ISSP - SEA Study Guide Flash Cards

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

A 1994 trade agreement, between the US, Canada, and Mexico, which eliminated most tariffs on products traded between the parties. Twenty years later, the impact on jobs and wages remains a point of contentious debate in all three economies. USEFUL RESOURCES: Council on Foreign Relations: http://www.cfr.org/trade/naftas-economic-impact/p15790

Future-Fit Business Benchmark

A business that meets this standard "is one that in no way undermines the possibility that humans and other life will flourish on Earth forever". To organize around this goal, such businesses focus on developing practices required for tomorrow rather than meeting short-term goals or emulating the current best practices of peers. This standard defines 21 future-fit goals that address social and environmental challenges while improving business performance. USEFUL RESOURCES: Future-Fit Business Benchmark: http://futurefitbusiness.org/resources/downloads/

Stakeholder Mapping

A collaborative process that utilizes research, input, and discussion in order to consider multiple perspectives from across the stakeholder spectrum. USEFUL RESOURCES: BSR, "Stakeholder Engagement Strategy," October, 2011: https://www.bsr.org/reports/BSR_Stakeholder_Engagement_Strategy_Briefing_Paper.pdf

Permaculture

A combination word derived by combining "permanent" and "agriculture," this approach to farming uses a philosophy of working with, rather than against nature. Using a systems approach, these techniques were first developed in Australia by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren. USEFUL RESOURCES: A Permaculture Design Course Handbook: https://treeyopermacultureedu.wordpress.com

Mindset

A deeply held belief. Evolving from a long-held belief structure to a new and unfamiliar paradigm is very difficult. USEFUL RESOURCES: Carol Dweck: http://mindsetonline.com/whatisit/about/

Code of Conduct

A document created by organizations or associations that outlines expectations for responsibilities and practices, generally related to social, environmental, and ethical issues. USEFUL RESOURCES: Fair Labor Association Code of Conduct: http://www.fairlabor.org/our-work/code-of-conduct

Standards

A document that defines the requirements, specifications, guidelines or characteristics that should be consistently used so that materials, products, processes and services are fit for their purpose.. USEFUL RESOURCES: ISO: http://www.iso.org/iso/home/standards.htm

Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)

A family of chemicals that are nontoxic and nonflammable that are used by industry in such applications as aerosols, solvents, and refrigerants. One example, Freon (CHC-12) was used for decades in refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners. Because they react with the upper atmosphere, they have a high ozone depleting potential (ODP) and are therefore banned under the Montreal Protocol. USEFUL RESOURCES: US National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Earth System Research Laboratory: http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/hats/publictn/elkins/cfcs.html

ISO 14000

A family of standards that provide guidance on developing environmental management systems (EMS) (ISO 14001, ISO 14004, ISO 14006) and greenhouse gas reporting (14064). USEFUL RESOURCES: Standards may be found through ISO's Online Browsing Platform: https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#home

Hydropower

A form of renewable energy that harnesses the flow of water to generate electricity. USEFUL RESOURCES: Environmental and Energy Study Institute: http://www.eesi.org/topics/water-hydropower-wave-power/description

Materiality

A fundamental principle of financial disclosure, this test (as defined by the US Supreme Court) determines whether there is "a substantial likelihood that the disclosure of the omitted fact would have been viewed by the reasonable investor as having significantly altered the 'total mix' of information made available". USEFUL RESOURCES: Sustainability Accounting Standards Board: http://www.sasb.org/materiality/important/

Green Power

A generic term for renewable energy along with specific clean energy technologies that emit fewer GHG emissions than other energy supplying the grid. USEFUL RESOURCES: GHG Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard http://www.ghgprotocol.org/standards/corporate-standard

Ceres Principles

A global coalition of investors and environmental and social advocacy groups supporting investment, policy, and business leadership in order to promote sustainability. USEFUL RESOURCES: Ceres: http://www.ceres.org/

High Performance Teams

A goal-oriented group of people who bring together diverse and complementary skills and talents to collaborate towards achieving a common objective. USEFUL RESOURCES: Society of Human Resource Management: https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/tools-and-samples/toolkits/pages/developingandsustaininghigh-performanceworkteams.aspx

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

A green building rating system developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). USEFUL RESOURCES: US Green Building Council: http://www.usgbc.org/

Biodynamic Agriculture

A holistic, ethical, and ecological approach to farming that strives to regenerate the soil and ecosystem. USEFUL RESOURCES: Biodynamics Association: https://www.biodynamics.com/what-is-biodynamics

Forest Principles

A key agreement arrived at by participants to the 1992 Earth Summit included these 15 non-legally binding principles. USEFUL RESOURCES: Enviropedia: http://www.sustainable-environment.org.uk/Action/Forests.php

Benefit Corporation

A legal entity that may (or may not) be a Certified B Corporation™. Directors of this corporate type are required by law to consider the impact of their actions on all stakeholders, rather than their stockholders alone. In most cases, they must publicly disclose their social and environmental performance, assessed against a 3rd-party standard. USEFUL RESOURCES: Benefit Corporation: http://benefitcorp.net/businesses/benefit-corporations-and-certified-b-corps

Biofuel

A liquid fuel, derived from plant matter (biomass), which is used for transportation. There are three formulations. Ethanol is an alcohol, fermented from high carbohydrate biomass. Biodiesel is made from a mixture of alcohol and vegetable oil—sometimes recycled cooking oil. Biogas is a gaseous fuel, produced from either anaerobic digestion or gasification. Sources of biogas recovery include landfills, livestock operations, and waste treatment plants. USEFUL RESOURCES: US Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center: http://www.afdc.energy.gov/fuels/natural_gas_renewable.html

Carbon Offsets

A mechanism employed by businesses to meet their carbon reduction goals. Purchasing carbon credits equivalent to emissions generated by operations allows businesses to offset their impacts and meet their reduction goals. USEFUL RESOURCES: CORE (Carbon Offsets Research and Education): http://www.co2offsetresearch.org/consumer/

Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)

A mechanism established by the Kyoto Protocol designed to encourage project-based emission reduction activities in developing countries. Purchasing the CERs produced by these projects allows Annex 1 countries to meet their reduction commitments. USEFUL RESOURCES: Climate Change: Guide to Kyoto Protocol Project Mechanisms; Volume B: https://wbcarbonfinance.org/docs/b_en_cdm_guide_ld.pdf

Business for Social Responsibility (BSR)

A membership based nonprofit that promotes sustainability through conference, research, and consulting. USEFUL RESOURCES: BSR: https://www.bsr.org/

Frameworks

A mental model comprised of several interconnected core concepts that help us to understand a system. These concepts stand alone, while supporting each other, together forming a philosophical foundation for planning. USEFUL RESOURCES: Yosef Jabareen, "Building a Conceptual Framework: Philosophy, Definitions, and Procedure," 2009: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265991064_Building_a_Conceptual_Framework_Philosophy_Definitions_and_Procedure

Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB)

A mixture of chlorinated compounds, this man-made chemical is known to be carcinogenic and cause both neurobehavioral and immunological changes in children. These Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) have been banned or severely restricted across the world due to their negative impacts. Disposal of these chemicals requires special handling to ensure their toxic waste does not make it into the ecosystem. USEFUL RESOURCES: European Commission: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/pcbs/

Agenda 21

A non-binding action plan for sustainable development adopted at the Earth Summit, it provided a wide-ranging blueprint to drive sustainable development around the world. USEFUL RESOURCES: UN: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/milestones/unced/agenda21

Lifestyles of Health & Sustainability (LOHAS)

A phenomenon found in developed nations throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia, This term describes both a market sector and a consumer demographic. The marketplace of goods and services relate to all aspects of sustainable living—health, environmental responsibility, social justice, and personal development. USEFUL RESOURCES: Lifestyles of health & sustainability (LOHAS): http://www.lohas.com.au/what-lohas

Self-Organization

A principle of most systems is that they have the ability to structure themselves, evolve into new structures, learn, diversify, and become increasingly complex. By loosening control, this phenomenon offers a valuable leverage point for change. USEFUL RESOURCES: Holacracy: http://www.holacracy.org/how-it-works/

Local Action for Sustainable Economic Renewal (LASER)

A process developed by Natural Capitalism Solutions and Global Community Initiatives for government sustainable economic development planning, using a framework for sustainability based on the development of ten forms of capital necessary for sustained prosperity. USEFUL RESOURCES: Natural Capitalism Solutions: http://natcapsolutions.org/resource-library/tools/laser-local-action-for-sustainable-economic-renewal/#.V5qEeY689Eo

Cradle to Cradle Certified

A product certification that provides third-party assurance that a product has been designed and produced so its component parts may be used as inputs to new products. USEFUL RESOURCES: Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute: http://www.c2ccertified.org/get-certified/product-certification

Carbon Neutral Biomass

A property of biomass harvested where new growth completely offsets losses of carbon caused by harvesting. USEFUL RESOURCES: WBCSD: www.wbcsd.org/contentwbc/download/975/12609

Factor 5

A revision of earlier estimates, this term states that society has the potential of improving resource efficiency by 80%—a five-fold productivity improvement--using existing methodologies. USEFUL RESOURCES: The Natural Edge Project: http://www.naturaledgeproject.net/factor5.aspx

AA1000 Accountability Standards Series

A series of 3 standards (AccountAbility Principles, Assurance Standards, and Stakeholder Engagement Standard) produced by AccountAbility to assist all type of organizations (private, government, etc.) with their sustainability strategies and actions. USEFUL RESOURCES: AccountAbility: https://www.accountability.org/standards/

Nitrogen Cycle

A series of processes move nitrogen and its compounds through the biosphere, interconverting the environment with all living organisms. While nitrogen makes up nearly 80% of the air we breathe and is a vital nutrient for plants, most organisms cannot use nitrogen in its pure form. Processes such as nitrogen fixation and decomposition that occur in the nitrogen cycle help make this resource usable to living things. USEFUL RESOURCES: Kimball's Biology Pages: http://www.biology-pages.info/N/NitrogenCycle.html

Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS)

A set of technologies used to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it, long-term, deep underground. Designed to reduce the climate impact of gas- and coal-fired power plants. USEFUL RESOURCES: EPA: https://www3.epa.gov/climatechange/ccs/

Balanced Scorecard

A strategic framework used to align business practices with TBL goals, improve stakeholder communications, and monitor performance. USEFUL RESOURCES: Balanced Scorecard Institute: https://www.balancedscorecard.org/BSCResources/AbouttheBalancedScorecard/tabid/55/Default.aspx

Envision - Sustainable Infrastructure Standard

A sustainable infrastructure rating system comprised of 60 TBL criteria in five categories: Quality of Life, Leadership, Resource Allocation, Natural World, and Climate and Risk. USEFUL RESOURCES: Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI): http://sustainableinfrastructure.org/envision/how-it-works/

Adaptive management or Adaptive Resource Management (ARM)

A systematic process of continuous improvement where policies and practices are improved and adapted based on learning from previous outcomes. USEFUL RESOURCES: Foundations of Success http://www.fosonline.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/AdaptiveManagementTool.pdf

Green Bonds

A tax-exempt debt instrument used by qualified organizations or municipalities to finance the development of brownfield sites. Often abandoned or underutilized, by definition these sites contain low levels of industrial pollution. USEFUL RESOURCES: World Bank: http://treasury.worldbank.org/cmd/htm/WorldBankGreenBonds.html

Upcycle

A term associated with cradle-to-cradle thinking, this is the process of converting material into something of similar or greater value, in its second life. USEFUL RESOURCES: Dictionary of Sustainable Management: http://www.sustainabilitydictionary.com/upcycle/

Transmaterialization

A term related to industrial ecology, this is the concept of offering a service that satisfies the needs provided otherwise by a product. Providing services instead of products makes it possible to maintain economic growth while reducing resource consumption. USEFUL RESOURCES: Dictionary of Sustainable Management: http://www.sustainabilitydictionary.com/transmaterialization/

Inclusive Business

A term that refers to sustainable business solutions that expand access to goods, services, and livelihood opportunities for low-income communities in commercially viable ways. Going beyond philanthropy, this type of business melds development and business goals to deliver higher socio-economic value to communities. USEFUL RESOURCES: WBCSD Inclusive Business: http://www.inclusive-business.org/inclusive-business.html

Life Cycle Thinking

A term used by sustainability professionals to help managers understand that there is a complete spectrum of impact quantification, with LCA at one end and pure qualitative analysis at the other. USEFUL RESOURCES: The Life Cycle Initiative: http://www.lifecycleinitiative.org/starting-life-cycle-thinking/what-is-life-cycle-thinking/

Bottom of the Pyramid

A term used to describe four billion people who live in poverty and have been mostly un-served or underserved by the private sector. Contrary to conventional wisdom, these people are resilient entrepreneurs and value-conscious consumers who can partner with business to eradicate poverty. USEFUL RESOURCES: Wharton School: http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/the-fortune-at-the-bottom-of-the-pyramid-eradicating-poverty-through-profits/

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

A tool to measure, assess and manage the performance of a product from raw materials through production, use, and end-of-life phases. The process entails compiling data on the inputs and outputs of a system, in order to evaluate the potential impacts that will result throughout its life cycle. USEFUL RESOURCES: ISO: https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:std:iso:14040:ed-2:v1:en

Removal unit (RMU)

A tradeable commodity under the Kyoto Protocol, this instrument represents one metric ton of GHG reduction through land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) activities, like reforestation. USEFUL RESOURCES: Kyoto Protocol Reference Manual: http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/publications/08_unfccc_kp_ref_manual.pdf

Weak Sustainability

A view of sustainable development that assumes natural capital and manufactured capital generate the same level of wellbeing to society. Proponents of this view believe that sustainability can be achieved for future generations by maintaining or increasing the aggregate value of all capital stocks. USEFUL RESOURCES: Division for Sustainable Development, UN-DESA: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/6569122-Pelenc-Weak%20Sustainability%20versus%20Strong%20Sustainability.pdf (paste in browser)

Strong Sustainability

A view of sustainable development that sees nature as having "critical" elements—conceptualized as ecosystem services—that uniquely contribute to human wellbeing. As "critical natural capital," maintaining nature's ecological functioning is required if society will continue to provide for the needs of future generations. USEFUL RESOURCES: Division for Sustainable Development, UN-DESA: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/6569122-Pelenc-Weak%20Sustainability%20versus%20Strong%20Sustainability.pdf (paste link in browser)

Lean Manufacturing

A whole-system philosophy of production, developed by Toyota, that strives to eliminate all waste from the system. Key aspects of this philosophy include just-in-time inventory management and "jidoka"—the system safely stops when work completes or a problem arises. A related approach, Six Sigma developed by Motorola, includes elements of financial accountability. USEFUL RESOURCES: American Association for Quality: http://asq.org/pub/sixsigma/past/vol2_issue1/youropinion.html

Food Security

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), "[this] exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food which meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life". USEFUL RESOURCES: UN Food and Agriculture Organization, "Trade Reforms and Food Security: Conceptualizing the Linkages," 2003: http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/y4671e/y4671e06.htm

Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UNDHR)

Adopted in the wake of World War II (1948), this declaration, represented the first global expression of the belief that all people have certain inherent and fundamental rights that should be universally protected. USEFUL RESOURCES: UN: http://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/index.html

Metric Tonnes

All GHG measurement is reported in this unit. It is approximately equal to 1.1 short tons or 2,205 pounds. This unit of measure is the most widely used unit of measure when reporting under the UNFCCC and is required when reporting under the GHG Protocol. USEFUL RESOURCES: UNFCCC: http://unfccc.int/ghg_data/online_help/frequently_asked_questions/items/3826.php

Vampire Energy

Also called "phantom energy," this term refers to the power drawn by AC/DC adapters and electronic devices when operating in standby mode. USEFUL RESOURCES: Michael Bluejay: http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/vampire.html

Solar Radiation Management (SRM)

Also known as Solar Engineering, this technology is used to reflect the sun's energy back into space, thus offsetting temperature increases caused by the greenhouse effect. Technologies under consideration include albedo enhancement, space reflectors, and stratospheric aerosols. USEFUL RESOURCES: Oxford Geoengineering Programme: http://www.geoengineering.ox.ac.uk/what-is-geoengineering/what-is-geoengineering/

Second Law of Thermodynamics

Also known as entropy, this scientific law states that energy disperses and spreads out if not prevented from doing so. As a result anything emitted into the environment will disburse throughout nature. USEFUL RESOURCES: Frank L. Lambert: http://entropysimple.oxy.edu/content.htm

Deepwater Horizon

Also known as the Gulf Oil Spill, this 2010 disaster was the largest oil spill in history. This event effectively erased the efforts of BP (previously British Petroleum) to brand their company as an environmentally conscious company going "Beyond Petroleum". USEFUL RESOURCES: Scientific American: http://www.scientificamerican.com/report/bp-gulf-oil-spill-5-years-later/

UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED)

Also known as the Rio Summit, this 1992 conference laid the foundation for all future efforts by the international community to ensure sustainable development. Rio's five main outcomes were: the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, Agenda 21, the Statement of Land Resources and Deforestation, the UN Framework Convention On Climate Change, and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. USEFUL RESOURCES: Stephanie Meakin, "The Rio Earth Summit: Summary of the UN Conference on Environment & Development," 1992: http://publications.gc.ca/Collection-R/LoPBdP/BP/bp317-e.htm

Cradle to Grave

An LCA assessment of impacts from materials extraction through manufacture and usage, to the landfill. USEFUL RESOURCES: Circular Ecology: http://www.circularecology.com/glossary-of-terms-and-definitions.html#.V3_qbjWmD7g

Cradle to Gate

An LCA assessment of impacts from materials extraction to the factory door. USEFUL RESOURCES: Circular Ecology: http://www.circularecology.com/glossary-of-terms-and-definitions.html#.V3_qbjWmD7g

Circular Economy

An approach to business and sustainable development that replaces our "take, make, waste" economy with one that continuously reuses outputs, adding only those inputs derived from exclusively renewable sources. USEFUL RESOURCES: Ellen MacArthur Foundation: https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular-economy

Steady-State Economy

An economy where inflows and outflows, though in a constant state of fluctuation, remain in relative balance. Such an economy permits qualitative development without quantitative growth. USEFUL RESOURCES: Herman E. Daly: http://www.sd-commission.org.uk/data/files/publications/Herman_Daly_thinkpiece.pdf

Environmental Profit and Loss (EPL)

An integrated reporting approach that incorporates externalities and other environmental and social risks into corporate annual reports. Several companies use their own methodologies, but all use this report to help them "balance the books" of their organizational impacts. USEFUL RESOURCES: Greenbiz.com: https://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2014/02/18/environmental-profit-and-loss-new-corporate-balancing-act

International Organization for Standards (ISO)

An international NGO that works with hundreds of national bodies to develop specifications for products, services, and systems. They have developed more than 21,000 international standards, including several that relate to sustainability: ISO 14000; ISO 19011; and ISO 26000. USEFUL RESOURCES: Standards may be found through ISO's Online Browsing Platform: https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#home

"Kyoto Protocol, or Kyoto Accord"

An international agreement, linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which commits the parties to binding emissions reductions. It created 3 mechanisms to reduce GHGs: International Emissions Trading; Clean Development Mechanism (CDM); and Joint Implementation (JI). USEFUL RESOURCES: UN Framework Convention on Climate Change: http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/items/2830.php

Greenhouse Gas Inventory

An organization's (or city's) accounting of the quantity of greenhouse gases emitted and removed from the atmosphere, including all sources and sinks for which they are responsible. USEFUL RESOURCES: ISO 14064-1: 2006: https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:std:iso:14064:-1:ed-1:v1:en

Climate Neutral

Another term for net-zero. USEFUL RESOURCES: NREL: http://www.nrel.gov/tech_deployment/climate_neutral/definitions.html

Stakeholder

Any group or individual with an interest in the decisions and activities of an organization. While traditional corporations have narrowly focused on those with a financial interest, considering the interests of this broader constituency is critical to long term success. Broadly speaking these constituents fall into five categories: Investors & Risk Assessors; Consumers & Community; Business Partners & Competitors; Idea Generators & Opinion Leaders; Rule Makers & Watchdogs USEFUL RESOURCES: American Society for Quality: http://asq.org/learn-about-quality/social-responsibility/stakeholders.html; Daniel C. Esty and Andrew S. Winston, Green to Gold. Yale University Press, 2006.

Ecosystem Services

Any positive benefit provided by an ecosystem. Four major categories of these were identified by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA): Provisioning (e.g. food, water); Regulating (e.g. pollination, carbon sequestration); Cultural (e.g. recreation, inspiration); Supporting (e.g. photosynthesis, carbon cycle). USEFUL RESOURCES: National Wildlife Federation: https://www.nwf.org/Wildlife/Wildlife-Conservation/Ecosystem-Services.aspx

Feedback Loops

As one part of a system changes, other parts of the system react and respond, regulating system behavior as a whole. This term is the mechanism by which the system regulates and manipulates this change. This closed chain of causal connections forms when changes in a stock affect the flows in and out of that stock. These exhibit two kinds of behavior: positive (reinforcing) and negative (balancing). USEFUL RESOURCES: Thinking in Systems: A primer by Donella Meadows, 2008, pages 25-34; Thwink.org: http://www.thwink.org/sustain/glossary/FeedbackLoop.htm

Communication on Progress (COP)

At a minimum, signatories to the UNGC must produce one of these each year. The document reinforces corporate commitment to the UNGC and describes the measurable results of actions taken over the prior year. USEFUL RESOURCES: UN Global Compact: https://www.unglobalcompact.org/participation/report/cop

Social Accountability 8000 (SA 8000)

Based on the UNDHR, ILO, and international laws, this certification, developed by Social Accountability International (SAI), addresses workplace conditions across the industrial sector. The underlying standard applies a systems approach, setting forth structures and procedures that ensure continuous compliance. USEFUL RESOURCES: Social Accountability International: http://www.sa-intl.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.ViewPage&PageID=937

UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (Ruggie Framework)

Drafted under the direction of Harvard's John Ruggie, these principles clarified existing human rights standards for transnational corporations and other business enterprises. These principles provide guidance for practicing the three pillars of CSR: Protect, Respect, and Remedy. USEFUL RESOURCES: Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke University: https://kenan.ethics.duke.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/UN-Guiding-Principles-on-Business-and-Human-Rights-Analysis-and-Implementation.pdf

Global Warming Potential (GWP)

Each greenhouse gas captures infrared radiation and reflects it back out into the atmosphere at a different rate, thus having a different potential to warm the Earth. This is the term normalizes this potential relative to carbon dioxide (CO2)—the least impactful off all GHGs. This makes it possible to compare their relative impacts on climate change. USEFUL RESOURCES: "Global Warming Potential Values," GHG Protocol: http://www.ghgprotocol.org/calculation-tools/all-tools

Fugitive Emissions

Emissions releases, either intentional and unintentional, that result from leaks in equipment such as those coming from joints, seals, packing, gaskets, as well as emissions from coal piles, wastewater treatment, pits, cooling towers, gas processing facilities, etc. USEFUL RESOURCES: GHG Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard: http://www.ghgprotocol.org/standards/corporate-standard

Process Emissions

Emissions resulting from physical or chemical processes such as CO2 from the calcination step in cement manufacturing, CO2 from catalytic cracking in petrochemical processing, PFC emissions from aluminum smelting, etc. USEFUL RESOURCES: GHG Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard: http://www.ghgprotocol.org/standards/corporate-standard

Indirect Emissions

Emissions that result from the activities of a reporting entity, but occur at sources owned or controlled by another entity. They are associated with the purchase of electricity. USEFUL RESOURCES: GHG Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard: http://www.ghgprotocol.org/standards/corporate-standard

Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX Act)

Enacted in 2002 by the US Congress, this act is intended to protect investors from fraudulent accounting practices by public corporations. Initially viewed abroad as a barrier to trade, other countries have since enacted similar laws, such as the 8th Company Law Directive of the EU. USEFUL RESOURCES: Oslo University: https://oda.hio.no/jspui/bitstream/10642/463/2/Dagnew_Iman.pdf

Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive

Enacted in 2003, this EU directive is targeted at reducing electronic waste by promoting its recycling through take-back programs. Closely linked with the EU's Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE), the law requires the replacement of heavy metals and certain flame retardants with safer alternatives. Since its passage other countries and jurisdictions have passed similar legislation. USEFUL RESOURCES: European Commission: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/rohs_eee/index_en.htm

Stockholm Convention on POPs

Entering into effect in 2004 upon ratification, this is a global treaty to protect human and environmental health from organic pollutants that bioaccumulate with potentially significant impacts. Initially covering 12 organic chemicals, the convention now governs nearly 30 pesticides, industrial chemicals, and unintentionally produced substances. USEFUL RESOURCES: Stockholm Convention: http://chm.pops.int/TheConvention/Overview/History/Overview/tabid/3549/Default.aspx

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)

Enterprises pursuing sustainability are often described as pursuing improvements in these three key areas. Some SRI reporting frameworks, such as those set forth by PRI (an investor initiative in partnership with UNEP Finance Initiative and UN Global Compact), use this model. USEFUL RESOURCES: UNPRI: https://www.unpri.org/about/the-six-principles

Environmental Justice

Environmental justice addresses the interaction between environmental quality and social justice. It is governed by the principle that everyone has the right to equal protection from damage, risk, and discrimination due to pollution. USEFUL RESOURCES: Luz Claudio, "Standing on Principle: The Global Push for Environmental Justice," Environ Health Perspective, 2007: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2022674/

Dynamic Equilibrium

Equilibrium occurs when a system is in balance such that changes to that system are imperceptible. Static equilibrium describes a system that is unchanging and motionless, but this type of equilibrium exists when a system is in a state of change yet the opposing forces at work are equivalent. USEFUL RESOURCES: Wendy K. Smith And Marianne W. Lewis, "Toward A Theory of Paradox: A Dynamic Equilibrium Model of Organizing," https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Wendy_Smith22/publication/274709284_TOWARD_A_THEORY_OF_PARADOX_A_DYNAMIC_EQUILIBRIUM_MODEL_OF_ORGANIZING/links/5526aeb70cf229e6d635a31f.pdf

Joint Implementation (JI)

Established by the Kyoto Protocol, this mechanism encourages the implementation of collaborative climate change mitigation projects between two Annex 1 countries. It allows for the creation, acquisition and transfer of "emission reduction units" (ERUs). USEFUL RESOURCES: Climate Change: Guide to Kyoto Protocol Project Mechanisms, Volume C: http://www.ffem.fr/jahia/webdav/site/ffem/shared/ELEMENTS_COMMUNS/U_ADMINISTRATEUR/5-PUBLICATIONS/Changement_climatique/GuideC_projets_Kyoto_angl.pdf

International Labour Organization (ILO)

Established in 1919, this is the only tripartite UN agency. It brings together governments, employers and workers representatives to set standards, develop policies, and build programs that support worker rights. USEFUL RESOURCES: International Labour Organization (ILO): http://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/lang--en/index.htm

ENERGY STAR

Established under the Clean Air Act in 1992, this program helps businesses and individuals become more energy efficient, protect the environment, and save money. The European version of this program is a related scheme that applies to office equipment. USEFUL RESOURCES: ENERGY STAR: https://www.energystar.gov/; EU ENERGY STAR: http://www.eu-energystar.org/

Chemicals of Concern

Everything containing matter is made up of chemicals—in liquid, gas, or solid form; natural and manmade; pure or mixed. The majority of chemicals pose no risk to humans or the environment, but those that could potentially cause harm are considered hazardous. Depending on the harmful properties of these they are regulated in order to protect human and environmental health. USEFUL RESOURCES: European Chemical Agency (ECHA): https://echa.europa.eu/chemicals-in-our-life/which-chemicals-are-of-concern

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

In its flexible form this substance is familiarly known as vinyl. In its rigid form it is used in construction for plumbing pipes. Upon combustion, it produces hydrogen chloride (HCL). Evidence suggests that, throughout its entire life cycle, this chemical is responsible for a greater share of the nation's annual dioxin burden than any other industrial product. USEFUL RESOURCES: EPA: https://www.epa.gov/haps/health-effects-notebook-hazardous-air-pollutants

System

More than the sum of its parts (elements, interconnections, and a function or purpose) this structure has a quality of "wholeness" and active mechanisms to maintain its integrity. While an important function of almost any such structure is self-perpetuation, understanding its behavior reveals a lot about its purpose. Changing any part of the structure changes it as a whole, although the most impactful change results from changing its function. USEFUL RESOURCES: Donella Meadows, Thinking in Systems: A Primer, Chelsea Green, 2008

Pareto Principle

Named after an early 20th century economist, this principle holds that 80% of effects come from 20% of causes. Used as a general rule of thumb, the so called "80/20 Rule" provides guidance on where to focus limited resources for maximum benefit. USEFUL RESOURCES: Melissa G. Hartman, "Separate the Vital Few From the Trivial Many," Society for Quality, 2001: http://asq.org/quality-progress/2001/09/problem-solving/separate-the-vital-few-from-the-trivial-many.html

Leverage Points

Places to intervene in a system to create change. USEFUL RESOURCES: Donella Meadows, "Leverage Points: Places to Intervene in a System," circa 1972: http://donellameadows.org/archives/leverage-points-places-to-intervene-in-a-system/

Limits to Growth

Published by the Club of Rome in 1972, this was a controversial paper, authored by a team at MIT, working under Jay W. Forrester. Controversial at the time, the team used computer modeling to simulate the impact on the biosphere of continued economic and population growth. Their findings showed that the carrying capacity of the Earth could not withstand the then-current rates beyond 2100, without experiencing irreversible collapse. USEFUL RESOURCES: The Club of Rome: http://www.clubofrome.org/report/the-limits-to-growth/

Brundtland Commission

Publisher of "Our Common Future" in 1987, the UN's World Commission on Environment and Development got its moniker from its Chairwoman, Gro Harlem Brundtland, the ex-Prime Minister of Norway. USEFUL RESOURCES: UN Biography of Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland: http://www.un.org/News/dh/hlpanel/brundtland-bio.htm

Certified Emission Reduction (CER) Units

Qualified emissions reductions under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). USEFUL RESOURCES: UN Framework Convention on Climate Change: http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/mechanisms/clean_development_mechanism/items/2718.php

Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer

Ratified in 1988, this framework convention, laid the groundwork for the Montreal Protocol. Its objective was to promote research, facilitate the exchange of information, and adopt measures that would mitigate activities that deplete the ozone layer. USEFUL RESOURCES: UNEP, Ozone Secretariat: http://ozone.unep.org/en/treaties-and-decisions/vienna-convention-protection-ozone-layer

Renewable Energy Certificate (REC)

Sold in the voluntary emissions trading markets, this type of offset represents an amount of CO2e emissions saved by using renewable energy to produce electricity. Rather than having a face value of one tonne of CO2e emissions, they can be purchased in varying denominations. USEFUL RESOURCES: US DOE, The Green Power Network: http://apps3.eere.energy.gov/greenpower/markets/certificates.shtml

Whistleblower

Someone who discloses information believed to be evidence of wrongdoing that threatens "public health and safety, financial integrity, human rights, the environment and the rule of law." Protections for these people are designed to shield them from retaliation and encourage reporting of misconduct of those in power. USEFUL RESOURCES: Transparency International: http://www.transparency.org/whatwedo/publication/international_principles_for_whistleblower_legislation

Ocean Acidification (OA)

Sometimes called "the other carbon problem," this results when the pH balance of seawater drops as a result of becoming supersaturated with calcium carbonate. Balanced absorption of CO2 into seawater is important to the ocean's ecosystem, strengthening the skeletons and shells of marine organisms. USEFUL RESOURCES: Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, NOAA: http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/co2/story/What+is+Ocean+Acidification%3F

Product Stewardship

Sometimes used synonymously with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), this environmental management strategy assigns responsibility for minimizing the environmental impact of a product. Such responsibility may lie with the designer, producer, vendor, or user—whoever has the greatest ability to affect its impact throughout its life cycle. Most often responsibility lies with the producer. USEFUL RESOURCES: Northwest Product Stewardship Council: http://productstewardship.net/about/what-product-stewardship

Systems Thinking

Taking a holistic approach to analyzing complexity. Rather than focusing on the details of isolated problems, way of thinking allows us to see the interconnections between constituent parts and the causes and effects of action. USEFUL RESOURCES: Daniel Aronson: http://www.thinking.net/Systems_Thinking/OverviewSTarticle.pdf

Conference of the Parties (COPs)

The supreme decision-making body comprised of the parties that have ratified the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. It has met on an annual basis since 1995, to evaluate progress on the project mechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol. As of February 2003, it is comprised of 188 countries. USEFUL RESOURCES: Climate Change: Guide to Kyoto Protocol Project Mechanisms, Volume A: https://wbcarbonfinance.org/docs/a_en_kyoto_projects_ld.pdf

Livable Wage

The term describes the compensation needed to provide for the most basic of human needs. It permits, families to live locally, based on the local cost of living. USEFUL RESOURCES: MIT: http://livingwage.mit.edu/

Carbon Footprint

The total GHG emissions from fossil fuel use. USEFUL RESOURCES: Global Footprint Network: http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/glossary/

Ecological Economics

The transdisciplinary field of ecology and economics that endeavors to understand how humans interact with the ecosystem around them. Informed by the past practitioners work to include the value of natural capital from ecosystem services to drive future decisions. USEFUL RESOURCES: Robert Contanza: http://insights.som.yale.edu/insights/what-ecological-economics

Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e)

The universal unit of measurement expressing the global warming potential (GWP) of greenhouse gases. It is used to compare the radiative force of a GHG to CO2. USEFUL RESOURCES: GHG Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard: http://www.ghgprotocol.org/standards/corporate-standard

Value Chain

The various value adding activities of an organizational network—from materials resourcing through waste management. USEFUL RESOURCES: Dictionary of Sustainable Management: http://www.sustainabilitydictionary.com/value-chain/

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

These chemical compounds are organic substances that evaporate easily, contributing to the formation of ozone and smog. They are linked to respiratory illnesses and memory impairment. USEFUL RESOURCES: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE): http://www.unece.org/env/lrtap/vola_h1.html

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

These chemicals are resistant to environmental degradation through chemical, biological, and photolytic processes. Over time, they persist, bioaccumulating with potentially significant impacts on human health and the environment. USEFUL RESOURCES: Stockholm Convention: http://chm.pops.int/TheConvention/ThePOPs/tabid/673/Default.aspx

Nanomaterials

These contain nanoparticles—particles measuring less than 100 nanometers in at least one direction. (One nanometer = One billionth of a meter.) USEFUL RESOURCES: EUROPA Public Health: http://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/opinions_layman/nanomaterials/en/

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

These directives place significant end-of-life responsibility on manufacturers, in managing the post-consumer treatment and disposal of their products. Requirements may be financial and/or physical in nature. USEFUL RESOURCES: Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development: http://www.oecd.org/env/tools-evaluation/extendedproducerresponsibility.htm

Scope 3

These emissions are the result of activities that happen throughout the value chain, outside an entity's direct control. Examples include employee commuting, freight, and supplier impacts. USEFUL RESOURCES: GHG Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard: http://www.ghgprotocol.org/standards/corporate-standard

Waste to Energy

These landfill management practices involve the process of using discarded materials to generate heat and electricity, rather than allowing it to decay in the landfill. Sometimes referred to as "recovery" the process is sometimes included as the fourth "R" in waste management (reduce-reuse-recycle-recover). USEFUL RESOURCES: Scientific American: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/does-burning-garbage-to-produce-energy-make-sense/

Substitution

These practices involve the replacement of conventional materials with less impactful alternatives. Along with dematerialization, these approaches provide a key mechanism for driving sustainable development. Harnessing renewable energy in lieu of fossil fuels is an example of this practice. USEFUL RESOURCES: KH Robert, et. al., "Strategic Sustainable Development — Selection, Design and Synergies of Applied Tools," Journal of Cleaner Production, 2002: http://www.foroandinopvc.org.co/documentos/Strategic%20Sustainable%20Development%20-%20K.H%20Robert%20et%20al.pdf

Hannover Principles

These principles underpin many green building standards. Developed by William McDonough in 1992, they governed his design of The World's Fair, EXPO 2000, held in Hannover, Germany. USEFUL RESOURCES: William McDonough & Partners, "The Hannover Principles: Design for Sustainability," 2000: http://www.mcdonough.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Hannover-Principles-1992.pdf

Melbourne Principles for Sustainable Cities

These principles were developed in 2002 with the help of by UNEP and ICLEI and offer sustainability planning guidance to urban areas. USEFUL RESOURCES: Sustainable Melbourne: http://www.sustainablemelbourne.com/visions/the-melbourne-principles-for-sustainable-cities/

Principles of Natural Systems

These principles, attributed to the Australian ecologist, Charles Birch hold that: nothing grows forever; continuation of life depends on the cycles of essential elements; the probability of extinction is greatest when population density is very high or very low; despite complexity, chances of survival and reproduction depend on only a few factors; our ability to change the Earth increases faster than our ability to foresee the consequences change; and living organisms are not a means but an ends—they have intrinsic value. USEFUL RESOURCES: Bill Mollison, "Extracts from Permaculture: A designers Manual," 1988: http://garden.menoyot.com/assets/blogAssets/garden/Bill_Mollison_Principles_and_Systems.pdf

Equator Principles (EPs)

These principles, created in 2003 by the IFC (World Bank), provide the financial services industry with a risk management framework for assessing and managing social and environmental risk. USEFUL RESOURCES: Equator Principles: http://www.equator-principles.com/resources/equator_principles_III.pdf

Wicked Problems

These problems are difficult or impossible to solve. In part, solutions to these challenges elude policy makers and society because of their complexity or the lack of clear and complete information. Solving these social or cultural problems may be costly due to their systematic and the number of stakeholders involved. USEFUL RESOURCES: Wicked Problems: https://www.wickedproblems.com/1_wicked_problems.php

Sources and Sinks

These system inputs and reservoirs are elements or entities that reside outside a system, but impact or influence it in some way. System inputs may also be reservoirs and vice versa. USEFUL RESOURCES: American Chemical Society (ACS), "Greenhouse Gas Sources and Sinks: ACS Climate Science Toolkit | Greenhouse Gases": https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/climatescience/greenhousegases/sourcesandsinks.html

IPAT

This "equation" expresses a causal relationship between total population (P), affluence (A), technology (T), and environmental impact (I). While overly simplified the construct of a multiplicative relationship between these elements has led to a broader understanding of environmental challenges such as climate change. USEFUL RESOURCES: The Sustainable Scale Project: http://www.sustainablescale.org/ConceptualFramework/UnderstandingScale/MeasuringScale/TheIPATEquation.aspx

Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT 1992)

This Act of 1992, enacted by the US Congress, was aimed at reducing petroleum dependence and improving air quality. The legislation covers all aspects of energy supply and demand and boosted investment in alternative fuels vehicle technology, among other things. USEFUL RESOURCES: Alternative Fuels Data Center: http://www.afdc.energy.gov/laws/key_legislation

"Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorization & Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)"

This EU regulation is designed to protect human and environmental health from chemical exposure. The legislation also contains provisions relating to the use of animals in research. USEFUL RESOURCES: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): https://echa.europa.eu/regulations/reach

UN Guiding Principles Framework (UNGPs)

This Framework provides companies with principles to comprehensively report on human rights issues that align with their responsibility as defined by the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. USEFUL RESOURCES: UN Guiding Principles Reporting Framework: http://www.ungpreporting.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/UNGuidingPrinciplesReportingFramework_withimplementationguidance_Feb2015.pdf

Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA)

This UN assessment was Initiated in 2001 to develop a scientific basis for action to conserve ecosystem resources and implement sustainable use policies. Assessment of the consequences of ecosystem change on human wellbeing included an appraisal of ecosystem services and suggested options for restoring, conserving, or enhancing the sustainable use of ecosystems. USEFUL RESOURCES: UNEP: http://www.unep.org/maweb/en/index.aspx

SMART

This acronym is used to help decision makers set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic, and Time-bound. USEFUL RESOURCES: Duncan Haughey: https://www.projectsmart.co.uk/smart-goals.php

"Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (SWOT)"

This analysis involves a process of identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats faced by an organization. USEFUL RESOURCES: Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/swot.asp

Zero Waste

This approach to materials disposal goes beyond the practice of recycling, taking a whole-system approach to eliminating waste from human society. USEFUL RESOURCES: Grassroots Recycling Network: http://www.grrn.org/page/zero-waste

"Logical Framework Approach (LFA), or Logframe"

This approach to project planning follows a hierarchical planning methodology that focuses on the achievement of one project purpose. Represented graphically this approach uses a matrix that helps develop measurable indicators, means of verification, and key assumptions for each aspect of the project plan: Objectives & Goals; Project Purpose; Desired Results; Intervention Activities along with their costs and expected returns. USEFUL RESOURCES: BOND: http://www.gdrc.org/ngo/logical-fa.pdf

Grameen Bank (microcredit)

This bank project takes its name from the Bengali word for "Village bank". Created in Bangladesh in the mid-1970s, it marked the beginning of modern-day microfinancing. This type of microcredit lending funds for self-employment projects that generate enough income for the borrower to care for themselves and their families. USEFUL RESOURCES: Microworld: http://www.microworld.org/en/about-microworld/about-microcredit

Fair Trade Certification

This certification supports sustainable development among small producers and agricultural workers in the poorest countries. This type of mark, of Fairtrade International (FLO), is used throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Fairtrade USA is the equivalent mark used in North America. USEFUL RESOURCES: Fairtrade International (FLO): http://www.fairtrade.net/; Fairtrade USA: http://fairtradeusa.org/

UN Convention on Biological Diversity

This convention was an outcome of the 1992 WCED summit in Rio de Janeiro and entered into force in 1993. It has three key objectives--to conserve biological diversity, support the sustainable use of biological diversity's components, and promote the equitable sharing of benefits that arise from using genetic resources. USEFUL RESOURCES: Convention on Biological Diversity: https://www.cbd.int/intro/default.shtml

Rio Declaration on the Environment and Development

This declaration defined a series of principles governing the rights of people to development, and their responsibilities of States to safeguard the common environment. USEFUL RESOURCES: UN Environment Programme: http://www.unep.org/documents.multilingual/default.asp?documentid=78&articleid=1163

Sustainable Energy

This describes energy that is available to all people—both today and in the future. Having the capacity to provide this requires a strong infrastructure, deriving fuel from renewable sources, and practicing energy efficiency. USEFUL RESOURCES: UNDP: http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/ourwork/climate-and-disaster-resilience/sustainable-energy.html

Net-Zero

This describes the practice of balancing production and consumption. Measured on an annual basis, buildings with an energy footprint described with this term use onsite renewable energy to generate all energy consumed. Those with this size carbon footprint produce no carbon emissions. USEFUL RESOURCES: Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG): https://www.wbdg.org/resources/net-zero-energy-buildings

Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)

This document provides consumers with quantifiable LCA data on the environmental impact associated with a given product. Following the ISO 14025 product category rules (PCR), it is used to compare the relative impact of similar products. USEFUL RESOURCES: ASTM: http://www.astm.org/CERTIFICATION/filtrexx40.cgi?-P+PROG+7+cert_detail.frm

Nuclear Power

This energy is generated through fission—a process that uses neutrons to break apart an atom's nucleus. Upon breakup, these neutrons collide with other atoms, causing a chain reaction. Large, heavy, relatively weak, and unstable, uranium is an ideal element to fuel this process. Its instability makes uranium highly radioactive, with a half-life of 4.5 billion years. One pound of uranium can produce as much power as 3 million pounds of coal. USEFUL RESOURCES: Union of Concerned Scientists: http://www.ucsusa.org/nuclear-power/nuclear-power-technology/how-nuclear-power-works#.V_QXZCRp1W0

Ozone (O3)

This gas, composed of three atoms of oxygen, occurs both at ground level and in the upper atmosphere. In the upper atmosphere, it protects the Earth's surface from harmful UV rays. When found at lower levels, it is a volatile organic compound (VOC), created through chemical processes, which can be harmful to human health. The Montreal Protocol agreement set regulations to curb the use of compounds that produce this gas. USEFUL RESOURCES: Air Now: http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqibasics.ozone

The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)

This global initiative, that focuses on "making nature's values visible," aims to bring ecosystem service and biodiversity issues into mainstream decision-making practices. USEFUL RESOURCES: The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB): http://www.teebweb.org/about/

Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS) Credit

This global standard is used to develop credible voluntary carbon unit (VCU) credits. USEFUL RESOURCES: Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS): http://www.v-c-s.org/

Scope 1

This group of emissions encompasses direct emissions from sources within the reporting entity's organizational boundaries. It includes such emissions as derived from burning natural gas onsite, refrigerant leakage, and company owned vehicle emissions. USEFUL RESOURCES: GHG Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard: http://www.ghgprotocol.org/standards/corporate-standard

Indigenous People

This group of individuals is defined as having a set of specific rights based on their historical ties to a particular territory—culturally and historically distinct from the majority populations with political dominance. USEFUL RESOURCES: Indigenous Peoples' Literature: http://www.indigenouspeople.net/

Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI)

This indicator measures the economic welfare generated by economic activity by including the depreciation of community capital as an economic cost. Going beyond consumption (represented by GDP), this indicator accounts for income distribution, environmental costs, crime, pollution, volunteering, household work, among other activities. USEFUL RESOURCES: "Beyond GDP: Measuring and achieving global genuine progress" by Ida Kubiszewski, et. al.: http://www.kysq.org/docs/2013_Kubiszewski_GlobalGPI.pdf

Rainforest Alliance Certified

This international NGO focuses its work on biodiversity and the livelihoods of those who depend on it. They also certify products and services that are derived from sustainable farms and forests. The organization is a leader in helping to address the climate change issues associated with deforestation. USEFUL RESOURCES: Rainforest Alliance: http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/

Socially Responsible Investing (SRI)

This investment approach considers sustainability criteria when evaluating investment opportunities. USEFUL RESOURCES: The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment (USSIF): http://www.ussif.org/sribasics

Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE)

This is a building standard developed by the World Bank's International Financial Corporation (IFC). Using the accompanying free software, developers in emerging markets can determine the most cost-effective options for building resource-efficient structures. Those buildings that demonstrate 20% efficiency improvements can become certified. USEFUL RESOURCES: Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE): https://www.edgebuildings.com/

Product Environmental Footprint (PEF)

This is a kind of life cycle assessment that focuses primarily on environmental impacts. Used more commonly than LCA in Europe, the EU is seeking to standardize this assessment approach in the same way they have done for hazardous materials with REACH. USEFUL RESOURCES: European Commission: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eussd/pdf/footprint/PEF%20methodology%20final%20draft.pdf

Negawatt

This is a saved unit of electricity. USEFUL RESOURCES: Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI): http://www.rmi.org/Knowledge-Center/Library/E90-20_NegawattRevolution

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)

This is a standards body that puts forth criteria for sustainability reporting, in partnership with global organizations focused on quality, environment, and economics. Their sustainability reporting framework is used by a majority of the world's largest corporations. USEFUL RESOURCES: Global Reporting Initiative: https://www.globalreporting.org/

Multi-Stakeholder Engagement

This is a structured process, used to ensure that a range of perspectives are included in decision-making. USEFUL RESOURCES: UNDP: http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/librarypage/capacity-building/accountability/multi-stakeholder-engagement-processes.html

Traceability

This is a supply chain transparency concept that relates particularly to commodities where a buyer is unlikely to know the origins, or social and environmental impacts of the component or ingredient. USEFUL RESOURCES: UNGP, "A Guide to Traceability: A Practical Approach to Advance Sustainability in Global Supply Chains,": https://www.unglobalcompact.org/library/791

Externalities

This is a term Economists use to refer to the large indirect costs that affect people but are not captured in prices. Without capturing these costs in market prices, people cannot make informed decisions. Carbon emissions provide an excellent example of how this negatively impacts society. USEFUL RESOURCES: International Monetary Fund (IMF): http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/fandd/2010/12/basics.htm

Mitigation

This is a tool for addressing the root cause of negative social or environmental impacts, thereby diminishing the potential for damage before it occurs. USEFUL RESOURCES: NASA: http://climate.nasa.gov/solutions/adaptation-mitigation/

Systems Mapping

This is a visual representation of a system that provides a way to better understanding how it functions in order to affect change. USEFUL RESOURCES: Joelle Cook, "An Introduction to System Mapping," 2015: http://www.fsg.org/blog/introduction-system-mapping

First Law of Thermodynamics

This is also known as the Law of Conservation of Energy, and states that all energy and mass in a system is conserved in some way—that the essence of a thing may change but nothing is either created or destroyed. USEFUL RESOURCES: The Natural Step: http://www.thenaturalstep.org/sustainability/the-science-behind-our-approach/

Mental Models

This is an abstract representation of a system—of something in the real world that we want to better understand—constructed in our imaginations. Cultivating the ability to think about the underlying structure and function of a system, through the use of these, is critical to successful sustainable development. USEFUL RESOURCES: Thwink.org: http://www.thwink.org/sustain/glossary/SystemsThinking.htm

Feebate

This is an approach to taxation whereby those practicing undesirable behavior are levied a fee, which gets rebated to those practicing the desirable behavior. This approach is thought to be an effective way of spurring innovation. USEFUL RESOURCES: Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI): http://www.rmi.org/FeebatesKeyBreakingOilAddiction

Natural Capitalism

This is an economic model that highlights the critical relationship between society and the ecosystem expressed in economic terms. It allows decision-makers to consider Earth's carrying capacity and the risks associated with the limits to growth. Four central strategies of this concept can help countries, companies, and communities to thrive: Radical resource productivity; Biomimicry; Service and flow economy; Invest in natural capital. USEFUL RESOURCES: Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution by Paul Hawken, Amory Lovins, and L. Hunter Lovins. Back Bay Books, 1999.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

This is an index of a country's economic output—the economic value of all goods and services, derived by tallying either all income received or all money spent. It is used to determine a nation's level of prosperity. Calculated by summing recorded market transactions, many consider it an inaccurate indicator of progress because it ignores social costs, environmental impacts and income inequality. USEFUL RESOURCES: Robert Costanza, et al,, "Development: Time to leave GDP behind," Nature, 2014: http://www.nature.com/news/development-time-to-leave-gdp-behind-1.14499

Habitat

This is defined as the environment where an organism or group of organisms, including flora and fauna, normally live. That environment includes both living and nonliving things. USEFUL RESOURCES: Encyclopedia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/science/habitat-biology

Eutrophication

This is defined as the presence of excessive nutrients in bodies of water and the effect over enrichment has on aquatic life. This phenomenon causes depletes oxygen (hypoxia) and algal blooms. USEFUL RESOURCES: World Resources Institute (WRI): http://www.wri.org/our-work/project/eutrophication-and-hypoxia/about-eutrophication

Social License to Operate

This is granted to an organization as long as their behavior matches the expectations of society. The recognition by society of an organization's legitimacy based on their reputation as responsible operators has no basis in law. USEFUL RESOURCES: Social License: http://socialicense.com/definition.html

Nitrogen Trifluoride (NF3)

This is one of the greenhouse gases that nations are required to track under the Kyoto Protocol. According to the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) it has a global warming potential of 16,100 over a 100 year time horizon. USEFUL RESOURCES: "Global Warming Potential Values," GHG Protocol: http://www.ghgprotocol.org/calculation-tools/all-tools

Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6)

This is one of the greenhouse gases that nations are required to track under the Kyoto Protocol. According to the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) it has a global warming potential of 23,500 over a 100 year time horizon. USEFUL RESOURCES: "Global Warming Potential Values," GHG Protocol: http://www.ghgprotocol.org/calculation-tools/all-tools

Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

This is one of the greenhouse gases that nations are required to track under the Kyoto Protocol. According to the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) it has a global warming potential of 265 over a 100 year time horizon. USEFUL RESOURCES: "Global Warming Potential Values," GHG Protocol: http://www.ghgprotocol.org/calculation-tools/all-tools

Methane (CH4)

This is one of the greenhouse gases that nations are required to track under the Kyoto Protocol. According to the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) it has a global warming potential of 28 over a 100 year time horizon. USEFUL RESOURCES: "Global Warming Potential Values," GHG Protocol: http://www.ghgprotocol.org/calculation-tools/all-tools

Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)

This is one of the greenhouse gases that nations are required to track under the Kyoto Protocol. According to the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) it has a global warming potential that ranges from 4 to 12,400 over a 100 year time horizon. USEFUL RESOURCES: "Global Warming Potential Values," GHG Protocol: http://www.ghgprotocol.org/calculation-tools/all-tools

Perfluorocarbon (PFC)

This is one of the greenhouse gases that nations are required to track under the Kyoto Protocol. According to the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) it has a global warming potential that ranges from 6,630 to 17,400 over a 100 year time horizon. USEFUL RESOURCES: "Global Warming Potential Values," GHG Protocol: http://www.ghgprotocol.org/calculation-tools/all-tools

Rio Earth Summit

This is the common name for a conference that was held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. During its convening of 172 governments, parties sought to rethink economic development. The conference resulted in 5 pivotal outcomes: Rio Declaration on Environment and Development; Agenda 21; Statement of Land Resources: Deforestation; UN Framework Convention On Climate Change; UN Convention on Biological Diversity. USEFUL RESOURCES: Stephanie Meakin, "The Rio Earth Summit: Summary of the UN Conference on Environment & Development," 1992: http://publications.gc.ca/Collection-R/LoPBdP/BP/bp317-e.htm

Living Building Challenge™

This is the most rigorous performance standard for the built environment. It calls for building projects that operate as cleanly, beautifully, and efficiently as nature does. Rather than meeting standards at a single point in time, projects must demonstrate performance of a period of at least 12 months of occupancy. USEFUL RESOURCES: The Living Building Challenge: http://living-future.org/lbc

Social Responsibility

This is the practice of incorporating social and environmental considerations into the decision-making process and being accountable for the impact of those decisions. Under ISO 26000 guidance, recognizing the stakeholder interests and incorporating those interests are a key element of its practice. USEFUL RESOURCES: ISO 26000: https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:std:iso:26000:ed-1:v1:en

Photosynthesis

This is the process by which plant cells capture energy from the sunlight and convert it to energy. It is the only aspect of the Earth that is an open system, gaining energy from the sun. According to The Natural Step, this process "pays the bills," creating structure and order. USEFUL RESOURCES: The Natural Step: http://www.thenaturalstep.org/sustainability/the-science-behind-our-approach/

Energy-use Product (EuP)

This legislation sets energy efficiency thresholds for products that use energy (e.g. televisions, lighting, computers, etc.). USEFUL RESOURCES: European Commission: http://ec.europa.eu/growth/industry/sustainability/ecodesign_en

Energy-related Product (ErP)

This legislation sets performance standards for those products that have an indirect impact on energy consumption (e.g. windows and faucets). USEFUL RESOURCES: European Commission: http://ec.europa.eu/growth/industry/sustainability/ecodesign_en

Sustainability Compass

This metaphorical tool helps planners navigate the journey toward sustainability. Used for indicator development, it offers four broad categories for assessment: N = Nature; E = Economy; S = Society; W = Wellbeing. USEFUL RESOURCES: The AtKisson Group: http://atkisson.com/visis/

Statement of Land Resources: Deforestation

This non-legally-binding statement of principles emerged from the Rio Earth Summit, calling for a global consensus for action to protect the world's forests from exploitation, fire, acid rain and alternative land use practices. The five program areas include: multiple use of forests and forest lands, promoting afforestation and reforestation, efficient use of forests and their trees, monitoring forest-related activities, and promoting cooperation. USEFUL RESOURCES: UN: http://publications.gc.ca/Collection-R/LoPBdP/BP/bp317-e.htm#D.%20Statement%20of%20Land%20Resources:%20Deforestation(txt)

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

This organization promotes environmentally sound, socially beneficial, and economically prosperous management of the world's forests. Third-party verifiers assess forest management practices and chain of custody operations, tracing wood products through the supply chain from the live tree to end-use. This eco-label can be found on furniture, lumber and building products, pulp and paper products, along with non-wood products derived from forests, such as cork and bamboo. USEFUL RESOURCES: Forest Stewardship Council: https://us.fsc.org/

Greenhouse Effect

This phenomenon results when heat becomes trapped in the Earth's lower atmosphere and is prevented from escaping into space. USEFUL RESOURCES: University Corporation of Atmospheric Research, National Center for Atmospheric Research: https://www.ucar.edu/learn/1_3_1.htm

Polluter Pays Principle

This principle holds that the cost of mitigating negative impacts should be borne by the entity responsible for their emission. USEFUL RESOURCES: UNEP: http://www.unep.org/delc/Portals/119/publications/Judicial-Handbook-Environmenal-Law.pdf

Precautionary Principle

This principle holds that where there is a potential threat of serious or irreversible damage, a lack of certainty should not be used to justify postponing cost-effective action. USEFUL RESOURCES: UNEP: http://www.unep.org/documents.multilingual/default.asp?documentid=78&articleid=1163

Environmental Management Systems (EMS)

This provides a framework for reaching sustainability goals through consistent control of operations, which includes a process for continuous improvement. In addition to offering certification under ISO 14001, ISO 14004 provides guidance for creating this. Many types of these follow the Plan > Do > Check > Act (PDCA) framework. USEFUL RESOURCES: ISO: https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:std:iso:14001:ed-3:v1:en

Indicator

This provides data about a topic or situation, which strategists and managers use to understand the world, inform decisions, and plan for actions. USEFUL RESOURCES: Donella Meadows, "Indicators and Information Systems for Sustainable Development," 1998: http://www.iisd.org/pdf/s_ind_2.pdf

Pollution Prevention (P2)

This refers to a set of practices designed to reduce pollution at its source, also known as "source reduction" techniques. USEFUL RESOURCES: National Pollution Prevention Roundtable: http://www.p2.org/about/what-is-pollution-prevention/

Low Impact Development (LID)

This refers to an urban planning approach to property development that ensures proper stormwater management. Practices include close to the source design strategies that mimic natural hydrology such as rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable paving. USEFUL RESOURCES: City of Edmonton: https://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/environmental_stewardship/low-impact-development.aspx

E-waste

This refers to discarded electronic devices—any device with a circuit board—that find their way into the landfill. The presence of both precious metals and hazardous materials makes recycling these devices at once lucrative and dangerous. Responsible recovery preserves resources while protecting human and ecosystem health. USEFUL RESOURCES: "The Future of Electronic Waste Recycling in the United States: Obstacles and Domestic Solutions" by Jennifer Namias, 2013 http://www.seas.columbia.edu/earth/wtert/sofos/Namias_Thesis_07-08-13.pdf

Renewable Energy

This refers to energy production fueled by resources that nature can replenish at a rate equal to or greater than it is used. "Clean" energy further includes the ability of nature to absorb the emissions created during the life cycle of the fuel. USEFUL RESOURCES: US DOE, The Green Power Network: http://apps3.eere.energy.gov/greenpower/markets/certificates.shtml

Social Justice

This refers to fairness and equality among all people in society and encompasses issues of human rights and the distribution of resources. USEFUL RESOURCES: Matthew Robinson, "What is Social Justice?" http://gjs.appstate.edu/social-justice-and-human-rights/what-social-justice

Thermohaline Circulation

This refers to the deep ocean currents that are driven by differences in water density, which is controlled by temperature (thermo) and salinity (haline). As glacier ice forms, the salt precipitates out into the surrounding seawater making it saltier and denser, causing it to sink. As this saltier water sinks, the fresh surface water drawn in to replace it also becomes salty—eventually sinking as well. The resulting deep ocean currents circle the globe in a kind of conveyor belt. USEFUL RESOURCES: National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/tutorial_currents/05conveyor1.html

Scope 2

This refers to the indirect emissions that result from the use of grid-supplied electricity. USEFUL RESOURCES: GHG Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard: http://www.ghgprotocol.org/standards/corporate-standard

Life Cycle Costing (LCC)

This refers to the practice of looking at the relative benefits and drawbacks of a given financial decision based on a full range of related expenditures over the long-term. Capital outlays, operating expenses, and disposal fees are all included in such an analysis. USEFUL RESOURCES: US General Services Administration: http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/101197

Supply Chain

This refers to three functions occurring in the life cycle of a product: materials supply, manufacture, and distribution through to the final customer. USEFUL RESOURCES: Canadian Supply Chain Sector Council: http://www.supplychaincanada.org/en/supply-chain

Entropy

This scientific law—the second law of thermodynamics—states that energy disperses and spreads out if not prevented from doing so. As a result anything emitted into the environment will disburse throughout nature. USEFUL RESOURCES: Frank L. Lambert: http://entropysimple.oxy.edu/content.htm

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

This term refers to the environmental condition of spaces in and around buildings particularly as it relates to human health. Most countries regulate allowable levels of six criteria pollutants that may contaminate these spaces: Carbon monoxide, Nitrogen dioxide, Photochemical oxidants (as ozone), Sulfur dioxide, Lead, and Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10). USEFUL RESOURCES: World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs313/en/

Stakeholder Engagement

This term refers to the practice of engaging key stakeholders in dialogue to understand their vital interests—is essential to fostering sustainable business practices. USEFUL RESOURCES: Business for Social Responsibility (BSR): https://www.bsr.org/reports/BSR_Five-Step_Guide_to_Stakeholder_Engagement.pdf

System Archetypes

This term refers to the various combinations of reinforcing and balancing feedback loops that commonly occur in systems. They include: Fixes that backfire or fail, Shifting the burden, Limits to growth or success, Tragedy of the commons, Accidental adversaries, Escalation, Drifting or eroding goals, Success to the successful, and Growth and underinvestment. USEFUL RESOURCES: John D. Sterman, "Sustaining Sustainability: Creating a Systems Science in a Fragmented Academy and Polarized World," Springer Science, 2012: http://jsterman.scripts.mit.edu/docs/Sterman%20Sustaining%20Sustainability%206-19.pdf

Stranded Assets

This term refers to those assets recorded as losses on a company's balance sheet, because they have become nonperforming ahead of their useful life. Notably, in 2014, ExxonMobil began issuing a "Carbon Asset Risk" assessment that led to recording a portion of their oil reserves in this way. USEFUL RESOURCES: Joel Makower: https://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2014/03/24/exxon-stranded-assets-and-new-math

Factor 10

This term states that within one generation, a 10-fold decrease in resource consumption, coupled with a 10-fold increase in efficiency would be required to achieve dematerialization. USEFUL RESOURCES: The Global Development Research Center (GDRC): http://www.gdrc.org/sustdev/concepts.html

Factor 4

This term states that, using existing methodologies, society can enjoy life twice as much on half the resources—effectively quadrupling resource efficiency. USEFUL RESOURCES: The Global Development Research Center (GDRC): http://www.gdrc.org/sustdev/concepts.html

Geothermal Energy

This type of energy comes from heat generated within the Earth's crust, where decaying radioactive material contains over 50,000 times more energy than world fossil fuel stores. Both deep well power plants and ground-source heat pumps harness this heat to generate electricity or create more efficient heating and cooling systems for buildings. USEFUL RESOURCES: Union of Concerned Scientists: http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/renewable-energy/how-geothermal-energy-works.html#.V7sJizWmD7g

Recycle

This waste reduction strategy is used to reduce the quantity and improve the quality of materials heading to landfills. USEFUL RESOURCES: ASTM: http://www.astm.org/SNEWS/SO_2008/wilhelm_so08.html

Social Impact Bond (SIB)

Through public-private-philanthropic partnerships, this debt instrument is used to finance social programs. With this development model, government entities initiate the projects, funding is provided by financial institutions in the private-sector, and nonprofits administer the funds. USEFUL RESOURCES: Rockefellerfoundation.org: https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/our-work/initiatives/social-impact-bonds/

Heavy Metals

Toxic metals, such as arsenic, lead, and mercury have harmful effects on human health when found in large quantities. USEFUL RESOURCES: US Department of Labor: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/metalsheavy/

Biomimicry

An approach to product design and innovation that emulates nature's patterns and strategies to find sustainable solutions to human challenges. USEFUL RESOURCES: Biomimicry Institute: https://biomimicry.org/what-is-biomimicry/#.V3v9TTWmD7g

Cap and Trade System

An emissions trading scheme, whereby lower emitters sell permits to excessive emitters so they can stay within their regulatory emissions cap. USEFUL RESOURCES: Environmental Defense Fund: https://www.edf.org/climate/how-cap-and-trade-works

Ecolabel

A "sign or logo that is intended to indicate an environmentally preferable product, service or company, based on defined standards or criteria". Depending on the certification standards, their reliability will vary. USEFUL RESOURCES: Ecolabel Index: http://www.ecolabelindex.com/ecolabels/

BREEAM

A TBL procurement, design, construction and operation assessment that evaluates a building construction project against performance benchmarks. Assessments are performed by independent auditors. USEFUL RESOURCES: BREEAM: http://www.breeam.com/

Electronics Products Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT)

A US-based product rating system for energy efficient information technology (IT) with environmental criteria addressing the full product life cycle—design, production, usage, and recycling. The rating is more rigorous than the ENERGY STAR qualifying criteria. USEFUL RESOURCES: EPEAT: http://www.epeat.net/

B Corp Certification

A certification scheme for a for-profit company whose mission aligns with creating a better society and has met the sustainability standards developed by B Lab. Their rigorous standards address social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Note that, some certified companies have legally organized themselves as "benefit corporations". USEFUL RESOURCES: B Corporation: https://www.bcorporation.net/what-are-b-corps/about-b-lab

Community Capital

All the "natural, human, social, and built capital from which a community receives benefits and on which the community relies for continued existence". USEFUL RESOURCES: Sustainable Measures: http://www.sustainablemeasures.com/node/32

Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)

Also known as Carbon Engineering, this technology is used to counteract the greenhouse effect and ocean acidification by removing CO2 from the atmosphere. Multiple technologies have been proposed, such as afforestation, biochar, carbon capture, and sequestration. USEFUL RESOURCES: Oxford Geoengineering Programme: http://www.geoengineering.ox.ac.uk/what-is-geoengineering/what-is-geoengineering/

Cogeneration

Also known as combined heat and power (CHP), this is the process of capturing and using waste heat, a byproduct of burning fuel for electricity. USEFUL RESOURCES: Cogen Europe: http://www.cogeneurope.eu/what-is-cogeneration_19.html

Earth Charter

Based on the existing conditions, this is an ethical framework that provides guidance for the transition to more sustainable living and development. The 16 guiding principles address four primary concepts: Respect and care for the community of life; Ecological integrity; Social and economic justice; Democracy, nonviolence, and peace. USEFUL RESOURCES: Earth Charter: http://earthcharter.org/

Carbon Cycle

Carbon is the building block of life on Earth. When nature is in balance, carbon flows cyclically between each of the "spheres"—the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere. USEFUL RESOURCES: NASA Earth Observatory: http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/CarbonCycle/

Endocrine Disrupter

Certain chemicals, such as lead and mercury, have been shown to have adverse effects on hormone production and function. Many of these are still found in prolific products such as cookware, plastic containers, canned food, and others. USEFUL RESOURCES: US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/

Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs)

Coined by Jim Collins and Jerry Porras, these are an organization's stretch targets that should be compelling, bold, and long-term. USEFUL RESOURCES: Jim Collins: http://www.jimcollins.com/article_topics/articles/BHAG.html

Ecosphere

Comprised of four major systems explored by environmental studies and Earth science. The Geosphere is the Earth's core, mantle, and crust. The Atmosphere is the air around the Earth, which includes the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and ionosphere. The Hydrosphere -is all the water contained on Earth, whether in solid, liquid or gaseous form (e.g. ice, oceans, clouds, etc.). The Biosphere - life on Earth, including plants, animals, insects, etc. USEFUL RESOURCES: Norman Herr, Ph.D., California State University, Northridge: https://www.csun.edu/science/books/sourcebook/chapters/8-organizing/files/earth-systems-interactions.html

Carbon Neutral Organizational

Condition in which the net GHG emissions associated with an entity, product or activity is zero for a defined duration. USEFUL RESOURCES: Natural Capital Partners: http://www.carbonneutral.com/images/uploads/others/The_CarbonNeutral_Protocol_Jan2016_Low_Res.pdf

Declaration On Fundamental Principles And Rights At Work

Countries adopting this declaration are committed to providing workers freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, the elimination of forced labor, the abolition of child labor, and the elimination of discrimination in employment and occupation. USEFUL RESOURCES: International Labour Organization: http://www.ilo.org/declaration/lang--en/index.htm

CAFE standards (Corporate Average Fuel Economy)

Standards that set the average fuel economy for new vehicle that a manufacturer's fleet must achieve, originally established by the US Congress for cars and light trucks, in the 1970s, in response to the Arab oil embargo. In 2007 updated legislation raised the standards for cars, light trucks, and SUVs. Current standards must be met at maximum feasible levels through 2030. USEFUL RESOURCES: Union of Concerned Scientists: http://www.ucsusa.org/clean-vehicles/fuel-efficiency/fuel-economy-basics.html#.V7raujWmD7g

Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)

Drives the disclosure of measurement information to improve the way companies manage their environmental risk over the long-term. They work with nearly 1,000 institutional investors to report Climate, Water, and Deforestation impacts, as well as, the performance of Supply Chains. In addition, their public sector program works with cities, states and regions to improve environmental performance. USEFUL RESOURCES: The Carbon Disclosure Project: https://www.cdp.net/en-US/Pages/HomePage.aspx

Direct Emissions

Emissions derived from sources that are owned or controlled by a reporting entity. This may include emissions from onsite combustion in boilers, furnaces, vehicles, etc., as well as emissions from chemicals in process equipment (e.g. fire suppression or refrigeration equipment. Direct emissions are reported under either Scope 1 or Scope 3. USEFUL RESOURCES: GHG Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard: http://www.ghgprotocol.org/standards/corporate-standard

Aarhus Convention

Entering into effect in 2001 among EU countries, and drafted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), this agreement guarantees the rights of individuals—independently and collectively—to live in "an environment adequate to his or her health and wellbeing." This includes the "rights of access to information, public participation in decision-making, and access to justice in environmental matters. USEFUL RESOURCES: European Commission: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/aarhus/; http://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/env/pp/documents/cep43e.pdf

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Formed through cellular respiration, the decomposition of biomass, and combustion, excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is a major contributor to the greenhouse effect. This is one of the greenhouse gases that nations are required to track under the Kyoto Protocol. According to the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) it has a global warming potential of 1. USEFUL RESOURCES: NPR (5 part video series "Global Warming: It's All About Carbon" with Robert Krulwich): http://www.npr.org/2007/05/01/9943298/episode-1-its-all-about-carbon; "Global Warming Potential Values," GHG Protocol: http://www.ghgprotocol.org/calculation-tools/all-tools

Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI)

Maintained in collaboration with RobecoSAM, this scorecard follows a "best-in-class" approach to corporate sustainability rating for investors. Their series of indices are based on a comprehensive assessment of long-term TBL criteria. USEFUL RESOURCES: Dow Jones Sustainability Indices: http://www.djindexes.com/sustainability/

Base year

In corporate GHG accounting, this is a specific year (or an average over multiple years) against which an organization's impacts are tracked over time. USEFUL RESOURCES: GHG Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard: http://www.ghgprotocol.org/standards/corporate-standard

Additionality

In the carbon offset market, this test answers the question: Are the GHG reductions a direct result of the project being sold? If, all else being equal, the project reduces GHG levels, then the project passes this test. USEFUL RESOURCES: CORE: http://www.co2offsetresearch.org/consumer/Additionality.html

Carbon Credits

Instruments used to trade carbon emissions among parties in either the voluntary or compliance markets. USEFUL RESOURCES: Brokers Environmental: http://www.brokerscarbon.com/carbon-credits.php

Conventions

International, multilateral, instruments, often with a narrower scope than a treaty, which establish general guidelines and principles for governance that may precede, or form the basis for, a formal treaty. a type of legally-binding international treaty. USEFUL RESOURCES: UN, NZCEL and SPREP, "Multilateral Environmental Agreement: Negotiator's Handbook Pacific Region 2013": http://www.sprep.org/attachments/Publications/EMG/MEA_Handbook_2013.pdf

Bioremediation

Introducing microbes and other biological organisms to rehabilitate environmentally contaminated sites. USEFUL RESOURCES: Cornell University: http://ei.cornell.edu/biodeg/bioremed/

Ambient air quality

Measured at ground level, away from direct sources of pollution, this refers to the level of pollution found in outdoor air. Poor air quality is associated with heart disease, lung cancer, respiratory diseases and stroke. USEFUL RESOURCES: British Columbia: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs313/en/

Caux Round Table (CRT) - Principles for Government

These are based on the idea that "the expectation that better government supporting the entrepreneurial endeavors of socially responsible businesses around the world will generate greater investment of private capital to create more wealth for poor people". USEFUL RESOURCES: Caux Roundtable: http://www.cauxroundtable.org

Caux Round Table (CRT) - Principles for Business

These provide "a worldwide vision for ethical and responsible corporate behavior and serve as a foundation for action for business leaders worldwide". USEFUL RESOURCES: Caux Roundtable: http://www.cauxroundtable.org

Ecodesign Directive

This EU Directive provides rules for improving the energy efficiency and environmental performance of energy-using products (EuP) and energy-related products (ErP). USEFUL RESOURCES: European Commission: http://ec.europa.eu/growth/industry/sustainability/ecodesign_en

Bhopal Chemical Leak

Occurring in December of 1984, this disaster took place at the Union Carbide (now Dow Chemical) pesticide plant in central India. A half million people were exposed to methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas. USEFUL RESOURCES: Edward Broughton, "The Bhopal disaster and its aftermath: a review," Environmental Health, 2005: http://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1476-069X-4-6

Design for the Environment (DfE)

Originally a program of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this is an approach to creating more sustainable products and services that incorporates human health and environmental impact into design decisions. USEFUL RESOURCES: US EPA: https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice/design-environment-programs-initiatives-and-projects

Ecosystem

This consists of the biological community along with the physical and chemical factors that make up its nonliving environment. USEFUL RESOURCES: Green Facts on Health and the Environment: http://www.greenfacts.org/en/ecosystems/index.htm#8

Employee Ownership

This describes the ownership of a company by a broad cross-section of employees—from rank-and-file to management—offered through a formal plan by the company. USEFUL RESOURCES: National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO): https://www.nceo.org/employee-ownership/id/12/

Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency (CASBEE)

This is a Japanese rating system for evaluating the environmental performance of the built environment. The program provides tools for assessing the environmental performance of housing, commercial buildings, neighborhood, and cities. USEFUL RESOURCES: Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency (CASBEE): http://www.ibec.or.jp/CASBEE/english/

Adaptation

This is a tool used to address negative social or environmental impacts, by developing new, more effective ways of functioning after change has occurred. USEFUL RESOURCES: NASA: http://climate.nasa.gov/solutions/adaptation-mitigation/

Emissions Factor

This is a value that helps to quantify the amount of a pollutant released into the atmosphere as the result of a given activity. USEFUL RESOURCES: Ecometrica: http://emissionfactors.com/knowledge/questions/25/emission-factors/

Coral Bleaching

This phenomenon results when resident algae die, due to changes in environmental conditions (e.g. temperature, light, nutrients), causing them to be expelled from their hosts. USEFUL RESOURCES: US National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service: http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/coral_bleach.html

Endangered Species Act (ESA)

Passed by Congress in 1973, this act made the US one of the first countries to afford legal protections to a full range of living things, including birds, insects, fish, reptiles, mammals, crustaceans, flowers, grasses, and trees. USEFUL RESOURCES: US EPA: https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-endangered-species-act

Clean Air Act (CAA)

Passed in 1972, this act protects human and environmental health from the effects of air pollution. Over the years, it has been used to cut ozone, sulfur and nitrogen dioxide in order to address acid rain, and remove lead from gasoline. In 2007, the US Supreme Court upheld the EPA's ability to regulate GHG emissions under this legislation. This action made it possible for the US to drive clean energy efforts despite political opposition. USEFUL RESOURCES: Union of Concerned Scientists: http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/solutions/reduce-emissions/the-clean-air-act.html#.V88qk62mD7g

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA)

Passed in the wake of the Three Mile Island nuclear accident, this act, provides a US Federal 'Superfund' for hazardous-waste cleanup. It also empowers the US EPA to seek out responsible parties and assure their cooperation in the cleanup. USEFUL RESOURCES: US EPA: https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-comprehensive-environmental-response-compensation-and-liability-act

Cradle to Cradle

Refers to an assessment of impacts beginning with materials extraction through to the point where the materials become inputs for new products. This type of assessment is fundamental to a circular economy. USEFUL RESOURCES: Circular Ecology: http://www.circularecology.com/glossary-of-terms-and-definitions.html#.V3_qbjWmD7g

Conflict Minerals

Refers to the trade in non-military goods, the income from which is used to fund wars and helps to perpetuate human rights abuses. Used in the context of central Africa, tin, tungsten, and tantalum (the 3Ts) plus gold comprise these goods. USEFUL RESOURCES: Global Witness: https://www.globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/conflict-minerals/

Consumptive Use

Refers to water that is removed from the environment through either evapotranspiration or consumption. USEFUL RESOURCES: NREL "Consumptive Water Use for US Power Production," 2003: http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy04osti/33905.pdf

Dematerialization

This term describes the practice of reducing material flows—using less of the same substances to produce an equivalent product. Along with substitution, this practice provides a key mechanism for driving sustainable development. USEFUL RESOURCES: KH Robert, "Strategic Sustainable Development: Selection, Design and Synergies of Applied Tools" Journal of Cleaner Production, 2002: http://www.foroandinopvc.org.co/documentos/Strategic%20Sustainable%20Development%20-%20K.H%20Robert%20et%20al.pdf

Dynamic Complexity

This term describes what happens in a system that is both complex and changing. Taking action in one part of this type of system yields unpredictable, erratic results, that makes solving sustainability challenges like climate change particularly difficult. USEFUL RESOURCES: The Fifth Discipline by Peter Senge, 2006, Doubleday. page 71-72.

Downcycle

Since materials degrade when used (we know this from entropy, the 2nd law of thermodynamics), when recycled they can only be used as inputs for lower quality products. This term describes this phenomenon. USEFUL RESOURCES: Dictionary of Sustainable Management: http://www.sustainabilitydictionary.com/downcycle/

Arab Spring

Sparked by a Tunisian street vendor who set himself on fire in December of 2010, this refers to a period of uprising across the Arab world. Years of economic inequality, high unemployment, and political disenfranchisement came to a head when millions of Arab people protested and rioted, demanding political, social, and economic justice. USEFUL RESOURCES: International Monetary Fund: http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/fandd/2015/06/mazarei.htm

Ecological Integrity

This term refers to an ecosystem when all the native components—the abiotic elements, biodiversity and ecosystem processes—intact. USEFUL RESOURCES: Parks Canada: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/progs/np-pn/ie-ei.aspx

Baseline

This term refers to emissions levels represented by the status-quo-ante in GHG Project Accounting. To evaluate project additionality (including GHG emissions reductions, removals, or storage), a project accountant develops various scenarios against this point in time. USEFUL RESOURCES: The GHG Protocol for Project Accounting: http://ghgprotocol.org/files/ghgp/ghg_project_accounting.pdf

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

This term refers to the business practice of focusing on activities affecting the triple bottom line interests of all stakeholders. USEFUL RESOURCES: IISD: https://www.iisd.org/business/issues/sr.aspx

Biodiversity

This term refers to the full range of life forms on Earth—their species, genetic, and ecological diversity. USEFUL RESOURCES: National Wildlife Federation, US: http://nwf.org/Wildlife/Wildlife-Conservation/Biodiversity.aspx

Carbon Sequestration

Through the process of photosynthesis, trees, grasses, and other plants take up atmospheric carbon dioxide and store the carbon in their trunks, branches, foliage, roots, and soil. Over millennia, the biomass fossilizes and converts to coal and other fossil fuels. USEFUL RESOURCES: USDA Forest Service: http://www.fs.fed.us/ecosystemservices/carbon.shtml

ABCD Planning Method

The Natural Step (TNS) provides a strategic planning tool for sustainable development, based on the work of Karl-Henrik Robert. This tool developed to help plan in complex systems entails four steps: Awareness and visioning, Baseline mapping, Creating solutions, Decide on Priorities. USEFUL RESOURCES: The Natural Step: http://www.thenaturalstep.org/our-approach/

Annex 1 Parties

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change defines these entities as industrialized nations (previously OECD members) and economies in transition (EIT). These countries are taking on emissions reduction obligations. USEFUL RESOURCES: UN Framework Convention on Climate Change: http://unfccc.int/parties_and_observers/items/2704.php

Business Model

The business structure of an organization, its purpose and method of making money. USEFUL RESOURCES: HBR: https://hbr.org/2015/01/what-is-a-business-model

Anthropogenic

The effect of human activity on climate change. USEFUL RESOURCES: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change: https://www.ipcc.ch/publications_and_data/ar4/wg1/en/ch9s9-7.html

Embodied or Embedded Energy

The energy consumed throughout a product's life cycle—outside the usage phase—including materials extraction, manufacturing, transportation, and end-of-life management. USEFUL RESOURCES: Institution of Civil Engineers: https://www.ice.org.uk/disciplines-and-resources/briefing-sheet/embodied-energy-and-carbon

Carrying Capacity

The maximum population that can survive indefinitely on the available resources and services. USEFUL RESOURCES: Sustainable Measures: http://www.sustainablemeasures.com/node/33

Ecological Footprint

The measure of biologically productive land and water required to produce all the resources consumed and to absorb the waste generated. The carbon footprint is one part of this measurement. USEFUL RESOURCES: Global Footprint Network: http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/glossary/

Anthropocene

The proposed epoch in Earth's history that begins around the time of the Industrial Revolution when human activities began to have a significant impact on the Earth's geology and ecosystems. USEFUL RESOURCES: Colin N. Waters, et al, "The Anthropocene is functionally and stratigraphically distinct from the Holocene," Science, 2016: http://science.sciencemag.org/content/351/6269/aad2622.long

Emission Reduction Unit (ERU)

Under the Joint Implementation (JI) mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol, these carbon credits may be transferred from the account of the host country (the place where the emissions reduction project is located) to that of the investor country. These compliance credits help Annex 1 countries meet their emissions reduction targets. USEFUL RESOURCES: Climate Change: Guide to Kyoto Protocol Project Mechanisms, Volume C: http://www.ffem.fr/jahia/webdav/site/ffem/shared/ELEMENTS_COMMUNS/U_ADMINISTRATEUR/5-PUBLICATIONS/Changement_climatique/GuideC_projets_Kyoto_angl.pdf

Backcasting

Unlike forecasting based on data about what has already happened, this planning approach begins with the end in mind. Central to The Natural Step framework, planners first envision the desired future state, and then build a strategy that will lead to the desired outcome. USEFUL RESOURCES: The Natural Step: http://www.thenaturalstep.org/sustainability/backcasting/

Climate Change

While weather refers to atmospheric conditions over short periods of time, climate is the long-term behavior of the atmosphere—an accumulation of weather over time. Although daily weather may appear relatively constant, incontrovertible scientific data shows that Earth's climate is changing. The result is an increase in severe weather events, drought, changes in ocean chemistry, and rising tides. USEFUL RESOURCES: NASA: http://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/; http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/noaa-n/climate/climate_weather.html

Habitat III

Convened in 2016, under the auspices of the UN, this was the third conference focusing on the consequences of rapid urbanization. The goal of these conferences is to promote a new model of urban development that can integrate all facets of sustainable development—promoting equity, welfare and shared prosperity. USEFUL RESOURCES: UN, Habitat III: https://habitat3.org/

Industrial Ecology

The study of industry, viewed as an ecosystem, with the inflow and outflow of resources interconnected as in nature. This concept lies at the heart of circular economy and cradle-to-cradle thinking. USEFUL RESOURCES: The Global Development Research Center (GDRC): http://www.gdrc.org/sustdev/concepts/16-l-eco.html

Green Teams

Cross-functional groups responsible for supporting and executing an organization's sustainability goals and initiatives. USEFUL RESOURCES: Triple Pundit: http://www.triplepundit.com/topic/green-teams/

Gross National Product (GNP)

Derived by tallying all the income generated by companies and individuals residing within a country's boundaries, this is an indicator used to assess the economic position of a given country. The calculations are net of foreign investment. USEFUL RESOURCES: Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/gnp.asp

The Commons

Derived from a 19th century word describing land that is shared collectively by the community, this term now refers to any shared and unregulated resource. USEFUL RESOURCES: Garrett Hardin, "The Tragedy of the Commons," 1968: http://science.sciencemag.org/content/162/3859/1243.full

VISIS

Developed by Alan AtKisson, this methodology provides an iterative process of assessment, analysis, initiative development, and planning toward sustainable development. Planners progress through a series of steps--visioning, indicator development, systems mapping, innovation brainstorming, and strategy development. USEFUL RESOURCES: The AtKisson Group: http://atkisson.com/visis/

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol

Developed by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council on Sustainable Development (WBCSD), this protocol provides a global standard for measuring, managing, and reporting on greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to their Corporate Standard, they provide industry specific guidance on Scope 3, Supply Chain, Product Life Cycle, and reduction Project accounting. USEFUL RESOURCES: GHG Protocol: http://ghgprotocol.org/standards

The Natural Step (TNS)

Developed in the mid-1990s, this framework for planning in complex systems evolved from the research of Dr. Karl-Henrik Robèrt, a former pediatric oncologist in Sweden. Robert's hierarchical framework for strategic sustainable development (FSSD) consists of five levels: System; Success; Strategy; Action; Tools. USEFUL RESOURCES: The Natural Step: http://www.thenaturalstep.org/

Green Seal

Developed using transparent science-based environmental protocols this ecolabel provides assurance that the rated product meets rigorous sustainability criteria. This certification has more than 55 standards across 12 product and service categories, such as: household products, construction materials & equipment, and paints & coatings. USEFUL RESOURCES: Green Seal: http://www.greenseal.org/

Capacity Building

Programmatic training and awareness efforts designed to enhance the human, technological, and organizational capabilities of an organization, so they can implement their sustainability agendas.. USEFUL RESOURCES: Learning for Sustainability: http://learningforsustainability.net/capacity-building-empowerment/

Ozone Depleting Substance (ODS)

In addition to tracking GHGs, the IPCC Assessment Reports track anthropogenic gases that have the potential to deplete the Earth's atmospheric ozone layer. Used widely in refrigeration and as solvents, these gases are covered under the Montreal Protocol. USEFUL RESOURCES: Australian Government, Department of the Environment and Energy: https://www.environment.gov.au/protection/ozone/ozone-depleting-substances

Triple Bottom Line (TBL)

Coined by John Elkington of SustainAbility, in 1994-5, this term refers to the practice of focusing, and accounting for, sustainability impacts on environment, society and the economy. Sometimes it is described as "economic prosperity, environmental quality, and social equity," or as "people, planet, profit" (3Ps). USEFUL RESOURCES: John Elkington, The Triple Bottom Line - Does It All Add Up?, Earthscan, 2004: http://www.johnelkington.com/archive/TBL-elkington-chapter.pdf

Stationary Combustion

Combustion of fuels in equipment such as boilers, furnaces, burners, turbines, heaters, incinerators, engines, flares, etc. USEFUL RESOURCES: GHG Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard: http://www.ghgprotocol.org/standards/corporate-standard

Mobile Combustion

Combustion of fuels in transportation devices such as automobiles, trucks, buses, trains, airplanes, boats, ships, barges, vessels, etc. USEFUL RESOURCES: GHG Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard: http://www.ghgprotocol.org/standards/corporate-standard

ISO 19011

Provides guidance on internal and external auditing procedures for management systems. USEFUL RESOURCES: Standards may be found through ISO's Online Browsing Platform: https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:std:iso:19011:ed-2:v1:en

ISO 26000

Provides guidance on the social responsibility of businesses and other organizations. USEFUL RESOURCES: Standards may be found through ISO's Online Browsing Platform: https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:std:iso:26000:ed-1:v1:en

Hierarchy of Needs

Because the Brundtland commission did not elaborate upon how society might meet their needs, many have used this theory of human motivation to understand this aspect of sustainability. According to this theory, the main categories of need, in order of importance, are: Physiological; Safety; Love & belonging; Esteem; and Self-actualization. USEFUL RESOURCES: John C. Ayers, "The Sustainability Revolution: A scientific analysis of beneficial changes for societies, communities, and individuals," 2011: http://www.vanderbilt.edu/Sustainability/book/S1C1_handout.pdf

Gross National Happiness (GNH)

Bhutan uses this metric as an indicator of national prosperity. Its calculation involves an assessment of the people's "wellbeing in things like community, culture, governance, knowledge and wisdom, health, spirituality and psychological welfare, a balanced use of time, and harmony with the environment". USEFUL RESOURCES: Centre For Bhutan Studies & GNH Research: http://www.grossnationalhappiness.com/

Millennium Development Goals (MDG)

In 2000, the UN began developing a concrete set of actions aimed at ending poverty, hunger, and disease around the world. Out of this process arose a set of eight goals to be achieved by 2015. In 2016, they were replaced with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). USEFUL RESOURCES: UN: www.un.org/millenniumgoals/

Human Rights

In their related declaration of 1948, the UN defined these as the rights of all members of the human family. They include the right to inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of freedom, justice and peace. USEFUL RESOURCES: UN: http://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/

Radical Resource Productivity

Increase productivity to slow resource depletion and pollution while creating jobs and lowering business costs. USEFUL RESOURCES: Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution by Paul Hawken, Amory Lovins, and L. Hunter Lovins. Back Bay Books, 1999.

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Internationally recognized as the most comprehensive catalogue of taxonomic, conservation status, and distribution information on plants, fungi and animals. Listings of "Critically Endangered," "Endangered," and "Vulnerable" indicate which species face a higher risk of global extinction. USEFUL RESOURCES: International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources: http://www.iucnredlist.org/about/overview

Feed-in Tariff (FIT)

Modeled after Germany's approach to driving the deployment of renewable energy, this type of tariff drives investment away from nonrenewable fuels. It provides fixed income payments to renewable energy developers—individuals and businesses alike—for the energy they produce. USEFUL RESOURCES: Clean Energy Wire, "Defining features of the Renewable Energy Act (EEG)," 2014: https://www.cleanenergywire.org/factsheets/defining-features-renewable-energy-act-eeg

Greenwashing

Modeled after the term "whitewashing," this term describes the marketing practice of making unsubstantiated sustainability claims. USEFUL RESOURCES: The Greenwashing Index: http://greenwashingindex.com/about-greenwashing/

UN Global Compact (UNGC)

Launched in 2000, this initiative helps businesses adopt practices and policies that align with its ten principles on human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption. This is the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world; with over 12,000 organizations based in 145 countries are signatories. USEFUL RESOURCES: UNGC: https://www.unglobalcompact.org

Six Sigma

Manufacturers use this methodology to improve output quality by defining, measuring, analyzing, improving, and controlling production. USEFUL RESOURCES: American Society for Quality (ASQ): http://asq.org/learn-about-quality/six-sigma/overview/overview.html

Intergenerational Equity

One of the principles of environmental law. This concept describes the obligation of current generations to protect environmental health, diversity and productivity for the benefit of future generations. USEFUL RESOURCES: Environmental Defenders Office (NT) Inc: http://edont.org.au/factsheets/guiding-principles-environment-law/

Green Star (Australia)

Run by the Green Building Council Australia, this is a green building assessment and product certification program. Projects can earn certification in any of four categories: Communities, Design & As Built, Interiors, and Performance. USEFUL RESOURCES: Green Building Council Australia (GBCA): http://new.gbca.org.au/green-star/rating-system/

Protocols

Separate, more detailed legal instruments than framework conventions, these documents provide a template for subsequent diplomatic transactions, serving as a draft that is subject to further refinement. To be legally binding, they must be signed and ratified by the parties of a convention. USEFUL RESOURCES: UN, NZCEL and SPREP, "Multilateral Environmental Agreement: Negotiator's Handbook Pacific Region 2013": http://www.sprep.org/attachments/Publications/EMG/MEA_Handbook_2013.pdf

Financial Capital

The International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) defines this as "the pool of funds that is available to an organization for use in the production of goods or the provision of services". It also includes such things as stocks, bonds, and currency. USEFUL RESOURCES: IIRC: http://integratedreporting.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IR-Background-Paper-Capitals.pdf

Manufactured Capital

The International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) defines this as physical objects that are created by an organization and "are available to an organization for use in the production of goods or the provision of services, including: buildings, equipment, and infrastructure". USEFUL RESOURCES: IIRC: http://integratedreporting.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IR-Background-Paper-Capitals.pdf

Natural Capital

The International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) describes this as "all renewable and nonrenewable environmental stocks that provide goods and services that support the current and future prosperity of an organization". USEFUL RESOURCES: IIRC: http://integratedreporting.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IR-Background-Paper-Capitals.pdf

Intellectual Capital

The International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) describes this as "organizational, knowledge-based intangibles", which includes intellectual property, systems and procedures, and brand reputation. USEFUL RESOURCES: IIRC: http://integratedreporting.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IR-Background-Paper-Capitals.pdf

Human Capital

The International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) describes this as "people's competencies, capabilities and experience, and their motivations to innovate". USEFUL RESOURCES: IIRC: http://integratedreporting.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IR-Background-Paper-Capitals.pdf

Social & Relationship Capital

The International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) describes this as "the institutions and relationships established within and between each community, group of stakeholders and other networks...to enhance individual and collective well-being". USEFUL RESOURCES: IIRC: http://integratedreporting.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IR-Background-Paper-Capitals.pdf

International Emissions Trading

The Kyoto Protocol created this commodity market for greenhouse gases. It allows countries to monetize any excess capacity by selling their "assigned amount units" (AAUs) to countries that have exceeded their targets. In addition, Annex B countries may trade RMUs, EURs, and CERs on this market. USEFUL RESOURCES: Kyoto Protocol Reference Manual: http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/publications/08_unfccc_kp_ref_manual.pdf

Talloires Principles

The Talloires Principles are a set of principles espoused by the presidents, rectors, and vice chancellors of universities from all regions of the world. They provide guidance to institutions of higher learning on building awareness and providing an educational setting that fosters progress toward sustainable development goals. USEFUL RESOURCES: University Leaders for a Sustainable Future (ULSF): http://www.ulsf.org/programs_talloires_td.html

Sustainable Development

The most widely accepted definition of this development approach comes from the 1987 Brundtland Commission report, which describes it as: "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". USEFUL RESOURCES: World Commission on Environment and Development "(WCED), a.k.a. Brundtland Commissions, "Our Common Future, From One Earth to One World,"1987: http://www.un-documents.net/our-common-future.pdf

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

The parent treaty to the Kyoto Protocol this framework convention was a major outcome of the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio. With near universal membership (197 members) the goal of the convention is "to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system". USEFUL RESOURCES: UNFCCC: https://unfccc.int/files/essential_background/background_publications_htmlpdf/application/pdf/conveng.pdf#page=7

Verification

The process of obtaining an independent assessment as to the reliability of a GHG inventory. USEFUL RESOURCES: GHG Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard: http://www.ghgprotocol.org/standards/corporate-standard

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

These 17 goals, which went into effect in 2016, build on the UN's Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). They call on all nations to end poverty in all forms by promoting individual wellbeing while protecting the planet. Though not binding in law, countries must devise implementation frameworks and report on progress toward these goals. USEFUL RESOURCES: UN: http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/

"Land use, Land-use Change and Forestry (LULUCF)"

These activities impact the biosphere's ability to absorb carbon (act as a "sink"). Furthermore, because forests sequester carbon, they can be a significant "source" of carbon emissions. Despite the relatively short-term nature of such activities, they play a significant role in climate change mitigation. As a result, both the Kyoto Protocol and UNFCCC address issues related to these activities. USEFUL RESOURCES: UNFCCC: http://unfccc.int/land_use_and_climate_change/lulucf/items/1084.php

Balancing loops

These are also known as negative feedback loops, and have a stabilizing effect, creating resistance, eventually limiting growth or collapse. USEFUL RESOURCES: Thwink.org: http://www.thwink.org/sustain/glossary/FeedbackLoop.htm

Reinforcing Loop

These are also known as positive feedback loops, and generate exponential growth or collapse at an increasing rate. This runaway behavior strengthens with each iteration. USEFUL RESOURCES: Thwink.org: http://www.thwink.org/sustain/glossary/FeedbackLoop.htm

Verified Emissions Reduction (VER)

These are carbon credits available in the voluntary marketplace. Verifiable through numerous standards these credits are compatible with CDM and JI projects, although small project managers may elect not to register them due to the costs associated with compliance. USEFUL RESOURCES: Carbon 350: http://www.carbon350.co.uk/carbon-assets-and-offsets/vers/

Fossil Fuel

These are formed through the process of anaerobic decomposition of buried plant matter, which gradually transforms into minerals—including petroleum, natural gas, and coal. Because they consist mainly of hydrogen and carbon, they are also referred to as hydrocarbons. When excavated and burned to produce energy, the sequestered carbon gets released back into the atmosphere. Because the production process takes millions of years, these fuels are considered nonrenewable. USEFUL RESOURCES: Geological Association of Canada (GAC): http://www.gac.ca/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/FossilFuels_e.pdf

Metrics

These are quantitative data that allow us to quantify indicators so we can measure, compare, and track performance. USEFUL RESOURCES: Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/metrics.asp

Stocks

These are the elements of a system that you can see, feel, and count. USEFUL RESOURCES: Systemdynamics.org: http://www.systemdynamics.org/DL-IntroSysDyn/stock.htm

Flows

These are the interconnections between elements of a system that change over time—the relationships that hold the system together. USEFUL RESOURCES: Systemdynamics.org: http://www.systemdynamics.org/DL-IntroSysDyn/stock.htm

Integrated Reporting (IR)

This standard is used for communicating an organization's sustainability story and is centered around six capitals: financial, manufactured, human, social relationship, intellectual and natural. The IIRC promotes dialogue among the leading reporting standards bodies (e.g. GRI, CDP, SASB, etc.) for consistency and alignment. USEFUL RESOURCES: International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC): http://integratedreporting.org/

Sustainability Management System (SMS)

This systematic approach to sustainability strategy implementation--which often follows the iterative Plan > Do > Check > Act (PDCA) framework--provides for continuous improvement in day-to-day operations. USEFUL RESOURCES: Robert B. Pojasek, Ph.D., "Planning a Sustainability Management System Program," 2008: http://isites.harvard.edu/fs/docs/icb.topic554273.files/Sustainability%20Planning%20Narrative.pdf

Pigouvian Tax

This tax is levied on companies that pollute or incur excessive social costs through their business practices. USEFUL RESOURCES: Library of Economics and Liberty: http://www.econlib.org/library/NPDBooks/Pigou/pgEW.html

Photovoltaic

This technology is used to convert light directly into electricity at the atomic level. When photons of light hit certain types of material, the photoelectric effect causes them to release electrons, resulting in an electric current. USEFUL RESOURCES: NASA: http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2002/solarcells/

Desalination

This technology uses a process called reverse osmosis (RO) to remove salt and other inorganic impurities from seawater, producing potable water for human consumption and crop irrigation. USEFUL RESOURCES: Sloan Review, MIT: https://www.technologyreview.com/s/533446/desalination-out-of-desperation/

Smart Growth

This term describes a set of strategies designed to create urban environments that conserve natural capital, protect human health, and make communities more livable. USEFUL RESOURCES: US EPA: https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/about-smart-growth

Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)

This term describes any organism (plant, animal, microorganism, etc.) with an altered genetic code. The genetic engineering process produces transgenic species with the combined traits of donor organisms. USEFUL RESOURCES: Union of Concerned Scientists: http://www.ucsusa.org/our-work/food-agriculture/our-failing-food-system/genetic-engineering-agriculture#.V7rj7TWmD7g

Resiliency

This term describes the ability of a system to bounce back—to survive, adapt, and thrive in the face of change. It is a critical element of those complex systems that persevere over time. USEFUL RESOURCES: Resilience Center, Ohio State University: http://resilience.osu.edu/CFR-site/concepts.htm

Sustainable Consumption and Production

This term describes the life cycle use of products and services in a way that provides for basic needs, improves quality of life, protects human and environmental health, minimizes the use of natural resources, and avoids waste. USEFUL RESOURCES: UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/topics/sustainableconsumptionandproduction

Energy Efficiency

This term is defined as getting more output for the energy expended. It can be calculated as the ratio of useful "energy" (the capacity to do work) to total energy expended while performing "work" (defined as the transfer of energy). USEFUL RESOURCES: The Physics Hypertextbook: http://physics.info/energy/; International Energy Agency (IEA): http://www.iea.org/topics/energyefficiency/

Geoengineering

This term is defined by Oxford University's Geoengineering Programme as "the deliberate large-scale intervention in the Earth's natural systems to counteract climate change." Approaches used include Solar Radiation Management (SRM) and Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR). USEFUL RESOURCES: Oxford Geoengineering Programme: http://www.geoengineering.ox.ac.uk/what-is-geoengineering/what-is-geoengineering/

Theory of Change

This term refers both to a multi-stakeholder planning process and the map that results from that process. The process entails backcasting from a vision relative to current circumstances and setting up a structural tension between them. All stakeholders can then clearly see whether opportunities presented will further--or detract from--progress toward goals. USEFUL RESOURCES: Isabel Vogel: http://www.espa.ac.uk/files/espa/ESPA-Theory-of-Change-Manual-FINAL.pdf

Green Building

This term refers to a movement to create healthier indoor environments in structures built with environmental health in mind. Worldwide, over 100 councils working to drive progress toward a net-zero built environment. USEFUL RESOURCES: World Green Building Council: http://www.worldgbc.org/activities/net-zero/

Organizational Boundary

When developing a GHG inventory, an organization performs an assessment of this to determine the method by which they will consolidate their emissions inventory—using either an equity or control approach. USEFUL RESOURCES: GHG Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard: http://www.ghgprotocol.org/standards/corporate-standard

Operational Boundary

When developing a GHG inventory, an organization performs an assessment of this to determine which direct and indirect emissions are a consequence to operations and therefore must be reported upon. USEFUL RESOURCES: GHG Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard: http://www.ghgprotocol.org/standards/corporate-standard

Greenhouse Gas (GHG)

When present in the atmosphere, these gases absorb and emit radiation within the thermal infrared range, contributing to the greenhouse effect. Certain of these, reported under the Kyoto Protocol, that result from human activities include: CO2, CH4, N2O, HFCs, SF6, NF3, PFCs, and HFCs. The IPCC Assessment Reports periodically update the gases that parties to the Kyoto Protocol must report upon. USEFUL RESOURCES: Required Greenhouse Gases in Inventories, Accounting and Reporting Standard Amendment, February, 2013: http://www.ghgprotocol.org/standards/corporate-standard

Montreal Protocol

Widely considered one of the most effective environmental agreements, this protocol set forth a timetable for the mandatory phase-out of all ozone depleting substances. Included among these substances are CFCs, halons and HCFCs, chemicals with high global warming potential. USEFUL RESOURCES: UNEP: http://unep.ch/ozone/pdf/Montreal-Protocol2000.pdf