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The Sustainability Glossary.

Updated on
July 29, 2024

Dcycle has launched the Sustainability Glossary, a collection of the most relevant sustainability terms and their definitions. The aim of the glossary is to provide a common understanding of sustainability and all it comprises. 

The glossary brings together the three key areas of sustainability: society, environment and economy, which together, in balance, can ensure sustainable development. You can access the glossary directly from this link

What is the sustainability glossary? 

  • A resource to spread a common understanding of sustainability.
  • A support guide for our clients.  
  • It helps to distinguish between environmental, economic and social sustainability. 
  • It includes 187 terms divided according to the three pillars of sustainability, which will be expanded in the future. 
  • It helps to understand the different environmental impact reduction strategies. 
  • It provides an insight into the most relevant international standards and agreements. 
  • It explains the problems posed by climate change. 
  • It presents different solutions that currently exist to reduce our environmental impact.

What to use the Sustainability Glossary for? 

This glossary can be shared by the company both internally and externally, and will help to resolve doubts about sustainability terms.In addition, it will allow to know to which category each term belongs (environmental, social, economic). Thus, it will help the company to find a balance between the three pillars in order to be able to make strategic decisions. 

Dcycle and the Sustainability Glossary 

At Dcycle we are committed to make sustainability easy and promote transparency. 

We want to share our knowledge with you so that together we can be guided by these common terms as we move towards sustainability. 

Thank you for reading our blog. In case you want to know more about how to implement sustainability in the value chain click on the following link

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Alba Selva Ortiz
Brand Manager

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Can You Calculate a Product’s Carbon Footprint?

Carbon footprint calculation analyzes all emissions generated throughout a product’s life cycle, including raw material extraction, production, transportation, usage, and disposal.

The most recognized methodologies are:

  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
  • ISO 14067
  • PAS 2050

Digital tools like Dcycle simplify the process, providing accurate and actionable insights.

What Are the Most Recognized Certifications?
  • ISO 14067 – Defines carbon footprint measurement for products.
  • EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) – Environmental impact based on LCA.
  • Cradle to Cradle (C2C) – Evaluates sustainability and circularity.
  • LEED & BREEAM – Certifications for sustainable buildings.
Which Industries Have the Highest Carbon Footprint?
  • Construction – High emissions from cement and steel.
  • Textile – Intense water usage and fiber production emissions.
  • Food Industry – Large-scale agriculture and transportation impact.
  • Transportation – Fossil fuel dependency in vehicles and aviation.
How Can Companies Reduce Product Carbon Footprints?
  • Use recycled or low-emission materials.
  • Optimize production processes to cut energy use.
  • Shift to renewable energy sources.
  • Improve transportation and logistics to reduce emissions.
Is Carbon Reduction Expensive?

Some strategies require initial investment, but long-term benefits outweigh costs.

  • Energy efficiency lowers operational expenses.
  • Material reuse and recycling reduces procurement costs.
  • Sustainability certifications open new business opportunities.

Investing in carbon reduction is not just an environmental action, it’s a smart business strategy.