly slows down or retards the flow or transfer of heat. Building insulation types are classified according to form (e.g loose-fill, batt, flexible, rigid, reflective, and foamed-in-place) or material (mineral fiber, organic fiber, foam(...)
- IOT (Internet Of Things)The Internet of Things is the network of physical objects including devices, vehicles, buildings and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and network connectivity that enable these objects to collect and exchange data. Source: Internet of Things Global Standards Initiative
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- JambThe vertical side or edge of a doorway, window, or other opening. Source: Water Management Guide
- Jump DuctA flexible, short, U-shaped duct (typically 10-inch diameter) that connects a room to a common space as a pressure balancing mechanism. Jump ducts serve the same function as transfer grilles. Used when return ducts are not located in every room. Source: Info-604: Transfer Ducts and Grilles;(...)
l
- (LEED) Leadership in Energy and Environmental DesignA US sustainability rating system, broad-based and internationally recognised. LEED is a set of rating systems intended to assess the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings, homes and neighborhoods. LEED was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).(...)
- Low-E
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- MaintenanceA regular process of inspection, cleaning and minor repairs of building elements and exterior systems. Cleaning removes dirt, impurities, or extraneous matter as required on a regular basis, such as removing leaves from gutters and drains in the fall or cleaning lint from dryer vents. Minor(...)
- MembraneA thin pliable or flexible sheet forming A thin pliable or flexible sheet forming a lining, covering, or layer.a lining, covering, or layer.
- Mineral WoolA substance resembling matted wool and made from inorganic mineral material, used chiefly for packing or insulation. Source: www.cellulose.org.
- Mold
- (MVHR) Mechanical Ventilation with Heat RecoveryAlso known as heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or comfort ventilation. A whole-house ventilation system that takes out heat from the old (exhaust) air and gives it to the new (intake) air. Fresh air is delivered to living areas (e.g. living room and bedrooms) and extracted from kitchens and(...)
n
- Net ZeroA building which generates as much energy as it uses.
- Net Zero Building (NZB)
- Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB)
o
- Outdoor AirAir outside the building. Source: RR-9901: Air Distribution Fan Outside Air Damper; Info-610: Central Fan Integrated Ventilation Systems
p
- Passive House“Passive House” is today’s most energy efficient building standard. Buildings that meet the Passive House standard use 80% less energy for heating and cooling than conventional buildings yet are markedly more comfortable and healthy than traditional buildings. A Passive House conserves(...)
- Passive SolarUtilizing solar in passive manner such as with thermal masses or solar light tubes instead of actively with photovoltaic panels or solar hot water systems. Source: Energy Audit Blog
- Passivhaus StandardA residential building construction standard requiring very low levels of air leakage, very high levels of insulation, and windows with a very low U-factor. Developed in the early 1990s by Bo Adamson and Wolfgang Feist, the standard is now promoted by the Passivhaus Institut in Darmstadt,(...)
- PHI (Passivhaus Institut)The Passive House Institute (PHI) is an independent research institute lead by Dr Wolfgang Feist with a continuously growing interdisciplinary team of employees. PHI has played an especially crucial role in the development of the Passive House concept. The first pilot project (Kranichstein(...)
- PHIUS+PHIUS+ rater. An individual who has successfully completed the training and exam administered by PHIUS to verify that PHIUS precertified Passive House projects are constructed as design.. PHIUS+ raters perform onsite testing and inspection during multiple site visits to ensure QA/QC.
- PHIUS Certified Passive HouseA PHIUS certified Passive House is a building certified by the Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) to meet the PHIUS + building standard. The PHIUS + building standard is a global building energy standard designed to create comfortable, healthy, and energy efficient buildings.
- PHIUS Certified Passive House ConsultantA PHIUS CPHC (Certified Passive House Consultant) is a professional in the building industry trained by PHIUS to apply the rigorous Passive House approach to creating comfortable, healthy, and energy efficient buildings. The training is focused on the principles of passive building design and(...)
- PHIUS (Passive House Institute of the US)Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) is a 501(c)3 organization committed to making high-performance passive building principles the mainstream best building practice, and the mainstream market energy performance standard. PHIUS has trained more than 1,700 architects, engineers, energy(...)
- (PHPP) Passive House Planning Package
- Plate
- PlywoodA wood product made of three or more layers of veneer joined with glue, and usually laid with the grain of adjoining plies at right angles.
- Prefab1. A building, manufactured in standardized parts or sections ready for quick assembly and erection. 2. A structure fabricated at an offsite location and brought to the site as fully assembled for installation. 3. A broad term that encompasses several different types of building.(...)
- Pressure BoundaryThe primary air enclosure boundary separating conditioned air and unconditioned air. Typically defined by the air control layer system. Source: BSD-104: Understanding Air Barriers; Info-401: Air Barriers—Airtight Drywall Approach
- Primary EnergyPrimary energy is the raw fuel that is burned to create heat and electricity, such as natural gas or fuel oil used in onsite generation. When primary energy is consumed on site, the conversion to source energy must account for losses that are incurred in the storage, transport, and delivery(...)
- PVPhotovoltaics (PV) is a method of generating electrical power by converting solar radiation into direct current electricity using semiconductors that exhibit the photovoltaic effect. Photovoltaic power generation employs solar panels composed of a number of solar cells containing a(...)
r
- R-value
- Radiation
- Raised Heel Energy TrussA truss with a raised heel height, or the depth of the attic space at the eaves (the vertical distance from the top plate to the underside of the roof sheathing), measured at the outside wall. This leaves more room for insulation. Source:(...)
- Randek
- Energy RaterAn individual, certified to perform Building Energy Efficiency Ratings for the building type and in the rating Class for which the Rater is certified. There are three classes of residential Rater certification: Class 3 - requiring the certified capability to complete Ratings based on(...)
- Relative HumidityA measure of the quantity of water vapor in a given volume of air, expressed as a percentage of the maximum quantity of water vapor that volume can contain before it becomes saturated (after which condensation will occur). Variants : RH Source: The Passivhaus Handbook
- RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network)
s
- Sarking Membrane (WRB)A layer of flexible insulation typically installed under roof tiles when a home is being constructed. It consists of aluminum foil laminated onto paper or plastic backing with a flame retardant adhesive and fiberglass reinforcing mesh, and is manufactured in sheet form. Sarking performs a(...)
- RainscreenThe outer layer of cladding of a rainscreen wall system. "Rainscreen walls consist of the outer layer of cladding (the rainscreen), an air cavity, and a drainage plane on a rigid, water-resistant, and airtight support wall. Simple rainscreen walls, such as brick cavity walls and furred-out(...)
- SealantA flexible, polymer-based elastomeric material that is used in the assembly of the building enclosure to seal gaps, seams, or joints, making them waterproof or airtight (as part of the air or water control layers) or to provide a clean finish. Sealants are typically applied wet and may be(...)
- Sensible Heat
- Sheathing
- Site EnergySite energy represents the total nonrenewable energy consumed by a building measured on site.
- Source EnergySource energy represents the total amount of raw fuel that is required to operate the building. It incorporates all transmission, delivery, and production losses.
- SteicoWood fiber insulation. More information
- Stucco
- SustainableA resource, energy or material which can be extracted and used in a manner which is viable over an indefinite period. Compare with finite resources like petroleum. Source: Energy Audit Blog
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- Thermal ComfortDefined by Dr P. Ole Fanger as "the condition of mind which expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment." Dr Fanger identified thermal comfort as being determined by: air temperature, 'radiant' temperatures (the temperatures of walls, floor and ceiling), air movement (draughts),(...)
- Thermal Control LayerThe component or components that are designed and installed in an assembly to control the transfer of thermal energy (heat). Typically these are comprised of insulation products, radiant barriers, or trapped gaps filled with air or other gases. Source: BSI-024: Vocabulary; BSI-001: The(...)
- Thermal EnvelopeThe area of floors, walls, windows and roof or ceiling that contains the building's internal warm / heated volume. Source: The Passivhaus Handbook
- Transfer GrilleAn intentional opening used to relieve HVAC supply pressure, preventing unintentional pressurization or depressurization of spaces. Source: Info-604: Transfer Ducts and Grilles; RR-0006: Discussion of the Use of Transfer Grilles to Facilitate Return Air Flow in Central Return Systems
u
- U-factor
v
- Vapor BarrierAlso known as vapor closed, a vapor barrier is a material that has a permeance of 0.1 US perm or less. A vapor barrier is a material that is essentially vapor impermeable (e.g., metal, glass, thick plastics, unperforated epoxy paint). A vapor barrier is a Class I vapor control layer. The test(...)
- Veneer1. A non-loadbearing layer of masonry on the exterior of an enclosure. 2. A thin slice or sheet of wood or other material that is glued onto a base of wood, fibreboard, or other material to create a flat panel (furniture, counter tops, etc.).
- Vented CladdingWall cladding separated from the framed wall by an air cavity, allowing for ventilation. Source: www.buildingscience.com
- (VOC) Volitile Organic CompoundIn terms of indoor air quality, a VOC is any organic chemical compound that can evaporate under normal indoor atmospheric conditions of temperature and pressure. VOCs may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products including many building(...)
w
- WarmFormWarmFörm™ Slab Forms are remain-in-place, self-shuttering, insulated concrete formwork used to create slab-on-grade foundations. WarmFörm is based on decades of testing and tens of thousands of installed examples in Northern Europe where it is has evolved as the preferred formwork system, as(...)
- Water Resistant Barrier
- Window
- Window FrameThe stationary part of a window unit; the window sash fits into the window frame. Source: RR-1203: Measure Guideline—Wood Window Repair, Rehabilitation and Replacement
- WindwashingThe phenomenon of air movement driven by wind pressures wind passing through or behind the thermal insulation within enclosures, causing significant loss of heat flow control and potentially causing condensation. Typically occurs at exposed building edges, such as at the outside corners and(...)
z
- ZEB (Zero Energy Building)
- ZEH (Zero Energy Home)Any house that averages out to net zero energy consumption. A zero energy home produces as much energy over a year as it consumes, typically using photovoltaics, or combined heat and power (CHP) to generate electricity on site. In a zero energy home, efficiencies in the building enclosure and(...)
- ZNE (Zero Net Energy)