Glossary

ENERGY STAR: a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that certifies energy efficient appliances and energy systems, some of which qualify for tax credits.

EPA: Environmental Protection Agency

FSC: Forestry Stewardship Council, an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests; a certification system that provides internationally recognized standard-setting, trademark assurance and accreditation services to companies, organizations, and communities interested in responsible forestry.

GREENGUARD: The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) was founded in 2001 with the mission of protecting human health and quality of life through programs that reduce chemical exposure and improve indoor air quality.

IAQ: Indoor Air Quality

LEED: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, Green Building Rating System, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), provides a suite of standards for environmentally sustainable construction.

USGBC: U.S. Green Building Council, non-profit organization that created and oversees the LEED building guidelines and accreditation for professionals.

V.O.C.: Volatile Organic Compounds, V.O.C.s may be natural or synthetic and are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. V.O.Cs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects.