Description

How do organizations become – and remain – sustainable? And why should they go through the trouble? Answers to these questions have both endured and evolved since the AA1000 AccountAbility Principles first appeared in 1999.

Over the past two and a half decades, and especially in the last 10 years, organizations have become increasingly focused on sustainability: what it is, why it matters, and how to manage and measure it. Some have become mature practitioners of sustainability assessment, governance and performance, whilst others are now fast developing their approach or setting out on this journey.

AccountAbility’s work is based on the AA1000 Series of Standards, which are founded on the Principles of:

• Inclusivity – People should have a say in the decisions that impact them
• Materiality – Decision makers should identify and be clear about the sustainability topics that matter
• Responsiveness – Organizations should act transparently on material sustainability topics and their related impacts
• Impact – Organizations should monitor, measure, and be accountable for how their actions affect their broader ecosystems

The AA1000AP (2018) is an internationally accepted, principles-based framework that guides organizations through the process of identifying, prioritizing, and responding to sustainability challenges, with the goal of improving long-term performance.

A note from Lucinda Kuys, Manager: Social, Sustainability & Ethical Compliance – Welcome to Module B! “DQS South Africa is proud to be associated with AccountAbility to deliver the three online modules. Module A was launched on the 1 July 2022, with Module B launched on 28^th September 2022 and Module C to follow towards end October 2022.. We believe as DQS, that we are globally contributing towards creating awareness of why sustainability is important, how sustainability improves trust and engagement between staff, investors, customers and other stakeholders, as well as building credibility, improves relationships and enhances brand awareness.”

This AA1000 Module A comprises the following sections:

1  Introduction

2  About Accountability

3  Purpose, Scope & Key Advantages of the AA1000AP

4.1  The Principle of Inclusivity

4.2  The Principle of Materiality

4.3  The Principle of Responsiveness

4.4  The Principle of Impact

5 Applying the AcountAbility Principles

6 AA1000AP (1018) Annexes

7 Reporting Principles

8 End