Table of contents
Business sustainability has become a top priority for organizations worldwide. It involves integrating economic, environmental, and social considerations into business practices to achieve sustainable development. ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is a critical component of business sustainability. It refers to the set of criteria that investors use to evaluate a company’s operations, risks, and opportunities. According to a report by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), 93% of the world’s largest 250 companies now report on their sustainability performance. This indicates the growing importance of ESG to businesses and the need for proactive measures. These ensure that ESG performance meets your sustainable development goals.
Are you looking to improve your business’s ESG performance? Have you considered the benefits of ESG certification? In today’s world, where sustainable and socially responsible practices are increasingly important to stakeholders, ESG certification can help your business stand out as a leader in environmental, social, and governance responsibility.
The Benefits of certification for ESG Performance
Earning ESG certifications can help companies in several ways. Firstly, it enables them to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable business practices to stakeholders, including shareholders, customers, and employees. This can lead to enhanced reputation, brand loyalty, and trust. These certifications also help companies improve their ESG performance by providing a structured fundamental framework, and measurable metrics to assess their progress and benchmarks. Also, certifications relating to ESG can also help companies identify areas for improvement and implement effective initiatives to address ESG issues. Certifications also assist companies to comply with regulatory standards, reduce risks, improve sustainability reporting, and create a sustainable business model.
ISO 14001
ISO 14001 is an internationally recognized certification that sets out the requirements for an environmental management system (EMS). It applies to any organization, regardless of size, type, or industry. The certification focuses on the environmental aspect of ESG and requires companies to implement an EMS to identify and manage their environmental impacts. This includes reducing waste, conserving resources, and emissions reduction.
The benefits of being ISO 14001 certified include reduced environmental risks and impacts, improved operational efficiency, enhanced environmental reputation, and access to new markets and customers. According to a survey by the British Assessment Bureau, 66% of respondents claim they won contracts thanks to their ISO 14001 certification.
To obtain ISO 14001 certification, companies must implement an EMS and undergo a third-party audit. Certification bodies such as the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) offer accreditation to companies that meet the requirements.
Overview
- Industries: Applicable to any organization regardless of size, type, or industry.
- Regions: International
- Objective: To set out the requirements for an environmental management system (EMS) that identifies and manages environmental impacts.
- Benefits: Reduced environmental risks and impacts, improved operational efficiency, enhanced environmental reputation, and access to new markets and customers.
- Where/how to apply: Companies can apply for certification through accredited certification bodies such as IAF and ISO.
LEED
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a certification program that recognizes buildings that are designed and built with sustainability in mind. Its specialization is that LEED addresses a range of issues including greenhouse gas emissions, water efficiency, and materials selection. Certification is widely recognized as the gold standard for green buildings and is used in more than 160 countries.
Benefits of being LEED certified include an in-depth increase in energy efficiency, improved indoor air quality, reduced water usage, and cost savings. For example, the Bank of America Tower in New York City was designed with LEED Platinum certification in mind and has saved the bank $3 million in annual energy costs.
To obtain LEED ESG certifications, businesses must follow a set of standards set out by the US Green Building Council. The process involves registering the project, submitting documentation, and undergoing a review by a third-party verifier. LEED offers several levels of certification, including Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
Overview
- Industries: All industries worldwide
- Regions: International
- Objective: To measure the sustainability of buildings, communities, and cities
- Benefits: Reduced energy and water consumption, improved indoor air quality, increased property value, and enhanced brand reputation
- Where/how to apply: Accredited certification bodies via the USGBC website
B Corp
B Corp certification is awarded to businesses that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. This certification is administered by the nonprofit B Lab and is designed to be a comprehensive measure of a company’s impact on human rights, the community, and the environment.
Benefits of certification include increased credibility and trust with consumers and other stakeholders, access to a community of like-minded businesses, and improved long-term sustainability. For example, Patagonia, a well-known outdoor clothing brand, is a certified B Corp and has used its certification to demonstrate its commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
To become a certified B Corp, businesses must meet certain credentials and undergo an assessment by B Lab. The assessment covers a range of issues, including governance, worker empowerment, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.
Overview
- Industries: Any industry
- Regions: International
- Objective: Meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency
- Benefits: Enhanced brand reputation, access to a community of like-minded businesses, improved employee satisfaction, and increased customer loyalty
- Where/how to apply: Apply through the nonprofit organization B Lab.
Green Business Bureau
The Green Business Bureau is a third-party certification program that helps businesses achieve environmental sustainability. The program provides businesses with a roadmap for improving their sustainability practices, including reducing waste, conserving energy, and improving indoor air quality.
Benefits of Green Business Bureau certification include improved efficiency and cost savings, increased customer loyalty, and a positive impact on the environment.
To become certified by the Green Business Bureau, businesses must complete a series of steps that include an assessment of their sustainability practices, the development of an action plan, and the implementation of sustainable practices.
Overview
- Industries: Any industry
- Regions: United States
- Objective: Help businesses become more environmentally sustainable
- Benefits: Reduced costs, improved customer relations, access to marketing materials, and certification recognition
- Where/how to apply: Apply through the Green Business Bureau website.
WELL Certified
WELL Certified is a certification program that focuses on improving the health and well-being of building occupants. The program covers a range of issues, including air quality, water quality, lighting, and thermal comfort. WELL Certified is administered by the International WELL Building Institute and is used in more than 60 countries.
Benefits of WELL Certified include improved employee health and productivity, increased satisfaction and retention, and improved environmental sustainability.
To become WELL Certified, businesses must follow a set of standards set out by the International WELL Building Institute. The process involves registering the project, submitting documentation, and undergoing a review by a third-party verifier. WELL Certified offers several levels of certification, including Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
Overview
- Industries: Real estate, architecture, construction, and engineering
- Regions: International
- Objective: Promote building designs that enhance human health and well-being
- Benefits: Improved indoor air quality, increased access to natural light, better acoustics, improved water quality, and increased productivity and employee satisfaction
- Where/how to apply: Apply through the International WELL Building Institute.
How to Boost ESG Performance and Achieve ESG Certification
Certainty Software is a software platform that helps businesses manage and track their ESG performance. The platform offers a suite of modules that cover a wide range of ESG topics, including sustainability, climate change, social responsibility, risk management, and more. With Certainty Software, businesses can easily collect and manage data on their ESG performance, track progress toward their ESG strategies and goals, and generate reports to share with stakeholders.
One of the main benefits of using Certainty Software is that it can help businesses streamline their certification process. Many of the ESG certifications we discussed earlier require businesses to collect and report data on their ESG performance. With Certainty Software, businesses can automate these data collection and reporting processes. Tools like Certainty’s ESG Checklist make it easier and more efficient to achieve and maintain certification.
30+ Audit and inspection checklists free for download.
Certainty Software also offers a range of tools and features to help businesses improve their ESG performance. For example, the platform includes modules for supply chain management, which can help businesses identify and address ESG risks and opportunities throughout their supply chain. It also includes modules for risk management, which can help businesses identify and mitigate risks related to ESG factors such as climate change and social responsibility.
Another key benefit of using Certainty Software is that it can help businesses engage with their stakeholders around ESG issues. The platform includes features for stakeholder engagement, such as surveys and feedback mechanisms, which can help businesses gather input and insights from their stakeholders on ESG issues. This can help businesses identify areas where they can improve their ESG performance, and demonstrate their commitment to ESG issues to their stakeholders.
You may also be interested in:
