Leaders in Sustainability Standards
Our Vision
A sustainable future that safeguards our environment and our climate, respects the dignity and supports the health and well-being of workers and communities, and raises the standard of living for all.
Our Mission
To achieve this vision, we develop standards that promote the highest levels of performance in environmental protection, social/ethical responsibility, good governance, product safety and quality, and continuous improvement. We partner with the public and private sectors to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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Learn more about the standards development process
SCS Standards eBook: Architecture of a Sustainability Standard
Our Team
The SCS Standards and Assurance Systems team consists of highly qualified employees around the world, with deep scientific and technical experience, working rigorously to develop standards and collaborate with global organizations. The teams work on standards that support public and private sector stakeholders to achieve their identified United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Interested in joining our team? View open positions here.
History of SCS Standards and Assurance Systems
SCS Standards and Assurance Systems was founded in 2020 as the official standards development body for Scientific Certification Systems, and has been an ANSI-accredited Standard Developer since 2021.
We build on SCS’ significant experience participating in the development of world-class standards promoting safe, sustainable business practices since 1984, including some of the world's most widely recognized standards addressing natural resource extraction from forests, fisheries and mines, food and agricultural production, the built environment, and consumer products.
We have released several new standards into the marketplace and have supported private entities in their efforts to develop and launch their proprietary standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does SCS Standards and Assurance Systems do?
SCS Standards develops and manages second- and third-party voluntary sustainability standards and associated assurance systems that promote environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic integrity across industries. Our work ensures transparency, credibility, and measurable impact in sustainability practices.
- What is the process to develop standards and assurance systems?
Our third-party publicly available standards are developed through a rigorous, multi-stakeholder process that includes scientific research, industry input, and public consultation. This approach ensures that our standards are practical, credible, and aligned with global best practices.
Proprietary second-party or third-party standards and certification or verification programs are developed according to the specifications of our clients. See our services page here.
- How do you ensure stakeholder participation and input in standard development?
We welcome stakeholder input during public consultation periods. Announcements about new standards and opportunities for feedback are posted on our website and shared via newswire and through our mailing list.
- How does SCS Standards support sustainability goals?
Our standards help organizations measure and improve their environmental and social performance, reduce risks, and demonstrate accountability. They are designed to support progress toward the UN SDGs and other international sustainability commitments. They also support compliance with regulatory requirements and voluntary sustainability commitments.
- What role does science play in your standards?
Science is at the core of our work. We rely on peer-reviewed research, life cycle assessments, and other scientific methodologies to ensure SCS standards are evidence-based and credible. Combined with the input from experts with real-life on-the-field experience, SCS standards are credible and practical.
- How do your standards contribute to climate change mitigation?
Our standards promote practices that mitigate climate change, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving resource efficiency, and improving climate resilience across industries.
- What makes SCS Standards unique in its approach to standard development?
Our approach is informed by decades of standards development and auditing to advance sustainability globally. We combine scientific rigor, stakeholder inclusivity, and a commitment to continuous improvement because we understand that auditing must be grounded in practical realities and shaped by real-world constraints and market dynamics. We focus on creating standards that are practical, credible, and drive real-world impact.
- How do standards relate to certification programs?
A standard outlines the criteria and requirements for sustainable practices, while certification is the process of verifying that an organization meets those requirements through an audit. Our standards serve as the foundation for certification programs operated by independent certification or verification bodies.
- Do you collaborate with other organizations?
Yes. We work with industry groups, NGOs, academic institutions, and government agencies to ensure our standards are robust, relevant, and widely accepted.
- Do you provide dispute resolution mechanisms?
Yes. We include clear procedures for handling complaints and appeals, which are accessible here.
- How long does it take for SCS Standards to respond to an inquiry?
Our response time is typically within 2 business days after receiving a client inquiry. Response time may vary depending on the complexity of the request and current inquiry volume, but all messages are reviewed promptly, and clients are notified if additional time is needed. Urgent issues are prioritized to ensure timely support.