Anodizing

An environmentally safe, electrochemical process that converts aluminum surfaces into a porous aluminum oxide, thereby creating an end product with a more durable and weather-resistant finish. Aluminum alloys are anodized to increase corrosion resistance, to increase surface hardness, and to allow dyeing (coloring) or improved adhesion for paints, primers and glues. Anodizing protects aluminum parts by making the surface much harder than ordinary aluminum. Anodizing uses simple water-based chemicals that can be treated easily and which release no harmful by-products. Liquid by-products are recycled and returned to the process. Solid by-products can be isolated and diverted for use in the manufacture of alum, baking powder, cosmetics, newsprint, fertilizer and water purification systems. Anodizing creates a by-product composed primarily of aluminum hydroxide,  aluminum sulfate and water. These substances are harmless because they contain no significant amounts of heavy metals.

As relates to: http://www.anodizing.org/Anodizing/what_is_anodizing.html

Contributor: D. Schneider, Vista System

Biodegradable

Substances that break down into organic components and are absorbed into the eco-system

Contributor: D. Schneider, Vista System

Biodegradable plastics

Plastics typically made from plant or animal sources that decompose over time via the action of naturally occurring micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, etc.

Contributor: D. Schneider, Vista System

Construction waste management

The collection, transport, processing, recycling, disposal, and monitoring of waste materials. It is part of the growing movement toward a sustainable world offering a set of techniques designed to protect the environment, save resources, and conserve energy. Waste Management relies on salvage, recycling and reuse of materials.

Contributor: D. Schneider, Vista System

Degradable plastics

Oil-based plastics which break down through chemical reactions rather than via the activity of micro-organisms.

Contributor: D. Schneider, Vista System

End-of-Life Product Management

A plan to salvage, reuse or recycle material at the end of its usable life. In addition to normal recycling, Design for Disassembly (DfD) and Design for Recycling (DfR) techniques have sought to provide features as early as the design phase which make it easier to dispose of or re-cycle products. For instance, mechanical fasteners in place of adhesives allow leading sign systems to break down for reuse or recycle purposes.

Contributor: D. Schneider, Vista System

Energy Efficient Lighting

Products using less energy to do the same or better job than conventional products. With regard to electric signs, this refers to specifying more efficient lighting components that produce illumination levels equivalent to those of coventional sign products. This also refers to controlling the daily operations of electric signs by the use of astronomical timer controls. Also included are dimming capabilities, but only in cases where dimming is feasible (e.g. large electronic message centers). At present, efficiency standards for electric signs are being addressed primarily through the California Energy Commission (CEC) Title 24 standards.

As it relates to: Lighting

Contributor: D. Schneider, Vista System

Forest Stewardship Council

Coordinates responsible forest management standards, provides information about FSC certification of wood products

As it relates to: http://www.fscus.org

Contributor: D. Schneider, Vista System

Green Audit

Articulates the green strategies employed on an EGD project, in a consistent format for future reference

As it relates to: Audit developed by Naomi Pearson and the SEGD Green Committee

Contributor: D. Schneider, Vista System

Green Design

Also known as "innovation in design," this is the process by which a product is designed on the basis of material selection, the fabrication process, final disposition and Waste Hierarchy considerations. In general it represents innovation by designers as they utilize recycled materials to create recyclable and reusable products.

Contributor: D. Schneider, Vista System

Green Seal

Independent nonprofit organization that promotes environmentally responsible products

As it relates to: http://www.greenseal.org

Contributor: D. Schneider, Vista System

Greenguard Environmental Institute

Certifies products and processes in building construction Indoor air quality

As it relates to: http://www.greenguard.org

Contributor: D. Schneider, Vista System

Inert

Having few or perhaps no  chemically active properties. This term is used in reference to various materials or chemicals that typically do not combine readily with other substances to form various compounds.

Contributor: D. Schneider, Vista System

Innovation in Design

AKA "Green Design," this is the process by which a product is designed based on material selection, the fabrication process, final disposition (end of life) and Waste Hierarchy considerations. In general it refers to innovation by designers as they utilize recycled materials to create recyclable and reusable products.

Contributor: D. Schneider, Vista System

Interpretive exhibit

An exhibit and corresponding signage, common in non-formal and informal educational settings such as zoos, museums, nature centers, etc. The purpose of the information is to provide relevant background information about the object(s) being presented.

As it relates to: LEED rated projects

Contributor: D. Schneider, Vista System

LEED

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED): The Green Building Rating System is a voluntary, consensus-based national rating system for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. LEED addresses all building types and emphasizes state-of-the-art strategies in five areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials and resources selection, and indoor environmental quality.

Contributor: D. Schneider, Vista System

LEED Accredited Professionals

Individuals (APs) who have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building techniques, the LEED Green Building Rating System, and the certification process. The LEED AP program is administered by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), which was established with the support of USGBC to allow for objective, balanced management of the credentialing program.

Contributor: D. Schneider, Vista System

Life Cycle Costing

Evaluating the environmental performance of a good or service. The purchase price of a good or service is just one of the cost elements in the entire process of procuring, owning and disposing. Nevertheless, it is vital to consider all the costs incurred during a product's lifespan. This is known as ‘life-cycle costing’, in which one considers:

1. Purchase & Associated Costs
2. Operating Costs
3. End-of-life Costs

Contributor: D. Schneider, Vista System

Light Pollution

A term commonly used by individuals and organizations (e.g. International Dark-Sky Association) that seek to reduce the incidence of artificial lighting deemed as unnecessary or undesirable. Also known as "light spillage" or "light leakage."  While the term is legitimate in reference to luminaires designed to illuminate specific areas for human use, it is not appropriate for use in connection with electric signs. The purpose of an electric sign is not for general lighting but to broadcast a message. Thus, restricting dispersion of light from an illuminated sign materially damages its essential function.

Contributor: D. Schneider, Vista System

Longevity Strategy

Requires product designers to place longevity as their principal priority as they strive for sustainability via material selection, the fabrication process and final disposition.

As it relates to: sustainability

Contributor: D. Schneider, Vista System