Sustainability standard
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The umbrella term sustainability standard (also Voluntary Sustainability Standard , VSS for short) is used very differently by different actors depending on the context for different approaches, products and instruments. In either English or German there are no generally applicable definitions of the terms in question. Basically, sustainability standards aim to reduce the negative effects of global economic activity on people and the environment, i.e. to make a positive contribution to the protection of human rights and environmental protection .
Voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) can assume various functions for different actors and target groups in global value chains . For retailers, VSS can represent an instrument of risk management in widely ramified value chains or serve for the sale and marketing of sustainable products and influence the external image. For producers, VSS can provide access to (new) markets as well as price premiums and generate trust among potential customers. Consumers are enabled to make conscious purchasing decisions through increased transparency using VSS. Consumer demand for recognizable socially responsible and environmentally friendly products is fueling the expansion of VSS. For state actors, VSS are an important governance instrument to promote sustainability in global supply chains, especially if national legislation and binding market rules for sustainability do not apply (e.g. as an instrument for co-regulation or as an object of development cooperation ).
Classification of sustainability standards
As the growing trade in fairly traded products shows, compliance with environmental and social standards is becoming increasingly relevant for international supply chains. In addition to sustainability standards (systems) that are specified by standardization institutes or other standard-setting organizations, other sustainability standards have become relevant in recent years. Today, the spectrum ranges from self-declarations by companies (e.g. Global Compact or DIN ISO 26000 "Guidelines for the social responsibility of organizations") to certification programs that include a review by an independent third party (e.g. organic, Fairtrade, FSC, MSC).
The following table shows the different dimensions of sustainability standards and, as a result, the need to sensitize different readings and applications.
| Origin of liability |
State | Private |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory |
Regulations, e.g. B.
|
Legally prescribed private standards / norms, e.g. B.
|
| Voluntary |
Public voluntary standards, e.g. B.
|
Private voluntary standards, e.g. B.
|
The table shows that the term sustainability standard in the broadest sense z. B. is used for national and international guidelines, conventions, sustainability aspects in trade agreements or other regulations. In this context, the term generally means the fundamental compliance with or introduction of certain environmental and / or social standards or requirements. In contrast, the term sustainability standard in the narrower sense also includes very specific certification systems / seals.
Voluntary sustainability standard systems
In contrast to the broader term sustainability standards, behind a voluntary sustainability standard system there is always an established, structured governance and control system for compliance with the standard. The term Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) has established itself in English for this. According to the definition of the ISEAL Alliance, such a standard system describes the interaction of all institutions and processes that are responsible for implementation. As a rule, a standard system consists of the following five elements:
- Criteria catalog
- Verification mechanism (usually including visible labeling)
- Governance system
- Capacity building
- (Effect) monitoring
Of the five core elements, (1) the criteria catalog, (2) the verification mechanism and (3) the governance system can be found in different forms in each VSS. The heart of a standard system is the catalog of criteria that defines the corresponding sustainability requirements for the seal recipients. The elements (4) capacity building and (5) (impact) monitoring, on the other hand, are not yet available in every VSS system.
Since consumers are increasingly asking for products that are clearly socially responsible and environmentally friendly, the demand for VSS is increasing. Due to the increased use of VSS by consumers, global corporations, financial institutions, but also state actors, VSS has become an important (private) governance mechanism in global value chains.
Further names for voluntary sustainability standards
In addition to the term sustainability standard, terms such as quality mark , seal , eco-label , label or certification are often used synonymously for VSS , although in the narrower sense these are only specific elements of a comprehensive standard system.
In order to differentiate these terms, it is important to distinguish between VSS, which are aimed at end consumers ( business to consumer , B2C) and VSS, which are used exclusively for trade between companies ( business to business , B2B). At VSS, which are aimed at end users, the product is usually marked with a visible label / seal / quality mark; this is not always the case with B2B systems.
The term claims is also often used in the specialist sector. This refers to statements about the characteristics of products or processes - in this case about certain sustainability properties. Claims can be used against consumers (B2C) or just against other economic actors in a value chain (B2B).
The terms seal / quality mark / label are synonyms. They designate claims made visible in logo or text form; such as "bio", "biodegradable", "sustainable", "fair trade".
In contrast to this and from a formal point of view, the term certification goes one step further (however, it is often used synonymous with the above terms) and means a confirmation issued on the basis of a verification mechanism that products, processes or systems meet the comprehensive requirements of a standard.
This distinction is important, as there does not have to be a standard system with a catalog of criteria or an (independent) verification mechanism behind every claim or seal. If a standard system is behind a claim, it is mostly a certification (see below). Some claims, for example “ organic ” or “eco”, are legally protected (by the EU organic regulation ) so that a corresponding standard system must be behind them.
Even if there are formally differences between the terms, the same thing is often meant in everyday practice. Which term is ultimately used depends on the respective target group:
- In professional circles, sustainability standards, standards or VSS are usually used;
- In the context of public procurement, based on legal texts, one usually speaks of a quality mark;
- In consumer language, the terms seal or label are more common.
Addressees
VSS can assume different functions for different actors in the context of global value chains.
Supply side - dealers
From the point of view of international and global companies, VSS can on the one hand represent a risk management (B2B) instrument in widely ramified value chains in order to guarantee quality, safety, social and environmental practices in the supply chain. On the other hand, VSS can be used as an instrument for the sale and marketing of sustainable products and thus play an important role in external presentation and marketing. When using VSS, retail companies, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), a. Challenges due to limited scalability, as certification is usually associated with costs and effort.
Producer side
For producers and processing companies, VSS u. a. an instrument to facilitate access to (new) markets and price premiums. In particular for SMEs with little recognition on the international market, VSS are a useful tool to generate trust among potential customers in new markets. This applies to both SMEs on the supply side and on the producer side. Producers and dealers can also establish their own company codes of conduct , which contain both specific standard and test systems for their own value chains, as well as reference to existing VSS of other standard holders.
consumer
With visible logos or claims on products or services, VSS create more transparency for consumers and enable them to make conscious purchasing decisions. As consumers increasingly demand products that are clearly socially responsible and environmentally friendly, the demand for VSS is increasing.
State actors
Due to the increased use by consumers, global corporations, and increasingly also financial institutions, VSS have also become an important (state) governance instrument for promoting sustainability in global value chains, especially when (national) legislation and binding market rules for sustainability aspects do not apply . For state actors, VSS can be an instrument for co-regulation (e.g. restriction of market access, which de facto creates an obligation to comply) or an object of development cooperation.
Sustainability standards are a central instrument for sustainable development and the socially and ecologically compatible design of international and national value chains. In the development context of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), sustainability standards (in the broader sense) and VSS (as an instrument) can make direct contributions contribute to SDG 8 “decent work and economic growth” and SDG 12 “sustainable consumption and production”. In addition, depending on the orientation, sustainability standards affect other SDGs on the topics of clean water, climate change and the environment. In addition, a large number of relevant questions arise in the use and discussion of sustainability standards in the context of development cooperation. Particularly in the context of the political and public discussion on corporate responsibility, the question arises as to what role VSS in particular can play in the context of possible legal regulations or initiatives for the implementation of corporate due diligence or in the context of trade or internal market regulations.
Distinguishing features of various voluntary sustainability standards
The range of different types of VSS is wide. Depending on the context, other distinguishing features may or may not be relevant. The typifications are not mutually exclusive, there are many mixed forms and the boundaries are fluid.
The following distinguishing features can be used for VSS:
Thematic focus: Social (here encroachment, including inclusion of human rights aspects and labor standards), environment, (quality, safety)
Coverage: process / management aspects, production conditions, product properties, entire product life cycle or individual production stages, trading conditions
Scope of application: product, production facility (e.g. farm, factory), global company (e.g. in member initiatives)
Range / region: national, regional, international
Sector: Sector- specific, cross-sector, supply chain-specific
Conformity check: self- assessment , 2nd or 3rd party audits (see also ISO typifications), procedural liability
Origin / System Owner: Public, Private, Public-Private
Type of system: single actor system, multi actor system
Binding nature: legally binding, de facto mandatory for competitiveness, voluntary
Target group: Business to Business (B2B), Business to Consumer (B2C)
The different areas of application for VSS alone show the complexity of the instrument: VSS can refer to the improvement of production conditions (e.g. compliance with the ILO core labor standards), material properties of an end product (e.g. energy consumption of electrical appliances), or trading conditions (e.g. B. Minimum prices for raw materials as a hedge against excessively low market prices). Some VSS cover elements from all application areas. Others focus only on individual steps along a value chain. Many VSS also relate to internal management processes in companies (e.g. corporate environmental management).
Another important point is the question of range or regionality. In recent years, local actors have increasingly developed their own VSS in emerging and developing countries. As a rule, these are only known in the respective national / regional market, but often refer to already established, international VSS in the creation of the catalog of criteria or by means of a recognition mechanism.
A key distinguishing feature is the type of system and the question of the system owner (also: standard holder), who is usually also responsible for financing and management. The table shows this distinction using examples.
| Type of system
owner |
Single actor system | Multi-actor system |
|---|---|---|
| Private sector | Company standard systems, e.g. B.
|
Standard systems from private sector Consortia, e.g. B.
|
| Civil society | Standard systems of individual civil society Actors, e.g. B.
|
Standard systems of civil society Alliances, e.g. B.
|
| State | Standard systems from a state actor, e.g. B. | not applicable |
| Public - private cooperation | not applicable | Standard systems of public-private alliances, e.g. B.
|
Most VSS are nongovernmental systems. The best known exception in Germany is the Blue Angel. This works like a classic VSS, but is in government hands. However, the testing and awarding authority has been outsourced to a non-profit GmbH.
A closer look at the above-mentioned differentiation according to the area of application of the VSS clarifies further differences:
If the VSS is applied at the level of the individual production facilities, one usually speaks of farm or factory certifications. The production facilities are mostly checked, verified and certified in the form of audits . Usually no further requirements are specified for buyers or supplying companies, i. H. no further part of the supply chain is covered by the VSS. An example here is SA8000 .
A product certification is a VSS that defines criteria for a specific product. This product can also be a selected raw material that is later part of an end product. The requirements that are defined in the catalog of criteria can relate to different levels or actors along the value chain. In the case of eco-labels in particular, the requirements can also relate to the quality of an end product and thus also to the use and, if applicable, end-of-life phase. The requirements defined by the VSS are usually checked by audits or (laboratory) tests on the end product. One example of product certification is the fair trade seal.
As a rule, a member initiative is increasingly aimed at international trading and branded companies that commit themselves to adhering to a code of conduct, mostly with regard to the entire supply chain. The content of the code of conduct and additional obligations, e.g. with regard to disclosure or review, differ depending on the initiative. The concrete implementation of the requirements lies largely with the member companies. The initiatives usually agree on mechanisms (of varying severity) to ensure implementation of the code. In the case of a member initiative, one should only speak of a VSS if there are standardized verification mechanisms for measures or target achievement. Membership in an initiative alone, even if this membership is communicated with a kind of seal or claim, does not constitute a fully-fledged standard system in the sense defined here. The VSS named in Table 4 under “Member Initiatives” correspond to this classification.
Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives (MSI)
So-called multi-stakeholder initiatives (MSI) or multi-actor partnerships (MAP), such as the Alliance for Sustainable Textiles , the Forum for Sustainable Palm Oil, or the Forum for Sustainable Cocoa , are also often associated with VSS .
These MSI / MAP must be clearly differentiated from the classic VSS. The broader MSI / MAP do not represent an independent standard system (with a catalog of criteria and a conformity check). Rather, they are to be understood as an overarching platform with the broader aim of establishing sustainable practices along the entire value chain. In the context of MSI / MAP, VSS play a role as (I) specific group of actors , who are usually represented as members. On the other hand, VSS in this context are a (II) specific instrument that is used as evidence for the fulfillment of certain requirements of the MSI / MAP or for the MSI / MAP provide orientation and information offers. For example, the Forum for Sustainable Palm Oil recognizes the certification of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).
Here, too, the boundaries are fluid again, as a large number of classic VSSs arose from previous, broader MSI / MAP. On the other hand, more and more VSS, also going beyond the member initiatives described here and VSS resulting from MSI / MAPs, see themselves as broader platforms that, similar to a classic MSI / MAP, also offer capacity development and a forum for mutual learning and exchange.
How voluntary sustainability standard systems work
The way VSS works varies greatly depending on the type of system. Basically, however, the aforementioned core elements (1) catalog of criteria, (2) verification mechanism, (3) governance system, (4) capacity building and (5) (impact) monitoring are decisive.
The various elements of a VSS ideally take effect at all relevant, individual stages along the value chain, provided that the sustainability claim [SVvG1] of the VSS relates to the entire value chain. Due to the complexity of many value chains, this is often not the case for individual VSS. Which levels are covered by a VSS, however, varies greatly in practice (see section on distinguishing features) - there are VSS that relate purely to primary production. In this case, too, the ultimate claim must be traceable along the value chain using a chain of custody. The individual elements are explained in more detail below.
How voluntary sustainability standards work
Catalog of criteria and standard setting
In the standard setting process, the requirements and areas of application of the standard are specified and recorded in a catalog of criteria. For the process of setting standards, various conventions and laws (including ISO standards, WTO agreements, EU regulations) have already set and stipulated requirements. The umbrella organization ISEAL has also drawn up a corresponding Code of Conduct for the standard-setting process, which is widely recognized. The central question here is:
- What are the social, ecological and economic requirements? Who are these requirements placed on?
- How demanding and essential are the criteria? What references are there to (international) conventions or laws?
- Who takes part in the standard setting process? How transparently were the relevant stakeholder and interest groups involved in the process?
VSS differ in this area v. a. in terms of what kind of stakeholders and how transparently different stakeholders are involved. Another difference is how demanding and detailed the requirements defined in the catalog of criteria are. Basically, the content-related claim of a VSS should always represent a clear added value compared to conventional goods produced according to legal requirements.
Verification mechanism
The entirety of the requirements for the implementation and control system is referred to as a verification mechanism (assurance).
ISEAL lays down numerous requirements for the verification mechanism in its code " Assuring Compliance with Social and Environmental Standards ". These refer to various ISO standards in which definitions of terms can also be found. ISEAL takes over from DIN EN ISO / IEC 17000, for example, the definition of the conformity assessment for assurance: " Demonstration that specified requirements relating to a product, process, system, person or body are fulfilled ", i.e. proof of the fulfillment of certain requirements for a product Process, a system, a person or a place.
Central questions that a verification mechanism must answer:
- How are the requirements from the catalog of criteria checked: planning, type and frequency of the conformity check?
- Which requirements do certification and auditing bodies have to meet and how are they checked (e.g. via accreditation)?
- Is a visible label / seal awarded on the basis of the certification?
According to the international ISEAL Code of Good Practice for the verification mechanism ("Assurance Code"), the following aspects are central to a credible VSS:
- consistency
- Stringency
- competence
- impartiality
- transparency
- Accessibility.
A credible verification mechanism basically involves various (independent) institutions and complies with recognized standards (e.g. ISO / IEC Guides 62/65/66). The route via an independent accreditation body corresponds to the highest credibility.
Governance system
The governance system contains the control and financing structures of a system. Central questions that arise for a governance system include: a .:
- Who is behind the standard system? Who is the system owner / standard holder? Is there a certain neutrality of this actor?
- What different steering committees and organizational units are there?
- Who are the members of the respective organizational units and to whom are they accountable? What are their responsibilities and authorities?
- How is a steering committee or similar set up? Governance decision-making bodies together? How are decisions made? How transparent are these decisions?
- How is the system financed?
- Who are the certificate holders?
There are many different governance models that are designed differently depending on the objectives and membership structure of the standard system. In Germany, for example, Section 34 (2) VgV makes some general requirements for the governance system of a VSS, from which specific requirements for assessing credibility can be derived. ISEAL has also formulated corresponding requirements for the credibility of a VSS (see section on the credibility criteria of a VSS), and the Federal Government has also defined corresponding minimum criteria for the credibility of a VSS as part of the clarity of the seal.
Capacity building
Many VSS also deal with offers for capacity building measures (in German also: help for self-help) for the use or implementation of their VSS for producers, operators or companies. This ranges from very specific training courses for smallholders on specific criteria or certification mechanisms to general information for actors in an entire value chain. Training measures can also be offered for specific actors within the standard system (such as auditors).
Basically, the following questions arise here:
- Does the standard system have capacity building offers for different user groups?
- Are these tailored to the respective user groups in terms of content, costs and effort?
- In addition to capacity building, does a VSS also offer financing options?
(Effect) monitoring
A VSS should have an internal monitoring and evaluation system to measure the impact and to improve and further develop the system. Central aspects are:
- Does the standard system have an effect on the social, ecological and economic goals?
- Is there a systematic monitoring and evaluation system for the effect?
- Is there a feedback mechanism for improving and continuously developing the system?
The quality feature 'impact monitoring' in particular is very relevant in terms of development policy. The internationally recognized ISEAL Impacts Code provides more detailed guidance on this.
Credibility criteria of a voluntary sustainability standard
According to ISEAL's "Credibility Principles" for standard systems, which are now widely recognized internationally, the following principles are central quality features for a credible and effective standard system:
- Sustainability : a VSS clearly defines and communicates its sustainability goals and how these are to be achieved.
- Improvement : Standard holders deal with their effects, measure progress and have mechanisms for constant improvements and innovations.
- Relevance : the criteria catalog must be relevant to the respective products, processes, companies and services. It corresponds to the latest scientific findings and is adapted to local conditions.
- Strictness / rigor: All elements of a standard system are designed to guarantee the best possible results. The criteria catalog is demanding and measurable in itself and the verification mechanism is transparent and accurate.
- Commitment: Standard holders involve all relevant stakeholder groups equally. Both during standard setting and during verification, monitoring and evaluation.
- Impartiality: A VSS identifies and resolves possible conflicts of interest in a transparent, open and balanced manner.
- Transparency: relevant information is freely accessible and decision-making mechanisms are transparent.
- Accessibility: to avoid barriers, VSS minimize costs and unjustified requirements. They promote capacity building measures for relevant actors along a supply chain and within the standard system.
- Honesty: the claims and communication measures of the VSS and a VSS recipient are verifiable and not misleading.
- Efficiency: VSS resort to other standard systems when it makes sense and cooperate. You have an efficient business and governance system.
These 10 principles are accepted in the international debate, but also by state and civil society actors as trend-setting, for example for recognition and evaluation systems. A positive indication that a standards initiative covers many of the quality criteria is membership of the ISEAL Alliance, the umbrella organization for standards initiatives. ISEAL develops “Codes of Good Practice” for the global standard scene. ISEAL members undertake to comply with and implement these codes.
In a study by Marx (2014) 426 VSS were compared on the basis of data from the Ecolabel Index. The following predominant gradation in the quality of different VSS was identified:
- most VSS have an open and consensus-based standard setting process
- some VSS also have credible third party compliance audits
- A few other VSS also have relevant ex-post verification tools that go beyond audits, such as B. a permanent grievance mechanism.
- some VSS also have credible third party compliance audits
These gradations clearly show how different VSS are in terms of their functionality and quality requirements. A further detailed econometric analysis of different VSS designs was carried out in the publication " Social and Environmental Standards - Contribution to more sustainable value chains " by evaluating the data from the standards map of the International Trade Center (ITC) and the European University Institute.
Meta standard, umbrella label and recognition systems
The term meta-standard, like the term sustainability standard, is used in different ways; there is no uniform definition. A meta standard is also often referred to as an umbrella label. The following distinction should clarify the terminology:
A meta standard is the superordinate term for a system that classifies, evaluates or recognizes other standard systems. Examples of a meta standard are seal clarity, ISEAL Code of Good Practice, the ISO standard 12024 or umbrella labels.
An umbrella label is a certain type of meta-standard that recognizes other existing (sub) standard systems and for which an additional seal is usually awarded for product labeling. An umbrella label can be awarded by the state or privately. One example of a private umbrella label is REWE Pro Planet.
A recognition system describes the process and the content through which existing standard systems are assessed by a meta-standard or umbrella label and recognized for a specific goal. The recognition of standard systems is the determination that a standard system may be used as evidence of compliance with certain requirements for production or management processes or product properties. It is thus possible to regulate the use of certain claims and seals (see above) by the state through a recognition system and to fall back on existing standard systems if these meet the minimum requirements. But multi-stakeholder initiatives such as the Alliance for Sustainable Textiles can also regulate VSS as proof of membership via a recognition system.
In addition to absolute recognition (“pass / fail”), the minimum requirements of a meta-standard / umbrella label can also be categorized and labeled according to grading (“performance level”), as is practiced with a clear seal.
Examples of recognition systems:
The Federal Government's minimum criteria for seal clarity, which were formulated as part of the GIZ project “Quality Check Sustainability Standards” funded by the BMZ, serve as a reference framework for recognition in the Alliance for Sustainable Textiles.
The §34 Abs. 2 Nr. 1–5 Vergabeverordnung (VgV) for verification by quality mark is basically a legal recognition system. However, only generally formulated requirements are placed on the system of quality marks, which must be specifically supported. The operationalization of Section 34 (2) No. 2–5 VgV by the Sustainability Compass offers a first point of reference.
The EU directive on renewable energies (RED) is also a recognition system. RED allows the recognition of private certification systems by the EU Commission or by the EU member states. Companies that bring biofuels to the EU internal market can use certificates from recognized standard systems to prove their conformity with the sustainability requirements of EU-RED.
Appropriate recognition mechanisms can therefore, on the one hand, bypass the very complex development of a standard system and, on the other, counteract the widely criticized proliferation of VSS.
Challenges
A general challenge for VSS is the lack of a uniform definition of “green” and “sustainable” so far. VSS have different requirements and goals for the award of certificates. Criteria can differ greatly from one standard system to another. Many VSS also mainly focus on one of the areas of social compatibility or environmental friendliness. Comprehensive standards that take into account all three pillars of sustainability (social, ecological and economic) are more the exception than the rule, so the classification of sustainability standards is very broad and can lead to confusion. In view of the lack of legal regulations, credibility is also a challenge. The ISEAL “Credibility Principles” described above offer indications for recognizing a credible VSS.
Due to the lack of a uniform understanding, structural greenwashing and consumer deception can be carried out with sustainability certification . This is usually not justiciable and contributes to a lack of transparency for consumers and market players. As a consequence, a general distrust of sustainability standards can arise and market penetration as well as the developmental goal of steadily raising the standard of production and consumption in the direction of increased sustainability can be inhibited. International harmonization of the definitions could be useful in order to create a uniform understanding beyond Europe and to give market players orientation.
On the supply side, small and medium-sized companies in particular face the challenge of scalability, i.e. when a sustainability standard creates economic added value, since certification is usually associated with costs and effort. If the costs exceed the benefits, it is not efficient for a company to be certified. Small and young companies face this challenge in particular, as the production quantities are lower and the certification costs can be distributed among them. In addition, high certification costs, for example in the case of multiple certification, and insufficient demand for certified products, especially in the agricultural sector, for example, can pose specific challenges for producers.
literature
- Carsten Schmitz-Hoffmann, Michael Schmidt, Berthold Hansmann, Dimitry Palekhov: Voluntary Standard Systems - A Contribution to Sustainable Development. Springer, Berlin / Heidelberg 2014, ISBN 978-3-642-35716-9 .
Web links
- IHK Nürnberg: Lexicon of Sustainability: Sustainability Standards
Individual evidence
- ↑ Sommer, DIE: "Drivers and Constraints for Adopting Sustainability Standards in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)" , 2017
- ^ S. Henson, J. Humphrey: "The impacts of private food safety standards on the food chain and on public standard-setting processes" , 2009
- ↑ ISEAL: "Setting Social and Environmental Standards ISEAL Code of Good Practice" , 2014
- ↑ BMAS "Prove Sustainability: Certificates and Seals"
- ↑ UNFSS: "Meeting sustainability goals: Voluntary sustainability standards and the role of the government. 2nd Flagship Report of the United Nations Forum on Sustainability Standards" , 2016
- ↑ ITC, EUI: "Social and Environmental Standards - From Fragmentation to Coordination 2017", 2017
- ↑ Federal Environment Agency: "Blue Angel: Who is behind it"
- ↑ "Forum for Sustainable Palm Oil"
- ↑ "Forum on Sustainable Cocoa"
- ↑ ISEAL: "Setting Social and Environmental Standards: ISEAL Code of Good Practice" , 2014
- ↑ ISEAL: "ISEAL Assurance Code"
- ↑ Seal clarity: "Credibility Criteria"
- ↑ ISEAL: "ISEAL Impacts Code of Good Practice" , 2014
- ↑ SIEAL: "ISEAL Credibility Principles"
- ↑ "Alliance for Sustainable Textiles"
- ↑ Compass Sustainability: "Conformity check with §34 Paragraph 2 No. 2-5 Ordinance on the Award of Public Contracts (Vergabeverordnung - VgV)"
- ↑ Commission: "EU directive on renewable energies"