Lexicon of Sustainability: Concepts to Understand Sustainability

The transition from a fossil fuel-based energy framework to one predominantly powered by renewable energy sources to decrease carbon emissions and bolster energy security. This shift is vital for tackling climate change.

This involves selecting products and services based not merely on their quality and cost but also considering their social and environmental production impacts. It encourages consumption habits that aid in resource saving and waste minimization.

This concept broadens sustainability to include marine and aquatic ecosystems, focusing on their protection for economic growth. It encompasses practices like sustainable fishing, conscientious aquatic tourism, and the use of renewable marine energy.

The capacity of a system, community, or society that faces potential hazards to endure, adapt, and recuperate from climate-induced disruptions or changes. This is crucial for designing urban and community spaces that can withstand severe conditions.

A measure of the usage of fresh water that accounts for both direct and indirect consumption by individuals or producers. It’s an essential metric for gauging the impact of water usage across various products, processes, and activities.

A campaign striving for a fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, regardless of race, origin, or income, ensuring the active participation of underrepresented communities in environmental decision-making.

A certification scheme for buildings that meet specific standards in energy efficiency, resource utilization, indoor environmental quality, and material impact mindfulness.

The strategy of reducing the volume of materials required to meet economic demands, thus decreasing environmental impacts. It focuses on enhancing resource efficiency rather than mere consumption reduction.

A state achieved when human activities generate carbon emissions that are counterbalanced by equivalent emission reductions through carbon capture technologies or natural sinks. This is critical to keeping global warming below 1.5°C.

The diversity and variability of life forms on Earth, encompassing intra-species, inter-species, and ecological diversity. Biodiversity preservation is vital for maintaining the ecosystem services essential for human survival.

Energy sources obtained from inexhaustible natural resources at a human scale, such as sunlight, wind, water, or biomass. These are crucial for a sustainable energy transition.

An arrangement where multiple enterprises gain mutual benefits through the exchange of waste or by-products, using them as inputs in other processes.

A commitment by businesses to foster sustainable economic growth, working alongside their employees, their families, the local community, and the broader society to enhance life quality.

The framework by which companies are directed and regulated. It establishes the goals of the business, the means to achieve them, and the mechanisms for performance oversight, with a strong emphasis on sustainability.

The design and implementation of corporate initiatives aimed at fostering sustainability not only within the enterprise but also across the wider community and environment in which it operates.

The management of acquiring goods and services in a way that maximizes health, environmental, and societal safety benefits, while reducing adverse impacts throughout the product lifecycle.

Tactics adopted by corporations to counterbalance carbon dioxide emissions and other greenhouse gases, through initiatives such as reforestation and renewable energy projects.

A publication by companies that reveals information about the economic, environmental, and social consequences of their daily operations. It serves as a crucial instrument for ensuring transparency and accountability.

Approaches and practices that encourage the fair involvement of diverse groups, considering factors like gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, among others, to foster an inclusive and respectful workplace.

Corporate policies and practices that enhance a firm’s competitiveness while simultaneously improving the economic and social conditions in the communities where they operate.

The proficient and effective utilization of natural resources (materials, energy, water, etc.) in production processes to optimize productivity while curbing waste.

Principles and guidelines that direct a company’s environmental decision-making and activities, aiming not just to meet legal standards but to surpass them for the benefit of the environment.

A quantification of the environmental impact of an individual or organization, measured by the amount of land and water needed to sustain their consumption and absorb their wastes

The process through which companies train and empower their employees, stakeholders, and communities to enhance their skills and competencies, with a focus on sustainability.

A systematic, documented, periodic, and objective assessment of an organization’s environmental performance, helping to ensure regulatory compliance and identify areas for improvement.

A strategy aimed at reducing the input of virgin materials and waste production by closing the ‘loops’ or economic and ecological flows of resources.

Meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own, ensuring a balance between economic growth, environmental care, and social well-being.

A form of progress that maintains balance today without endangering tomorrow’s resources.

A set of global objectives to eradicate poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda, adopted in 2015 by the UN.

A product made from a variety of materials designed to contain, protect, handle, distribute, and present goods at any stage of their production, distribution, or sale.

Items designed to be used only once.

A technique to determine the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with a product, process, or activity.

An environmental indicator that reflects the total greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted directly or indirectly by an organization or product.

A product designed and manufactured with respect for the environment and/or offering an improvement to it.

Design that considers actions aimed at the environmental improvement of the product or service at all stages of its life cycle.

Polymers derived from renewable natural resources.

Types of plastics derived from plant products.

Capable of decomposing through the action of biological agents and/or microorganisms into elements found in nature, such as CO2, water, or biomass, under natural environmental conditions.

Products that include additives to accelerate the fragmentation of the material into very small pieces through chemical oxidation under certain conditions like UV irradiation or heat exposure.

Capable of being degraded biologically (i.e., by organisms) producing carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass in a controlled period and under certain conditions.

Packaging designed to undergo a minimum number of cycles and rotations throughout its life cycle, that can be refilled or reused for the same purpose for which it was designed, with or without the aid of auxiliary products.

Classification of a package or packaging as valuable in terms of material recycling. A package can be recyclable from 0% to 100%.