Welcome to our ESG Frameworks and Standards page. As sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations become integral to business operations, navigating this complex landscape can be challenging. To assist you, our team of industry experts has curated this comprehensive resource. Here, you'll find key frameworks and standards that guide our approach, each designed to help you integrate ESG principles into your business practices effectively. Explore the links provided below for further reading, and gain insights that will empower you on your journey.

1. Global Frameworks

• UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A set of 17 global goals designed to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. 
• UN Global Compact: A voluntary initiative encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies. 
• Paris Agreement: An international treaty on climate change, aiming to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
• World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD): A global organization of companies aiming to help accelerate the transition. 
• Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI): Guidelines by a UN-supported network of investors working to promote sustainable investment.
• Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP): Provides a global disclosure system for companies, cities, states, and regions to manage their impacts.

2. Sustainability Reporting and Due Diligence

• Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD): Expands reporting requirements for companies to include detailed ESG aspects.
• European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS): Provides uniform guidelines for sustainability reporting across the EU. 
• Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD): Requires companies to identify and manage human rights and environmental impacts. 
• EU Directive on Human Rights Due Diligence: Mandates due diligence processes to prevent human rights violations in business operations.
• Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD): Recommendations on voluntary disclosure of climate-related financial information.

3. Environmental Standards and Directives

 

• Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR): Promotes sustainable production and consumption by introducing product passports. 
• EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR): Prevents the import of products linked to deforestation into the EU. 
• EU Single-Use Plastics Directive: Aims to reduce the use of single-use plastics and promote recycling and reuse.
• EU Waste Framework Directive: Sets goals and measures to prevent and reduce waste, promoting recycling and reuse.
• EU Nature Restoration Law: Aims to restore damaged ecosystems and improve biodiversity across EU member states.
• Water Framework Directive: Establishes guidelines to reduce water consumption and protect water resources through effective management.

4. Climate and Energy

• EU Green Deal: A series of initiatives to promote sustainability and combat climate change, including circular economy legislation.
• EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS): A system for trading emission allowances aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from various sectors.
• Carbon Pricing Mechanisms: Introduces carbon pricing to incentivize reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and promote a low-carbon economy.
• Energy Efficiency Directive (EES): Aims to reduce overall energy consumption in the EU by promoting efficient energy use.
• Tax Incentives for Renewable Energy (TIRE): Provides tax benefits to promote the use of renewable energy sources and lower investment costs.
• EU Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities: A classification system aiming to scale up sustainable investment and implement the European Green Deal.

5. Sustainable Procurement and Ethical Sourcing

• EU Sustainable Procurement Directive: Promotes sustainable procurement in the public sector by considering environmental and social criteria.
• Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC): Provides guidelines and tools for integrating sustainability into purchasing processes.
• Fair Trade and Ethical Sourcing Regulation: Promotes fair trade practices to ensure ethical treatment of workers and sustainable sourcing.
• ISO 20400: Sustainable Procurement Guidance: Offers guidelines for organizations to incorporate sustainability into their procurement processes.

6. Management Systems and Social Responsibility

• ISO 14001 - Environmental Management System: Sets requirements to help organizations minimize their environmental impact. 
• ISO 26000 - Social Responsibility: Provides guidance on integrating social responsibility into organizational practices.
• ISO 59004 – Circular Economy: Offers vocabulary, principles, and guidance for implementing circular economy practices.
• ISO 56002 - Innovation Management: Guidance for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an innovation system.
• Environmental Impact Assessment Directive: Requires evaluation and reporting on the environmental impact of projects and operations.
• Packaging Directive 94/62/EC: Aims to reduce the environmental impact of packaging and promote recycling and reuse.

7. Additional Standards and Regulations

• AI Act: The world's first regulation on artificial intelligence. Learn more
• EU Right to Repair Directive: Promotes the repair of goods to extend product lifespans and reduce waste. Learn more
• Data Privacy and Security Regulations: Governs the handling and protection of personal data (e.g., GDPR in Europe).
• Anti-Corruption Legislation: Prohibits corruption and requires companies to implement measures to prevent unethical practices.
• Product Labeling Requirements: Mandates labeling of products to inform about their impact, including sustainability certifications.
• Labor Rights Legislation: Protects workers' rights and promotes decent working conditions and wages.
• Consumer Protection Laws: Ensures consumer rights are protected through honest marketing and product safety regulations.

By adhering to these globally recognized frameworks and standards, Fellow Future ensures that your practices align with best practices and contribute to positive change. We invite you to explore our Code of Conduct and learn more about how we implement these guiding principles in our daily work.