Glossary

Carbon negative – Reduction of an entity’s carbon emissions to less than neutral, such that more are removed from the atmosphere than are being emitted.

Carbon offset – Action or activity (e.g., forest restoration, renewable energy installation) that compensates for an entity’s emission of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases to atmosphere.

ESG – Environmental, social & governance – three key factors when measuring the sustainability and ethical impact of an organization. Financial institutions are increasingly applying these criteria when analyzing risks and opportunities of investments.

Equity – Fair treatment, access, opportunity and advancement for all people with a recognition of specific needs and circumstances.

Materiality assessment – Stakeholder outreach to inform the development of an organization’s sustainability risks, opportunities and priorities.

Net zero – Point at which there is a balance between the amount of carbon emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed from the atmosphere.

Resiliency – Ability to survive, recover, adapt and thrive from chronic stresses and acute shocks.

Science-based targets – Carbon emission targets set by organizations to ensure emissions reductions in line with the Paris Agreement – limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C (2.7°F) above pre-industrial levels.

SDGs – United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a “blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.” Established in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly, they are intended to be achieved by 2030.

Social value – Analysis and measurement of the social, economic and environmental impacts of an organization’s activities on individuals, communities and society. Example components include health and wellbeing, equity and economic inclusion, housing, mobility, work, and access to vital services and sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics – strategic employee volunteering focus for Jacobs.

Sustainability – Ensuring long-term business resilience and success while positively contributing towards the economy, society and the environment.

Value chain – The full set of operational activities specific to a particular product, business or industry.