Glossary of sustainability terms

A Carbon Budget is the maximum amount of greenhouse gases (CO2e) that can be released into the atmosphere whilst limiting global warming to a specific target.

The term ‘carbon footprint’ refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases that are emitted into the atmosphere as a result of human activity.

Carbon intensity is the amount of carbon (in the form of CO2 emissions) that is emitted per unit of energy consumed.

Carbon reduction involves strategies to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from fossil fuels, which drive climate change. Businesses contribute significantly but can reduce emissions through energy efficiency, sustainable transportation, and supply chain management. Benefits include cost savings, improved brand image, and regulatory compliance, supporting environmental and business sustainability.

Cradle-to-gate refers to the assessment of a product’s environmental impact from the extraction of raw materials (the ‘cradle’) to its departure from the manufacturing facility (the ‘gate’).

Cradle to Grave is a key principle of sustainability when considering the entire lifecycle of a product, from its creation to its disposal and how each stage impacts the environment.

Global warming refers to the long-term rise in the average temperature of the Earth’s climate system.

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are crucial in shaping our planet’s climate. Their effects are pervasive and complex, impacting ecosystems and human activities alike.

Greenhushing, is where where businesses understate or deliberately keep quiet about their environmental efforts.

Greenwashing is a term that emerged in the 1980s, coined by environmentalist Jay Westerveld. It refers…

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is an international body that provides analysis of scientific information about climate change.

The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty that was adopted in Kyoto, Japan, in December 1997….

Offsetting is a method used by businesses and individuals to compensate for their carbon emissions by funding an equivalent carbon dioxide saving elsewhere.

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international accord that was adopted by nearly every nation in…

Scope 1 emissions refer to all direct emissions from the activities of an organisation or under…

Scope 2 emissions refer to the greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere due to the generation…

Scope 3 emissions refer to all indirect emissions that occur in a company’s value chain. These emissions are a result of activities from assets not owned or controlled by the reporting company.

One of the most important pieces of legislation is the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)…

Wind power uses air flow through wind turbines to mechanically power generators for electricity. It’s a…