Companies, governments, and civil society organisations are seeking tools they can use to evaluate sustainability performance and to recognise and reward good practice. One response to this has been the development of benchmarks to evaluate, compare, and qualify sustainability tools and company performance. Sustainability benchmarks can evaluate a wide variety of entities, from the sustainability performance of companies to the rigour of sustainability standards and certification.
This publication aims to provide a framework and practical set of good practices for organisations and initiatives considering whether to carry out a benchmarking exercise or develop a benchmarking programme. Its overall goal is to create more consistency in, and strengthening of, sustainability benchmarking programmes so that they can effectively support better practices and faster transition to a more sustainable world.