[ESG Management Column] International Standards that Businesses Should Know: ISO, GRI, and UN Global Compact

This article systematically explains the procedures and analysis criteria that must be followed to obtain international certification, and it organizes the information in a concrete way so that other companies can apply it. This includes understanding each standard, the preparation process, and how to apply it in practice.

1. Certification Preparation Process

1.1 Setting Certification Goals
Goal Identification: Businesses must decide which certification they are aiming for among international standards such as ISO, GRI, and UN Global Compact.
Understanding Importance: Businesses should assess the importance of each certification and its impact on their operations.

1.2 Initial Assessment and Self-Diagnosis

Current Status Analysis: Businesses should conduct a self-diagnosis to determine how well their current operations and management systems align with each certification standard.

Gap Analysis: Identify the gap between the required standards and the current status, clarifying the areas that need improvement.

2. Approach to Each Certification Standard

2.1 ISO Certification (e.g., ISO 14001, ISO 26000)
System Establishment: Establish or improve management systems according to relevant ISO standards.
Documentation: Document procedures, policies, and performance records to be presented during the ISO audit process.
Internal Audit: Conduct an internal audit prior to the certification audit to finalize the readiness check.

2.2 GRI (Global Reporting Initiative)
Sustainability Reporting: Assess the impact of business activities on sustainability and prepare reports according to GRI standards.
Maintain Transparency: Ensure accuracy and transparency of data during the reporting process.

2.3 UN Global Compact
Principle Compliance: Integrate the ten principles of human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption into business operations.
Prepare Activity Reports: Regularly review compliance status and submit annual reports to the UN Global Compact.

3. Application and Evaluation for Certification

3.1 Cooperation with Certification Bodies
Certification Body Selection: Select an appropriate certification body and understand the application process.
Certification Application: Prepare all necessary documents and evidence and submit them to the certification body.

3.2 External Audit and Evaluation
External Audit: Receive an external audit from the certification body.
Receive Results: Confirm whether certification is granted based on the audit results and take any necessary additional improvement measures.

4. Continuous Improvement after Certification

4.1 Continuous Monitoring and Improvement

Monitoring: Even after obtaining certification, businesses should continuously monitor internal processes and systems to ensure ongoing compliance with certification standards.
Improvement Plan: Develop and implement improvement plans for any issues or areas for improvement identified during the monitoring process.
4.2 Training and Awareness Raising

Training Programs: Provide employees with regular training programs to enhance their understanding of the importance of certification standards, company policies, and procedures.
Awareness Raising: Plan and implement activities to raise awareness of the value of certification and the company's sustainability goals both internally and externally.

4.3 Maintaining and Re-certifying Certification

Maintaining Certification: Most certifications have a validity period, and regular re-audits are required to maintain the certification.
Re-certification Preparation: For the re-certification process, preparation should be similar to the initial certification process, but the approach should reflect the lessons learned and improvements made in the previous certification process.

4.4 Communication with Stakeholders

Communication Plan: Develop a plan for effective communication with stakeholders about certification results and ongoing improvement efforts.
Transparency: Share information about the certification process, improvement measures, and performance with stakeholders transparently to build trust and maintain sustainable relationships.

The certification process goes beyond simply obtaining certification; it is an important process for businesses to implement sustainability and build trust with internal and external stakeholders. Therefore, continuous monitoring, training, communication, and improvement efforts are essential after certification. Through these processes, businesses can strengthen their foundation for sustainable development and enhance their competitiveness.

Organization of the ISO certification, GRI (Global Reporting Initiative), and UN Global Compact certification processes by site, according to the approach and business purpose.

ISO Certification Procedure

System Establishment and Documentation
Business Purpose: Establish and improve management systems in accordance with ISO standards.
Approach: Document all procedures, policies, and performance results of the management system, and use this as the basis for audit preparation.

Internal Audit

Business Purpose: Check audit readiness status.
Approach: Verify the readiness status of the system and the accuracy of the documented information through internal audits.
GRI (Global Reporting Initiative)
Sustainability Reporting

Business Purpose: Evaluate and report the impact of business activities on sustainability.
Approach: Prepare sustainability reports according to GRI standards.

Maintaining Transparency

Business Purpose: Ensure data accuracy and transparency.
Approach: Focus on data management and verification during the reporting process.

UN Global Compact
Principle Compliance

Business Purpose: Integrate the ten principles of human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption.
Approach: Conduct a self-review of compliance status across all business operations.

Prepare Activity Reports

Business Purpose: Regularly review compliance status and report.
Approach: Submit detailed annual reports outlining the compliance status and improvement activities.

-Application and Evaluation for Certification

Cooperation with Certification Bodies

Business Purpose: Select a certification body and understand the application process.
Approach: Select an appropriate certification body and submit the necessary documents and evidence.

External Audit and Evaluation

Business Purpose: Conduct external audits and receive results.
Approach: Receive an external audit conducted by the certification body and take any necessary additional improvement measures.
Each certification process has been organized by site, based on the approach and business purpose. This process will help businesses improve their efficiency and access to information for certification preparation.

There are various organizations that can grant certification for outstanding companies in ESG (environment, social, and governance) management. However, my knowledge is limited to September 2021, so for the latest information, you need to check the official websites of these organizations. Below are some organizations that can be recommended for ESG management certification, along with links to check the procedures:

GRI (Global Reporting Initiative): Provides international standards for sustainability reporting.

Official Site: https://www.globalreporting.org/
Certification Process: GRI's official website provides reporting procedures and guidelines according to GRI standards. The focus is on preparing reports that meet GRI standards, rather than directly providing 'certification'.

ISO 26000: An international standard providing guidance on social responsibility, not certification.

Official Site: https://www.iso.org/iso-26000-social-responsibility.html
Procedure: ISO 26000 is not a certification standard, but provides guidelines for organizations to implement social responsibility. Therefore, while not a direct certification site, it can be referenced as part of ESG management.

SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board): Provides sustainability accounting standards specific to certain industries.

Official Site: https://www.sasb.org/
Procedure: Companies can disclose sustainability information according to SASB standards. SASB's website provides industry-specific standards and reporting guidance.

CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project): An organization that helps companies and governments manage and disclose greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and deforestation.

Official Site: https://www.cdp.net/en
Procedure: CDP provides questionnaires for companies to disclose environmental information. This allows companies to be assessed on their environmental performance.

In addition, you can use ESG-related certification or evaluation services provided by ESG assessment agencies or financial institutions in each country. It's crucial to visit the official websites of these agencies to check the latest information and procedures.

Source: [ESG Management Column] International Standards that Businesses Should Know: ISO, GRI, and UN Global Compact: Disability Awareness Newspaper - https://dpi1004.com/4157