Glossary on Carbon Footprint and Sustainability
airCO2 offers you a detailed glossary with definitions, examples, and best practices on the fundamental principles related to sustainability, global warming, and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Explore this resource to better understand key concepts that can help your company become more sustainable and reduce its environmental impact.
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2030 Agenda
Global action plan adopted by the UN in 2015 that sets 17 Sustainable Development Goals to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity by 2030.
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Alcance 2: Emisiones indirectas por consumo de energía
Scope 2 includes indirect emissions associated with the consumption of electricity, steam, heat, or cooling purchased by an organization.
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Blue Carbon
Refers to the carbon captured, stored, and released by coastal and marine ecosystems.
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Carbon Capture
Carbon capture traps CO2 from industrial and energy processes before it reaches the atmosphere. It is key in hard-to-decarbonize sectors and helps mitigate climate change.
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Carbon Credits
A carbon credit represents 1 ton of CO2e reduced, removed, or avoided. It is used to offset emissions by supporting sustainable projects and contributing to climate action.
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Carbon Cycle
The carbon cycle is the process by which this element moves between the atmosphere, the oceans, living organisms, and the geosphere. It is essential for regulating the Earth's climate and maintaining ecosystem balance.
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Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)
The CDP is a key international platform that drives environmental transparency, allowing companies, cities, and governments to report their climate impact and move towards a more sustainable economy.
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Carbon Footprint
The carbon footprint measures greenhouse gas emissions from an activity, product, organization, or person. It's expressed in CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) and helps manage climate impact.
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Carbon Management
Carbon management enables organizations to measure, reduce, and offset greenhouse gas emissions, improving their sustainability and aligning them with global climate goals.
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Carbon Neutrality
An emission reduction plan is a set of measures to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In Spain, these plans align with the Paris Agreement and European regulations to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
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Circular economy
The circular economy is a model that transforms the way we produce and consume, promoting the reuse, repair, recycling, and renewal of resources to extend their lifespan and minimize waste.
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Clean Industry Certificate (PROFEPA)
The Clean Industry Certificate recognizes Mexican industrial companies that voluntarily exceed environmental standards, as part of PROFEPA’s National Environmental Audit Program.
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Climate Change
Climate change is a long-term alteration of the global climate, largely caused by human activities that increase greenhouse gas emissions, leading to global warming and serious environmental and social impacts.
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Climate Change and Energy Transition Law
Key Spanish regulation for the decarbonization of the economy and the promotion of a sustainable and resilient energy model.
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CO2 Equivalent
CO2e is a unit that allows the impact of different greenhouse gases to be expressed on the same scale, comparing them to carbon dioxide. It is key to calculating and communicating the carbon footprint.
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CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive)
New EU regulation that strengthens corporate sustainability reporting by expanding scope, standardizing disclosures, and requiring the double materiality approach.
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Decarbonization
Decarbonization is the process of reducing or eliminating CO2 emissions and other greenhouse gases associated with human activities. It is key to stop climate change and move towards a more sustainable economy.
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Ecosystem
An ecosystem is the functional unit of nature where living beings and physical elements interact, maintaining ecological balance and providing vital services for life.
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EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme)
EMAS is a voluntary system of the European Union that helps organizations improve their environmental performance through a structured, externally verified approach with a high level of public transparency.
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Emission Factors
Emission factors are coefficients used to calculate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from a specific activity, such as fuel or energy consumption. They are key in estimating the carbon footprint.
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Emission Reduction Plan
An emission reduction plan aims to decrease the GHG emissions generated by a country, sector, or entity. In Spain, they align with the Paris Agreement and European regulations to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
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Emissions Offsetting
Carbon offsetting allows balancing the carbon footprint by investing in projects that reduce or eliminate greenhouse gases elsewhere on the planet. It is a key tool for progressing towards climate neutrality.
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Environmental Licenses
An environmental license is an official permit required to carry out activities with environmental impact. It regulates the conditions under which operations can take place, ensuring environmental protection and legal compliance.
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Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
An Environmental Management System (EMS) helps organizations identify, control, and reduce the environmental impacts of their activities, optimizing resources, minimizing waste, and complying with current environmental regulations.
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Environmental Quality Distinction Mexico (DCAM)
The DCAM is an official recognition granted by PROFEPA to MSMEs, rural organizations, and the education sector that voluntarily adopt good environmental practices. It promotes self-regulation and continuous improvement in sustainability.
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ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)
Set of criteria that assess a company's environmental, social, and governance performance. They help measure sustainability and responsibility, increasingly valued by investors and clients.
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ESR Distinction – Socially Responsible Company
The ESR® Distinction recognizes Mexican companies that voluntarily adopt responsible management in social, environmental, and ethical areas. It is awarded by Cemefi and AliaRSE following an annual self-assessment process.
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European Directive
A European directive is a legal instrument of the European Union that sets mandatory objectives for member states but allows them the freedom to decide how to achieve them through their national legislation.
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Foral Law 4/2022 on Climate Change and Energy Transition of Navarre
Regulation requiring companies in key sectors in Navarre to calculate and register their carbon footprint, with incentives for decarbonization.
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General Law on Climate Change (LGCC)
The General Law on Climate Change is Mexico’s key legal framework for reducing GHG emissions, promoting climate action, and coordinating efforts across levels of government.
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General Law on Sustainable Forest Development (LGDFS)
Mexican legal framework for the sustainable management and use of forest resources, with community participation and a focus on conservation and biodiversity.
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GHG Protocol
El GHG Protocol es el estándar internacional más utilizado para medir, gestionar y reportar las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero (GEI) en organizaciones, sirviendo como base para elaborar inventarios de carbono a nivel corporativo y de producto.
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GLEC Framework
The GLEC Framework is an international methodology that enables the calculation and reporting of GHG emissions in multimodal logistics chains. It is the reference standard for measuring carbon footprint in the transport and logistics sector.
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Global Action Plan (GAP)
The Global Action Plan brings together international initiatives to address social, environmental, and economic challenges, coordinating efforts between governments, organizations, and citizens for sustainable development.
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Global Warming Potential (GWP)
Metric that compares the impact of a greenhouse gas on global warming relative to CO₂, over a standard time horizon of 100 years.
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Greenhouse Effect
It is a natural phenomenon that occurs in the Earth’s atmosphere.
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Greenhouse Gases (GHG)
Greenhouse gases are responsible for trapping heat in the atmosphere. While they are essential for sustaining life on Earth, human-driven increases in their concentration intensify global warming and accelerate climate change.
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ISO 14000
Set of international standards providing guidelines for environmental management, promoting responsible practices and continuous improvement in organizations.
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ISO 14001
International standard that sets requirements for an effective environmental management system. Helps improve performance, ensure compliance, and reduce negative environmental impact.
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ISO 14040
ISO 14040 defines the principles and framework for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), used to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product, process, or service throughout its entire life cycle.
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ISO 14064-1
ISO 14064-1:2018 is an international standard that sets principles and requirements to quantify and report greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals at the organizational level.
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ISO 14067
ISO 14067:2018 is an international standard that defines how to quantify and report the carbon footprint of a product (CFP), using life cycle assessment as the basis.
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ISO 20121
ISO 20121 is an international standard that establishes a management system for sustainability in event organization, helping to reduce negative impacts and maximize positive ones in social, economic, and environmental aspects.
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Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto Protocol was the first major international agreement that established binding commitments to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for industrialized countries, marking a milestone in global climate governance.
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Law 1/2023 on Environmental Quality of Asturias
Asturian environmental regulation boosting emission reduction based on activity impact and promoting voluntary carbon footprint registration.
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Law 1/2024 on Energy Transition and Climate Change of the Basque Country
Regulation requiring companies, public entities, and key sectors in Euskadi to calculate their carbon footprint and reduce emissions to achieve climate neutrality.
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Law 10/2019 on Climate Change and Energy Transition of the Balearic Islands
Regulation requiring large and medium-sized enterprises and public administrations in the Balearic Islands to calculate their carbon footprint and register it annually.
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Law 16/2017 on Climate Change of Catalonia
Regulation promoting emissions reduction in Catalonia and anticipating mandatory carbon footprint calculation with the future state Royal Decree.
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Law 2/2024 on Climate Change and Energy Transition of Galicia
Regulation requiring companies with more than 50 employees to register their carbon footprint and promoting a voluntary carbon credit market.
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Law 6/2022 and Decree-Law 5/2024 on Climate Change of the Canary Islands
Regulation requiring key sectors in the Canary Islands to calculate their carbon footprint and update after Decree-Law 5/2024 accelerates energy transition.
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Law 6/2022 on Climate Change and Ecological Transition of the Valencian Community
Regulation requiring companies with high energy consumption in the Valencian Community to calculate their carbon footprint and submit an annual reduction plan.
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Law 7/2021 and the Carbon Footprint in Aragón
From 2025, large companies in Aragón must calculate and register their carbon footprint as established in Law 7/2021.
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Law 7/2021 and the Carbon Footprint in Cantabria
From 2025, large companies in Cantabria must measure and register their carbon footprint according to Law 7/2021 on Climate Change.
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Law 7/2021 and the Carbon Footprint in Castilla y León
From 2025, large companies in Castilla y León must calculate and register their carbon footprint according to Law 7/2021 on Climate Change.
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Law 7/2021 and the Carbon Footprint in Castilla-La Mancha
From 2025, large companies in Castilla-La Mancha must measure and register their carbon footprint as established in Law 7/2021.
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Law 7/2021 and the Carbon Footprint in Ceuta
From 2025, large companies in Ceuta must calculate and register their carbon footprint according to Law 7/2021.
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Law 7/2021 and the Carbon Footprint in Extremadura
From 2025, large companies in Extremadura must calculate and register their carbon footprint according to Law 7/2021 on Climate Change.
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Law 7/2021 and the Carbon Footprint in La Rioja
From 2025, large companies in La Rioja must calculate and register their carbon footprint according to state Law 7/2021.
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Law 7/2021 and the Carbon Footprint in Madrid
From 2025, large companies in Madrid must calculate and register their carbon footprint according to Law 7/2021.
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Law 7/2021 and the Carbon Footprint in Melilla
From 2025, large companies in Melilla must calculate and register their carbon footprint according to state Law 7/2021.
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Law 7/2021 and the Carbon Footprint in the Region of Murcia
From 2025, large companies in Murcia must calculate and register their carbon footprint, in compliance with Law 7/2021.
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Law 8/2018 on Measures against Climate Change in Andalusia
Regulation requiring companies with high energy consumption and public contractors to calculate and register their carbon footprint in the SACE system.
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Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) evaluates the environmental impacts of a product from its creation to its final disposal, facilitating decisions to improve sustainability.
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Mexican Official Standards (NOM)
Essential Mexican official standards to ensure water quality, proper waste management, and control of atmospheric emissions.
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MITECO
Government body of Spain responsible for coordinating policies related to ecological transition, environmental protection, sustainable energy, and demographic challenges.
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NMX-SAA-14064-1-IMNC-2016
NMX-SAA-14064-1-IMNC-2016 provides guidelines for quantifying, managing, and reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, promoting climate transparency within organizations.
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NMX-SAA-14067-IMNC-2018
NMX-SAA-14067-IMNC-2018 provides guidelines for quantifying and communicating the carbon footprint of products, considering their entire life cycle—from raw materials to final disposal.
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NOM-001-SEMARNAT-2021
NOM-001-SEMARNAT-2021 regulates pollutant limits in wastewater discharges into national water bodies. Its goal is to protect water quality in Mexico and ensure the human right to water and sanitation.
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NOM-002-SEMARNAT-1996
NOM-002-SEMARNAT-1996 sets the maximum permissible limits of pollutants in wastewater discharged into urban or municipal sewer systems. It is mandatory for industrial, domestic, commercial, and other uses.
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NOM-043-SEMARNAT-1993
NOM-043-SEMARNAT-1993 sets maximum emission limits for solid particles released into the atmosphere from fixed sources. It applies nationwide, with stricter criteria in critical zones.
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NOM-098-SEMARNAT-2002
NOM-098 regulates atmospheric emissions from waste incineration facilities in Mexico. It sets limits and specifications to protect public health and the environment.
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NOM-163-SEMARNAT-ENER-SCFI-2013
NOM-163 sets maximum CO2 emission limits for new light-duty vehicles in Mexico and promotes energy efficiency in transportation. Learn who it applies to, what it regulates, and its 2024 update.
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Paris Agreement
International climate treaty aiming to limit global warming to below 2 °C and to pursue efforts to stay below 1.5 °C. It sets common goals and national emission reduction plans.
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Public Tender
Unha licitación pública é o proceso mediante o cal as administracións contratan bens, servizos ou obras a través dun procedemento aberto e transparente que garante a igualdade de oportunidades entre as empresas.
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Renewable Energy
Renewable energy comes from inexhaustible natural sources such as the sun, wind, or water. It is essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and move towards a sustainable energy model.
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Science Based Targets (SBTi)
Initiative helping companies and financial institutions set emission reduction targets aligned with science and the Paris Agreement, boosting credibility and strengthening corporate sustainability.
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Scope 1, 2 and 3: Types of GHG emissions
The GHG Protocol classifies greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions into three scopes: Scope 1, 2, and 3. This classification enables organizations to identify, measure, and manage their carbon footprint in a structured and effective manner.
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Scope 1: Direct Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Scope 1 includes all direct emissions generated by sources owned or controlled by an organization, such as boilers, vehicles, and industrial processes.
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Scope 3: Indirect emissions in the value chain
Scope 3 includes all indirect emissions that are not owned or directly controlled by the company, but that occur in its value chain. They represent the greatest challenge in corporate climate management.
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The SDGs are 17 global goals adopted by the UN in 2015, aiming to eradicate poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all, promoting a balance between economic development, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
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Sustainable Innovation
Sustainable innovation drives solutions that generate economic, environmental, and social value, positioning companies as agents of change towards a more resilient and responsible model.
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Sustainable Mobility
Sustainable mobility aims to meet transportation needs efficiently and environmentally responsibly, promoting alternatives to private cars and fostering more accessible cities.
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