Sustainability glossary

1. An economic model inspired by how nature works. This model involves an approach based on several principles, which can be summarized as circularity, nature-inclusive, local production and consumption, and connecting supply chains. Also see zeri.org.
2. An economy in which the natural resources from oceans, seas and coastal areas are used sustainably. Participants in this economy do not only strive for sustainable economic growth in the marine sector, but also for the creation of social and ecological value, such as enhancing biodiversity, preserving “blue” resources, culture, coastal protection, and carbon capture and storage.

(adjective)
The state of having no carbon dioxide or other greenhouse emissions or offsetting such emissions elsewhere. This is the more common term in the built environment rather than “climate neutral”.
Note: other greenhouse gases such as methane and nitrogen oxides are usually expressed in terms of CO₂ equivalent.

(abbr. Carbon Disclosure Project)
An international not-for-profit charity committed to worldwide, uniform, public disclosure of the environmental impact of companies, investments, cities, regions and countries. Also see cdp.net

(noun)
An economic model that focuses on the longer and higher-quality use and reuse of raw materials. The aim is to create closed cycles and have zero waste or as little waste as possible.

(noun)
A change in the climate (i.e. average weather conditions over a long period) due to natural causes or human activities (worsened by the greenhouse effect).

(noun)
Climate change adaptation is the adjustment (adaptation/resilience) of human and natural systems to the changing climate so as to limit current and expected adverse effects. (adjective) climate-adaptive

(noun) climate mitigation
Limiting climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

(adjective)
The state of having no CO2 or other greenhouse emissions or offsetting such emissions elsewhere and, as a result, having no effect on the climate, neither negative nor positive.

(adjective)
Conversion method to express the effect of all greenhouse gases in 1 equivalent unit, i.e. carbon dioxide.

(abbr. Corporate Social Responsibility), also called corporate sustainability or sustainable business practices
A company with a CSR policy takes social aspects and the environment into account in the performance of its core tasks, dealing with the environment and the effects of activities in a sustainable manner.

(noun)

1. A natural system in a specific area in which living organisms like plants and animals interact with abiotic (nonliving) factors like air, temperature, etc. The environment has numerous ecosystems, each with its own characteristics.
2. Also used to indicate groups or networks that are related or work well with each other.

(adjective)
Describes a system or object that generates as much energy as it uses.
 

(noun, abbr. GRI)
International non-profit organization that sets standards for sustainability reporting. Also see globalreporting.org.

(noun)
The European Green Deal is a roadmap with measures aimed at shaping a sustainable society by transitioning to a clean, circular economy, restoring biodiversity and reducing pollution. Also see: European Green Deal

1. (noun)
   Physical process in which thermal radiation is absorbed by greenhouse gases in the air (including carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide), which then emit this heat back.
2. Due to an increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases (as a result of human activity), the temperature rises, and this results in global warming, i.e. a stronger greenhouse effect.

(noun), also called Paris climate agreement or climate agreement
An agreement within the 2015 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Paris Agreement sets a path to keeping global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius.

(noun), (abbr. SBT)
An emission-reduction target based on the latest scientific knowledge in the area of climate. Science-Based Targets are a method for the concrete implementation of climate ambitions and climate action. They can also be used to compare performance in this area between organizations. The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) coordinates and validates the targets.

1. (noun) 
   A broad term that refers to a state of balance and symbiosis between people, nature and the economy. Often used as an abbreviated form of sustainable development.
    
2. (adjective) sustainable
   When use in reference to a product, the ability to last for a long term, durable.

(noun)
“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” (from Our Common Future, also known as the Brundtland Report, United Nations, 1987). What this comes down to in practice is finding a balance between economic, social and ecological interests.

(noun) (abbr. SDGs), also referred to as the 17 Global Goals
These global sustainable development goals were set by the United Nations for 2030. The SDGs succeed the Millennium Development Goals. There are 17 goals on various sustainability themes, offering a blueprint for anyone working on sustainable development and ensuring that everyone works towards the same goals so that a greater positive impact can be achieved.

(noun)
Taking a holistic view of how a system works. With whole system thinking, you do not just look at the subsystems individually, but also consider their place in the whole and the way in which they interact. This system-wide approach is used when working on sustainable solutions that will have no unintended negative impact on another subsystem, something that can happen when you focus only on one subsystem.

(noun)
A framework for companies to operate in a sustainable, socially responsible way by promoting the development of strategies that are ecologically sustainable, socially equivalent, and economically profitable. Arising from sustainable development, this concept aims at minimizing or reducing the negative impact of economic activities on the environment and society. The “triple” stands for the three pillars of sustainable development: People, Planet, Prosperity (previously Profit). Bottom refers to the minimum that needs to be done to limit any negative impact from one pillar on the others, while line refers to planetary boundaries.

(noun)
A framework for companies to operate in a sustainable, socially responsible way by promoting the development of strategies where ecology, society and the economy reinforce each other. This concept arising from sustainable development reinterprets the triple bottom line with the aim of maximizing the positive impact based on value-focused thinking. The “triple” stands for the three pillars of sustainable development: People, Planet, Prosperity (previously Profit). “Top” stands for maximizing the positive impact of one pillar on the others (“aiming for the top”) and “line” stands for the planetary boundaries, the limits of our system on the planet.

(adjective)
Describes a system or object (vehicle, machine, etc.) that does not emit any carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases.