FC’s

Fluorocarbons: any of a number of organic compounds analogous to hydrocarbons in which one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced by fluorine. Once used in the United States as a propellant for domestic aerosols, they are now found mainly in coolants and some industrial processes. FCs containing chlorine are called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). They are believed to be modifying the ozone layer in the stratosphere, thereby allowing more harmful solar radiation to reach the Earth's surface.

Feebate

An anti-pollution measure that charges for socially undesirable activities and uses the funds to support more desirable ones.

Fenestration

Architectural term for windows and their placement.

Feng Shui

Pronounced fung shway. It is an ancient Chinese system relating placement of objects in a room, rooms in a building, or a building on a site to facilitate the free flow of energy (chi in Chinese) (see Vastu Shastra).

Flow

The volume of a substance passing a point per unit time (e.g., meters per second, gallons per hour, etc.)

Flow form features

The water features of a building that are not only viewed as artistic decorations, but also maintain a pleasant level of humidity and acoustics as part of the building ecology.

Flow-through planter box

A structural facility filled with topsoil and gravel and planted with vegetation. The planter is completely sealed, and a perforated collection drain is placed in its bottom and directed to an acceptable disposal point. The stormwater planter receives runoff from impervious surfaces, where it is filtered and retained for a period of time.

Fluorescent lamp

A lamp (light bulb) in which light is produced by passing an electric arc between tungsten cathodes in a tube filled with a low pressure mercury vapor and other gases. The arc excites the mercury vapor, which generates radiant energy, primarily in the ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic spectrum. This causes the phosphor coating on the inside of the tube to “fluoresce”, converting the ultraviolet into visible light.

Flush-Out

A period after finish work and prior to occupation that allows the building’s materials to cure and release volatile compounds and other toxins. A building flush-out procedure is normally followed, with specified time periods, ventilation rate, and other criteria.

Fly ash

Ash residue from high-temperature coal combustion processes. Electric power plants using western coal produce a non-toxic fly ash which can substitute for a portion of Portland cement in concrete, to produce a strong, durable concrete. Fly ash from waste incinerators is never sold for buildings.

Formaldehyde

HCHO, a colorless, pungent-smelling material used as an adhering component of glues in many composite wood products. It may cause respiratory irritation, chemical sensitivity, and other illness or injury.

Fossil fuels

Nonrenewable, naturally-occurring fuels from organic material deposited in the earth. The altered remains of once-living organisms that are burned to release energy. Examples are coal, oil, and natural gas. It takes millions of years to form fossil fuels.

Fritted glass

Ceramic fritted glass consists of a ceramic based paint screen printed onto clear, tinted, patterned or reflective glass (Pyrolytic only). The glass is then heat strengthened (tempered) which fuses the paint to the glass creating a permanent durable coating. The dot pattern 'frit' prevents UV rays from penetrating the glass and shades the sun.

FSC

Forest Stewardship Council: an independent international organization promoting responsible management of the world's forests. They develop standards and a certification system and have become a recognized trademark.

Fuel cell

A technology that uses an electrochemical process to convert energy into electrical power. Often powered by natural gas, fuel cell power is cleaner than grid-connected power sources. In addition, hot water is produced as a by-product that can be utilized as a thermal resource for the building.

Full spectrum lighting

Used as a marketing term, full spectrum light bulbs produce light that has certain desirable qualities making it similar to natural sunlight. Like natural daylight, full spectrum light bulbs produce light that is seen by the human eye in a bluish white tint. The brightness value of the light is similar to that of daylight, and the bulbs have excellent color rendering capability. This type of lighting can be recommended to mitigate Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD).

Fungi

Any of a group of parasitic lower plants that lack chlorophyll, including molds and mildews.