Welcome to your quick-reference guide to the language of sustainable printing. Whether you’re new to environmental certifications or looking to deepen your understanding of industry best practices, this glossary will clarify the key concepts, standards and processes that drive responsible print production. From energy-efficient workflows to waste-reduction strategies, each entry is designed to help you speak confidently about sustainability and make informed decisions for your facility’s journey toward continuous improvement.
The variety of life in all its forms, including ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity within species. Protecting biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecosystem services that support human life, such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation. Organizations increasingly recognize biodiversity loss as a material risk requiring measurement and management strategies.
A tradeable certificate representing the verified reduction or removal of one metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from the atmosphere. Carbon credits can be generated through projects like reforestation, renewable energy development, or methane capture, providing economic incentives for emission reduction activities while allowing organizations to offset their unavoidable emissions.
The total amount of greenhouse gases produced directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product, measured in carbon dioxide equivalents. A comprehensive carbon footprint assessment includes emissions from energy use, transportation, waste generation, and supply chain activities, providing the foundation for emission reduction strategies and climate targets.
A state where the amount of carbon dioxide emissions produced is balanced by an equivalent amount removed from the atmosphere or offset through verified projects. Carbon neutral approaches may rely heavily on offsetting current emission levels rather than requiring fundamental emissions reductions first, making it a less stringent standard than net zero commitments.
The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide in natural or artificial reservoirs to mitigate climate change. Natural sequestration occurs through forests, soils, and oceans, while technological solutions include direct air capture and carbon storage in geological formations. Understanding sequestration potential helps organizations evaluate climate mitigation strategies.
Adjustments in ecological, social, or economic systems in response to actual or expected climate impacts to minimize harm or exploit beneficial opportunities. Adaptation strategies include infrastructure modifications, changes in operating procedures, supply chain diversification, and emergency preparedness planning to build resilience against climate-related risks.
Actions taken to reduce or prevent greenhouse gas emissions to limit the magnitude of long-term climate change. Mitigation strategies include energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy adoption, process optimization, and material substitution. Effective mitigation requires both immediate action and long-term planning across all sectors of the economy.
A systematic process of evaluating the likely environmental consequences of proposed projects, policies, or programs before implementation. EIAs identify potential negative impacts, propose mitigation measures, and provide stakeholders with information to make informed decisions. This process is often legally required for major developments and helps prevent environmental damage.
The most widely used international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse gas emissions. The protocol categorizes emissions into three scopes: direct emissions from owned sources (Scope 1), indirect emissions from purchased energy (Scope 2), and all other indirect emissions in the value chain (Scope 3).
A systematic methodology for evaluating the environmental impacts of products, services, or systems throughout their entire lifecycle from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. LCA quantifies resource consumption, emissions, and waste generation at each stage, enabling organizations to identify hotspots for improvement and make informed decisions about environmental trade-offs.
Natural resources that are replenished at a rate equal to or faster than they are consumed, including water, solar energy, wind, and sustainably managed forests. Unlike finite resources such as fossil fuels and minerals, renewable resources can provide indefinite supply when managed properly. The distinction between renewable resources and renewable energy is important, as renewable energy specifically refers to power generation technologies.
The three categories of greenhouse gas emissions defined by the GHG Protocol. Scope 1 includes direct emissions from owned or controlled sources like company vehicles and facilities. Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling. Scope 3 encompasses all other indirect emissions in the value chain, often representing the largest portion of an organization’s total footprint.
An economic model designed to eliminate waste and maximize resource efficiency by keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible through strategies like reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling. This approach contrasts with the traditional linear “take-make-dispose” model and requires fundamental changes in product design, business models, and consumer behavior to create closed-loop systems.
A design framework that considers products as part of continuous material cycles rather than linear processes ending in waste. Products are designed for complete recyclability or biodegradability, with all materials serving as nutrients for biological or technical cycles. This approach eliminates the concept of waste by ensuring all materials can be safely returned to natural systems or industrial processes.
A policy approach where producers bear physical and/or financial responsibility for the treatment or disposal of post-consumer products. EPR programs incentivize manufacturers to design products that are easier to recycle or dispose of safely, while also funding collection and processing infrastructure. This approach shifts the cost burden from municipalities and taxpayers to producers and consumers.
A systematic assessment of flows and stocks of materials within a defined system to understand resource consumption patterns and identify efficiency opportunities. This analytical tool tracks materials from extraction through processing, use, and disposal, helping organizations optimize resource use, reduce waste, and identify circular economy opportunities within their operations and value chains.
The sustainable use of natural resources by minimizing environmental impact throughout the resource lifecycle while maximizing economic and social benefits. Resource efficiency strategies include reducing material inputs, extending product lifespans, improving process yields, and developing alternative materials. This concept is fundamental to sustainable development and circular economy principles.
A framework that prioritizes waste management options from most to least environmentally beneficial: prevention (reducing waste generation), preparation for reuse, recycling, other recovery (including energy recovery), and disposal. The hierarchy guides policy development and organizational waste management strategies by emphasizing upstream solutions that prevent waste creation over downstream treatment approaches.
A philosophy and set of practices aimed at eliminating waste through comprehensive resource recovery and system redesign. Zero waste approaches focus on product design for durability and recyclability, operational efficiency improvements, and the development of markets for recovered materials. While absolute zero waste is rarely achieved, the concept drives continuous improvement in resource management practices.
A company’s commitment to manage its social, environmental, and economic impacts responsibly while contributing to sustainable development. CSR encompasses voluntary actions beyond legal compliance, including community investment, employee welfare programs, ethical business practices, and stakeholder engagement. Modern CSR approaches integrate sustainability considerations into core business strategy rather than treating them as separate activities.
Organizational practices and cultural values that foster diverse representation, equitable treatment, and inclusive environments for all individuals regardless of background, identity, or circumstances. DEI initiatives improve decision-making, innovation, and organizational performance while advancing social justice. Effective DEI programs require systematic measurement, accountability mechanisms, and sustained leadership commitment.
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in environmental decision-making, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income level. Environmental justice addresses the disproportionate environmental burdens often faced by marginalized communities and ensures that all people have access to clean air, water, and safe environments. This principle is increasingly integrated into corporate sustainability strategies and policy development.
A systematic process companies use to identify, prevent, mitigate, and account for how they address actual and potential adverse human rights impacts in their operations and value chains. This process involves stakeholder engagement, impact assessment, integration of findings into corporate systems, tracking effectiveness, and public reporting. Due diligence helps companies meet their responsibility to respect human rights as outlined in international frameworks.
The systematic process of involving individuals, groups, or organizations that can affect or are affected by business decisions in meaningful dialogue and collaboration. Effective stakeholder engagement involves identification of relevant stakeholders, understanding their interests and concerns, regular communication, and incorporating feedback into decision-making processes. This approach builds trust, reduces risks, and improves outcomes for all parties involved.
The disclosure of information about suppliers, sourcing practices, working conditions, and environmental impacts throughout the supply chain. Transparency enables stakeholders to understand and evaluate a company’s practices, while helping companies identify and address risks. This includes mapping supplier networks, conducting audits, publishing supplier lists, and reporting on progress toward sustainability goals.
Companies certified by the nonprofit B Lab to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, legal accountability, and public transparency. B Corps balance purpose and profit, using business as a force for good while maintaining financial sustainability. The certification process evaluates governance, workers, community, environment, and customers, requiring companies to consider all stakeholders in decision-making processes.
A framework for evaluating company performance across three key dimensions: environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and corporate governance practices. ESG criteria help investors, customers, and other stakeholders assess sustainability risks and opportunities, increasingly influencing capital allocation decisions. Strong ESG performance is associated with better risk management, operational efficiency, and long-term value creation.
Investment approach that intentionally seeks to generate positive, measurable social and environmental impact alongside financial returns. Impact investments span asset classes and target sectors including sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, healthcare, education, and financial services. This approach requires clear impact objectives, measurement frameworks, and reporting mechanisms to demonstrate both financial and social/environmental outcomes.
The world’s stock of natural assets including geology, soil, air, water, and all living things that provide ecosystem services essential for human survival and economic activity. Natural capital accounting quantifies these assets and services in monetary terms, helping organizations understand their dependencies and impacts on natural systems. This approach supports better decision-making and risk management by making environmental considerations visible in financial terms.
A business approach that goes beyond sustainability to actively restore and regenerate social and environmental systems while creating economic value. Regenerative businesses design operations to have net positive impacts, contributing more to society and the environment than they consume. This approach requires systems thinking, long-term perspectives, and collaboration with stakeholders to create mutually beneficial outcomes.
A management strategy focused on companies creating measurable business value by identifying and addressing social problems that intersect with their business. Shared value opportunities exist in reconceiving products and markets, redefining productivity in the value chain, and enabling local cluster development. This approach drives innovation and competitive advantages while advancing societal progress.
Financial services integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into business and investment decisions to support long-term economic development. Sustainable finance includes green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, ESG investing, and climate risk assessment. This approach recognizes that environmental and social factors materially affect financial performance and stability.
A framework that measures organizational success across three dimensions: profit (economic performance), people (social impact), and planet (environmental impact). This approach expands traditional financial accounting to include social and environmental performance, encouraging organizations to create value for all stakeholders rather than focusing solely on shareholder returns.
A business philosophy that serves all stakeholders—including shareholders, employees, customers, suppliers, communities, and the environment—while generating profits and creating positive impact for society. Conscious capitalists believe that businesses can be a force for good by operating with higher purpose, conscious leadership, conscious culture, and stakeholder orientation rather than focusing solely on profit maximization.
A framework for cross-sector coordination that brings together diverse organizations to tackle complex social and environmental problems that no single organization can solve alone. Collective impact initiatives require a common agenda, shared measurement systems, mutually reinforcing activities, continuous communication, and backbone support organizations to coordinate efforts and achieve large-scale change.
The principle of ensuring that everyone has fair and just access to opportunities, resources, and outcomes regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances. Social equity goes beyond equality by recognizing that different groups may need different resources or support to achieve similar outcomes. In sustainability contexts, this includes ensuring that environmental benefits and burdens are fairly distributed across all communities.
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, as defined by the Brundtland Commission. This concept integrates economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection as interdependent pillars that must be balanced to achieve long-term prosperity and well-being for all people within planetary boundaries.
The foundational framework organizing sustainability around environmental protection, social responsibility, and economic viability. These three pillars—often called “planet, people, and profit”—must be balanced and integrated rather than treated as separate considerations. Modern sustainability thinking recognizes these pillars as interconnected systems where progress in one area should support rather than undermine the others.
A comprehensive framework for waste reduction and resource conservation that expands beyond traditional recycling to include upstream prevention strategies. Refuse involves declining unnecessary items, Reduce focuses on minimizing consumption, Reuse extends product lifespans, Repair maintains functionality, Rethink questions consumption patterns, and Recycle processes materials into new products. This hierarchy prioritizes strategies that prevent waste generation over those that manage waste after creation.
The practice of making misleading, unsubstantiated, or false claims about the environmental benefits of a product, service, or company to appear more environmentally responsible than they actually are. Greenwashing can involve exaggerating environmental benefits, using vague terms like “eco-friendly” without substantiation, or highlighting minor green initiatives while ignoring larger environmental impacts. Organizations must ensure their sustainability communications are accurate, specific, and backed by credible evidence.
A state where greenhouse gas emissions produced are balanced by removals from the atmosphere, achieving overall zero net emissions. Net-zero commitments require organizations to reduce emissions across all scopes as much as possible before using carbon removal or high-quality offsets for remaining emissions. This represents a more stringent standard than carbon neutrality and typically requires science-based targets aligned with limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
Sourcing practices that consider environmental, social, and economic impacts throughout the supply chain to maximize positive outcomes while minimizing risks and negative effects. Responsible procurement includes supplier assessment and selection based on sustainability criteria, contract terms that incentivize sustainable practices, ongoing monitoring and verification, and collaboration with suppliers to drive continuous improvement in sustainability performance.
A global disclosure system that enables companies, cities, states, and regions to measure and manage their environmental impacts. CDP operates the world’s largest environmental database, collecting data on climate change, water security, and deforestation from thousands of organizations. This information helps investors, purchasers, and policymakers make informed decisions while driving corporate environmental action.
An international treaty on climate change adopted in 2015 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, committing signatory countries to limit global temperature increase to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels while pursuing efforts to limit increase to 1.5°C. The agreement establishes nationally determined contributions (NDCs) where each country sets its own emission reduction targets, creating a framework for global climate action that influences corporate sustainability strategies and science-based target setting.
An international independent standards organization that provides the world’s most widely used framework for sustainability reporting. GRI Standards enable organizations to understand and communicate their impacts on the economy, environment, and people in a comparable and credible way. The framework covers universal standards applicable to all organizations and topic-specific standards addressing particular sustainability issues.
A process that results in a periodic integrated report communicating how an organization’s strategy, governance, performance, and prospects create value over time. Integrated reporting considers six capitals (financial, manufactured, intellectual, human, social/relationship, and natural) and demonstrates the connectivity between financial and non-financial performance. This approach helps organizations think holistically about value creation.
The process of identifying and prioritizing sustainability topics that are most significant to an organization and its stakeholders based on their potential impact on business success and stakeholder concerns. Materiality assessments inform sustainability strategy development, goal setting, and reporting by focusing attention and resources on the most important issues. Regular reassessment ensures alignment with changing business contexts and stakeholder expectations.
Greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets that are aligned with the level of decarbonization required to keep global temperature increase below 2°C compared to pre-industrial temperatures, as specified by climate science. SBTs provide companies with a clearly-defined pathway to reduce emissions in line with Paris Agreement goals, covering all relevant scopes of emissions and requiring absolute emission reductions over time.
A collection of 17 interlinked global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all people by 2030. The SDGs provide a shared framework for organizations to align their sustainability strategies and demonstrate their contribution to global sustainable development challenges.
A framework for companies to disclose climate-related financial risks and opportunities in their mainstream financial filings. TCFD recommendations cover four core elements: governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and targets. This framework helps investors and other stakeholders understand climate-related risks and opportunities, supporting more informed capital allocation decisions.
Products, services, or processes that reduce environmental impacts through energy efficiency, sustainable resource use, or environmental protection activities. Clean technologies include renewable energy systems, energy storage, water treatment, waste management, and pollution control equipment. Investment in clean technology drives innovation while creating economic opportunities and environmental benefits.
A design methodology that considers environmental impacts throughout product development to minimize negative effects while maintaining functionality and economic viability. DfE principles include material selection, energy efficiency, durability, recyclability, and end-of-life considerations. This approach enables companies to reduce environmental footprints while often achieving cost savings and competitive advantages.
The practice of using less energy to provide the same level of service or output through improved technologies, processes, or behaviors. Energy efficiency improvements reduce greenhouse gas emissions, operating costs, and resource consumption while often improving performance and comfort. This is considered the most cost-effective approach to emission reduction and a cornerstone of sustainable development strategies.
The design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances throughout their lifecycle. Green chemistry principles focus on prevention rather than treatment, using safer chemicals and renewable feedstocks while minimizing energy requirements and waste generation. This approach protects human health and the environment while often reducing costs and improving efficiency.
An interdisciplinary approach that applies ecosystem principles to industrial systems, viewing them as interconnected networks where waste from one process becomes input for another. Industrial ecology promotes resource efficiency, waste minimization, and closed-loop systems through strategies like industrial symbiosis, life cycle thinking, and material flow analysis.
The international standard for environmental management systems that provides a framework for organizations to protect the environment and respond to changing environmental conditions. ISO 14001 requires organizations to identify environmental aspects, establish objectives and targets, implement operational controls, and continuously improve environmental performance through regular monitoring and management review.
A production methodology focused on minimizing waste within manufacturing systems while maintaining productivity and quality. Lean principles identify and eliminate non-value-adding activities, reduce resource consumption, and improve efficiency through continuous improvement processes. While originally focused on operational efficiency, lean approaches often achieve environmental benefits through waste reduction and resource optimization.
An approach that reduces or eliminates pollutants at their source rather than treating them after generation. Pollution prevention strategies include process modifications, equipment upgrades, material substitutions, and operational improvements that reduce environmental impacts while often achieving cost savings. This approach is generally more effective and economical than end-of-pipe treatment solutions.
