Glossary

TermExplanation
AC fanA fan operated with alternating current.
Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)An international non-profit organization that encourages companies and cities to publish their environmental data to promote transparency in climate protection.
Climate Protection Companies/Klimaschutz-Unternehmen e. V.A cross-industry network of companies in the German economy that is committed to achieving Germany’s climate policy goals using innovative solutions.
Cloud connectionAccess to IT resources such as storage space, computing power, and software that are made available via the Internet.
CO2 equivalents (CO2e)A unit of measurement to summarize the effect of the different greenhouse gases in one value and make it comparable, based on their respective contribution to the greenhouse effect compared to carbon dioxide (CO2).
Code of ConductA set of behavioral expectations that applies to a company’s employees and business partners. It contains guidelines that the company voluntarily imposes on itself and provides information on legally correct, ethical, and social behavior.
Compliance cultureA term for a corporate climate in which all employees at a company comply with the applicable legal regulations and internal company rules.
ConnectivityThe ability of machines, devices, and computers to connect to one another.
Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)The EU Directive that obliges companies to disclose their sustainability information.
Cradle-to-CradleA comprehensive design concept. The goal is to design products and processes from the outset to be suitable for an infinite biological or technical cycle, i.e. to produce no waste. At the end of the product's useful life, all materials used are either completely biodegradable and can be returned to the natural cycle, or can be efficiently recycled into a new production cycle without loss of value.
DecarbonizationIndustrial and economic procedures and processes that are designed in such a way to use as few fossil fuels as possible and not release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
DiversityRefers to variety among a group of people regarding their age, physical and mental abilities, ethnic origin and nationality, sexual orientation, social background, gender and gender identity, religion, and worldview.
EC fanA fan driven by a brushless DC motor; operates more quietly and efficiently than an AC fan.
EcoVadisA provider of sustainability ratings, which evaluates the performance of companies in the areas of environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.
End-of-life testA reliability test that determines the technological limits of a product by subjecting it to sustained stress until total failure.
Energy Efficiency AwardAn award presented by the German Energy Agency (dena) in recognition of energy and CO2e-saving projects and concepts that promote climate neutrality and the transformation of industry.
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG)The term used to refer to the criteria used to measure the sustainability and social impacts of a company.
Facility management (FM)The administration and management of buildings and their technical installations.
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)An independent organization that sets globally recognized standards for company sustainability reporting.
Greenhouse gasesThese trace gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and methane, capture part of the heat radiation in the Earth’s atmosphere, reflect it to the Earth, and increase the temperature of the planet's surface (greenhouse effect).
Internet of Things (IoT)A network of physical objects (“things”) that are connected via communication networks (telephone and mobile networks, WLAN, Bluetooth, etc.), and exchange data with one another.
ISO 50001An international standard that defines the requirements for an energy management system to improve energy efficiency.
Lego Serious PlayInnovative problem-solving, communication, and creative methods using Lego bricks to encourage idea generation.
local-for-localA business strategy in which products and services are produced and consumed locally to reduce transport distances and strengthen local economies.
Machine learningA branch of artificial intelligence in which computers are trained to learn from data and experience, and to constantly improve themselves.
Materiality analysisA method for determining which sustainability issues are relevant for a company, based on an assessment that combines several internal and external factors.
Natural language processingA branch of artificial intelligence designed to enable computers to understand and interpret human language.
Next Level MittelstandA task force of medium-sized companies that deal with the (current) topics of digital transformation and promote them through mutual exchange and cooperation; originated from the “Plattform Industrie 4.0” (Engl. Platform Industry 4.0) initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM)A manufacturer of components or products that relies on external retailers for the sale of said products.
PFASA group of synthetic chemicals used in many industrial processes and consumer goods that can be damaging to health and the environment.
Plus-energy buildingA building with an energy concept that produces more energy than it consumes.
Product lifecycle management (PLM)The process from the market launch or completion of a marketable product to its discontinuation.
Refurbishing processThe restoration, repair, or renovation of used products or appliances to bring them back to a functional and almost new condition.
RESETThe world’s first sensor-based air quality standard; also, a certification program for buildings and their interiors.
RetrofitThe process of upgrading and modernizing older ventilation systems with more efficient EC fans to increase energy efficiency.
R-strategiesCircular economy approaches that focus on reducing, reusing, repairing, recycling, and other measures to reduce the consumption of primary resources and promote the use of secondary raw materials.
Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)A climate protection organization that enables companies and financial institutions worldwide to help combat the climate crisis. Submitted emission targets are scientifically evaluated by SBTi based on the Paris Climate Agreement, to limit global warming to a maximum of 1.5°C.
ScopeA company’s GHG emissions are divided into three areas, also known as scopes. Scope 1 refers to direct emissions from the company’s own sources or sources under the company’s control. Scope 2 refers to indirect emissions resulting from the generation of energy purchased by the company. Scope 3 refers to all indirect emissions (not included in Scope 2) that arise at some point along the company’s value chain, including upstream and downstream emissions.
StakeholdersThe individuals or groups who have an interest in the activities and decisions of a company and may be affected by these actions, such as employees, customers, suppliers, and investors.
Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG)German legislation obliging companies to fulfill human rights and environmental due diligence obligations throughout their global supply chains.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)Seventeen interlinked goals adopted by all United Nations member states in 2015. These goals form a common foundation for peace, prosperity, and ecological sustainability.
Value chainThe chain of all the processes required to manufacture and deliver a product, from the raw materials to the end consumer.