Glossary of terms

A natural function of the earth’s atmosphere is to keep in some of the heat that is provided by the sun.  This is known as the greenhouse effect and is vital to life on earth.  

Heat from the sun passes through the atmosphere to heat the earth’s surface.  The earth’s surface then gives off heat, a portion of which is then trapped inside the atmosphere by greenhouse gases (e.g. methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide). This process of heat absorption and retention maintains the earth’s temperature at liveable levels. The ability of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide to absorb heat was first understood in 1859. 

There are some natural factors that increase global warming such as volcanic activity and fluctuations in the amount of radiation from the sun.   Humans have also increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere dramatically in the following ways.

Burning fossil fuels, such as coal, gas and oil, releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Trees absorb carbon dioxide, so deforestation means there are less trees and more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Waste that is dumped at landfill decomposes and produces methane.

Some agricultural practices release nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere.

Whilst the global climate has been changing since time began, since around 1950 there has been a major increase in the average global temperature – described as global warming. The degree to which the climate heats up in the future will be affected by the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and some regions such as the Arctic will warm faster than others.  

 Source: The Met Office

Community tree planting projects focus on adding greenery to (mostly) urban spaces and can encourage a sense of responsibility, unity, and pride among residents. Trees provide environmental benefits as they play a crucial role in purifying the air by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen.  Community tree planting also provides habitats and food sources for wildlife, provide shade and shelter for people and livestock, enhance the beauty of the space and provide wellbeing benefits for residents.

Source: Cheshire West and Chester Council 

Conservation skills is a very broad term that describes any activities dedicated to conserving biodiversity, wildlife, or habitats.  

Source: Cheshire West and Chester Council 

Energy efficiency is the practice of using less energy to provide the same amount of output from a service, such as lighting, heating or cooling.  

Source: Cheshire West and Chester Council 

Coal, oil, and natural gas are examples of fossil fuels which can all be burned to release energy.  Fossil fuels are non-renewable and burning them creates carbon dioxide, which is a cause of global warming.  

Source: BBC

An air source heat pump (sometimes referred to as an air-to-water heat pump) transfers heat from the outside air to water. This, in turn, heats rooms in your home via radiators or underfloor heating. It can also heat water stored in a hot water cylinder for your hot taps, showers, and baths.

There are also ground and water source heat pumps that draw heat from these sources. 

Source: Energy Saving Trust

The manufacture, distribution, sale and disposal of consumer products shapes their carbon emissions and contributes to the buyer’s carbon footprint. Low carbon product producers need to consider the environmental impact at every stage of a product’s lifecycle, from raw materials and manufacture to transport, retail, use and end of life.  

Source: Cheshire West and Chester Council 

Nature conservation refers to the protection, care, management and maintenance of ecosystems, habitats, wildlife species and populations, within or outside of their natural environments, to safeguard the natural conditions for their long-term permanence.

Source: International Union for Conservation of Nature 

This includes physical (such as streets, buildings, and the built environment) and digital (such as internet connectivity, data) factors and features. These types of infrastructure can combine to create new ways of working that can drive forward economic growth and progress. 

Source: Cheshire West and Chester Council

Renewable energy describes usable energy that comes from replenishable sources such as the Sun (solar energy), wind (wind power), rivers (hydroelectric power), hot springs (geothermal energy), tides (tidal power), and biomass (biofuels).

Source: Britannica

Retrofit refers to any improvement work on an existing building to improve its energy efficiency, making it easier to heat, able to retain that heat for longer, and replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy. Retrofitted homes are better protected against energy price increases as they can generate their own energy and are improved so they require less energy too.

Source: Centre for Sustainable Energy

In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Sustainable development requires an integrated approach that takes into consideration environmental concerns along with economic development.  

Source: United Nations

Wildlife-friendly gardening is about making a haven for the gardener, as well as for wildlife. By gardening sympathetically for wildlife, gardeners are rewarded with a truly natural outdoor space, where they can get in touch with the plants, animals and birds that make their home there.

Source: Wildlife Trusts

Woodland management is the process of maintaining recently planted or already-established woodlands. These management processes are designed to ensure the ongoing health of woodland and to provide the best habitat possible for wildlife.

Source: Woodland Creation