Concepts for understanding sustainability

The shift from an energy system based on fossil fuels to one dominated by renewable energies, in order to lower carbon emissions and enhance energy security. This transition is essential in combating climate change.

Choosing products and services not only based on quality and price but also considering the social and environmental impact of their production. It promotes consumption practices that contribute to resource conservation and waste reduction.

A concept that extends sustainability to marine and aquatic environments, focusing on protecting aquatic ecosystems for economic development. This includes activities such as sustainable fishing, responsible aquatic tourism, and renewable marine energies.

The ability of a system, community, or society exposed to hazards to withstand, adapt, and recover from the effects of a climate disaster or climate changes. Essential for planning cities and communities capable of facing extreme events.

An indicator of freshwater usage that considers both the direct and indirect use by a consumer or producer. The water footprint is an important tool for understanding the impact of water use on various products, processes, and activities.

A movement that seeks an equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens among all people, regardless of race, origin, or income. It involves the effective inclusion of marginalized communities in environmental decisions.

A certification system for buildings that meet criteria for energy efficiency, proper resource use, indoor environmental quality, and sensitivity to the environmental impacts of materials.

The process of reducing the amount of materials needed to meet economic needs, thereby lessening environmental impact. It seeks to innovate in resource efficiency rather than the quantity consumed.

A condition where human activities produce carbon emissions that are offset by an equivalent reduction of these emissions using carbon removal technologies or sinks. Key to limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

The variety and variability of life on Earth. It includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems. Conserving biodiversity is crucial for maintaining the ecosystem services that sustain human life.

Sources of energy derived from inexhaustible natural resources on a human scale, such as the sun, wind, water, or biomass. These energies are fundamental for a sustainable energy transition.

A phenomenon in which two or more enterprises mutually benefit from the exchange of wastes or by-products for use as inputs.

A commitment by companies to contribute to sustainable economic development, working with their employees, their families, the local community, and society at large to enhance their quality of life.

The system by which companies are directed and controlled. Corporate governance sets the company’s objectives, the means to achieve them, and the mechanisms for monitoring performance, with a strong focus on sustainability.

Planning and execution of corporate actions that aim to promote sustainability, not only within the company but also in the broader community and environment in which it operates.

Management of the procurement of goods and services that maximizes benefits for health, the environment, and society’s safety, while minimizing negative impacts across the product lifecycle.

Strategies implemented by companies to offset carbon dioxide emissions and other greenhouse gases through reforestation projects, renewable energies, among others.

A document published by companies to disclose information about the economic, environmental, and social impacts of their daily activities. It is a key tool for transparency and accountability.

Strategies and practices that promote the equitable participation of diverse individuals, considering gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, and other differences, to create an inclusive and respectful work environment.

Corporate policies and practices that enhance a company’s competitiveness while simultaneously improving the economic and social conditions in the communities where they operate.

Efficient and effective use of natural resources (materials, energy, water, etc.) in production processes to maximize productivity while minimizing waste.

Principles and practices that guide a company’s decisions and activities concerning the environment, aiming not only to comply with legislation but to exceed it for the benefit of the environment.

A measure of a person’s or company’s environmental impact, in terms of the amount of land and water required to sustain their consumption and absorb their wastes.

The process by which companies educate and empower their employees, stakeholders, and communities to improve their skills and competencies, oriented towards sustainability.

A systematic, documented, periodic, and objective evaluation of how an organization is performing environmentally.

This strategy aims to reduce both the entry of virgin materials and the production of waste, closing the “loops” or economic and ecological flows of resources.

The meeting of current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, guaranteeing the balance between economic growth, care for the environment and social welfare.

A form of progress that maintains balance today without jeopardizing the resources of tomorrow.

A set of global objectives to eradicate poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda, adopted in 2015 within the UN.

A product that can be manufactured in a large number of materials and that serves to contain, protect, manipulate, distribute and present goods at any stage of their production, distribution or sale process.

Items designed to be used only once.

A technique for determining the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with a product, process or activity.

An environmental indicator that aims to reflect all greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted directly or indirectly by an organization or product.

That product that has been designed and manufactured by respecting the environment and / or that offers an improvement for it.

A design that considers actions aimed at improving the environment of the product or service at all stages of its life cycle.

Polymers derived from renewable natural resources.

Type of plastics derived from plant products.

Subject to decomposition through the action of biological agents and / or micro-organisms into elements found in nature, such as CO2, water or biomass, always under natural environmental conditions.

Products that include additives to accelerate the fragmentation of material into very small pieces through chemical oxidation produced under certain conditions such as UV irradiation or exposure to heat.

Can be degraded by the action of organisms (that is, biologically) producing carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds and biomass in a controlled period of time and under certain conditions.

A container conceived and designed to carry out a minimum number of circuits and rotations throughout its life cycle, which can be refilled or reused for the same purpose for which it was designed, with or without the help of auxiliary products.

Classification of a container or packaging as recoverable in terms of material recycling. A container can be recyclable from 0% to 100%.