The glossary for all organisations

A science-based target to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, based on climate science recommendations.

Quantitative measures of an activity such as electricity used or distance travelled, used to calculate greenhouse gas emissions.

Adjustments made to social, economic, or ecological systems to cope with climate change effects, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather.

The process of assigning responsibility for GHG emissions from a specific source, such as a business unit, based on its contributions.

A level of confidence that a greenhouse gas inventory is accurate, transparent, consistent, relevant, complete and free from material misstatements.

Transparent, well-documented historical records that explain how a greenhouse gas inventory was compiled, ensuring credibility and traceability for audits.

Emissions that were reduced due to a specific action, such as using renewable energy instead of fossil fuels.

B Corp Certification indicates a company meets high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

The greenhouse gas emissions of an organisation or entity in a specified base year, used as a reference point for future emissions reduction efforts.

The process of updating base year emissions to account for structural changes, such as mergers or changes in accounting methods, to maintain data consistency over time.

A global non-profit organisation that helps companies and cities measure, manage, and disclose their environmental impacts, particularly focusing on greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, natural resources, water and forests.

A market-based system where companies can trade emission allowances under a set emissions cap to control pollution levels.

Guidelines for measuring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions, such as the GHG Protocol and ISO 14064, to ensure consistency and transparency.

The EU’s tool for putting a fair price on the carbon emitted during the production of carbon-intensive goods entering the EU, encouraging cleaner industrial production globally.

A technology used to capture carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel burning during electricity generation or industrial processes, preventing it from entering the atmosphere.

Tradable certificates or permits that represent the right to emit one tonne of CO2 or the equivalent amount of another greenhouse gas.

A standard unit used to measure carbon footprints, representing the impact of the 7 greenhouse gases in terms of the equivalent amount of CO2.

The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organisation, event, or product, typically measured in CO2e.

The total greenhouse gas emissions generated during a product’s lifecycle, from raw material extraction to disposal, giving insights into its environmental impact.

The amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced per unit of output, often expressed as CO2e per unit of GDP, energy, or product.

The situation where businesses transfer production to countries with looser emission constraints, leading to an overall increase in global emissions.

Achieving a balance between emitting carbon and removing it from the atmosphere, often through emissions reductions, removals and carbon offsetting.