Biodegradable is the term given to products whereby breakdown by biological means can occur. Biodegradable matter is generally organic material from plant and animal sources, other substances originating from living organisms, or artificial materials that are similar enough to plant and animal matter to be put to use by micro-­‐organisms. Biodegradability claims are regulated in Australia by the Australian Standard AS4736-­‐2006.

Carbon Calculator is the tool used to calculate a carbon footprint. It is based on factors such as energy bills, fuel used in vehicular and air travel etc. The Producers Guild of America carbon calculator can be freely downloaded at http://www.greenproductionguide.com/carbon-calculator

According to the Oxford Dictionary, a carbon footprint is ‘the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organisation, or community.’ It is important to note that carbon dioxide is only one of the greenhouse gases which should be considered in increasing an activity’s environmental sustainability. Other greenhouse gases include: water vapour, methane, nitrous oxide and ozone.

Carbon Offset is an investment in a project or activity that reduces GHG emissions in order to compensate for an emission made elsewhere. Carbon offsets are measured in metric tons of carbon dioxide-­‐equivalent (CO2e). One carbon offset represents the reduction of one metric tonne of carbon dioxide or its equivalent in other greenhouse gases.

Compostable/Composting/Compost is organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer. Compost is a key ingredient in organic farming. At the simplest level, the process of composting requires making a heap of wetted organic matter (leaves, food waste) and waiting for the materials to break down into humus after a period of weeks or months. Modern, methodical composting is a multi-­‐step, closely monitored process with measured inputs of water, air and carbon-­ and nitrogen-rich materials. The decomposition process is aided by shredding the plant matter, adding water and ensuring proper aeration by regularly turning the mixture. Worms and fungi further break up the material.

Eco-­label certification is an often voluntary labelling system for food and consumer goods. Examples include FSC certified timber, energy ratings (including Energy Star), and Marine Stewardship Council labelling. Some certifications are quantified by pollution or energy usage, whilst others are determined by compliance with specific principles.

Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is a site-­specific plan developed to ensure that all necessary measures are identified and implemented in order to protect the environment and comply with environmental legislation.

A site-­specific EMP should be prepared for all on-­location shoots and will need to identify the environmental issues at each site, likely harm these issues can cause and the production’s management and restoration plan (this will likely involve a description of crew briefings). National Parks will likely insist on provision of an EMP prior to approval for on-­location shooting. Depending on the extent of works involved, a bond and multi-­year revegetation/restoration agreement can be expected.

Environmental Sustainability can be defined as the maintenance of the factors and practices that contribute to the quality of environment on a long-­‐term basis.

Environmental sustainability is closely linked to sustainable development. Perhaps the most effective definition of sustainable development is that developed by the Bruntland commission in 1987 which states that sustainable development is "development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

E-­waste is the term given for discarded electrical or electronic devices. This waste may contain contaminants such as lead, cadmium and beryllium. Inappropriate handling of e-­waste may cause serious health and pollution problems.

A Greenhouse Gas is a gas that absorbs and emits radiation within the thermal infrared range. This process is the fundamental cause of the greenhouse effect. The primary greenhouse gases are water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and ozone. GHG emissions are a measure of these gases over the duration of a specific activity.

Anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2 ) emissions (i.e. emissions produced by human activities) come from combustion of carbonaceous fuels, principally wood, coal, oil and natural gas.

Greywater is waste water generated from activities such as laundry, dishwashing and bathing, which can be recycled for uses such as landscape irrigation.

Hazardous waste is waste that poses substantial or potential threats to public health or the environment. There are four factors that determine whether or not a substance is hazardous: ignitability, reactivity, corrosivity and toxicity.

MDF is an engineered wood product formed by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibres, combining it with wax and resin binder, and forming panels by applying high temperature and pressure.

Mixed recycling is a process that allows major recyclable materials (paper, cardboard, glass, cans, tin etc) to be collected together on location for appropriate sorting later.

Mobile Power is power from non-­‐grid sources e.g. solar, diesel or petrol powered generators. Mobile power is frequently used on location for filming and outdoor events but may also be used as a back-­‐up to grid power in other locations.

Recycling is the term given to the processing of used materials/waste into new products to prevent waste of potentially useful materials, reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, reduce energy usage, reduce air and water pollution, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Recyclable materials include many kinds of glass, paper, metal, plastic, textiles and electronics.

'Sullage’ can have two meanings: one is greywater equivalent, and the other refers to sewage and other waste product that cannot be used as landscape irrigation. Be sure to know which interpretation suppliers are referring to when discussing sullage.

According to the US EPA, sustainability is ‘based on the principle that everything we need for our survival and well­‐being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. Sustainability creates and maintains the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations...and is important to making sure that we have and will continue to have, the water, materials, and resources to protect human health and our environment.’

FSC certified timber is timber from responsibly managed forests globally. FSC has principles and criteria that detail how forests can be managed to meet the social, economic, ecological, cultural and spiritual needs of present and future generations. For more information, visit: http://www.fsc.org/certification.html

Timber from uncertified forests may be sourced from areas where logging is performed illegally and deforestation and social exploitation of workers occur. For more information, visit: http://www.fsc.org/certification.html

Volatile Organic Compounds are organic chemicals with a low boiling/evaporation point e.g. formaldehyde (boiling point of –19 °C). Many VOCs cause environmental harm and human health issues. Whilst typically not acutely toxic, they have compounding long-­term health effects.