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Glossary
Glossary
Glossary
Biodiversity: the range of species (including genetic diversity within species), communities and
ecosystems, and the natural interactions and processes that take place above and below ground in the
environment.
IPCC: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. See www.ipcc.ch
Methane: Methane (CH4) is a byproduct of digestion by ruminant animals, and decomposition of organic
wastes in wet environments (e.g. swamps, paddy fields). Methane emissions also result from production of
coal, natural gas, and oil.
Nitrous oxide: Nitrous oxide (N2O) is emitted from breakdown of animal dung and urine in soil.
Offsetting: To compensate, counterbalance or neutralise carbon dioxide emissions by increasing carbon
sinks, energy efficiency initiatives or sources of renewable energy. The removal of greenhouse gas
emissions from the atmosphere through the purchase of verified emissions units or carbon credits.
Organisation: A company, corporation, firm, enterprise or institution, or other legal entity or part
thereof, whether incorporated or not, public or private, that has its own function(s) and administration.
REACH: Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). The European
Union’s REACH EC 1907/2006 regulation was established on December 18, 2006 and became law on June 1,
2007. The regulation’s intent “should ensure a high level of protection of human health and the
environment as well as the free movement of substances, on their own, in preparations and in articles,
while enhancing competitiveness and innovation. This Regulation should also promote the development
of alternative methods for the assessment of hazards of substances.”
UNFCCC: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
WBSCD: The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) is a coalition of 170
international companies united by a shared commitment to sustainable development via the three
pillars of economic growth, ecological balance and social progress. Members are drawn from more
than 35 countries and 20 major industrial sectors. WBSCD also benefits from a global network of 48
national and regional business councils and partner organizations involving some 1,000 business
leaders globally.