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.

Welcome to Module B! “DQS South Africa is proud to be associated with AccountAbility to deliver the three online modules. We as DQS believe, that we are globally contributing towards creating awareness of WHY sustainability is important, HOW sustainability improves trust and engagement between staff, investors, customers and other stakeholders, as well as building credibility, improves relationships and enhances brand awareness.”

This AA1000 Module B comprises the following sections:

Part 1: Introduction

Part 2: About Accountability

Part 3: Purpose, Scope & Key Advantages of the AA1000AP

Part 4.1 The Principle of Inclusivity

Part 4.2 The Principle of Materiality

Part 4.3 The Principle of Responsiveness

Part 4.4 The Principle of Impact

Part 5: Applying the AcountAbility Principles

Part 6: AA1000AP (1018) Annexes

Part 7: Reporting Principles

Part 8 : End

N.B Please note Stakeholders Engagement Practitioner Module A course must be completed in order to proceed with Module B Sustainability Practitioner Certificate & Module C Associate Certified Sustainability Assurance Practitioner Certificate.  Modules cannot be skipped and will need to be done consecutively. Upon Completion of all 3 courses an official Practitioner Certificate will be issued. 

For more information visit the AccountAbility  website