Letter L

LANDFILL GAS - Gas generated by the natural degrading and decomposition of municipal solid waste by anaerobic microorganisms in sanitary landfills. The gases produced, carbon dioxide and methane, can be collected by a series of low-level pressure wells and can be processed into a medium Btu gas that can be burned to generate steam or electricity.

LASER - A very intense, uniform beam of electromagnetic radiation. Acronym for Light Amplification by Simulated Emission of Radiation.

L.E.D - Light Emitting Diode. These DIODES emit light when current flows from ANODE to CATHODE. They normally emit red light, but other colors are available, including INFRA-RED LEDs. They conduct current in one direction only, but can be damaged by reverse voltages.

LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT (LCA) - An objective process to evaluate the environmental burdens associated with a product, process or activity by identifying and quantifying energy and materials used and wastes released to the environment, to assess the impact of those energy and materials uses and releases on the environment, and to evaluate and implement opportunities to affect environmental improvements. See Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) at Documents section.

LOAD - In electricity, the amount of current drawn from a power souce.

LUMEN - A measure of the amount of light available from a light source equivalent to the light emitted by one candle.

LUX - A unit of illumination equal to the direct illumination on a surface that is everywhere one meter from a uniform point source of one candle; a unit of illumination that is equal to one lumen per square meter.