Terms listed in this glossary are identified in context throughout the courses within this site. You can identify glossary terms links by this icon: 
Photometer — A device for measuring the optical performance of a luminaire.
Positive displacement - uses a known volume of liquid in a tiny compartment that moves with the flow of the water. Positive displacement flow meters operate by repeatedly filling and emptying these compartments. The flow rate is calculated based on the number of times these compartments are filled and emptied. The movement of a disc or piston drives an arrangement of gears that registers and records the volume of liquid exiting the meter. There are two types of positive displacement meters: nutating disc and piston.
Pressure-related metering systems - also referred to differential pressure, are based fluid flow meters, or measurement systems, where fluid is filled in a confined channel, such as a pipe, and typically includes two basic elements: a fluid immersed sensor, as the primary element of the system, and a secondary element comprising mechanical and electronic means to convert the sensed fluid dynamics into a format usable for obtaining needed information, such as rate of flow, volume of flow and mass of flowing fluid. The pressure drop is proportional to the flow velocity within the pipe.
Recommissioning — The process of commissioning a facility beyond project development and warranty phases. The purpose of recommissioning is to assure the facility performs as expected over its useful life. (Source: GSA Commissioning Program)
Sawtooth (also Angled Clerestory) — A window whose sill is above the roof line, which faces only one direction and where the roof creating the window is sloped.
Shade — A device (translucent or opaque) used to prevent a light source from being seen at normal viewing angles.
Sick Building Syndrome - the term is used to describe situations in which occupants experience health effects that appear to be linked to time spent indoors, yet no specific illness or cause can be identified. Building occupants complain of flu-like symptoms, headaches, dizziness, nausea, dry cough, dry or itchy skin, difficulty in concentrating, fatigue, eye, nose, or throat irritation, and so on. Other symptoms, such as allergies or asthma may be exacerbated by building conditions.
Sidestream Filtration - can improve cooling tower efficiency by reducing the amount of solid matter in the system. The filters continually remove suspended solids from the cooling water and purge the cooling tower sumps of any accumulated debris. The accumulated dirt is automatically purged to drain without backwashing, using the minimum amount of water.
Sky Light — Light from the skydome not including directly from the sun.
Skylight — A typically horizontal, glazed device to admit daylight into a space.
Sunlight — Light directly from the sun.
Sustainability — Providing products and services demanded by society without jeopardizing future growth and exceeding the earth's "carrying capacity". Living today in such a way so as to not have a negative impact on the ability of future generations to live likewise.
Sustainable Design — The systematic consideration during the design process, of the impact of all project components, on the sustainable use of environmental and energy resources. This means the design strives for safe, energy efficient, and environmentally responsible facilities and operations.
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