Glossary
This an evolving glossary that aim to opening up the essential terms and frameworks related to sustainability, sustainable transformation and sustainable design. It makes also the articles and my thinking more understandable.
Planet first
Planetary Boundaries
A scientific framework defining the safe operating limits for humanity on Earth. It identifies nine key Earth systems (like climate, freshwater, and biodiversity) and the thresholds that should not be crossed to maintain planetary stability.
Ecological Footprint & Handprint
Ecological footprint is a measure of human demand on nature — the amount of land and water area needed to produce the resources consumed and absorb the waste generated. It helps gauge whether we live within the planet’s regenerative capacity.
Ecological handprint A complementary concept to the ecological footprint. It measures the positive actions individuals, communities, or organisations take to restore and regenerate the environment — such as planting trees, using renewable energy, or supporting fair and sustainable systems. The goal is not just to reduce harm, but to increase benefit.
Net-Zero
The balance between the greenhouse gases emitted and those removed from the atmosphere. Achieving net-zero means that human activities no longer add to the total concentration of greenhouse gases, stabilising the climate system.
Net-Positive
A step beyond net-zero — when an organisation, project, or activity creates a net environmental or social benefit. Examples include regenerating biodiversity, restoring natural habitats, or producing more renewable energy than consumed.
Economy
Doughnut Economics
A framework for rethinking the economy to serve both people and the planet. The “hole” of the doughnut represents human deprivation (where basic needs aren’t met), while the outer edge marks the planet’s ecological ceiling. The safe and just space for humanity lies between these two — where everyone can thrive within Earth’s limits.
Circularity & Circular Economy
An economic model based on eliminating waste and keeping products and materials in continuous use. It focuses on designing out pollution, reusing resources, and regenerating natural systems rather than relying on the extract–use–discard pattern of the linear economy.
Design
Circular Design
A design approach that integrates circular economy principles into the creation of products, services, and systems — ensuring materials can be repaired, reused, or recycled and that waste is designed out from the start.
Renegerative design
A design philosophy that goes beyond sustainability to actively restore, renew, and revitalize ecosystems and communities. Regenerative systems give back more than they take — creating positive environmental and social impact instead of merely reducing harm. This means that regenerative thinking is not only about avoiding the future destruction but addressing also the previously acquired ecological debt that is mailably a result of human activity. One could also say that regenerative thinking and design is tackling the anthropocenic wicked issues.
Life-Centred Design
A holistic design philosophy that recognises all life — not just human life — as central to the creative process. It promotes decisions that contribute to the health of ecosystems, communities, and the wider planet.