Terminology

carbon
A chemical element that readily forms compounds with many other elements and is a constituent of organic compounds in all known living things.
carbon dioxide (CO2)
A molecule consisting of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. A product of combustion, respiration and other natural processes. Also a greenhouse gas.
clean electrification
The process of converting combustion engines, heating and cooking appliances from fossil fuels (mainly gasoline and natural gas) to electric.
decarbonize
To move away from carbon producing appliances and machines.
heat pump
Heat pumps are electric appliances that can heat and cool a building using the refrigeration cycle, acting like reversible air conditioners.
electric induction stove
Induction stoves are a type of electric stove that use magnets to create heat directly within pots or pans. These are distinct from radiant electric stoves (which glow red) because they heat up and cool down immediately and don't stay hot after use!
geothermal energy
The natural heat emanating from the Earth’s core being conveyed by either magma or water to the Earth’s surface where it can be converted to electricity or used for heating.
greenhouse gasses (GHG)
Any gaseous compounds (such as carbon dioxide or methane) that trap heat in the atmosphere and contributes to the greenhouse effect.
greenhouse effect
The conversion of infrared light into heat. Most noticed in closed automobiles on a sunny day.
megawatt (MW)
A unit of electric power. A one megawatt power generator can power around 400-900 homes a year.
MTCO2e
Metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. "CO2e" represents an amount of global warming potential that has been standardized to one unit of carbon dioxide (CO2).
renewable energy
Electricity which is produced by either wind, solar or geothermal sources.