Glossary

A

Afforestation

The method of growing trees in non-forest areas is known as Afforestation. This practice of growing trees has multiple benefits like it arrests soil erosion, reduces the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere by absorbing it in the process of photosynthesis, assists in the preservation of biodiversity and in general improves the aesthetics of the environment. Plants and trees are natural sources of carbon sink and hence afforestation helps in absorbing the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by power plants and other industries.

B

Biomass

Non-fossilized organic matter.

Biofuel

Liquid renewable fuel originated from biomass as e.g. biodiesel or bark.

C

Combined heat and power (CHP)

Generation of both heat and electricity from fuel; more efficient than normal fuel burning.

E

ECO-Label

Is a voluntary scheme, established in 1992 to encourage businesses to market products and services that are kinder to the environment. Products and services awarded the Ecolabel carry the flower logo, allowing consumers - including public and private purchasers - to identify them easily.

Effluent

A liquid, solid, or gaseous emission, such as the discharge or outflow from a machine or an industrial process.

Environmental management system (EMS)

The part of the overall management system which includes structures, practices, procedures and resources for the systematic implementation of an organisation's own environmental policy.