Moving towards a more sustainable economy is no longer optional. Businesses face growing pressure from regulators, investors, and customers to demonstrate real action. With the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) coming into force, transparency on sustainability efforts has become essential. Reporting is not just about compliance but an opportunity to show leadership, not just with the wider market, but increasingly with suppliers and other core stakeholders too. No matter the certification, be they internationally recognised standards like ISO, specific ESG ratings like EcoVadis, MSCI, CDP, B Corp or Bloomberg, sector specific like Green key for hospitality or PRI for sustainable finance, building certifications like LEED or BREEAM and many others, obtaining such certifications help companies prove their commitment while strengthening their market position. Beyond meeting requirements, they help organisations formalise sustainability practices and could open doors to new opportunities, improve efficiency, and build trust. Evaluating sustainability practices can highlight areas for improvement, especially as expectations continue to increase. Achieving these certifications can be complex, but with the right support, it may even become a strategic advantage.
Sustainability certifications confirm that an organisation or site meets recognised environmental, social and economic standards. They provide a clear framework for companies to adopt responsible practices and follow guidelines to make gradual, strategic improvements.
These certifications also help build brand reputation and customer trust. As sustainability becomes more important for consumers and investors, companies with recognised certifications are likely to be more competitive, attract new customers and stand out in the market.
Beyond reputation, sustainability initiatives can also lead to cost savings. Reducing waste, using resources efficiently, and improving energy use not only benefit the environment but also make operations more cost effective. Some certifications may even bring financial advantages, such as tax benefits or access to new funding opportunities.
Certification standards offer more than just a stamp of approval. They provide a structured, step-by-step framework to help companies implement and refine their sustainability practices. By following these guidelines, companies can not only enhance their environmental impact but also earn a certification, proving their commitment to sustainability. Each certification focuses on different aspects, from energy efficiency to ethical business practices, allowing companies to choose the most relevant for their industry.
ISO refers to internationally recognised standards for management systems, helping businesses improve efficiency, reduce risks and meet regulatory requirements. While different ISO standards would be more applicable for specific sectors, some of the more common ISO certifications related to sustainability include:
ISO 14001: Environmental management, focusing on reducing waste, emissions and resource consumption.
ISO 50001: Energy management, helping organisations improve energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint.
ISO 59000: Circular economy, providing guidelines for implementing sustainable practices that promote resource efficiency and waste reduction.
Obtaining a sustainability certification involves meeting specific criteria and demonstrating compliance through a structured process. It often starts with an application or self-assessment questionnaire, where businesses submit the necessary documents to the relevant certification body. This is followed by an evaluation, which may include site visits, document reviews, or other testing. If all requirements are met, certification is granted.
While each certification has its own focus areas and own method of assessment, meeting the requirements requires careful planning and commitment over the medium term.
The process can be complex, requiring time, expertise and resources. Choosing the right certification is also a challenge, as companies must consider industry relevance, company size and sustainability goals. Ultimately, we believe that selecting the most suitable framework ensures long-term value and credibility.
Certification is not a one-time achievement. Standards evolve, and businesses must continuously monitor and update their practices to stay compliant. Without proper oversight, maintaining certification can become difficult, reducing its long-term benefits.
PwC can support you with:
Identifying the right certification and conducting a gap analysis to identify the level of readiness within the organisation;
Managing the entire certification process, helping you navigate the complexities of compliance;
Assessing your environmental impact and developing strategies to minimise it;
Preparing you for the certification audit, ensuring you meet the required standards and have robust data processes in place;
Supporting post-implementation monitoring, helping you track and refine sustainability efforts over time.
