Data Centre Dictionary - Definitions – A

Air and water source heat pumps

Heat pumps extract the heat from an external source, which can then be used for space heating inside a building. Water source heat pumps are able to provide heating, including hot water. They are more efficient than air source heat pumps, but take up more space.

Agenda 21

Agenda 21 was revealed at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (Earth Summit), held in Rio de Janeiro on June 14, 1992. The final text was the result of drafting, consultation and negotiation, beginning in 1989 and culminating at the two-week conference.

179 governments voted to adopt the programme, which is run by the United Nations (UN) related to sustainable development. It is a comprehensive blueprint of action to be taken globally, nationally and locally by organizations of the UN, governments, and major groups in every area in which human’s impact on the environment. The number 21 refers to the 21st century.

Agenda 21 covers 900 pages, divided into 40 chapters and four sections:

Section I – Social and Economic Dimensions
Includes: combating poverty, changing consumption patterns, population and demographic dynamics, promoting health, promoting sustainable settlement patterns and integrating environment and development into decision-making.

Section II – Conservation and Management of Resources for Development
Includes: atmospheric protection, combating deforestation, protecting fragile environments, conservation of biological diversity (biodiversity), and control of pollution.

Section III – Strengthening the Role of Major Groups
Includes: the roles of children and youth, women, NGOs, local authorities, business and workers.

Section IV – Means of Implementation
Includes: science, technology transfer, education, international institutions and mechanisms and financial mechanisms.

The implementation of Agenda 21 was intended to involve action at international, national, regional and local levels. Some national and state governments have legislated or advised that local authorities take steps to implement the plan locally, as recommended in Chapter 28 of the document. Such programmes are often known as ‘Local Agenda 21′ or ‘LA21′.

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

A precious landscape whose distinctive character and natural beauty are so outstanding that it is in the nation’s interest to safeguard them.