| AfH | Architecture for Humanity |
| AHRC | Arts and Humanities Research Council |
| CNC | computer numeric controlled |
| DfE | design for the environment |
| DfS | design for sustainability |
| EF | ecological footprint |
| EMUDE | Emerging User Demands for Sustainable Solutions |
| FAO | Food and Agriculture Organization |
| GDP | gross domestic product |
| HDI | human development index |
| HDPE | high density polyethylene |
| HIPC | heavily indebted poor countries |
| HPI | Happy Planet Index |
| html | hypertext mark-up language |
| HVAC | heating/ventilation/air-conditioning |
| ICSID | International Council of Societies of Industrial Design |
| ICT | information communication and technology |
| IP | intellectual property |
| IPCC | Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change |
| IT | information technology |
| ITDG | Intermediate Technology Development Group |
| LCA | life cycle analysis |
| LCT | life cycle thinking |
| LDCs | least developed countries |
| LETS | Local Exchange Trading System |
| LGBT | lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender |
| MDF | medium-density fibreboard |
| MDP | measure of domestic progress |
| MDRI | Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative |
| MEA | Millennium Ecosystem Assessment |
| MIPS | materials intensity per unit service |
| NEF | New Economics Foundation |
| NPD | new product development |
| OAN | Open Architecture Network |
| ODA | Official development assistance |
| OLPC | One Laptop per Child |
| OS | open source |
| PC | personal computer |
| PD | participatory design |
| ppm | parts per million |
| PPP | purchasing power parity |
| PSS | product service systems |
| QoL | quality of life |
| SCP | sustainable consumption and production |
| SD | sustainable development |
| SMEs | small and medium-sized enterprises |
| T&L | teaching and learning |
| TBL | triple bottom line |
| TCP/IP | Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol |
| TOES | Towards Other Economic Systems |
| UCD | user-centred design |
| UNDP | United Nations Development Programme |
| WCED | World Commission on Environment and Development |
| WWF | World Wide Fund for Nature |
