AOX   Abbreviation for Adsorbable Organic Halogen Compounds; X stands for the halogens fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine. The sum of these organic halogen compounds in water, determined by a standardized procedure and calculated as the chloride content, as an indication of the degree of pollution.     Audit   A systematic investigation designed to establish whether the relevant activities (e.g. environment-related activities in the case of an environmental audit) and the resultant effects comply with the planned requirements. It also examines whether these requirements are effectively met and whether they are appropriate for achieving the intended goals.   Biological wastewater treatment   Process for breaking down organic substances by microorganisms in special treatment plants. Microorganisms are capable of breaking down organic substances in surface waters: wastewater treatment plants make selective use of this natural process.     BTXE   Abbreviation for the aromatic carbons benzene, toluene, xylene and ethylbenzene.     Chlor-alkali electrolysis   Rock salt and water solutions are converted by an electric current into chlorine, caustic soda solution and hydrogen. Chlorine and caustic soda solution are among the most important feedstocks for chemical production.     COD value   (Abbreviation for Chemical Oxygen Demand) This value, determined by a standardized procedure, indicates the amount of organic compounds contained in water.   Corporate citizenship   The term signifies the role of the company as a "citizen" of a city and country, and also as a "global citizen." Rules for the global citizenship of companies are given, for example, in the Global Compact.   Corporate social responsibility   Umbrella term for the social dimension of sustainable management and the readiness to take on responsibility in the social sphere. Depending on the size of the company, degree of internationalization and range of products, responsibility can be on a local, regional or global scale.   Denitrification   Process in which special bacteria are used to break down nitrate, releasing nitrogen (N2) as found in air. By-products of denitrification are laughing gas (N2O) and nitric oxide (NO).     DIN/ISO 14001   International standard for environmental management systems. Companies formulate their own, internal environmental protection objectives, set up environment programs to attain these objectives and develop an appropriate environmental management system which should encompass all environmental protection activities and be documented in an environment manual. Certification is awarded following inspection by independent auditors.     DIN 33922   German standard which prescribes how environmental reports intended for the public are to be presented.     Eco-efficiency   In 1992, the World Business Council of Sustainable Development (WBCSD), of which Bayer is a member, introduced the term "eco-efficiency" as a strategic concept for companies. The term is defined by the WBCSD as follows: "Eco-efficiency is reached by the delivery of competitively priced goods and services that satisfy human needs and bring quality of life, while progressively reducing ecological impacts and resource intensity throughout the life cycle, to a level at least in line with the Earth's estimated carrying capacity."     Emissions   Solid, liquid and gaseous substances released into the environment as a result of chemical, industrial and even biological processes. Emissions also include noise, heat and radiation.     European Regulation on Eco-Audits (EMAS)   (EMAS = Environmental Management and Audit System) Companies may set up a voluntary environmental management system and issue environmental statements to the public detailing their achievements in the field of environmental protection. The companies are inspected by authorized environment auditors and, if they meet the requirements, are entitled to use the EU Eco-Audit label. Applies only in Europe.     Eutrophication   Overfertilization of water due, for example, to excessive use of phosphates.     Global Compact   Initiative of the United Nations relating to human rights, working conditions and environmental protection in businesses. The nine principles of the Global Compact     HSE   International abbreviation for health, safety and environment.     Kyoto Protocol   In 1997, the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change agreed, among other things, on the reduction of certain gases which are thought to have a negative effect on the Earth's climate.     MAQ   Yardstick for recording the frequency of occupational accidents: the number of injuries leading to at least one day of absence for every million working hours performed.     Nitrification   Process in which ammonia is oxidized with special bacteria known as "nitrificants" to form nitrate.     Petajoule   Unit of work, energy and heat (1 joule = 1 Watt x seconds = 0.2239 calories; 1 petajoule = 1015 joules).     Resource productivity   Efficiency of use of raw materials and energy.     Responsible Care   Global initiative launched in Canada in 1985 by the chemical industry to promote continuous improvements in health, safety and environmental protection. Bayer committed itself to this initiative in 1994 together with the Association of the German Chemical Industry (VCI).     Responsible Care coordinators   These employees coordinate the implementation of Responsible Care in the company and its organizational units and advise area and site managers on all Responsible Care issues.     Sustainable development   According to the definition of the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), a development is considered to be sustainable if it "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." (Brundtland Commission Report 1987)     Toxicity   The poisonousness of a substance.     VIC   (Volatile Inorganic Compounds) The sum of volatile inorganic compounds in the air, determined by a standardized procedure.     VOC   (Volatile Organic Compounds) The sum of volatile organic compounds in the air, determined by a standardized procedure.