Energy Savings Glossary



Coal:A solid fossil fuel found in the . Coal is burned to make electricity.

Compact fluorescent lights (CFL) or Compact fluorecent (CFB): Lights that use a lot less energy than regular light bulbs. We can use compact fluorescent lights for reading lights and ceiling lights.

Energy: Energy is the ability to do work. Stored energy becomes working energy when we use it.

Energy audit: A survey that shows how much energy you use in your or apartment. It will help you find ways to use less energy.

Environment: All the natural and living things around us. The earth, air, weather, plants, and animals all make up our environment.

: Fuels formed in the ground from the remains of dead plants and animals. It takes millions of years to form fossil fuels. Oil, natural gas, and coal are fossil fuels.

Fuel: Any material that can be burned to make energy.

Natural gas: A fossil fuel found deep in the earth. Natural gas is often found with oil.

Nonrenewable fuels: Fuels that cannot be easily made or “renewed.” We can use up nonrenewable fuels. Oil, natural gas, and coal are nonrenewable fuels. Nuclear energy:Energy that comes from splitting atoms of radioactive materials, such as uranium, which leave behind radioactive wastes.

Oil:A liquid fuel found deep in the earth. Gasoline and some plastics are made from oil.

Radioactive waste:Materials left over from making nuclear energy. Radioactive waste can harm people and the environment if it is not stored safely.

Recycling:Away to reuse materials instead of just throwing them away.

Recycle mark:A design of three arrows that make up a circle. This mark tells you that you can recycle the product. It can also mean that the material is made from recycled materials.

Renewable fuels:Fuels that can be easily made or “renewed.” We can never use up renewable fuels. Types of renewable fuels are solar, wind, and energy.

Solar energy: Energy from the sun. The heat that builds up in your car when it is parked in the sun is an example of solar energy.