Standards to Achieve a Sustainable Business

Climate change has emerged as one of the biggest challenges of our time. Several factors have prompted countries around the world to commit switching to low-carbon economies. It’s estimated that warming above 2°C will expose nearly 3bn people to severe climate risk. If warming can be cut to 1.5°C this figure could be halved.

In 2019, the UK Parliament passed legislation that committed the country to reduce its net emissions by 100 per cent by 2050. The UK was the first major economy to commit to net zero emissions, kickstarting a global sustainability effort.

One route to achieving a sustainable business that is net zero is through standards. There are a variety of standards that can guide companies to help them achieve their sustainability goals and reach that all-important net zero target. Here is a list of some key standards in areas every company should be looking at:

Environmental Management

• ISO 14001 Environmental management systems. Requirements with guidance for use
• ISO 14004 Environmental management systems. General guidelines on implementation
• ISO 14031 Environmental management. Environmental performance evaluation. Guidelines
• BS 8555 Environmental management systems. Phased implementation. Guide
• BS 8583 Biodiversity. Guidance for businesses on managing the risks and opportunities

Circular Economy

• BS 8001 Framework for implementing the principles of the circular economy in organizations

Climate change and decarbonization 

• ISO 14090 Adaptation to climate change. Principles, requirements and guidelines
• PAS 2060 Specification for the demonstration of carbon neutrality
• ISO 14064-1  Greenhouse Gases Specification with guidance at the organization level for quantification and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions and removals
• PAS 2050  Specification for the assessment of the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of goods and services
• PAS 2080 Carbon management in infrastructure 
• PAS 2070+A1 Specification for the assessment of greenhouse gas

Energy and Water Management

• ISO 50001 Energy management systems. Requirements with guidance for use.
• BS EN 16247 Energy Audits.
• ISO 14046 Environmental management. Water footprint. Principles, requirements, and guidelines.
• BS 8580 Water quality. Risk assessments for Legionella control. Code of practice.

Other Relevant Standards 

• ISO 26000 Guidance on Social Responsibility. 
• ISO 20121 Sustainable Event Management.
• ISO 20400 Sustainable Procurement Guidance
• BS 8900-1 Managing Sustainable Development of Organizations