SDG Certification for Corporate Sustainability

What is the SDG Certification for Corporate Sustainability?

The SDG Business Sustainability Certificate is a form of recognition granted to organisations that demonstrate a commitment to and integration of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their business strategy and operations.

Obtaining this certification not only enhances the company’s reputation but can also unlock new market opportunities, strengthen relationships with stakeholders, and foster a more responsible and sustainable business culture.

What are the Sustainable Development Goals?

In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It is an action plan for people, the planet, and prosperity, comprising 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets. The SDGs aim to:

• Eradicate poverty and hunger, ensuring a healthy and high-quality life.
• Promote inclusive and high-quality education.
• Achieve gender equality.
• Ensure access to clean water and energy.
• Combat climate change.
• Protect marine and terrestrial life.
• Build sustainable cities.
• Promote peace and justice.
• Strengthen partnerships to achieve these goals.

Who can certify their contribution to the SDGs?

Organisations of any size and sector can certify their contribution to some or all of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. However, businesses play a key role in implementing policies based on sustainability, innovation, and a just ecological transition within their industries.

The certification assesses areas such as governance, environment, social impact, and sustainable economy. Businesses must undergo an audit to validate their contribution to the SDGs and obtain certification that acknowledges their efforts.

It is essential that all employees understand what the Sustainable Development Goals are and how they can contribute to them within their role in the organisation.

What are the benefits of certifying an organisation’s contribution to the SDGs?

Applus+ Certification’s Specific SDG Contribution System, aligned with Standard PAS 53002, incorporates all the principles of the 2030 Agenda and adds other necessary elements to enable businesses and organisations to:

• Gain external recognition for sustainability management.
• Clearly communicate this commitment to stakeholders.
• Build trust and a sense of transparency among individuals and institutions.
• Identify future business opportunities.
• Achieve compatibility with other voluntary or regulatory frameworks related to the 2030 Agenda, such as gender equality plan certification, sustainability report verification, or carbon footprint verification.
• Identify, prioritise, and manage impacts on key stakeholders to optimise relationships.
• Integrate sustainable development comprehensively into strategy, operations, and decision-making.
• Maximise positive effects and minimise negative impacts, especially on the most vulnerable or least recognised groups.

Why certify SDG contribution with Applus+ Certification?

Applus+ Certification is an independent and internationally recognised entity. Our mission is to help organisations verify and demonstrate their commitment to continuous improvement, sustainability, and combating climate change.

Verification will be carried out in accordance with PAS 54003, a standard that provides a structured framework to help organisations align their strategies and operations with the SDGs.

It offers several benefits:

• Recognition and credibility: Strengthens the company’s reputation by demonstrating a genuine commitment to the SDGs.
• Regulatory compliance: Ensures that the company adheres to international standards in its SDG implementation.
• Continuous improvement: Applus+ Certification provides a framework for evaluating and improving sustainability-related processes.
• Competitive advantage: Differentiates the company in the market, attracting both customers and investors interested in sustainability.
• Transparency and trust: Increases stakeholder confidence by demonstrating responsible and ethical actions.