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Sustainability Glossary

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

A

Active transport

Active transport is also a term used in urban planning and sustainability to describe human-powered mobility (walking, cycling, etc.), reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

B

Biodiversity

​​The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the diversity of species, genetic differences within species, and the range of ecosystems they form.

Bioeconomy

An economic system that replaces fossil-based resources with renewable biological materials (e.g., crops, algae, waste biomass) to produce energy, products, and services. It integrates biotechnology, agriculture, and industry to create sustainable solutions.

Bioenergy

Energy that is derived from organic materials (biomass), such as plants, agricultural residues, algae, or animal waste, through processes like combustion, fermentation, or chemical conversion. Common forms include biofuels (e.g., ethanol, biodiesel), biogas, and wood pellets.

Biofuel

A liquid, solid, or gaseous fuel derived from renewable biological sources (biomass), such as crops, algae, or organic waste. Common types include ethanol (made from corn or sugarcane) and biodiesel (from vegetable oils or animal fats).

Biomimicry

The practice of designing technologies, materials, and systems inspired by models and principles found in nature, aiming to solve human challenges efficiently and sustainably.

Blue carbon

Carbon that is captured and stored by coastal and marine ecosystems, such as mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and salt marshes. These habitats sequester carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere at rates far higher than terrestrial forests, storing it in plants and sediments for millennia.

Blue economy

An economic model that promotes sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources to support growth, livelihoods, and ecosystem health. It balances economic activities (e.g., fishing, tourism, energy) with conservation and climate resilience.

Built environment

The human-made spaces and infrastructures where people live, work, and interact, including buildings, roads, parks, utilities, and transportation systems.

Business model

A company’s plan for generating revenue and profits by defining its value proposition, target customers, operational processes, and cost structure.

Business resilience

The ability of an organization to anticipate, adapt to, and recover from disruptions—such as economic shocks, climate disasters, or cyberattacks—while maintaining continuous operations and safeguarding stakeholders.

Business transformation

A fundamental, organisation-wide change in strategy, operations, or culture—often driven by technology, market shifts, or sustainability imperatives—to achieve long-term competitiveness and resilience.

C

Carbon credit

A tradable certificate or permit representing the right to emit one metric ton of carbon dioxide (CO₂) or an equivalent greenhouse gas (GHG), typically issued under a regulatory cap-and-trade system or voluntary offset program.

Carbon dioxide (CO2)

A colorless, odorless greenhouse gas (chemical formula CO₂) produced by burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and natural processes like respiration. It is the primary driver of anthropogenic climate change due to its heat-trapping properties in the atmosphere.

Carbon dioxide equivalent

A standardised metric that converts the global warming potential (GWP) of all greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) based on their heat-trapping ability over a specific timeframe (usually 100 years).

Carbon emissions

The release of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other carbon-containing compounds, primarily from human activities such as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas), deforestation, and industrial processes. These emissions contribute to the greenhouse effect, trapping heat in the atmosphere and driving climate change.

Carbon farming

Agricultural and land management practices aiming to capture atmospheric carbon.

Carbon footprint

The total amount of greenhouse gases (primarily carbon dioxide, CO₂) emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product throughout its lifecycle. Measured in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂e), it accounts for all relevant emissions, including methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O).

Carbon neutral

Achieving a state where the net release of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere is balanced by an equivalent amount removed or offset. This can be accomplished through a combination of emission reductions, carbon sequestration (e.g., reforestation), and verified carbon offset projects.

Carbon offsetting

The practice of compensating for greenhouse gas emissions by investing in projects that reduce, avoid, or remove an equivalent amount of CO₂ elsewhere. These projects may include renewable energy, reforestation, or methane capture initiatives.

Carbon positive

A sustainability claim indicating that an entity (company, project, or individual) removes more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it emits, resulting in a net-negative carbon footprint. This goes beyond carbon neutrality by actively contributing to atmospheric carbon reduction.

Carbon sequestration

The long-term capture and storage of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) to mitigate climate change. This occurs naturally (e.g., through forests, soils, and oceans) or via human-engineered solutions.

Carbon zero (or zero carbon)

A state in which an entity (e.g., a company, product, or energy system) emits no carbon dioxide (CO₂) at any stage of its operations or lifecycle. Unlike carbon neutrality, which allows offsets, zero carbon emphasizes absolute emission elimination through renewable energy, electrification, and process redesign.

Circular bioeconomy

An economic model where biological resources are managed according to circular economy principles.

Circular cities

Urban approach promoting circular economy-based resource use and sustainable urban planning.

Circular economy

An economic system designed to eliminate waste and continually reuse resources by maintaining products, materials, and components at their highest utility and value. It contrasts with the traditional linear economy (take-make-dispose) by prioritising sustainability through.

Climate action

Efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change through policies, technologies, and behavioural changes aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resilience. Encompasses global, national, and local initiatives aligned with scientific targets (e.g., limiting warming to 1.5°C under the Paris Agreement).

Climate adaptation

The process of adjusting to actual or expected climate change impacts (e.g., rising seas, extreme weather) to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience in natural and human systems. Unlike mitigation (addressing causes), adaptation focuses on managing consequences.

Climate change

​​Long-term shifts in global or regional climate patterns, primarily driven by human activities (e.g., burning fossil fuels, deforestation) that increase greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. Natural factors (e.g., volcanic eruptions) also contribute but are secondary in the modern era.

Climate justice

A rights-based approach emphasises social inequalities linked to the climate crisis.

Climate mitigation

Actions taken to reduce or prevent greenhouse gas emissions and limit the magnitude of long-term climate change. This involves transitioning to low-carbon systems and enhancing natural carbon sinks to stabilise global temperatures.

Collective impact

A structured collaboration model where multiple organisations from different sectors align efforts around a common agenda to address complex societal challenges, such as climate change or systemic inequality. Unlike isolated initiatives, it requires sustained coordination and shared measurement systems.

Compostable

A material or product that can fully biodegrade under specific conditions, breaking down into nutrient-rich compost (water, CO₂, and organic matter) without leaving toxic residues. Requires the right balance of heat, moisture, oxygen, and microbial activity, typically in industrial composting facilities.

Conscious capitalism

An economic philosophy that integrates ethical, social, and environmental responsibility into core business strategies, aiming to create value for all stakeholders, not just shareholders. Rooted in the belief that companies can be both profitable and purpose-driven.

Conscious consumerism

The practice of making purchasing decisions based on ethical, social, and environmental impact, prioritising products and services that align with sustainability, fairness, and transparency. It reflects a shift from price-driven consumption to values-driven accountability.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR)

​​A business model in which companies integrate social, environmental, and ethical concerns into their operations and stakeholder interactions, going beyond legal compliance to contribute positively to society.

Crowdfunding

A method of raising capital by collecting small financial contributions from a large number of people, typically via online platforms. It enables entrepreneurs, creatives, and nonprofits to fund projects, products, or causes without relying on traditional investors or loans.

D

Decarbonisation

The systematic reduction or elimination of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gas emissions across economic sectors (energy, transport, industry, etc.) to mitigate climate change. Achieved through technological innovation, policy shifts, and behavioural changes.

Decentralized energy

Energy systems based on local, decentralised renewable sources.

Degrowth

An economic approach rejecting continuous growth, focusing on environmental protection and social welfare through reduction.

Doughnut economics

An economic framework developed by Kate Raworth that redefines prosperity by balancing essential human needs and ecological limits. Visualised as a doughnut-shaped model.

Downcycling

The process of recycling a material into a product of lower quality or functionality than the original, often due to degradation or contamination. Unlike upcycling, it reduces the material’s value and limits future reuse.

E

Eco-innovation

Development of innovative products, processes, and business models that reduce environmental impacts.

Ecological or nature restoration

The intentional process of assisting the recovery of degraded, damaged, or destroyed ecosystems to re-establish their natural structure, function, and biodiversity. It addresses habitat loss, climate change, and species extinction.

Ecological or nature regeneration

A proactive approach to ecosystem recovery that goes beyond restoration by actively enhancing biodiversity, resilience, and ecosystem functions. It often aims for a healthier state than before degradation, focusing on reviving natural processes and supporting long-term sustainability.

Electric vehicle

A vehicle powered entirely or partially by electricity, using rechargeable batteries or fuel cells instead of internal combustion engines. It eliminates tailpipe emissions, helping reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, especially when powered by renewable energy.

Embodied carbon

The total greenhouse gas emissions generated throughout the lifecycle of a material, product, or building. This includes extraction, manufacturing, transportation, construction, and disposal. Unlike operational carbon, which is emitted during use, embodied carbon is embedded in the product from creation.

Emissions trading scheme (ETS)

A market-based system designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by setting a cap on total allowable emissions and enabling participants to buy and sell emission permits. This system is also known as cap-and-trade.

E-waste

Discarded electronic or electrical devices, such as smartphones, laptops, or refrigerators, that have reached the end of their useful life. It is one of the fastest growing waste streams due to short product lifespans and high consumer turnover.

Environmental management systems

A structured framework used by organisations to monitor, manage, and reduce their environmental impact through policies, procedures, and ongoing improvement. It helps align business operations with sustainability goals and regulatory requirements.

Ethical investment

The practice of allocating capital to companies, funds, or projects that align with moral, social, or environmental values, while avoiding those considered harmful to society or the planet. Also referred to as socially responsible investing.

Extended producer responsibility (EPR)

A policy approach that holds producers accountable for their products across the entire lifecycle, from design to disposal.

F

Fair trade

A global movement and certification system that ensures fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable practices for farmers and artisans in developing countries. It prioritises social justice and environmental responsibility across supply chains.

Fossil fuels

Energy sources formed from ancient organic matter such as plants and algae, including coal, oil, and natural gas. When burned, they release stored carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing significantly to climate change.

G

Global warming

The long-term increase in Earth’s average surface temperature, mainly caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. These actions raise concentrations of heat-trapping greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere.

Green bonds and loans

Debt instruments designed to fund projects with environmental benefits, including renewable energy, clean transport, or pollution prevention. Issuers must allocate funds to clearly defined green categories and report on their environmental impact.

Greenhouse gases

Gases in the atmosphere that trap heat and contribute to the greenhouse effect. While natural levels are essential for a livable climate, human activities have significantly increased their concentration, accelerating climate change.

Greenhushing

The intentional silence or underreporting by companies regarding their sustainability efforts. It is often used to avoid criticism, accusations of greenwashing, or regulatory attention, even when genuine progress has been made.

Greenwashing

The act of presenting a misleading image of environmental responsibility. It involves overstating or fabricating sustainability claims about products, services, or policies to appear more environmentally friendly than they actually are.

Gross and net emissions

Gross emissions refer to the total greenhouse gases released by an entity, without accounting for any removals or offsets. Net emissions are calculated by subtracting the amount of carbon dioxide removed through natural or technological means. Reducing net emissions is essential for achieving net zero targets.

H

Hybrid vehicle

A vehicle that uses two or more power sources, usually combining a petrol engine with an electric motor. It offers improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions compared to traditional vehicles. Unlike fully electric cars, hybrid vehicles recharge their batteries through regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine rather than by plugging into an external power source.

I

Insetting

A sustainability strategy in which companies invest directly in carbon reduction or nature restoration projects within their own supply chains. It focuses on decarbonising operations while generating shared environmental and social benefits for local communities.

Integrated reporting

A corporate reporting framework that merges financial results with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts. It aims to show how an organisation creates long-term value by highlighting the interconnections between financial and non-financial factors, rather than treating sustainability in isolation.

J

Just transition

Policies designed to ensure social fairness during the shift to a greener economy. The goal is to protect workers, prevent job losses, and promote social inclusion and equality as industries adapt to sustainable practices.

K

Kaitiakitanga

A core principle in Māori culture reflecting guardianship and responsible stewardship of the environment. It is based on spiritual and ancestral ties to the land, water, and ecosystems, guiding sustainable care and protection of natural resources for future generations.

L

Local resilience

The ability of local communities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from economic, social, and environmental challenges. It focuses on building adaptive systems that can withstand and bounce back from crises.

Life cycle assessment (LCA)

A scientific approach for assessing the environmental impacts of a product, service, or process throughout its entire life cycle—from raw material extraction to production, use, and end-of-life disposal or recycling. It measures factors such as carbon emissions, water consumption, and ecological toxicity.

M

Māori world view

A holistic Indigenous perspective from the Māori people of Aotearoa (New Zealand), centred on the interconnectedness of all living and non-living things. It is guided by spiritual, ancestral, and ecological relationships.

Mātauranga Māori

The collective knowledge, wisdom, and traditions of the Māori people of Aotearoa (New Zealand), including ecological understanding, cultural practices, and ancestral teachings. It is recognised as a valid and complementary system alongside Western science.

Material circularity indicator (MCI)

A metric used to assess the extent to which the materials in a product are reused or recycled, indicating the product’s contribution to a circular economy.

Microfinance

A system that offers small loans, savings, and insurance to low-income individuals or entrepreneurs, mainly in developing regions. It supports economic inclusion and poverty reduction for those without access to traditional banking services.

Microplastics

Small plastic particles less than 5 millimetres in size, formed through the breakdown of larger plastic waste or produced intentionally as microbeads. They pollute ecosystems, enter food chains, and pose risks to both environmental and human health.

Modern slavery

A severe form of exploitation involving forced labour, debt bondage, human trafficking, or servitude. Victims are controlled through coercion, deception, or violence, and the issue is often hidden within global supply chains and systemic inequalities.

N

Nature-based solutions

Sustainable strategies that use natural ecosystems to address environmental and societal challenges such as climate change, flooding, and biodiversity loss. These approaches aim to improve human wellbeing by working with nature rather than against it.

Natural capital

The stock of natural resources, both renewable and non-renewable—such as forests, water, and minerals—as well as ecosystems that provide essential services to people. These services include clean air, fertile soil, and climate regulation, forming the basis of economic and social wellbeing.

Nature capital accounting

The process of incorporating the value of natural resources and ecosystem services into national and corporate economic decision-making frameworks.

Nature positive

A global approach aimed at halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030 and achieving full ecosystem recovery by 2050. It involves measurable improvements in species populations, ecosystem health, and genetic diversity.

Net Zero Pathway

A scientifically informed plan outlining the steps required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero, typically by a target year such as 2050. It includes sector-specific actions, policy frameworks, and technological shifts needed to meet climate goals.

O

P

Paris Agreement

A legally binding international treaty on climate change, adopted in 2015 by 196 parties at COP21. Its aim is to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, ideally keeping it under 1.5°C.

Planetary boundaries

A scientific framework that defines the environmental limits within which humanity can safely operate. It identifies critical Earth system processes and the thresholds that must not be crossed to maintain a stable planet.

Post-growth economy

An economic model that shifts focus away from GDP growth and instead prioritises wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and social equity. It challenges the assumption that economic expansion is always necessary or desirable.

Product stewardship

A shared responsibility approach where all parties involved in a product’s lifecycle—including producers, sellers, users, and waste managers—work to reduce its environmental, health, and social impacts from production through to disposal.

Q

R

Recycling

The process of collecting, sorting, and converting used or waste materials into new products. It helps conserve resources, reduce landfill use, and limit environmental pollution.

Recyclable

Describes a material or product that can be collected, processed, and reused for another purpose, helping to reduce waste and preserve resources.

Regeneration

The act of renewing, restoring, or revitalising something. It can apply to natural ecosystems, technological systems, or communities, supporting recovery and improvement over time.

Regenerative economy / Regenerative business

Economic and business approaches that go beyond sustainability by actively restoring natural systems and improving social wellbeing. They aim to create value while enhancing ecological and human resilience.

Regenerative blue economy / Blue economy 2.0

A marine-based economic model focused on restoring and enhancing ocean and coastal ecosystems. It supports livelihoods and biodiversity through regenerative practices.

Remanufacturing

An industrial process that refurbishes used products to a condition comparable to new. This involves disassembly, cleaning, replacing worn components, and testing to original performance standards.

Renewable energy

Energy generated from sources that naturally replenish, such as solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal heat, and biomass. These sources emit little to no greenhouse gases and are key to reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

Restoration

The act of returning something—whether a landscape, building, or system—to its original or healthy condition after degradation or damage.

S

Science-based targets (SBTs)

Corporate or organisational goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aligned with the latest climate science. These targets aim to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement by limiting global warming to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C, above pre-industrial levels.

Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions

A classification system defined by the GHG Protocol to help organisations measure and manage their climate impact. Scope 1 covers direct emissions, Scope 2 includes indirect emissions from purchased energy, and Scope 3 accounts for all other indirect emissions across the value chain.

Shared value

A business approach that generates economic value in a way that also delivers social and environmental benefits. It addresses societal challenges while enhancing competitiveness and profitability.

Sharing economy

An economic model where individuals share underutilised assets or services—such as homes, vehicles, or skills—often through digital platforms. It emphasises access over ownership and leverages technology to facilitate peer-to-peer exchange.

Social capital

The networks, trust, and shared values within a community or organisation that enable cooperation and collective action. It supports social cohesion and facilitates both economic and social interactions.

Supply chain

The entire network involved in producing and delivering a product or service, from raw material extraction through manufacturing and distribution to the final consumer.

Social enterprise

A business that aims to achieve positive social or environmental outcomes alongside financial goals. Profits are primarily reinvested to further the organisation’s mission, rather than to maximise shareholder returns.

Sustainability

The principle of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It involves balancing environmental protection, social wellbeing, and economic viability.

Sustainable business

An organisation committed to operating in a way that balances long-term profitability with environmental responsibility and social equity. It often aligns with principles such as the triple bottom line or ESG criteria.

Sustainable design

A design approach that minimises environmental impact while fulfilling human needs. It prioritises resource efficiency, renewable materials, and long-term ecological health in the creation of products, buildings, or systems.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

A collection of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015, aimed at addressing urgent challenges such as poverty, climate change, and inequality by 2030. They serve as a universal framework for sustainable development across sectors and nations.

Sustainable and green finance

Financial strategies that aim to support environmentally and socially regenerative systems. They move investment away from extractive industries and towards sustainable practices, though higher standards are needed to ensure measurable impact.

Sustainable procurement

The practice of sourcing goods and services with consideration for environmental, social, and economic factors. It goes beyond price to include long-term sustainability outcomes across the supply chain.

Systems thinking

An analytical approach that explores the relationships and interactions between elements within complex systems. It helps identify patterns and feedback loops, offering insights into how different parts of a system influence one another. This perspective supports integrated solutions, such as those promoted by the Sustainable Development Goals.

T

Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)

An international initiative established in 2015 by the Financial Stability Board to create standardised guidance for companies and financial institutions to disclose climate-related risks and opportunities within their financial reporting.

Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD)

A global, market-led initiative that provides a framework for organisations to identify, disclose, and manage their dependencies and impacts on nature. Similar to the TCFD, it focuses specifically on biodiversity and ecosystems.

Te ao Māori

‘The Māori world’, representing the holistic worldview of the Indigenous Māori people of Aotearoa (New Zealand). It includes cultural practices, values, and knowledge systems, and highlights the deep connection between people, the natural world (Papatūānuku, the Earth Mother), and the spiritual realm (wairua).

Triple bottom line (TBL)

A sustainability framework that measures organisational success across three dimensions: People (social equity), Planet (environmental care), and Profit (economic performance). Introduced by John Elkington in 1994, TBL underpins modern approaches to corporate social responsibility and the B Corp movement.

U

Upcycling

The process of converting waste materials, by-products, or unwanted items into new products of higher quality, functionality, or environmental value. It reduces waste while adding creative and practical value beyond the original use.

V

Value chain

The complete series of activities a business carries out to deliver a product or service—from raw material sourcing through production and distribution to end use. It includes both core processes like manufacturing and supporting functions such as research and development, each contributing value along the way.

W

Waste hierarchy

A framework that ranks waste management strategies in order of environmental preference. It prioritises prevention, followed by reuse, recycling, recovery (such as energy-from-waste), and finally disposal through landfill or incineration without energy capture.

Waste stream

The entire journey of waste materials from their point of origin—such as homes or businesses—through collection, sorting, and treatment, to final disposal or recovery. It encompasses all stages in managing waste sustainably.

X

Y

Z

Zero carbon (or carbon zero)

A condition in which no net carbon dioxide emissions are produced. This is achieved by eliminating emissions where feasible and offsetting any remaining emissions through carbon removal methods such as reforestation or carbon capture technologies.

Zero waste

A philosophy and design approach focused on eliminating waste by redesigning resource lifecycles. It ensures that products are reused, repaired, recycled, or composted, aiming to divert all waste away from landfills and incineration.