Glossary

A measure of the warming potential of different greenhouse gasses compared to carbon dioxide over a specified period of time, usually 100 years. More specifically it is a measure of how much energy the emissions of 1 ton of a gas will absorb over time- relative to the emissions of 1 ton of carbon dioxide (CO2).

This is a set of rules that will prevent misleading or deceptive environmental claims made by companies about their products. This will apply to companies who want to make vague environmental claims, such as “eco-friendly,” “green,” or “sustainable.” The goal is to ensure companies provide accurate and reliable information to consumers. There is currently no deadline for compliance. This directive will help prevent greenwashing and encourage transparency from big companies.

This is an international standard that helps companies manage their environmental duties in a systematic way. It provides a framework for companies to identify, control, and reduce their environmental impact. In order to achieve ISO 14001 certification companies need to conduct an environmental impact assessment, set environmental objectives, implement procedures to control environmental risks, and establish a process for continuous improvement. Companies can implement this certification whenever they like based on their own goals. Having this certification will enhance a company's reputation.

In the context of environmental assessments an impact category is a specific area of concern that is evaluated when analyzing the effects of a product, process, or activity on the environment. They represent the potential effects that our actions can have on the natural world. Impact categories are often grouped into much broader categories, some of these include: Global Warming Potential (GWP), Acidification, Ozone Depletion, Resource Depletion, Eutrophication. These are just a few examples…Impact categories help us assess environmental consequences of our choices and help us use sustainable practices.

This is the process of burning waste materials at high temperatures in a specially designed facility called an incinerator. The waste is burned in a controlled combustion process. As the waste burns, the heat generated can be harnessed and used for various purposes. Such as for heating or electricity production through steam turbines. Incineration can significantly reduce the volume of waste by up to 90% or more, the only waste that remains is the ash. This is primarily used for waste management in areas where landfill space is limited or where waste cannot be easily recycled or composted. It can

This is the process used to manage and mitigate the environmental impact of waste that is disposed of in landfills. Landfill waste treatment focuses on managing the waste within landfills to minimize negative environmental effects, such as pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Without this treatment we would be at higher risk for methane gas capture. Which happens when waste decomposes, it produces methane gas, a very potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. The first step in this treatment is to compress the waste to reduce its volume and create more space for waste. Landfills are then covered with soil or some other synthetic material to help contain the waste and odors. Finally, a cap is placed over the landfill to minimize water infiltration and to control gas emissions. This process helps minimize pollution and protects local ecosystems.

This is a method used to evaluate the environmental impact of a produc, process, or service throughout its entire life cycle, including raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, distribution, use, and disposal. To understand it’s environmental impact using LCA you would consider everything involved in its life cycle. It will help you understand the environmental “footprint” of a product or process by analyzing the various factors such as energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and waste generation. It will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the environmental impacts associated with different stages of a product's life. LCA is often used by businesses, governments, and organizations to make informed decisions for sustainability improvements.

This is used to calculate the total cost of a product, service, or project over its entire lifespan. Instead of only considering the initial purchase or investment cost, life cycle costing taks all costs into account. This method becomes very useful when comparing different options so that you can choose the option that provides the best value over time.