Glossary
This glossary has been designed to help decode the many terms and acronyms linked with sustainability.
Term
1.5°C
Active travel
Adaptation
All-Ireland Pollinator Plan
Bioeconomy
Biodegradable
Biodiversity
Bioeconomy
Bioenergy
Biofuel
Biomimicry
Blue Hydrogen
Blue Carbon
Blue Economy
Built Environment
Business for Biodiversity Platform
Business for Nature
A-B
Description
The global temperature must not rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. If it does, the consequences for the Earth's climate will be catastrophic. To keep global temperature rise to less than 1.5°C above the pre-industrial average, greenhouse gas emissions need to reach net zero by 2050.
Walking, cycling and other non-motorized forms of travel. Essentially, it means traveling using your own energy.
This refers to how we adapt our society and economy in response to climate change. It means the changes in our processes, practices, and structures to moderate potential damages or to benefit from opportunities associated with climate change.
The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan (AIPP) is a framework bringing together different sectors across the island of Ireland to create a landscape where pollinators can survive and thrive. Implemented by the National Biodiversity Data Centre, it provides information and free resources to help, whether you have a business, a farm, a community group, a garden, or a window box.
The bioeconomy encompasses the production of renewable biological resources and their conversion into food, feed, bio-based products and bio-energy. It includes agriculture, forestry, fisheries, food, pulp and paper production, as well as parts of chemical, biotechnological and energy industries. Its sectors have a strong innovation potential to support Ireland's transition to a more integrated sustainable, low carbon economy, and Ireland's National Development Plan has highlighted its potential to support economic development and employment in rural Ireland.
Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms and thereby avoiding pollution.
The variety of life, including genetic, species and habitat/ecosystem diversity
Parts of the economy that use renewable biological resources to produce food, products and energy.
Renewable energy derived from biological sources such as plant matter or animal waste. Includes wood, crops like corn and sugarcane, and waste from forests or farms.
Liquid or gaseous fuel products made from plant matter or animal waste and used mainly for transportation purposes.
A form of design that seeks sustainable solutions by mimicking nature. The goal is to create products and services that are well adapted to life on Earth over the long-term.
Sometimes described as 'low-carbon hydrogen' blue hydrogen is produced mainly from natural gas, using a process called steam reforming, which brings together natural gas and heated water in the form of steam.
Carbon captured by the ocean or coastal ecosystems.
Marine activities that generate economic value and contribute positively to environmental and social well-being.
Human-made structures.
Funded by the Irish Government, this not-for-profit initiative encourages and incentivizes Irish businesses to assess their impacts and dependencies on biodiversity, with a view to mitigating and availing of associated risks and opportunities respectively.
A a global coalition that brings together business and conservation organizations and forward-thinking companies. It encourages companies to commit and act to reverse nature loss, and advocate for greater policy ambition. Its Strategic Advisory Group ensures its work is grounded in real business and act as ambassadors for the coalition.
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