Sustainability certifications: which ones exist and how to obtain them

A sustainability certification is a recognition, issued by an independent body, that confirms a company meets an environmental, social or governance standard. Obtaining one requires measuring performance, closing the gaps against the standard and passing an external verification.

In this guide we review the most recognised certifications and the process, step by step, for gaining accreditation. Bear in mind that each sector and each certification body may have specific requirements.

Which sustainability certifications exist?

These are some of the most relevant standards and certifications internationally and in Spain:

• ISO 14001: the international environmental management standard that helps identify, manage and control environmental impacts. You can consult our ISO 14001 audit checklist.
• ISO 14064: specifies the principles and requirements for quantifying and reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals.
• EMAS: a voluntary EU scheme that recognises organisations with an environmental management system and a verified environmental statement. More information in our guide to EMAS certification.
• GRI: the most widely used sustainability reporting standard worldwide, focused on economic, environmental and social impacts.
• B Corp: a certification that assesses a company’s overall social and environmental performance. We cover it in our analysis of B Corp certification in Spain.
• MITECO seals: Spain’s carbon footprint registry recognises the Calculo, Reduzco and Compenso (calculate, reduce and offset) seals. We explain it step by step in our guide to the MITECO registry.

Phase 1: understanding and planning

This phase focuses on understanding the certification requirements and planning how to meet them.

1. Identifying standards and regulations

The first step is to choose the right certification for your sector and objectives, from those described above or others specific to your activity.

2. Double materiality assessment

The double materiality assessment identifies the company’s most significant impacts, both from an internal perspective (how sustainability matters affect it) and an external one (how it affects sustainability). It considers:

• Environmental impacts: GHG emissions, water and energy consumption, waste generation, pollution.
• Social impacts: human rights, working conditions, health and safety, impact on communities.

3. Gap analysis

Once the requirements and material topics are identified, the gap analysis determines the difference between the company’s current practices and the requirements of the standard.

4. Action plan

Based on the gap analysis, a detailed action plan is developed to close the gaps, which should include:

• Specific, measurable objectives for each area of improvement.
• Realistic timelines to implement the actions.
• Necessary resources: human, financial and technical.
• Owners for each task.

Phase 2: implementation and management

This phase focuses on executing the action plan and managing the data and information systems.

1. Data management and information systems

Implementing robust systems to collect, store and manage environmental data is crucial. They should enable:

• Accurate, reliable collection: ensuring data quality from the source.
• Secure, accessible storage: guaranteeing the integrity and availability of the data.
• Analysis and reporting: making it easier to generate reports and track progress.

2. Accuracy and consistency

To guarantee data quality, it is worth establishing:

• Data validation through quality controls.
• Documentation of the collection and management processes.
• Periodic internal audits to verify the effectiveness of the systems.

3. Integration and reporting

Integrating the certification requirements into the strategy and daily operations ensures long-term success: embedding sustainability into the corporate culture, aligning practices with the standard and producing transparent sustainability reports.

Phase 3: external verification and assurance

This phase involves verification by an independent third party.

1. Preparing the report

Reports submitted for verification must be complete and accurate, comply with the certification requirements and be transparent and understandable.

2. Selecting the verifier

It is best to choose a recognised, accredited verification body, considering its experience and reputation, its accreditation by a recognised body and its independence from the company.

Phase 4: training, awareness and continuous improvement

1. Training and awareness

Training all levels of the organisation on the environmental standards is key: specific training on the certification, promoting a culture of sustainability and internal communication of progress and achievements.

2. Continuous monitoring and improvement

A continuous monitoring system allows for the necessary adjustments: tracking the KPIs, analysing data to detect improvements and periodically reviewing the environmental management system.

Phase 5: communication and stakeholder engagement

Maintaining an open, transparent dialogue with employees, customers, investors and the community is essential to building trust: communicating progress, involving stakeholders in decision-making and responding to their concerns.

Benefits of sustainability certification

• Stronger reputation: it demonstrates the company’s commitment to customers, investors and society.
• Cost reduction: sustainable practices can generate savings in energy, water and materials.
• Legal compliance: it helps meet environmental regulation and avoid penalties.
• Access to new markets: many tenders and international markets require certifications.
• Attracting customers and talent: sustainability weighs increasingly on purchasing and employment decisions.
• Access to finance: financial institutions often offer better terms to companies with strong environmental performance.

Frequently asked questions about sustainability certifications

Which sustainability certification should I choose?

It depends on the goal. For environmental management, ISO 14001 or EMAS; for the carbon footprint, ISO 14064 and the MITECO seals; for an overall impact assessment, B Corp. It is common to combine several.

How long does it take to obtain a certification?

It varies with the standard and the company’s starting point, but it usually ranges from several months to more than a year, including implementing the system and the external audit.

Is a sustainability certification mandatory?

Most are voluntary, although more and more customers, tenders and regulations require them in practice in order to operate or do business.

We help you obtain your sustainability certification

At Manglai we offer comprehensive support throughout the process, from measuring the carbon footprint to producing reports and managing the certification. If your priority is Spain’s carbon footprint registry, you can rely on our MITECO certification solution.