Efficiently tracking and maintaining physical assets (e.g., equipment, tools, infrastructure, etc.) to extend their lifespan, optimize usage, and reduce replacement costs.

Systems that automatically adjust energy usage, like lighting and HVAC, based on occupancy or time of day to optimize energy efficiency.

A European initiative that analyzes the quality of corporate sustainability reporting to improve transparency and compliance with EU regulations.

Initiatives to educate staff, tenants, and users on energy-saving practices and promote responsible energy consumption.

Initial measurement of current energy usage and costs to establish a starting point for setting goals and measuring improvements.

A certification for companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

Comparing energy performance metrics to industry standards or similar facilities to identify areas for improvement.

A globally recognized certification standard developed in the UK by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) to assess, rate, and certify the sustainability and environmental performance of buildings. BREEAM evaluates various categories including energy, water, materials, waste, health and well-being, pollution, transportation, land use, and ecology.

A BMS is a computerized system that manages and controls a building's mechanical and electrical equipment, including heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, security, and other systems, to ensure optimal building operation, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort.

Carbon accounting is the process by which organizations measure the number of greenhouse gases that they’re emitting. A common practice in carbon accounting is categorizing CO2 as Scope 1, Scope 2, or Scope 3 Greenhouse Gases (GHG).

Strategies aimed at lowering the carbon emissions associated with energy use, often by incorporating renewable energy sources or improving energy efficiency.

A global system that encourages companies to disclose environmental impact data, especially carbon emissions, water use, and forest-related activities.

An organization becomes carbon neutral by reducing their emissions and/or paying others to not emit an equivalent of their remaining emissions.

An organization is considered net zero carbon when they remove as much carbon as they emit.

An organization is carbon negative when they remove more carbon than they emit each year.

Introduces a carbon price on certain imports to prevent carbon leakage and encourage cleaner industrial production.

Forecasting resource needs to ensure there is sufficient capacity to meet demand without overutilization or underutilization of resources.

Independent organizations that formally recognize compliance with specific standards by issuing certificates or official approvals. Certifying bodies perform audits, assess adherence to regulatory frameworks or industry standards, and grant certifications that demonstrate a company's commitment to specific performance, quality, or environmental standards.

Adopting practices that aim to reuse, recycle, and regenerate materials to reduce resource consumption and waste.

CDSB develops frameworks for integrating climate-related financial information into mainstream corporate reporting. Its Climate Change Reporting Framework helps companies disclose climate-related risks and opportunities in their financial filings.

Regularly tuning building systems to ensure they operate as intended and remain energy efficient over time.

Evaluating the costs and benefits of energy-saving projects to determine their financial viability and prioritize investments.

An EU directive that enhances and expands existing non-financial reporting requirements, focusing on ESG data disclosure for large and listed companies. It builds upon the existing Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD) and expands the scope of reporting requirements.

Broad guidelines or frameworks, often industry-specific, to help organizations implement socially responsible practices. Many countries have their own versions, such as India’s CSR mandate under the Companies Act.

Companies must identify, prevent, mitigate, and account for adverse sustainability impacts in their operations and value chains.

Property used exclusively for business purposes to generate income. This includes office buildings, retail spaces, shopping centers, and warehouses.

Using data collected from energy systems to identify patterns, inefficiencies, and areas for potential improvement.

Using data analytics to make informed decisions about resource allocation, helping to optimize usage and reduce waste.

The day-ahead electricity price is the price at which electricity is bought and sold for delivery on the following day. It is determined through market-based auctions where energy producers submit their price offers, and the clearing price is set based on supply and demand for each hour of the next day.

Adjusting energy usage during peak periods to reduce costs and alleviate stress on the energy grid.

The process of reducing or eliminating carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gas emissions from various sectors, particularly energy production, transportation, industry, and agriculture.

Creating a virtual model of physical assets to simulate and predict resource needs, optimizing resource use in real time.

DJSI are a family of indices that track the performance of leading sustainability-driven companies worldwide. Companies are assessed based on economic, environmental, and social criteria, and those with the best sustainability performance are included in the indices.

A voluntary EU regulation designed to improve environmental performance through systematic environmental management and reporting.

Comprehensive assessments of energy usage in a facility to identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements.

A professional who assesses the energy usage and efficiency of a building, facility, or organization. Energy auditors identify areas of energy waste, recommend improvements, and suggest measures to reduce energy consumption, lower costs, and enhance sustainability.

Energy efficiency refers to the practice of using less energy to perform the same tasks or achieve the same outcomes, thereby minimizing energy waste and reducing overall energy consumption.

Installing new, energy-efficient equipment or retrofitting existing systems to reduce energy consumption.

Digital tools to monitor, analyze, and manage energy use in real-time for better decision-making.

An EnMS is a framework of policies, procedures, and tools used to monitor, control, and optimize energy consumption within an organization or facility. It aims to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and meet sustainability goals, often based on standards like ISO 50001.

Strategically purchasing energy to ensure cost-effective and reliable supply, often involving contracts with energy providers.

A key piece of EU legislation aimed at improving the energy efficiency of buildings across the European Union. The directive mandates the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates for all buildings when they are constructed, sold, or rented.

Reducing the impact on the environment through sustainable resource management practices, such as using eco-friendly materials and reducing waste.

Many countries have mandatory EIAs for businesses, especially in high-impact sectors, to assess and mitigate environmental risks of projects or developments.

To lower emissions, organizations around the world are making commitments and defining targets according to the impacts that they’re responsible for. The targets should be quantifiable and include carbon reduction and removal goals.

A set of standards for a company's operations that investors, clients, and regulators use to evaluate its sustainability and ethical impact.

The European Union's proposed regulatory framework for artificial intelligence, aimed at ensuring that AI technologies are safe, ethical, and respect fundamental rights across the EU. The EU AI Act classifies AI technologies and systems, such as the ones used in Energy Management Systems (EnMS).

Establishes a classification system for environmentally sustainable economic activities, guiding investment towards more sustainable projects.

Shifting or adjusting energy loads based on demand, price, or other factors to reduce energy costs.

Predicting future resource needs to plan for demand, optimize procurement, and prevent overuse or depletion of resources.

Provides recommendations for companies on climate-related financial risk disclosures to improve transparency for investors.

A comprehensive plan to reduce EU greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 55% by 2030, incorporating various legislative measures to support this goal.

Managing resources throughout their entire lifecycle, from acquisition to disposal, to ensure responsible and efficient use.

A United Nations initiative encouraging businesses worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies based on principles of human rights, labor standards, the environment, and anti-corruption.

One of the most widely adopted frameworks for sustainability reporting, helping companies disclose ESG performance.

Obtaining certifications like LEED, BREEAM, or ENERGY STAR, which validate a building’s energy efficiency and sustainability.

Greenhouse gases are atmospheric gases that trap heat from the Earth's surface, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming. Key GHGs include carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and fluorinated gases.

Properties designed to accommodate travelers and visitors for temporary stays, including hotels, resorts, motels, and bed-and-breakfasts.

Enhancing the efficiency of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems through scheduling, maintenance, and automation.

Using Internet of Things devices to connect and control energy-consuming equipment for enhanced data collection and operational efficiency.

Property used for manufacturing, production, storage, and distribution. This category includes warehouses, factories, logistics centers, and data centers.

Upgrading insulation to reduce heat loss in winter and cooling loss in summer, improving overall energy efficiency.

ISO is a global independent organization that develops and publishes international standards for a wide range of industries, ensuring quality, safety, efficiency, and consistency across products, services, and systems.

An internationally recognized standard for creating effective environmental management systems to help organizations minimize their environmental impact.

An international standard for energy management systems (EnMS) that provides a framework for organizations to improve energy performance, reduce energy consumption, and minimize environmental impact.

A framework from the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) that combines financial and ESG data to create a comprehensive view of an organization’s value creation.

An autonomous agency established within the framework of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), focusing on promoting energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

Replacing traditional lighting with LED alternatives to lower energy usage and reduce maintenance costs.

A green building certification program used globally to promote sustainable building and construction practices.

Evaluating the total cost of ownership for energy systems, including acquisition, operation, and disposal, to make more informed investment decisions.

Analyzing the environmental impact of a product or resource throughout its entire lifecycle to identify opportunities for improvement.

Scheduling regular maintenance for equipment and machinery to prevent breakdowns, which helps in preserving resources and extending asset life.

Tracking and verifying energy savings achieved through energy efficiency measures.

Installing meters to measure energy consumption at a detailed level (e.g., per zone, per tenant) for precise data and accountability.

Many countries, cities, and companies have committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by specific dates, often supported by national or international frameworks.

Reducing dependency on non-renewable resources by switching to renewable alternatives whenever possible.

An EU directive that requires large companies to disclose information on social and environmental matters, aiming to increase corporate transparency.

A building that has a very high energy performance, where the total amount of energy required is nearly equal to the amount of renewable energy generated on-site or nearby.

Non-binding guidelines promoting responsible business conduct globally, including human rights, labor rights, environmental protection, and anti-bribery measures.

OEE is a metric used to measure the effectiveness of manufacturing equipment. It calculates the percentage of planned production time that is truly productive by considering three factors: availability, performance, and quality, helping businesses identify inefficiencies and improve operational performance.

Devices that detect the presence of people and adjust lighting and HVAC settings accordingly to save energy when spaces are unoccupied.

Ensuring that equipment and processes are optimized to use the least amount of energy required for the desired outcome. Operational Efficiency may also be used for ensuring that operations run smoothly and resources are used optimally to reduce wastage and increase productivity.

An international treaty under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that aims to limit global warming, guiding climate policy and corporate sustainability targets.

Reducing energy usage during peak hours to avoid higher rates and reduce strain on the grid.

Using data analytics and sensors to predict equipment failures before they happen, which reduces downtime and optimizes resource usage.

Regular maintenance of energy-consuming equipment to ensure it operates efficiently and to prevent unexpected energy waste due to malfunctions.

A United Nations-supported initiative encouraging investors to incorporate ESG factors into their investment decisions.

Properties owned and operated by the government or public sector to serve the public good. This includes government offices, schools, libraries, hospitals, fire stations, and recreational facilities.

Implementing standards to ensure that resources are used efficiently without compromising on quality, reducing rework and waste.

Having a system in place to quickly address shortages and prevent operational delays due to lack of resources.

Using renewable sources like solar, wind, or geothermal to reduce dependency on non-renewable energy sources and decrease carbon emissions.

A systematic process for optimizing the performance of existing building systems to improve energy efficiency.

Strategically assigning resources where they are needed most to maximize efficiency and achieve organizational objectives.

Regularly assessing resource use to identify inefficiencies, eliminate waste, and make informed decisions on resource allocation.

Reclaiming or repurposing resources from waste streams, such as water reclamation or material recycling, to reduce environmental impact.

Property used for housing individuals and families. This includes single-family homes, multi-family apartment complexes, condominiums, and townhouses.

A global corporate renewable energy initiative that encourages businesses to commit to 100% renewable electricity.

SCADA is an industrial control system used to monitor and control processes in real-time. It gathers data from sensors and other devices, enabling operators to control equipment, analyze performance, and ensure efficient operation across various industries like manufacturing, energy, and utilities.

A structure equipped with advanced technologies, such as sensors, automation systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, to optimize energy use, enhance occupant comfort, improve operational efficiency, and enable real-time monitoring and control of building systems (e.g., lighting, HVAC, security).

Thermostats that can be programmed or automatically adjust to optimize energy usage based on occupancy and external conditions.

Monitoring energy usage at a granular level (e.g., per tenant or per department) to allocate costs and identify specific areas for improvement.

SASB develops industry-specific standards for disclosing financially material sustainability information to investors. Its framework focuses on identifying the most relevant ESG issues for each industry and providing guidance on how to report on them effectively.

Documenting and sharing energy management and sustainability efforts to show commitment to environmental responsibility.

Recommendations for disclosing climate-related financial risks and opportunities in mainstream financial filings. It encourages companies to assess and disclose information related to their governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and targets related to climate change.

Storing thermal energy (e.g., chilled or heated water) during off-peak hours to use during peak times, reducing energy costs.

Educating employees and stakeholders on best practices for energy efficiency and sustainability in their daily operations.

Implementing systems to monitor resource usage in real time, helping to identify wastage and areas for improvement.

The process where an independent external organization assesses and confirms the accuracy, compliance, or performance of a company's practices, systems, or claims, ensuring transparency, credibility, and trustworthiness.

Examining utility bills to identify trends, errors, and opportunities for reducing energy costs.

Adjusting resource usage to meet demand precisely, minimizing overuse and preventing wastage.

A set of 17 goals created by the United Nations to address global challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate change. Many companies align their ESG strategies with the SDGs.

Devices that adjust motor speed based on load requirements, reducing energy consumption in systems like fans and pumps.

Collaborating with suppliers to ensure responsible and efficient use of resources, and fostering partnerships for sustainable practices.

Organizations or entities responsible for conducting impartial assessments to ensure that a company or process meets specific standards or regulations. They review data, processes, and documentation to confirm compliance with established criteria, often in areas like sustainability, safety, and quality management.

Capturing and reusing heat that would otherwise be lost (e.g., from HVAC systems or industrial processes) to improve overall energy efficiency.

Implementing measures to reduce water usage, which can lower the energy needed for water heating and distribution.

Streamlining workflows to eliminate redundancies and reduce resource consumption, especially in operational and manufacturing processes.