The Top 15 Sustainability Certifications

What is a Sustainability Certification?

Before we get into the possible certifications that you can get, let’s just quickly cover what sustainability certification is and what it will give your business. 

Sustainability certification is granted by an independent second or third party as evidence that your business adheres to their sustainability standards. 

Various sustainability certifications exist, depending on the certifying body you select. Some of these may feature levels, akin to grades, indicating the sustainability of your company. 

In general, obtaining a sustainability certification is an effective method to demonstrate the authenticity of your environmental commitments and to assure customers that you are not engaging in 'greenwashing' by exaggerating your sustainability efforts.

Moreover, obtaining certification can enhance a company's reputation, draw in environmentally-conscious investors, and provide a competitive advantage.

The top sustainability certifications for UK businesses 

Let's move beyond the explanations and explore some of the leading sustainability certifications available for businesses in the UK.

1. B Corp Certification 

The B Corp certification is granted by the non-profit organization B Lab Global and is based on a B Impact Assessment.

This prestigious certification is available to businesses that exhibit sustainable and socially responsible practices that benefit both the environment and society.

The assessment evaluates various factors, including the origin of the business's materials, supply chain management, trade practices, and workforce policies before reaching any conclusions.

B Lab closely monitors these criteria through both internal and external reviews.

They carry out regular compliance checks to ensure everything remains in order following the initial assessment.

Businesses that achieve a score of 80 or above (out of 200) on this assessment and legally agree to amend their articles of association to be accountable to all stakeholders, including customers and employees, can attain B Corp Certification.

Currently, over 2,000 UK-based companies have achieved B Corp certification, highlighting its popularity. Research from B Labs indicates that companies within the B Corp community have a success rate of 70%, compared to 56% for non-certified companies.

2. EcoVadis

EcoVadis rates a company's sustainability based on four main themes: environment, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. It also provides tools to help companies manage sustainability risk and compliance, meet sustainability goals, and more.

Companies provide evidence against each of the indicators to get an EcoVadis rating. The results are presented in scorecards that range from 0–100 and may also include medals (bronze, silver, or gold).

EcoVadis is used by companies of all sizes and industries, including Johnson & Johnson, L'Oréal, Nestlé, Schneider Electric, and Michelin.

EcoVadis ratings are considered the gold standard for measuring a company's sustainability performance. They can help companies identify strengths and areas for improvement, and develop action plans.

EcoVadis uses a rigorous methodology that includes an external committee of sustainability and procurement experts who regularly review the process and scoring methodology.

3. ISSP Sustainability Excellence Associate

The International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) is a global sustainability association that offers two courses and top sustainability certifications to businesses. The first is the  Sustainability Excellence Associate (SEA) course. 

The SEA course is tailored for individuals entering the field of sustainability, making it a good match for sole traders.

Serving as a prerequisite for the SEP certification, SEA equips people with a comprehensive understanding of current sustainability issues, the capacity to assess sustainability risks and opportunities, and the ability to apply systems thinking in crafting sustainable solutions.

The SEA credential signifies a company’s commitment to grasping sustainability concepts and adhering to best practices.

4. ISSP Sustainability Excellence Professional 

The Sustainability Excellence Professional (SEP) is the subsequent course offered by ISSP, which can only be pursued after a business has completed the SEA course.

As an advanced iteration of the SEA certification, the SEP certification demonstrates extensive expertise and experience in the sustainability sector.

Earning a SEP certification will position your company as a leader in sustainable transformation, proficient in essential sustainability concepts, stakeholder engagement, and the implementation of sustainable strategies.

Examinations for both SEA and SEP can be conducted remotely or at designated testing centers, providing flexibility regardless of your business location.

5. ISO 14001

While ISO 14001 might resemble a barcode, it is actually one of the most established and esteemed sustainability certifications available to businesses in the UK.

Granted by the International Standards Association, this certification is renowned for its prestige, and implementing the necessary Environmental Management System (EMS) can require significant resources.

As a result, ISO 14001 is typically pursued by medium to large businesses rather than SMEs and startups.

Nonetheless, there are no barriers preventing startups and small businesses from applying for ISO 14001, so if they have the necessary resources, this certification could be an excellent target.

6. Carbon Trust Certified

Carbon Trust holds a significant position in the sustainability sector, renowned for partnering with medium and large organizations, particularly those with complex supply chains. Certification from this esteemed body can greatly enhance your business's reputation.

Carbon Trust provides various accreditation levels. One involves labeling products that meet sustainability criteria, and it also features its own international standard, PAS 2060.

Moreover, Carbon Trust is among the few companies globally that offer accreditation for events. No matter your industry or product, there's a Carbon Trust sustainability certification that aligns with your needs.

7. Green Mark

The Green Mark sustainability certification is an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes and is particularly recognized for its collaboration with numerous entities in the textile industry.

Their certification process, directed by an environmental management system, serves as your guide on the journey to achieving sustainability excellence.

They don’t simply provide a roadmap; they actively engage with you to ensure that you meet sustainability standards, not just for obtaining your sustainability certificate, but for your long-term future.

8. Planet Mark

The Planet Mark certification offers three options: starter, pro, and enterprise. The starter option caters specifically to small businesses and startups, addressing their unique needs.

Throughout your certification journey, Planet Mark provides direct assistance, helping you develop a sustainable approach and strategy tailored to your business.

While they collaborate with various industries, they have an established reputation in the real estate sector.

9. Cradle to Cradle

The Cradle to Cradle certification is internationally recognized for ensuring products are safe, sustainable, and responsibly manufactured.

Achieving this top-tier sustainability certification involves a thorough evaluation of a product to determine if it excels in circular economy principles, innovative design processes, and regenerative capabilities.

The focus is on promoting clean air, renewable energy, human rights, and sustainable water management.

Products undergo rigorous assessment by an independent body, and successful ones receive a bronze, silver, gold, or platinum rating across four distinct categories.

10. Global Reporting Initiative Professional Certification

The Global Reporting Initiative Professional Certification  (GRI) is a learning platform for sustainability professionals.

It involves four courses, which delve into GRI standards, reporting, human rights, and integrating SDGs into sustainability reporting. 

11. Sustainability and Climate Risk Certificate

The GARP certification program requires candidates to develop a comprehensive range of skills and knowledge to excel as specialists in sustainability and climate risk.

The SCR certification, a trademark and globally acknowledged credential, is awarded following a detailed evaluation process.

The certification encompasses modules on sustainability, climate risk measurement and management, the fundamentals of climate change, climate scenario analysis, green and sustainable finance (covering instruments and markets), and policies, culture, and governance related to climate change risk.

12. Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard

The Rainforest Alliance works with farmers, foresters, and businesses to promote sustainable practices throughout global supply chains.

Their mission has two main goals: protecting forests and supporting sustainable agriculture through environmental best practices.

To achieve one of the leading sustainability certifications, businesses undergo assessment according to the Rainforest Alliance's Sustainable Agriculture Standard, which evaluates factors such as environmental responsibility, social well-being, and economic sustainability.

13. Living Future Accreditation

In the design sector, the Living Future Accreditation (LFA) acknowledges proficiency in comprehensive and advanced sustainable design principles.

This certification enables professionals to demonstrate their thorough grasp of sophisticated sustainability ideas and strengthens their dedication to regenerative and sustainable design.

14. Environmental Working Group Verified Certification

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) Verified certification is granted to products that meet the organization’s stringent health criteria. Overseeing items like cleaning supplies, cosmetics, and baby care products, EWG carefully assesses the safety of all ingredients.

To obtain an EWG sustainability certification, you simply need to submit an online application.

EWG will then evaluate your products, assigning each a safety rating and certification.

15. 1% For The Planet

1% For The Planet functions differently from other sustainability certifications. Instead, it focuses on selecting environmental initiatives to which you donate at least 1% of your revenue, aligning with its name.

After making a contribution, you receive a certification logo, allowing you to demonstrate your commitment to supporting impactful causes.

Participating in this program also connects your business to a community and network, offering opportunities for growth and collaboration with other like-minded organizations.

How much do sustainability certifications cost in the UK?

The cost of the top sustainability certifications in the UK depends on the type of certification that you apply for. To help get an idea of some of the upfront costs, we’ve put all of the 15 above certifications into this quick reference table. 

Does the UK government support sustainability certifications? 

The UK government backs sustainability certifications with initiatives like the UK Business Climate Hub.

This hub, designed to help small businesses lower their carbon emissions and energy costs, showcases the government’s dedication to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, a goal set by law since 2019.

Understanding that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are vital to meeting net-zero objectives, the government addresses the need to raise awareness among these companies.

The UK Business Climate Hub serves as a comprehensive resource for practical advice, featuring a free carbon calculator and tools to measure, track, and report carbon emissions.

This initiative seeks to empower SMEs by providing guidance on numerous sustainability aspects, from sourcing green suppliers to installing EV charging stations and solar panels.

If you would like to learn more about how transformacy can help you with choosing the right Corporate Sustainability Certification for your business do please schedule a call using the button below.