ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

Global voluntary standards for environmental, social, and governance systems.
Reach: 24,000+ standards, 165 member countries, foundational for ESG best practices[1].
Member Countries
165
National standards bodies worldwide[1]
Total Standards
24,000+
Technology, business, sustainability[1]
Founded
1947
Geneva, Switzerland[1]
Certification
ISO 14001
Environmental management system certification[1]
Key ISO Sustainability Standards
StandardTypeScopeCertification?
ISO 14001Environmental Management SystemSystematic management of environmental responsibilitiesYes
ISO 26000Social Responsibility GuidancePrinciples and frameworks for social responsibilityNo (guidance only)
ISO 37000Governance of OrganizationsPrinciples for effective, ethical, and sustainable governanceNo (guidance only)
ISO 50001Energy Management SystemContinuous improvement in energy performanceYes
ISO 9001Quality Management SystemProcess and product quality assuranceYes
ISO & Sustainability: Milestones
YearMilestoneStatus
1947ISO founded in GenevaActive
1996ISO 14001 Environmental Management publishedGlobal certification
2010ISO 26000 Social Responsibility guidance releasedGlobal guidance
2021ISO 37000 Governance of Organizations publishedGlobal guidance
2025Ongoing updates for SDG and climate alignmentOngoing
ISO Sustainability Certifications by Region (2025, est.)
Estimated number of ISO 14001 certifications by region (2025).
ISO Integration and Influence
  • Baseline best practices: Internationally recognized ESG benchmarks[1]
  • Operational integration: Tools for embedding ESG into operations and supply chains[1]
  • Certification & assurance: Third-party verification for ISO 14001, 50001, 9001[1]
  • Interoperability: Alignment with SDGs, GRI, EU CSRD, sustainability-linked finance[1]
  • Global impact: Supports Paris Agreement, UN 2030 Agenda, and climate goals[1]

About ISO and Sustainability Standards

ISO develops voluntary, consensus-based standards for environmental, social, and governance systems, providing global benchmarks for corporate responsibility and operational excellence[1]. Key standards like ISO 14001 (environmental), ISO 26000 (social responsibility), and ISO 37000 (governance) are foundational for ESG management and certification worldwide. ISO’s work enables companies to operationalize sustainability commitments, align with SDGs, and assure stakeholders through recognized best practices and third-party verification[1].

Note: All data reflects official ISO and industry updates as of May 2025.

ISO (International Organization for Standardization)