Sustainability criteria

Definition and Purpose

• Sustainability criteria are requirements that define whether a product, service, or process meets the principles of sustainable development.

• They serve as assessment tools to evaluate environmental, social, and economic impacts, and are often used to qualify for certifications or sustainability labels.

Three Pillars of Sustainability

• Criteria are typically structured around the three dimensions of sustainability:

  • Environmental: resource efficiency, pollution control, biodiversity protection.

  • Social: human rights, labor conditions, community impact.

  • Economic: long-term viability, fair trade, responsible sourcing.

Indicators and Monitoring

• Indicators are used to measure compliance with sustainability criteria, both quantitatively and qualitatively.

• Effective implementation requires monitoring, reporting, verification, and transparency, often supported by legal frameworks or voluntary standards.

Application and Flexibility

• Sustainability criteria should be applied early in the development of products or industries to maximize impact.

• They are not static—they evolve over time and must be adapted to specific sectors, regions, and stakeholder priorities.

Actors and Governance

• Multiple stakeholders are involved in defining and enforcing sustainability criteria:

  • Governments, international institutions, NGOs, producers, and consumers.

• Collaboration among these actors ensures credibility, accountability, and broader adoption across industries.