SDG Impact Standards

The SDG Impact Standards empower businesses to generate positive social and environmental impacts AND financial returns.

Developed by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the SDG Impact Standards are designed to help businesses and investors integrate sustainability and the SDGs into their management and decision-making processes. They provide a clear framework to support decisions by prioritising sustainability, impact, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

These standards help businesses and investors:  

• Determine which impacts are important and relevant

• Understand how to manage these impacts effectively 

• Translate sustainability commitments into action, and align on goals.  a

• Reduce the risk of green- and impact-washing 

• Prepare for new regulations and sustainability reporting

• Enhance governance and manage impact risks.

The Standards are organised around four interconnected themes – strategy, management approach, transparency, and governance – each of which plays an important role in fully integrating sustainability into organisational systems and decision making.

The Standards are for all organisations and investors committed to operating sustainably and contributing positively to sustainable development and the SDGs – regardless of size, geography, or sector. 

The Standards can be used by organisations that are starting out on their sustainability and impact journey, and those that are more mature or advanced. 

Do you want to make a sustainability or net-zero commitment, but are not sure how to translate intention and ambition into action? You’re not alone. 

The SDG Impact Standards Training is designed to provide organizations with clear guidance and a robust pathway to strengthen sustainability and impact management practices over time. 

Delivered by highly-skilled trainers accredited by the UNDP and Social Value International (SVI), the comprehensive training supports organizations to start or accelerate their sustainability journey, and make continuous improvements over time. 

Participants in the training: 

• Gain the skills and knowledge to effectively embed sustainability and managing for social and environmental impact into decision-making

• Understand how to measure and manage impact, ensuring that investments contribute positively to sustainable development and achieve the SDGs

• Learn how to apply the SDG Impact Standards and demonstrate best practice

• Gain practical tools, frameworks and knowledge to maximise positive and minimise negative impacts, and an action plan to improve continuously over time. 

The highly participatory and interactive program is available face-to-face, hybrid, or online, and can be tailored in duration. Contact us to tailor the program to your business needs!

Seed & Signal Founder, Heather Chai, is an Accredited Trainer for the SDG Impact Standards, accredited by the UNDP and SVI.