Corporate Sustainability Glossary
Corporate Sustainability Glossary
Activity data
Activity data refers to the specific actions or events that generate or contribute to carbon emissions.
Activity data
Activity data refers to the specific actions or events that generate or contribute to carbon emissions.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a measure of the concentration of harmful pollutants in the air, typically expressed as a numerical value on a scale from 0 to 500.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a measure of the concentration of harmful pollutants in the air, typically expressed as a numerical value on a scale from 0 to 500.
Anthropogenic
Anthropogenic refers to something that has been caused or influenced by human activity.
Anthropogenic
Anthropogenic refers to something that has been caused or influenced by human activity.
Base year
A base year in carbon accounting is the year that is used as a reference point for measuring and tracking carbon emissions. It is the starting point for calculating emissions reductions and carbon footprint.
Base year
A base year in carbon accounting is the year that is used as a reference point for measuring and tracking carbon emissions. It is the starting point for calculating emissions reductions and carbon footprint.
Biofuel
Biofuel is a type of fuel that is derived from renewable organic materials, such as plant or animal waste.
Biofuel
Biofuel is a type of fuel that is derived from renewable organic materials, such as plant or animal waste.
Biomass / Biogas
Biomass, or biogas, is a type of renewable energy that is derived from organic materials such as agricultural waste, wood, and manure used to generate electricity or heat through combustion.
Biomass / Biogas
Biomass, or biogas, is a type of renewable energy that is derived from organic materials such as agricultural waste, wood, and manure used to generate electricity or heat through combustion.
Biodiversity footprint
The ecological impact of human activities on biodiversity, reflecting the extent of species loss, habitat degradation, and ecosystem disruption linked to various human actions.
Biodiversity footprint
The ecological impact of human activities on biodiversity, reflecting the extent of species loss, habitat degradation, and ecosystem disruption linked to various human actions.
Blue Carbon
The carbon stored in marine and coastal ecosystems like tidal marshes, seagrass beds & mangroove forests. Blue carbon can be reduced by restoring & protecting coastal ecosystem, reducing pollution & coastal,etc development.
Blue Carbon
The carbon stored in marine and coastal ecosystems like tidal marshes, seagrass beds & mangroove forests. Blue carbon can be reduced by restoring & protecting coastal ecosystem, reducing pollution & coastal,etc development.
Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR)
BRSR is the first framework in India for environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting which is interoperable with other internationally accepted reporting frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR)
BRSR is the first framework in India for environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting which is interoperable with other internationally accepted reporting frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
Cap & Trade
A market based approach of reducing the greenhouse gas emissions by setting a 'cap' or limit on total amount of emissions by a country. This cap is reduced overtime so as to reduce the GHG emissions. If a company wants to emit more than its allotted amount, it must buy additional allowances or permits from another company that has not used all of its allotted amount.
Cap & Trade
A market based approach of reducing the greenhouse gas emissions by setting a 'cap' or limit on total amount of emissions by a country. This cap is reduced overtime so as to reduce the GHG emissions. If a company wants to emit more than its allotted amount, it must buy additional allowances or permits from another company that has not used all of its allotted amount.
Carbon accounting
Calculating the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases that are emitted from the organisation's activities, such as energy use, transportation, and waste management.
Carbon accounting
Calculating the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases that are emitted from the organisation's activities, such as energy use, transportation, and waste management.
Carbon budget
Carbon budget is the total amount of carbon that can be emitted into the atmosphere within a specified time period while still maintaining a stable climate and preventing dangerous levels of global warming.
Carbon budget
Carbon budget is the total amount of carbon that can be emitted into the atmosphere within a specified time period while still maintaining a stable climate and preventing dangerous levels of global warming.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS)
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a technology that involves capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power plants, industrial processes, and other sources, and storing it in underground geological formations or other secure locations.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS)
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a technology that involves capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power plants, industrial processes, and other sources, and storing it in underground geological formations or other secure locations.
Carbon credits
These are the permits that allows a company to emit certain amount of carbon dioxide or GHGs into the atmosphere. 1 carbon credit = 1 ton CO2
Carbon credits
These are the permits that allows a company to emit certain amount of carbon dioxide or GHGs into the atmosphere. 1 carbon credit = 1 ton CO2
Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e)
Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) is a measure of the global warming potential of different greenhouse gases. It is calculated by converting the emissions of each gas into an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide, based on the gas's global warming potential.
Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e)
Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) is a measure of the global warming potential of different greenhouse gases. It is calculated by converting the emissions of each gas into an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide, based on the gas's global warming potential.
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Activity data
Activity data refers to the specific actions or events that generate or contribute to carbon emissions.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a measure of the concentration of harmful pollutants in the air, typically expressed as a numerical value on a scale from 0 to 500.
Anthropogenic
Anthropogenic refers to something that has been caused or influenced by human activity.
Base year
A base year in carbon accounting is the year that is used as a reference point for measuring and tracking carbon emissions. It is the starting point for calculating emissions reductions and carbon footprint.
Biofuel
Biofuel is a type of fuel that is derived from renewable organic materials, such as plant or animal waste.
Biomass / Biogas
Biomass, or biogas, is a type of renewable energy that is derived from organic materials such as agricultural waste, wood, and manure used to generate electricity or heat through combustion.
Biodiversity footprint
The ecological impact of human activities on biodiversity, reflecting the extent of species loss, habitat degradation, and ecosystem disruption linked to various human actions.
Blue Carbon
The carbon stored in marine and coastal ecosystems like tidal marshes, seagrass beds & mangroove forests. Blue carbon can be reduced by restoring & protecting coastal ecosystem, reducing pollution & coastal,etc development.
Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report
BRSR is the first framework in India for environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting which is interoperable with other internationally accepted reporting frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
Cap & Trade
A market based approach of reducing the greenhouse gas emissions by setting a 'cap' or limit on total amount of emissions by a country. This cap is reduced overtime so as to reduce the GHG emissions. If a company wants to emit more than its allotted amount, it must buy additional allowances or permits from another company that has not used all of its allotted amount.
Carbon accounting
Calculating the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases that are emitted from the organisation's activities, such as energy use, transportation, and waste management.
Carbon budget
Carbon budget is the total amount of carbon that can be emitted into the atmosphere within a specified time period while still maintaining a stable climate and preventing dangerous levels of global warming.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS)
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a technology that involves capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power plants, industrial processes, and other sources, and storing it in underground geological formations or other secure locations.
Carbon credits
These are the permits that allows a company to emit certain amount of carbon dioxide or GHGs into the atmosphere. 1 carbon credit = 1 ton CO2
Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e)
Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) is a measure of the global warming potential of different greenhouse gases. It is calculated by converting the emissions of each gas into an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide, based on the gas's global warming potential.
Carbon emissions
Carbon emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere as a result of human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.
Carbon footprint
A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact that human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced.
Carbon leakage
When companies relocate their operations to countries with less stringent environmental regulations, or when consumers switch to products made in countries with higher emissions it leads to reduction of GHGs emissions in one country or region and increased in other.
Carbon market
A carbon market is a market mechanism that allows for the buying and selling of carbon credits, which are units of measurement for greenhouse gas emissions.
Carbon negative
Carbon negative refers to a situation where the amount of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere is greater than the amount released. This can be achieved through various methods, such as planting trees or using carbon capture technologies.
Carbon neutrality / carbon-neutral
The amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere by an individual, organisation, or community is balanced out by the amount of CO2 absorbed or offset through carbon-reducing initiatives such as renewable energy use, carbon offset projects, and other environmental conservation efforts.
Carbon offsetting
Carbon offsetting is a method used to compensate for the greenhouse gas emissions by funding projects that reduce or eliminate carbon emissions, such as renewable energy projects or reforestation initiatives.
Carbon neutrality / carbon-neutral
The amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere by an individual, organisation, or community is balanced out by the amount of CO2 absorbed or offset through carbon-reducing initiatives such as renewable energy use, carbon offset projects, and other environmental conservation efforts.
Carbon positive
Carbon positive, similar to carbon negative refers to a situation where the amount of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere is greater than the amount released. This can be achieved through various methods, such as planting trees or using carbon capture technologies.
Carbon sink
A carbon sink is a natural or artificial system that absorbs and stores carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate the negative effects of greenhouse gas emissions on the environment.
Carbon sequestration
Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, typically through the use of vegetation, soils, and geological formations.
Carbon tax
A carbon tax is a tax imposed on the emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. It is intended to incentivise the reduction of these emissions by making them more expensive.
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
CBAM is a proposed policy that aims to level the playing field for domestic producers by taxing imported goods based on their carbon emissions to incentivise companies to reduce their emissions and encourage the use of cleaner production methods.
CDP
CDP, or the Carbon Disclosure Project, is a nonprofit organisation that collects and provides standardised data on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change strategies of major companies and cities.
Circular economy
In circular economy, things are made and consumed in a way that minimizes our use of the world’s natural resources, cuts waste and reduces carbon emissions. Products are kept in use for as long as possible, through repairing, recycling and redesign, so they can be used again and again.
Climate change
CBAM is a proposed policy that aims to level the playing field for domestic producers by taxing imported goods based on their carbon emissions to incentivise companies to reduce their emissions and encourage the use of cleaner production methods.
Climate investments
Financial investments in climate related initiatives & projects like reduction in GHG emissions, adapt to the impacts of climate change, etc.
Conference of Parties-COP
The annual conference of the parties to the UNFCC to assess progress in addressing climate change and to negotiate and implement measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of global warming.
Corporate sustainability
Corporate sustainability is the practice of a business operating in a way that meets the economic, social, and environmental needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Decarbonisation
Decarbonization is the process of reducing the amount of carbon emissions in the atmosphere.
Direct emissions
The greenhouse gases (GHGs) that are emitted directly into the atmosphere by a business's activities or processes are known as direct emissions.
Double counting
When the same amount of carbon emissions is counted multiple times in different accounting systems or reporting frameworks it is known as double counting
Downstream emissions
It refers to emissions of GHGs & other pollutants after the product or service has been sold and are not directly associated with the production process. The emissions result from use, disposal or end of life disposal of a product or service.
Emission factor
A numerical factor typically expressed as the amount of pollutant emitted per unit of activity. It is used to estimate the amount of a particular pollutant emitted from a specific source.
Emission intensity
The emission rate of a given pollutant relative to the intensity of a specific activity or an industrial production process; for example grams of carbon dioxide released per megajoule of energy produced.
ESG analysis
Process of evaluation of a company's environmental, social & governance practises & policies.
ESG Fund
It refers to bond & equity portfolios that give ESG factors top priority in the investment process.
ESG reporting
Practise of publicly disclosing environmental, social & governance information by a company, providing insight into a company's sustainability performance and allowing investors and other stakeholders to assess the potential risks and opportunities associated with a company's operations.
Equity share
The equity share reflects economic interest, which is the extent of rights a company has to the risks and rewards flowing from an operation. Typically, the share of economic risks and rewards in an operation is aligned with the company's percentage ownership of that operation, and equity share will normally be the same as the ownership percentage.
Facilities
Production halls or workshops, manufacturing sites and warehouses, management facilities, subsidiaries, but also mobile or floating constructions, where company's operations take place.
Fugitive emissions
The equity share reflects economic interest, which is the extent of rights a company has to the risks and rewards flowing from an operation. Typically, the share of economic risks and rewards in an operation is aligned with the company's percentage ownership of that operation, and equity share will normally be the same as the ownership percentage.
GHG Inventory
It is a list of emission sources and the corresponding emissions that have been calculated using standardised techniques to managed the dangers posed by GHGs & locating the possibilities for reduction of GHG emissions.
GHG Protocol
A global standardised framework developed by World Resource Institute & World Business Council for Sustainable Development,for quantifying, managing and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It provides guidance & tools for businesses, governments, and other organisations to measure, report, and manage their greenhouse gas emissions.
Greenhouse gases (GHG)
The gases that entrap heat in earth's atmosphere leading to greenhouse gas effect are called as GHG. These are naturally occuring gases but their concentration is rapidly increasing in the atmosphere due to various anthropogenic activities. The main GHGs are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, HFCs, PFCs & SF6.
Green investing
Investing in companies or projects which are committed to the sustainable practices & conservation of the natural resources.
Greenwashing
When a company makes inaccurate, deceptive marketing or advertising to persuade the public that an oragnization's products and policies are environment friendly.
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
GRI is an international organisation that promotes sustainability and transparency in business practices & provides framework for companies to disclose information about their environmental, social and economic performance, allowing stakeholders to make more informed decisions about their investments and partnerships.
Global Warming Potential (GWP)
A factor describing the radiative forcing impact (degree of harm to the atmosphere) of one unit of a given GHG relative to one unit of CO2.
Indirect emissions
These emissions are not emitted directly by an individual or organisation but are emitted as a result of the activities and processes involved in the production of the goods or services. These are activities outside of an entity's direct control and come under scope 1 & 2 emissions.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
IPCC is an international body of scientists and experts which conducts periodic assessments of the latest scientific research on climate change, its impacts & future risks & responses and provides advice to policy makers on potential responses to address the issue.
Kyoto Protocol
It is an international agreement signed by the participating countries of UNFCC to reduce GHG emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride & combat global warming. The main goal of the treaty is to reduce the overall emissions by 5.2% below 1990 levels.
LCA (Life Cycle Assesment)
Assessment of the sum of a product’s effects (e.g. GHG emissions) at each step in its life cycle, including resource extraction, production, use and waste disposal.
Low carbon label
It is a label or certification that a product or service has been produced by minimising the carbon footprints & reducing the GHG emissions thereby promoting environmentally-friendly products and services by using renewable energy sources, reducing energy consumption or incorporating sustainable materials and practices.
Mobile combustion
Burning of fuels by transportation devices such as cars, trucks, trains, airplanes, ships etc.
Net Zero
Net zero means achieving a balance between the amount of GHG emissions & amount of GHG removed from the atmosphere by reducing emissions and offsetting remaining emissions through activities that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, such as reforestation or carbon capture and storage.
Operational boundary
The boundaries that determine the direct and indirect emissions associated with operations owned or controlled by the reporting company. This assessment allows a company to establish which operations and sources cause direct and indirect emissions, and to decide which indirect emissions to include that are a consequence of its operations.
Organizational boundary
The boundaries that determine the operations owned or controlled by the reporting company, depending on the consolidation approach taken.
Paris Agreement
It is an international treaty adopted by the UNFCC to address the issue of climate change and its negative impacts on the planet by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
Refrigerant
A working fluid used in the refrigeration cycle of air conditioning systems.
Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
When 1 MWh electricity is generated from renewable energy resources & delivered to the electricity grid enabling the owner to claim environmental benefits. It provides incentives to support renewable energy production.
Responsible Investments
It involves making investments as a strategy & practise to incorporate ESG factors in investment decisions and active ownership.
Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)
SBTi are emission reduction goals which provides companies with a framework to the companies for setting targets that are aligned with latest scientific evidence on climate change & goals of Paris Agreement for reducing GHG emissions.
Scope 1 emissions
These involve direct emissions from the sources that are owned, controlled or managed by a company, such as emissions from onsite fuel consumption, industrial processes, vehicles, etc
Scope 2 emissions
Covers indirect emissions from the consumption of purchased electricity, steam, heating or cooling energy by the company.
Scope 3 emissions
These are indirect emissions occuring in the value chain emissions, waste disposal emissions and emissions from the use of a company's products by customers.
Stationary Combustion
Burning of fuels to generate electricity, steam, heat, or power in stationary equipment such as boilers, furnaces etc
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
These are a set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations to address the world's most pressing challenges and improve the lives of people everywhere by covering a range of issues.
Sustainable sourcing
It is the integration of social, ethical and environmental performance factors into the process of selecting suppliers.
Supply chain emissions
GHG emissions associated with the production, transportation and disposal of goods and materials within a company's supply chain which contribute significantly to the company's overall carbon emissions.
Sustainability
The process of meeting the needs of current generation without compromising the ability of future generation to meet their own by protecting the natural resources & maintaining the ecological balance.
Sustainability reporting
Practise of disclosing information about a company or organisation's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance and impact which helps stakeholders understand the organisation's sustainability efforts and progress towards achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Transmission And Distribution (T&D) Losses
Losses in transmission between sources of supply and points of distribution and in the distribution to consumers, including pilferage.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
UNFCCC is an international treaty which aims to address the issue of global climate change by providing a framework for international cooperation on climate change and providing a platform for countries to negotiate and implement policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Upstream emissions
The emissions occuring during the production of goods or services i.e. prior to its consumption.
Value chain emissions
They refer to the GHG emissions that are generated throughout the various stages of a product's life cycle, from raw material extraction and production to distribution, use and disposal.
Voluntary Emission Reductions (VER)
Voluntary reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that are not mandated by government regulations or international agreements.
Zero Carbon
Zero carbon refers to carbon neutrality or absence of carbon emissions through carbon offsetting.
Template
A Template is something that establishes or serves as a pattern.
Campaign
A Campaign is an organized course of action to achieve a goal.
Upstream leased assets
Upstream leased assets emissions, classified under Scope 3 Category 8 of the GHG Protocol, refer to the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from assets a company leases from another entity, where the company does not have financial control over these assets.
Downstream leased assets
Unlike upstream leased assets, which are assets a compa ny leases for its own use, downstream leased assets are those the company owns and provides to others under lease agreements.
Processing of Sold Products (B2B)
This refers to indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that occur when a sold product undergoes further processing or transformation by a third party before it reaches the end consumer.
Use of Sold Products (B2C)
The use of sold products (USP) refers to the emissions linked to the consumption of products by end-users
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