The Evolving Language of Sustainability

As sustainability evolves, so do the terms used to reference its growing number of components. The following are new terms — and a refresher on some older ones - we all should know to stay up-to-date and one step ahead on our sustainability journey.

Let's start with a term that is evolving and will grow in importance in years to come:

Double materiality.

Double materiality is a reporting approach that accounts for the financial and non-financial impacts of a company's sustainability efforts and activities. This includes both the impact of sustainability issues on the company's financial performance and the impact of the company's activities on society and the environment.

For instance:

• A company that produces fossil fuels may report on the financial risks it faces from climate change regulation and the impact of its emissions on the environment.
• A company that is developing a new renewable energy technology may report on the potential financial costs and benefits of this new technology, as well as its potential environmental impact.

Double materiality is still a relatively new concept, and there is no single agreed-upon definition or approach to its implementation. However, what we do know, is that it is becoming increasingly important for companies to consider double materiality when reporting on their sustainability performance.

Carbon footprint

According to recent research, the average person in the United States is responsible for 16.5 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions released into the environment each year. These metric tons are our carbon footprint, and most of these emissions come from driving gasoline-powered vehicles or using traditional (nonrenewable) electricity.

Efficiency

One of the best ways to explain efficiency involves water consumption. If your community is experiencing a drought, you may be asked to scale back on water consumption until the drought is over. This reduction of water consumption is temporary and referred to as?water conservation.?Water efficiency, on the other hand, is permanent. It is the use and installation of technologies that reduce water consumption long-term. For instance, updating restroom fixtures to meet or exceed federal water consumption levels while still satisfying the user is an example of using water more efficiently. ?

ESG

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. These are the three key factors that investors use to measure a company's sustainability, environmental, and ethical impact. ESG criteria can help investors identify material risks and opportunities that may affect a company's financial performance. ?

Carbon offset

A carbon offset is an activity that compensates for the emission of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere because of industrial or other human activity. Examples of carbon offset projects include planting trees, preserving forests, installing renewable energy sources, or improving farming methods. Carbon offsets can be bought and sold as part of a commercial program or a legal framework to reduce the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on the climate.

Alternative Energy

For centuries, the world has depended on petroleum for energy. However, the costs and impacts of burning fossil fuels are becoming more expensive and more dangerous for humans and the environment. Further, using non-renewable energy sources does not promote sustainability.

Carbon Sequestration

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing carbon. Carbon can be natural or manufactured. When we sequester it, we prevent it from entering the atmosphere.

Climate change

The Earth's climate is constantly in flux: the Earth has experienced numerous hot periods and ice ages, and these changes are part of a natural process. However, scientists are concerned that the current shift in climate is happening at an unprecedented rate, given how short a period we have been observing it. The summer of 2023 is a perfect example of how fast climate change is impacting the environment.

Climate Resilience

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, climate resistance is the ability to "anticipate, prepare for, and respond to hazardous events, trends, or disturbances related to climate. It involves assessing how climate change will create new or alter current climate-related risks and taking steps to better cope with these risks."

Greenhouse effect

The greenhouse effect is the process through which heat is trapped near the Earth's surface by greenhouse gases. These gases include carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and water vapor. They act like a blanket, covering the planet and causing warmer temperatures than it would have otherwise. Human activities such as burning fossil fuels have increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which enhances the greenhouse effect and causes global warming.

Reforestation

Reforestation is the process of planting trees where a forest has been removed, usually for commercial purposes. Reforestation is an integral part of sustainability because it helps to maintain the planet's ability to sustain itself at a specific rate or level. A sustainable system involves creating a structure where people, planet, and profit can live in harmony without compromising one or the other.

There are more components we could address. Some definitions may vary from definitions by other respected and credible organizations. However, for the most part, they are similar. What is important is that these are the fundamental sustainability concepts we all should know.

Steve Ashkin is president of the Ashkin Group, a consulting firm specializing in Green Cleaning and sustainability. Steve is recognized as one of the one hundred most significant contributors to the professional cleaning industry in ISSA's 100-year history.

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