4.1 Glossary

Table 4-1: Glossary of Terms

Key Term

BREEAM

Carbon footprint

Carbon neutral

Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)

Circular economy Definition

An international sustainability assessment used for infrastructure and building projects. Ratings are based on a mix of environmental, social, and economic factors.

The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere from the activities of an individual, organisation, or community in a given period (usually one year).

Carbon neutrality refers to a state in which the level / volume of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is compensated by the equivalent volume through carbon offsetting activities (e.g. tree planting, protection of existing forests). It refers to CO2 only, and any volume of emissions can be offset. This differs from Net Zero (see below)

A non-for-profit charity that runs the global disclosure system for investors, businesses, and other entities to manage their environmental impacts.

A form of economy where all energy and materials within a product’s life are repeatedly reused, resold, repaired, and refurbished.

CO2 emissions

CO2e emissions

Carbon Dioxide emissions only.

‘Carbon dioxide equivalent’ includes CO2 and other greenhouse gases such as methane, ozone, and nitrous oxide. This gives a fuller picture of the environmental impact of an activity.

Cycle to Work scheme A government scheme which allows employees to buy bikes through their employer. The cost is tax-free and spread over 12 months.

Decarbonisation

The process by which countries, individuals or other entities (such as business) aim to reduce and eliminate GHG emissions. This typically refers to a reduction of the carbon emissions associated with electricity, industry and transport.6

Electric vehicle (EV) Vehicles that are either partially or fully powered by electricity. They use rechargeable batteries rather than fuel.

End-of-life

A product at the end of its useful life, becoming waste.

Energy consumption Total energy used to perform an action. Can include electricity, gas, and water.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

A certificate required when a property is built, sold, or rented. Contains information about a property’s energy use and costs, which includes an energy efficiency rating from A (best) to G (worst). Also suggests ways to reduce energy use.

Environment Agency A public body which aims to protect and improve the environment and support sustainable growth.

ESG

‘Environmental, Social, and Governance’ (ESG) criteria describe a set of standards for a company’s operations that socially conscious investors use to screen potential investments.

E-waste

Electronic products that are unwanted, not working, or at their end-of-life. Includes computers, TVs, stereos, and phones.

Fast-charging stations A place to rapidly recharge electric vehicles. Reaching full charge can take 3-4 hours for a small vehicle. Stations are typically found on street-sides, shopping centres, and parking areas.

Fuel-efficient driving Driving techniques which lower a vehicle’s fuel consumption. They include gentle acceleration and maintaining a steady speed.

Green tariffs

When a supplier promises to match all or some of the electricity you use with renewable energy supply, taken from the National Grid. The more green tariffs there are, the greater the need for green energy supply into the national supply.

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are those that absorb or emit radiation at specific wavelengths within the spectrum of terrestrial radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface, the atmosphere and by the clouds causing the greenhouse effect. The most well-known GHG is carbon dioxide (CO2), while others include nitrous oxide, methane, and ozone. 7 In the context of human-induced climate change we often refer to ‘anthropogenic GHGs’ to describe the impact of human activities on the concentration of GHGs in the atmosphere. Greenhouse Gas emissions are presented in carbon dioxide equivalent units (CO2e) which accounts for all GHG emissions (not just CO2).

Heat pumps

A heating system which takes energy from the outside air or ground and transfers it inside a building even when the building is at a higher temperature than the air or ground outside.

Landfill

A site for the disposal of waste. Also known as a dump or tip.

LED

Net Zero

A form of lighting which lasts far longer than conventional (incandescent) lights and often only 10% to 20% of the energy.

Net zero refers to a state in which the greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted / added to the atmosphere are balanced by the removal of the equivalent volume of GHG from the atmosphere. The residual amount of emissions that can be balanced is often limited to a small proportion of 2020 emissions. The UK declared a legally-binding net zero emissions by 2050 target in 2019.

Occupancy sensors Detect the presence of a person through motion sensors. Often used to automatically turn lights on when you walk into a room.

Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM)

An industry watchdog and regulator for the UK’s gas and electricity supply. Has the power to control prices and enforce regulations.

Race to Zero

The UN’s voluntary decarbonisation standard which includes a Net Zero definition and guidance and support for participating organisations.

Recycling

The process of converting waste into reusable material.

Refillable bags/containers Durable storage products which can be reused multiple times to transport goods without using plastic. Can include bags, jars, and pouches.

Remanufactured item An item which is made from old, used, or worn-out materials to create a new one.

Renewable energy Energy that comes from natural sources which can never run out. Includes solar, wind, tidal, wave, geothermal, and biomass.

Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)

The Science Based Targets Initiative is a popular voluntary code for organisations to use for decarbonisation planning and goal setting. It includes a definition of Net Zero and has some sector-specific guidance.

Scope 1-3 emissions Greenhouse gas emissions are typically categorised into three groups (scopes). Scope 1 covers direct emissions from owned or controlled sources; scope 2 covers indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating and cooling consumed by the business/entity; scope 3 includes all other indirect emissions that occur as part of business’s value chain.8

Single-use product An item which is designed to be used only once before it is thrown away or recycled.

SKA

Small and medium-sized enterprise (SME)

An environmental rating which assesses the interior of buildings. This includes electrics, decorations, and furnishings.

The UK government definition of SMEs covers micro (<10 employees; annual turnover <€2m), small (<50 employees; annual turnover <10m) and medium-sized (<250 employees; annual turnover <€50m) businesses.9

Smart meter

Solar panels

A replacement to traditional gas, electricity, and water meters. They measure how much you are using and what it’s costing you. This information is displayed on a digital screen in real time.

A panel designed to absorb the sun’s rays and convert it into electricity. It does so by heating up water. They are often located on roofs of buildings to capture maximum sunlight.

8 https://www.carbontrust.com/resources/briefing-what-are-scope-3emissions#:~:text=Scope%201%20covers%20direct%20emissions,in%20a%20company's%20value%20chain. 9 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fcdo-small-to-medium-sized-enterprise-sme-action-plan/small-tomedium-sized-enterprise-sme-action-plan

Speed limiters

A safety device placed in cars which restrict the flow of fuel to the engine when a pre-determined speed is reached.

Sustainable supplier A supplier which integrates social, ethical, and environmental considerations into their operations.

TCFD

Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) requires firms to disclose climate-related financial information, ensuring they consider the risks and opportunities they face as a result of climate change. TCFD reporting was made mandatory in the UK as of April 2022.

Terracycle recycling point Points where you can drop-off and recycle almost any form of waste.

Thermostat

Water efficiency

Water meter

Zero-emissions

A device which detects temperature changes and signals to a heating system to keep the room temperature constant.

Minimising water waste through conservation methods.

A device which measures the volume of water that passes through a pipe.

All greenhouse gas emissions from an activity are prevented or removed from the atmosphere through reduction measures.