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Know your green speak

Confused by any of the terms used? Here’s a condensed version of
our online guide to some of the most common sustainability phrases
(All photos: Shutterstock)

B

Biodiversity

The breadth of diversity of all the different kinds of animals, plants, fungi and even microorganisms like bacteria found living in one area.

Blue Flag

Awards for beaches, marinas and sustainable tourism boats that meet and maintain a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria. Run by the Foundation for Environmental Education. Learn more 

B-Corp

A widely recognised designation with stringent criteria that certifies a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply-chain practices and input materials. Learn more

C

Carbon footprint

The carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of a person, operation or business, typically measured in tonnes. CO2e, or carbon dioxide equivalent, is the standard unit for measuring carbon footprints across industries. While there are more greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change, emissions are currently and typically measured in terms of CO2.

Carbon neutral

The balance between emitting and the voluntary reduction and compensation (offsetting) of emissions, to achieve a neutral level of equilibrium.

Carbon positive

Going beyond carbon neutrality by actively removing more carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere than you emit.

Circular economy

A system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated. Products and materials are kept in circulation through processes like maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling and composting. Learn more

E

Ecotourism

Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people and involves interpretation and education, inclusive of both staff and guests. Learn more

EarthCheck

A designation that signifies that a travel and tourism business has demonstrated a commitment to sustainable practices by
undergoing a rigorous assessment and achieving specific standards in environmental, social and economic areas. Learn more

F

Fair Trade

An international movement to make trade fairer. In partnership with two million farmers and workers, it has a vision of a world in which all producers enjoy secure and sustainable livelihoods, fulfil their potential and decide on their future. Learn more

Farm-to-fork

A food system that emphasises a direct connection between food production and consumption by prioritising fresh, locally sourced ingredients and as few miles of transportation as possible between the farm and the consumer’s plate.

G

Global Destination Sustainability Index

A benchmarking and performance improvement programme for tourism and events destinations that assesses and accelerates a destination’s regenerative journey by measuring and improving sustainability strategies and action plans. Learn more

Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)

A non-governmental organisation that sets and manages global standards for sustainable travel and tourism. It aims to promote sustainability and social responsibility in the tourism sector by providing a framework for businesses and destinations to improve their practices. Learn more

I

IUCN Green List status

The IUCN Green List certifies protected and conserved areas that demonstrate effective, equitable and successful management, recognising their long-term positive impacts on both nature and people. Learn more

L

LEEDS

Developed by the US Green Building Council, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the most widely used building sustainability rating system. For hotels and accommodation, this is assessed against areas like energy and water efficiency, materials used, indoor air quality and awareness and education.

M

Marine Protection Area

An international movement to make trade fairer. In partnership with two million farmers and workers, it has a vision of a world in which all producers enjoy secure and sustainable livelihoods, fulfil their potential and decide on their future. Learn more

Michelin Green Star

An award given to restaurants in the Michelin Guide that demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable practices and ethical leadership, going beyond simply offering good food and service. Learn more

N

Net zero (emissions)

Net zero refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) that’s produced and the amount that’s removed from the atmosphere. It can be achieved through emission reduction and emission removal.

O

Overtourism

When a destination suffers from too many visitors and the quality of life of its inhabitants is significantly degraded as a result of this. Results often include house prices pushing out locals in order to make way for holiday rentals, narrow roads jammed with tourist vehicles or iconic tourist attractions that have become too crowded to enjoy.

R

Responsible tourism

According to a definition by the Responsible Tourism Partnership: ‘Responsible Tourism requires that operators, hoteliers, governments, local people and tourists take responsibility, and take action to make tourism more sustainable. Behaviour can be more or less responsible, and what is responsible in a particular place depends on environment and culture.’ The concept was defined in Cape Town in 2002 alongside the World Summit on Sustainable Development.

Renewable energy

Renewable energy comes from naturally replenishing sources like solar, wind, geothermal or hydroelectric (contested). They can be accessed via a public grid system or produced locally, sometimes on-site. Renewable energy is typically used for electricity.

Rewilding

Rewilding is a concept that involves letting nature take the lead by restoring natural ecosystem processes and reducing human management. The main component is introducing keystone species that act as ecosystem engineers. Often these species are native to the environment but had perhaps become extinct locally.

S

Sustainability

The idea that goods and services should be produced in ways that do not use resources that cannot be replaced and that do not damage the environment. (Cambridge Dictionary)

Sustainable development

‘Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.’ (World Commission on Environment and Development)

U

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Biosphere reserves are sites for testing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and managing changes and interactions between social and ecological systems, including conflict prevention and management of biodiversity. They are places that provide local solutions to global challenges. Biosphere reserves include terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems.

Z

Zero waste

Similar to the circular economy: by prolonging a resource’s life or repurposing it in another way, no waste ends up in landfill.

While all entries in The Travel Green List have been scrutinised by our judges, we cannot take responsibility for any inaccuracies in information that has been provided to us.

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