GLOSSARY OF TERMS.
WTF are Carbon Credits, Net Zero, LCA, SDGs, Regeneration, Sequestration?? đ¤ˇââī¸
If you are as confused as we were about all of the jargon used,
below is a glossary of some of the top terms thrown around in Sustainability.
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A mode of transportation that relies on human-powered mobility, such as walking or cycling, to reduce the environmental impact of commuting.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/active-transport
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The process of establishing a forest, or stand of trees, in an area where there was no forest.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/afforestation
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A non-binding action plan of the United Nations for sustainable development, adopted in 1992.
https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/outcomedocuments/agenda21
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Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal power.
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Materials or products that can naturally decompose, like compostable food containers.
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The variety and variability of life forms within an ecosystem, such as the diverse species in a rainforest.
https://www.cbd.int/what
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Innovation inspired by nature, where solutions to human challenges are found in natural adaptations and processes.
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An economic framework that promotes sustainable use of ocean resources and ecosystems to drive economic growth.
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The strategy or plan that outlines how an organisation creates, delivers, and captures value, often with sustainability considerations.
https://hbr.org/2014/01/why-business-model-innovation-matters
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An organisation's capacity to adapt and recover from disruptions or crises while maintaining its operations, often incorporating sustainability measures.
https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/services/advisory/consulting/sustainability/resilience.html
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The process of fundamentally changing an organisation's strategies, culture, and operations to become more sustainable.
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The reduction or removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the atmosphere through various methods and technologies, aimed at mitigating climate change and achieving net-zero emissions.
https://www.environment.gov.au/climate-change/government/emissions-reduction-fund/about
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A permit that allows an organisation or individual to emit a specified amount of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases, often used as part of emissions trading schemes.
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A greenhouse gas that is released into the atmosphere from various human activities and natural processes, contributing to global warming and climate change.
https://www.aer.gov.au/consumers/gas-and-electricity-bills/understanding-your-bill/glossary#K
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The release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, primarily from human activities such as burning fossil fuels.
https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/sources-greenhouse-gas-emissions
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Item descriptionThe total amount of greenhouse gases, like CO2 and methane, produced by an individual, organisation, or product.
https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/basic-information-greenhouse-gas-inventories
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Achieving a state where an entity's carbon emissions are balanced by carbon removal or offsetting measures.
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The practice of compensating for one's carbon emissions by investing in projects or activities that reduce or capture an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide.
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A state where an entity removes more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it emits, contributing to a net reduction in atmospheric carbon levels.
https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/carbon-positive-or-carbon-negative-building
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The process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide to prevent it from entering the atmosphere, often through reforestation or carbon capture technologies.
https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-land-use-and-land-cover
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An economic model focused on reducing waste and promoting resource recycling, exemplified by clothing recycling programs.
https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular-economy/concept
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An approach to clothing and textiles that promotes recycling, upcycling, and sustainable materials to reduce the fashion industry's environmental impact.
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A United Nations Sustainable Development Goal focused on ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all.
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Actions taken to mitigate and adapt to climate change, often involving policies, technologies, and individual behaviours.
https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement
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Long-term changes in Earth's climate patterns, including global warming leading to more frequent heatwaves.
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A collaborative approach involving multiple stakeholders working together to address complex social and environmental challenges.
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Materials or products that can break down into organic matter under certain conditions, such as compostable packaging.
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/media-resources/truth-advertising/green-guides
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A business philosophy that emphasises a higher purpose beyond profit, often including social and environmental responsibilities.
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The practice of making mindful and ethical choices as a consumer, often considering the environmental and social impacts of products.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-human-beast/201807/the-truth-about-conscious-consumerism
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A company's commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices, like donating a portion of profits to environmental causes.
https://www.csrwire.com/pages/what-is-corporate-social-responsibility
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The practice of organisations disclosing their economic, environmental, and social impacts in sustainability reports.
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Raising funds from a large number of individuals, often through online platforms, to support sustainable projects or initiatives.
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The concept of separating economic growth from environmental impacts by reducing resource consumption and pollution.
https://www.unenvironment.org/explore-topics/resource-efficiency/what-we-do/decoupling
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An economic theory that aims to balance human well-being with planetary boundaries, ensuring both social equity and environmental sustainability.
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Electronic waste, including discarded electronic devices and equipment, often containing hazardous materials.
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Technologies that are based on scientific discoveries and engineering innovations, often with the potential to address complex environmental challenges.
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Products or practices that are environmentally friendly and have minimal impact on the environment.
https://www.epa.gov/greenerproducts/about-greener-products
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The benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, such as clean water, pollination, and climate regulation.
https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-insights/perspectives/ecosystem-services-explained/
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A vehicle powered by electricity stored in batteries or fuel cells.
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A market-based approach to controlling carbon emissions, often involving the buying and selling of emission allowances.
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A process for evaluating the potential environmental effects of a proposed project, plan, or policy.
https://www.epa.gov/environmental-topics/environmental-impact-assessment
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A structured framework for managing an organisation's environmental impacts and improving sustainability performance.
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Investing in companies or projects that align with ethical and sustainable values, often considering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.
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A movement promoting fair wages and ethical treatment for workers in developing countries, as seen in fair trade coffee production.
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The long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to the greenhouse effect caused by greenhouse gases.
https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-global-temperature
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Gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere and contribute to global warming.
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Misleading marketing to create a false impression of environmental responsibility, often seen in claims of "green" products.
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/media-resources/truth-advertising/green-guides
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Fundamental rights and freedoms that all individuals are entitled to, often intersecting with sustainability in terms of social justice and equity.
https://www.un.org/en/sections/issues-depth/human-rights/index.html
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A vehicle that combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, often resulting in improved fuel efficiency.
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Economic growth that benefits all members of society, reducing income inequality and promoting sustainability.
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/01/what-is-inclusive-growth/
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A reporting framework that combines financial and non-financial information, including environmental and social performance, to provide a holistic view of an organisation's value.
https://integratedreporting.org/what-is-integrated-reporting/
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A unit of energy equal to one kilowatt of power expended for one hour, commonly used in electricity billing.
https://www.aer.gov.au/consumers/gas-and-electricity-bills/understanding-your-bill/glossary#K
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A United Nations Sustainable Development Goal dedicated to conserving and sustainably using oceans, seas, and marine resources.
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An evaluation of the environmental impact of a product throughout its lifecycle.
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A United Nations Sustainable Development Goal aiming to protect, restore, and sustainably manage terrestrial ecosystems.
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Providing financial services, such as small loans, to individuals or businesses in underserved communities to support economic development and poverty reduction.
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A small-scale, localised energy system that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main grid.
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Tiny plastic particles, often less than 5 mm in size, that can be harmful to aquatic ecosystems and human health.
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The practice of forced labor, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation, often associated with unethical labor practices in supply chains.
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The value of natural resources and ecosystems in supporting human well-being and economic activities.
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Approaches to environmental and climate challenges that harness the benefits of nature, such as reforestation and wetland restoration.
https://www.iucn.org/resources/issues-briefs/nature-based-solutions
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A building that produces as much energy as it consumes, typically through renewable energy sources and energy-efficient design.
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The ongoing decrease in the pH of the Earth's oceans due to the absorption of excess atmospheric carbon dioxide, causing harm to marine life.
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An international treaty aimed at limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement
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The responsibility of manufacturers and producers to manage the environmental and social impacts of their products throughout their lifecycle.
https://www.epa.gov/hwgenerators/hazardous-waste-stewardship
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Materials or products that can be collected and processed for recycling into new products.
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The process of converting waste materials into reusable materials to reduce the consumption of new resources.
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A sustainable development approach that aims to restore, renew, or revitalise natural and human systems, often applied in regenerative agriculture.
https://www.regenerationinternational.org/why-regenerative-agriculture/
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The process of restoring used products to like-new condition, reducing waste and conserving resources.
https://www.remanufacturing.org.uk/about-us/about-remanufacturing
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Energy derived from sources that are naturally replenished, such as wind and sunlight.
https://www.energy.gov/eere/renewables/energy-sources/renewable-energy
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A regulation mandating that a percentage of a region's energy must come from renewable sources, promoting clean energy use.
https://www.ncsl.org/research/energy/renewable-portfolio-standards.aspx
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A United Nations Sustainable Development Goal promoting sustainable resource use and waste reduction.
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The process of returning ecosystems or habitats to their natural or original state, often through ecological restoration projects.
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Greenhouse gas emission reduction targets set by companies in alignment with climate science to limit global warming.
https://sciencebasedtargets.org/what-is-science-based-targets/
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Refers to direct greenhouse gas emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by an organisation, such as emissions from on-site fuel combustion.
https://www.epa.gov/greeningepa/understanding-scope-1-2-and-3-ghg-emissions
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Refers to indirect greenhouse gas emissions from the consumption of purchased electricity, heat, or steam. It is associated with the generation of electricity off-site.
https://www.epa.gov/greeningepa/understanding-scope-1-2-and-3-ghg-emissions
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Refers to indirect greenhouse gas emissions that occur in the value chain of an organisation, including emissions from suppliers, customers, and product use.
https://www.epa.gov/greeningepa/understanding-scope-1-2-and-3-ghg-emissions
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A business strategy that aims to create economic value while also addressing societal and environmental challenges.
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A socio-economic system where individuals and organisations share access to goods and services, often reducing resource consumption.
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Urban areas that use technology and data-driven solutions to enhance sustainability, efficiency, and quality of life.
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The network of social relationships and connections that facilitate cooperation and collaboration in communities and organisations.
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A business that pursues both financial and social or environmental goals, such as fair trade cooperatives.
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The interconnected network of organisations and activities involved in producing and delivering products and services, often with sustainability considerations.
https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/strategy/what-is-supply-chain-management
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The pursuit of practices and policies that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
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Farming practices that prioritise environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability.
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Companies that operate in an environmentally and socially responsible manner, often integrating sustainability into their core strategies.
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The use of products and services that have a reduced impact on the environment and promote responsible resource use.
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The process of creating products and structures that minimise environmental impact and promote resource efficiency.
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A set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations to address pressing social and environmental challenges.
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Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often applied at the community or regional level.
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Financial services and investments that consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors to promote sustainability.
https://www.unepfi.org/psi/about-psi/what-is-sustainable-finance/
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The practice of considering environmental, social, and ethical factors when purchasing goods and services.
https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/
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Tourism that considers environmental and social impacts, supports local communities, and preserves natural and cultural heritage.
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An approach to problem-solving and decision-making that considers the interconnectedness and complexity of systems, often used in sustainability planning.
https://www.systemsinnovation.io/blog/what-is-systems-thinking
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A framework for disclosing climate-related financial risks and opportunities in corporate reporting.
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A unit of measurement used to quantify the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, typically expressed in metric tonnes of carbon. It is often used in discussions of greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint calculations.
https://www.environment.gov.au/climate-change/government/emissions-reduction-fund/about
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A framework considering social, environmental, and economic impacts in decision-making, as applied by companies seeking sustainability.
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The process of transforming waste materials or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality or value.
https://www.greenbiz.com/article/how-circular-economy-and-upcycling-are-redefining-waste
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The discipline of designing and organising urban areas to promote sustainability, livability, and efficiency.
https://www.planning.org/planning/2018/aug/the-new-urban-agenda/
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The process of population migration from rural areas to urban centres, with associated impacts on resource use and infrastructure.
https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/mandated-areas2/urbanization.html
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The full range of activities involved in delivering a product or service to customers, often analysed for sustainability improvements.
https://hbr.org/2016/06/the-link-between-profits-and-corporate-social-responsibility
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Investment funds that provide capital to startups and small businesses, including those focused on sustainability and green technologies.
https://www.avcal.com.au/venture-capital/what-is-venture-capital
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The flow of waste materials generated by individuals, businesses, and industries, often targeted for waste reduction and recycling efforts.
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The process of converting waste materials into energy, often through incineration or biogas production.
https://www.epa.gov/warm/waste-energy-recovery-and-incineration
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Achieving a state where an entity's carbon emissions are reduced to net zero, often through carbon offsetting and renewable energy use.
https://www.climatechangenews.com/2021/01/06/10-global-companies-commit-zero-carbon-targets/
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A vehicle that produces zero tailpipe emissions, often referring to electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
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A United Nations Sustainable Development Goal focused on ending hunger, achieving food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture.
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A philosophy and goal aimed at minimising waste generation, often through recycling, composting, and sustainable consumption practices.