The quality of being able to continue over a period of time. In an environmental context, the quality of causing little or no damage to the environment and therefore being able to continue for a long time.

Being able to continue over a period of time. In an environmental context, causing, or made in a way that causes, little or no damage to the environment and therefore being able to continue for a long time.

Chemical element which exists in all plants and animals and is an important part of coal and oil. When carbon is burned it produces carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. All organic substances contain the element carbon. In an environmental context, used as a short form for carbon dioxide, especially when talking about the environment and climate change.

An amount of gas, heat, light etc that is sent out. In an environmental context, an amount of a substance that is produced and sent out into the air that is harmful to the environment, especially carbon dioxide.

A gas that causes the greenhouse effect, especially carbon dioxide. In an environmental context, one of several gases, especially carbon dioxide, that prevent heat from the earth escaping into space, causing the greenhouse effect.

Changes in the world's weather, in particular the fact that it is believed to be getting warmer as a result of human activity increasing the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

If an organisation, activity, etc is carbon neutral, it does not add to the total amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, for example by doing things such as planting trees in order to remove as much carbon dioxide as it creates.

Removing as many emissions (= gases that cause the earth to warm up) as are produced, having taken steps to reduce emissions to minimum possible level.

The inside part of something. In a property and construction context, the inside of a building.

To supply someone or something with all of the things that will be needed. In a property and construction context, to supply all elements required in a building’s interior.

The process of improving a building by cleaning and decorating it, adding new furniture, equipment, fixtures and fittings, etc.

A written description of what a new project or product should do, what is needed to produce it, how long it will take, etc. In a commercial interior context, a written description of key requirements for a space, such as look and feel ideas and essential inclusions and deliverables.

Design and build is a construction procurement route in which a single entity is appointed to both design and construct the project. Design and build can be seen as giving a single point of responsibility for delivering the entire project.

A Category A, or Cat A, space refers to the basic interior fit-out of a commercial space, commonly delivered by the landlord. It typically includes key elements such as suspended ceilings, raised floors, mechanical and electrical systems (ie, lighting, HVAC) and basic finishes such as carpet and painted walls. The space is functional but not tailored to any specific tenant's requirements.

A Category A+, or Cat A+, space commonly bridges the gap between Cat A and Cat B. A Cat A+ fit-out typically involves adding minimal tenant-ready features to a Cat A space, such as basic furniture, meeting rooms, floor finishes and a small kitchen or breakout area. This allows tenants to move in and operate with minimal additional customisation and is frequently carried out by landlords and operators for flexible or serviced office spaces.

A Category B, or Cat B, fit-out is a fully customised interior, tailored to the tenant's specific operational and aesthetic requirements. It includes features such as partitioned offices, furniture, branded décor, IT infrastructure and specialised lighting. Cat B fit-outs are typically carried out by the tenant, or their contractor, after taking possession of a Cat A space.

Shell and Core refers to the delivery of a commercial property in its most basic form, encompassing the building’s structural framework, external cladding, communal areas and primary services (ie, electricity, water and HVAC risers) to the tenant's space. The interior is left unfinished, with no ceilings, floors or internal walls, allowing tenants or landlords to complete the fit-out to their specification.

Retrofit, in the context of commercial interiors, refers to the process of upgrading or modifying existing spaces to improve their functionality, energy efficiency and, potentially, sustainability without extensive demolition or new construction. A sustainable office interior retrofit, for example, commonly prioritises measures such as using low-carbon materials, enhancing insulation, upgrading HVAC and lighting systems to energy-efficient alternatives and integrating renewable energy solutions. The goal is to modernise the space, while reducing its environmental impact and extending the lifecycle of existing elements.