The certification process
Your path to sustainability certification
Start your journey to being recognized as a sustainable company with the We Impact certification process. We guide you step by step through the necessary measures to successfully implement and verify the standards for environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects.
The process steps
Our structured approach guarantees clear and effective implementation of all the criteria required to confirm your commitment to sustainability.
You want to introduce We Impact in your organization
If you are interested or have any questions, you can either contact our office as a first step or contact your consultants or auditors. The experts will be happy to help you if you have already set up management systems in your organization (e.g. ISO 9001, 50001, 14001/EMAS). Alternatively, the office can put you in touch with suitable consultants or auditors. Dates for information events are also offered.
Define the procedure
You determine the next steps. You can implement the entire process independently using the available documents, such as the certification standard. Alternatively, you can also call in consultants to accompany you.
During the planning phase, remember that you need a qualified person in charge, internal specialists from different areas and sufficient human resources. For implementation in step 3, data must be collected, internal workshops conducted, processes optimized and audits carried out. The internal effort required varies depending on the size and complexity of the company, the level of knowledge of those involved, the organizational status and the results of the inventory analysis.
Implementation of all requirements of the We Impact certification standard
If you are starting in 2024, please inform the office in advance of your participation in the pilot.
First, you carry out the status analysis in accordance with Appendix A and determine the topics relevant to you and the requirements of the standard, either level 1 or level 2. You then implement these requirements step by step and set up the sustainability management system with your team. Once all components of the system have been established, the next step is the initial review of the system.
Successful audit
Have your sustainability management audited by accredited impact auditors (level 1) and impact assessors (level 2). You can find suitable auditors for the external audit in the auditor database. Ask the auditor directly for the offer.
Inclusion in the official We Impact Register and issuance of the certificate
After a successful audit, your application is submitted to the office using the application form. The audit confirmation from the auditor and the audit report must be enclosed with the application and you can view the fees for registration here. After submitting your application, you will be entered in the We Impact Register with your certification number and will receive your certificate from the office. This entitles you to use the We Impact seal.
Carrying and using the We Impact seal
The level 1 or level 2 seal confirms successful auditing in accordance with the We Impact certification standard and, when used in the company's corporate identity (but not on products), indicates that the high requirements for sustainable corporate management are met. The certificate is valid for three years (four years for small companies under EMAS). An annual surveillance audit is required. Further information on using the seal can be found in the FAQs or in our guidelines.
Are you interested in We Impact? Please contact us.
We Impact supports you in effectively implementing sustainability in your company and meeting legal requirements. Please contact us if you have any questions.