Key definitions
| Greenhouse gases (GHGs) | Gases which trap heat when released into the atmosphere. These gases are: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulphur hexafluoride and nitrogen trifluoride |
| Carbon footprint | Total amount of GHG that are produced by a specific product or human activity |
| Life cycle assessment | Provides a methodology for the measurement of the full range of environmental and social impacts associated with a process, product or activity from cradle to grave (from raw materials through processing, distribution, use and disposal) |
| Kyoto protocol | International agreement which legally binds signatory nations to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, there are 192 parties signed up. |
| Scope 1 emissions | Emissions that result from direct activity like burning fuel. Emissions that an organisation has direct control over. |
| Scope 2 emissions | Indirect emissions from upstream supportive activity like generation of electricity needed for the subject of interest |
| Scope 3 emissions | Emissions that result from processed outside of the organisation, usually from distribution, transport and/or procurement |