Embodied carbon: the greenhouse gas emissions associated with extracting, manufacturing, transporting, and installing building materials, as distinct from the operational carbon of running the building. Low-VOC: paints, adhesives, and finishes formulated to emit minimal volatile organic compounds, improving indoor air quality. Commissioning: a systematic process of verifying that a building's systems perform as designed before and after occupancy.
Net-zero energy: a building that produces as much energy on site, typically through renewables, as it consumes over a year. FSC-certified timber: wood products tracked through the Forest Stewardship Council chain of custody. Thermal bridge: a point in the building envelope where heat bypasses insulation, undermining energy performance. Daylighting: design that uses natural light to reduce electric lighting demand.