GLOSSARY - A

Advamed

AdvaMed The Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed), is a trade association that leads the effort to advance medical technology in order to achieve healthier lives and healthier economies around the world. AdvaMed represents 80 percent of medical technology firms in the United States and acts as the common voice for companies producing medical devices, diagnostic products and health information systems.

AFAQ 26000

The AFAQ 26000 method determines to what extent an organization (company, association, administration, trade union) integrates the recommendations of the ISO 26000 standard. It measures CSR maturity according to the standard ISO 26000. Sectorial approaches were also developed for certain types of entities. [Source: AFNOR]

Anaerobic Digestion

Anaerobic digestion is a series of processes in which microorganisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen to produce biogas, principally composed of methane and carbon dioxide. It is used as part of the process to treat biodegradable waste and sewage sludge, which can be used as a source of renewable energy.

GLOSSARY - B

B Corp

A certification for businesses that meet high social and environmental standards, indicating a commitment to responsible and sustainable practices.

Biomimicry

A design approach that draws inspiration from nature's solutions to create sustainable products, processes, and systems.

Base of the Pyramid (BoP)

Refers to the socio-economic group of people living in poverty, and it highlights the potential for sustainable business models to serve this underserved market.

Biofuel

Refers to the socio-economic group of people living in poverty, and it highlights the potential for sustainable business models to serve this underserved market.

Blue Economy

An approach that emphasizes sustainable economic activities related to oceans and water resources, including fisheries, marine tourism, and renewable energy generation.

GLOSSARY - C

Circular Economy

An economic model that minimizes waste by reusing, recycling, and repurposing products and materials.

Carbon Footprint

: The total amount of greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide, associated with an individual, organization, or product.

CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)

A company's commitment to ethical and responsible business practices that benefit society and the environment.

Clean Energy

Energy generated from renewable sources that produce minimal environmental impact.

Carbon Offset

Investments or actions taken to compensate for emissions, such as reforestation or renewable energy projects.

GLOSSARY - D

Decentralized

The distribution of decision-making and resources across various levels or entities within an organization, often associated with sustainability initiatives.

Degradation

The deterioration of natural resources or ecosystems, emphasizing the need for conservation and restoration efforts.

Divestment

The process of selling off investments, particularly in fossil fuels or other unsustainable industries, as part of an ESG strategy.

Diversity

A A focus on having a variety of voices, backgrounds, and perspectives within an organization, promoting inclusivity and better decision-making.

Due Diligence:

Comprehensive research and assessment conducted by businesses to ensure compliance with ESG standards and ethical practices..

GLOSSARY - E

Eco-labeling

Certifications and labels that indicate a product's environmental and sustainability attributes.

Ecosystem Services

Benefits provided by ecosystems to society, including clean water, air purification, and pollination.

Emission Intensity

The amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced per unit of economic output, used to measure efficiency.

Environmental Stewardship

Taking responsibility for the sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems.

Ethical Sourcing

Procurement practices that prioritize products and materials produced under fair labor and environmental conditions.

GLOSSARY - F

Fossil Fuel Divestment

The practice of divesting from investments in fossil fuel companies to reduce carbon exposure and support a low-carbon economy.

Fair Trade

A trading partnership that promotes ethical and sustainable practices by ensuring fair wages and conditions for producers in developing countries.

Footprint

A measure of environmental impact, such as carbon footprint (emissions) or water footprint (water usage), used for sustainability assessments.

Food Security:

Ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food for all, addressing hunger and sustainable agriculture.

Fracking

Hydraulic fracturing, a controversial method of extracting natural gas and oil from deep underground, with environmental and social implications.

GLOSSARY - G

Greenwashing

Misleading or deceptive claims about the environmental benefits of a product or company's practices.

GHG (Greenhouse Gas)

Gases like carbon dioxide and methane that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere and contribute to global warming.

Governance:

The system of rules, practices, and processes by which a company is directed and controlled, a critical aspect of ESG.

Green Infrastructure:

Natural or human-made systems that provide ecological, economic, and social benefits.

Green Supply Chain:

Sustainable practices in the sourcing, production, and distribution of goods and services to reduce environmental impacts.

GLOSSARY - H

Habitat Restoration

Activities aimed at rejuvenating and preserving natural habitats for the benefit of biodiversity.

Hybrid Vehicles

Vehicles that combine traditional internal combustion engines with electric power to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Human Rights

Ensuring that business practices respect and uphold fundamental human rights in the workplace and supply chain.

Hazardous Waste

Materials that pose a risk to human health or the environment and require special handling and disposal.

Heat Island Effect

Increased temperatures in urban areas due to heat-absorbing surfaces, impacting energy use and air quality.

GLOSSARY - I

Impact Investing

Investing in companies and projects that aim to generate both financial returns and positive social or environmental impacts.

Innovation:

The development and adoption of new technologies and practices to address sustainability challenges.

ISO 14001

An international standard for environmental management systems that helps organizations reduce their environmental impact.

Inclusive Business

Business models that aim to benefit low-income or marginalized communities through employment and economic opportunities.

Intergenerational Equity

Ensuring that current actions and policies do not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

GLOSSARY - J

Just Transition

A framework for transitioning workers and communities to more sustainable and equitable economic activities.

Job Creation

The positive impact of sustainable businesses in generating employment opportunities.

Joint Ventures

Collaborative partnerships between organizations to achieve sustainability goals and share resources.

Junk Bonds

High-risk, high-yield bonds that can fund sustainability initiatives but carry a higher potential for default.

Joule

A unit of energy used to measure consumption and efficiency in various sustainable applications.

GLOSSARY - K

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Metrics used to measure and evaluate a company's progress toward sustainability goals.

Knowledge Sharing

The dissemination of best practices and information related to sustainability and ESG initiatives.

Knowledge Economy

An economy driven by information and technology, which can support sustainability through innovation.

Kilowatt-hour (kWh)

A unit of electrical energy commonly used to measure electricity consumption and savings.

Knowledge Transfer

The process of passing on expertise and skills related to sustainability practices within organizations.

GLOSSARY - L

Lifecycle Assessment

The evaluation of the environmental impact of a product or service throughout its entire life, from production to disposal.

Low-Impact Development (LID)

Sustainable land-use planning and design practices that minimize stormwater runoff and pollution.

LCA (Life Cycle Analysis)

A systematic analysis of the environmental impacts of a product's life cycle, from raw materials to disposal.

Local Sourcing

Procurement of goods and services from nearby suppliers to reduce transportation emissions and support local economies.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED):

A green building certification program that promotes sustainable design and constructions

GLOSSARY - M

Microgrid

A localized energy system that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main grid, often using renewable energy sources.

Materiality Assessment

The A process to identify and prioritize ESG issues that are most relevant and significant to a company and its stakeholders.

Mitigation

Actions taken to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases and their impact on climate change.

Municipal Solid Waste

Household and commercial waste materials generated by communities, emphasizing the importance of recycling and waste reduction.

Moral Hazard

The potential for irresponsible behavior when individuals or organizations are insulated from the negative consequences of their actions.

GLOSSARY - N

Natural Capital

The Earth's natural resources and ecosystems, which provide valuable services such as clean air, water, and food.

Net Zero

Achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gases emitted and removed from the atmosphere, often a target for emissions reduction.

Non-renewable Resources

Resources like fossil fuels and minerals that are finite and not easily replaced, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives.

Nudge Theory

Using subtle cues or incentives to influence behavior toward more sustainable choices.

New Normal

The concept of a post-pandemic world where sustainable practices and behaviors become the standard.

GLOSSARY - O

Organic

Agricultural and production practices that avoid synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and genetically modified organisms.

Outsourcing

The practice of contracting specific business functions to external providers, which can impact social and ethical aspects of sustainability.

Overfishing:

Harvesting fish from oceans and rivers at a rate that exceeds their natural reproduction capacity, threatening fish populations.

Open Source

A collaborative approach to software development and innovation that promotes transparency and sharing of knowledge.

Offsetting:

Compensating for emissions or environmental impacts by investing in projects or practices that reduce or capture equivalent emissions elsewhere.

GLOSSARY - P

1. Pollution Prevention: Strategies and practices aimed at minimizing or eliminating the release of pollutants into the environment, a crucial aspect of environmental sustainability.

2. Product Lifecycle Assessment (PLA): An analysis of the environmental impacts of a product throughout its entire lifecycle, from production to disposal, used for sustainability assessments.

3. Public-Private Partnership (PPP): Collaborative arrangements between government entities and private sector organizations to address sustainability challenges and deliver public services.

4. Procurement: The process of sourcing goods and services, with sustainable procurement emphasizing ethical and environmentally responsible choices.

5. Pandemic Preparedness: Measures taken to ensure readiness for global health crises, with a focus on resilience and sustainability in healthcare systems.

GLOSSARY - Q

Greenwashing

Misleading or deceptive claims about the environmental benefits of a product or company's practices.

GHG (Greenhouse Gas)

Gases like carbon dioxide and methane that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere and contribute to global warming.

Governance:

The system of rules, practices, and processes by which a company is directed and controlled, a critical aspect of ESG.

Green Infrastructure:

Natural or human-made systems that provide ecological, economic, and social benefits.

Green Supply Chain:

Sustainable practices in the sourcing, production, and distribution of goods and services to reduce environmental impacts.

GLOSSARY - R

Recycling:

The process of converting waste materials into reusable materials to reduce resource consumption and waste.

Regeneration

The restoration and renewal of ecosystems and communities to improve their health and sustainability.

Renewable Resources:

Resources that can be naturally replenish over time, such as water, timber, and wind energy.

Responsible Investment:

Investment strategies that consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.

Resilience:

The ability of a system, organization, or community to withstand shocks, adapt, and recover in the face of challenges, including climate change.

GLOSSARY - S

Sustainable Development

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Social Equity

The fair and just distribution of resources, opportunities, and benefits within a society.

Supply Chain

The network of organizations, people, activities, and resources involved in the creation and distribution of a product.

Stakeholder Engagement

Involving individuals or groups that can affect or be affected by a company's actions in decision-making processes

Sustainable Agriculture

Farming practices that balance environmental health, economic profitability, and social and economic equity.

GLOSSARY - T

Transparency

Openness and disclosure of information related to a company's operations, governance, and sustainability performance.

Triple Bottom Line

A framework that evaluates a company's performance in terms of its economic, social, and environmental impact.

Tipping Point

A critical threshold at which a small change can lead to significant and often irreversible consequences, such as in climate change.

Toxic Chemicals

Substances that pose health and environmental risks and require careful handling and disposal.

Transition Risk

Financial risks associated with the shift to a low-carbon and more sustainable economy, impacting investments and industries.

GLOSSARY - U

Upcycling

The process of transforming waste materials or products into new materials or products of higher value or quality.

Urbanization

The increasing concentration of populations in cities, which requires sustainable urban planning and development.

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

A set of global goals adopted by the United Nations to address key sustainability challenges by 2030.

Universal Access

Ensuring that all individuals have equitable access to essential services, such as healthcare and education.

User-Centered Design

Designing products and services with a focus on meeting the needs and preferences of users in a sustainable way.

GLOSSARY - V

Voluntary Carbon Offset

Actions taken by organizations or individuals to voluntarily reduce or offset their carbon emissions.

Value Chain

The full range of activities involved in the production, distribution, and delivery of a product or service.

Veganism

A lifestyle and dietary choice that excludes all animal products for environmental, ethical, and health reasons.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Chemical compounds that can evaporate into the atmosphere and contribute to air pollution.

Virtual Reality (VR)

Technology that can be used for sustainable education, training, and design, reducing the need for physical resources and travel.

GLOSSARY - W

Water Conservation

Practices and technologies that reduce water use and protect freshwater resources.

Waste Reduction

Strategies to minimize the generation of waste, such as reusing, recycling, and composting.

Wind Energy

Electricity generated by harnessing the kinetic energy of the wind, a renewable and sustainable energy source.

Worker's Rights

Ensuring fair treatment, safe working conditions, and fair wages for all employees, an important aspect of social sustainability.

Wildlife Conservation

Efforts to protect and preserve endangered species and their habitats for biodiversity and sustainability.

GLOSSARY - X

Advamed

AdvaMed The Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed), is a trade association that leads the effort to advance medical technology in order to achieve healthier lives and healthier economies around the world. AdvaMed represents 80 percent of medical technology firms in the United States and acts as the common voice for companies producing medical devices, diagnostic products and health information systems.

AFAQ 26000

The AFAQ 26000 method determines to what extent an organization (company, association, administration, trade union) integrates the recommendations of the ISO 26000 standard. It measures CSR maturity according to the standard ISO 26000. Sectorial approaches were also developed for certain types of entities. [Source: AFNOR]

Anaerobic Digestion

Anaerobic digestion is a series of processes in which microorganisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen to produce biogas, principally composed of methane and carbon dioxide. It is used as part of the process to treat biodegradable waste and sewage sludge, which can be used as a source of renewable energy.

GLOSSARY - Y

Youth Engagement

Involving young people in sustainability initiatives and decision-making processes to address future challenges.

Yield

The amount of agricultural or industrial output produced, often considered in the context of sustainable agriculture and resource management.

Yield Curve

In finance, a graph showing the relationship between bond yields and their maturity dates, which can be influenced by ESG factors.

Yield Gap

The difference between actual agricultural yield and the potential yield under optimal conditions, a focus of sustainable farming practices.

Youth Entrepreneurship:

Encouraging young entrepreneurs to develop and implement sustainable business solutions to address global challenges.

GLOSSARY - Z

Zero Waste

A goal of minimizing waste generation by reusing, recycling, and composting materials, while sending minimal waste to landfills or incineration.

Zero Emissions

The concept of eliminating all greenhouse gas emissions, often used in the context of transitioning to carbon-neutral or carbon-negative practices.

Zoonotic Diseases:

Diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, highlighting the importance of biodiversity conservation and responsible animal management.

Zero-Carbon Building

A building designed and constructed to produce no net carbon emissions during its operation, typically achieved through energy efficiency and renewable energy integration.