Green Design

The design of products, services, buildings, or experiences that are sensitive to environmental issues and achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in terms of energy and materials.  Read More

Green

A common metaphor referring to environmental association based on the shared secondary color of many plants. It is often used to associate products, organizations, political parties, or policies with environmentally sensitivity.  Read More

GPI (Genuine Progress Indicator)

A recent (1990s) indicator developed to correct acknowledged deficiencies in the GDP that don’t account for all costs or benefits of human activities. It is an attempt to provide a more accurate (quality of life) indicator for people than the GDP does for governments and corporations. For example, natural catastrophes and industrial accidents contribute to growth of the GDP (due to increases in labor and capital expenditure) without accounting for... Read More

GNP (Gross National Product)

The total value of newly produced products and services produced in a year by a country’s companies (including profits from capital held abroad). Transactions in existing goods, such as second-hand cars, are not included, as these do not involve the production of new goods.  Read More

Global Weirding

 Read More

Global Warming

A term for the gradual, average increase of temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans. Local temperatures around the world, however, may increase or decrease in varying amounts. Global warming is accelerated by the greenhouse gases expelled into the atmosphere from human industry.  Read More

GDP (Gross Domestic Product)

A measure of economic production (and often standard of living) of a country. GDP calculates a nations total economic output of products and services. The GDP is problematic as a sustainability indicator because it considers the amount of money spent in a country in isolation, assuming more money spent means a healthier economy. Yet the activities generated by spending that money may or may not be contributing to harmful environmental or social factors... Read More

Frame

Metaphors that serve to structure our experience and understanding of the complex world around us. Made famous by professor George Lakoff. More information: www.rockridgeinstitute.org  Read More

Flat Organization

An organization with few layers of management in the hope of achieving organizational efficiency and effectiveness. Flat organizations or hierarchies often use a more team-based approach that is more flexible and responsive.  Read More

Fiduciary Responsibility

The moral, and sometimes legal, responsibility one party has to another in relationship to specific duties, such as those held by investment advisors or trustees.  Read More