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.

AccountAbility is dedicated to expanding the global accessibility and usage of the AccountAbility Principles, and as such has partnered with aligned organizations in the ESG ecosystem such as Earth Academy to deliver digital learning content and courses designed to support sustainability professionals in their application of the AA1000AP (2018). Learn more here: https://www.accountability.org/insights/accountability-principles-course-now-available-on-earth-academy/

Download the AA1000AP (2018) for free at the links below.