Confused by the language of corporate responsibility? Use this glossary to find the terms you need.
Base station - the structure that transmits and receives calls to and from mobile phones using radio waves. A base station consists of an antenna installed onto a cabinet containing switching equipment.
CFCs - chlorofluorocarbons, ozone-depleting gases used as refrigerants.
CO2 - carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas emitted when fossil fuels are burned. One of the main gases contributing to global warming.
CR - corporate responsibility is the way a company manages its impact on the environment and society. It covers environmental, community, employee, health and safety, and ethical issues.
Digital divide - the gap between people and communities who have access to information and communications technologies and those who do not.
EMF - electric and magnetic fields (known as electromagnetic fields). They occur naturally but man-made EMF are produced by all electrical products and by radio, television and communications transmission.
Greenhouse gases - gases that contribute to global warming by enhancing the Earth’s natural greenhouse effect.
Halons - ozone-depleting gases, used in fire protection equipment.
Hazardous waste - waste that can cause harm to the environment or people if not disposed of correctly. Precise definitions vary according to national legislation.
HCFCs - hydrochlorofluorocarbons, ozone-depleting gases used as refrigerants. Less damaging to the ozone layer than CFCs.
HFCs - hydrofluorocarbons do not cause ozone depletion but do contribute to global warming.
ICNIRP - the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. A body of independent scientific experts, specialising in the possible effects on human health of exposure to non-ionising radiation (including EMF).
Ozone - a reactive form of oxygen. In the upper atmosphere the ozone layer acts as a filter for ultraviolet light and is essential to protect life. At ground level ozone is a constituent of smog.
Ozone depletion - certain gases such as CFCs, HCFCs and halons deplete the ozone layer, and are being phased out under the Montreal Protocol.
Radio frequency (RF) fields - the range of electromagnetic fields used to transmit radio signals. They are emitted by radio, television and communications transmission.
Sustainable development - development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Stakeholders - people or groups of people with a legitimate interest in the performance and actions of a company. It includes shareholders, employees, customers, non-governmental organisations, policy makers, local communities and the media.