Activism
The set of actions taken to promote environmental protection and sustainability
Glossary
Do you already know all the sustainability terms? Learn more and discover our sustainability glossary.
BECCS
Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage
Benefit Corporation
Benefit corporations are companies that aim to generate a positive impact on society and the environment, in addition to generating profits, meaning that they have put corporate social responsibility at the center of their activities. Benefit corporations can be organized as limited liability companies (LLCs), corporations (Inc.), or cooperatives, and can include a variety of...
Biocarburant
A fuel derived from renewable sources, such as plant biomass or organic wa
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the variety of life forms present on Earth, including animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms. Biodiversity includes diversity within species, such as genetic diversity within a species, and diversity between species within a geographical area. Biodiversity is important for the environment because the different species interact with each other and with the environment in...
Biomass
Renewable energy source obtained from plant materials
Blue economy
The blue economy is an economic system designed to create sustainable growth through technological innovation. In this model, the environmental consequences of economic activities are taken into consideration and efforts are made to reduce CO2 emissions to zero. The blue economy uses science and technology to develop more efficient and sustainable production methods through biomimicry,...
Business ethics
Business ethics is the set of principles and values that guide the decisions and actions of a company. Business ethics may include social responsibility, integrity, transparency, and respect for human rights. Companies that adopt ethical practices can contribute to creating a positive impact on society and the environment, and can also benefit from a better...
Carbon Budget
The maximum amount of carbon dioxide that can be emitted into the atmosphere to avoid exceeding certain global temperatures
Carbon Footprint
The carbon footprint serves as a crucial metric for quantifying the volume of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), released into the atmosphere due to human activities. These greenhouse gases are responsible for exacerbating global warming and climate change by trapping heat within the Earth’s atmosphere. Diverse activities contribute to the carbon footprint, encompassing: Energy...
Carbon Neutral
Carbon dioxide emissions generated by an activity or organization have been compensated or eliminated
Carbon Offset
Compensating for carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gas emissions through activities that reduce or avoid the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
Circular economy
The circular economy represents a sustainable approach to both production and consumption, aiming to diminish the environmental impact of economic activities. Its core principles revolve around the promotion of recycling and resource reuse, transforming the concept of waste into valuable resources. In a circular economy, economic processes are meticulously planned to minimize waste generation and...
Clean energy
Sources of energy that are considered to be free of harmful emissions
Climate
The overall weather conditions that characterize a region
Climate change
Climate change is a change in the chemical composition of the Earth’s atmosphere, which can be caused by both human activities and natural factors. Climate change can cause an increase in global average temperatures, altering the climate around the world. This can have consequences for the environment and people, including: Extreme Weather Events: The increased...
Climate feedback
A mechanism that can amplify or attenuate the initial climate change.
Climate Justice
The study of the ethical implications of climate change
Climate Positive Website
A climate positive website is a website that has a positive environmental impact, meaning it contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions instead of contributing to them. There are several ways to make a website climate positive, including: Utilizing Renewable Energy: Powering the data centers that host the website with renewable energy sources, thereby reducing the...
Climate Tech
Climate tech, or climate technology, is a term that encompasses a wide range of technologies and innovations aimed at combating and mitigating the effects of climate change. This field intersects various sectors, including energy, transportation, agriculture, construction, and waste management, with the primary goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting environmental sustainability. In the...
CO2 (carbon dioxide)
CO2 (carbon dioxide) is a gas naturally present in the terrestrial atmosphere. It is found in small quantities in the air that we breathe and is produced by the breathing of animals, by the decomposition of organic matter and by the use of fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal. CO2 is also a...
CO2e
CO2E (Equivalent Carbon Dioxide) is a crucial measurement unit utilized to assess the environmental impact of various greenhouse gas emissions in terms of their equivalent quantity of carbon dioxide (CO2). This standardized measurement enables a consistent evaluation of the environmental footprint across different greenhouse gases, regardless of their chemical composition. To calculate CO2E, specific emission...
Conference of the Parties (COP)
An international conference organized by the United Nations to discuss the actions necessary to address climate change
Corporate social responsibility
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a company’s commitment to operate ethically and sustainably, taking into account the effects of its activities on society and the environment. CSR goes beyond a company’s legal obligations and includes addressing social and environmental issues, respecting human rights, promoting diversity and inclusion, and supporting community well-being. They are often classified...
Decarbonization
Decarbonization is the process of reducing greenhouse gas emissions with the goal of limiting global warming and preventing the worst impacts of climate change. Decarbonization can be achieved through the adoption of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, conservation of forests, and adoption of sustainable practices in agriculture, industry, and transportation. Decarbonization is considered a key...
Deforestation
The destruction of large areas of forest
Desertification
Process of land degradation that makes it arid
Digital Corporate Responsability
Digital Corporate Responsibility (DCR) is a company’s commitment to operate ethically and sustainably in the area of digital technologies and innovation. DCR includes attention to social and environmental issues related to the use of digital technologies, respect for human rights, diversity, and inclusion, and promoting community well-being. Often it includes a journey of digital sustainability...
Digital Footprint
The digital carbon footprint is the carbon footprint associated with the use of digital technologies, such as computers, the internet, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. The digital carbon footprint can include emissions of greenhouse gases associated with the production, use, and disposal of digital devices, as well as emissions associated with the energy used to...
Digital pollution
Digital pollution, also known as web pollution, encompasses the environmental repercussions of digital technology utilization. This includes the emission of greenhouse gases connected to the production, utilization, and disposal of digital devices, as well as the reliance on non-renewable energy sources to operate data centers and telecommunication networks. The environmental impact of digital pollution can...
Digital sustainability
Digital sustainability refers to the responsible and sustainable use of digital technologies, in order to minimize the environmental impact and guarantee fair access to technologies for all people. This may include the energy efficiency of digital devices, the responsible use of data and resources, the creation of sustainable infrastructures for data transfer and attention to...
Digitalization
Digitalization is the process of transforming information, activities, processes, and business models into digital format. Digitalization involves the use of digital technologies such as computers, the internet, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence to transform access, collection, processing, sharing, and analysis of data. Digitalization can increase efficiency, productivity, and innovation, as well as offer new business...
Drawdown
Reduction of the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
E-waste
E-waste, short for “electronic waste,” refers to all those electronic and electrical devices that have become obsolete, non-functional, or unwanted and are disposed of or recycled. These wastes include a wide range of products such as computers, mobile phones, televisions, appliances, lighting devices, electric batteries, industrial electrical equipment, and many others. E-waste has become a...
Ecological transition
The ecological transition is the process of adapting and changing towards a more sustainable society, which minimizes environmental impact and protects biodiversity. The ecological transition involves a change in production, consumption and mobility patterns, as well as in energy and resource management systems. The ecological transition aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect human...
Ecosystem
Natural system composed of living organisms and their physical environment
EHSQ
EHSQ (Environmental, Health, Safety, and Quality) is an acronym that refers to a set of practices, policies, and procedures to ensure environmental safety, health, and quality within a company or organization
Emissions
Amounts of pollutants or greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere
Energy efficiency
The ability to use energy more efficiently and productively
Energy Efficient Website
An energy-efficient website is designed to consume the least amount of energy resources possible during its use. There are several ways to make a website energy-efficient, including: Using clean and well-optimized code: efficient code requires less energy resources to run, making the website more energy-efficient. Using optimized images: large images can slow down website loading...
Energy mix
The combination of energy sources used to produce energy in a particular country, region, or energy system.
Environment
The environment encompasses the intricate web of conditions, elements, and influences that envelop and wield an impact on living organisms and inanimate objects. It encompasses a wide spectrum, comprising the air we breathe, the water we drink, the soil beneath our feet, the multitude of life forms, the precious natural resources, the climatic patterns, and...
Environmental impact
The effects that human activities have on the natural environment, biodiversity, and natural resources.
ESG
ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance): ESG is an acronym that represents three critical sustainability criteria that are used to evaluate a company’s performance, operations, and ethical practices. Each element of ESG contributes to assessing a company’s overall sustainability, impact on society, and ethical governance. Here’s a breakdown of each component: Environment (E): This aspect of...
Fluorinated gases
Family of artificial gases contributing to the greenhouse effect and used in a wide range of industrial activities.
Fossil Fuels
Energy sources derived from organic substances formed over millions of years
G20
The G20 is an international forum composed of representatives from the governments and central banks of 19 countries plus the European Union.
Geoengineering
The discipline that deals with using engineering technologies and sciences to intervene in global environmental systems
Geothermal energy
Renewable energy source that harnesses heat from the Earth's mantle
GHG Protocol
The GHG Protocol (Greenhouse Gas Protocol) is a global set of guidelines and principles for quantifying, managing, and communicating greenhouse gas emissions. It was developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) to help companies and organizations measure and manage their greenhouse gas emissions. The GHG Protocol...
Global Warming
Global warming refers to the sustained increase in the Earth’s average surface temperature over an extended period. It is primarily attributed to the intensification of the greenhouse effect caused by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), have the property...
Green computing
Green computing (also known as eco-friendly computing or sustainable computing) refers to a set of practices and technologies aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the IT industry. Specifically, green computing seeks to minimize energy consumption, waste production, and the environmental impact of IT equipment and related services. There are many strategies and techniques that...
Green Economy
The green economy is a model of economic development that aims to promote sustainable economic growth, reduce environmental impact, and protect biodiversity. It achieves these objectives through efficient and sustainable use of natural resources and the development of eco-friendly technologies and practices. Key sectors in the green economy include: Renewable energy Energy efficiency Sustainable building...
Green Hosting
Green hosting, also known as eco-friendly hosting, is an environmentally responsible approach to web hosting that aims to minimize its ecological footprint. Companies providing green hosting services prioritize sustainability and adopt a range of eco-conscious practices to reduce the environmental impact associated with hosting websites. One fundamental aspect of green hosting is the use of...
Greenhouse effect
The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon that occurs when gases present in the atmosphere, such as water vapor, methane, and carbon dioxide (CO2), trap heat from the Sun on Earth. The greenhouse effect is important for life on Earth, as it maintains temperatures at livable levels. However, the increase in greenhouse gas emissions due...
Greenhouse gases
A category of atmospheric gases that have the property of trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere, preventing it from escaping into space.
Greenhushing
Trend of some companies that are not communicating or emphasizing their environmental initiatives
Greenwashing
Greenwashing is a deceptive practice in which a company or product portrays its environmental performance as more favorable or sustainable than it genuinely is. This misleading tactic often involves the use of environmental terms, symbols, or claims without substantial evidence or a genuine commitment to reducing environmental impact. Here is a more comprehensive explanation of...
Hosting
Hosting: Hosting is a fundamental service that enables websites and web content to be accessible and visible on the internet. It plays a pivotal role in ensuring that websites are available to users around the world. Here is a more detailed explanation of hosting: Server Infrastructure: Hosting involves the use of specialized computers known as...
Hydropower
Form of renewable energy that harnesses the kinetic and potential energy of water to produce electricity
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
Intergovernmental scientific organization created by the United Nations in 1988 to assess the science related to climate change
Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement signed in 1997 during the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties. The Kyoto Protocol aims to limit greenhouse gas emissions in order to prevent the worst impacts of climate change. The Protocol established binding targets for greenhouse gas emissions reductions for industrialized countries,...
LEED
A certification system for sustainable building design and construction
Methane
It is the main component of natural gas and is used as a source of energy
Natural gas
A mixture of hydrocarbons and other gaseous compounds
Net Zero
The concept of “net zero” refers to achieving a balance between greenhouse gas emissions generated and those removed from the atmosphere. In other words, it means that emissions generated are offset by actions taken to remove them from the atmosphere. The concept of “net zero” was developed to address the problem of global warming caused...
Nuclear energy
Source of energy that is based on the process of nuclear fission inside a nuclear reactor
Ocean acidification
Ocean acidification is a phenomenon that occurs when seawater becomes more acidic due to an increase in the amount of CO2
Organic agriculture
A method of agricultural production that is based on the use of sustainable and natural practices
Paris agreement
The Paris Agreement is an international agreement on climate adopted in 2015 during the United Nations COP21 conference on climate change. The Paris Agreement aims to establish a global framework for combating climate change, with the goal of limiting the increase in global average temperature to less than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with...
Photosynthesis
Biological process that uses the energy from sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into complex sugars and oxygen
Renewable energy
Renewable energy, in a comprehensive sense, encompasses a wide array of energy sources that are harnessed from naturally occurring and sustainable reservoirs. These sources include solar energy (captured from sunlight), wind energy (harnessed from the motion of wind), hydropower (derived from the flow of water in rivers and dams), and geothermal energy (obtained from the...
Saltwater intrusion
A process in which saltwater from the ocean advances towards rivers or freshwater aquifers
Soil degradation
A process in which the quality of the soil deteriorates
Soil erosion
When water flows over the surface of the ground, carrying along sediments and soil materials
Sustainability
Sustainability refers to the ability to meet our current needs without compromising the possibility of future generations to meet one’s own. It is a large and multidimensional concept that includes different areas, such as the environment, society and the economy. In environmental terms, sustainability involves the responsible use of natural resources, the protection of the...
Sustainability Report
A sustainability report is a document that describes a company’s sustainability performance, including its environmental, social, and governance impacts. The sustainability report may include a variety of information such as energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, digital sustainability, number of workplace incidents, employee diversity, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. A sustainability report is an important tool...
Sustainable development
Sustainable development is a concept that refers to an economic growth model that takes into account the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is a comprehensive approach that aims to balance economic, social and environmental needs, promoting a long-term sustainable development. Sustainable development is...
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
The SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) are a set of 17 goals promoted by the United Nations to address the most pressing global challenges and ensure sustainable development for current and future generations. The SDGs were adopted in 2015 as part of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. The sustainable development goals cover a wide range...
Web site emissions
Website emissions, also referred to as digital emissions, encompass the greenhouse gases released throughout a website’s lifecycle, from its creation to its use and eventual disposal. These emissions are primarily associated with two key activities: Energy Consumption for Data Centers: Data centers are the backbone of the digital world, hosting websites and online services. They...
Website emissions calculator
To calculate the emissions of a website, it is necessary to consider all activities that contribute to the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the use of the website. To calculate the emissions of a website, you can use an emissions calculation tool, such as the Karma Metrix website emissions calculation tool. This tool allows you...
World Environment Day
The World Environment Day is an annual event celebrated on June 5th of each year. It was established by the United Nations in 1972 during the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, Sweden. This day provides an opportunity to raise public awareness and promote global actions for environmental protection. It has been...
Zero emissions
A phrase that refers to the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero in order to mitigate the effects of climate change.
