Start your ISO 53001 certification journey
Discuss your certification needs with our experts and take the next step towards ISO 53001 certification.
What is ISO 53001 certification?
ISO/UNDP 53001 is an international management system standard that helps organisations systematically manage and improve their contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
It provides a structured framework to:
- Embed sustainability into business management – integrate relevant SDGs into strategy, governance and operational processes.
- Turn sustainability commitments into measurable action – identify relevant impacts, establish objectives and monitor progress.
- Drive continual improvement – evaluate sustainability performance and strengthen the management approach over time.
ISO 53001 certification focuses on whether an organisation's SDG management system meets the requirements of the standard and is effectively implemented.
ISO 53001 certification with TÜV SÜD
Management system expertise you can build on
Work with experienced auditors who understand established management systems and how ISO 53001 can fit into your existing structures and processes.
Sustainability expertise that adds context
Benefit from an audit team that understands both management system requirements and the sustainability context behind your SDG objectives.
Consistent support across markets and locations
Use TÜV SÜD’s international network to support certification across multiple countries, sites and organisational structures.
Your path to ISO 53001 certification
Whether you are establishing a new SDG management system or building on existing management systems, the certification approach should reflect your organisation's scope, structure and operations.
Our experts can discuss your certification needs and the appropriate next steps for your organisation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What are the key requirements of ISO 53001?
ISO 53001 requires organisations to establish a structured management system for managing their contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Key requirements include:
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Understand your context and impacts – identify relevant sustainability issues, stakeholder expectations and significant positive and negative impacts.
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Define leadership and responsibilities – establish policies, roles and accountability for the SDG management system.
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Prioritise relevant SDGs – determine which SDGs are most relevant to your organisation and set measurable objectives.
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Integrate sustainability into operations – translate objectives into actions, controls and day-to-day business processes.
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Measure and improve performance – monitor progress, evaluate results and continually improve the effectiveness of the management system.
How do I get ISO 53001 certified?
To achieve ISO 53001 certification, your organisation first needs to establish and implement an SDG management system that meets the requirements of the standard.
An independent certification body, such as TÜV SÜD, then assesses the management system through a certification audit. Once conformity is demonstrated, certification can be issued and maintained through ongoing surveillance audits.
An independent certification body, such as TÜV SÜD, then assesses the management system through a certification audit. Once conformity is demonstrated, certification can be issued and maintained through ongoing surveillance audits.
Do organisations need to address all 17 Sustainable Development Goals?
No. ISO 53001 does not require organisations to treat all 17 SDGs equally.
Organisations identify and prioritise the SDGs that are most relevant to their activities, impacts, stakeholders and strategic objectives. This allows them to focus resources on areas where they can make a meaningful contribution or where significant negative impacts need to be addressed.
Organisations identify and prioritise the SDGs that are most relevant to their activities, impacts, stakeholders and strategic objectives. This allows them to focus resources on areas where they can make a meaningful contribution or where significant negative impacts need to be addressed.
Is ISO 53001 mandatory?
ISO 53001 is a voluntary international management system standard. Organisations can choose to implement and certify against it to demonstrate a structured approach to managing their contribution to sustainable development.
However, organisations should continue to assess any applicable legal, regulatory or contractual sustainability requirements separately.
However, organisations should continue to assess any applicable legal, regulatory or contractual sustainability requirements separately.
Can ISO 53001 be integrated with other ISO management systems?
Yes. ISO 53001 follows the harmonised structure used across ISO management system standards, supporting integration with systems such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.
Organisations with existing management systems can build on established processes such as governance, documented information, internal audits, management reviews and continual improvement.
Organisations with existing management systems can build on established processes such as governance, documented information, internal audits, management reviews and continual improvement.
Who can implement ISO 53001?
ISO 53001 is designed for organisations of any size, sector or type, including private companies, public-sector organisations and non-profit organisations.
The scope and priorities of the SDG management system can be adapted to the organisation’s activities, impacts and operating context.
The scope and priorities of the SDG management system can be adapted to the organisation’s activities, impacts and operating context.
What is the difference between ISO 53001 and ISO 53002?
ISO 53001 specifies the requirements for an SDG management system and can form the basis for certification.
ISO 53002 provides guidance to support organisations in implementing and improving their approach to the Sustainable Development Goals.
In simple terms, ISO 53001 defines what the management system should achieve, while ISO 53002 helps organisations understand how those requirements can be applied in practice.
ISO 53002 provides guidance to support organisations in implementing and improving their approach to the Sustainable Development Goals.
In simple terms, ISO 53001 defines what the management system should achieve, while ISO 53002 helps organisations understand how those requirements can be applied in practice.
