Knowledge base

Learn how to use the Standards Map, how data is collected and checked and read users testimonies and stories!

Methodology, data protocols and updates

How can a standard be added to Standards Map?

Standards participation on Standards Map is absolutely free-of-charge and accessible for all sustainability standards organizations that meet the following rules:

 

  • Existence of a published set of criteria and indicators: “the requirements”
  • The requirements include criteria that address at least one pillar of sustainable development – Social / Environment / Economic – and/or which focus on Ethics or Quality Management

Should standards wish to take part in Standards Map, and respond to the aforementioned criteria, we invite them to contact us.

 

Standards organizations should know that they will be actively involved in the process, helping the data collection and analysis of their standards.

How are benchmarks developed?

The ITC database is comprised of 1650 baseline indicators, which allow the comparison of standards on their:

  • Environmental performance (protection of forest, soil, water, biodiversity climate…)
  • Social performance (protection of human rights, labour rights, local communities…)
  • Management and ethical performance (supply chain responsibilities, sustainability management …)
  • Quality performance (manufactured products, food systems…)
  • Operational performance (assurance, standard setting, traceability, claims…)

The Standards Map generates graphs and statistics on standards performance, which also allows for the comparison of  several standards (sided by side).

Standards Map is the only web platform providing information at such a high level of detail and accuracy on standards.

Who enters and review the data?

The process of data collection, analysis and publication in Standards Map is managed through a robust process, with external control and systematic participation of standards organizations.
This guaranties the accuracy and neutrality of the information.

  1. As first step, the Standards Map team loads the information into the ITC database, and assesses it against the benchmarking indicators, using official information provided by the standard organization.
  2. Then, an independent expert reviews the information in depth. This expert is knowledgeable about the standard initiative and specialised in the industry sectors and thematic areas it covers.
  3. After that, the standard organization checks, revises and completes the information.

This process is iterative, and each party reviews the information as often as needed.

Once the information is approved by all parties, it is published on Standards Map.

The key and unique feature of the Standards Map tool is that all information that is accessible online is reviewed and quality-controlled by each participating standard organization.

How frequently is data updated?

Standards are frequently reviewed, and their systems processes evolve constantly. The ITC database also goes through regular revisions and maintenance updates.

As a result, standards information is constantly updated in Standards Map.

In general, large standards updates are conducted on a biannual basis, involving the process as described above 

Within this 2-year cycle, ad-hoc changes and adaptations are always possible. These are addressed by the Standards Team whenever there is a request, or a gap identified. The standards organization also informs ITC if changes are made to their standards and processes.

The benchmarks and information displayed on the Standards Map are therefore up to date, accurate and frequently revised to reflect the latest evolutions on standards and international agreements on sustainability.

Is data neutral?

ITC, as an agency of the United Nations, has the responsibility to deliver accurate, comprehensive and unbiased information. Credibility and integrity of the information is therefore absolutely crucial and must be achieved through the use of strict content management protocols.

The Standards Map team has developed these data protocols to guarantee integrity and credibility of the information loaded into the Standards Map database. These data protocols include external quality controls of the data as well as a participation process for all standard organizations.

All parties contributing to the addition of information in the database follow these protocols.

Data entered in Standards Map is not only impartial, but also credible as it has been quality checked by the participating standard organizations.
Standards Map does not make any value judgments nor rate standards.

Impartiality, quality, transparency and neutrality are key features and objectives of the Standards Map tool.

Availability and latest up-dates of data in Standards Map

Data entered in Standards Map is not only impartial, but also credible as it has been quality checked by the participating standard organizations. Standard organizations review the information which is initially entered by ITC, and reviewed by third party experts, and provides comments or requests changes to be made. All changes made by the standard are tracked and can only be accepted following consultations with ITC. Once ITC and the standard organization agree on the content of the data, the standard record is published on the Standards Map website.

Standards NameLast Updated in Standards Map
A.I.S.EJul-22
ABNT Rótulo EcológicoJan-20
ABVTEX ProgrammeJun-22
ADM Responsible Soybean StandardMar-22
AEPC CCC (Disha)Nov-19
Agricultura Orgánica - Unión EuropeaMay-21
Agricultura Sustentable CertificadaOct-21
Alliance for Water Stewardship - AWSMay-21
Aluminium Stewardship InitiativeFeb-22
Amaggi Responsible StandardOct-21
Amfori - BSCIJan-20
amfori Business Environmental Performance Initiative - Level 1Mar-19
amfori Business Environmental Performance Initiative - Level 2Mar-19
amfori Business Environmental Performance Initiative - Level 3Mar-19
Aquaculture Stewardship Council - ASC - PangasiusApr-20
Aquaculture Stewardship Council - ASC - SalmonApr-20
Aquaculture Stewardship Council - ASC - ShrimpApr-20
Aquaculture Stewardship Council - ASC - TilapiaJun-20
RSO - Agriculture — Sustainability and eco-labellingNov-21
ASC - Camarones/LangostinoDec-20
ASC-MSC Seaweed (Algae) StandardApr-22
ASEAN RAI GuidelinesMar-21
Better Biomass (new name for the NTA 8080 Approved certificate)Nov-18
Better Cotton Initiative - BCIJun-22
Bio SuisseJan-21
Biosphere Destination Community Jan-20
Biosphere Responsible TourismMar-21
bluesignApr-22
BonsucroJun-21
BOPP Standard - Grower StandardJun-19
BOPP Standard - Packhouse StandardJun-19
Bord Bia - Origin Green Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme - Producer StandardMar-20
Bord Bia - Sustainable Beef and Lamb Assurance Scheme (SBLAS)Oct-19
Bord Bia - Sustainable Horticulture Assurance Scheme (SHAS)Oct-19
Botswana Ecotourism Certification System Accomodation StandardsNov-19
Botswana Ecotourism Certification System Ecotour StandardsNov-19
BRCGS - Food SafetyNov-21
BRCGS Inocuidad AlimentariaJun-21
Brord Bia - Sustainable Egg Assuarnce Scheme (SEAS)Oct-19
Bunge Pro-S Assuring Sustainable SourcingNov-21
CanadaGAPSep-20
Carbon TrustJan-21
Cargill Triple S Soya ProductsMay-21
Cefetra Certified Responsible Soya StandardMay-21
Certified Elephant Friendly™ Tea Nov-20
Certified Sea Turtle Friendly™ TourismJun-20
Certified Wildlife FrendlyJan-22
China Environmental Labelling- CELMar-21
China Green FoodMar-22
China National Organic Products Certification ProgramMar-21
China-GAP National StandardsMar-21
CIIGreenCoJun-19
Clean Clothes CampaignJan-21
Climate Community and Biodiversity Standards - CCBSFeb-19
Cocoa Horizons - Barry CallebautSep-20
Code of Practice for Sustainable Flower Production - EHPEA Jan-20
Codex Alimentarius - HACCPMay-22
Codigo Nacional de Sustentibilidad de la Industria Vitivinicola (Chile)Feb-19
Coffee Sustainability Reference CodeNov-21
Comercio Justo Internacional - Organizaciones de Pequenos ProductoresDec-20
Coporate Sustainability Compact for Textile and Apparel Industry Jan-21
Cotton Made in AfricaMar-22
CSQAOct-21
Donau SoyJun-21
East African Organic StandardFeb-18
Echar PA'LANTE ColcocoaSep-19
Eco Awards Namibia-Accommodation establishmentMar-21
ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX®Nov-21
Eco Tourism KenyaMar-21
ECOCERT Detergents Made with OrganicsJul-22
EcogarantieJul-22
EcoVadisMay-22
Ekolabel IndonesiaFeb-19
EpeatJun-20
Equitable Food Initiative - EFIFeb-19
Equitable Origin - EO - EO100TM Standard May-20
Esencial COSTA RICA (PROCOMER)Jan-20
Ethical Tea Partnership - ETPDec-16
Ethical Trading Initiative - ETIJan-20
EU EcolabelMar-20
EU Ecolabel DetergentsJul-22
EU Ecolabel PaperJul-22
EU Ecolabel TextilesJul-22
EU Organic FarmingFeb-21
Europe SoyaJun-21
European Ecotourism Labelling Standard - EETLSMar-20
European Feed ingredients Safety Certification - EFISCAug-19
Fair for lifeJun-22
Fair Labour Association - FLAJan-22
Fair StoneJan-22
Fair Trade Tourism Product Certification Standard - FTTDec-18
Fair Trade USA Agriculture Production Standard Small FarmsMar-21
Fair Trade USA Agriculture Production Standard Large FarmsMar-21
Fair WageJan-18
Fair Wear FoundationJan-21
Fairmined Standard for Licensed brandMar-21
Fairmined Standard for Mining Organizations Mar-21
Fairmined Standard for SuppliersMar-21
Fairtrade International - Hired LabourJan-20
Fairtrade International - Small Producers OrganizationsJan-21
Fairtrade International - Small Producers Organizations - CocoaMar-21
Fairtrade International GoldMar-20
Fairtrade International TraderMar-20
FairWildJun-21
FAMI QSAug-20
FEFAC Soy Sourcing Guidelines 2021Jun-21
FEMAS Responsible Sourcing of Agricultural & Natural ProductsMar-22
Flor EcuadorSep-19
FlorimarkApr-22
Florverde® Sustainable FlowersJul-22
Flowers and Ornamentals Sustainability Standard - KFC Gold and Silver LevelJan-20
Food AllianceApr-20
For LifeJan-21
Forest Stewardship Council - FSC - Forest Management Feb-21
FOS - Wild - Generic Sustainable fishing RequirementsJun-20
Friend of the Sea - Aqua MarineFeb-21
Friend of the Sea - Chain of CustodyFeb-21
FSC Standard for Chain of Custody CertificationFeb-21
FSSC22000Feb-22
Global Organic Textile Standard - GOTSMay-22
Global Red Meat Standard - GRMSMar-21
Global Reporting Initiative - GRIApr-21
Global Reporting Initiative - GRI - Spanish versionApr-21
Global Seafood Alliance - BAP standardsMar-22
Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria for DestinationsJan-20
Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria for Hotel and Tour OperatorsJan-20
GlobalG.A.P - AquacultureApr-16
GlobalG.A.P - CropsJun-20
GlobalG.A.P - FloricultureApr-18
GlobalG.A.P - LivestockApr-16
GLOBALG.A.P. Risk Assessment on Social Practice (GRASP)Apr-17
GMP + InternationalAug-19
Gold StandardApr-20
Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) - Floor CoveringsJan-21
Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) - Furniture Fitting and FoamJan-21
Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) - Panel Boards (685)Jan-21
GoodWeaveFeb-21
Green Choice PhilippinesFeb-21
Green Label ThailandJul-20
Green Mark TaiwanJan-20
Green SealMar-21
Green-eAug-20
GreenLine Responsible TourismNov-20
Guide on social responsibility for chinese international contractors - CHINAJan-21
HALAL - Cosmetic and Personal Care - MS 2200:PART1:2008Mar-16
HALAL - Requirements for Retailing - MS 2400-3:2010Mar-16
Halal Food - MS 1500:2009 - General GuidelinesMar-16
Halal food - NM 08.0.800 - 2012 (Morocco)Dec-16
Halal Food - SMICCMar-16
Halal food preparation - Turkish StandardMar-16
Hand In Hand - RapunzelJan-20
Heritage Certification - Hotels and Tourist AccommodationJan-20
Hong Kong Accredited Fish Farm SchemeJul-20
Hong Kong Green LabelApr-22
ICTI Ethical Toy ProgramDec-20
IFC Performance StandardsJan-17
IFOAM StandardsMar-22
IGEPDec-21
ILO Labour StandardsMar-16
Initiative Compliance and Sustainability Environmental CriteriaJan-19
Initiative Compliance and Sustainability Social CriteriaJan-19
International Code of Consuct for the Production of Cut Flowers43739
International Council on Mining and Metals ICMMApr-21
International Featured Standards - IFSOct-20
IP-Suisse Guidelines for cerealsMar-22
IP-Suisse Guidelines for fruits and vegetablesMar-22
IP-Suisse Guidelines for meatMar-22
IP-Suisse Guidelines for milkMar-22
ISCC EUMar-22
ISCC PlusMar-22
ISCC PLUS - Voluntary Add-onsApr-17
IVN NaturlederDec-21
KRAVJan-20
Lasting Initiative for Earth - LIFE CertificationJun-21
LBCS Cacao – Comercio Justo (Perú)Jun-20
LBCS Cacao – Orgánico (Perú)Jun-21
LEAFMar-21
LEATHER STANDARD by Oeko-TexNov-20
Lineamientos Basicos para la produccion de Quinua - LBQS - CalidadJun-21
Lineamientos Basicos para la produccion de Quinua - LBQS - Comercio JustoJun-21
Lineamientos Basicos para la produccion de Quinua - LBQS -- OrganicoJun-21
Lineamientos basicos para un Cacao Sostenible – Requisitos para las organizaciones de productores – ColombiaJun-21
Lineamientos basicos para un Cacao Sostenible – Requisitos para los productores – ColombiaJun-21
Louis Dreyfus Company Program for Sustainable Agriculture LDCMar-22
Marine Stewardship Council - MSCJun-20
MarinTrust Standard (formerly IFFO Global Standard for Responsible Supply)May-22
McDonalds Social Accountability AuditDec-21
Milieukeur Plant Products - Protected CultivationJun-18
Milieukeur Standard for Citrus Production - South AfricaJun-18
MPS-ABCJan-20
MPS-GAPJan-20
MPS-Socially Qualified (SQ)Jan-20
MyBMPMay-21
Nature Care StandardDec-21
Naturland FairAug-20
Naturland Organic AquacultureAug-21
Naturland Standards on ProductionAug-20
Naturland Sustainable Capture FisheryAug-21
Naturtextil IVN certified BEST May-22
Nordic Ecolabel Laundry Detergents
Norma de Turismo Comunitario (Tourcert)Oct-20
o LBCS Cacao – Calidad (Perú)Jun-21
OECD Guidelines for Multinational EnterprisesDec-19
OFDC Organic Product Certification StandardMar-20
Öko-Tex Made in GreenJan-21
Öko-Tex Standard 100Sep-20
On the Way to PlanetProof Plant ProductsJan-20
Österreichischisches Umweltzeichen (paper) Dec-21
Pacific Organic Standard - AquacultureJun-20
Pacific Organic Standard - CropsJun-20
Pacific Organic Standard - LivestockJun-20
PEFC International - Chain of Custody of Forest Based ProductsFeb-21
PEFC International Forest ManagementFeb-21
Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Initiative Aug-19
Predator Friendly StandardsJan-22
PrimusGFSOct-20
Produits cosmétiques Halal - PNM 08.0.802 Dec-16
ProFarm Production standardJul-21
Protected Harvest Standards for Oranges and MandarinesMar-18
ProTerraMay-21
ProTerra EuropeOct-21
Rainforest Alliance - RA 2017 (expires July 2021)Jul-18
Rainforest Alliance 2020Nov-21
Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Tourism Standard for Hotels and Lodging ServicesJan-20
recognised - Environmental Credentials SchemeOct-19
Red Tractor Combinable Crops and Sugar Beet StandardsJan-22
Red Tractor Fresh Produce StandardsJan-22
RedCERT 2Sep-19
RedCERT EUSep-19
Reglamento Tecnico para los Productos Organicos - Norma Peruana
Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), former Electronics Industry Code of Conduct - EICCFeb-20
Responsible Jewellery Council - RJCDec-17
Responsible Recycling Standard for Electronics RecyclersJan-21
Responsible Tourism Tanzania - RTTZJan-17
Roundtable on Responsible Soy - RTRS May-21
Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil RSPO - Principles and CriteriaApr-21
Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil RSPO - Supply Chain CertificationApr-21
RSB Standard (Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials)Feb-21
RSG Requirements (based on RTRS)Mar-16
SAFA Guidelines (FAO)Jun-17
Safe Quality Food ProgramOct-20
SAI Platform - Farm Sustainability AssessmentJan-22
SEDEX - SAQSep-21
Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit - SMETA Best Practice GuidanceAug-21
Seychelles Sustainable Tourism LabelJul-18
SGE 21 ForéticaNov-21
Simple Sri Lanka GAP Jan-22
Singapore Green Label SchemeFeb-22
Small Producers SymbolFeb-21
Social & Labour Convergence Program (SLCP) Version CAF 1.4 - MasterMar-21
Social Accountability International - SA8000Feb-20
Social CarbonJan-22
Sodrugestvo Sustainable Soy ProgrammeMar-22
Soil AssociationApr-19
STeP by OEKO-TEX ®Aug-19
Sustainability Initiative of South Africa - SIZAJul-22
Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP)Dec-20
Sustainable Farming Assurance Programme SFAPMay-21
Sustainable Feed Standard SFSOct-16
Sustainable Food Group Sustainability Standard™ CertificationApr-21
Sustainably GrownMay-20
Swiss Norme Halal n°12014-03 - Les aliments Halal - ExigencesJan-22
TCO LaptopsJul-22
TCO PhonesJul-22
TerraChoice - the EcoLogo Program - UL EnvironmentSep-18
Textile Exchange Global Recycled Standard Version 3Mar-22
Textile Exchange Organic Content Standard 2013Mar-22
Textile Exchange Recycled Claim Standard 2013Mar-22
Textile Exchange Responsible Wool StandardJul-22
Textile Exhange Responsible Down Standard 2014Mar-22
The Blue Angel (Paper) Jul-22
The Blue Angel (Computer) Jul-22
The Blue Angel (detergents) Jul-22
The Blue Angel (Leather) Jul-22
The Common Code for the Coffee Community - 4CApr-22
The Oceanic StandardJul-22
The Social & Labour Convergence Program (SLCP) CAF Version 1.4 - Step 1Mar-21
The Social & Labour Convergence Program (SLCP) CAF Version 1.4 - Step 2Mar-21
The Social & Labour Convergence Program (SLCP) CAF Version 1.4 - Step 3Mar-21
Together for SustainabilityAug-20
TourCertOct-20
Travelife Award of ExcellenceJan-22
Travelife Gold Award for large hotels/groupsJan-22
Travelife Gold Award for small/medium-sized hotelsJan-22
Triple SelloJan-22
TüV Rheinland - Green Mark Product - FurnitureMar-21
TüV Rheinland Green Product Mark - LaptopsJul-22
TÜV Rheinland Green Product Mark-SmartphonesJul-22
U.S. Cotton Trust ProtocolNov-21
U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance ProtocolNov-21
UN Global CompactJul-20
UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human RightsNov-20
UNCTAD BioTrade Principles & Criteria - Marine Food SectorsDec-20
UNCTAD BioTrade Principles & Criteria - Terrestrial Food SectorsNov-20
UNCTAD BioTrade Principles & Criteria - Terrestrial Non-Food SectorsNov-20
UNCTAD BioTrade Principles & Criteria - Tourism in Terrestrial EcosystemsJul-22
UNECE Standard DDP-01 Inshell WalnutsDec-19
UNECE Standard FFV-50 ApplesDec-19
UNILEVER Sustainable Agriculture CodeMay-21
Union for Ethical BioTrade - UEBTMar-21
USDA National Organic Program - NOPMay-21
VEGAPLAN GRAINS GRJan-22
VEGAPLAN POTATOES POJan-22
VEGAPLAN SUGARBEET SBJan-22
VEGAPLAN VEGETABLES PROCESSINGJan-22
Verified Carbon StandardDec-19
VERIFLORAApr-22
VietFarmJan-22
Vitality LeafJun-22
WFTO Guarantee SystemSep-20
Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trading Association (WIETA)Feb-22
Workplace Conditions Assessment - WCAApr-20
Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production - WRAPNov-21
XertifixDec-21
Xertifix PlusDec-21
ZeryaMay-16
ZNUFeb-22

This course introduces participants to the various types of standards which exist and how they may impact your business.

This course introduces participants to the concepts of standards and sustainability, focusing on voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) and the various ways in which enterprises can approach them.

This course introduces participants to the main terminology and steps involved in getting their business certified

This course introduces participants to the main potential advantages and discadvantages linked to certification

How to REVIEW relevant standards

Short tutorial on the Quick-Scan module of Standards Map.

How to COMPARE standards

View this video to understand how information is being portrayed in the Compare module.

How to SET standards as a REFERENCE

Watch this short video to see how a specific standard can be set as a reference.

How to Conduct a SELF-ASSESSMENT

Watch this video to see how you could take a FREE online-questionnaire to assess the sustainability of your business.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Standards Map tool and database

What are sustainability standards?

Sustainability standards are guidelines used by producers, manufacturers, traders, retailers, and service providers to develop good environmental, social, ethical, and food safety practices.

 

They can be voluntary standards, consumer-facing certification schemes, corporate code of conducts, audit protocols, reporting frameworks, or company programs.

 

Sustainability standards all have similar goals but differ in terms of product and geographical scope, themes of work, or processes.

 

For instance, some standards  concentrate on the eradication of human rights violations in supply chains, while others focus on phytosanitary practices or on food quality improvement.

 

Many standards are accompanied by a verification process to check compliance, or with traceability processes to track products along the supply chains until consumers buy them.

 

Sustainability standards often reference internationally agreed rights and principles and require compliance with national laws and regulations.

 

Sustainability standards also have different governance models, depending on their historical developments and internal systems. They may have been developed by civil society, or by the private sector, or even by multi-stakeholder initiatives also involving public authorities.

 

Sustainability standards play a central role in global trade, and greatly contribute to the improvement of  environmental and social compliance in supply chains.

 

Check out the 300+ sustainability standards presented in Standards Map!

 

Users may use the first module of Standards Map to identify the standards on which they would like to focus their analysis.

Why sustainability benchmarks?

Navigating and understanding the plethora of standards has become a very difficult task for many producers, exporters, trade support institutions and policy makers.

All stakeholders need to understand standards, including their differences (areas covered, methodology used, etc.),  and how they can aid efforts towards sustainability. 

Within its unique search and comparison tool on standards, the Standards Map helps making sense of all standards data, and helps all stakeholders find the information they need on standards in any sector or area of interest.

Which sectors and countries are included in Standards Map?

Standards Map covers a wide area of products and sectors ranging from agriculture to textiles, mining, forestry, fishery, but also to services like tourism or finance.

Each sector presents specific challenges and opportunities related to sustainability and Standards Map presents a unique way to explain how standards address these.

Standards Map covers all regions and countries in the world, where there are operations: production, extraction, transformation, market outreach, etc.

Can Standards Map data be downloaded?

No. Data in Standards Map cannot be downloaded. 

Who uses the Standards Map?

Standard Map is actively used by companies, governments, civil society, researchers, and consumers to assess, compare, and understand in detail all sustainability standards.

What questions can Standards Map help me answer?

  • Have you been approached by your current buyers and asked to comply with a specific standard?
  • Do you wish to make your products or services certified as “sustainable”?
  • Do you wish to diversify your product base and enter new “niche” markets?
Standards Map can help you answer such questions and help your business build its roadmap to sustainability
Which standards operate in a country?
Which standards may apply to a specific sector, product or service?
Which standard may focus on a specific sustainability issue or hotspot?
What are the different requirements needed to become certified?
Who uses the Standards Map?
Which standards suit best my profile?
How much does the certification process cost and how much time does it take to become fully certified?
Who can I contact to receive information on this standard? Are their any local offices in my country?
Being already standard A, what additional requirements would I need to comply to in order to become certified to B?
What are the similarities and differences between standards?
How are the standard organizations managed and how are standards developed?
Is mutual recognition made possible by a specific standard?

Standards Map is currently the only tool which can answer all of these questions. Unlike many of the other systems which exist, Standards Map differentiates itself by reviewing standards making use of over 1600 criteria.

Standards Map Glossary of terms and expressions

Glossary of terms and expressions developed by the Standards Map Technical Working Group.

Accountability

State of being answerable for adapted decisions and activities to the interested parties  of an organization 

ISO 37101, Management system for sustainable development

 

Assessment

Combined processes of audit, review, and decision on a client’s conformity with the requirements of a standard (or of the assurance provider’s conformance with requirements for assurance)

ISEAL Assurance Code

 

Assurance

Demonstrable evidence that specified requirements relating to a product, process, system, person or body are fulfilled.

ISEAL Credibility Principles, adapted from ISO 17000 

 

 

Audit

Systematic, documented process for obtaining records, statements of fact or other relevant information and assessing them objectively to determine the extent to which specified requirements are fulfilled.

ISEAL Assurance Code, adapted from ISO 17000

 

Appeal

Formal request for the reconsideration of a decision.

SSCI Glossary of Terms

 

 

Auditor

Person who performs the audit

ISEAL Assurance Code

Benchmark

 

 

Benchmarking

Practice of comparing an organization’s sustainability processes and performance to best practices 

 

Biodiversity

Variability among living organisms from all sources, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and ecological complexes of which they are part, this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 1994

Capacity Building (or Capacity development)

Process through which individuals, organizations and societies obtain, strengthen and maintain the capabilities to set and achieve their own development objectives over time.

UNDP, Capacity Development

Certificate

Generic expression used to include all means of communicating that fulfilment of specified requirements has been demonstrated

ISEAL Assurance Code, adapted from ISO 17000

 

Certification

Issuance of a third-party statement that fulfilment of specified conformance requirements have been demonstrated.

SSCI Glossary of Terms

Chain of custody 

Custodial sequence that occurs as ownership or control of the material supply is transferred from one custodian to another in the supply chain.

ISEAL Claims Good Practice Guide

 

Child labour

Refers to work which deprives children (any person under 18) of their childhood, their potential and their dignity, that is harmful to their physical and/or mental development, is likely to be hazardous or to interfere with their education

ILO Convention

Claim

Message used to set apart and promote a product, process, business or service with reference to one or more of the pillars of sustainability: social, economic and/or environmental

ISEAL Assurance Code

 

Code of Conduct (or Code of Ethics)

Voluntary expressions of commitment made by an organisation (private company, association of companies, NGOs, inter- government organizations) to influence its processes and activities for the benefit of the organisation itself and for the communities in which it operates, covering

sustainability issues.

Adapted from OECD Working Papers on International Investment Codes of Corporate Conduct

Community

Group of people with an arrangement of responsibilities, activities and relationships. In many, but not all, contexts, a community has a defined geographical boundary.

 

ISO 37101:2016, Management system for sustainable development

 

 

Competitiveness

Demonstrated ability to design, produce and commercialize an offer that fully, uniquely and continuously fulfils the needs of targeted market segments, while connecting with and drawing resources from the business environment, and achieving a sustainable return on the resources employed

ITC, SME Competitiveness Outlook

 

 

 

 

 

Complaint

Expression of dissatisfaction about the standard of service, actions, or lack of action

SSCI Glossary of Terms

 

Compliance

State of an organization that meets prescribed specifications, contract terms, regulations or standards. Compliance obligations can arise from mandatory requirements, such as applicable laws and regulations, or voluntary commitments

ASQ Quality Glossary, ISO 37101, Management system for sustainable development

 

Conformity Assessment

Process of determining whether someone or something meets the requirements of a standard. It can be done in one of three ways:

  • first party (assessment by the organization itself),
  • second party (assessment of organization by a user),
  • third party (assessment of organization by an independent body).

Adapted from ISO, Glossary of Terms

 

 

Conformity Assessment Body

Third-party conformity assessment body operating certification schemes.

SSCI Glossary of Terms

 

Continuous Improvement

Ongoing effort of an organization to improve sustainability practices, products, services, and/or processes. 

Adapted from ISO 9001

Corrective action

Action to eliminate the (root) cause(s) of a detected non-conformance/ non-compliance and to prevent recurrence

Adapted from SSCI Glossary of Terms and ISO 37101

 Corporate Social Responsibility

Business’s contribution to sustainable development and response to societal and environmental concerns.

OECD, Partners for Progress

Data management

Measures using data technologies and resources to solve sustainability challenges, gathered for instance from surveys, mobile apps, sensors and crowd-sourced input and analysed with data science and visualisation. The collection and management of data can be used to detect, monitor, inform and improve sustainability processes and practices

Adapted from ISEAL Alliance excerpt on Data collection and technology innovation

Discrimination

Any distinction, exclusion or preference made on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin (among other characteristics), which has the effect of nullifying or impairing equality of opportunity and treatment in employment or occupation

ILO Convention C111

 

Due Diligence

For a company or an organization, process of identifying, reviewing and mitigating potential environmental and social risks associated with the activities of business partners, suppliers and other third parties.

Adapted from OECD guidelines on Business and Human Rights

Environment

The naturally produced physical surroundings on which living organisms are dependent

Adapted from OECD Glossary of statistical terms

Ecosystem services

Benefits people obtain from ecosystems. These include provisioning services such as food and water; regulating services such as flood and disease control; cultural services such as spiritual, recreational, and cultural benefits; and supporting services such as nutrient cycling that maintain the conditions for life on Earth

 

Millennium Ecosystem Assessment

Forced (or compulsory) labour

Refers to situations in which persons are coerced to work through the use of violence or intimidation, or by more subtle means such as accumulated debt, retention of identity papers or threats of denunciation to immigration authorities.

ILO Conventions 29&105

Gender equality

Situation achieved when human being from all genders enjoy the same rights and opportunities across all sectors of society, including economic participation and decision-making, and when the different behaviours, aspirations and needs of women and men are equally valued and favoured

Adapted from European Institute for Gender Equality

 

Governance

 

 

Grievance mechanism

Channel of communication (and associated processes) available to individuals or organisations to report concerns or complaints and address them within a formal process that offers them protection from retribution       

SSCI Glossary

             

Group

Organized body of persons or enterprises that share similar characteristics are part of a shared internal management system and, for assessment purposes, are considered as a single client (e.g. groups of farmers, retail stores, or distributors). 

ISEAL Assurance Code Version 2.0

Human Rights

Basic international standards aimed at securing dignity and equality for all. Every human being is entitled to enjoy them without discrimination. They include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education

Adapted from UNGP Guidelines on Business and Human Rights

Impacts

Positive and negative long-term effects resulting from the implementation of a standards system, either directly or indirectly, intended or unintended

ISEAL Impacts Code v2 Dec. 2014, adapted from OECD Glossary, 2002

 

Input

Resource mobilized by a standards system, an organization or a business to support activities to further desired long‐term impacts. Examples of inputs include physical, human, financial, and capital resources.

ISEAL Impacts Code v2, Dec. 2014

Internal Management System

Documented set of procedures and processes that a group will implement to ensure it can achieve its specified requirements.

Adapted from ISEAL Assurance Code Version 2.0

Labelling

Set of consumer information tools to provide information relating to sustainable consumption and production, allowing organizations to measure performance, communicate and market the sustainability credentials of a given product.

 Adapted from UNEP and Johannesburg Plan of Implementation

 

Labour rights

Fundamental and universal rights at work: Freedom of association, Collective bargaining, abolition of forced or compulsory labour, Equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation, Protection of children and young person

ILO Conventions

 

Landscape (and jurisdictional) approach

Strategy to achieve sustainable practices at scale, bringing regional stakeholders to agree on and implement a shared approach to more sustainable use of natural resources and land use management, across sectors and jurisdictions.

Adapted from ISEAL Alliance excerpt on Landscape approach

Living Wage

Remuneration or compensation for a standard 48-hour work week sufficient to pay a decent standard of living for the worker and his/her family, covering food, water, housing, education, medical care, transportation, clothing, and other essential needs, including the provision for unexpected events

IDH and Global Living Wage Coalition

Market Analysis

Activity of gathering information about the size, growth, profitability, target groups and existing products of a market, which is used to inform decision making at a strategic level.

 UNEP Glossary

Monitoring and Evaluation System 

Ongoing functions, processes and activities through which an organisation draws conclusions about its contribution to intended outcomes and impacts.

Outcome

Likely or achieved short-term and medium-term results from the implementation of a standards system’s strategies.

ISEAL Code of Good Practice Version 6.0 – December 2014, adapted from OECD Glossary                                                              

 

Oversight

Assessment of an assurance provider’s demonstration of competence to carry out specific assurance tasks  

ISEAL  Assurance Code

Policy

Intentions and direction of an organization , as formally expressed by its top management 

ISO 37101, Management system for sustainable development

 

Protected Areas

Clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values.

IUCN Definition 2008   

 

Public Consultation   

Consultations with stakeholders to improve standards, policy or programme proposals.

Reporting

Act by an organization of giving an official report about its sustainability policy, activities, performance and results

 

Requirement

Need or expectation that is stated, generally implied or obligatory, describing a desired performance level or target to be achieved. It can make specific demands on how that level/target should be reached. A requirement can be based on practice, processes/systems, and outcome.

 

Adapted from ISO 37101:2016, Management system for sustainable development and from IISD report

Risk management

Process of risk identification, analysis and evaluation of the chance of something happening that will have an impact on objectives. It is measured in terms of a combination of the probability of an event and the severity of its consequences.

SSCI Glossary of Terms Version 1.0

Remediation/remedy

Process of providing remedy for a negative impact and the substantive outcomes that can counteract, or make good, the negative impact. These outcomes may take a range of forms such as apologies, restitution, rehabilitation, financial or non-financial compensation, and punitive sanctions as well as the prevention of harm through, for example, injunctions or guarantees of non-repetition.

Adapted from UNGP reporting Glossary

Scheme owner

Organisation that determines the objectives and scope of the standards system, as well as the rules for how the scheme will operate and the standards against which conformance will be assessed. It can be a voluntary standard-setting organisation, a company, a governmental authority, a trade association or other body

 

Scheme Management

Determines the objectives and scope of the scheme, as well as the rules for how the scheme will operate and the standards against which conformance will be assessed.

Adapted from the ISEAL Credibility Principles v1 June 2013

 

Self-assessment

Statement issued by an organization, on behalf of itself, and based on its own determination, that states its status against specified conformance requirements of a standard.

Adapted from ISO 14001

Small and Medium Enterprises

Non-subsidiary, independent firms which employ fewer than a given number of employees. SME’s integration in global supply chains can be a key driver for sustainable development.

Adapted from ITC SME Competitiveness Outlook 2015

 

Social impact

Direct or indirect business impacts on people: employees, workers in the value chain, customers and local communities

Adapted from UN Global Compact                                                                

Sourcing

Process of buying goods and services from the international market across geopolitical boundaries. Sustainable sourcing refers to the integration of social, ethical and environmental performance factors into the process of selecting suppliers, services and goods.

Adapted from OECD definition

 

Stakeholder

Person, group or organisation that has interest or concern (actual or perceived) in an organisation. Stakeholders can affect or be affected by the organisation’s actions, objectives and policies.

SSCI Glossary of Terms Version 1.0

 

Standard

Document that provides, for common and repeated use, rules, guidelines or characteristics for products or related processes and production methods, with which compliance is not necessarily legally mandatory, and which is dynamic and subject to change. A sustainability standard addresses the social, environmental or economic practices of a defined organization

Adapted from ISEAL Standard Setting Code,  SSCI Glossary of Terms and SAI Sustainable Sourcing Guide

 

 

 

Supply chain

Network between a company and its suppliers to produce and distribute a specific product to the final buyer. Sustainable supply chain management involves integrating sustainable practices into the complete supply chain lifecycle, from product design and development, to material selection, manufacturing, packaging, transportation, warehousing, distribution, consumption, return and disposal.

Adapted from Sustainable Supply Chain Foundation

 

Support

Set of strategies to build a group’s capacities, promote the rights of its individuals and foster its access and performance towards sustainable practices.

 

Sustainability

Operating practices that meet the needs of present users without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable practices support ecological, human, and economic health and vitality.

UCLA Sustainability Committee, adapted from definition of UN World Commission on Environment and Development

Theory of Change

Approach describing the intended logic of an intervention into its implementation context, the causal pathways from outputs through outcomes via intermediate states towards impact, and the external factors that influence change.

Adapted from UNEP

 

Third Party Assurance

Assurance activity that is performed by a person or body that is independent of the person or organization that provides the object of assurance and of user interests in that object

ISEAL Assurance Code, adapted from ISO 17000

Traceability

Completeness of the information about every step in a process chain which allows for verification of origin of the material.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ISEAL  Claims Good Practice Guide

 

Transparency

Environment in which the objectives, framework, data and information of a policy are provided to stakeholders in a comprehensible, accessible, and timely manner.

Adapted from OECD Procurement ToolBox    

Value

Economic revenue that an organization gets in return for its goods or services in a way that creates positive outcomes for society, by addressing its needs and challenges, considering economic, environmental and social considerations

Adapted from Porter & Kramer, The Big idea creating shared value 2011

 

Verification

Confirmation, through the provision of objective evidence, that specified requirements have been fulfilled.

ISEAL Assurance Code

Worker

Individual performing work for an organization, regardless of the existence or nature of any contractual relationship with that company.

UNGP Reporting Glossary