&SDGs

Contributing to the UN Goals with ISO standards Transforming our world is the aim of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its corresponding 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This ambitious action plan to enhance peace and prosperity, eradicate poverty and protect the planet is recognized globally as essential for the future sustainability of our world. It calls on the contribution from all elements of Who can benefit from using society, including local and national govern- ISO International Standards ? ments, business, industry and individuals. To be successful, the process requires consen- Government and frameworks on everything, from sus, collaboration and innovation. ISO has Regulators can rely on ISO standards employee and well-being to published more than 22 000 International as a solid base on which to create energy consumption, to resilient and Standards and related documents that rep- public policy that helps further SDG eco-friendly infrastructures. resent globally recognized guidelines and goals such as human rights, water frameworks based on international collabo- Consumers and energy efficiency, public health, ration. Built around consensus, they provide While contributing to the SDGs ranks and more. Recognized the world over, a solid base on which innovation can thrive high on the agenda of business leaders International Standards also help and are essential tools to help governments, and politicians, many of the benefits governments achieve their national industry and consumers contribute to the are felt at the local community level. and international commitments. achievement of every one of the SDGs. Reduced poverty, improved health, This brochure gives an overview of how they Industry cleaner and more abundant water, and achieve that, and provides a snapshot of just Industry plays a key role in achieving safe and secure infrastructures are just some of the key standards that could be use- all the SDGs and ISO standards help some of the benefits to be gained from ful to you. it do that by providing guidelines implementing ISO standards.

Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards | 1 ISO 26000, Guidance on information More A sustainable future means ISO Website : www.iso.org balancing the needs of the envi- ISOfocus magazine : www.iso.org/isofocus ronmental, social and economic ISO videos : www.iso.org/youtube systems, and organizations are Follow us on Twitter : www.iso.org/twitter increasingly expected to play a Join us on Facebook : www.iso.org/facebook significant role in achieving this. Join us on GooglePlus : www.iso.org/gplus With over 450 recommendations that directly impact the SDG goals, ISO 26000 provides guidance on how businesses and organiza- tions can operate in an ethical and transparent way that contributes to sustainable development.

ISO standards support the three pillars of sustainable development

Economic They cover everything from efficient Environmental farming methods to anti-bribery man- ISO International Standards promote ISO International Standards pro- agement systems. economic sustainability by facilitat- mote environmental sustainability ing international trade, improving a Social by helping businesses and coun- country’s national quality infrastruc- ISO International Standards promote tries manage their environmental ture 1) and supporting sustainable social sustainability by helping coun- impact. They cover such aspects business practices. tries and communities to improve the as implementing an environmen- health and well-being of their citi- tal management system, measur- 1) A quality infrastructure is a system contributing zens. They cover all aspects of social ing and reducing greenhouse gas to governmental policy objectives in areas includ- ing industrial development, trade competitiveness welfare, from healthcare systems and emissions and energy consump- in global markets, efficient use of natural and related products to social inclusion tion, and encouraging responsible human resources, food safety, health, the environ- ment and . (Source : UNIDO) and accessibility. consumption.

2 | Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards | 3 SDG 1 No poverty

End poverty in all its forms everywhere

By providing a platform for best practice in all areas of economic activity, from agriculture to banking, ISO International Standards contribute to the sustainable production of food and resources as well as sustainable employment. For example, ISO 20400, Sustainable procurement – Guidance, helps organi- zations develop sustainable and ethical purchasing practices that also benefit the societies in which they operate. It includes guidelines for implementing ethical processes throughout the sup- ply chain. ISO 37001, Anti-bribery management systems – Requirements with guidance for use, supports business and govern- ment in their efforts to build integrity and combat bribery. By instilling an anti-bribery culture within organiza- tions, it helps reduce the large gaps in wealth that are a major cause of poverty in many countries around the world.

Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards | 5 SDG 2 Zero hunger End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

ISO has over 1 600 standards responsible behaviour and for the food production sector ethical working conditions for designed to create confidence agricultural workers and pro- in food products, improve agri- mote ethical purchasing prac- cultural methods and promote tices throughout the entire food sustainable and ethical purchas- production chain. ing. They also cover a number of Currently in development, the other areas including nutritional ISO 34101 series of standards on and safety testing, quality, pack- sustainable and traceable cocoa aging, and traceability. beans will specify requirements Focusing specifically on the for a management system in food sector, the ISO 22000 fam- cocoa bean farming. It provides ily of standards on food safety a set of guidelines for environ- management helps organiza- mentally sound agricultural tions identify and control food practices, the enhanced trace- safety hazards, while related ability of cocoa beans and for standards such as ISO 26000 improving the social conditions (social responsibility) and and livelihoods of farmers and ISO 20400 (sustainable pro- all those involved in the cocoa curement) encourage socially supply chain.

6 | Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards | 7 SDG 3 Good health and well-being Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

Access to quality healthcare is an essential human right. ISO has over 1 300 standards supporting safe, qual- ity medical practices and equipment that help healthcare providers deliver a more reliable and effective service. These include standards on steriliza- tion methods, medical devices, surgical implants and instruments, health infor- matics and related products, among other areas of focus. Notable examples are the ISO 11137 series for the steriliza- tion of healthcare products by radiation and ISO 7153 on materials for surgical instruments. ISO also develops standards to help local governments promote health and well-being in their communities, such as International Workshop Agree- ment IWA 18, Framework for integrated community-based life-long health and care services in aged societies, and ISO 37101 for the sustainable develop- ment of communities.

8 | Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards | 9 SDG 4 Quality Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

Recognizing the importance of quality education for all, ISO is developing 2) ISO 21001, Educational organizations – Management systems for educational organizations – Requirements with guid- ance for use, the first ever management system standard on education. It is aimed at improving the processes and quality of educational institutions to address the needs and expectations of those who use their services. In addition, ISO’s technical committee ISO/TC 232 develops standards that describe the requirements for learn- ing services provided outside formal education, such as ISO 29993, which covers all types of lifelong learning including vocational education and in-company training (either outsourced or in-house).

2) Due to be published in 2018.

10 | Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards | 11 SDG 5 Gender equality Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

Gender equality is a key com- women are given equal consid- ponent of social responsibil- eration in company decisions ity, and the empowerment and activities. of women and their equality In addition, ISO aims to encour- in society is underlined in age equal representation in ISO 26000, Guidance on social standardization, to strengthen responsibility. This standard the participation of women in aims to eliminate bias and the development of ISO Inter- promote parity through recom- national Standards and to mending that organizations make them more relevant to have a balanced mix of men and women around the world. For women in governing structures this reason, ISO has recently and management, ensure both joined the International Gender sexes are treated equally when Champions – a leadership it comes to recruitment, career network working to advance opportunities and pay, and gender parity in executive make sure the needs of men and management.

12 | Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards | 13 SDG 6 Clean water and sanitation Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

Globally, over 80 % of waste- management and maintenance water generated by society of basic on-site domestic waste- flows back into the ecosys- water services. It offers advice tem without being treated or on training users and operators, reused. In addition, around evaluating risks and design- 40 % of the world’s population ing and building basic on-site doesn’t have enough water to domestic wastewater systems, sustain its needs. making use of alternative tech- ISO has many standards for nologies that can be set up using water management, spanning local resources. a variety of areas from waste- ISO is also expanding into new water and sewerage networks, areas such as technology for to water reuse, efficient irriga- next-generation toilets that can tion, water footprint moni- operate off-grid, outside the toring, and service activities sewer network, in regions where relating to drinking water sup- there is no access to reliable ply systems. We also develop water and wastewater systems. standards – such as ISO 24518 Standards in this field include – to help communities manage the upcoming ISO 30500, Non- their drinking water and waste- sewered sanitation systems water services in the event of a – Prefabricated integration treat- crisis of water utilities. ment units – General safety and The recently published ISO 24521 performance requirements for gives practical guidance on the design and testing.

14 | Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards | 15 SDG 7 Affordable and clean energy Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

ISO standards represent inter- organizations of all kinds to nationally agreed guidelines use energy more efficiently, and requirements for solutions through the development and to energy efficiency and renew- implementation of an energy able sources. They provide a management system, while the solid technical base that gov- ISO 52000 series of standards ernments can use to achieve for the energy performance their national and interna- of buildings is expected to tional energy objectives. help the construction indus- ISO has more than 200 stand- try attain energy efficiency ards related to energy effi- improvements. ciency and renewables, with In addition, the ISO portfolio many more under develop- boasts a number of standards ment. These ensure the inter- in support of solar energy, such operability of devices and as ISO 9806, which specifies systems, which encourages the test methods for assessing the transition to renewable energy durability, reliability, safety sources and opens up markets and thermal performance of for innovations that address fluid-heating solar collectors, the global energy challenge. and the ISO 17225 series, which ISO 50001, Energy manage- determines the specifications ment systems – Requirements and fuel quality classes of solid with guidance for use, helps biofuels.

16 | Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards | 17 SDG 8 Decent work and economic growth Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

International Standards, by full employment, not least their very nature, promote ISO 45001, Occupational health economic growth by setting a and safety management sys- common language and inter- tems – Requirements with guid- nationally agreed specifica- ance for use, designed to help tions that can be applied in companies and organizations the development of national worldwide protect the health and international regulation. and safety of the people who A product of best practice and work for them. consensus, they are also essen- Another barrier to economic tial tools for reducing barriers growth is bribery, which can to international trade, a contri- have a negative impact on bution that is acknowledged employment opportunities. in the World Trade Organiza- ISO 37001 on anti-bribery tion’s Agreement on Technical management systems contrib- Barriers to Trade. utes to economic prosperity In addition, ISO also has by helping organizations fight many specific standards that bribery and promote an anti- promote decent work and bribery culture.

18 | Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards | 19 SDG 9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

ISO International Standards relationships. These include support sustainable indus- ISO 44001, Collaborative busi- trialization through interna- ness relationship management tionally agreed specifications systems – Requirements and that meet quality, safety and framework, which provides a sustainability requirements. common platform to maximize Covering virtually all indus- the benefits of collaborative tries, they give confidence to working and assist companies investors and consumers by in establishing healthy business creating an environment in relationships, both within and which products and services between organizations. can flourish. What’s more,ISO Standards are also impor- standards provide a universal tant tools in building safe language, thus breaking down and resilient infrastructures. technical barriers to interna- For example, ISO has over a tional trade. This is particu- thousand standards for the larly important for developing construction industry that countries as it allows them to provide internationally agreed compete more easily in the guidelines and specifications global marketplace. on everything from the type ISO also has standards that and status of the soil these facilitate business practices and buildings stand on to the roof.

20 | Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards | 21 These include not only minimum safety and maintenance methodology that ensures and performance levels, but a series of the interactions between multiple infra- test methods for resilience as well. structures are well orchestrated. In the field of smart community infra- ISO International Standards provide a structures, for example, technical platform for ensuring interoperability, specificationISO /TS 37151 (performance which encourages investment and sup- metrics) defines 14 categories of basic ports innovation. Moreover, ISO’s ongoing community needs (energy, water, trans- work on innovation management will offer portation, etc.) by which to measure tried-and-tested frameworks that help the performance of smart community organizations unleash their innovative infrastructures, while technical report potential. This includes future standards ISO/TR 37152 (common framework for ISO 50501 on innovation management sys- development and operation) describes tems and ISO 50503 on tools and methods the planning, development, operation for collaborative innovation partnership.

22 | Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards | 23 SDG 10 Reduced inequalities Reduce inequality within and among countries

Advanced societies rely on a complex quality and compliance system to ensure proper functioning of the market, protect people’s health and safety and preserve the environment. This system is commonly defined as a national qual- ity infrastructure (NQI) and refers to all aspects of metrology, standardization, testing, quality management, certifica- tion and accreditation that have a bear- ing on conformity assessment. Many developing countries suffer from a weak NQI, which can be a major impedi- ment to their integration into regional and global markets, limiting the oppor- tunities offered by trade and hindering their ability to improve public welfare in vital areas such as health, safety and environmental protection. Part of the ISO Strategy 2016-2020 involves capacity building for developing countries in areas such as strategy, technical and operational expertise, and relationships with policy makers, to support their par- ticipation in international standardization.

24 | Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards | 25 This, in turn, helps them strengthen their NQI, thus reducing inequalities within and amongst countries. What’s more, ISO standards themselves contribute to the reduction of inequali- ties, because they serve as a common language that helps to break down barriers to trade, promote innovation and level the playing field for organiza- tions of all types wishing to compete in national and international markets. We also have specific standards that will help organizations contribute directly to this SDG. ISO 26000, Guid- ance on social responsibility, for example, provides guidelines on how businesses and organizations can operate in a socially responsible way, which includes encompassing the principles of non-discrimination and equal opportunities. The core subjects and issues defined by the standard comprise human rights, labour prac- tices, the environment, fair operating practices, consumer issues and com- munity involvement.

26 | Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards | 27 SDG 11 Sustainable cities and communities Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

Responsible use of resources, ISO 37123 (indicators for resil- preserving the environment ient cities). and improving the well-being ISO also has hundreds of stand- of citizens are the end goal for ards on intelligent experts of ISO technical com- systems, water management, mittee ISO/TC 268, Sustainable business continuity and commu- cities and communities, whose nity resilience, designed to make flagship standard ISO 37101 communities safe, sustainable helps communities define their and adaptive to face challenges. sustainable development objec- These include ISO 22313 (busi- tives and implement strategies ness continuity management to achieve them. systems) and a number of stand- This core standard is joined by ards currently in development a series of standards on city such as ISO 22326 (emergency indicators including ISO 37120 management), ISO 22395 (guide- (indicators for city services lines for supporting vulnerable and quality of life) and the two people in emergency situations) upcoming standards ISO 37122 and ISO 24526 (water efficiency (indicators for smart cities) and management systems).

28 | Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards | 29 SDG 12 Responsible consumption and production Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Reducing our environmental to make better choices. In addi- impact, promoting the use of tion, work is underway on a renewable sources of energy new standard for sustainable and encouraging responsible development and social respon- purchasing decisions are just sibility in the agri-food sector. some of the ways that ISO stand- Sustainability is also highly rel- ards contribute to sustainable evant when it comes to construc- consumption and production. tion. ISO 15392, Sustainability in Working towards these goals, building construction – General ISO 20400, Sustainable procure- principles, identifies and estab- ment – Guidance, helps organiza- lishes general principles for sus- tions incorporate sustainability tainability in buildings and other into their procurement function. construction works throughout ISO has also developed stand- their whole life cycle, from ards for environmental label- inception to end of life. ling within the ISO 14020 Also supporting sustainable series. These provide guiding lifestyle choices, ISO 20245, Cross- principles for the development border trade of second-hand goods, and use of environmental labels establishes minimum screening and self-declarations, as well as criteria for goods traded between preparing for third-party certifi- countries, helping to drive this cation programmes, which help alternative consumption pattern validate environmental claims by reducing waste and environ- and thus encourage consumers mental impact.

30 | Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards | 31 SDG 13 Climate action Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

ISO has a number of standards Aligned with the Greenhouse that play an essential role in Gas (GHG) Protocol and compati- the climate agenda, helping to ble with most GHG programmes, monitor climate change, quan- the ISO 14064 series gives speci- tify greenhouse gas emissions fications for the quantification, and promote good practice in monitoring and validation/ environmental management. verification of greenhouse gas One notable example is the emissions, while technical ISO 14000 family of standards specificationISO /TS 14067 (cur- for environmental management rently under revision) specifies systems, which details practical the principles, requirements and tools for organizations to man- guidelines for measuring and age the impact of their activities quantifying the carbon footprint on the environment. of products. This suite of standards, Future standards in this area which includes one of ISO’s include ISO 14080, which most widely used standards intends to give organizations a – ISO 14001, Environmental framework to develop consistent, management systems – Require- comparable and improved meth- ments with guidance for use, odologies in the fight against cli- covers overall frameworks, mate change, and ISO Guide 84, , communications, label- Guidelines for addressing climate ling, life-cycle analysis and change in standards, which is methods to mitigate and adapt aimed at those involved in stand- to climate change. ards development.

32 | Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards | 33 SDG 14 Life below water Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

Traceability of fish and environmental management of marine resources are the focus of ISO/TC 234, ISO’s technical committee for fisheries and aquaculture, which provides a unique opportunity to participate in the development of fisheries and aquaculture in a way that respects sustainable development. In addition, ISO/TC 8, Ships and marine technology, has developed over 250 sustainability-related standards for the design, construction, equipment, technology and marine environmen- tal matters related to shipbuilding. In particular, ISO/TC 8’s subcommittee SC 2, Marine environment protection, has standards related to the environ- mental impact of ships and marine technology, such as the response to oil spills and the management of port waste reception facilities.

34 | Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards | 35 SDG 15 Life on land Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

Protecting and promoting life on land through better use of resources is the objective of hundreds of ISO standards. For example, the two-part series ISO 14055, Environmental management – Guidelines for establishing good practices for combatting land degradation and desertification, is a welcome addition to the ISO 14000 family of standards for environmental management. Another area of focus for ISO is sustain- able forestry. The upcoming ISO 38200, Chain of custody of wood and wood- based products, will promote trace- ability in the wood supply chain by encouraging greater use of wood from sustainable sources, and will be an essential tool for helping to combat illegal deforestation.

36 | Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards | 37 SDG 16 Peace, justice and strong institutions Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

Effective, accountable and corruption and whistleblow- inclusive societies and institu- ing. Its most prominent stand- tions rely on good governance at ard, ISO 37001 (anti-bribery all levels, from small companies management systems) helps through to multinationals and promote peace, justice governments. Governance is the and strong institutions by system by which an organiza- increasing and tion is directed, controlled and . held accountable to achieve its Further standards by this com- core purpose over the long term. mittee include ISO 19600, Com- ISO technical committee pliance management systems ISO/TC 309, Governance of – Guidelines, and ISO 37000, organizations, was created to Guidance for the governance consolidate good practice for of organizations (currently in effective governance and cov- development), which encour- ers a wide range of aspects, age good direction and control from direction, control and of organizations of all types accountability, to compliance, and sizes.

38 | Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards | 39 SDG 17 Partnerships for the goals Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

At ISO, we recognize the impor- to strengthen their national tance of global partnerships standards infrastructure by because the whole ISO system building skills in areas such depends on it. An ISO Interna- as strategy, technical and tional Standard is developed operational expertise and with the collaboration and relationships with policy consensus of a wide range of makers, to support their par- stakeholders from all corners of ticipation in international the Earth, including representa- standardization. tives from government, industry A key component in achieving and standardization bodies. this is the New Rights Pilot Pro- We partner with a large number gramme, which allows coun- of international organizations tries to participate more actively to ensure participation from a in ISO standards development diverse array of stakeholders work in specific sectors such and bring the benefits of stand- as tourism, food products and ards to all countries, regardless conformity assessment. This, of size or economic status. in turn, contributes to improv- We also work to reinforce ing public welfare in vital areas the capacity of developing such as health, safety and envi- countries in standardization ronmental protection, creating to ensure our standards are economic growth and a gate- globally relevant. The aim is way to world markets.

40 | Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards Contributing to the UN SDGs with ISO standards | 41 About ISO

ISO (International Organization for Standardi- zation) is an independent, non-governmental organization with a membership of 161* national standards bodies. Through its mem- bers, ISO brings together experts to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus- based, market-relevant International Standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges. ISO has published more than 22 000* Interna- tional Standards and related documents cov- ering almost every industry, from technology to food safety, to agriculture and healthcare. For more information, please visit : iso.org.

* March 2018

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