Sustainability Practices in CSR and Nonprofit Organizations
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in CSR and Nonprofit Partnerships course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
**Acid Rain** – a type of precipitation with high levels of sulfuric or nitric a… #
It can have detrimental effects on the environment, including damage to forests, lakes, and buildings.
**Carbon Footprint** – the total amount of greenhouse gases produced to directly… #
It includes emissions from fuel that powers our homes, offices, and transportation, as well as the waste we generate.
**Carbon Offsetting** – the process of reducing, avoiding, or removing emissions… #
This can be achieved through various means, such as renewable energy projects, reforestation, or energy efficiency measures.
**Circular Economy** – an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the con… #
It is characterized by three principles: design out waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use, and regenerate natural systems.
**Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)** – a self #
regulating business model that helps a company be socially accountable to itself, its stakeholders, and the public. It involves initiatives that benefit society, such as environmental conservation, philanthropy, ethical labor practices, and volunteerism.
**CSR Reporting** – the practice of communicating a company's social, environmen… #
It includes the company's CSR strategy, goals, performance, and future plans, and can take the form of an annual report, sustainability report, or integrated report.
**Eco #
Efficiency** – a business approach that aims to reduce the use of materials and energy in production processes while increasing the productivity of these resources. This results in reduced costs, improved competitiveness, and reduced environmental impact.
**Ethical Consumption** – the practice of making purchasing decisions based on s… #
**Ethical Consumption** – the practice of making purchasing decisions based on social, environmental, and ethical considerations, such as fair labor practices, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability.
**Fair Trade** – a movement that aims to ensure better trading conditions for pr… #
It involves paying a fair price for products, providing safe working conditions, and promoting environmental sustainability.
**Green Building** – a building that is designed, constructed, and operated to m… #
This is achieved through energy and water efficiency, use of sustainable materials, and improved indoor air quality.
**Green Economy** – an economy that aims for sustainable development without deg… #
It is characterized by low carbon emissions, efficient use of resources, and social equity.
**Greenwashing** – the practice of making false or misleading claims about the e… #
It is used to deceive consumers and improve a company's public image.
**Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)** – a method used to evaluate the environmental im… #
It is used to identify areas of improvement and make informed decisions about product design and development.
**Natural Capital** – the stock of natural resources, such as air, water, land,… #
It includes both renewable and non-renewable resources, and its depletion or degradation can have negative impacts on human well-being.
**Non #
governmental Organization (NGO)** – a non-profit, voluntary organization that operates independently of government. NGOs work to promote social or environmental causes, and can include charities, advocacy groups, and community organizations.
**Social Enterprise** – a business that aims to address social or environmental… #
It is characterized by a dual mission of financial sustainability and social impact, and operates in a variety of sectors, including healthcare, education, and renewable energy.
**Social Impact** – the positive or negative effect that a business, organizatio… #
It can be measured through various metrics, such as job creation, poverty reduction, and carbon emissions.
**Stakeholder Engagement** – the process of involving and communicating with sta… #
It is used to build trust, foster collaboration, and ensure that the interests and concerns of stakeholders are taken into account.
**Sustainability** – the ability to meet the needs of the present without compro… #
It encompasses economic, social, and environmental dimensions, and is often referred to as the triple bottom line.
**Sustainability Reporting** – the practice of communicating a company's sustain… #
It includes the company's sustainability strategy, goals, performance, and future plans, and can take the form of an annual report, sustainability report, or integrated report.
**Triple Bottom Line** – a framework for measuring a company's sustainability pe… #
It is used to ensure that a company's activities are not only financially sustainable, but also socially responsible and environmentally friendly.
**United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)** – a set of 17 interco… #
The SDGs provide a roadmap for sustainable development, and are integrated into the policies and practices of governments, businesses, and organizations worldwide.
**Volunteerism** – the practice of volunteering time, skills, and resources to s… #
It is a key aspect of corporate social responsibility, and can have positive impacts on both the volunteer and the community.
**Waste Management** – the process of collecting, transporting, processing, and… #
It includes reduction, reuse, recycling, and recovery, and is a critical component of sustainable development.