Cleantech Terms Glossary: Cleantech Terms in 2024
A
Adaptation
Adaptation refers to actions taken to adjust and respond to the impacts of climate change.
B
Battery Technology
Battery technology refers to the methods and materials used to store electrical energy in a battery.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms in ecosystems, including genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
Bioenergy
Bioenergy is renewable energy derived from biomass, which includes organic materials such as plant matter and animal waste.
Biofuel
Biofuel is a type of fuel derived from biomass, such as agricultural crops, residues, or waste materials, which can be used as a renewable alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
Biomass Energy
Biomass energy is energy generated from organic material, such as plants, crops, agricultural and forestry waste, and dedicated energy crops, through combustion, fermentation, or other conversion processes.
Biomimicry
Biomimicry is the practice of imitating natural processes and systems to solve human problems and create sustainable solutions.
Building Automation Systems
Building automation systems (BAS) are centralized, computer-based systems that monitor and control a building's mechanical and electrical systems.
C
Carbon Capture
Carbon capture is a process that captures carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources, such as power plants or factories, to prevent their release into the atmosphere and mitigate climate change.
Carbon Capture And Storage
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a process that captures carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources and stores them underground to mitigate climate change.
Carbon Disclosure
Carbon disclosure refers to the process of measuring and reporting an organization's greenhouse gas emissions and related information.
Carbon Disclosure Project
The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is a global initiative that encourages companies, cities, and regions to measure, manage, and disclose their environmental impact, including carbon emissions and climate-related risks.
Carbon Farming
Carbon farming involves implementing practices that sequester carbon dioxide and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural and land management systems.
Carbon Footprint
Carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide, emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product.
Carbon Footprint Reduction
Carbon footprint reduction refers to the actions and initiatives taken to decrease the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by an individual, organization, or activity.
Carbon Nanotubes
Carbon nanotubes are cylindrical carbon molecules with exceptional mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties.
Carbon Neutral
Carbon neutrality refers to achieving a net-zero carbon footprint by balancing the amount of emitted carbon dioxide with an equivalent amount removed from the atmosphere.
Carbon Neutrality
Carbon neutrality refers to achieving a net-zero carbon footprint by balancing the amount of emitted carbon dioxide with an equivalent amount removed from the atmosphere.
Carbon Offset
A carbon offset is a unit of greenhouse gas reduction or removal, typically measured in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, used to compensate for emissions produced elsewhere.
Carbon Offsetting
Carbon offsetting involves compensating for greenhouse gas emissions by funding projects that reduce or remove emissions elsewhere, such as reforestation or renewable energy projects.
Carbon Pricing
Carbon pricing is a system that places a monetary value on carbon dioxide emissions, either through taxes or a cap-and-trade market, to incentivize emission reductions.
Carbon Sequestration
Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, typically underground or in vegetation, to mitigate climate change.
Carbon Trading
Carbon trading is a market-based approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, allowing organizations to buy and sell carbon credits to meet regulatory requirements or voluntary commitments.
Carbon-Neutral Buildings
Carbon-neutral buildings are designed, constructed, and operated to have no or minimal carbon emissions during their lifecycle.
Circular Economy
A circular economy is an economic system that aims to eliminate waste and promote the continual use of resources through recycling, reusing, and remanufacturing.
Clean Energy
Clean energy refers to energy generated from renewable sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy, as well as from nuclear power with advanced safety features and waste management practices.
Clean Technology
Clean technology, also known as cleantech, refers to the use of innovative and environmentally friendly products, services, and practices to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability.
Clean Water
Clean water refers to water that is free from pollutants, contaminants, and impurities, making it safe for consumption and use.
Climate Action
Climate action refers to efforts and measures taken to mitigate and adapt to climate change, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, advocating for policy changes, and promoting sustainability.
Climate Adaptation
Climate adaptation refers to the process of adjusting and preparing for changing climate conditions, such as extreme weather events and sea-level rise, to reduce vulnerability and build resilience.
Climate Change
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature patterns and weather conditions across the planet, primarily caused by human activities and the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Climate Mitigation
Climate mitigation refers to actions and strategies to reduce or prevent greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to minimize the impact of climate change and global warming.
Climate Resilience
Climate resilience refers to the ability of natural and human systems to withstand and recover from the impacts of climate change, reducing vulnerability and adapting to changing conditions.
D
Decentralized Energy
Decentralized energy refers to the generation of electricity or heat from smaller-scale, local sources, often situated close to the point of consumption, reducing transmission losses and improving grid resilience.
Demand Response
Demand response is a strategy to shift or reduce electricity consumption during periods of high demand or when the grid is stressed.
Distributed Energy Resources
Distributed energy resources (DERs) refer to localized generation, storage, and demand management of electricity.
Distributed Generation
Distributed generation refers to the production of electricity from decentralized, smaller-scale power sources located near the point of consumption, reducing transmission losses and improving grid stability.
E
Eco-Design
Eco-design, also known as sustainable design, involves the integration of environmental considerations into the design and development of products, aiming to minimize their environmental impact.
Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly, also known as environmentally friendly, refers to products, practices, and policies that are not harmful or damaging to the environment.
Electric Vehicle
An electric vehicle (EV) is a vehicle that is powered by an electric motor and uses a rechargeable battery or other energy storage device as its primary source of propulsion.
Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs) are vehicles that are propelled by one or more electric motors.
Emission Reduction
Emission reduction refers to actions taken to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere, helping mitigate climate change and air pollution.
Emission Standards
Emission standards are regulations that set limits on the amount of pollutants that can be released into the environment.
Emissions Trading
Emissions trading, also known as cap-and-trade, is a market-based approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, allowing organizations to buy and sell allowances or credits for their emissions.
Energy Audit
An energy audit is a systematic process conducted to assess the energy use and efficiency of a building, facility, or industrial process, identifying opportunities for improvement.
Energy Auditing
Energy auditing is a process to evaluate the energy consumption and efficiency of a building or facility.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency refers to the use of technology and practices that reduce the amount of energy required to perform a specific task or provide a service.
Energy Harvesting
Energy harvesting is the process of capturing and converting ambient energy, such as light, heat, or mechanical vibrations, into usable electrical energy.
Energy Independence
Energy independence refers to a state or region's ability to meet its energy needs from domestic or locally available sources, reducing dependency on imported energy and enhancing energy security.
Energy Management System
An energy management system (EMS) is a software-based system that allows organizations to monitor, control, and optimize their energy use, ensuring efficient operation and cost savings.
Energy Poverty
Energy poverty is the lack of access to modern energy services, including electricity and clean cooking facilities.
Energy Recovery
Energy recovery refers to the conversion and utilization of waste heat or energy that would otherwise be lost, improving overall energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Energy Storage
Energy storage involves the capture and storage of energy produced at one time for use at a later time, enabling more efficient utilization of renewable energy and grid stability.
Environmental Impact Assessment
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process that assesses the potential environmental, social, and economic impacts of a proposed development project or policy, helping inform decision-making.
Environmental Stewardship
Environmental stewardship is the responsible use and protection of natural resources and ecosystems, minimizing negative impacts and promoting their long-term sustainability.
Environmental Sustainability
Environmental sustainability refers to the responsible and balanced use of natural resources and ecosystems to meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
F
Floating Solar
Floating solar refers to solar photovoltaic systems installed on water bodies, such as lakes, reservoirs, and dams.
G
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is heat energy generated and stored beneath the Earth's surface, which can be harnessed for electricity generation or heating.
Green Bond
A green bond is a financial instrument issued to raise capital for projects and activities that have positive environmental or climate benefits, such as renewable energy projects or energy-efficient buildings.
Green Bonds
Green bonds are fixed-income financial instruments that are used to fund projects with environmental benefits.
Green Building
A green building refers to a structure designed and constructed to have minimal impact on the environment, through energy efficiency, use of sustainable materials, and waste reduction.
Green Chemistry
Green chemistry, also known as sustainable chemistry, involves the design and development of chemical products and processes that minimize the use and generation of hazardous substances.
Green Computing
Green computing, also known as sustainable computing, involves the design, manufacture, use, and disposal of computers and related products in an environmentally friendly manner, reducing energy consumption and electronic waste.
Green Energy
Green energy, also known as clean energy or sustainable energy, refers to energy generated from renewable and low-carbon sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal.
Green Hydrogen
Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources, typically through water electrolysis.
Green Infrastructure
Green infrastructure refers to the network of natural and semi-natural features, such as parks, forests, and wetlands, that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits to communities.
Green Jobs
Green jobs are employment opportunities that contribute to the development and implementation of environmentally friendly products, services, or practices, resulting in reduced environmental impact and improved sustainability.
Green Roofs
Green roofs are rooftops covered with vegetation that help reduce heat loss, improve air quality, and absorb stormwater.
Green Supply Chain
A green supply chain, also known as a sustainable supply chain, is a system that incorporates environmentally friendly practices and principles into the procurement, production, and distribution of goods and services.
Green Technology
Green technology, also known as clean technology, refers to the use of innovative and environmentally friendly products, services, and practices to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability.
Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect is a natural process by which certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat, resulting in the warming of the planet's surface and lower atmosphere.
Greenhouse Gas
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are gases that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change. Examples include carbon dioxide and methane.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Greenhouse gas emissions are gases, primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, released into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change.
Greenwashing
Greenwashing refers to the deceptive practice of promoting products, services, or organizations as environmentally friendly or sustainable, without supporting evidence or meaningful action.
Grid Integration
Grid integration refers to the incorporation of renewable energy sources into the existing electricity grid system, ensuring their efficient and reliable integration.
H
Hybrid Power Systems
Hybrid power systems combine two or more renewable energy sources with traditional power generation technologies to provide a more stable and reliable source of electricity.
Hybrid Vehicle
A hybrid vehicle combines a conventional internal combustion engine propulsion system with an electric propulsion system, resulting in improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
Hydroelectric Power
Hydroelectric power refers to electricity generated by harnessing the energy of flowing water, usually from a dam or a river.
Hydropower
Hydropower is power derived from the energy of falling or fast-running water, which may be harnessed for useful purposes.
L
Life Cycle Assessment
Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a methodology to assess the environmental impacts associated with all stages of a product's life, from raw material extraction to disposal.
Life Cycle Costing
Life cycle costing is a method to assess the total cost of ownership of a product or system over its entire lifecycle, including acquisition, operation, and disposal.
Lifecycle Assessment
Lifecycle assessment (LCA) is a methodology that evaluates the environmental impacts of a product, process, or service throughout its entire lifecycle, from extraction of raw materials to disposal.
Low-Carbon Economy
A low-carbon economy is an economic model that minimizes the consumption of fossil fuels and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainable growth and the transition to renewable energy sources.
M
Microgrids
Microgrids are localized energy systems that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main electrical grid.
Mitigation
Mitigation refers to actions taken to reduce or prevent greenhouse gas emissions.
N
Net Metering
Net metering is a billing arrangement that allows customers who generate their own electricity, typically through solar panels, to receive credit for any excess electricity they export to the grid.
Net Zero
Net zero refers to achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gases emitted and the amount removed from the atmosphere, resulting in no net increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases.
Net Zero Emissions
Net zero emissions refers to achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed or offset.
Net Zero Energy
Net zero energy refers to a building or community that produces as much energy as it consumes on an annual basis, often achieved through a combination of energy efficiency measures and onsite renewable energy generation.
O
Ocean Energy
Ocean energy refers to the harnessing of energy from the ocean's waves, tides, currents, and thermal gradients, using various technologies for electricity generation.
Ocean Power
Ocean power refers to the harnessing of energy from the ocean, including waves, tides, and thermal gradients.
Offshore Wind
Offshore wind refers to wind turbines located in bodies of water, typically in the ocean.
Offshore Wind Farm
An offshore wind farm is a collection of wind turbines installed in a body of water, typically the ocean, to harness the energy of strong and consistent offshore winds for electricity generation.
P
Passive House
A passive house is a building designed and constructed to achieve high energy efficiency and thermal comfort, with little to no reliance on active heating or cooling systems.
Photovoltaic
Photovoltaic (PV) refers to the conversion of sunlight into electricity using solar cells or panels.
Pumped Hydro Storage
Pumped hydro storage is a method of storing energy by using two water reservoirs at different elevations.
R
Recycling
Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into reusable materials to prevent them from being deposited in landfills or incinerated, conserving resources and reducing environmental pollution.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy refers to energy sources that are replenished naturally and do not deplete finite resources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy.
Renewable Portfolio Standard
A renewable portfolio standard (RPS) is a policy that requires utilities to obtain a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable energy sources.
Responsible Consumption
Responsible consumption, also known as sustainable consumption, involves making informed choices and using products and resources in a way that minimizes environmental impact and promotes social well-being.
Retrofitting
Retrofitting refers to the process of modifying or adding new features, technologies, or systems to existing buildings, infrastructure, or processes to improve energy efficiency, sustainability, and functionality.
S
Smart Appliances
Smart appliances are household appliances that have internet connectivity and can be remotely monitored and controlled.
Smart Buildings
Smart buildings are buildings that utilize technologies, sensors, and automation to optimize energy consumption, reduce environmental impact, and improve occupant comfort and efficiency.
Smart Cities
Smart cities use data and technology to improve the efficiency of urban services and enhance the quality of life for their citizens.
Smart City
A smart city is an urban area that uses digital technology and data to improve the efficiency of urban services, enhance sustainability, and improve the quality of life for its residents.
Smart Grid
A smart grid refers to an electricity network that uses digital technology to efficiently monitor, control, and optimize the generation, distribution, and consumption of electricity.
Smart Home
A smart home is a residence equipped with devices and systems that can be controlled remotely or automated to optimize energy consumption, enhance security, and improve comfort.
Smart Meter
A smart meter is a digital device that measures and records electricity, gas, or water consumption in real time, providing accurate data for billing, monitoring, and efficiency purposes.
Smart Metering
Smart metering is the measurement and monitoring of energy consumption, often with real-time data, to enable more efficient energy management and billing.
Smart Transportation
Smart transportation refers to the integration of advanced technologies and intelligent systems into transportation infrastructure and vehicles to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
Solar Power
Solar power is the conversion of energy from sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaics (PV), indirectly using concentrated solar power, or a combination of both.
Sustainability
Sustainability refers to the practice of using resources in a way that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Sustainability Reporting
Sustainability reporting is the practice of disclosing an organization's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, helping to inform stakeholders and demonstrate commitment to sustainability.
Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable agriculture is a farming practice that aims to produce food, fiber, and other plant and animal products in a way that preserves the environment, supports local communities, and maintains the long-term viability of the land.
Sustainable Development
Sustainable development is a concept that aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Sustainable Packaging
Sustainable packaging involves the use of materials and design strategies that minimize environmental impact, reduce waste, and promote recycling or composting.
Sustainable Transportation
Sustainable transportation refers to modes of transportation, such as walking, cycling, public transit, and electric vehicles, that have a lower environmental impact and promote energy efficiency.
W
Waste Management
Waste management is the process of treating, storing, and disposing of waste materials in a safe and efficient manner.
Waste-To-Energy
Waste-to-energy is the process of generating electricity or heat by combusting waste materials, such as municipal solid waste or agricultural residues.
Water Conservation
Water conservation involves the responsible and efficient use of water resources, reducing water waste, and implementing practices and technologies to preserve and protect freshwater ecosystems.
Wave Energy
Wave energy is the capture and conversion of the energy carried by ocean waves into electricity, typically using devices installed offshore.
Wind Energy
Wind energy is the use of air flow through wind turbines to mechanically power generators for electric power.
Wind Turbine
A wind turbine is a device that converts the kinetic energy of wind into electrical power, consisting of a rotor, generator, and control system.
Z
Zero Waste
Zero waste is a waste management approach that aims to minimize the amount of waste generated and maximize resource recovery through recycling, composting, and other methods.