Glossary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Cleaner production
The continuous application of an integrated preventive environmental strategy applied to processes, products, and services to increase overall efficiency and reduce risks to humans and the environment. For production processes cleaner production includes conserving raw materials and energy, eliminating toxic raw materials, and reducing the quantity and toxicity of all emissions and wastes. For products it involves reducing the negative impacts along the life cycle of a product, from raw materials extraction to its ultimate disposal. For services the strategy focuses on incorporating environmental concerns into designing and delivering services (United Nations Environment Programme, 1989).
Design for the Environment, DfE or Ecodesign
Design for the Environment, DfE or Ecodesign, consists in the systematic integration of environmental considerations when designing a product or process. It is a defined as an approach based on the comparison of the performance, costs, and risks pertaining to different design alternatives. DfE relies on instruments that are based on the life cycle of the product to assess the competitive techniques. One of the objectives of DfE is to promote innovation in the first steps (pollution prevention).
Eco-efficiency
Eco-efficiency combines ecological and economic efficiency and consists in producing goods and services by using less resources and generating less waste and pollution. Eco-efficiency is achieved by offering products and services at competitive prices and which satisfy human needs and increase quality of life, while gradually reducing economic impacts and resource use throughout the life cycle, at a rate that is at least equal to planet’s estimated carrying capacity.
Eco-labelling
Eco-labelling uses eco-labels as market instruments designed to incite manufacturers to develop green products and services. Eco-labels also help consumers determine which products and services they should purchase based on environmental criteria.
Environment management system, EMS
A management tool that provides a framework for practices, procedures and processes to manage an organization's environmental agenda, and documents, communicates and evaluates environmental performance. It is a systematic approach to incorporating the environment into every business decision. An EMS also provides an auditable system for tracking, managing and improving environmental performance (according to Environment Canada, 2006).
Industrial ecology
The discipline which focuses on the design, development, operation, renewal and decommissioning of industrial facilities as ecological systems, with an emphasis on the optimization of resource efficiency (World Business Council for Sustainable Development).
ISO 14 000 standards
The ISO 14 000 series of environmental management standards was developed by one of the most important voluntary standards development organizations, the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO). The series has been divided into four categories: Environmental Management Systems; Environmental Audits; Environmental Labels and Statements; Environmental Performance Assessment; Life Cycle Assessment.
Life cycle engineering
Life cycle engineering (LCE) investigates a product, process, or service from a technical, economic, and environmental perspective, throughout its life cycle.
Life cycle assessment
Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a tool that measures the potential environmental impacts of a product or service throughout its entire life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials to disposal. The main objective of this analytical method is to mitigate the environmental impact of a product or service by guiding the decision-making process. Standardized by the ISO14040 series, LCA consists in four steps: 1) defining the objectives and the field of study; 2) conducting a life cycle inventory analysis of a specific products system, or quantifying all of the inputs and outputs of a system; 3) assessing the life cycle impacts pertaining to the inventory established in the second step; 4) interpreting the results and identifying the priorities and opportunities.
Life cycle management
An approach that attempts to minimize the environmental burdens throughout the life cycle of a product or service. The life cycle includes all activities that go into making, using and disposing of a product (Environment Canada - Environmental Life Cycle Management: A Guide to Better Business Decisions)
Pollution prevention
Use of processes, practices, materials, products or energy that avoid or minimize the creation of pollutants and waste, and reduce overall risk to human health or the environment. Pollution prevention focuses on avoiding the creation of pollutants rather than trying to manage them after they have been created (according to Environment Canada, 2006).
Sustainable development
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (World Commission on Environment and Development - the Brundtland Commission). Development is essential to satisfy human needs and improve the quality of human life. At the same time, development must be based on the efficient and environmentally responsible use of all of society's natural, human, and economic resources.