Sustainability Glossary

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.