Biodegradable
An object or substance which decomposes naturally.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
The practice of leaving a natural area in a better condition than it was previously.
Biofuel
A fuel created from renewable, natural, or living sources like plants, algae, and crops.
Building Research Established Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM)
An internationally recognized assessment which sets standards for sustainability in building construction.
Carbon Footprint
The total greenhouse gas emissions created during or by a process.
Carbon Neutrality
Similar to net zero but refers to the balancing of carbon dioxide (CO2).
Carbon Offsetting
A method of counteracting carbon emissions and greenhouse gas creation through restorative activities, like tree planting.
Circular Economy
A system based on the reuse of materials and products.
Climate Change
Natural and human-made shifts in global weather and temperature.
Closed-Loop
A system of recycling a material without degrading its’ properties, allowing the loop to continue indefinitely.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
A model which makes a company more socially accountable.
Decarbonization
The process of reducing or removing CO2 output.
Deforestation
The purposeful destruction or clearing of trees and forests.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Values which prioritize and support groups and individuals from different races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, genders, and sexual orientations.
EcoVadis
A globally recognized standard which assesses a company’s sustainability.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
An assessment which categorizes the energy-efficiency of a building.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
Standards which measure a businesses’ impact and focus on the environment, wider society, and corporate governance.
Fair Trade
A trading partnership between producer and consumer which seeks to maintain equity and fairness.
Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) Biodiesel
A type of fuel made from recycled cooking oils, plant-based material, and other natural, renewable materials.
Fossil Fuel
A natural fuel made from the remains of living organisms.
Fracking
A process in which fluid is injected into the ground to access deep pockets of oil and gas.
Greenhouse Gasses (GHGs)
Gasses in the atmosphere that trap heat and increase the earth’s temperature. These include Carbon Dioxide (CO2), methane, and Nitrous Oxide.
Greenwashing
A marketing technique which deliberately misleads consumers into believing a practice is environmentally friendly.
Hydrotreated/hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO)
A biofuel made from renewable vegetable oil, animal oil or fat, and feedstock, created by using hydrogen at high temperatures and pressures.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
An internationally recognized rating system which measures the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of buildings
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
A system of measuring the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire existence from production to use to end-of-life.
Microplastics
Plastics less than five millimeters long. These have been linked to negative health effects in both animals and humans.
Net Zero
The amount of greenhouse gasses emitted by activities being equal to the amount removed by human activity.
Ozone Layer
An area in the stratosphere with a high concentration of O3 which absorbs radiation.
Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5)
Inhalable particles which measure 2.5 micrometers or smaller. Some of the toxins that make up PM2.5 lodge in major organs and have been linked to serious health problems. They are largely created by combustion.
Pollutant
A substance which has a negative impact on the natural environment and atmosphere.
Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR)
New material made from used and recycled products like plastic bottles, aluminum, and cardboard.
Renewable Energy
An energy source which does not deplete when used, i.e. wind or sun.
Scope 1 emissions
Emissions from sources that an organization directly owns or controls, e.g. using fossil fuels in transport fleets.
Scope 2 emissions
Emissions which come from purchased or acquired energy, e.g. electricity or gas used to heat or cool a building.
Scope 3 emissions
Emissions which are not generated by a company itself, but that are created by other members of a value chain, e.g. suppliers and customers of a company.
Single-Use Plastics (SUP)
Items made from plastic which can only be used once before they are thrown away or recycled.
Solar Panel, or Photovoltaic (PV) cell
A device which absorbs and converts natural lighting into electricity.
Triple Bottom Line
A business theory which focusses on maintaining social well-being, environmental health, and financial success. Also known by the ‘three P’s’ of people, planet, and prosperity.
Upcycling
The process of recycling an object or material in a way as to increase its value.