In an effort to demystify the language around net zero carbon and environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements in the urban environment, global engineering and sustainability consultancy, Cundall, has created a user friendly glossary.
The glossary covers the decarbonisation and sustainability terms most commonly used in finance, property, design and construction.
From frequently misunderstood terms such as carbon neutral, embodied carbon and sequestration, through to defining three different colours of hydrogen (did you know there were eight?), the glossary is a user-friendly guide to the sometimes-complicated jargon that defines net zero carbon and ESG in both policy and practice.
The A to Z of NZC covers commonly used technical terms, tools, scientific terminology, assessments and government regulation. It goes beyond the definitions to provide practical examples that demonstrate these terms in the context of the built environment.
Furthermore, it explores some more obscure terms that Cundall’s experts predict will become part of everyday conversations in the near future.
Compiled by Cundall’s global team of sustainability and ESG experts, the comprehensive glossary includes over 130 terms relating to the built environment in 2024.
The easy-to-use tool is designed to empower individuals across the industry – engineers, architects, contractors, developers, asset managers and investors – to gain a deeper understanding of the language that is shaping the sustainability transition.
Cundall Associate, Madlen Jannaschk, head of ESG Strategy (Asia-Pacific), highlighted the challenge created by the plethora of terms now circulating across the finance and property sectors.
“Across the property and construction value chain, environment, social and governance factors are becoming material concerns for clients, investors, stakeholders and regulators,” she said.
"We are seeing decarbonisation become a mainstream priority, and other matters such as social value creation increasingly part of the boardroom agenda.
“This is a new language for business and for policy-makers. A glossary like this can help get everyone on the same page, support effective conversations that build consensus and assist in deciphering and testing sustainability claims.”
Download the A to Z glossary at www.cundall.com