A new type of corporation developed to benefit all stakeholders and that meets environmental and social standards. A company must pass a B rating test to reach these standards and amend its company documents to incorporate the interests of employees, community, and the environment.

An engineering material made from substances derived from living matter. It typically refers to modern materials that have undergone more extensive processing.

This form of diesel fuel—manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant greases—is safe, biodegradable, and produces less air pollutants than petroleum-based diesel.

The process by which an organism absorbs a toxic substance at a rate faster than it loses it. This causes even low levels of toxins to be dangerous over a long period of time in the workplace.

This term describes material that can break down naturally with the help of bacteria. These are typically organic substances, but if they are nonorganic and chemically similar to organic, the microbes can also break them down. Materials such as plastics are made of stable compounds and are therefore, considered nonbiodegradable.

The entire diversity of all species of living organisms on Earth and the habitats in which they live.

Fuel made by living things that is renewable—in contrast to fossil fuels, made from dead organisms. Common sources of biofuel grown for the U.S. and European markets are corn, soybeans, flaxseed, and rapeseed. It can appear in solid, liquid, or gas form and is used to produce heat or electricity or to power machinery using burners, broilers, generators, internal combustion engines, turbines, or fuel cells. Although a renewable energy, there is some controversy that it is not sustainable due to the harvesting of biomass and the by-products produced during the burning of biofuels.

Similar to bioaccumulation, with the distinction being that bioaccumulation occurs within a food chain (trophic level) and biomagnification is the same process across different trophic levels (food chains).

The weight of living and dead organic matter in an ecosystem usually measured per unit area over a particular time interval. Biomass refers to organic, nonfossil material available on a renewable basis. Biomass includes all biological organisms, dead or alive, and their metabolic by-products that have not been transformed by geological processes into substances such as coal or petroleum. Examples of biomass are forest and mill residues, agricultural crops and wastes, wood and wood wastes, animal wastes, livestock operation residues, aquatic plants, and municipal and industrial wastes.

A new science based on understanding the processes and systems in nature and using them to solve human problems.

Also known as CO₂, an atmospheric gas that is a major component of the carbon cycle. Although produced through natural processes, carbon dioxide is also released through human activities, such as the combustion of fossil fuels to produce electricity. Carbon dioxide is the predominate gas contributing to the greenhouse effect and as such is known to contribute to climate change.

The total amount of greenhouse gases produced that directly and indirectly support human activities, usually expressed in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide.

The process of offsetting carbon emissions by an entity (human, business, or naturally occurring) with activities that capture or reduce carbon. Carbon-offsetting companies can measure how much carbon is needed to offset a particular activity or event.

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction but which is left unchanged by the reaction.

Free of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), synthetic chemicals that can damage the layer of atmospheric ozone protecting Earth. CFCs were banned from products in 1978.

A way of designing products and manufacturing processes in harmony with natural ecological cycles, which aims to eliminate toxic wastes and inputs and promotes the sustainable use of renewable energy and materials.

A study of the variation in Earth’s climate or regionally over a period of time. The changes can be due to Earth itself, forces outside Earth, or human activity.

When a supply chain process completely reuses, recycles, or composts all material used.

The production of electrical and thermal energy simultaneously from the same fuel source. This could be the surplus heat energy from an electrical plant being used to heat water or used as a fuel for any other purpose.

Breaking down plant and animal material using microorganisms under aerobic conditions. For successful composting, sufficient water and air is needed to enable the microorganisms to break down the material, and the compost should reach and maintain a warm temperature.

A business’s continuing commitment to behave ethically, contribute to economic development, and improve the quality of workplace life, all while benefiting the local community and society at large.

Term invented in the 1970s that sets out production techniques that are essentially waste-free; all material inputs and outputs are seen either as technical or biological nutrients. Technical nutrients can be recycled or reused with no loss of quality, and biological nutrients can be composted or consumed.

The way in which most recycled industrial nutrients lose quality or value when they are recycled. Because of this, they can be used only in a degraded form for components other than their original use. For example, white writing paper is downcycled into cardboard and recycled writing paper rather than used to make premium writing paper.

The waste generated from electronic devices (computers, TVs, and mobile phones). The environmental impact is considerable as technology is constantly being updated and old devices are thrown out regularly. The components used are often difficult and costly to recycle.

It identifies a product that meets specified environmental performance criteria or standards and is awarded by a third-party organization to products or services that are determined to meet the criteria or standards. An eco-label distinguishes a product or service in terms of environmental issues.

A study of how the two fields (ecology and economics) interact, despite having always been considered distinct. It assumes that the economy is a subsystem of the earth’s ecological system, and we can learn and benefit from understanding that relationship.

Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, minimizes ecological or other damage, and improves the well-being of local people.

The creation of economic incentives to help reduce pollution. A governing body sets a cap on the amount of a pollutants that can be emitted. Companies are given permits and credits to produce a specific amount of the pollutant. If any given company wants to exceed its pollution limit, it must buy credits from those that pollute less.

A U.S. government system designed in 1992 to help consumers make energy-efficient and cost-effective decisions. Energy Star endorses hundreds of products through its distinctive blue logo, from refrigerators and DVDs to vending machines and exit signs. Equally useful for the home and business, it has saved billions of dollars over recent years.

The side effect on an individual or entity due to the actions of another individual or entity.

An organized social movement and market base seeking greater equity in international trade. It helps sustainable development by giving better trading conditions to workers and producers (mainly from developing countries). The Fair Trade certification means the product was produced by workers who are paid a fair wage for their labor. The program helps ensure that developing countries and their workers are not exploited and helps generate better economies.

A program created by Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) and Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) that tests and certifies flooring products in compliance with California indoor air quality emission requirements. Products include vinyl, linoleum, laminate, wood, ceramic, and rubber flooring, wall base, and associated sundries.

An international nonprofit organization created in 1993 based in Bonn, Germany, whose mission is “to promote environmentally viable management of the world’s forests.” Forestry operations that are sustainably certified by the FSC and have their timber tracked through the supply chain can carry the FSC eco-label. Thus consumers are better informed and have the choice to buy more sustainable timber products.

The recent gradual increase in average temperature of Earth’s oceans and atmosphere. Scientists believe this is caused in part by human activities, which release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

The common name given to the environmental movement, its products, associations, and anything that may be affiliated with it. The color is based on that of plants and trees.

The sustainable sector of the building industry that uses methods to minimize environmental impact and reduce energy consumption of a structure. In turn, this benefits the health and productivity of its occupants.

A nonprofit U.S. organization based in Portland, Oregon, that seeks to encourage the building industry and consumers to adopt environmentally sustainable techniques.

The term given to the design of products, services, buildings, experiences, or the environment in a manner that promotes economic, social, and ecological sustainability.

An independent certification and verification program for renewable energy and greenhouse gas emission reductions in the U.S. retail market. It has three certification programs: Green-e Climate is a voluntary certification program launched in 2007 that sets consumer-protection and environmental standards for greenhouse gas emission reductions sold in the voluntary market. Green-e Energy is an independent certification and verification program for renewable energy. Green-e Marketplace is a program that enables companies to display the Green-e logo when they have purchased a certain amount of renewable energy and their verification standards.

A manufacturing method that minimizes waste and pollution achieved through product and process design. Overall, green manufacturing reduces costs, improves process efficiency, and stimulates product innovation.

Marketing strategies developed to promote products or services that are environmentally responsible and create as little ecological impact as possible.

An independent, nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., that promotes the manufacture, purchase, and use of environmentally responsible products and services. Green Seal has its own certification process and environmental standards that companies must achieve before the seal is awarded.

New technologies developed with sustainable principles in mind.

An industry-independent, nonprofit organization started in 2002 based in Atlanta, Georgia, that manages the GreenGuard certification program. This is an indoor air quality test for low-emitting products. Over 100 manufacturers across various industries offer GreenGuard-certified products. In 2006, GEI introduced the GreenGuard for building construction, which is a mold risk reduction program that certifies the design, construction, and future operations of new multifamily and commercial properties.

The term describing how greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap heat emitted from Earth’s surface, thus creating an insulating and warming effect on the planet. Scientists believe that human activities, particularly since the Industrial Revolution, have accelerated the greenhouse effect, warming the climate of Earth at a rate that will eventually cause melting of the polar ice caps and mass flooding, among other natural disasters.

A gas—such as carbon dioxide and methane—that contributes to the greenhouse effect.

The actions of an organization that create the image of being sustainable and environmentally responsible, even though these techniques are not actually used or not to the extent that is advertised.

Measures the content of interior air quality with regard to its effect on the health of building occupants. Recent studies show that indoor air quality is often poorer than outdoor air quality, which illustrates the need for standards and thorough testing in this area.

A study and practice of how industry can be developed to minimize environmental impact during the product life cycle (extraction, production, use, and disposal). This is especially important because of the historically harmful nature of this sector to the environment.

An agreement for industrial nations in 1997 at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) in Kyoto, Japan, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 5 percent below 1990 levels by 2012. The protocol was adopted in 2005 without the United States being involved, although over 200 U.S. cities have decided to adopt the Kyoto Protocols themselves.

This system rates new buildings, interiors, and other components based on environmental effectiveness. LEED’s checklist involves more than 60 criteria, and certification is given at four levels: certified, silver, gold, and platinum.

A study of the complete impact of a product or service’s manufacturing, use, and disposal in terms of material and energy. The scope of the analysis is comprehensive, although few standards exist to measure and assess these impacts. LCAs are useful to companies that want to display the results of their products or services to consumers, as well as being able to identify ways to reduce energy used.

This market segment of consumers is interested in health, sustainability, and the environment. In 2006, this sector was estimated at $300 billion.

A process to analyze the costs and effects of materials used in manufacturing and to determine more efficient, less costly, less toxic, and more sustainable alternatives.

Same as environmental capital, which is the stock of natural resources and environmental assets, and includes water, soils, air, flora, fauna, minerals, and other natural resources.

A home built with energy-efficient practices and technologies that result in an annual contribution to the energy grid that is at least the same as the amount of power used from the grid. Common sources of energy generation are solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal heating and cooling systems. Building many of these properties would result in a significant reduction in the need for electricity plants.

A nonprofit organization created neither by businesses or government that often conducts humanitarian and development work around the world.

Natural resources that cannot be regrown or regenerated at a proportion that they are being consumed. Fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum are nonrenewable resources. Examples of renewable resources are timber and some metals.

Term given to the technique of developing food and agricultural products without the use of pesticides, hormones, synthetic fertilizers, and other toxic materials. Some countries have adopted a legal definition for organic.

A design system that encompasses both permanent agriculture and permanent culture and recognizes that all living systems are organized around energy flows. It teaches people to analyze existing energy flows (sun, rain, money, and human energy) through a system (a garden, a household, or a business). When correctly designed, such a system will, like a natural ecosystem, become increasingly diverse and self-sustaining.

Any substances in water, soil, or air that degrade the natural quality of the environment or cause a health hazard. The usefulness of the natural resource is usually impaired by the presence of pollutants and contaminants.

Any practice that reduces the amount of hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant entering the waste stream or otherwise released to the environment before recycling, treatment, or disposal. This process reduces the hazards to public health and the environment associated with the release of such substances. Often referred to as P2.

When an activity raises threats of harm to the environment or human health, precautionary measures should be taken, even if some cause-and-effect relationships are not fully established scientifically.

Material that still has useful physical or chemical properties after serving its original purpose and can therefore be reused or remanufactured into additional products. Plastic, paper, glass, tin, and aluminum cans are examples of recyclable materials.

Taking an unwanted material, processing it, and then producing a useful product again. Aluminum cans can be melted (processed) and reformed as aluminum cans or other aluminum products. Other examples include newspaper made into insulation, auto body steel made into bridge parts, or milk jugs made into park benches.

To decrease the amount of energy and materials we use in manufacturing. This also has an exponential effect, as it reduces packaging, recycling, transportation, disposal, and many other costs. Reduction is one of the most sustainable strategies that exists.

The dismantling of a spent product to clean and repair it for the same use. Replacement parts must be new after-market parts that meet the same specifications as the original manufactured parts.

Any material able to be sustained or renewed indefinitely, either because of limitless supplies or new growth.

Repairing, refurbishing, washing, or recovering worn or used products, packaging appliances, furniture, or building materials for internal use. Reusing packaging and products prolongs the useful life of items and delays the final disposal or recycling.

Taking responsibility and caring for the earth or any part of it. Includes responsibility in using resources and creating as little waste and pollution as possible.

The system of organizations, people, activities, information, and resources involved in moving a product or service from supplier to customer.

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, according to the Brundtland Commission, formally The World Commission on Sustainable Development (1987).

A program based on the premise that responsible environmental behavior and sound business decisions can co-exist. SFI program participants practice sustainable forestry on all lands they manage. They also influence millions of additional acres through the training of loggers and foresters in best management practices and landowner outreach programs.

An approach to encourage reuse or recycling where consumers return products back to the company that made them. Some laws mandate take-back programs and create incentives for manufacturers to make their products easily recyclable or reused.

Materials made from highly stable, reusable components and designed to be captured and reused in the closed-loop cycle of sustainable manufacturing. Aluminum is an example of a technical nutrient.

Instead of commuting to a place of employment, the employee works from home, using the Internet and other communication devices. This reduces the use of transport, and hence, energy and pollution.

Involving something poisonous. A toxic material can cause death, disease, or birth defects in organisms that ingest or absorb them. The quantities and exposures necessary to cause these effects can vary widely.

A requirement that sits alongside accountability as a growing expectation on organizations by society. It involves an openness and willingness to accept public scrutiny that reduces the capacity for an organization to practice or harbor deception or deceit.

This process, described by Theo Ferguson, includes profit, planet, and people and is designed for companies aiming for sustainability. The companies must perform not to just a single financial bottom line, but the simultaneous pursuit of economic prosperity, environmental quality, and social equity. The process is used for integrating financial, environmental, and social costs and benefits into a unified measure of business activity. Conventional objectives of profitability, competitive advantage, efficiency, and economic growth are judged successful by their compatibility with biodiversity, ecological sustainability, equity, community support, and maximized well-being for a variety of stakeholders.

The effect that sustainable practices cause companies to increase revenues (through more desirable products and services) while reducing costs and expenses, by using more efficient processes.

To take something that is disposable and transform it into something of similar or greater use and value. Aluminum and glass are examples of materials that can be upcycled.

Organic chemicals containing carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, chlorine, and other atoms. Volatile chemicals produce vapors readily, and many are hazardous air pollutants and toxic.

Preventing or decreasing the quantity of waste being generated through waste prevention, recycling, or purchasing recycled and environmentally preferable products.

Practices that promote the efficient use of water, such as minimizing losses, reducing wasteful use, and protecting availability for future use. This is vital as water is one of our most valuable resources.

This environmentally friendly form of landscaping uses a variety of indigenous and drought-tolerant plants, shrubs, and ground cover and a limited amount of water, thus promoting water conservation.

The theory that a society, organization, or process can reduce, reuse, or recycle all its waste, thus producing zero waste of no economic value needing final disposal. Many cities and states already have set zero-waste goals; for example, San Francisco has set a goal to create zero waste by 2020.