Whether you are a sustainability expert looking to expand your industry knowledge or simply want to learn more, take a look at our glossary for definitions and examples of the most common sustainability terms.
Definition: The AQI is a numerical scale that measures current air pollution levels or how polluted it is forecast to become. It takes into account pollutants such as ground-level ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. It is divided into categories to indicate the quality of the air.
Example: An AQI of 0-50 indicates good air quality, while 51-100 is deemed adequate. Any AQI score greater than 100 is deemed unhealthy.
Definition: Anthropogenic emissions are greenhouse gas emissions that result from human activities, in particular from industries and sectors like agriculture and transport.
Example: The GHG emitted from processes like the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and waste management are anthropogenic emissions as they originate from human activities.
Definition: A provision under the Paris Agreement that allows countries to cooperate on mitigation activities, including emissions trading and the use of market mechanisms, to enhance cost-effectiveness and promote sustainable development.
Definition: Biogenic emissions are greenhouse gas emissions, and that come from natural sources. Carbon dioxide(CO₂), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and methane (CH₄) are some of the main gases associate with biogenic emissions.
Examples: Biogenic emissions emitted from natural sources include the CO₂ emitted from biogas combustion accumulated during waste decomposition and wildfires.
Definition: "Carbon accounting" and "GHG accounting" are often used interchangeably. Carbon accounting is accounting of all greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and fluorinated gases represented in CO₂ equivalent, emitted from the operations of their assets. This allows you to understand how much carbon is emitted from each asset based on the activities happening within it.
Example: An example of an asset is an office building, and an example of an activity within it is electricity required to run the air conditioning.
Definition: A measure of the maximum allowable amount of CO₂ emissions that can be produced over a period of time to limit global temperatures within a safe threshold. The goal is to achieve net-zero targets.
Example: According to Our World in Data, to have a 50% chance of staying below 1.5°C and meet the Paris agreements, the maximum amount of CO₂ that can be emitted in 250 billion tonnes.
Carbon Capture (CC): The process of capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from sources like power plants and industrial processes.
Utilization (U): The captured CO₂ can be reused in various industrial processes, such as in the production of chemicals, fuels, and building materials.
Storage (S): The captured CO₂ is stored underground in geological formations to prevent it from entering the atmosphere.
Definition: A carbon credit is a certificate representing the right to emit one tonne of carbon dioxide or equivalent greenhouse gas, traded on carbon markets. Companies can buy, sell, or trade these credits as part of efforts to reduce overall emissions and combat climate change.
Example: A company that reduces its emissions below a certain level can sell its excess carbon credits to another company needing to offset its emissions.
Definition: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a colorless, odorless gas that is naturally present in the atmosphere. Human activities like industrial activities and fossil fuel combustion contribute to CO₂ emissions into the atmosphere. CO₂ is one of the primary greenhouse gases contributing to global warming.
Definition: The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is a non-profit organization that provides a system for global disclosures. This can be used by different organizations, investors, regions and cities in order to disclose their environmental impact, including carbon emissions and climate-related risks.
Example: Companies report to the CDP annually, providing data on their carbon footprint, climate strategy, and progress toward emissions reduction goals.
Definition: Carbon farming refers to the agricultural strategies that sequester CO₂ from the atmosphere into the soil, woods, and vegetation as organic matter. This ensures that carbon does not enter the atmosphere to contribute to global warming.
Example: Carbon farming strategies include reforestation, using agroforestry techniques, and cover cropping.
Definition: The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by human activities. You can express your carbon footprint in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂e).
Example: Calculating the carbon footprint of a product includes emissions from its production, transportation, and disposal phases.
Definition: A carbon footprint analysis is a detailed study that calculates an organization's, an individual's or a product's entire direct and indirect GHG emissions. It discloses the key sources of emissions throughout the subject's lifecycle, allowing the organization or individual to make educated decisions and modifications to their sustainability efforts and strategy as needed.
Definition: Carbon intensity is measured by the amount of greenhouse gas emissions (usually CO₂e) produced per unit of activity, output, or economic value generated.
Example: Companies can reduce their carbon intensity by implementing energy-efficient technologies and optimizing production processes.
Definition: A situation where emissions reductions in one country or sector lead to an increase in emissions in another country or sector.
Example: Country A may see their level of GHG emissions be reduced from a company relocating operations, however, Country B may observe higher GHG emissions as a result.
Definition: Carbon management requires a systematic approach to monitoring, reducing, and reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It involves a range of activities and strategies designed to minimize an organization’s carbon footprint and manage its impact on the climate.
Example: In practice, carbon management includes disclosure and reporting of carbon emissions, and developing a decarbonization strategy and roadmap, amongst others. You can refer to this blog post for more information.
Definition: A carbon neutral certification is a formal recognition or verification process confirming that an organization, product, or event has achieved net-zero carbon emissions by balancing emissions with carbon offsets, reductions or removals.
Definition: A carbon neutral supply chain is one in which all activities that occur - from the procurement of raw materials to the product delivery- are carried out with minimal GHG emissions, and are balanced out by an equivalent amount of emissions reductions or offsets to achieve net zero emissions.
Example: Companies can collaborate with suppliers to achieve a carbon-neutral supply chain by implementing energy-efficient procedures, adopting low carbon materials and optimizing transportation logistics.
Definition: Carbon neutrality is the balance between carbon emitters and carbon sinks. By balancing the amount produced and removed from the atmosphere, a net zero footprint can be achieved.
Example: Apple has announced its plan to become completely carbon neutral by 2030 - the tech giant has committed to reducing its emissions by 75% and investing in clean energy sources in order to offset the remaining 25%.
Definition: Carbon offsets are a carbon trading mechanism that organizations can purchase to offset their carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality. This is often done through investments in renewable energy or reforestation projects.
Definition: Carbon pricing puts a cost on greenhouse gas emissions e.g. through carbon taxes or carbon trading. The overall goal is to promote emissions reductions.
Example: The EU Emissions Trading System is a carbon pricing mechanism to encourage GHG emissions reductions.
Definition: The ownership, transfer and verification of carbon credits can be tracked and recorded on a carbon registry database. This ensures transparency and accountability within carbon markets.
Example: Companies can ensure their credibility and compliance with regulations and standards when they register their carbon offset projects within a carbon registry.
Definition: The process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or sources such as power plants to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
Example: Afforestation and reforestation projects enhance carbon sequestration by planting trees that absorb CO₂ through photosynthesis.
Definition: A fiscal policy tool where a tax is imposed on the carbon content of fossil fuels or the emissions of greenhouse gases, aiming to internalize the external costs of carbon emissions. This is done to incentivize businesses and individuals to reduce their carbon footprint and transition towards low-carbon technologies.
Example: Singapore was the first country in South East Asia to introduce a carbon tax to support it's net zero targets. In 2024 the carbon tax was raised to $25/tCO₂, and will rise to $45/tCO₂e in 2026 and 2027. Carbon tax in Singapore would likely reach $50-80 tCO₂e by 2030.
Definition: An economic model aimed at minimizing waste and making the most of resources, in which materials are kept in use for as long as possible through reuse, recycling, and regeneration.
Example: A company designs products using recycled materials and implements take-back programs to extend the product lifecycle and reduce environmental impact.
Definition: A climate action plan is a framework document prioritizing the actions to be taken to reduce emissions after tracking and measuring existing emissions. With the collected data you can set targets and goals to ensure the climate action plan stays on track and commitments are met.
Example: A company can create a climate action plan to pinpoint areas of improvement, make informed decisions, and set goals.
Definition: Climate change refers to the long-term changes in temperature, wind patterns, precipitation, and other aspects of the Earth's climate. It is largely caused by human activities such as deforestation and the combustion of fossil fuels.
Example: Temperature changes caused by climate change can be seen in the rising global temperatures that are melting ice caps and causing more frequent extreme weather events, like heatwaves and droughts.
Definition: Climate change mitigation refers to the actions taken to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases to limit the magnitude of climate change.
Example: Implementing energy-efficient technologies and promoting renewable energy sources are forms of climate change mitigation strategies.
Definition: With the aim of supporting mitigation and adaptation actions, climate finance refers to financing from public or private sources, either local, national or transnational.
Example: Climate finance examples include grants, market-based loans, sovereign green bonds or resources from carbon taxes. Climate finance could be provided through public and private sources to support renewable energy projects, climate-smart agriculture, and resilient infrastructure in developing countries.
Definition: The ability of systems, communities, or organizations to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate-related shocks and stresses, reducing vulnerability of those impacted and thus building adaptive capacity.
Example: A coastal city enhances climate resilience by implementing flood protection measures, improving emergency response systems, and integrating green infrastructure.
Definition: A climate risk assessment identifies, assesses, and manages risks posed by climate change impacts, such as extreme weather events, to business operations, assets, and supply chains.
Example: A company can conduct a climate risk assessment to evaluate potential financial impacts and develop adaptation strategies accordingly.
Definition: A holistic approach to the integration of sustainable practices into a company's business model to create long-term value for stakeholders, whilst simultaneously contributing to sustainable development goals.
Example: A company can develop a corporate sustainability report outlining its environmental and social performance metrics.
Definition: The CSRD requires more detailed and standardized reporting from a broader range of companies to disclose non-financial information on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors compared to the NFRD. This transition from NFRD to CSRD aims to address the shortcomings of the NFRD by introducing more comprehensive reporting requirements and ensuring that sustainability information is reliable and comparable across the EU.
Definition: The process of reducing or eliminating carbon emissions from energy-intensive activities and sectors from being released into the atmosphere to mitigate climate change impacts.
Example: Companies can take steps to decarbonize, such as switching to renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels and increasing energy efficiency measures.
Definition: GHG emissions originating from sources owned or managed by the reporting entity are direct emissions.
Examples: Emissions from company vehicles or emissions from on-site fossil fuel combustion are examples of direct emissions.
Definition: ESG refers to the environmental, social and governance factors that are used by investors when looking into the sustainability initiatives and efforts of a company.
· E = Environmental: This refers to how companies manage their impact on the environment, their use of natural resources and their environmental responsibility.
· S = Social: This refers to the diversity and inclusion policies of a company, human rights, the culture of the organization and their impact on communities.
· G = Governance: This refers to how companies are run and controlled. It includes stakeholder rights, leadership accountability, transparency and anti-corruption.
Definition: Embodied emissions are the GHGs produced throughout the lifecycle of materials and goods and are often considered unintentional and undesirable.
Example: The embodied emissions of a smartphone come from the mining of raw materials, manufacturing of components, assembly, transport to sellers, and disposal and end-of-life.
Definition: The production and release of gases and particles into the atmosphere, primarily from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, industrial processes, agriculture and waste management. The most common emissions in the atmosphere are greenhouse gases (GHGs) like carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and fluorinated gases. These emissions are the primary contributors to global warming and climate change as they trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere.
Definition: Also known as cap-and-trade, emissions trading is a market-based approach to controlling pollution where a limit (cap) is set on the amount of emissions allowed, and permits to emit are traded among companies or nations.
Example: The European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) allows companies to buy and sell emissions allowances, incentivizing emissions reductions.
Definition: The EIA is a process used to predict the environmental consequences of a proposed project or development, to ensure that potential impacts are identified and prevented.
Example: Before constructing a new facility, a company may conduct an EIA to assess its potential effects on air quality, biodiversity, and local communities.
Definition: The environmental management system (EMS) is a systematic framework that helps organizations address their environmental responsibilities by establishing policies and implementing practices to reduce environmental impacts and accomplish sustainability objectives.
Example: Implementing an EMS based on ISO 14001 standards allows businesses to systematically improve their environmental performance, minimize waste, and meet regulations.
Definition: ESG reporting is the disclosure of environmental, social, and corporate governance data, including sustainability metrics, policies, and practices.
Example: A company may publish an ESG report to communicate its efforts in greenhouse gas emissions reduction, diversity and inclusion, and corporate governance.
Definition: Fossil fuels are formed from the remains of living organisms that have been subjected to extreme pressures and temperatures over millions of years. They are nonrenewable energy sources such as oil, coal, and natural gas.
Example: Coal is used in power plants to generate electricity, and natural gas is used to heat homes and buildings.
Definition: Fugitive emissions are greenhouse gas emissions that occur unintentionally or accidentally during the production, processing, transportation, storage, or use of fossil fuels and industrial gases. These pollutants can originate from leaks or venting.
Example: Methane emissions from natural gas pipeline breaches are considered fugitive since they escape into the atmosphere inadvertently while being transported.
Definition: Global warming is the progressive increase in the Earth's surface temperature caused by human activities. These activities release greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide which trap heat and contribute to the climate changing.
Example: Examples of extreme weather events occurring due to global warming include the melting of polar ice caps and more frequent occurrences of severe flooding and wildfires.
Definition: A type of debt issued by private institutions or the public, meant to finance major long-term green infrastructure such as renewable energy projects or energy efficiency improvements.
Example: Energy efficiency projects, green building projects and renewable energy projects are often financed by green bonds.
Definition: A loan or investment meant to support sustainable development priorities and is for all sectors, public, private, and nonprofit alike.
Example: Examples of green finance projects include circular economy projects, the development of renewable energy sources, and environmental conservation.
Definition: The greenhouse effect occurs when greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide trap heat within the earth's atmosphere, preventing the heat from escaping. This causes a rise in surface temperature, leading to warmer temperatures.
Example: Human activities such as burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation are the largest source of GHG emissions.
Definition: A greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory is the collection and accounting of the total amount of GHGs released into the atmosphere by a country, area, organization or individual within a given time period, as well as the emission sources. These inventories include carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), all of which contribute to the greenhouse effect and thus global warming.
Example: Following the standardized methodologies and data to meet international commitments (such as the Paris Agreement), countries may build GHG inventories to measure emissions from various sectors such as energy, industry and agriculture.
Definition: GHGs are gases in the atmosphere that trap heat and cause the planet to warm up. The main GHGs are carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3).
Example: Burning fossil fuels, e.g. oil, coal and natural gas, release greenhouse gases into the environment.
Definition: A form of marketing or advertising that deliberately makes misleading and/or unsubstantiated claims about the environmental benefits of a product, service or practice.
Example: A company could falsely advertise its product as "eco-friendly" without providing evidence of its sustainability credentials.
Definition: Indirect emissions are GHG emissions from activities that are not owned or controlled by the organization which is undertaking reporting. These are emissions which fall under Scope 2 and Scope 3.
Example: Purchased electricity, heat and steam, or waste disposal.
Definition: Adopted in 1997, the Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty aimed at reducing GHG emissions. It was replaced by the Paris Agreement in 2015.
Example: Under the Kyoto Protocol, countries committed to specified carbon reduction targets, and compliance was monitored by international agreements.
Definition: Land degradation is the deterioration of land quality (e.g. soil erosion) due to human activities and natural processes, which could lead to reduced productivity and biodiversity loss.
Example: Deforestation through techniques such as slash-and-burn can lead to soil erosion and landslides. Implementing sustainable land management practices, such as reforestation and soil conservation can help to combat this issue.
Definition: An LCA is a comprehensive analysis of the potential environmental impacts associated with a product or service's lifecycle, from raw material extraction to disposal.
Example: You can undertake an LCA in order to better understand and ultimately reduce emissions, resource use and waste generation. It allows for areas of improvement to be identified.
Definition: Process of identifying and prioritizing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues that are most significant or impactful to a company and its stakeholders.
Definition: MSW refers to the solid waste generated by households, businesses, and institutions within municipal areas, consisting of everyday items like food waste and packaging.
Example: Ways to manage municipal solid waste include recycling, reducing consumption, and composting in order to avoid how much is sent to landfills.
Definition: Natural capital refers to the stock of both renewable and non-renewable natural resources, such as forests, soil and water. These natural resources benefit our global population by providing clean air, clean water, and biodiversity.
Definition: Net zero means that the amount of greenhouse gases emitted and removed from the atmosphere is balanced, so there will be no net increase in emissions.
Example: A company sets a goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 by reducing its emissions and investing in carbon removal technologies.
Definition: Implemented in 2014, the NFRD required large European firms with over 500 employees, to disclose non-financial information on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. The NFRD has since been replaced with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
Definition: Ocean acidification occurs when carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is absorbed into the ocean. This causes the pH levels of the seawater to decrease and become more acidic.
Example: Certain aquatic life such as shelled organisms, (e.g. clams and mussels), are sensitive to changes in pH levels and will not be able to develop and maintain their shells properly with increased ocean acidification.
Definition: Organic certification is a certification process that verifies and ensures that agriculture products have been produced in accordance with certain standards that align with socially and environmentally responsible practices. It involves all areas of the supply chain from manufacturing to distribution.
Example: Customers who buy organic certified food products support sustainable agricultural techniques while also ensuring that their food is free of potentially dangerous chemicals.
Definition: Overfishing occurs when fish stocks are exploited at a rate that is faster than their reproduction rate, resulting in depleted fish populations and ecological imbalances. Implementing sustainable fishing techniques and laws can assist to prevent overfishing and maintain marine ecosystem health.
Example: Reducing bycatch, implementing bans on fishing of endangered species and keeping our oceans clean and free from plastic are all techniques to help promote sustainable fishing.
Definition: The Paris Agreement is an international treaty on climate change aimed at limiting global warming to well below 2°C (ideally 1.5°C) compared to pre-industrial levels, by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It was adopted by 196 parties at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) held in Paris on 12 December 2015.
Definition: Pollution occurs when harmful substances (pollutants) are introduced into the environment. These substances cause damage to resources including air, water, and land. Many pollutants come from human activities e.g. fumes from car exhausts.
Example: Industrial waste discharged into rivers causing water pollution, or emissions from vehicles contributing to air pollution.
Definition: Material recovered from products that have been used and disposed of by consumers, which is then reprocessed into new products or packaging.
Example: Using packaging materials with a high percentage of post-consumer recycled content can help reduce the environmental impact of packaging waste.
Definition: The responsible management of the environmental, safety and health impacts of a product throughout its lifecycle, including design, manufacturing, use, and disposal.
Example: Some companies have begun implementing take-back programs for electronic waste to ensure proper recycling and disposal of old devices.
Definition: Quantitative ESG metrics are numerical indicators that evaluate a company's performance on ESG issues. By using ESG metrics, companies can then identify areas of weakness, set goals, and undertake benchmarking.
Example: Some examples of quantitative ESG metrics include greenhouse gas emissions, office water consumption and employee turnover rate.
Definition: Renewable energy is energy produced from renewable natural resources that can be replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed, such as sunlight, wind, tides and biomass. This is opposed to fossil fuels, which are a finite resource.
Example: Companies can reduce their dependency on fossil fuels and start investing in sources that can generate renewable energy, such as solar panels.
Definition: Resource efficiency refers to the sustainable use of resources (materials, water, energy) throughout production processes to maximize output, while minimizing waste and consumption.
Example: Insulating a building can reduce the amount of energy required for heating.
Definition: Companies can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to limit global warming to 1.5°C using Science-based targets. They provide organizations with a timeline and define define how much they need to reduce their GHG emissions by to stay aligned with the Paris Agreement goals.
Example: Your company goals can be seen as 'science-based' if they are in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement, to limit global warming to 1.5°C higher than pre-industrial levels.
Definition: Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions generated by an organization's operations. It is reported in 3 categories:
· Stationary combustion: Emissions from fuels which are burnt to produce electricity, heat, steam or power in stationary equipment.
· Mobile Combustion: Emissions from company-owned or controlled equipment and vehicles.
· Fugitive emissions: Emissions from the releases of gases from equipment or facilities e.g. leaks from natural gas pipelines or air-conditioning units. They can be intentional or unintentional emissions.
Definition: The categorization of greenhouse gas emissions based on their origin and control:
· Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources (e.g., fuel combustion in owned vehicles).
· Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling consumed by the reporting entity.
· Scope 3: Indirect emissions from activities outside of the organization's owned or controlled sources, such as business travel, employee commuting, and supply chain activities.
Example: A company's Scope 3 emissions might include emissions from purchased goods and services, waste disposal, and employee commuting.
Definition: Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from purchased electricity or consumption of heat, steam and cooling to enable the organization to run its business.
Example: The CO₂ emissions generated from the electricity used to power lighting, heating, and air conditioner systems are Scope 2 emissions.
Definition: Scope 3 emissions are all other indirect emissions that result from an organization's operations & businesses, but occur from sources not owned or controlled by the organization. These are emissions that typically result on the supplier (upstream) or customer end (downstream).
Example: Employee's commute, third-party transportation and emissions created through third-party disposal of waste e.g. disposal of wastewater are examples of scope 3 emissions.
Definition: Also known as 'avoided emissions', scope 4 emissions are the reductions in GHG emissions as a result of the direct use of a product or service outside of the value chain.
Example: In Europe, up to 60% of emissions emitted from laundry is generated from heating the water in washing machines - low temperature detergents is a product that can help significantly reduce emissions.
Definition: The Singapore Green Plan 2030 is a national initiative that outlines Singapore's approach towards sustainable development and environmental stewardship. The Green Plan outlines targets and goals for the next decade, encompassing a comprehensive set of policies, strategies, and actions aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Aim: The Singapore Green Plan 2030 aims to improve environmental sustainability through a multitude of strategies. These include but are not limited to building climate resilience, promoting a green economy, and encouraging sustainable living practices.
Definition: Stakeholder engagement refers to practice of taking into account the interest and views of different groups and individuals who may be affected by the activities of a company. It requires you to involve them in the decisions and actions taken by a company and is an important factor in ESG performance and success.
Example: In order to foster trust and make informed decisions companies should create an open dialogue with stakeholders.
Definition: Stationary emissions are GHG emissions produced by stationary sources, such as power plants and industrial facilities. These emissions are often continuous and occur in specific areas.
Example: Stationary emission sources include boilers, heaters, furnaces and ovens among others.
Definition: The disclosure and visibility of information about suppliers, sourcing practices, and production processes to stakeholders, promoting ethical sourcing and accountability.
Example: Requiring suppliers to disclose information on labor practices, environmental impacts, and product origins will help ensure supply chain transparency.
Definition: Sustainability refers to society's ability to progress and meet it's current needs, without exhausting resources that will be needed to live in the future. It ensures that natural and physical resources will remain available for future generations, preventing their depletion.
Definition: Sustainability management is a combination of sustainability and management. The goal of sustainability management is to reduce emissions and amount of energy used within organizations and communities, as well as encouraging growth and conservation of resources for future generations.
Example: Setting sustainability goals and implementing sustainable initiatives e.g. recycling, ESG measurement and tracking.
Definition: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are a series of 17 global goals that were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to address urgent environmental, social, and economic challenges, with the goal of creating a more sustainable society by 2030.
Example: Organizations can contribute to global sustainability efforts by aligning their sustainability strategies with specific SDGs, such as SDG 13 (climate action) and SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy).
Definition: The Triple Bottom Line (TBL) is a sustainability accounting framework that encompasses three categories: environmental, social, and economic. The idea is that an organization's performance would be measured beyond just the economic side, and is often referred to as the three "P's" - plant, people, and profit.
Example: Organizations can report on the TBL in their annual sustainability reports by including environmental stewardship efforts, social activities, and their financial performance.
Definition: Upcycling is the process of transforming unwanted or waste materials into useful products.
Example: Repurposing old clothing or textiles by cutting or sewing them into e.g a new bag is an example of upcycling.
Definition: Vertical farming involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers, allowing for higher yields in smaller spaces compared to traditional farming methods. The process employs techniques like hydroponics and aeroponics. Vertical farming could increase food output in cities while reducing land use and transportation emissions.
Examples: Countries like the US, Singapore, Japan, Germany and the UAE all operate vertical farms.
Definition: Waste management refers to the processes involved in managing waste from cradle to grave. This includes the entire lifecycle, from collection to disposal as well as the monitoring of any waste material produced.
Example: From the collection of waste to its transportation and disposal, it's important for organizations to have a waste management system in place to reduce their impact on the climate.
Definition: A water footprint is the total volume of freshwater utilized directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, or product throughout the course of its lifecycle.
Example: A company can calculate the water footprint of its textile manufacturing process i.e. cotton farming, dyeing, and fabric finishing.
Definition: Zero deforestation is a commitment that prevents the clearing or destruction of forests and natural habitats for agricultural expansion, logging, or other uses.
Example: To safeguard forests and biodiversity, governments should adopt zero-deforestation sourcing standards in supply chains for commodities such as palm oil, and cocoa.
Definition: Zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) are vehicles that do not emit GHGs or other pollutants from their exhaust when in operation. They are often powered by electric motors or hydrogen fuel cells. Incentives, infrastructure development, and regulations aimed at decreasing air pollution and managing climate change all help to promote the use of zero-emission vehicles.
Example: Singapore has rolled out a plan to phase out cars with internal combustion engines and only use clean energy vehicles by 2040. The country has offered many incentives for ZEVs.
Definition: Zero waste is a strategy aimed at minimizing the amount of waste generated, while encouraging the practice of recycling and reusing products. A zero waste strategy is designed to conserve resources and minimize impact on the environment.
Example: Companies can aim to achieve zero waste by promoting recycling, as well as encouraging the reduction of single-use plastics, food waste, and paper waste. They can also look into their supply chain processes to reduce waste throughout their value chain.
Definition: The AQI is a numerical scale that measures current air pollution levels or how polluted it is forecast to become. It takes into account pollutants such as ground-level ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. It is divided into categories to indicate the quality of the air.
Example: An AQI of 0-50 indicates good air quality, while 51-100 is deemed adequate. Any AQI score greater than 100 is deemed unhealthy.
Definition: Anthropogenic emissions are greenhouse gas emissions that result from human activities, in particular from industries and sectors like agriculture and transport.
Example: The GHG emitted from processes like the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and waste management are anthropogenic emissions as they originate from human activities.
Definition: A provision under the Paris Agreement that allows countries to cooperate on mitigation activities, including emissions trading and the use of market mechanisms, to enhance cost-effectiveness and promote sustainable development.
Definition: Biogenic emissions are greenhouse gas emissions, and that come from natural sources. Carbon dioxide(CO₂), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and methane (CH₄) are some of the main gases associate with biogenic emissions.
Examples: Biogenic emissions emitted from natural sources include the CO₂ emitted from biogas combustion accumulated during waste decomposition and wildfires.
Definition: "Carbon accounting" and "GHG accounting" are often used interchangeably. Carbon accounting is accounting of all greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and fluorinated gases represented in CO₂ equivalent, emitted from the operations of their assets. This allows you to understand how much carbon is emitted from each asset based on the activities happening within it.
Example: An example of an asset is an office building, and an example of an activity within it is electricity required to run the air conditioning.
Definition: A measure of the maximum allowable amount of CO₂ emissions that can be produced over a period of time to limit global temperatures within a safe threshold. The goal is to achieve net-zero targets.
Example: According to Our World in Data, to have a 50% chance of staying below 1.5°C and meet the Paris agreements, the maximum amount of CO₂ that can be emitted in 250 billion tonnes.
Carbon Capture (CC): The process of capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from sources like power plants and industrial processes.
Utilization (U): The captured CO₂ can be reused in various industrial processes, such as in the production of chemicals, fuels, and building materials.
Storage (S): The captured CO₂ is stored underground in geological formations to prevent it from entering the atmosphere.
Definition: A carbon credit is a certificate representing the right to emit one tonne of carbon dioxide or equivalent greenhouse gas, traded on carbon markets. Companies can buy, sell, or trade these credits as part of efforts to reduce overall emissions and combat climate change.
Example: A company that reduces its emissions below a certain level can sell its excess carbon credits to another company needing to offset its emissions.
Definition: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a colorless, odorless gas that is naturally present in the atmosphere. Human activities like industrial activities and fossil fuel combustion contribute to CO₂ emissions into the atmosphere. CO₂ is one of the primary greenhouse gases contributing to global warming.
Definition: The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is a non-profit organization that provides a system for global disclosures. This can be used by different organizations, investors, regions and cities in order to disclose their environmental impact, including carbon emissions and climate-related risks.
Example: Companies report to the CDP annually, providing data on their carbon footprint, climate strategy, and progress toward emissions reduction goals.
Definition: Carbon farming refers to the agricultural strategies that sequester CO₂ from the atmosphere into the soil, woods, and vegetation as organic matter. This ensures that carbon does not enter the atmosphere to contribute to global warming.
Example: Carbon farming strategies include reforestation, using agroforestry techniques, and cover cropping.
Definition: The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by human activities. You can express your carbon footprint in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂e).
Example: Calculating the carbon footprint of a product includes emissions from its production, transportation, and disposal phases.
Definition: A carbon footprint analysis is a detailed study that calculates an organization's, an individual's or a product's entire direct and indirect GHG emissions. It discloses the key sources of emissions throughout the subject's lifecycle, allowing the organization or individual to make educated decisions and modifications to their sustainability efforts and strategy as needed.
Definition: Carbon intensity is measured by the amount of greenhouse gas emissions (usually CO₂e) produced per unit of activity, output, or economic value generated.
Example: Companies can reduce their carbon intensity by implementing energy-efficient technologies and optimizing production processes.
Definition: A situation where emissions reductions in one country or sector lead to an increase in emissions in another country or sector.
Example: Country A may see their level of GHG emissions be reduced from a company relocating operations, however, Country B may observe higher GHG emissions as a result.
Definition: Carbon management requires a systematic approach to monitoring, reducing, and reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It involves a range of activities and strategies designed to minimize an organization’s carbon footprint and manage its impact on the climate.
Example: In practice, carbon management includes disclosure and reporting of carbon emissions, and developing a decarbonization strategy and roadmap, amongst others. You can refer to this blog post for more information.
Definition: A carbon neutral certification is a formal recognition or verification process confirming that an organization, product, or event has achieved net-zero carbon emissions by balancing emissions with carbon offsets, reductions or removals.
Definition: A carbon neutral supply chain is one in which all activities that occur - from the procurement of raw materials to the product delivery- are carried out with minimal GHG emissions, and are balanced out by an equivalent amount of emissions reductions or offsets to achieve net zero emissions.
Example: Companies can collaborate with suppliers to achieve a carbon-neutral supply chain by implementing energy-efficient procedures, adopting low carbon materials and optimizing transportation logistics.
Definition: Carbon neutrality is the balance between carbon emitters and carbon sinks. By balancing the amount produced and removed from the atmosphere, a net zero footprint can be achieved.
Example: Apple has announced its plan to become completely carbon neutral by 2030 - the tech giant has committed to reducing its emissions by 75% and investing in clean energy sources in order to offset the remaining 25%.
Definition: Carbon offsets are a carbon trading mechanism that organizations can purchase to offset their carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality. This is often done through investments in renewable energy or reforestation projects.
Definition: Carbon pricing puts a cost on greenhouse gas emissions e.g. through carbon taxes or carbon trading. The overall goal is to promote emissions reductions.
Example: The EU Emissions Trading System is a carbon pricing mechanism to encourage GHG emissions reductions.
Definition: The ownership, transfer and verification of carbon credits can be tracked and recorded on a carbon registry database. This ensures transparency and accountability within carbon markets.
Example: Companies can ensure their credibility and compliance with regulations and standards when they register their carbon offset projects within a carbon registry.
Definition: The process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or sources such as power plants to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
Example: Afforestation and reforestation projects enhance carbon sequestration by planting trees that absorb CO₂ through photosynthesis.
Definition: A fiscal policy tool where a tax is imposed on the carbon content of fossil fuels or the emissions of greenhouse gases, aiming to internalize the external costs of carbon emissions. This is done to incentivize businesses and individuals to reduce their carbon footprint and transition towards low-carbon technologies.
Example: Singapore was the first country in South East Asia to introduce a carbon tax to support it's net zero targets. In 2024 the carbon tax was raised to $25/tCO₂, and will rise to $45/tCO₂e in 2026 and 2027. Carbon tax in Singapore would likely reach $50-80 tCO₂e by 2030.
Definition: An economic model aimed at minimizing waste and making the most of resources, in which materials are kept in use for as long as possible through reuse, recycling, and regeneration.
Example: A company designs products using recycled materials and implements take-back programs to extend the product lifecycle and reduce environmental impact.
Definition: A climate action plan is a framework document prioritizing the actions to be taken to reduce emissions after tracking and measuring existing emissions. With the collected data you can set targets and goals to ensure the climate action plan stays on track and commitments are met.
Example: A company can create a climate action plan to pinpoint areas of improvement, make informed decisions, and set goals.
Definition: Climate change refers to the long-term changes in temperature, wind patterns, precipitation, and other aspects of the Earth's climate. It is largely caused by human activities such as deforestation and the combustion of fossil fuels.
Example: Temperature changes caused by climate change can be seen in the rising global temperatures that are melting ice caps and causing more frequent extreme weather events, like heatwaves and droughts.
Definition: Climate change mitigation refers to the actions taken to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases to limit the magnitude of climate change.
Example: Implementing energy-efficient technologies and promoting renewable energy sources are forms of climate change mitigation strategies.
Definition: With the aim of supporting mitigation and adaptation actions, climate finance refers to financing from public or private sources, either local, national or transnational.
Example: Climate finance examples include grants, market-based loans, sovereign green bonds or resources from carbon taxes. Climate finance could be provided through public and private sources to support renewable energy projects, climate-smart agriculture, and resilient infrastructure in developing countries.
Definition: The ability of systems, communities, or organizations to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate-related shocks and stresses, reducing vulnerability of those impacted and thus building adaptive capacity.
Example: A coastal city enhances climate resilience by implementing flood protection measures, improving emergency response systems, and integrating green infrastructure.
Definition: A climate risk assessment identifies, assesses, and manages risks posed by climate change impacts, such as extreme weather events, to business operations, assets, and supply chains.
Example: A company can conduct a climate risk assessment to evaluate potential financial impacts and develop adaptation strategies accordingly.
Definition: A holistic approach to the integration of sustainable practices into a company's business model to create long-term value for stakeholders, whilst simultaneously contributing to sustainable development goals.
Example: A company can develop a corporate sustainability report outlining its environmental and social performance metrics.
Definition: The CSRD requires more detailed and standardized reporting from a broader range of companies to disclose non-financial information on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors compared to the NFRD. This transition from NFRD to CSRD aims to address the shortcomings of the NFRD by introducing more comprehensive reporting requirements and ensuring that sustainability information is reliable and comparable across the EU.
Definition: The process of reducing or eliminating carbon emissions from energy-intensive activities and sectors from being released into the atmosphere to mitigate climate change impacts.
Example: Companies can take steps to decarbonize, such as switching to renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels and increasing energy efficiency measures.
Definition: GHG emissions originating from sources owned or managed by the reporting entity are direct emissions.
Examples: Emissions from company vehicles or emissions from on-site fossil fuel combustion are examples of direct emissions.
Definition: ESG refers to the environmental, social and governance factors that are used by investors when looking into the sustainability initiatives and efforts of a company.
· E = Environmental: This refers to how companies manage their impact on the environment, their use of natural resources and their environmental responsibility.
· S = Social: This refers to the diversity and inclusion policies of a company, human rights, the culture of the organization and their impact on communities.
· G = Governance: This refers to how companies are run and controlled. It includes stakeholder rights, leadership accountability, transparency and anti-corruption.
Definition: Embodied emissions are the GHGs produced throughout the lifecycle of materials and goods and are often considered unintentional and undesirable.
Example: The embodied emissions of a smartphone come from the mining of raw materials, manufacturing of components, assembly, transport to sellers, and disposal and end-of-life.
Definition: The production and release of gases and particles into the atmosphere, primarily from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, industrial processes, agriculture and waste management. The most common emissions in the atmosphere are greenhouse gases (GHGs) like carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and fluorinated gases. These emissions are the primary contributors to global warming and climate change as they trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere.
Definition: Also known as cap-and-trade, emissions trading is a market-based approach to controlling pollution where a limit (cap) is set on the amount of emissions allowed, and permits to emit are traded among companies or nations.
Example: The European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) allows companies to buy and sell emissions allowances, incentivizing emissions reductions.
Definition: The EIA is a process used to predict the environmental consequences of a proposed project or development, to ensure that potential impacts are identified and prevented.
Example: Before constructing a new facility, a company may conduct an EIA to assess its potential effects on air quality, biodiversity, and local communities.
Definition: The environmental management system (EMS) is a systematic framework that helps organizations address their environmental responsibilities by establishing policies and implementing practices to reduce environmental impacts and accomplish sustainability objectives.
Example: Implementing an EMS based on ISO 14001 standards allows businesses to systematically improve their environmental performance, minimize waste, and meet regulations.
Definition: ESG reporting is the disclosure of environmental, social, and corporate governance data, including sustainability metrics, policies, and practices.
Example: A company may publish an ESG report to communicate its efforts in greenhouse gas emissions reduction, diversity and inclusion, and corporate governance.
Definition: Fossil fuels are formed from the remains of living organisms that have been subjected to extreme pressures and temperatures over millions of years. They are nonrenewable energy sources such as oil, coal, and natural gas.
Example: Coal is used in power plants to generate electricity, and natural gas is used to heat homes and buildings.
Definition: Fugitive emissions are greenhouse gas emissions that occur unintentionally or accidentally during the production, processing, transportation, storage, or use of fossil fuels and industrial gases. These pollutants can originate from leaks or venting.
Example: Methane emissions from natural gas pipeline breaches are considered fugitive since they escape into the atmosphere inadvertently while being transported.
Definition: Global warming is the progressive increase in the Earth's surface temperature caused by human activities. These activities release greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide which trap heat and contribute to the climate changing.
Example: Examples of extreme weather events occurring due to global warming include the melting of polar ice caps and more frequent occurrences of severe flooding and wildfires.
Definition: A type of debt issued by private institutions or the public, meant to finance major long-term green infrastructure such as renewable energy projects or energy efficiency improvements.
Example: Energy efficiency projects, green building projects and renewable energy projects are often financed by green bonds.
Definition: A loan or investment meant to support sustainable development priorities and is for all sectors, public, private, and nonprofit alike.
Example: Examples of green finance projects include circular economy projects, the development of renewable energy sources, and environmental conservation.
Definition: The greenhouse effect occurs when greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide trap heat within the earth's atmosphere, preventing the heat from escaping. This causes a rise in surface temperature, leading to warmer temperatures.
Example: Human activities such as burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation are the largest source of GHG emissions.
Definition: A greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory is the collection and accounting of the total amount of GHGs released into the atmosphere by a country, area, organization or individual within a given time period, as well as the emission sources. These inventories include carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), all of which contribute to the greenhouse effect and thus global warming.
Example: Following the standardized methodologies and data to meet international commitments (such as the Paris Agreement), countries may build GHG inventories to measure emissions from various sectors such as energy, industry and agriculture.
Definition: GHGs are gases in the atmosphere that trap heat and cause the planet to warm up. The main GHGs are carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3).
Example: Burning fossil fuels, e.g. oil, coal and natural gas, release greenhouse gases into the environment.
Definition: A form of marketing or advertising that deliberately makes misleading and/or unsubstantiated claims about the environmental benefits of a product, service or practice.
Example: A company could falsely advertise its product as "eco-friendly" without providing evidence of its sustainability credentials.
Definition: Indirect emissions are GHG emissions from activities that are not owned or controlled by the organization which is undertaking reporting. These are emissions which fall under Scope 2 and Scope 3.
Example: Purchased electricity, heat and steam, or waste disposal.
Definition: Adopted in 1997, the Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty aimed at reducing GHG emissions. It was replaced by the Paris Agreement in 2015.
Example: Under the Kyoto Protocol, countries committed to specified carbon reduction targets, and compliance was monitored by international agreements.
Definition: Land degradation is the deterioration of land quality (e.g. soil erosion) due to human activities and natural processes, which could lead to reduced productivity and biodiversity loss.
Example: Deforestation through techniques such as slash-and-burn can lead to soil erosion and landslides. Implementing sustainable land management practices, such as reforestation and soil conservation can help to combat this issue.
Definition: An LCA is a comprehensive analysis of the potential environmental impacts associated with a product or service's lifecycle, from raw material extraction to disposal.
Example: You can undertake an LCA in order to better understand and ultimately reduce emissions, resource use and waste generation. It allows for areas of improvement to be identified.
Definition: Process of identifying and prioritizing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues that are most significant or impactful to a company and its stakeholders.
Definition: MSW refers to the solid waste generated by households, businesses, and institutions within municipal areas, consisting of everyday items like food waste and packaging.
Example: Ways to manage municipal solid waste include recycling, reducing consumption, and composting in order to avoid how much is sent to landfills.
Definition: Natural capital refers to the stock of both renewable and non-renewable natural resources, such as forests, soil and water. These natural resources benefit our global population by providing clean air, clean water, and biodiversity.
Definition: Net zero means that the amount of greenhouse gases emitted and removed from the atmosphere is balanced, so there will be no net increase in emissions.
Example: A company sets a goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 by reducing its emissions and investing in carbon removal technologies.
Definition: Implemented in 2014, the NFRD required large European firms with over 500 employees, to disclose non-financial information on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. The NFRD has since been replaced with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
Definition: Ocean acidification occurs when carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is absorbed into the ocean. This causes the pH levels of the seawater to decrease and become more acidic.
Example: Certain aquatic life such as shelled organisms, (e.g. clams and mussels), are sensitive to changes in pH levels and will not be able to develop and maintain their shells properly with increased ocean acidification.
Definition: Organic certification is a certification process that verifies and ensures that agriculture products have been produced in accordance with certain standards that align with socially and environmentally responsible practices. It involves all areas of the supply chain from manufacturing to distribution.
Example: Customers who buy organic certified food products support sustainable agricultural techniques while also ensuring that their food is free of potentially dangerous chemicals.
Definition: Overfishing occurs when fish stocks are exploited at a rate that is faster than their reproduction rate, resulting in depleted fish populations and ecological imbalances. Implementing sustainable fishing techniques and laws can assist to prevent overfishing and maintain marine ecosystem health.
Example: Reducing bycatch, implementing bans on fishing of endangered species and keeping our oceans clean and free from plastic are all techniques to help promote sustainable fishing.
Definition: The Paris Agreement is an international treaty on climate change aimed at limiting global warming to well below 2°C (ideally 1.5°C) compared to pre-industrial levels, by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It was adopted by 196 parties at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) held in Paris on 12 December 2015.
Definition: Pollution occurs when harmful substances (pollutants) are introduced into the environment. These substances cause damage to resources including air, water, and land. Many pollutants come from human activities e.g. fumes from car exhausts.
Example: Industrial waste discharged into rivers causing water pollution, or emissions from vehicles contributing to air pollution.
Definition: Material recovered from products that have been used and disposed of by consumers, which is then reprocessed into new products or packaging.
Example: Using packaging materials with a high percentage of post-consumer recycled content can help reduce the environmental impact of packaging waste.
Definition: The responsible management of the environmental, safety and health impacts of a product throughout its lifecycle, including design, manufacturing, use, and disposal.
Example: Some companies have begun implementing take-back programs for electronic waste to ensure proper recycling and disposal of old devices.
Definition: Quantitative ESG metrics are numerical indicators that evaluate a company's performance on ESG issues. By using ESG metrics, companies can then identify areas of weakness, set goals, and undertake benchmarking.
Example: Some examples of quantitative ESG metrics include greenhouse gas emissions, office water consumption and employee turnover rate.
Definition: Renewable energy is energy produced from renewable natural resources that can be replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed, such as sunlight, wind, tides and biomass. This is opposed to fossil fuels, which are a finite resource.
Example: Companies can reduce their dependency on fossil fuels and start investing in sources that can generate renewable energy, such as solar panels.
Definition: Resource efficiency refers to the sustainable use of resources (materials, water, energy) throughout production processes to maximize output, while minimizing waste and consumption.
Example: Insulating a building can reduce the amount of energy required for heating.
Definition: Companies can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to limit global warming to 1.5°C using Science-based targets. They provide organizations with a timeline and define define how much they need to reduce their GHG emissions by to stay aligned with the Paris Agreement goals.
Example: Your company goals can be seen as 'science-based' if they are in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement, to limit global warming to 1.5°C higher than pre-industrial levels.
Definition: Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions generated by an organization's operations. It is reported in 3 categories:
· Stationary combustion: Emissions from fuels which are burnt to produce electricity, heat, steam or power in stationary equipment.
· Mobile Combustion: Emissions from company-owned or controlled equipment and vehicles.
· Fugitive emissions: Emissions from the releases of gases from equipment or facilities e.g. leaks from natural gas pipelines or air-conditioning units. They can be intentional or unintentional emissions.
Definition: The categorization of greenhouse gas emissions based on their origin and control:
· Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources (e.g., fuel combustion in owned vehicles).
· Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling consumed by the reporting entity.
· Scope 3: Indirect emissions from activities outside of the organization's owned or controlled sources, such as business travel, employee commuting, and supply chain activities.
Example: A company's Scope 3 emissions might include emissions from purchased goods and services, waste disposal, and employee commuting.
Definition: Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from purchased electricity or consumption of heat, steam and cooling to enable the organization to run its business.
Example: The CO₂ emissions generated from the electricity used to power lighting, heating, and air conditioner systems are Scope 2 emissions.
Definition: Scope 3 emissions are all other indirect emissions that result from an organization's operations & businesses, but occur from sources not owned or controlled by the organization. These are emissions that typically result on the supplier (upstream) or customer end (downstream).
Example: Employee's commute, third-party transportation and emissions created through third-party disposal of waste e.g. disposal of wastewater are examples of scope 3 emissions.
Definition: Also known as 'avoided emissions', scope 4 emissions are the reductions in GHG emissions as a result of the direct use of a product or service outside of the value chain.
Example: In Europe, up to 60% of emissions emitted from laundry is generated from heating the water in washing machines - low temperature detergents is a product that can help significantly reduce emissions.
Definition: The Singapore Green Plan 2030 is a national initiative that outlines Singapore's approach towards sustainable development and environmental stewardship. The Green Plan outlines targets and goals for the next decade, encompassing a comprehensive set of policies, strategies, and actions aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Aim: The Singapore Green Plan 2030 aims to improve environmental sustainability through a multitude of strategies. These include but are not limited to building climate resilience, promoting a green economy, and encouraging sustainable living practices.
Definition: Stakeholder engagement refers to practice of taking into account the interest and views of different groups and individuals who may be affected by the activities of a company. It requires you to involve them in the decisions and actions taken by a company and is an important factor in ESG performance and success.
Example: In order to foster trust and make informed decisions companies should create an open dialogue with stakeholders.
Definition: Stationary emissions are GHG emissions produced by stationary sources, such as power plants and industrial facilities. These emissions are often continuous and occur in specific areas.
Example: Stationary emission sources include boilers, heaters, furnaces and ovens among others.
Definition: The disclosure and visibility of information about suppliers, sourcing practices, and production processes to stakeholders, promoting ethical sourcing and accountability.
Example: Requiring suppliers to disclose information on labor practices, environmental impacts, and product origins will help ensure supply chain transparency.
Definition: Sustainability refers to society's ability to progress and meet it's current needs, without exhausting resources that will be needed to live in the future. It ensures that natural and physical resources will remain available for future generations, preventing their depletion.
Definition: Sustainability management is a combination of sustainability and management. The goal of sustainability management is to reduce emissions and amount of energy used within organizations and communities, as well as encouraging growth and conservation of resources for future generations.
Example: Setting sustainability goals and implementing sustainable initiatives e.g. recycling, ESG measurement and tracking.
Definition: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are a series of 17 global goals that were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to address urgent environmental, social, and economic challenges, with the goal of creating a more sustainable society by 2030.
Example: Organizations can contribute to global sustainability efforts by aligning their sustainability strategies with specific SDGs, such as SDG 13 (climate action) and SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy).
Definition: The Triple Bottom Line (TBL) is a sustainability accounting framework that encompasses three categories: environmental, social, and economic. The idea is that an organization's performance would be measured beyond just the economic side, and is often referred to as the three "P's" - plant, people, and profit.
Example: Organizations can report on the TBL in their annual sustainability reports by including environmental stewardship efforts, social activities, and their financial performance.
Definition: Upcycling is the process of transforming unwanted or waste materials into useful products.
Example: Repurposing old clothing or textiles by cutting or sewing them into e.g. a new bag is an example of upcycling.
Definition: Vertical farming involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers, allowing for higher yields in smaller spaces compared to traditional farming methods. The process employs techniques like hydroponics and aeroponics. Vertical farming could increase food output in cities while reducing land use and transportation emissions.
Examples: Countries like the US, Singapore, Japan, Germany and the UAE all operate vertical farms.
Definition: Waste management refers to the processes involved in managing waste from cradle to grave. This includes the entire lifecycle, from collection to disposal as well as the monitoring of any waste material produced.
Example: From the collection of waste to its transportation and disposal, it's important for organizations to have a waste management system in place to reduce their impact on the climate.
Definition: A water footprint is the total volume of freshwater utilized directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, or product throughout the course of its lifecycle.
Example: A company can calculate the water footprint of its textile manufacturing process i.e. cotton farming, dyeing, and fabric finishing.
Definition: Zero deforestation is a commitment that prevents the clearing or destruction of forests and natural habitats for agricultural expansion, logging, or other uses.
Example: To safeguard forests and biodiversity, governments should adopt zero-deforestation sourcing standards in supply chains for commodities such as palm oil, and cocoa.
Definition: Zero waste is a strategy aimed at minimizing the amount of waste generated, while encouraging the practice of recycling and reusing products. A zero waste strategy is designed to conserve resources and minimize impact on the environment.
Example: Companies can aim to achieve zero waste by promoting recycling, as well as encouraging the reduction of single-use plastics, food waste, and paper waste. They can also look into their supply chain processes to reduce waste throughout their value chain.
Definition: Zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) are vehicles that do not emit GHGs or other pollutants from their exhaust when in operation. They are often powered by electric motors or hydrogen fuel cells. Incentives, infrastructure development, and regulations aimed at decreasing air pollution and managing climate change all help to promote the use of zero-emission vehicles.
Example: Singapore has rolled out a plan to phase out cars with internal combustion engines and only use clean energy vehicles by 2040. The country has offered many incentives for ZEVs.