Baseline (Carbon)

A reference point (measurement) used to assess and track an organisation's greenhouse gas emissions over time. It provides a snapshot of the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted directly or indirectly and is used to set reduction targets. 

Biodiversity

The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a habitat, a high level of which is important to the function of Earth’s services such as oxygen supply, clean water, pollination of plants, pest control and medicine production. It includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems. 

Biodiversity Net Gain

An approach to development that leaves the natural environment in a measurably better state than before.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

A colourless, odourless greenhouse gas produced by burning carbon and organic compounds such as coal, gas, and oil. 

Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO₂^e)

Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂^e) is a metric used to compare and express the global warming potential (GWP) of different greenhouse gases in relation to carbon dioxide (CO₂). Expressing their equivalent (CO₂^e) impact allows for a standardised and comparable measure of all emissions that cause climate change. 

Carbon Footprint

The total amount of carbon dioxide (or carbon dioxide equivalent) released into the atmosphere from the activities of a particular organisation – e.g. business travel, electricity consumption or refrigerant leakage – over a defined period. 

Carbon Neutral

Making or resulting in no net release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere often because of carbon offsetting. There is no requirement to reduce emissions; unlike Net Zero Carbon which requires an organisation to reduce carbon emissions before offsetting. 

Carbon Offsetting

Compensating for carbon emissions by investing in projects designed to make an equivalent reduction of carbon in the atmosphere, such as carbon capture or carbon offset reduction projects. Investments must be in a different country to the origin of emissions and support sustainable development initiatives. 

Circular Economy

An economic model that aims to move away from the traditional linear "take-make-dispose" approach for production and consumption. It focuses on designing products and processes that promote longevity, resource efficiency and reusability, to avoid product obsolescence or disposal. 

Climate Change

A change in global or regional climate, often attributed to increased levels of man-made greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere. 

Climate Resilience (Buildings)

Climate resilience in buildings involves designing, constructing, and managing buildings in ways that enhance their ability to cope with the challenges of a changing climate (e.g. extreme wind, rain, and heat) and maintain functionality, occupant safety, and performance. 

Decarbonisation (Buildings)

Reduction or elimination of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and equivalent greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂^e) resulting from human activity. Examples include eliminating fossil fuels for heating, cooling, lighting, and other energy-intensive activities.  

Embodied carbon

The carbon generated to produce a material or product. This includes emissions caused by extraction, manufacture, transportation and assembly of every product and element in a material or product. It may also include the maintenance, replacement, and disposal emissions. 

Energy Performance (Buildings)

The measurement of how efficiently a building uses energy to meet its energy needs, which can include a comprehensive assessment of the energy used for heating, cooling, lighting, and other systems and equipment within the building. 

Fossil fuels

Fuels derived from gas or oil, formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals. Over time, these organic materials transformed into hydrocarbons. Fossil fuels are considered non-renewable because their supply is finite. 

Global warming

An increase in the overall temperature of the earth’s atmosphere primarily caused by greenhouse gas emissions. 

Greenhouse gases

A gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect, heating the earth by absorbing infrared radiation from the sun. Examples include carbon dioxide, methane, and refrigerant gases. 

Lifecycle Analysis (LCA)

A recognised multi-criteria analysis that evaluates numerous environmental impacts associated with all stages of the lifecycle of a product or building. This can include energy use, carbon emissions and air pollution. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) use the LCA methodology. 

Lifecycle Costing (LCC)

A recognised financial analysis method used to evaluate the total cost of owning, operating, and maintaining a building over its entire life cycle. It is a comprehensive approach that considers not only the initial acquisition or construction costs but also all the costs associated with the building throughout its useful life – e.g. maintenance. 

Low Carbon Economy

Decarbonized economy is based on low-carbon power sources with minimal greenhouse gas (GHG) emitted into the atmosphere.

Material reuse

Material being used again for the same purpose that it was originally made for, rather than being downcycled, remanufactured, recycled, or sent to landfill. 

Net Zero Carbon

All carbon emissions are reduced in line with the Paris Agreement 1.5° C trajectory, with residual emissions offset through carbon removals or avoided emissions. 

Operational carbon emissions

Carbon emissions resulting from the operation of a building. This includes all carbon derived from the energy consumed by and within a building such as lighting, heating/cooling, ventilation, and small electrical power. 

Physical Risks

Economic costs and financial losses resulting from the increasing severity and frequency of extreme climate change-related weather events, longer-term gradual shifts of the climate such as changes in precipitation and indirect effects of climate change such as loss of ecosystem services. 

Renewable energy

Renewable energy comes from a source that is not depleted when used. Renewable technologies, such as solar and wind, help net zero carbon buildings reduce reliance on energy from non-renewable sources such as fossil fuels.  

Responsible sourcing (Materials)

The practice of procuring building materials and products in a manner that considers their environmental, social, and ethical impacts throughout their entire lifecycle. It involves ensuring that materials are obtained from suppliers who prioritize sustainability, ethical labour practices, and environmentally responsible production methods.

Science-based Target (SBT)

Carbon reduction target aligned with the latest climate science deemed necessary to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement — limiting global warming to well-below 2°C above preindustrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C. 

Scope 1 (Carbon emissions)

Greenhouse gas emissions that are directly generated from sources owned and controlled by an organisation, for example burning gas within company-owned boilers, or fossil fuels within company-owned vehicles. 

Scope 2 (Carbon emissions)

Greenhouse gas emissions that are associated with the purchase and consumption of electricity within buildings or assets owned and controlled an organisation, for example offices, common parts and void properties. 

Scope 3 (Carbon emissions)

Also known as indirect emissions, these are greenhouse gas emissions that occur from activities outside the direct operational control of an organisation. Scope 3 emissions result from activities along entire value chains, for example, the products and services an organisation purchases. 

Sustainability

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Finding a balance between our economic, social and environmental imperatives. 

UN SDGs

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

Zero Carbon

Reducing carbon emissions from operations to zero so offsetting is not required.