Sustainable Design
Eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and green building practices for environmentally responsible interiors.
25 terms in this category
B
Bamboo Textile
Fabric made from bamboo fibers, valued in sustainable design for bamboo's rapid growth rate, minimal need for pesticides, and the resulting textile's natural softness and antimicrobial properties.
Biophilic Design
An approach to architecture and interior design that seeks to connect building occupants with nature through direct natural elements, natural materials, and nature-inspired patterns.
C
Composting System
An integrated waste management system designed for residential or commercial use that converts organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, reducing landfill contributions and creating valuable soil amendments.
Cradle to Cradle
A design philosophy and certification program that evaluates products based on their ability to be safely cycled back into natural or industrial systems at the end of their useful life, eliminating the concept of waste.
Cross Ventilation
A natural ventilation strategy that uses strategically placed openings on opposite or adjacent walls to allow prevailing winds to flow through a building, reducing the need for mechanical cooling.
G
Green Building
The practice of designing, constructing, and operating buildings to minimize environmental impact and maximize resource efficiency throughout the building's lifecycle.
Green Roof
A roof system partially or completely covered with vegetation planted over a waterproof membrane, providing insulation, stormwater management, and habitat for wildlife while reducing the urban heat island effect.
Greywater System
A plumbing system that collects gently used water from sinks, showers, and washing machines, then filters and redirects it for landscape irrigation or toilet flushing.
L
LEED Certification
A globally recognized green building certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council that evaluates environmental performance across categories including energy, water, materials, and indoor environmental quality.
Living Wall
A vertical garden system that incorporates living plants grown on or against a wall, either freestanding or attached to an existing structure, using soil, hydroponic, or aeroponic growing methods.
Low-VOC Paint
Paint formulated with reduced levels of volatile organic compounds, minimizing the release of harmful chemicals into indoor air and contributing to healthier indoor environments.
N
Natural Insulation
Thermal insulation materials derived from renewable natural sources such as sheep's wool, cellulose, cork, hemp, or cotton, offering effective temperature regulation with lower environmental impact than synthetic alternatives.
Net-Zero Home
A residential building designed to produce as much energy as it consumes over the course of a year through a combination of extreme energy efficiency and on-site renewable energy generation.
R
Radiant Barrier
A reflective material installed in buildings, typically in attics or walls, that reduces radiant heat transfer by reflecting thermal radiation away from living spaces.
Rainwater Harvesting
The collection and storage of rainwater from rooftops or other surfaces for later use in irrigation, toilet flushing, laundry, and other non-potable applications.
Reclaimed Materials
Building and finishing materials salvaged from demolished structures, renovation projects, or other sources and repurposed for new construction or design applications.
Recycled Glass Countertop
A countertop surface manufactured from crushed recycled glass bound together with cement or resin, creating a durable, colorful, and environmentally responsible alternative to natural stone.
T
Thermal Mass
The ability of a material to absorb, store, and slowly release heat energy, used in building design to moderate indoor temperature fluctuations and reduce heating and cooling demands.
Triple-Glazed Windows
Windows constructed with three panes of glass separated by insulating gas-filled spaces, providing superior thermal insulation, sound reduction, and energy efficiency compared to single or double glazing.
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