Item Term
Definition
17 Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a toxic (a suspected human carcinogen), colourless gas with a
pungent smell. It is often found in solvents in many building materials and fabrics,
cleaning fluids and adhesives. The most common sources of formaldehyde
emissions in buildings are particle boards, foam insulation, carpets, plywood and
other pressed-wood products. Emissions of formaldehyde are highest among the
first few months when products are new, then gradually released more slowly for a
long period of time up to years. It can also be found in cigarette smoke and gaseous
combustion products originated from gas appliances and kerosene heaters. Usually
high concentrations of formaldehyde are known to cause eye, nose and respiratory
irritation and sensitisation.
18 FSC certified wood
FSC certified wood is wood that is certified under the standards set by the Forest
Stewardship Council (FSC). FSC-certification is given to companies and landowners
to verify that they practice forestry that is consistent with FSC standards. The FSC
label on wood or paper products guarantees that consumers can trust the sources.
19 Global warming potential
Global warming potential is a relative measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas
traps in the atmosphere.
20 Greenhouse gases
The gases (carbon dioxide, water vapour, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone and various
fluorocarbons) that blanket and circle the Earth preventing solar radiation from the
sun being reflected back into space.
21 Green wall
A green wall is a wall, either free-standing or part of a building, that is partially or
completely covered with vegetation and, in some cases, soil or an inorganic growing
medium.
22 Green roof
A green roof or living roof is a roof of a building that is partially or completely covered
with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane.
23 Grey water
Grey water is water with a quality between fresh water and sewage water. In a
building, grey water is the water leftover from baths, showers, hand basins, kitchen
sinks, floor drains, etc.
24 Illuminance levels
The amount of luminous flux falling on the surface of a unit area, measured in units
of lux or lumen/m
2
.
25 Independent
commissioning authority
The individual designated to organise, lead and review the completion of
commissioning process activities, and who facilitates communication between the
owner, designer and contractor to ensure that complex systems are installed and
function properly.
26 IAQ certificate issuing
bodies (CIB)
Professionals who can issue and endorse IAQ reports and certificates, which serve
as a proof of quality work, under the Hong Kong Inspection Body Accreditation
Scheme (HKIAS).
27 Indoor air quality (IAQ)
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a term referring to the air quality within and around
buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building
occupants. Indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are
the primary cause of indoor air quality problems. Inadequate ventilation can increase
indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions
from indoor sources, and by not carrying indoor air pollutants out of the building.
High temperature and humidity levels can also increase concentrations of some
pollutants, making the IAQ strongly associated with air conditioning and its inherent
costs. Basic approaches to control indoor air pollution include source control, source
isolation, increased ventilation, dehumidification and the use of filters.
28 Integrated heat pump
A heat pump that simultaneously can provide heating, hot water, and air conditioning
within only one system.
29 Inverter A/C
An inverter air-conditioning system allows frequency conversion and adjustment of
the compressor from low power to high power to meet cooling and heating needs.
30 ISO standard
The International Organisation for Standardisation, known as ISO, is an international
standard-setting body composed of representatives from various national standards
organisations.
31 Life cycle cost
Economic cost of a product or building over its expected life, including initial cost,
operating cost and, when appropriate, cost of disposal or demolition.
Appendix F
214 Hong Kong Green Shop Guide
