ISO Guide 82

Guidelines for addressing sustainability in standards

Corrected version 2014-04-01

First edition 2014-03-01 Our vision Our process To be the world’s leading provider of high Our standards are developed by experts quality, globally relevant International all over the world who work on a volunteer Standards through its members and or part-time basis. We sell International stakeholders. Standards to recover the costs of organizing this process and making standards widely available. Our mission Please respect our licensing terms and copyright to ensure this system remains ISO develops high quality voluntary independent. International Standards that facilitate international exchange of goods and If you would like to contribute to the services, support sustainable and equitable development of ISO standards, please economic growth, promote innovation and contact the ISO Member Body in your protect health, safety and the environment. country: www.iso.org/iso/home/about/iso_ members.htm

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Executive Summary

Sustainability is the goal of sustainable This Guide provides guidance to development. standards writers on how to take account • • of sustainability in the drafting, revision It refers to any state of the global system and updating of ISO standards and similar in which the needs of the present are met deliverables. • without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It aims to raise awareness of sustainability issues arising from the application of ISO The concept of sustainability is continually • standards. evolving. • Standards writers are encouraged to consider sustainability issues in their • work at all stages in the standards development process.

Contents Page

Foreword...... 5 Introduction...... 6 1 Scope...... 7 2 Normative references...... 7 3 Terms and definitions...... 7 4 What is sustainability?...... 7 5 Addressing sustainability in standards...... 9 6 Planning the strategy...... 9 6.1 Issues to think about before establishing a committee...... 9 6.2 Issues to think about when a committee has been established: the strategic business plan...... 11 7 Planning the content...... 12 7.1 Responsibilities...... 12 7.2 Understanding approaches to sustainability...... 12 7.3 Identifying principles related to sustainability...... 14 7.4 Identifying sustainability issues...... 14 8 Addressing sustainability issues...... 16 8.1 General...... 16 8.2 Addressing sustainability in certain types of standards...... 16 ...... 17 9 Review and revision of standards...... 18 8.3 Solutions to address conflicting multiple sustainability issues Annex A (informative) Example of a list of structured sustainability issues...... 19 Annex B (informative) Examples of guidance and questions on sustainable development...... 21 Annex C (informative) Examples of how to develop provisions on environmental aspects...... 22 Bibliography...... 24

Foreword

ISO (the International Organization for be the subject of patent rights. ISO shall not Standardization) is a worldwide federation be held responsible for identifying any or all of national standards bodies (ISO member such patent rights. Details of any patent rights bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through document will be in the Introduction and/or ISO technical committees. Each member body identifiedon the ISO list during of patent the declarations development received of the interested in a subject for which a technical (see www.iso.org/patents). committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. Any trade name used in this document is International organizations, governmental information given for the convenience of users and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, and does not constitute an endorsement. also take part in the work. ISO collaborates For an explanation on the meaning of ISO closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of conformity assessment, as well as information electrotechnical standardization. specificabout ISO’s terms adherence and expressionsto the WTO principles related toin The procedures used to develop this the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the document and those intended for its further following URL: Foreword - Supplementary maintenance are described in the ISO/IEC information Directives, Part 1. In particular the different ISO Guide 82 was prepared by the ISO approval criteria needed for the different Technical Management Board Sustainability types of ISO documents should be noted. This Guide Drafting Group. document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, This corrected version of ISO Guide 82:2014 Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives). incorporates the correction of cross- references in Clause 5 and of the URL in Attention is drawn to the possibility that Annex B. some of the elements of this document may

Introduction

Sustainability is the goal of sustainable b) provide standards writers with a systematic development. It refers to any state of the approach to addressing sustainability issues global system in which the needs of the in a coherent and consistent manner, with present are met without compromising the regard to both new and revised standards, ability of future generations to meet their and in a manner related to the objective and scope of the standard being developed; own needs. The concept of sustainability is continually evolving. Understanding and c) promote consistency, where appropriate, achieving a balance between environmental, among standards that address sustainability. social and economic systems, ideally in mutually supporting ways, is considered This Guide makes reference to related ISO essential for making progress towards deliverables, as appropriate, e.g. ISO Guide 64 achieving sustainability. The achievement of (which addresses environmental issues in sustainability is now recognized as one of the product standards) and ISO 26000 (which most important considerations in all human provides guidance on social responsibility). activities. Standards writers are encouraged to consider The term “sustainable development” is sustainability issues in their work at all stages often used to describe development that in the standards development process. If leads to sustainability, and the term “social sustainability issues have not been considered, responsibility” is often used to describe how this can be a valid reason to start the revision an individual organization (e.g. a company) can contribute to sustainable development. ofsince a standard. the previous In addition, edition the ofsignificance a standard or ISO standards can contribute to the achievement relevancewas drafted of specific or reviewed. issues might Whenever have changed a new of sustainability, either directly (where they standard is drafted or an existing standard is revised, all standards writers (including indirectly (e.g. where they relate to testing, project leaders, convenors, committee chairs specificallyproducts, procedures, address sustainability services, terminology, issues) or and secretaries) are encouraged to actively promote the application of this Guide, and since sustainable developments and progress thereby involve experts knowledgeable in the managementtowards sustainability systems orare auditing). heavily dependent However, subject. on a multitude of variables, including social, environmental, economic, geographic and technical conditions, it is important that standards writers do not reach overall conclusions that particular activities (including processes) or products (including services) are “sustainable.”

NOTE In this Guide, the term “activities and products” includes “processes and services”. This Guide is intended for use by anyone involved in the development of ISO standards and similar deliverables, and aims to: a) raise awareness of sustainability issues arising from the application of ISO standards;

1 Scope 3.2 sustainable development This Guide provides guidance to standards development that meets the environmental, writers on how to take account of sustainability social and economic needs of the present in the drafting, revision and updating of ISO without compromising the ability of future standards and similar deliverables. generations to meet their own needs It outlines a methodology that ISO standards Note 1 to entry: Derived from the Brundtland writers can use to develop their own approach Report[17]. to addressing sustainability on a subject- 3.3 stakeholder individual or group that has an interest in any specific basis. 2 Normative references decision or activity of an organization The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document [SOURCE:3.4 ISO 26000:2010, definition 2.20] and are indispensable for its application. social responsibility For dated references, only the edition cited responsibility of an organization for the applies. For undated references, the latest impacts of its decisions and activities on edition of the referenced document (including society and the environment, through any amendments) applies. transparent and ethical behaviour that: ISO/IEC Guide 2, Standardization and related — contributes to sustainable development (3.2), activities — General vocabulary including the health and the welfare of society; ISO 14050, Environmental management — Vocabulary — takes into account the expectations of stakeholders (3.3); — is in compliance with applicable law and 3 Terms and definitions consistent with international norms of For the purposes of this document, the terms behaviour; and — is integrated throughout the organization ISO 14050 and the following apply. and practised in its relationships and definitions given in ISO/IEC Guide 2, 3.1 Note 1 to entry: Activities include products, services sustainability and processes. state of the global system, including environmental, social and economic aspects, Note 2 to entry: Relationships refer to an organization’s in which the needs of the present are met without compromising the ability of future activities within its sphere of influence. generations to meet their own needs [SOURCE:3.5 ISO 26000:2010, definition 2.18] Note 1 to entry: The environmental, social and standards writer economic aspects interact, are interdependent and are often referred to as the three dimensions of individual or group taking part in the sustainability. development of a standard

Note 2 to entry: Sustainability is the goal of sustainable development (3.2). 4 What is sustainability?

Sustainability is the goal of sustainable if social, economic and environmental aspects development, a widely applied concept that are addressed in an integrated manner. gained international recognition following the publication in 1987 of the NOTE Annex C provides examples of how to Report of the World develop provisions on environmental aspects. Commission on Environment and Development, Our Common Future (commonly referred to 3.1, sustainability refers to a as the Brundtland Report)[17]. Since then, the state of the global system, encompassing importance of sustainability and sustainable Asthe definedenvironmental, in social and economic development has been reiterated in numerous subsystems, in which the needs of the present international forums, such as the United are met without compromising the ability of Nations Conference on Environment and future generations to meet their needs. Given Development in 1992 (the “Rio Declaration”), the intergenerational nature of sustainability the World Summit on Sustainable Development (i.e. the needs of future generations cannot be in 2002, and the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in 2012 (“Rio+20”). the constant changes in the environmental, fullysocietal defined (e.g. population by the present growth) generation) and economic and Sustainability encompasses three dimensions subsystems, sustainability cannot be (economic, environmental and social) which are interdependent and can be mutually point. From this perspective, sustainability is reinforcing. The environment sets natural describeda characteristic purely of in the terms planet of a assingle a whole, fixed andend limits to the social system, which is made up not of any particular activity or organization. of human institutions and individuals. The economy, as one part of the social system, the activities and products of particular includes the consumption of resources, However,organizations sustainable (or communities, development nations, addresses etc.) employment, meeting the needs of populations and the ability to engage in such development (which are typically growing), income, and the in a manner that contributes to sustainability. distribution and use of products. Sustainability Such development is needed to meet the needs has been misunderstood by some as being of both present and future generations, and is primarily an environmental concept, including therefore essential to sustainability. issues such as climate change, non-sustainable resource use or depletion, and loss of fertile In this context, sustainability and sustainable development issues can be viewed as concerns also includes social and economic issues, soilsuch and as socialbiodiversity. structures, However, standards sustainability of living, the environmental, societal or economic income distribution, production, distribution aboutsubsystems changes as a result (adverse of development, or beneficial) which to and use of resources, products and services, can affect the ability of future generations to and employment. Sustainability relates to the meet their own needs. Sustainability issues interaction with, and relationship between, can arise from a wide range of activities these issues. and products that interact with, or can have an impact on, society, the economy or the Sustainability is relevant to all levels of environment. human activity, from the global level to the national, regional and community levels, as The terms “sustainability”, “sustainable well as to the behaviour of individuals. It is development” and “social responsibility” are also affected by all kinds of organizations, used interchangeably by some stakeholders, including governments, non-governmental but even though there is a close relationship organizations, companies, co-operatives, between them, they are three different federations and unions. Sustainability is much concepts and are therefore not interchangeable. more likely to be achieved by society as a whole Since sustainable development relates to the economic, social and environmental goals

8 © ISO 2014 – All rights reserved ISO Guide 82:2014 common to all people, it can be used to refer EXAMPLE ISO/TC 59/SC 17 has provided the broader expectations of society. guidance on sustainability issues related to buildings and civil engineering works. Social responsibility encompasses an organization’s responsibility for the impact of its decisions and activities on society, the to involve experts who are knowledgeable environment and economy, and therefore the However,on the subjects it might related sometimes to sustainability, be necessary organization’s contribution to sustainable development and sustainability. Although the the environment or economics. It can also term “corporate social responsibility” (CSR) e.g.be useful in complex to include fields other such asrelevant, human current rights, might be a more familiar term than “social responsibility”, the view has recently emerged that “social responsibility” is applicable to all sector-specificrelated ISO standards. guidance on environmental, social or economic provisions identified in organizations, as different types of entities or This clause (Clause 5) discusses how groups of people and facilities, both inside and sustainable development can be addressed outside the business world, recognize that at the planning stages of standards work. they also have a responsibility to contribute to Clauses 6 and 7 current sustainable development and future on identifying sustainable development sustainability. issues (including principles provide specificand approaches). guidance The standards development process provides Clause 8 discusses how those issues can be standards writers with the opportunity addressed in the standards writing or revision to contribute to sustainable development, process. and in particular to encourage sustainable Figure 1 illustrates a process for identifying production and consumption. and addressing sustainability issues.

NOTE 1 The linear depiction in Figure 1 might not 5 Addressing sustainability in be the only valid approach. standards NOTE 2 The numbering in Figure 1 refers to the clauses and subclauses in this Guide. There are parallels between addressing sustainability in standards and addressing the sustainability issues of an organization, 6 Planning the strategy even though there are some unique challenges in standards due to the nature of standards writing (e.g. it is largely done by volunteers 6.1 Issues to think about before from a variety of organizations who meet establishing a committee only occasionally, and often disband after NOTE In this Guide, unless otherwise stated, the a particular project is completed). Once term “committee” includes technical committees (TC), the relevant principles of the work have project committees (PC) and subcommittees (SC). been discussed, the main task is to identify sustainability issues that are relevant and Sustainable development should be taken into 7.4.2 and 7.4.3) and to address account during the formation of committees and in subsequent phases of the writing significantstandards. (see process of ISO standards. them by integrating specific provisions into Existing information related to sustainable This enables sustainable development to development, including information that has be integrated into the scope, structure and already been the subject of standardization, work plan of a TC from the start, as well can be used to identify and evaluate relevant as promoting awareness of sustainable issues (see Annex B). development amongst the TC’s leadership and

Figure 1 — ISO Guide 82 process flow

10 © ISO 2014 – All rights reserved ISO Guide 82:2014 participants, and clarifying that sustainable business plan is reviewed by the ISO Technical development will be an integral part of the Management Board (TMB). TC’s work. The considerations that should be taken into account at this stage include the NOTE PCs and SCs are not required to prepare a strategic business plan. following. As outlined in this Guide, it is recommended taken into account in a manner appropriate that each strategic business plan should a) Scope:to the subject Has sustainable matter of the development TC? been include a sustainability plan that describes how the TC intends to address sustainable development in its work. TCs currently in be addressed through the structure of the existence should update their strategic b) Structure:TC? The options How will include: sustainable development business plans to include sustainable — including sustainable development as development. a discrete issue to be dealt with by a This sustainable development component subcommittee; of the strategic business plan should be — creating a task force on sustainable development; that sustainable development issues can appropriatebe more directly to the implicated TC’s field ofin work,some areas given — integrating sustainable development into of standardization than in others. The the efforts of each SC or working group sustainability plan should include: (WG); — a combination of these options. development will be taken into account in the c) Participation: Does the TC have the — definedselection processes of new describingwork items, how including sustainable the appropriate participation (consistent setting of the scope of such work items; with and taking into account the ISO/IEC — programmes for ensuring that TC participants Directives and guidance on participation), in are aware of sustainable development and terms of both diversity of stakeholders and how it applies to standards writing, including expertise, to effectively address sustainable the guidance provided in this Guide; development issues? What measures might be taken to address any shortcomings? — a description of how the work of the TC will

When a TC is created, the documentation of relevant general sustainable development should include a description of how each beprinciples reviewed and with approaches, respect to and the how identification particular of these questions has been addressed. sustainability issues might emerge in the It is recommended that existing TCs also context of the standard being developed. go through this process and update their scope, structure and participation processes The strategic business plan should identify accordingly. These same concepts can be relevant sustainable development issues that applied to the formation of SCs within TCs. can be applicable to all or most of the TC’s work. The strategic business plan should be updated regularly. Alternatively, relevant 6.2 Issues to think about when sustainable development issues could be a committee has been established: the strategic business by-document basis, or by a combination of identifiedthese approaches, at SC or WG as level,appropriate or on a document-(e.g. a TC- plan wide evaluation of sustainability issues could ISO requires each TC to prepare a strategic

18 months of its creation. The strategic be fine-tuned at both SC and WG levels). business plan for its field of activity within

The value of the sustainability plan is in its For example, an aspect that seems to be implementation in the standards writing primarily related to the environmental itself. Therefore, the processes to verify dimension of sustainability can also have an that relevant sustainability issues are being impact within a social or economic dimension being produced are central to its success. identified and addressed in the documents ofimpact, sustainability, as well as e.g. a socialdepletion and ofan fish economic stocks byimpact excessive on people fishing and communities has an environmental employed 7 Planning the content impacts to occur should always be considered 7.1 Responsibilities inwhen the fishery.drafting The provisions potential forrelating these multipleto any particular sustainability issue. After determining the general strategy for addressing sustainability within the Systemic thinking encourages the committee work, agreement should be internalization of costs. Economic costs reached on how it will be applied in the context are often externalized in the form of environmental and social impacts, for which strategic planning, which is usually done at the monetary costs might not be known. ofTC/PC a specific level, standardizationthis task is usually project. performed Unlike Similarly, by including appropriate provisions within the WG responsible for developing the directly within the text, standards writers technical content for a particular standard. can also encourage the users of the standards to apply systemic thinking in the application of the standard. 7.2 Understanding approaches to sustainability 7.2.3 Life cycle approach 7.2.1 General Life cycle thinking examines all stages of the life cycle of a particular activity or product in Before discussing and selecting the order to identify the widest range of relevant sustainability issues to be addressed in a sustainability issues. standard, the WG should make itself aware of the approaches that can be used to guide Typical stages of a product life cycle include the technical work and identify and evaluate material acquisition, design, production, sustainability issues. A description of some of use and end-of-life. For some activities or the approaches that might be used is given in products, the life cycle is likely to include 7.2.2 to 7.2.6. These approaches can be used different stages, e.g. design, promotion, individually or in any combination, depending provision and termination. For other activities on the circumstances. There might also be or products, it might not be possible to apply life cycle thinking directly. Different stages can also include an element of transportation, other approaches that are not identified here. which itself can involve a number of different 7.2.2 Systemic approach sustainability issues. Systemic thinking suggests that, when From a purely environmental standpoint considering a certain sustainability issue (i.e. not taking into account the social and within a given system, the related systems economic dimensions of sustainability), an and subsystems should also be considered, example of the range of issues related to the life because they are all interconnected and cycle of manufactured equipment can include interdependent. the material impact (e.g. resource depletion)

and energy flows (e.g. greenhouse gas

12 © ISO 2014 – All rights reserved ISO Guide 82:2014 emissions) resulting from the manufacturing the risk entirely (e.g. by not undertaking stage, as well as the impact resulting from the activity), decreasing the risk associated its distribution and operation during the use with the activity (e.g. by modifying the stage of the equipment (e.g. energy use and activity), mitigating the consequences of the emissions). The end-of-life stage can involve activity, accepting some or all of the risk, or a consideration of issues related to designing combination of these approaches. for disassembly, which can impact the ability to recover and reuse or recycle materials. NOTE The choice of any one or a number of risk areas (e.g. human health, vulnerable groups, income The life cycle approach can also be used to generation or ecosystems) depends on the available address economic and social aspects (e.g. as information, the topic of the standard, the views of assessed in life cycle costing and social life interested stakeholders, and the type of intended user cycle assessments). of the standard. When understanding sustainability aspects of EXAMPLE ISO 31000 sets out principles, a framework and a process for the management of risks the draft standard, writers should explore how that are applicable to any type of organization in the the standard could contribute to a circular public or private sector. ISO/IEC Guide 51 provides economy. A circular economy is an industrial economy that is restorative (by design or of safety aspects in standards. intention) and whose goal is to produce goods specific guidance to standards writers for the inclusion and services while reducing consumption 7.2.6 Stakeholder approach of raw materials, water and energy, as well as reducing waste. From an environmental The stakeholder approach considers how standpoint, the relevant standards on life cycle application of the standard can have a assessment include ISO 14040 and ISO 14044. sustainability impact on stakeholders. Like other types of impact, the impact on

7.2.4 Precautionary approach adverse. The precautionary approach suggests that, stakeholders can be either beneficial or Different groups of stakeholders can be where threats of serious or irreversible affected by sustainability issues, either damage to the environment or human health individually or collectively, and any group that can potentially be affected by the use certainty is not used as a reason for postponing or application of a standard should be taken cost-effective measures to help prevent or have been identified, the lack of full scientific into consideration by standards writers. reduce environmental degradation or damage In addition to consumers, customers, to human health. While the precautionary workers, organizations in the supply chain, approach can provide a basis for acting in and communities, this also includes future generations and the wider general public, especially when considering broader and efforts should be made to identify and the absence of scientific certainty, available sustainability issues, such as climate change. scientific information should be relied upon, Particular attention should be paid to 7.2.5close gaps Risk-based in the relevant approach scientific knowledge. potentially vulnerable stakeholders, such as children or persons with special needs, The risk-based approach involves identifying because the impact on them can be both of such risks, and then managing those risks impact on other stakeholder interests. risks,in accordance evaluating with the sustainability nature and significancecriteria and greater and more difficult to identify than the other considerations that are determined to be applicable to the situation. Risk management actions can include eliminating

EXAMPLE Examples of existing ISO deliverables this Guide was considered during their that include stakeholder considerations include preparation. ISO/IEC Guide 71 and ISO/TR 22411, which provide guidance and examples of how standards writers can consider the needs of older people and those with 7.3.3 Stakeholder interests disabilities, and ISO 21542, which provides a range of requirements and recommendations for many Standards writers should respect, consider elements of the built environment related to meeting and respond to the needs of the relevant the needs of the maximum number of people and to accommodating the diversities of age and of human stakeholders and, where possible and condition at a minimum level. Other examples include practical, engage them in an exchange of ideas ISO 14031 and ISO 26000. and information-sharing based on input from a broad and balanced base of expertise and

7.3 Identifying principles related gender, ethnic and stakeholder diversity. to sustainability representation, e.g. reflecting geographic, 7.3.4 Ethical considerations 7.3.1 General ISO standards have global implications, so In addition to the general approaches to be standards writers should follow the ISO Code taken into account in the development process of Conduct and Code of Ethics, and give due of all standards, the WG should agree on some consideration to all relevant intergenerational, principles related to sustainability that are interregional and intra-societal factors. area. These principles can either be kept particularlyinternal to the relevant WG in order to the to specific guide its subject work, 7.4 Identifying sustainability is- or be included in the standard in order to guide sues the user of the standard as well. Examples of principles commonly used in standards 7.4.1 General Conduct and the ISO Code of Ethics, and that With reference to the principles and approaches writingare particularly and reflected relevant in when the ISOconsidering Code of outlined in 7.2 and 7.3, standards writers sustainable development in standards should identify those sustainability issues writing, include transparency, stakeholder interests and ethical considerations. for the subject area for which a standard is thatbeing are drafted. considered Many relevantsources andof information significant 7.3.2 Transparency about sustainability and sustainable development can be useful in this process. Standards writers should be transparent in These sources include material data sheets, their decisions and activities. They should studies on risks or trends, legal requirements, present information in a manner that is open product declarations, sustainability reports, and comprehensive when they consider impact assessment reports, published peer- different sustainable development issues in the context of a particular standard and stakeholder consultations. its provisions (if any), which are included to reviewed scientific studies, and the results of address the potential impact of an issue on society, the economy or the environment. considering the structure of core sustainability Sustainabilitysubjects and issues issues relatedcan also to be sustainability identified by In new standards or revisions, adherence to and sustainable development. See list of this principle could be demonstrated by the reference documents in the Bibliography. inclusion of a statement indicating whether

Sustainable development is typically discussed EXAMPLE In the context of social responsibility, in terms of three core dimensions: society, the ISO 26000:2010 established seven core subjects, which environment and the economy. Interactions collectively consider 37 different issues that were between the three core dimensions are also core subjects and issues of ISO 26000:2010 are listed important. A broad range of potential issues identifiedin Annex A through for reference. a stakeholder-based approach. The can arise, including, but not limited to, the following: 7.4.2 Identifying relevant sustain- a) society: ability issues — social equity; Not all sustainability issues are relevant to all types of standards. In order to identify which — labour relations; sustainability issues are relevant, standards — health and safety; writers should consider sustainability issues in the context of the subject and scope of the — education, training and literacy; standard, its intended users, and the overall — community involvement; goals of the standard. — culture; To determine relevance, standards writers should: — quality of life; — understand and discuss the scope of the b) the environment: activities and products; — natural resource use; specific standard, and identify the related — identify and, where necessary, engage — energy use and climate change; relevant stakeholders; — pollution of land, water or air; — examine the range of ways in which the standard, depending on its content, might — protection of biodiversity and natural have either a positive or a negative impact on habitats. sustainability. c) the economy: It is important to consider the timing of — employment; any impact, so standards writers should identify both the issues that arise in relation — poverty; to the day-to-day use or application of the — business; activity or product, as well as the issues that — income; circumstances. arise only occasionally under very specific — economic performance and development; 7.4.3 Identifying significant sus- — technology and innovation; tainability issues — value and supply chain. When relevant sustainability issues have been should be determined by standards writers in these issues and develop criteria for deciding Thethe context relevance of the and particular significance standard. of each issue identified, standards writers should examine whether any of them have any significance. Theis directly significance related ofto anthe issuepotential that magnitude has been identifiedof its sustainability as relevant to impact, the scope whether of a standard that

© ISO 2014 – All rights reserved 15 ISO Guide 82:2014 impact is positive or negative, direct or critical consideration is the vulnerability of Whenstandards the writers relevant need to and decide significant whether specific,the subject or indirect(e.g. individual, and cumulative. group, habitat) A related, of sustainabilityand how to provide issues guidance have beenor requirements identified, within the standard, depending on the scope issue can vary independent of how relevant it of the standard and the standard type. anyis. potential impact. The significance of an Standards writers are also encouraged to introduce methods for assessing impacts, where appropriate. standards writers can use criteria drawn Whenfrom topics determining such as: relative significance, If such provisions are included directly in a standard, it is more likely that using the — the impact on the environment and natural standard will effectively address any adverse resources; — the use and consumption of energy, materials effects or effects that are relevant in terms of and natural resources (e.g. renewable versus impact,sustainability. as well as enhancing any beneficial non- renewable); Standards writers should recognize that there — compliance with legal and other requirements; can be several appropriate ways to address these issues and also that the resources and — the impact on the economy, economic development, employment and eradication of capabilities to implement particular solutions poverty; can vary considerably, and they should therefore avoid introducing requirements — the impact on public and occupational health that would discourage implementation. and safety; Since sustainable development and progress — issues of concern to relevant stakeholders; towards sustainability are highly dependent — potential effects of taking action or failing on many variables, including social, to take action on the core subject or issue, environmental, economic, geographic and including issues related to the cost of technical conditions, standards writers should implementation and economic feasibility; avoid reaching overall conclusions that a particular activity or product is “sustainable.” — human, labour and consumer rights. NOTE “Impact” can be positive or negative. 8.2 Addressing sustainability in EXAMPLE If the issue of labour conditions has certain types of standards standard, the use of child labour, even if it is a been identified as relevant to the scope of a specific 8.2.1 General a product standard for one type of product where seriouslabour standards issue, might and haveskill levels very littleacross significance the sector are for Depending on the type of standard that is being developed, standards writers might need to for a product standard related to another sector where take particular considerations into account generallylabour standards high; however, and skill it levels might across be very the significantsector are generally low. the standard to address sustainability issues. when incorporating specific provisions into 8 Addressing sustainability 8.2.2 Process standards issues Process standards, and standards specifying

8.1 General indirectly govern or affect physical or social measurementsprocesses, which and candefinitions, themselves can directly have anor

16 © ISO 2014 – All rights reserved ISO Guide 82:2014 impact on sustainability. When writing these should consider the different sustainability kinds of standards, consideration should issues of the products and services, and how be given to the nature of such underlying the scope and application of the standard processes and their consequences, including might affect them. in particular the following: Examples include: — the environmental consequences (e.g. those associated with the production, distribution — the resources used and the costs over the life and use of energy) of the production of the cycle of the product; materials needed to implement the standard; — the greenhouse gas removals and emissions — the conditions of work for people involved over the life cycle of the product; in the production of the materials needed — the impact on health and safety resulting to implement the standard, including their from the use of the product; health and safety; — the working conditions of those delivering — the environmental and health and the service; safety consequences of the operational — the implications that infrastructure the standard; developments have on human rights and implementation of the processes specified by communities; — the potential for cost saving by improving — the nature and distribution of environmental, through standardization; procedures, measurement and definitions from the use of the products or services; — the potential for facilitating the development social or economic benefits that can result of technologies that promote new industries — the impact on economic development or innovation; and employment, or provide beneficial — the impact of the end-of-life stage. services or similar economic benefits (and any resulting environmental or social benefits). 8.2.3 Management system stand- 8.3 Solutions to address con- ards flicting multiple sustainability Management system standards can indirectly issues alter the sustainability impact of the processes When multiple sustainability issues are governed by the management system. Management systems can, for example, possible that there will also be multiple directly alter the activities of workers, the identifiedsolutions to as address relevant these and significant,issues. In such it is additional stakeholders involved, and the systematic strategies for identifying and solution for one issue can prevent a solution managing sustainability issues. cases,being implementedconflicts can arise,for another i.e. implementing issue, or can a NOTE Management systems are typically even aggravate the impact of the other issue. characterized by the “Plan-Do-Check-Act” model (e.g. ISO 9001 on quality management, or ISO 14001 on In such cases, standards writers should environmental management systems). Alternatively, standards writers might 8.2.4 Product standards reconcileconsider theproviding conflicts multiple whenever options, possible. in order to make standards users aware of the Product standards, including standards concerns and to enable them to decide which related to services, can have many different option to adopt. sustainability issues. Standards writers

When multiple sustainability issues are for proposing a revision and it should be addressed in a given standard and there are considered by the TC/SC conducting the systematic review and the experts in the should: national mirror committees when making a apparent issues of conflict, standards writers decision on whether to revise the standard or not. Committees and experts should bear issues; — identify conflicting solutions that apply to the — determine whether there is an obvious preference for one particular solution, based inchanged mind thatsince the the significance previous edition or relevance of a ofstandard specific was sustainability drafted or reviewed. issues might have occurrence of the issues; on the relevance, significance or frequency of — if there are no obvious preferences, clearly explain the choices within the standard; — recommend that these issues are considered explicitly by the committee or group developing the standard; — based on the deliberations of the committee, and depending on whether the standard contains requirements or recommendations, ensure that the standard requires or

sustainability-related choices to be made recommends,by standards asusers appropriate, are also madethat the known specific to interested stakeholders. EXAMPLE A standard on the lighting of workplaces deals with issues regarding the luminance environmental standpoint, it is important that the ofluminance specific is task reduced areas, as among far as possible other issues. in order From to save an costs and energy; however, with respect to ergonomics or accessibility, it is important that the luminance of the task area does not fall below a certain value. This issue is also not simple from an economic standpoint: reduced luminance might save energy and therefore reduce operating costs, but reduced luminance might decrease productivity, and therefore result in ergonomic/accessibility considerations are all related a financial negative. Economic, environmental and standard focuses on the workplace, priority will be togiven sustainability to ergonomics issues. and However,accessibility, in this while case, balancing as the the saving of costs and use of energy.

9 Review and revision of standards All ISO standards are required to undergo regular systematic reviews. If a standard did not previously address sustainability adequately, this can be used as an argument

Annex A (informative)

Example of a list of structured sustainability issues

Table A.1 contains the list of core subjects and issues that were developed though the stakeholder- based process which resulted in the publication of ISO 26000:2010.

Table A.1 — Core subjects and issues of social responsibility

Core subject: Organizational governance

Core subject:Issue Human 1: Due rights diligence

Issue 2:3: AvoidanceHuman rights of complicity risk situations Issue 4: Resolving grievances Issue 5: Discrimination and vulnerable groups Issue 6: Civil and political rights Issue 7: Economic, social and cultural rights Issue 8: Fundamental principles and rights at work Core subject: Labour practices Issue 1: Employment and employment relationships Issue 2: Conditions of work and social protection Issue 3: Social dialogue

Issue 4: Health and safety at work Core subject:Issue The 5: environmentHuman development and training in the workplace Issue 1: Prevention of pollution Issue 2: Sustainable resource use Issue 3: Climate change mitigation and adaptation Issue 4: Protection of the environment, biodiversity and restoration of natural habitats Core subject: Fair operating practices Issue 1: Anti-corruption Issue 2: Responsible political involvement Issue 3: Fair competition Issue 4: Promoting social responsibility in the value chain Issue 5: Respect for property rights Core subject: Consumer issues Issue 1: Fair marketing, factual and unbiased information and fair contractual practices Issue 2: Protecting consumers’ health and safety Issue 3: Sustainable consumption

Issue 4: Consumer service, support, and complaint and dispute resolution Issue 5: Consumer data protection and privacy Issue 6: Access to essential services Issue 7: Education and awareness Core subject: Community involvement and development Issue 1: Community involvement Issue 2: Education and culture Issue 3: Employment creation and skills development Issue 4: Technology development and access Issue 5: Wealth and income creation

Issue 6:7: SocialHealth investment

Annex B (informative)

Examples of guidance and questions on sustainable development

ISO TCs have already been started to integrate sustainability into their work, both through to their members. This information is available at: specific standards (some of which are referenced in this Guide) and in more general guidance http://standards.iso.org/iso/Guide_82 This information provides examples on how TCs are taking sustainability into account, and demonstrates that there are various approaches for doing so.

Annex C (informative)

Examples of how to develop provisions on environmental aspects

C.1 Assessing and establishing provisions related to prevention of pollution within a specific standard

Wherestages ofprevention the life cycle of pollution of the activity has been or product identified to which as relevant that standard and significant applies. with respect to a specific standard, standards writers should identify opportunities to prevent pollution at all Provisions in product standards can help prevent pollution. The means to prevent pollution can take many forms and can usually be incorporated at all stages of the product life cycle. For example, where hazardous, toxic or otherwise harmful substances and materials are prescribed in product standards, consideration can be given to opportunities to substitute such materials with other less harmful substances and materials, whenever possible and feasible. Preference can be given to incorporating provisions in standards that can help prevent pollution directly at its source or during the end-of-life stage, increasing the potential to achieve waste- free and emission-free production, or waste-reduced and emission-reduced usage of the product, by elimination or source reduction. This can be achieved in a variety of ways, e.g. by applying environmentally sound design and development, material substitution, changes material resources. in process, product or process technology, and/or efficient use or conservation of energy and In addition, the following options to prevent pollution during the end-of-life stage of the life cycle can also be considered, possibly through direct provisions within a standard addressing: — reuse or recycling of materials; — recovery and treatment (e.g. energy recovery from waste streams, treatment of emissions and waste to reduce their environmental impact).

C.2 Assessing and establishing provisions related to efficient use of natural resources within a specific standard

Where the use or depletion (consumption) of resources has been identified as relevant and significant with respect to a specific standard, standards writers should identify opportunities toWhen effect drafting efficient provisions and sustainable in process use and or productmanagement standards, of a resource. standards writers can consider incorporating provisions that relate to both the amount and type (renewable and non- renewable) of natural resources being used/consumed, with particular consideration for their

22 © ISO 2014 – All rights reserved ISO Guide 82:2014 abundance or scarcity and the impact resulting from their extraction/harvesting and use, as well as the end-of-life options for recovery of materials for reuse, recycling or energy recovery. use of resources during all stages of the life cycle of the activity or product. This includes, for Theseexample, kinds the ofselection provisions and userelate of rawto introducing materials in ways the production of improving stage, the the effective use of water, and efficient energy and land in all stages, as well as the re-utilization/recycling of materials and energy recovery at theBeyond end-of-life the environmental stage, thereby impact avoiding associated generating with waste resource to landfill. acquisition and use, the depletion of non-renewable resources (e.g. mineral deposits, rare earth elements and fossil fuels) is typically be a concern when making use of renewable resources, if these are being used or consumed consideredat rates higher to have than a theynegative can impactnaturally on regeneratesustainability. or be However, replenished. resource In addition, depletion there can alsocan be concerns related to how the extraction and/or harvesting of natural resources of any type affects biological diversity and the rate of replenishment of non-human biological populations, as this can lead to serious declines in certain species, or even to their ultimate extinction.

C.3 Assessing and establishing provisions related to adaptation to climate change within a specific standard

Whereform of the this adaptation adaptation to can climate vary changedepending has onbeen the identified nature and as relevantlevel of risk.and significantThe nature with and respectextent of to adaptation a specific standard,in each situation standards will writers depend should on the takecosts into and account efforts involved,that the extent compared and degree of resilience. with the benefits of adopting different adaptation strategies to achieve sustainability and a Provisions for climate change can involve: — policy and planning approaches to changes to designs or approvals;

— the modification,alteration of operations relocation oror maintenancereplacement ofregimes. existing infrastructure; or When action is required for adaptation, standards writers should adopt a systematic process strategies. Numerous policies, planning documents, guidelines and requirements exist and for the identification and evaluation of options, in order to plan the most appropriate adaptation data that can be specifed. Therefore, individuals and organizations will need to identify for canthemselves be used the for best reference. available, However, authoritative there are and currently credible datano central that they sources can use. of climate change

Bibliography

[1] ISO 9001, Quality management systems [13] ISO 50001:2011, Energy Management — Requirements Systems - Requirements with guidance for use [2] ISO 10993-2, Biological evaluation of medical devices — Part 2: Animal welfare [14] ISO/IEC Guide 51, Safety aspects — requirements Guidelines for their inclusion in standards [3] ISO 14001, Environmental management [15] ISO Guide 64, Guide for addressing systems — Requirements with guidance environmental issues in product for use standards [4] ISO 14040, Environmental management [16] ISO/IEC Guide 71, Guidelines for — Life cycle assessment — Principles standards developers to address the and framework needs of older persons and persons with disabilities [5] ISO 14044, Environmental management — Life cycle assessment — Requirements [17] Report of the World Commission and guidelines on Environment and Development/Brundtland Report, Our [6] ISO 14064 (all parts), Greenhouse gases Common Future. Oxford University [7] ISO 14065, Greenhouse gases – Press, 1987 Requirements for greenhouse gas [18] Global reporting initiative (GRI), validation and verification bodies for available at: www.globalreporting.org use in accreditation or other forms of recognition [19] Organization for Economic Co- operation and Development (OECD): [8] ISO/TS 14067, Greenhouse gases – Carbon OECD Guidelines for Multinational footprint of products – Requirements Enterprises, available at: http://www. and guidelines for quantification and oecd.org/corporate/mne/ communication [20] U N G C . [9] ISO 21542, Building construction — available at: www.unglobalcompact. Accessibility and usability of the built org/nited ations lobal ompact environment [10] ISO/TR 22411, Ergonomics data and guidelines for the application of ISO/IEC Guide 71 to products and services to address the needs of older persons and persons with disabilities [11] ISO 26000:2010, Guidance on social responsibility [12] ISO 31000, Risk management — Principles and guidelines

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ICS 77.040.10