Decor Systems Green Glossary

Decor Systems Green Glossary

AFS - Australian Forestry Standard

A not-for-profit, membership-based organisation that promotes sustainable forest management in Australia. It is a Nationally based Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes (PEFC) accredited scheme in Australia.

Building Environmental Efficiency (BEE) Assessment Method

BEEAM refers to the Building Environmental Efficiency (BEE) Assessment Method, which is an environmental assessment method for buildings in Hong Kong. BEEAM provides a framework to evaluate the environmental performance of buildings and promote sustainable design and construction practices.

BEEAM assesses various aspects of a building's environmental impact, including energy efficiency, water usage, indoor environmental quality, site and landscape design, materials and waste management, and innovation. It provides a rating system that assigns points based on compliance with specific criteria in these areas. The higher the number of points achieved, the higher the BEEAM rating a building can attain.

The aim of BEEAM is to encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly practices and technologies in the construction and operation of buildings, ultimately promoting sustainability and reducing the environmental footprint of the built environment in Hong Kong.

Carbon

A chemical element with the symbol C and atomic number 6. Carbon emissions are a major contributor to climate change, and efforts are being made to reduce carbon footprints to combat this.

Chain of Custody

A verified mechanism for tracking certified materials from the sustainably managed forest to the final product. It is an important aspect of ensuring sustainability and responsible consumption of forest products.

EPD - Environmental Product Declaration

A standardised way of quantifying the environmental impact of a product, service or system. It includes information about a product's life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal.

Embodied Carbon

The amount of carbon emissions produced during the production of a building material or product, including the extraction of raw materials, transportation, and manufacturing.

FSC® - Forest Stewardship Council®

An independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organisation that accredits forest managers, manufacturing companies, and controlled wood products that exhibit responsible consumption of forest products.

Global GreenTag

One of the world’s most robust, trusted and widely recognised eco-labels. They independently assure that every product is fitness tested and certified under one of their two leading certification programs.

Green Acoustics

The practice of designing and managing acoustic environments in a way that minimises negative impacts on the environment while promoting human well-being.

Green Star

A certification program developed by the Green Building Council of Australia that rates the sustainability of buildings, fit-outs, and communities. It is a robust, transparent and independent assessment process that certifies projects so that they can display the Green Star Certification Trademark.

GBCA - Green Building Council Australia

The body that rates the sustainability of buildings, fit-outs, and communities through Australia’s largest national, voluntary, holistic rating system – Green Star. They also provide training and advocacy around sustainable building methods and materials.

HPD - Health Product Declaration

A standard format for reporting product content and associated health information for building products and materials. It allows manufacturers to be transparent about the ingredients used in their products and their potential health impacts.

LEED - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

One of the most widely used third-party verification systems for green buildings. LEED-certified buildings are resource-efficient, eco-friendly, and cost less money to run than non-LEED buildings. Plus, they incorporate tactics and technologies that make the building healthier for its inhabitants.

Redlist

A list of hazardous chemicals and materials that are harmful to human health and the environment. The Living Future Institute created the Redlist as part of its mission to promote healthy and sustainable building practices.

WELL Building Standard

A certification program developed by the International WELL Building Institute that focuses on the health and well-being of building occupants. It covers seven categories of building performance: air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind.