Glossary of terms related to
carbon footprint measurement

The 2030 Agenda is the action plan adopted by all 193 Member States of the United Nations in September 2015.

Blue water scarcity is an indicator that compares the consumption of surface and groundwater resources (blue water footprint) with the availability of renewable freshwater within a river basin over a specific period.

The blue water footprint represents the volume of surface and groundwater withdrawn from rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and aquifers to produce goods and services.

Blue carbon refers to the carbon stored in coastal and marine ecosystems, such as mangroves, seagrass meadows, and salt marshes.

The blue economy promotes the sustainable use of marine resources to drive economic development, protect the environment, and foster social well-being, addressing challenges such as climate change and marine pollution.

B Corp Certification is a global standard that validates companies for their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, promoting practices that reduce carbon footprints and create a positive impact on society and the environment.

The Carbon Trust Footprint Label is a seal granted by the independent organization Carbon Trust that certifies and communicates the carbon footprint of a product, organization, or service.

The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) is a legislative proposal by the European Union aimed at establishing legal obligations for companies to identify, prevent, and mitigate adverse impacts of their activities on human rights and the environment throughout their value chains.

The COP (Conference of the Parties) is the supreme decision-making body established under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Carbon leakage is a phenomenon in which greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions shift from a region with stricter environmental regulations to another with more lenient standards.

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a regulatory tool developed by the European Union to prevent carbon leakage and promote global decarbonization.

Discover what carbon footprint certification is, why it matters, the main international standards, and how your organization can obtain it. Reduce your environmental impact with Manglai.

Discover how the circular economy helps reduce the carbon footprint by minimizing waste and promoting resource reuse. Learn how it works with Manglai!

Discover what climate risk disclosure is and how companies assess their environmental impact and communicate it to stakeholders. Learn why it matters with Manglai.

Discover the CSRD, the EU’s new directive on corporate sustainability reporting. Understand its impact on businesses, the disclosure requirements, and how Manglai can help you meet them.

Understand what CO₂ equivalent means and why it's important in measuring the carbon footprint. Learn how it’s calculated and its role in fighting climate change.

Discover what a carbon footprint is, why it matters, how it is measured, and the emission scopes defined by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

Learn what carbon gaps are and how to analyze them to reach your sustainability goals. Understanding the difference between your current emissions and your climate targets is vital.

Carpooling is a practice where several people who make similar trips share a single vehicle.

Discover what climate risk is and how it affects your business. Learn to identify different types of risks, their impact, and how to mitigate them with Manglai.

Ensure the accuracy and verification of your carbon footprint. Learn about certification, standards such as the GHG Protocol and ISO 14064, and best practices with Manglai.

Discover what the carbon budget is and why it is crucial to fighting climate change. Learn how businesses can measure and manage their environmental impact with Manglai.

Discover what an action plan to reduce your company's carbon footprint is, why it matters, and how to create one with Manglai.

Discover what climate neutrality is and how to achieve a balance between GHG emissions and removals. Learn to measure your impact and explore strategies for a sustainable future.

Discover how carbon footprint monitoring can help you reduce your environmental impact. Learn to measure and manage your CO₂ emissions for a more sustainable future.

Discover what climate change mitigation is and how actions to reduce GHG emissions are crucial in combating global warming. Learn about strategies, examples, and the importance of carbon footprint measurement at Manglai.

Discover what climate finance is and how it drives the fight against climate change. Learn about its sources, challenges, and opportunities with Manglai.

Carbon credits are a key tool in the fight against climate change, enabling companies and governments to offset their emissions by investing in projects that reduce greenhouse gases on a global scale.

Discover what the CDP is and its importance in measuring the carbon footprint—an essential tool for businesses to manage their environmental impact and contribute to the fight against climate change.

Explore the crucial role of carbon sinks in the fight against climate change, their ability to absorb CO₂, and strategies to enhance their effectiveness in reducing the carbon footprint.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) integrates companies’ ethical commitment with their social and environmental impact, highlighting its importance in sustainability and carbon footprint measurement.

Explore climate resilience, its importance in adapting to the effects of climate change, and how businesses can implement it for a sustainable and competitive future.

The carbon footprint registry is an essential tool for measuring and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, facilitating sustainability and compliance with global climate objectives.

The Climate Change and Energy Transition Law 7/2021 establishes a legal framework in Spain to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability, playing a key role in measuring and managing corporate carbon footprints.

Climate justice addresses climate change from a human rights and social equity perspective, highlighting its importance in reducing the carbon footprint and its impact on vulnerable communities.

Carbon intensity is a key indicator for measuring CO₂ emissions per unit of activity, essential in the fight against climate change and carbon footprint management.

Explore Cumulative Environmental Impact, a key concept for assessing sustainability and managing the environment, encompassing all effects of an activity throughout its life cycle.

Explore the concept of carbon neutrality and its importance in the fight against climate change, along with the necessary steps to achieve it and the technological tools that facilitate this process.

A carbon audit is a crucial process for measuring and managing greenhouse gas emissions, helping organizations reduce their environmental impact and comply with sustainability regulations.

The concept of carbon negative is essential in the fight against climate change, as it involves removing more greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere than are generated, actively contributing to corporate sustainability and global CO₂ reduction.

The carbon footprint measures the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by human activities, and its reduction is key to mitigating climate change through strategies such as energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy.

The climate crisis drives global warming, leading to consequences such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, and resource scarcity. Mitigation and adaptation actions are essential to protect the planet and ensure a sustainable future.

Climate change is a global warming phenomenon caused by the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, leading to significant environmental and social consequences and requiring mitigation and adaptation efforts at a global level.

Understand the concept of double materiality within the CSRD and how it influences carbon footprint measurement. Learn how Manglai helps identify risks and opportunities for a more sustainable future.

Discover what decarbonization means and how this shift toward a sustainable future can help combat climate change. Learn about key strategies and measurement tools.

Discover what double materiality analysis is and how to apply it to your company’s carbon footprint. Learn to identify risks and opportunities for sustainable management.

D2w refers to an additive that, when incorporated into conventional plastics, aims to speed up their degradation through a process known as oxidation.

Downcycling, a recycling process that transforms materials into lower-quality products, is crucial for waste management and carbon footprint reduction in the circular economy.

The Directive 2000/60/EC, known as the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD), establishes the legislative framework for the protection and sustainable management of water resources within the European Union.

An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a verified and registered document that provides transparent, comparable, and science-based information on the environmental performance of a product, based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in accordance with ISO 14025.

The electric footprint refers to the environmental impact associated with electricity consumption by an individual, company, or region, measured primarily in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The event carbon footprint refers to the total amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated—directly or indirectly—as a result of organizing and participating in an event, such as a conference, festival, sports competition, or corporate meeting.

An emissions trading system (ETS)—also known as a carbon market—is an economic mechanism that assigns a price to the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs).

The European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is one of the main instruments of the EU’s climate policy for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The ESG Data Convergence Initiative (EDCI) is a global initiative that seeks to unify and standardize the collection and reporting of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) data in the private equity sector.

ESG due diligence requirements refer to the due diligence obligations that companies must apply in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters.

The EDGE certification (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) is an international rating system that promotes the design and construction of buildings with a low environmental impact.

Discover what energy efficiency means, how to calculate it, and how it helps reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Discover what environmental aspects are and how they impact your company’s carbon footprint. Learn how to identify and manage them for a stronger sustainability commitment.

Discover what sustainability indicators (KPIs) are, their importance in measuring the carbon footprint, and how they benefit your company. Learn how to use them with Manglai.

Discover what environmental impact is and how it relates to the carbon footprint. Learn about its types, measurement, and the importance of mitigation.

Discover what the European Green Deal is and how it drives the decarbonization of the economy. Understand its impact on carbon footprint measurement and businesses.

Discover the ESRS and their impact on corporate sustainability reporting. Learn how these European standards drive transparency and action toward a sustainable future.

Environmental rights are fundamental principles that ensure a healthy and sustainable environment, playing a crucial role in measuring and reducing the carbon footprint to mitigate the environmental impact of human activities.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) promotes sustainability by requiring manufacturers to manage the waste from their products, thereby reducing the carbon footprint and encouraging more responsible practices throughout their lifecycle.

Environmental responsibility is essential for mitigating climate change, as it involves the obligation of individuals and businesses to reduce their environmental impact and effectively manage their carbon footprint.

Environmental legislation establishes key regulations to protect the environment and reduce the carbon footprint, promoting sustainable development and innovation in responsible practices.

Explore environmental policy as a key tool for managing the carbon footprint and promoting sustainability in organizations, including its definition, importance, and essential elements for effective implementation.

Spain’s Environmental Responsibility Law establishes a legal framework to prevent and remediate environmental damage, promoting the polluter pays principle and fostering sustainable practices in the fight against climate change.

The ecological footprint measures the environmental impact of human activities by assessing resource consumption and waste generation in relation to the planet’s regenerative capacity, making it essential for sustainability and the fight against climate change.

Environmental governance is essential for the sustainable management of natural resources and the fight against climate change, integrating regulations and technologies to reduce the carbon footprint and promote citizen participation.

The Energy Label is a key tool for promoting energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint, enabling sustainable decisions for consumers and businesses in the fight against climate change.

Environmental Impact Assessment is a crucial process that ensures sustainable development by identifying and mitigating the negative effects of projects while linking to the carbon footprint to address climate change.

The EU Ecolabel (EEE) is a certification that identifies sustainable products and services, promoting responsible practices and reducing the carbon footprint throughout their life cycle.

The ESRS S4 establishes a framework for companies to assess and report the social and environmental impact of their products on consumers, promoting sustainability and transparency in their business practices.

The ESRS E2 - Pollution is an essential standard that guides companies in measuring and managing their environmental impacts, promoting sustainability and transparency in the fight against pollution.

The ESRS S3 - Affected Communities is a key European Union standard that measures the social and environmental impact of business activities, promoting sustainability and social responsibility in carbon footprint management.

The ESRS S2 - Protecting workers in the business value chain establishes a sustainability standard that obliges companies to report on labor conditions and human rights in their supply chain, promoting transparency and responsible management of the carbon footprint.

The ESRS S1 - own workforce is a key European Union standard that helps companies manage the carbon footprint associated with their workforce, promoting sustainability and regulatory compliance.

The ESRS E4 establishes a regulatory framework for companies to manage their impact on biodiversity and ecosystems, promoting sustainability and transparency in their environmental reports.

The ESRS E3 establishes standards for companies to report on their impact on water and marine resources, promoting sustainability and the responsible management of these vital ecosystems.

EMAS is a voluntary EU environmental management scheme that helps organizations improve their environmental performance, promote transparency, and reduce their carbon footprint through audits and verified statements.

Emissions offsetting is a key strategy to balance greenhouse gas emissions through projects that reduce or absorb emissions, essential for achieving climate neutrality and mitigating climate change.

The “Fit for 55” package is the legislative roadmap presented by the European Commission to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.

Explore the role of FASB in integrating sustainability metrics and carbon footprint measurement into financial reports, promoting transparency and corporate climate action.

Explore the environmental impact of fast fashion and its relationship with the carbon footprint, as well as sustainable solutions to mitigate its negative effects on the environment.

The GHG Protocol Product Life Cycle Accounting and Reporting Standard (commonly referred to as the GHG Protocol Product Standard) is the global methodology developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) to quantify and report the carbon footprint of products throughout their entire life cycle.

The Green-to-Blue Ratio (G/B) is an indicator that expresses the proportion of green water (rainwater consumed on-site by crops or vegetation) relative to blue water (surface or groundwater extracted for irrigation) used in agricultural or industrial processes.

The grey water footprint quantifies the volume of freshwater required to dilute pollutants generated by human activities so that water quality meets specific environmental or regulatory standards.

The green water footprint quantifies the volume of rainwater stored in the soil as moisture and consumed by crops and vegetation through evapotranspiration.

Learn the definition of global warming and understand how it impacts the planet. Discover how Manglai, your SaaS for carbon footprint measurement, can help you fight it.

Discover the importance of governance in accurately measuring and effectively managing your company's carbon footprint.

The acronym GLCC stands for “Global Low-Carbon Chemicals,” an initiative aimed at reducing the chemical industry’s carbon footprint worldwide by driving changes in production, distribution, and use of chemical substances.

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is an internationally recognized independent and nonprofit organization best known for developing the most widely used standard for sustainability reporting.

Discover what emission reduction is and why it is crucial to fighting climate change. Learn how Manglai can help you measure and reduce your impact.

Learn about the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, the international standard for accounting and reporting GHG emissions. Discover how Manglai uses it to measure your carbon footprint.

The GRI Standards provide a comprehensive framework for companies to measure and report their carbon footprint transparently and comparably. Discover how to apply them with Manglai.

Discover what greenhouse gases (GHGs) are, how they contribute to global warming, and why measuring your carbon footprint is crucial. Learn how Manglai can help you.

Understand what the greenhouse effect is and its impact on climate change. Discover how Manglai helps you measure and reduce your carbon footprint.

Green Public Procurement (GPP) prioritizes environmental criteria in contracting, promoting sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint in procurement processes.

Explore the phenomenon of greenwashing, its implications for sustainability, and how to identify and combat these deceptive practices to promote a more responsible and transparent economy.

Green finance is crucial in the fight against climate change, mobilizing resources for sustainable projects that reduce emissions and promote a low-carbon economy.

ISO 14025 establishes the principles and procedures for developing Type III environmental declarations, commonly known as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).

ISO 14046 specifies the principles, requirements, and guidelines for quantifying the water footprint of products, processes, and organizations using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach.

ISO 14044 is the international standard that defines the detailed requirements and guidelines for conducting a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

ISO 20121 is an international standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that sets out the requirements for a sustainability management system applied to the design, organization, and execution of events. Its goal is to minimize negative environmental, social, and economic impacts while maximizing positive outcomes for all stakeholders involved.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a global federation of national standardization bodies, founded in 1947.

The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) is the leading international body for assessing climate change.

Learn what the ISO 14064 standard is and how this international standard helps organizations quantify, manage, and report their greenhouse gas emissions.

Discover how to integrate the ESRS into your company's strategy to enhance transparency, sustainability, and access to financing. Learn about the benefits and integration process at Manglai.

Learn how Impact Assessment in the CSRD drives corporate transparency. Discover its connection to the carbon footprint and how companies can tackle this challenge.

The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) is a key organization in standardizing sustainability disclosure, essential for measuring carbon footprints and mitigating climate change.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) plays a fundamental role in carbon footprint measurement, providing essential data and tools for governments and businesses in the fight against climate change and the promotion of sustainable energy policies.

ISO 14067 establishes international guidelines for measuring and communicating the carbon footprint of products, promoting transparency and sustainability in the fight against climate change.

The ISO 14040 standard establishes a fundamental framework for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), enabling organizations to measure and manage their environmental impact systematically and transparently.

The ISO 14001 standard provides an international framework for environmental management, helping organizations measure and reduce their carbon footprint in the context of sustainability and climate change.

ISO 14000 is a set of international standards that helps organizations manage their environmental impact and measure their carbon footprint, promoting sustainability and compliance with environmental regulations.

The Just Transition Mechanism (JTM) is a European Union (EU) instrument designed to support the regions and communities most affected by the shift toward a climate-neutral economy.

The Just Transition Fund (JTF) is a European Union mechanism designed to mitigate the socioeconomic impact of the transition toward a carbon-neutral economy.

The Kyoto Protocol, a key international agreement adopted in 1997, establishes binding commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, laying the foundation for global climate action and carbon footprint measurement.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a scientific methodology that systematically evaluates the environmental impacts associated with all stages of a product’s, process’s, or service’s life — from raw material extraction (cradle) to end-of-life disposal (grave).

The LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is one of the most widely recognized sustainable building rating systems in the world.

The low-carbon economy is an essential economic model for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainability and innovation through renewable energy and efficient practices across all sectors.

Discover MITECO’s role in carbon footprint measurement and its impact on Spanish organizations. Learn about the registry, obligations, and benefits.

Discover what materiality in sustainability is and how to identify key topics that impact your company and its stakeholders. Learn about its strategic importance!

NIS B-1 represents another standard or classification that demands high levels of control and quality.

NIS A-1 is a standard or classification that appears in certain contexts related to management, quality, or safety systems.

“Net-zero emissions” means balancing greenhouse gas emissions with their removal to mitigate climate change, addressing challenges such as the energy transition and international cooperation.

Explore the key role of the OECD in carbon footprint measurement and its influence on sustainable policies and the fight against climate change.

PAS 2050 (Publicly Available Specification 2050) is a British specification published by the British Standards Institution (BSI) in 2008 and updated in 2011.

The Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) quantifies the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated throughout a product’s entire life cycle — from the extraction of raw materials to its end-of-life disposal.

The Paris Agreement, a cornerstone in the fight against climate change, drives emissions reductions and global climate action. Learn how it impacts your carbon footprint.

The "polluter pays" principle establishes that those responsible for pollution must bear the costs of their actions, promoting sustainability and environmental justice within the current legal and business framework.

The Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) is Spain’s essential strategy to reduce emissions, promote renewable energy, and advance towards climate neutrality by 2050, aligning with the commitments of the Paris Agreement.

QHSE is a comprehensive management system that integrates quality, health, safety, and environment, key to corporate sustainability and carbon footprint reduction.

The term reduced carbon footprint refers to products, services, or organizations that have verifiably decreased their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to a previous baseline or reference period.

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are instruments that verify that a specific amount of electricity has been generated from renewable sources.

Discover the different types of renewable energy and how they help reduce the carbon footprint. Learn about their benefits and the key role they play in environmental sustainability.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) promotes guidelines for organizing sustainable conferences and conventions aimed at reducing the environmental impact of its own summits (such as the COP) and other international meetings.

Explore the social dimension of the carbon footprint. Discover how consumption patterns, social justice, and public policy influence our emissions and shape a sustainable future.

Discover what Science-Based Targets (SBTs) are and how they help your company fight climate change by setting emission reduction targets.

Discover what SASB is and how its standards help companies measure and communicate their environmental impact to investors.

Discover what the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are and how they relate to the carbon footprint. Learn how Manglai can help you achieve them.

Discover what SQAS (Safety and Quality Assessment for Sustainability) is—an evaluation system developed by the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC) that establishes specific requirements for quality, safety, and environmental protection for suppliers in the chemical industry.

Discover what SFDR is and how this EU regulation promotes transparency and sustainability in the financial market, directly impacting corporate carbon footprint measurement.

The sustainable supply chain is key to reducing the carbon footprint and minimizing negative environmental, social, and economic impacts.

A sustainability report is an essential document that enables companies to communicate their commitment to sustainable development, measure their environmental, social, and economic impact, and promote transparency with their stakeholders.

Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) integrates ethical and environmental criteria into financial decisions, promoting a sustainable future and aligning economic benefits with a positive impact on society and the environment.

Scope 3 emissions are indirect greenhouse gas emissions in an organization’s value chain that are not directly produced by the company but are related to its activities.

Scope 2 emissions encompass indirect GHG emissions associated with the consumption of electricity, heat, and steam purchased by the organization.

Scope 1 emissions originate from sources owned or controlled by the organization, such as fuel combustion in vehicles, boilers, or machinery. Essentially, Scope 1 emissions represent the most tangible and attributable part of a company’s carbon footprint.

The TNFD is a crucial global framework that helps companies assess and manage nature-related risks and opportunities, promoting sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint.

The TCFD is a key international initiative that promotes transparency and climate risk management in businesses, helping them align with sustainable practices and carbon footprint measurement.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), known in Spanish as el Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Medio Ambiente (PNUMA), is the leading environmental authority within the UN system.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading UN agency focused on eradicating poverty, reducing inequality, and promoting sustainable development.

Upcycling transforms discarded materials into new, higher-value products, contributing to sustainability and carbon footprint reduction within the circular economy framework.

Explore the concept of urban sustainability and its crucial relationship with the carbon footprint, highlighting its importance in the fight against climate change and the improvement of quality of life in cities.

The United Nations Global Compact is an initiative that encourages companies to adopt sustainable and responsible practices, aligned with universal principles in human rights, the environment, and the fight against corruption, thereby contributing to sustainable development and carbon footprint measurement.

The Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) is an international certification program for projects that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Discover what the value chain is and how it connects to your company’s carbon footprint. Learn how to identify and reduce emissions with Manglai.

The Water Poverty Index (WPI) is a composite tool used to assess water scarcity and vulnerability in communities and countries by integrating both physical availability and socioeconomic factors.

Water stress refers to a condition in which water demand exceeds available resources during a given period or when poor water quality limits usability.

Water Footprint Assessment (WFA) is a systematic methodology for quantifying and analyzing water use and pollution associated with products, processes, companies, or territories.

Water impact refers to the environmental, social, and economic effects resulting from human activities that use or pollute water resources.

The Water Footprint Network (WFN) is an international non-profit organization founded in 2008 with the goal of promoting sustainable and equitable water management through research, methodological development, and dissemination of the water footprint concept.

The WELL certification is an international standard that focuses on the health and well-being of people within built environments.

The water footprint is a key sustainability indicator that measures the total freshwater used in the production of goods and services, essential for promoting responsible water resource management.