A guide to modern sustainability jargon

Cundall has created a glossary of the decarbonisation and sustainability terms most commonly used in finance, property, design and construction in an attempt to demystify the language around net zero and ESG requirements in the urban environment.

From frequently misunderstood terms, such as carbon neutral, embodied carbon and sequestration, through to defining three colours of hydrogen, the glossary is a guide to the 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, providing practical examples within context of the built environment. Furthermore, it explores some of the more obscure terms that Cundall’s experts predict will become part of everyday conversations in the near future.

Compiled by Cundall’s team of sustainability and ESG experts, the glossary includes over 130 terms relating to the built environment in 2024. It has been designed to empower individuals across the industry to gain a deeper understanding of the language that is shaping the sustainability transition.

Madlen Jannaschk, Cundall Associate, Head of ESG Strategy (Asia-Pacific), highlighted the challenge created by the plethora of terms 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. We are seeing decarbonisation become a mainstream priority, and other matters such as social value creation increasingly part of the boardroom agenda,” Jannaschk said.

“This is a new language for business and for policymakers. 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.”

The glossary was collated and designed as part of Cundall’s Zero Carbon Design 2030 initiative, a global commitment that aims to achieve net zero carbon on all Cundall projects by 2030. Part of this commitment is to collaborate with clients to accelerate the transition. The glossary is being shared as widely as possible to facilitate conversations around net zero carbon and ESG.

The A to Z of NZC glossary can be downloaded here.