GEF

Unit 8  |  Government and Sustainability 168 Governments also drive progress in sustainability through research and by creating markets for innovation. An exam- ple is the development of solar energy and photovoltaic cells (PV) . These resulted from research originally funded by the government to find ways to power satellites and the international space station. Governments also encourage sustainability by setting standards so businesses have a reli- able market for their products. An example is requiring new or renovated federal buildings to use green building technology, such as LED lighting or water-saving plumbing fixtures. LED lightbulbs use up to 30% less energy than incandescent bulbs, and last longer. SOLAR ENERGY Energy that is derived from the sun’s rays. PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS Solid electrical devices used in solar panels that convert energy from the sun directly into electricity; specifi- cally, they capture photons passing through the Earth’s atmosphere and convert them in to electrons. GREEN BUILDING Sustainable building design and construction practices, focusing on water and energy conservation, building mate- rials, and occupant health. LED LIGHTING Light Emitting Diodes, which are highly energy efficient lighting sources and are increasingly used in green building.