What is ESSA Sustainability Accreditation?
ESSA Sustainability Accreditation is an evidence-focused, points-based annual sustainability accreditation that serves as an independent verification of a company’s sustainability performance, providing credibility and recognition in the field of sustainability.
Aligned with current industry standards, including ISO standards such as ISO14001 and ISO20121, the ESSA Sustainability Accreditation covers 12 different sustainability-related management areas, including:
- Sustainability Policy
- Action Plan
- Awareness & Training
- Modern Slavery
- Equality & Diversity
- Air Quality
- Supporting the Community
- Staff Engagement
- Energy Management
- Sustainable Procurement
- Waste Management
- Carbon Footprint Calculation
Each company undertaking the sustainability accreditation is scored out of 100 points, with 6 different tiers of achievement available depending where you are on your sustainability journey and the overall score achieved. The process is repeated on an annual process, allowing companies the chance to improve year on year and to ensure that sustainability management remains a priority.
With a clear framework to work through to accurately measure your sustainability impact within your business, the ESSA Sustainability Accreditation is the ideal way to:
- Verify your company’s sustainability performance to date
- Benchmark your current position against industry standards
- Identify areas for improvement and practical steps to take
- Provide credible, independent recognition of your efforts
- Track progress through measurable data and reporting
- Build trust with clients, stakeholders and supply chains
Why do I need ESSA Sustainability Accreditation?
The demand for sustainability is increasing, and those businesses unable to demonstrate their sustainability credentials will find it increasingly difficult to stand out among the competition when it comes to securing work from event organisers, exhibitors and other stakeholders.
Environmental accreditations are therefore becoming more important, and as such, ESSA’s Sustainability Accreditation is demonstrable proof that sustainability is a priority for your business.
Other benefits of ESSA Sustainability Accreditation include:
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Elevate Your Reputation Stand out from the crowd by demonstrating your commitment to sustainability and attract like-minded partners, clients, and stakeholders. |
Stay Current Align your sustainability practices with ISO standards, the EIA cross-associations supplier's commitments and the evolving expectations of the exhibition industry. |
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Unlock Opportunities The provided sustainability framework can help identify where green practices can be improved and implemented, helping your business save money in the long run. |
Compliance With Regulations As environmental regulations become stricter, those businesses that are already meeting green standards are better positioned to ensure compliance. |
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Cost Savings The provided sustainability framework can help identify where green practices can be improved and implemented, helping your business save money in the long run. |
Guidance and Support To make your sustainability journey easier, ESSA provides a comprehensive set of guidance notes, templates and examples. |
Points and Tiers
The ESSA Sustainability Accreditation is scored out of 100 points, with 6 different tiers avalaible depending on the number of points achieved:
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Certified (0-20pts) Starting your sustainability journey, |
Tier 1 (21-30) A significant milestone, Tier 1 accreditation |
Tier 2 (31-50) Attaining Tier 2 Accreditation showcases |
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Tier 3 (50-69) Tier 3 Accreditation celebrates |
Tier 4 (70-89) Tier 4 accreditation recognises organisations |
Tier 5 (90-100) The pinnacle of sustainability achievement, |
How do I become ESSA Sustainability Accredited?
To become ESSA Sustainability Accredited, you must first ensure you are a full member of ESSA. Full ESSA members receive free access to the ESSA Sustainability Accreditation as part of their membership.
Full ESSA members can begin the process by emailing Josh Taylor at josh@essa.uk.com to arrange an initial call where you will be guided on where to start, where to get help and how the process will work. Member guidance documents are also available here.
Once you have begun the process, you will be asked to provide evidence that proves your active engagement in each aspect of sustainability listed above. This evidence can include documentation, reports, certifications and other relevant materials showcasing your sustainable practices.
In 10 days or less, evaluators will assess your application and award points based on the strength of the evidence provided.
You can accept the evaluator’s score, or you have 10 working days to submit any more evidence you may have missed. After 10 working days, the score is final.
The sustainability accreditation is valid for one year, and to maintain your accreditation status, you'll need to renew annually. By reapplying and undergoing the evaluation process again, you demonstrate your commitment to enhancing your sustainability practices. This annual renewal ensures that your sustainability efforts remain up to date and aligned with evolving standards and best practices, enabling you to improve the level of sustainability achieved year on year.
We welcome all full members to join our growing list of accredited members and directly pursue the ESSA Sustainability Accreditation. It's your chance to showcase your dedication to sustainability.
Click the icon below for more information and contact josh@essa.uk.com if you have any questions.
Accredited Members
