Sustainability Flashcards
(25 cards)
Purpose of the Environmental Act 2021
Protect and enhance the environment and set legally binding targets for air and water quality, waste reduction and biodiversity. over 25 years
Obligations from businesses under the Environmental act 2021
Compliance with environmental standards and regulations. Follow sustainable practices like practices to reduce environmental impact. Mandatory reporting on environmental performance and compliance
Benefits of improving waste management practices
- Business benefits
- Cost saving
- Increased reputation
- Compliance with regulations to avoid fines
Name the 3 pillars of sustainability
economic
Environmental
social
State benefits of improving waste management practices
Business benefts
cost saving
increased reputation
compliance with regulations to avoid fines
Define biodiversity
Species of animals and plants depend on each other to survive.
What is a conservation covenant?
An agreement between a landowner and a body like a charity or public body to do something on their land for conservation purposes
What are environmental performance measures?
metrics used to assess a company’s environmental impact. common measures are:
carbon footprint, energy consumption, water usage, waste management and emission levels
Define carbon footprint
greenhouse gas emissions produced by a business’ operations
Energy consumption definition
Total energy used, including electricity, gas and renewables
Water usage definition
The volume of water consumed and its sources
Define water management
amount of water generated, recycled and sent to landfill
Define emission levels
amount of pollutants released into the environment
How do we measure water and energy use?
Installation of meters and energy management systems to track usage
Outcome of COP29
Call for countries to transition away from fossil fuel—goals on scaling up renewable energy and cutting transport emissions. protecting forests
Local benefits of sustainable development
- community resilience
- preserve natural resource
- Quality of life improvements
- improves health, education and living conditions.
Government’s definition of sustainable development
Economic growth (promoting a sustainable economy)
Environmental protection
social inclusion
Sustainability strategic goals
Net-zero emissions by 2050
improve public health
define sustainable solutions
strategies that meet current needs without harming future generations ability to meet their own needs
what is the Agenda 2030?
Global plan adopted by the UN to achieve 17 sustainable development goat by 2030. Aimed at eradicating poverty, improving health, ensuring sustainable energy and more
What is the UK’s commitment to Agenda 2030?
- Reduce inequality and poverty
- ensure sustainable energy solutions
- Improve the quality of education and healthcare
- Protect the environment and promote sustainable development across industries
What is the voluntary national review (VNR)?
self-assessment report presented to the UN
Shows the UK’s progress towards the 17 SDGs
purpose: improve transparency and accountability
How does the UK monitor progress?
Office of National Statistics is responsible for tracking progress on goals
regular reporting through VNRs
Data collection from various sectors
Difference between micro and macro levels
Micro- business level
Macro- national and international
