ESG Insider Lingo Flashcards
DECK 3 (11 cards)
Greenwashing
Making sustainability claims that sound good but are mostly PR.
💡 Use when explaining why transparency & data matter.
Double Materiality
It’s not just how the world affects your biz — it’s how your biz affects the world.
💡 Drop this with EU rules like CSRD & SFDR.
Circular Economy
Designing out waste, keeping materials in use — like reduce, reuse, recycle but as a strategy.
💡 Perfect when talking about sustainability beyond recycling.
Decarbonisation
Cutting carbon emissions for real — changing how you operate, not just offsetting.
💡 Talk net zero goals or supply chain shifts.
Transition Risk
Financial risks as we move to low-carbon economy — regs, markets, stranded assets.
💡 Use in finance or investment chats.
Biodiversity Impact
Protecting ecosystems and species too.
💡 Great for nature-based roles.
Stakeholder Capitalism
Considering people, planet, and profit — not just shareholders.
💡 Ideal for ‘why ESG matters’ or company culture answers.
Value Chain vs Supply Chain
Supply chain moves goods; value chain covers raw materials to disposal impact.
💡 Flex this when asked about Scope 3 or lifecycle thinking.
Carbon Neutral
Balancing the amount of carbon dioxide released with an equivalent amount removed or offset — basically zero net emissions.
💡 Use when companies talk about offsetting their carbon footprint.
Net Zero
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible and balancing any leftover emissions with removals — goes deeper than just offsetting.
💡 Shows you get the difference between surface-level carbon neutral and the real-deal commitment.
Climate Positive (or Carbon Negative)
Going beyond net zero by removing more emissions than you produce — leaving a positive impact on the climate.
💡 Use to show ambition and leadership in sustainability.
