Seedling Glossary

The albedo effect measures how much sunlight a surface reflects, impacting Earth's temperature. Bright surfaces cool, while dark surfaces absorb heat, contributing to warming. This is a key climate factor, especially with ice–albedo feedback. Urban and land-use changes also influence local albedo, affecting heat levels and energy consumption. Businesses can improve albedo to reduce energy use and boost sustainability.

Biogenic emissions describe CO2 released by biological sources, such as plants, through combustion or decomposition. As the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere was only recently sequestered, unlike fossil fuels, biogenic emissions are not considered to add to atmospheric emissions on a net basis but are instead considered part of the natural carbon cycle.

The carbon handprint measures the positive climate impact a product or service provides by helping others reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, contrasting with a carbon footprint that tracks an organization's own emissions. Developed in Finland, this methodology uses life cycle assessment to compare solutions against a baseline, aiding strategic communication and R&D.

Greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation, causing atmospheric warming. A carbon footprint typically includes seven main gases: CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, HFCs, PFCs, SF₆, and NF₃. Water vapor is a GHG but not included in footprinting due to its short atmospheric persistence. Human activity significantly increases naturally occurring GHGs. Global Warming Potential (GWP) compares climate impact, with CO₂e used to standardize reporting.

Did you know that some companies create products or services that help others reduce their carbon footprints? This concept ties into what’s known as Scope 4 emissions, often called "avoided emissions." Let’s explore this emerging idea, its significance, and how it differs from traditional emission categories.

Upstream emissions refer to the greenhouse gases (GHGs) released during the early stages of a product or fuel's lifecycle, before it reaches its end-use phase. These emissions include all the activities involved in extracting, processing, and transporting raw materials. For example, in the case of gasoline, upstream emissions would cover the energy and emissions involved in oil extraction, refining, and transportation before it reaches a gas station.

Methane (CH₄) is a colorless, odorless gas that is the simplest hydrocarbon, consisting of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms. It is a naturally occurring substance, but human activities have significantly increased its concentration in the atmosphere.

Ocean acidification refers to the process by which the ocean becomes more acidic due to the absorption of excess carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. This happens when CO2 dissolves in seawater, forming carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of the ocean. Ocean acidification affects marine life, especially species that rely on calcium carbonate to form shells or skeletons, such as corals, mollusks, and some plankton.

Supercritical CO₂ is carbon dioxide that has been compressed and heated beyond its critical temperature and pressure, reaching a state where it exhibits properties of both a liquid and a gas. In this supercritical state, CO₂ becomes denser and more versatile, making it easier to handle and store, especially in CCS applications.

A saline aquifer is a type of underground rock formation that contains salty water (brine) unsuitable for human consumption or agriculture. These formations are found deep below the Earth’s surface and can store significant amounts of CO₂ safely and securely.

The Keeling Curve is a graph that shows the ongoing increase of carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in Earth's atmosphere over time. It is named after Charles David Keeling, who started measuring atmospheric CO2 at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii in 1958. The curve is one of the most important pieces of evidence showing human-induced climate change.

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is a European Union regulation that significantly expands the scope and depth of sustainability reporting requirements for companies operating in the EU. It replaces the previous Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD) and is part of the EU’s Green Deal and sustainable finance agenda.

The DEFRA emission factors, published by DESNZ, are the UK government's official carbon conversion values. Updated annually (most recently in June 2025), they translate activity data—like fuel use, electricity, travel, or waste—into Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions. These factors are crucial for accurate emissions reporting under frameworks such as SECR and CDP.

A Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a digital record that contains detailed information about a product’s lifecycle, including its origin, materials, production process, usage, and end-of-life handling. It enables transparency and traceability, helping consumers, businesses, and regulators make informed decisions about sustainability and compliance. DPPs are becoming increasingly important in promoting circular economy practices and enhancing product stewardship.

ESOS (Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme) Phase 4 is the UK’s mandatory energy-efficiency audit for large organizations, running from December 2023 to December 2027. Businesses meeting specific size criteria must comply, with key updates including reporting progress against an ESOS Action Plan and voluntary alignment with PAS 51215 standards. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

The European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) are a set of detailed reporting standards developed by EFRAG (European Financial Reporting Advisory Group) to support the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

ISO 14064 is a set of international standards that provide guidelines for quantifying, monitoring, reporting, and verifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals. It helps organizations measure their carbon footprint, set reduction targets, and ensure transparency and consistency in reporting. These standards are crucial for businesses aiming to manage and reduce their environmental impact effectively.

An Operational Control Boundary defines which emissions an organization is responsible for reporting, based on the operations it controls. If a company has operational control over a facility (regardless of ownership), it must include all GHG emissions from that facility in its inventory. This is one of the approaches (alongside equity share and financial control) used to determine GHG reporting boundaries, as outlined in the GHG Protocol.

The PEF Methodology is a European framework to measure a product's full environmental impact across its lifecycle, using a consistent, science-based approach. Developed by the European Commission, it standardizes environmental performance reporting by including 16 impact categories, not just CO₂ emissions. It's becoming foundational for eco-labelling and green claims in Europe.

PPN 06/21, or Procurement Policy Note 06/21, is a UK government framework requiring suppliers bidding for public sector contracts over £5 million to have a Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) and commit to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050.

The TNFD is a global initiative that provides a framework for organizations to assess, report, and act on nature-related risks and opportunities. It helps businesses understand how their activities impact nature (like biodiversity, water, and ecosystems) and how nature-related dependencies and risks affect financial performance. The goal is to support a shift in global financial flows away from nature-negative outcomes toward nature-positive ones—similar to what the TCFD (Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) does for climate risks. The TNFD framework is voluntary and aligns with international standards like the Global Biodiversity Framework and ISSB sustainability disclosures.

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is an EU climate policy tool designed to prevent carbon leakage by placing a carbon price on certain imports. It ensures imported goods face the same carbon costs as EU-produced goods under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), encouraging cleaner global production.

Have you ever wondered how companies measure their impact on the world beyond profits? That’s where ESG—Environmental, Social, and Governance—comes in. This framework has become a vital part of how businesses demonstrate their responsibility toward society and the planet.

Sustainability has become a cornerstone of modern business, and with increasing scrutiny on environmental impact, compliance with regulations like SECR is more crucial than ever. But what is SECR, and how does it affect your organization? If you're looking for clear answers to common questions about SECR, you've come to the right place.

Carbon data granularity refers to the level of detail in carbon emissions data. It can range from coarse (e.g., annual national emissions) to fine-grained (e.g., real-time emissions per product, process, or location).

As the global focus on reducing carbon emissions intensifies, individuals and businesses alike are turning to carbon footprint calculators to assess their environmental impact. These tools help measure the total amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted by various activities, making it easier to identify ways to reduce emissions. This guide explains what carbon footprint calculators are, how they work, and why they are important.

Carbon Footprint Management Software is a digital tool designed to help businesses measure, monitor, and manage their greenhouse gas emissions. It enables businesses to track their carbon footprint, identify areas for improvement, implement reduction strategies, and report their emissions accurately. This software is essential for companies aiming to reduce their environmental impact and comply with sustainability regulations.

Carbon hotspotting identifies the most significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions within a company's operations, products, or value chain. By pinpointing these "hotspots," businesses can strategically focus reduction efforts for maximum impact. This approach, often supported by tools like LCA and specialized software, helps prioritize actions, save resources, and improve overall emissions reporting.

As the world focuses on combating climate change, Carbon Impact Analytics has emerged as a critical tool for understanding and reducing carbon emissions. This guide answers common questions and explains key terms related to carbon impact analytics, helping you grasp its importance and how it works.

Carbon intensity per revenue measures the amount of greenhouse gas emissions (usually in CO₂e) a company generates for each unit of revenue (e.g., kg CO₂e per pound earned). It reflects how efficiently a business generates income relative to its carbon footprint.

Carbon labelling is the practice of displaying the carbon footprint of a product or service — usually measured in kilograms or grams of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e) — on its packaging, website, or marketing materials.

As the importance of corporate sustainability grows, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) data collection has become crucial for businesses aiming to measure and improve their environmental and social impact. This guide provides an overview of ESG data collection, answering common questions and explaining key terms to help you understand how it works and why it’s vital for responsible business practices.

An emissions factor database provides standardized values that estimate greenhouse gas emissions from specific activities, such as fuel combustion, industrial processes, or transportation. These factors link an activity (e.g., burning 1 liter of diesel) to its associated emissions (e.g., kg CO₂e).

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in fashion is a systematic method used to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with all stages of a garment's life, from raw material extraction to production, use, and end-of-life disposal. This comprehensive assessment helps identify key areas where carbon emissions and other environmental impacts occur, enabling brands to implement more sustainable practices.

Supply chain carbon accounting is the process of measuring and managing the greenhouse gas emissions produced throughout the entire supply chain of a product or service. This includes emissions from raw material extraction, production, transportation, and distribution. By tracking these emissions, companies can identify high-impact areas, implement strategies to reduce their carbon footprint, and report their environmental impact more accurately. This practice is essential for sustainability, regulatory compliance, and improving the overall environmental performance of businesses.

Weighted Carbon Intensity measures the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions produced per unit of output (usually energy or revenue), weighted by the share of each source or asset. It provides a more accurate representation of emissions by factoring in the relative contribution of different components. This is commonly used in finance, energy production, and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting to assess and compare the carbon efficiency of portfolios, companies, or regions.

Scope 3 Category 7 emissions refer to the indirect GHG emissions resulting from employees commuting between their homes and workplaces. These emissions include all modes of transportation, such as personal vehicles, public transit, bicycles, and walking.

The process of measuring and tracking greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from an organization, project, or product. It involves calculating the total carbon footprint, often using established standards or frameworks, such as the GHG Protocol.

Within Scope 3, emissions are divided into 15 categories to provide a clear picture of where they originate. Category 4 focuses on upstream transportation and distribution and encompasses the emissions resulting from:

Scope 3, Category 5 emissions pertain to waste generated in operations. These emissions come from the treatment and disposal of waste that is produced as part of your company’s activities, but occurs outside your direct control.

CCS is a climate change mitigation technique involving the capture of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from large sources, like power plants and factories, and storing it underground to prevent it from entering the atmosphere. This process helps reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases, which are key drivers of global warming.

Carbon negative refers to the state of reducing/removing more carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere than is emitted. This is achieved through activities such as carbon capture, reforestation, and renewable energy initiatives that prevent/remove or 'offset' CO2 emissions. Being carbon negative contributes to reducing overall greenhouse gas levels, helping mitigate climate change.

Carbon offsetting refers to compensating for carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by funding projects that reduce or remove an equivalent amount of CO2 from the atmosphere. Common offsetting projects include reforestation, renewable energy, and energy efficiency initiatives. Offsetting helps mitigate the impacts of climate change by lowering atmospheric greenhouse gas levels.

Carbon reduction refers to the process of lowering the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. This is achieved through various methods, including improving energy efficiency, switching to renewable energy sources, adopting sustainable practices, and implementing carbon offsetting projects. The goal of carbon reduction is to mitigate climate change, reduce environmental impact, and promote sustainability.

Did you know that employee commuting can make up 15-25% of a company’s total carbon footprint? Conducting a commute emissions audit is one of the most effective ways for businesses to measure, manage, and reduce these emissions

Did you know that commuting emissions contribute significantly to a company's overall carbon footprint? According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), transport accounts for one-quarter of global CO₂ emissions, and employee commuting is a big part of that.

A just transition is a principle that ensures the move to a low-carbon economy is done in a way that is fair, inclusive, and socially responsible. It recognises that climate action can have economic and social consequences, particularly for workers, suppliers, and communities reliant on high-carbon industries.

A Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) is a tool used to illustrate the cost and potential of different options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Each option is represented as a bar on a graph. It's commonly used in climate policy and business planning to identify and compare emission reduction strategies.

Carbon insetting involves investing in projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within a company’s value chain. Unlike carbon offsetting, which compensates for emissions by supporting external projects, insetting generates direct benefits for the ecosystems, communities, and stakeholders tied to a business’s operations. For example, a coffee company might fund reforestation projects within the regions where its beans are grown, simultaneously improving the environment and supporting local farmers.

Geological sequestration is the process of storing captured carbon dioxide (CO₂) in deep underground rock formations, such as depleted oil and gas fields, saline aquifers, or unmineable coal seams. This method isolates CO₂ from the atmosphere for long periods, reducing greenhouse gas levels and helping to mitigate global warming.