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Alternative Energy | Energy from sources other than fossil fuels. Typically (but not always) environmentally friendly.
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Carbon Footprint | A measure of impact on the environment based on units of carbon dioxide.
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Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) | A fluorescent lamp that replaces an incandescent lamp. CFL's use less energy and have a longer rated life than incandescent bulbs, but typically do not deliver equal lumens and contain harmful toxins such as mercury.
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Demand Charge | An energy charge based on the highest demand during any 15- or 30-minute interval measured during a billing period. May be defined as a fixed charge per kilowatt or divided into rate brackets.
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Eco-friendly, green-friendly | Not harmful to the environment
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Green | having net positive environmental attributes or objectives. For instance, a product that helps the environment, but whose production harms the environment to a greater degree, would not be "green".
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Green Power | Power generated by renewable energy resources such as wind, solar, geothermal, and low-impact hydro.
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Greenwashing | Providing misleading information to conceal abuse of the environment to obtain a more positive impression.
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Energy Efficient | A product or process that requires less energy used for a given energy service (heating, cooling, lighting…) at a given level of service.
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Ratchet | Utility billing practice where the demand charge for each month or billing period) is based on the highest measured demand (or a percentage) over the previous billing period (may be seasonal or annual, or another period as defined by your utility.)
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Renewable Energy | Energy sources that can continue to provide energy indefinitely without being used up. These energy sources must renew the resource at least as fast as it is used, and must consist of natural "flows" such as wind, water, and sunlight.
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ROI (Return on Investment) | the amount of profit or cost savings realized by implementing a practice or strategy.
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Stewardship | Personal responsibility for taking care of something one does not own.
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