A

Alternative energy

Natural or industrial sources of energy or calorific energy that is lost if not recovered immediatly: biogas, flare gas, etc.

B

Bioaerosols

Solid or liquid particles suspended in air and composed of living or dead micro-organism (bacteria, molds, viruses, etc.) or compounds resulting from their metabolism or decomposition (entoxins, mycotoxyns, etc.)

Biodiversity

The full variety and variability of living organisms and the ecological complexes to which they belong. It includes three components: ecosystem diversity, or ecological diversity; animal and plant diversity, or specific diversity; diversity within a single species, or genetic diversity.

Bioenergy

Energy produced primarily from biomass that can be transformed into fuel or heat.

Biofuel

A liquid or gaseous product that can be used in the internal combustion engine of transportation vehicles. Its distinctive feature is that it is partially composed of renewable materials originating in crops and farm animals.

Biogas

decomposition of organic matter in the absence of oxygen. It contains a high percentage of methane and high calorific and energy potential. It must therefore be recovered to avoid pollution (odors and greenhouse gases). Once recovered, it can also be converted into energy.

Biomass

All plants and animals, as well as the organic waste associated with them.

Business Units

(EMS definition)

An organizational and geographical entity forming a management and consolidation level within the Division.

Byproduct energy

Energy unavoidably produced from a natural or industrial source or calorific energy that is lost when not recovered: biogas, flare gas, etc

C

Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)

A Kyoto mechanism encouraging environmental projects in developing countries. The entity that finances the project earns emission credits.

CNG

Compressed Natural Gas used as a vehicle fuel.

Cogeneration

or combined heat and power.

Process consisting in producing heat and electrical power at the same time from a single energy input. Electricity, which can be used for internal purposes or sold, is produced by a turbine or an engine. The waste heat from the exhaust fumes is recovered and channeled into a heating circuit.

Composting

One of the techniques used to recycle organic waste.This biological process treats organic waste (green waste, the fermentable portion of household waste, sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plants, etc.) by exposing it to air, which speeds up the decomposition process.This technique is used to produce compost, which can be used in agriculture.

D

Delegated Management

Delegated management is a method for operating public services or services of general interest, for which public authorities are responsible and serving local residents who pay a service charge directly to the delegated service provider. The delegated service provider is responsible for operating the service and making certain investments as needed. These VE-operated services are household and nonhazardous waste collection, treatment and disposal, water distribution, sanitation and wastewater treatment, production and distribution of energy (heating and sanitary hot water) as well as public transport.

Diester and Aquazole

Biofuels.

District heating and cooling networks

A network made up of a central production unit and a network of pipes. It makes it possible to supply public and private institutions (schools, hospitals, offices and housing units) with heat, hot water and air conditioning.