The eco-dictionary

BIODIVERSITY

It is the totality of species of animals, plants and micro-organisms that populate the Earth. The total number of species is estimated at between 5 million and 30 million. Some of them are becoming extinct faster due to human activities.
Between 10,000 and 20,000 species disappear every year.

ECOLABEL

Eco-labels are awarded to manufacturers who apply for them following examination of the application, audit and inspection by independent, impartial entities.

ECOSYSTEM

An ecosystem is a dynamic system made up of a natural or biotope environment (water, soil, climate, light...), characterised by specific ecological conditions and living beings or biocenose (animals, plants, microorganisms) that live in it. Examples of ecosystems: sea, pond, forest, mountain… All of Earth’s ecosystems make up the biosphere.

ENERGY POSITIVE

A concept designating a building (or house) that produces more energy than it consumes.

ENERGY LABEL

Created by the European Commission, it is compulsory. It identifies products whose use saves energy. Class A includes the products that perform best in terms of energy saving. The most energy-consuming products are labelled G

ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT

It assesses the area and the resources required to maintain a constant standard of living and ensuring elimination of waste. The higher the standard of living, the larger the footprint, and thus the greater the consumption of natural resources.

GREEN STICKER

First introduced in 1998 in France; identifies the least-polluting vehicles. If pollution levels are high and alternating traffic is resorted to, “green sticker” cars are not subject to the restriction.

OZONE LAYER

A layer of gas coming from the transformation of oxygen, which protects the Earth from ultraviolet radiation. It undergoes seasonal variations that are becoming more serious year after year.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.