In biology, regeneration refers to an organism that regrows a lost part where the regrown substitute part is a copy or almost a copy of the old lost part. For example, a salamander can regenerate (or newly grow) a severed leg or tail.

In the green world, 'Regenerative' refers to product development methods with parts derived from a regenerative source with little or no significant degredation of quality. For example, recycled, salvaged, refurbished, reclaimed, remanufactured sources — or recycled content products (like salvaged lumber, wood composite lumber and recycled glass) made into a new products. For example 100% recycled glass can be made into such products as knobs or tabletop glassware with the same high quality contents.

The term "regenerative" also describes processes that restore, renew or revitalize their own sources of energy and materials, creating sustainable systems that integrate the needs of society with the integrity of nature.

Definition of Closed Loop System is The regenerative recycling process of a product where at the end of its useful life, it is biodegraded (composted), or recycled back into manufacturing production (preferably into a similar product without significant deterioration of quality - such as steel and glass).

This is an important area of study in the environmental movement. The John T. Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies offers a unique Master of Science degree in Regenerative Studies (MSRS) that prepares students to find successful solutions to environmental problems in the 21st century. For more info, http://www.csupomona.edu/~crs/graduate.html

Many other terms are used in the sustainable building industry. You can take our beginning course, or any other course to learn more — and earn continuing education credits!