Air containing the maximum amount of water vapour possible at a give temperature and pressure.

Cooling summer breezes coming off the sea; useful for thermal relief in coastal areas.

The notion of season is significantly context-dependent. In temperate zones of the world, four distinct seasons are evident  (See Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring). Tropical zones generally have two seasons (Dry and Wet). Some tropical locations have a third season, the Monsoon Season.

In simple terms, it states that warm objects lose heat to their surroundings unless something is done to prevent this. 

Method for treating sewage from a single dwelling; the effluent (faeces, urine and flushing water) is discharged to a tank in which it is acted on by anaerobic bacteria in the absence of oxygen; the effluent is then discharged through effluent lines dispersed over a large area. 

A phenomenon whereby people experience ill health linked to spending time in a particular building but where no particular cause can be pinpointed.

Silica, a non-metallic element, symbol Si, is the second most abundant element, silicates being the chief comstituents of many rocks, clays and soils. Silicon is manufactured by reducing silica with with carbon in an electric furnace, and is used in glass and in making certain alloys. It has super-conducting properties and is used in a large range of electronic components, including photovoltaic cells.

A variable used to calculate a buildings cooling load and to determine heat gain through exterior surfaces.

The term is generally used to refer to the direct use of the energy of solar radiation.However, it should be remembered that it is the sun, combined with the rotation of the earth, which causes the winds used by wind-mills, and the hydrological cycle which causes the rain and thus the possibility of exploiting hydro-electric power generation.

The time at which the sun reaches the azimuth each day. Clock Time may vary considerably from Solar Time. 

Radiation from the sun, whether direct or diffuse(d), at wavelengths varying from ultra-violet through visible to infra-red (0.3 - 3.6mm); it reaches the earth at an intensity of about 1000W/m² on a surface normal to its rays.

The two moments in the year when the Sun's apparent path is farthest north or south relative to the Earth's Equator.

The capacity of a body to contain heat; measured in J/Kg.

The season following Winter during which the weather warms up and bare branches and bulbs sprout. (Tropical climates do not have a Spring: see dry season, wet season and monsoon).

The warmest season of the year. (Tropical climates do not strictly have a Summer: see dry season, wet season and monsoon).

See Temperature Swing.

An intimate partnership between two organisms in which the mutual advantages normally outweigh the disadvantages.