Definitions

Terrazia: A term coined by Steve Sunderman by joining Terra, the Latin word for Earth, and Zia, the Native American symbol for the sun and a balanced life.

Sustainable: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Green Design: An approach to building that minimizes harmful effects on human health and the environment.

Earth-Sheltered:: A building or structure where the exterior is fully or partially covered by earth.

Green Products: Building products with minimal toxicity, reusability, energy efficiency, eco-responsible packaging, recycled content, manufactured with minimal environmental impact, and minimal artificial materials.

LEED: Leadership In Energy and Environmental Design.

USGBC: United States Green Building Council.

Universal Design: Design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.

Construction Terms: Visit this site for an alphabetical listing of common construction terminology.