Glossary of Sustainability Terms

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

The greenhouse gas whose concentration is being most affected directly by human activities. CO₂ also serves as the reference to compare all other greenhouse gases. The major source of CO₂ emissions is fossil fuel combustion. Atmospheric concentrations of CO₂ have been increasing at a rate of about 0.5 percent per year and are now about 30 percent above pre-industrial levels.

Global Warming

An increase in the near surface temperature of the Earth. Global warming is most often used to refer to the warming predicted to occur as a result of increased emissions of greenhouse gases. Scientists generally agree that the Earth's surface has warmed by about one degree Fahrenheit in the past 140 years.

Greenhouse Effect

The effect produced as greenhouse gases allow incoming solar radiation to pass through the Earth's atmosphere, but prevent most of the outgoing infrared radiation from the surface and lower atmosphere from escaping into outer space. This process occurs naturally and has kept the Earth's temperature about 59 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than it would otherwise be. Current life on Earth could not be sustained without the natural greenhouse effect. However, increased emissions of greenhouse gases may increase the surface temperature of the Earth with potentially serious consequences.

Greenhouse Gases

Any gas that absorbs infrared radiation in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases include water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), halogenated fluorocarbons (HCFCs), ozone (O₃), perfluorinated carbons (PFCs), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

ISO 9000 and ISO 14000

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies. ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 are families of standards and guidelines relating to management systems. ISO 9000 is associated with quality management. ISO 14000 is associated with environmental management.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

Gases consisting of one molecule of nitrogen and varying numbers of oxygen molecules. Nitrogen oxides are produced in the emissions of vehicle exhausts and from power stations. In the atmosphere, nitrogen oxides can contribute to formation of photochemical ozone (smog), can impair visibility, and have health consequences; they are thus considered pollutants.

Ozone

Ozone (O₃) is an important greenhouse gas found in both the stratosphere and the troposphere (lowest region of the atmosphere). In the stratosphere, ozone provides a protective layer shielding the Earth from ultraviolet radiation and subsequent harmful health effects on humans and the environment. In the troposphere, oxygen molecules in ozone combine with other chemicals and gases (oxidization) to cause smog.

Ozone Depletion

Stratospheric ozone is necessary to filter out harmful radiation from the sun. Scientists have linked depletion of stratospheric ozone to increased incidence of skin cancer and other disorders and environmental degradation. Under international convention and national laws, governments are prohibiting the production, use, and release of ozone-depleting substances.

Particulate Matter

Tiny pieces of solid or liquid matter, such as soot, dust, fumes, or mist.

SARA 313

Refers to U.S. regulations under Section 313 of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA). SARA 313 requires regulated companies to submit an annual toxic release inventory (TRI).

Sustainable Development or Sustainability

Sustainable development, or sustainability, is defined as economic activity that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Sustainability is based upon three components: economic growth, social progress, and environmental protection. Economic aspects of sustainability include, but are not limited to, financial performance, employee compensation, and community contributions. Social aspects include public policymaking, fair labor standards, and equal treatment of women and minorities. Environmental aspects include impacts on the air, water, land, natural resources, and human health.

Sustainability at Bristol-Myers Squibb means delivering on our mission to extend and enhance human life in a way that supports the capacity of future generations to meet their needs. We do this by focusing on the economic, social, and environmental impacts of our businesses and operations. Other common terms for this concept include corporate responsibility, global citizenship, and the triple bottom line.

Last updated August 27, 2007 . Italicized product names are registered trademarks of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company or one of its divisions or subsidiaries. Copyright © 1998-2006 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. Your use of the information on this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Notices.

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