Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
A family of chemicals commonly used in air conditioners and refrigerators as coolants and also as solvents and aerosol propellants. The use of CFCs and other compounds (HCFC, Halons, Methyl Bromide, Trichloroethane) has been identified as the major cause of ozone layer depletion. Their use is being phased out internationally through the Montreal Protocol, and in the UK by subsequent legislation.. These compounds are also referred to as ozone
depleting substances (ODS).

Climate Change
This term is commonly used interchangeably with "global warming" and "the greenhouse effect". Climate change refers to the increase of man-made gases in the atmosphere that trap the suns heat, causing changes in weather patterns on a global scale. A significant majority of scientists, most notably the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) cite the emission of greenhouse gases from the combustion of fossil fuels as the main contributor to climate change. The effects include changes in rainfall patterns, sea level rise, potential droughts, habitat loss, and heat stress. The greenhouse gases of most concern are carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxides.

Climate Change Levy
The Climate Change Levy is charged on industrial and commercial use of energy. It aims to encourage more efficient use of energy and to assist the UK to meet its reduced greenhouse gas emission commitments under the Kyoto Agreement.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Carbon Dioxide is the principal greenhouse gas. It is emitted from natural and
human activities. For human activities, it is primarily associated with the
combustion of fossil fuels for electricity generation and transportation.

Environmental Impact
Any change in the environment, whether adverse or beneficial, wholly or partially resulting from an organisation's activities, products or services.

Environmental Management System
A systematic and coherent approach to the management of environmental issues and responsibilities enabling an organisation to secure continual and demonstrable improvements in performance over time. The approach can formalised through the certification of a management system to the international specification,
BS EN ISO 14001.

Environmental Performance Indicator:
A measurement, statistic or value that provides a proximate gauge or evidence of the effects of environmental management programs or of the state or condition of the environment.

Environmental Review
An investigation of processes and procedures of a company or site with respect to its compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations, it's environmental policy and best practice. An environmental review identifies, documents and assesses the organisational impacts on environmental conditions. It provides a critical step in the subsequent development of any environmental management or action programme.

Kyoto Protocol
An international accord, drawn up in 1997 setting limits on greenhouse gas
emissions.

Landfill
A method for the final disposal of solid waste on land. Landfills are required to have liners and leachate treatment systems to prevent contamination of ground water and surface waters. They may also vent methane gas (created as part of the decomposition process) which can be captured and used to generate electricity.

Montreal Protocol
International Treaty, signed in 1987, which governs the protection of the stratospheric ozone, and the phasing out of production and use of ozone-depleting substances. It provides for the end of production of ozone-depleting substances such as CFCS. The Protocol has been ratified by 165 countries.

Ozone Layer Depletion
Destruction of the stratospheric ozone layer which shields the earth from ultraviolet radiation harmful to life. This destruction of ozone is caused by the breakdown of certain chlorine and/or-bromine containing compounds.

Recycling
Minimising waste generation by recovering and reprocessing usable products that might otherwise become waste (.i.e. recycling of aluminum cans, paper, and bottles, etc.). If no reprocessing is involved and the product remains in its original form (e.g. returnable beverage bottle), this is termed re-use.

Supply Chain
The progression of businesses involved in the supply and purchase of materials and goods, from raw materials to final product.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
The WEEE Directive requires end-of life electronic and electrical equipment to be collected for recovery, recycling and re-use. It starts the parliamentary process in autumn this year and is expected to become law in 2002. Electronic equipment will have to contain recycled, or recyclable, components and be labelled so that they are disposed of correctly by the consumer.

Waste Stream:
The total flow of solid waste from homes, businesses, institutions, and/or
manufacturing plants that are recycled, burned, or disposed of in landfills, or segments thereof such as the "residential waste stream" or the "recyclable waste stream."