1. Energy Efficiency:

   Using less energy to perform the same task, thereby reducing energy waste.

    

2. Renewable Energy:

   Energy from sources that are naturally replenishing but flow-limited, like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.

    

3. Sustainable Energy:

   Meeting present energy needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

    

4. Carbon Footprint:

   The total amount of greenhouse gases produced directly and indirectly by activities or accumulated over the life stages of a product.

    

5. Energy Audit:

   An assessment of the energy needs and efficiency of a building or buildings to reduce energy input without negatively affecting the output.

    

6. Green Building:

   A building that, in its design, construction or operation, reduces or eliminates negative impacts, and can create positive impacts, on our climate and natural environment.

    

7. LED Lighting:

   Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are highly efficient, as they use a fraction of the energy of traditional bulbs and have a longer lifespan.

    

8. HVAC Efficiency:

   Improving Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems to optimize energy use while maintaining comfort.

    

9. Smart Meter:

   An electronic device that records consumption of electric energy in intervals and communicates the information to the electricity supplier for monitoring and billing.

    

10. Demand Response:

    A change in the power consumption of an electric utility customer to better match the demand for power with the supply.

     

11. Energy Management System (EMS):

    A system of computer-aided tools used by operators of electric utility grids to monitor, control, and optimize the performance of the generation and/or transmission system.

     

12. Insulation:

    Using materials in buildings to reduce heat loss or heat gain by providing a barrier between areas that are significantly different in temperature.

     

13. Photovoltaic (PV) System:

    A system which uses solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity.

     

14. Energy Star:

    A program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that promotes energy efficiency by labeling devices that meet certain standards of efficiency.

     

15. Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

    Emissions of gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

     

16. Building Automation:

    The automatic centralized control of a building’s heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, and other systems.

     

17. Energy Service Company (ESCO):

    A commercial or non-profit business providing a broad range of energy solutions including designs and implementation of energy savings projects.

     

18. Passive Solar Design:

    Building design that uses sunlight for heating without active mechanical systems.

     

19. Cogeneration:

    The simultaneous production of electricity and heat, both of which are used.

     

20. Thermal Efficiency:

    The effectiveness of a heat engine or heating system in terms of the ratio of output to input energy or heat.

     

21. Variable Frequency Drive (VFD):

    A type of motor controller that drives an electric motor by varying the frequency and voltage supplied to the electric motor.

     

22. Net Zero Energy Building:

    A building with zero net energy consumption, meaning the total amount of energy used by the building annually is roughly equal to the amount of renewable energy created on-site.

     

23. Energy Retrofit:

    The modification of existing buildings or facilities to make them more energy-efficient.

     

24. Smart Grid:

    An electricity supply network that uses digital communications technology to detect and react to local changes in usage.

     

25. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA):

    The assessment of the environmental impact of a product or service throughout its lifespan, from raw material extraction through to disposal or recycling.

Understanding these terms can significantly aid businesses in implementing energy-efficient practices, reducing their environmental impact, and potentially lowering operational costs.