Building Envelope

Building Envelope

The building envelope is the separation between the interior and exterior environment of a building, consisting of the roof, doors, windows, foundation, and walls. Think of it as a building package because it contains more than just the roof. “You’ll often hear...
Blower Door Tests

Blower Door Tests

Blower door tests measure the air tightness of a building and determine the home’s air infiltration rate. How it works: A certified auditor mounts a powerful fan onto an exterior door. The fan pulls air out of the house, lowering the air pressure inside. The higher...

Groundwater

GROUNDWATER Water in the ground that flows in the spaces between soil particles and rocks. Groundwater supplies water for wells and springs.

Hydro, Hydropower or Hydroelectric Power (HEP)

(HEP) Hydro, Hydropower or Hydroelectric Power Energy in moving water can be harnessed and used to generate electricity. Since water is about a thousand times denser than air, even a slow flowing stream of water, or moderate sea swell, can yield considerable amounts...

Locavore

LOCAVORE Someone who exclusively (or at least primarily) eats foods from their local foodshed or a determined radius from their home (commonly either 100 or 250 miles, depending on location). By eating locally, most locavores hope to create a greater connection...