(74b) The Word Green, What Does It Mean?

The word Green is used rather so much these days and its definition means different things to different people, organizations or disciplines. To someone from the health industry, it is about using materials that are safe and non-toxic. For people working in measurements, monitoring and standards, it is about developing procedures and standards for monitoring particulates in the atmosphere, developing standards for biofuels, etc. For the energy sector it is about reducing energy and materials through energy efficiency, renewable energy, and developing better catalysts for efficient use of feedstock through process intensification. For the US department of commerce, it is about managing chemicals for export and having better international trade relations. This talk will examine the various uses of the word green by diverse individuals or groups or organizations from different government agencies, and private industries. The talk will close with an attempt to proffer a definition for the word green that will fit the meaning of the word green to all the different peoples, organizations and disciplines.