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NGO (Non-Governmental Organization)
A non-profit group or organization that is run neither by business or government created to realize particular social or economic pursuits, through research, activism, training, promotion, advocacy, lobbying, or community service....[Read more about this term]
Natural Capital
One of at least four forms of capital used by people, organizations, corporations, and governments, to build and maintain their livelihoods. Natural Capital includes all forms of resources from the environment, including minerals, water, air, sunlight, heat, plants, animals, and...[Read more about this term]
Natural Step™
A trademarked, science-based framework to help organizations and communities understand and become more sustainable. It is also an international organization that provides consulting and education services around this framework. More information: www.naturalstep.com...[Read more about this term]
Negawatt
The saving of a megawatt of power by reducing consumption or increasing efficiency....[Read more about this term]
Neoclassical Economics
Most of modern economic theory is based on this set of assumptions and mathematical models of markets. Neoclassical economic theory believes that markets are the best mechanisms for solving problems and are most effective when left alone without government or...[Read more about this term]
Net Operating Working Capital
A traditional measure of a company’s liquidity and potential for growth. Net operating working capital is defined as non-interest bearing current assets minus non-interest charging liabilities: Net operating working capital = current assets - current liabilities Generally, net operating working...[Read more about this term]
Net Present Value (NPV)
The value, in the present, of an investment or financial transaction that will pay-off in the future, minus the cost of the investment up until the time of that pay-off. NPV represents the profit or loss, in present worth, of...[Read more about this term]
Net-Zero Energy Home
A home employing site-appropriate passive solar design, site-appropriate renewable energy products, and proven energy efficiency/conservation technologies and practices, resulting in an annual contributionto the electricity grid that is equal to or greater than the amount of power the home uses...[Read more about this term]
Niche
A type of market characterized by small size (relative to traditional markets) and special interests. Growing markets and trends often start as niche markets. In most categories, because there are no market majorities (a product or service with more than...[Read more about this term]
Non-profit and Not-for-profit
Two types of organizations that are not expected or allowed to make a profit, though many still generate revenues from activities. In return for not earning profits, these organizations are regulated differently and are tax-exempt. Non-profit organizations cannot distribute revenue...[Read more about this term]
