This question is about the standards that you set across your organisation in different areas and giving public recognition to these standards. Certifications or accreditations could be in many different topics, some of which are included in this survey.

Benefits of accreditation include increasing credibility and trust with customers and others, and accessing certain projects or funding, as well of the benefits of the standard itself.

There are many examples, including ISO standards, CAS standard (for construction), B Corporations, Fairtrade, Forest Stewardship Council, CSR, and Social Value UK. Others are linked to specific industries. Some more certifications are listed on these sites:

• British Assessment Bureau – Services
• FSC: sustainability-certifications
• British Business Bank: sustainability/environmental-and-sustainable-accreditation-schemes

This question is about embedding sustainability and community engagement into the goods and services provided by your organisation and demonstrating that to others. This could be in many different areas, some included in this survey.   

Embedding relevant actions into day to day operations and sharing what you do can have benefits not only to the environment, climate, and local community but also to your reputation, business advantage, efficiency, workforce engagement and retention. It can also encourage others to do the same. 

Showing progress and the difference that has been made (e.g. by comparing before and after an activity) are also important elements of showing how value is created.

Examples of activities could include; 

• Preserving and enhancing biodiversity
• Supporting local suppliers and workforce 
• Repurposing materials 
• Reducing waste and conserving water 
• Ensuring fair pay and conditions for employees 
• Engaging in community projects 
• … and many more