At the heart of the toolkit is a glossary of terms currently in use in sustainable construction, and it is important that this glossary is as up-to-date, relevant and helpful as possible. In this regard, a Wiki consultation was launched to ensure that experts in the field can contribute to the success of the project and thus help in producing, from the outset, a broadly accepted set of definitions.
As defined by Wikipedia, the best known example of a Wiki,:
“A wiki is a website that allows the easy creation and editing of any number of interlinked Web pages, using a simplified markup language or a WYSIWYG text editor, within the browser. Wikis are typically powered by wiki software. Wikis are often used to create collaborative websites, to power community websites, for personal note taking, in corporate intranets, and in knowledge management systems. Most wikis serve a specific purpose, and off topic material is promptly removed by the user community. Such is the case of the collaborative encyclopedia Wikipedia. In contrast, open purpose wikis accept all sorts of content without rigid rules as to how the content should be organized.”
Following a recommendation by the European Commission, a specific Wiki on Sustainable Construction has been created. By using a wiki format, we can reach, and gain input from, the largest possible network of experts and stakeholders in this field. This ensures that all sectors are able to contribute to this valuable project, and thereby contribute to its success. The aim is to have the most comprehensive, concise and broadly accepted glossary of terms related to sustainable construction which we all understand and which we all use.
Using a Wiki format creates a collaborative Website on which to place our current working knowledge and provide easy access to users and contributors to maintain and update the contents. Anyone with internet access can read, copy and use the material. Identified contributors can also write and make changes to the content. In order to enjoy the full wiki experience and make changes, you will need to register. This can be done here
The European Economic and Social Committee has also become actively involved in the project by translating the glossary into all the official EU languages and publishing a book containg the English, French, German and Spanish versions. The book was launched in April 2011 and the other languages will are also now available in electronic format.
- Click here to download the publication in English, French, German and Spanish
- Click here to download the publication in English, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish
- Click here to download the publication in English, French, German and Dutch
- Click here to download the publication in English, Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian
- Click here to download the publication in English, Greek, Maltese and Slovenian
- Click here to download the publication in English, Danish, Finnish and Swedish
- Click here to download the publication in English, Czech, Polish and Slovak
- Click here to download the publication in English, Bulgarian, Hungarian and Romanian
The glossary has also been uploaded into the EU's InterActive Terminology for Europe database (IATE).
The European Commission has also expressed an interest in the project, and have been kept informed throughout.
For full information on the project and to take part in the Wiki, go to: www.sccommonlanguage.eu or contact Jessica Johnson (
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).
The partners are, nevertheless, aware that, in this huge undertaking, there will be inaccuracies and improvements which could be made. In the event of any suggestions, readers are therefore invited to make precise comments in preparation for future updates. These should be sent to Jessica Johnson This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .