Glossary
| Entry | Description | Find out more | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AECB Silver/Gold | A set of energy performance standards developed by the AECB (The Sustainable Building Association) | www.carbonlite.org.uk | Green building |
| AER | Annual Equivalent Rate - the rate of interest earned within a year, irrespective of how often interest is added to your account | www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk | Financial |
| APR | Annual Percentage Rate - the overall cost of borrowing if you owe money on your mortgage | www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk | Financial |
| CSH | Code for Sustainable Homes - a standard for the sustainable design and construction of new homes, backed by the UK Government | www.planningportal.gov.uk | Green building |
| Deposit account | An account which allows you to place money with Ecology but which does not carry voting rights | Our range of accounts | Financial |
| Eco Homes | A sustainability certification scheme for new, converted or renovated homes | www.breeam.org | Green building |
| EnerPHit | A standard for retrofits which use Passivhaus principles but where the existing architecture or conservation issues mean that meeting the Passivhaus standard is not feasible | www.passivhaustrust.org.uk | Green building |
| EPC | Energy Performance Certificate - a document which gives information about the energy efficiency of your home | www.direct.gov.uk | Green building |
| FSA | Financial Services Authority - the body which regulates all financial providers in the UK | www.fsa.gov.uk | Financial |
| FSCS | Financial Services Compensation Scheme - a compensation fund for customers of failed financial organisations | www.fscs.org.uk | Financial |
| Gross | The interest rate payable before the deduction of income tax | www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk | Financial |
| IFA | Independent Financial Advisor - a professional who is authorised and regulated by the FSA to advise on suitable financial products | www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk | Financial |
| Incorporated body | A Limited Company or Industrial and Provident Society | en.wikipedia.org | Financial |
| ISA | Individual savings account - savings and investment products that earn tax-free interest | www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk | Financial |
| Net | The interest rate payable after the deduction of income tax | www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk | Financial |
| Passbook | A paper document used to record financial transactions | Our range of accounts | Financial |
| Passivhaus | A standard for buildings that reduces the need for heating and cooling, while improving interior comfort, through airtightness, insulation and mechanical ventilation | www.passivhaustrust.org.uk | Green building |
| Retrofit | Adapting an existing property to improve its energy efficiency, for example by increasing insulation or installing energy saving devices | retrofitforthefuture.org | Green building |
| Share account | An account which enables you to become a member of Ecology and have voting rights at our Annual General Meeting | Our range of accounts | Financial |
| SIPP | Self Invested Personal Pension - a type of personal pension plan that allows a more flexible approach to investments | www.pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk | Financial |
| SVR | Standard Variable Rate - a lender's standard mortgage rate, without any discounts or deals, which can move up or down | www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk | Financial |
| TCF | Treating Customers Fairly - an initiative by the FSA to ensure that financial organisations give a fair deal for their customers | www.fsa.gov.uk | Financial |
If you find a term on this site which you think we should include in the glossary, please let us know.