Chap.3 - Frameworks and Principles

Question 1

17 goals that went into effect in 2016. Call on all nations to end poverty in all forms by promoting individual wellbeing while protecting the planet

Answer 1

UN SDGs

Question 2

Framework developed in 1990 by Dr Karl Henrik Robert based on five levels: system, success, strategy, action, tools

Answer 2

The Natural Step (TNS)

Question 3

This is also known as the Law of Conservation of Energy, and states that all energy and mass in a system is conserved in some way—that the essence of a thing may change but nothing is either created or destroyed.

Answer 3

First law of thermodynamics

Question 4

Also known as entropy, this scientific law states that energy disperses and spreads out if not prevented from doing so. As a result anything emitted into the environment will disburse throughout nature.

Answer 4

Second law of thermodynamics

Question 5

This is the process by which plant cells capture energy from the sunlight and convert it to energy. It is the only aspect of the Earth that is an open system, gaining energy from the sun. According to The Natural Step, this process “pays the bills,” creating structure and order.

Answer 5

Photosynthesis

Question 6

These practices involve the replacement of conventional materials with less impactful alternatives. Along with dematerialization, these approaches provide a key mechanism for driving sustainable development. Harnessing renewable energy in lieu of fossil fuels is an example of this practice.

Answer 6

substitution

Question 7

This term describes the practice of reducing material flows—using less of the same substances to produce an equivalent product. Along with substitution, this practice provides a key mechanism for driving sustainable development.

Answer 7

Dematerialization

Question 8

Comprised of four major systems explored by environmental studies and Earth science. The Geosphere is the Earth’s core, mantle, and crust. The Atmosphere is the air around the Earth, which includes the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and ionosphere. The Hydrosphere –is all the water contained on Earth, whether in solid, liquid or gaseous form (e.g. ice, oceans, clouds, etc.). The Biosphere – life on Earth, including plants, animals, insects, etc.

Answer 8

Ecosphere

Question 9

Unlike forecasting based on data about what has already happened, this planning approach begins with the end in mind. Central to The Natural Step framework, planners first envision the desired future state, and then build a strategy that will lead to the desired outcome.

Answer 9

Backcasting

Question 10

Coined by John Elkington of SustainAbility, in 1994-5, this term refers to the practice of focusing, and accounting for, sustainability impacts on environment, society and the economy. Sometimes it is described as “economic prosperity, environmental quality, and social equity,” or as “people, planet, profit” (3Ps).

Answer 10

Triple Bottom Line

Question 11

A key agreement arrived at by participants to the 1992 Earth Summit included these 15 non-legally binding principles.

Answer 11

Forest principles

Question 12

The parent treaty to the Kyoto Protocol this framework convention was a major outcome of the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio. With near universal membership (197 members) the goal of the convention is “to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system”.

Answer 12

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Question 13

This is the common name for a conference that was held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. During its convening of 172 governments, parties sought to rethink economic development.

The conference resulted in 5 pivotal outcomes: Rio Declaration on Environment and Development; Agenda 21; Statement of Land Resources: Deforestation; UN Framework Convention On Climate Change; UN Convention on Biological Diversity.

Answer 13

Rio Earth Summit

Question 14

This declaration defined a series of principles governing the rights of people to development, and their responsibilities of States to safeguard the common environment

Answer 14

Rio Declaration on the Environment and Development

Question 15

This group of individuals is defined as having a set of specific rights based on their historical ties to a particular territory—culturally and historically distinct from the majority populations with political dominance.

Answer 15

indigenous people

Question 16

Based on the existing conditions, this is an ethical framework that provides guidance for the transition to more sustainable living and development. The 16 guiding principles address four primary concepts: Respect and care for the community of life; Ecological integrity; Social and economic justice; Democracy, nonviolence, and peace.

Answer 16

Earth Charter

Question 17

This term refers to an ecosystem when all the native components—the abiotic elements, biodiversity and ecosystem processes—intact.

Answer 17

Ecological integrity

Question 18

One of the principles of environmental law. This concept describes the obligation of current generations to protect environmental health, diversity and productivity for the benefit of future generations.

Answer 18

Intergenerational law

Question 19

This principle holds that the cost of mitigating negative impacts should be borne by the entity responsible for their emission.

Answer 19

Polluter pay principle

Question 20

Launched in 2006 in partnership with UNEP, were “developed by
investors, for investors” and have gained over 1,500 signatories from 50+ countries. These principles guide
institutional investors so they can act in the long-term best interest of beneficiaries.

Answer 20

Principles for responsible investing (PRI)

Question 21

These principles, attributed to the Australian ecologist, Charles Birch hold that: nothing grows forever; continuation of life depends on the cycles of essential elements; the probability of extinction is greatest when population density is very high or very low; despite complexity, chances of survival and reproduction depend on only a few factors; our ability to change the Earth increases faster than our ability to foresee the consequences change; and living organisms are not a means but an ends—they have intrinsic value.

Answer 21

Principles of Natural Systems

Question 22

At a minimum, signatories to the UNGC must produce one of these each year. The document reinforces corporate commitment to the UNGC and describes the measurable results of actions taken over the prior year.

Answer 22

Communication on Progress (COP)

Question 23

Developed in 1997, reflects principles for enterprises so they “meet fundamental responsibilities in the
areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.” Grouped into four categories and 10 principles

Answer 23

UN Global Compact (UNGC)

Question 24

Drafted under the direction of Harvard’s John Ruggie, these principles clarified existing human rights standards for transnational corporations and other business enterprises. These principles provide guidance for practicing the three pillars of CSR: Protect, Respect, and Remedy -> 31 principles

Answer 24

UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (Ruggie Framework)

Question 25

Countries adopting this declaration are committed to providing workers freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, the elimination of forced labor, the abolition of child labor, and the elimination of discrimination in employment and occupation.

Answer 25

Declaration On Fundamental Principles And Rights At Work

Question 26

A global coalition of investors and environmental and social advocacy groups supporting investment, policy, and business leadership in order to promote sustainability.

Answer 26

Ceres principles

Question 27

These principles, created in 2003 by the IFC (World Bank), provide the financial services industry with a risk management framework for assessing and managing social and environmental risk.

Answer 27

Equator Principles (EPs)

Question 28

These principles, created in 2003 by the IFC (World Bank), provide the financial services industry with a risk management framework for assessing and managing social and environmental risk.

Operationalized in 2021 into ICLEI Five Pathways and Principles for Sustainable Cities

Answer 28

Melbourne Principles for Sustainable Cities

Question 29

The study of industry, viewed as an ecosystem, with the inflow and outflow of resources interconnected as in nature. This concept lies at the heart of circular economy and cradle-to-cradle thinking.

Answer 29

Industrial ecology

Question 30

These principles underpin many green building standards. Developed by William McDonough in 1992, they governed his design of The World’s Fair, EXPO 2000, held in Hannover, Germany.

Answer 30

Hannover principles

Question 31

This is the most rigorous performance standard for the built environment. It calls for building projects that operate as cleanly, beautifully, and efficiently as nature does. Rather than meeting standards at a single point in time, projects must demonstrate performance of a period of at least 12 months of occupancy.

Answer 31

Living Building Challenge