What is ISO 26000?

ISO 26000 is a way for businesses to have a social responsibility and environmental accountability. It is used as a framework to help organizations answer questions such as what they need to know about the environment, social responsibilities, risks and opportunities.

ISO 26000 was published in 2008 by ISO (International Organization for Standardization) which sets international standards for many aspects of business operations. The goal of this standard is to provide guidance on how organizations can manage their social responsibility and sustainability issues through an integrated approach that considers all relevant dimensions – economic, environmental, ethical and societal.

Why is the ISO 26000 important?

ISO 26000 is a way of a business to be socially responsible and environmentally accountable by following a “Framework.” This framework helps organizations answer questions such as what they need to know about the environment, social responsibilities, risks and opportunities. Through this ISO standard, all relevant aspects of business operations are considered – economic, environmental, ethical and societal.

What benefits can be achieved by implementing ISO 26000?

ISO 26000 provides organizations with a way to be socially and environmentally accountable. It also improves on the organization’s relationships with their stakeholders. It can reveal risks, which the company can move to address. It may reveal new opportunities that can be leveraged. And It helps organizations be a part of the solution as opposed to being a part of the problem. It will attract talented people.

The 7 principles of the ISO 26000 standard

1.     Accountability: Senior management takes responsibility for the social and environmental impacts of its operations, supply chain, products/ services and behaviour.

2.     Transparency: The organization shares information about social and environmental performance with all stakeholders.

3.     Ethical behaviour: The organization shows respect for human rights and ensures that its workforce operates in a safe environment. It also ensures that it is not complicit in human right abuses of others, such as forced or slave labour, by business partners or suppliers.

4.     Respect for stakeholder interests: The organization shows consideration for the interests and expectations of all stakeholders and manages any negative impacts on their legitimate interest.

5.     Respect for the rule of law: The organization works within the local and national laws of each country in which it operates.

6.     Respect for international norms of behaviour: The organization operates with integrity and transparency beyond national boundaries.

7.     Respect for human rights: The organization ensures that it is not complicit in human rights abuses of others, such as forced or slave labour, by business partners or suppliers.

With this approach organizations can make sure that all their activities are integrated in a way that is socially responsible and sustainable. It helps companies to improve how they think about social affairs and environmental performance while carrying out business activities. The standard includes guidance for understanding the social and environmental impacts of business activities, managing these processes effectively with both employees and other stakeholders in mind.