The total amount of greenhouse gases, generated by our actions. CO2e is the standard unit of measure for carbon footprints. It represents the amount of CO2 in tonnes that would have the same warming effect as all the GHGs for a given action.

A measure of how ‘clean’ a country’s economic output is it forms part of the UN’s SDG Goal 9. Often expressed as kilograms of CO2 emitted per unit of GDP, or per kWh of electricity generated.

A state where the amount of greenhouse gases produced equals those removed or offset. While similar to net zero, carbon neutrality can refer to specific product or service. Unlike net zero, carbon neutrality does not need to align to science-based targets. The inclusion of Scope 3 emissions is also encouraged, not mandatory.

A way to compensate for emissions you are unable to reduce by other means. Achieved by funding projects that will remove or reduce GHG emissions elsewhere.

A mechanism which places a fee on emitting A mechanism which places a fee on emitting and/or offers an incentive for emitting less. It effectively shifts the responsibility of paying for the damage of climate change from the public to the GHG emission producers.

The capture and long-term storage of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This can be through either biological (natural) or geological (artificial) processes.

An economic model aimed at minimising waste and optimising use of resources. A product’s lifecycle is extended through reuse, repair and recycling. Sharing and leasing are also part of a circular economy.

The capacity to withstand, adapt to, and recover from the impacts of climate change.

The process of reducing or removing CO2 emissions from a process.

• Scope 1 Emissions: Emissions that an organisation has direct control over. For example, using low energy lightbulbs, or purchasing an electric vehicle.
• Scope 2 Emissions: Emissions that an organisation causes indirectly through its choice of energy suppliers.
• Scope 3: Emissions not caused by the organisation but those that occur along its value chain. This includes suppliers as well as the workforce. Scope 3 includes all sources not captured withing scopes 1 and 2.

Using less energy to perform the same task or produce the same result. Improving energy efficiency reduces energy waste and decreases carbon emissions.

GHGs trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. Increased levels of GHGs in the atmosphere contribute to global warming. The main GHGs are: Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O), and man-made fluorinated gases.

A process of evaluating the environmental impact of a product over its entire life cycle. Also known as “cradle to grave” analysis.

A state where the amount of greenhouse gases produced equals those removed or offset. Net zero is about the whole organisation rather than specific products or services. Net zero targets must align to a 1.5º science-based target.

The UK government’s commitment to reduce the UK’s GHG emissions by 100% from its 1990 levels by 2050.

Energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed. Sunlight, wind, tides and waves are all examples of renewable energy sources.

A set of 17 interconnected global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015. They are a call for action by all countries in a global partnership.