The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat. Preserving the diversity of species and habitats is an important aspect of sustainable development.

A range of environmental assessment tools for buildings, including commercial space, ranging from 'Pass' to 'Outstanding'.

A living roof which has been designed to be colonised with flora and fauna. This has benefits for local biodiversity and flood control.

Berkeley follows the definition set out in Planning Policy Statement 3, which defines brownfield land as 'previously developed land that is, or was, occupied by a permanent structure (excluding agricultural or forestry buildings), and associated fixed surface infrastructure.' The definition covers the curtilage of the development.

Legally binding UK climate change and energy saving scheme which requires organisations using high levels of electricity to purchase allowances equivalent to their emissions each year. Expected to come into force in 2010.

The national training organisation for construction in the UK.

Tax on energy use payable by non-domestic users. This is designed to provide an incentive to increase efficiency and reduce carbon emission through energy production and usage.

A rating system of sustainable building standards based on voluntary compliance. Homes are rated on a scale of one to six, where a six star home is zero carbon for all energy use.

A method of producing head and power simultaneously, through the burning of fuel. Electricity is generated at the point of use, making the system intrinsically more efficient.

A voluntary code of practice adopted by the construction industry which commits contractors to be environmentally conscious, clean, safe, accountable, and good, responsible and considerate neighbours.

A process of engaging with stakeholders, and incorporating their views in to decision making processes.

An index for socially responsible investment set up by FTSE.

Berkeley Homes Health and Safety campaign focusing on eleven key factors that may be the cause of avoidable accidents on site, including lighting levels, waste management and communication.

Electricity provided through the national grid, which comes from renewable sources such as wind farms.

Grey water comprises non hazardous wastewater generated form homes sanitary equipment. Recycling occurs when this water is then utilised for another purpose, such as flushing toilets.

Organisation that develops universally applicable Sustainability Reporting Guidelines which provide voluntary guidance for organisations to use as the basis for disclosure about their sustainability performance.

Quantifiable measurements of performance for comparison with previous years.

Design standards that allow a house to be used throughout an occupants life, incorporating features that make it more accessible and adaptable.

A commitment to undertake an action, the level of achievement of which can be assessed, but where the degree of achievement is essentially qualitative and not pre-defined in quantifiable terms.

Formerly the WFF / Insight Investment Housebuilders benchmarking. Benchmarks the top 20 house builders in the UK on the basis of their sustainability performance.

Not for profit organisation which operates independently of government, generally existing to further the social, environmental, political or economic situation of their members and stakeholders.

A target with a clear, quantifiable level of desired performance.

The UK requirement for reporting work-related accidents, diseases and dangerous occurrences.

The SAP rating is the 'Standard Assessment Procedure' which provides an indication of the overall energy efficiency of a dwelling. It is measured on a scale of 1-100 where the higher the number, the better the performance.

A police initiative that encourages the adoption of crime prevention measures in the design of buildings. It aims to help build safer and more secure environment, with less crime and less fear of crime.

A plan which identifies responsibilities for managing and monitoring waste on developments. SWMPs ensure that opportunities to recycle materials and reduce waste to landfill are identified.

Any group or individual which is affected by, or may affect, and organisation or its activities.

The water flow which occurs when water, from rain, snow melt, or other sources is not absorbed in to the ground, and flows over the land.

For the Berkeley Group, sustainability requires the management of the complex interplay of environmental, social and economic issues associated with our core business activity.

Surface water drainage methods that take account of quantity, quality and amenity issues. They are more sustainable than conventional drainage methods because they reduce the risk of flooding in a way that is sympathetic to the needs of the local community and the environmental setting.