Sustainability jargon buster

The balance between the greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere and the carbon removed from it. We’re joining with the UK government in aiming to be net zero by 2050.

Releasing the same amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as we remove from the atmosphere. For example, we can reduce how much we use and release by adding solar panels to our homes or switching to electric vehicles or by planting trees.

The amount of greenhouse gas, including carbon dioxide, produced. For example, the amount of gas our homes produce is their carbon footprint.

Gas that traps heat and raises the surface temperature of the planet. The most common greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide and methane.

Doing things in a way that uses less energy. For example, energy efficient homes use less energy to heat and run appliances.

By adding insulation into walls and roofs and changing some windows and doors to prevent heat being lost. In some homes we’re installing solar panels and installing energy efficient heat pumps.

SAP and EPC ratings. The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is how the government assesses and compares the energy and environmental performance of buildings, including homes. The higher the SAP rating, the lower your fuel costs and associated emissions of CO2. The rating will usually be between 1 and 100, with 100 meaning zero energy cost. Above this means you have energy to spare. This rating feeds into the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The EPC will show a grade between A (very efficient) and G (inefficient). A high rating means lower energy bills, a warmer and more comfortable home and a lower carbon footprint. It will also increase the value of the property.

A home that’s designed to be environmentally sustainable by using energy, water and building materials efficiently.

It’s the name we give to the variety of life in the communities we live in and across our planet. This includes the quality of our natural environment and range of trees, plants and animals that flourish together.

We rely on a wide range of life to survive and have a healthy place to live. Not only do we need fresh water, clean air and healthy food, but biodiversity in our communities also helps capture carbon and reduces the risk of flooding, overheating and air and noise pollution. Without it, our future, our children’s future and the future of the planet will look very different.