Glossary

Autonomy - Autonomy means the power to make one’s own decisions without interference from others, i.e. the ability to make decisions that concern oneself. To be autonomous, a person must be involved, have genuine influence, and have enough information to make an informed decision.

Civil society - According to the World Bank: “Civil society ... refers to a wide array of organisations: community groups, non-governmental organisations, labour unions, indigenous groups, charitable organisations, faith-based organisations, professional associations and foundations.”

Economic sustainability – In this tool, economic sustainability refers to economic development that does not have a negative impact on ecological or social sustainability. This definition also includes responsible consumption and production where the use of resources is within the planetary boundaries.

Environmental sustainability – Environmental stability means a minimised impact on land, air, water, and the climate, and the preservation of biodiversity. It also means ensuring a healthy and good environment for current and future generations. Moreover, it means that nature is worthy of protection and that our right to modify and exploit nature carries with it a responsibility for sound management of natural resources.

Fairness - In this tool, fairness starts with the principle of human dignity (i.e. all individuals have equal value and everyone has a fundamental right to be respected). Another premise of fairness is to avoid discrimination, meaning that all individuals should be treated equally, and those who are unequal due to relevant differences, should be treated differently in a manner that is fair and proportionate. Additional perspectives are fairness between current and future generations, and between the Earth’s various species and life forms.

Integrity - There are many definitions of integrity and a wide range in how integrity is perceived, interpreted, and applied. Integrity in this context refers to every individual’s innate right to be respected and to be treated with dignity.

Life cycle - The life cycle of a given product, process, or service involves several stages, from the extraction of raw materials to the processing, manufacturing, distribution, use, recycling, reuse and final disposal. Life cycle thinking enables you to ensure that improvements in one stage do not cause a greater cumulative impact by shifting the burden to another stage of the life cycle. Thus, life cycle thinking also helps you to consider the impact of your choices and make responsible decisions.

Responsible tech - Responsible tech means applying an ethical approach to the development, use, and distribution of new technology. It also means contributing to an environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable society.

Social benefit – Social benefit means the overall benefit to society as a whole.

Social sustainability - Social sustainability involves identifying effects, both positive and negative, on individuals and society. It is about respecting fundamental human rights as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Some aspects of social sustainability are addressed in this tool, such as a good working environment, equality, peace, anti-corruption, freedom, and health and well-being.

Sustainability - In this tool, sustainability refers to the broad definition used in the UN Sustainable Development Goals, incorporating social, economic, and environmental sustainability.