The SDG Impact Standards: embedding impact into decision-making
by Marianne Bittar, Communications and Marketing Intern at SVI
All too often, the word ‘impact’ risks becoming a buzzword that’s easy to consider in theory, but difficult to manage in practice. The SDG Impact Standards are helping organisations across the world shape what credible impact management looks like, using the Sustainable Development Goals as the organising concept for setting priorities and measuring real-world outcomes. These standards provide a framework to better understand those outcomes, improve transparency and make better decisions as a result.
Why were the SDG Impact Standards developed?
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were created to chart a path toward a more sustainable and equitable future. The goals address our biggest global challenges, including poverty and inequality, climate change and biodiversity loss.
Due to a lack of clear guidance available, many businesses have faced difficulties when it comes to clearly demonstrating how they contribute to the SDGs. The SDG Impact Standards bridge this gap by providing a practical roadmap that embeds the SDGs into organisational strategy, governance and operations; bringing structure, clarity and credibility to internal management systems.
What are the SDG Impact Standards?
Developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the SDG Impact Standards provide an overarching framework that complements existing impact measurement and management practices. They are a practical guide to help organisations identify, manage and report their most significant impacts. They help align internal systems with the SDGs, embedding impact into the heart of decision-making rather than treating it as an afterthought.
Why are the SDG Impact Standards important?
There is still too much distance between ambition and action. With 2030 on the horizon, it’s easy to feel that the window is closing, but the work of sustainable development doesn’t end there. By integrating impact into everyday decisions now, organisations can create progress that lasts well beyond the 2030 deadline.
What makes the SDG Impact Standards essential for credible impact management?
They turn intent into practice.
The standards provide a credible, structured way to translate commitments into measurable action.
They improve decision-making.
By building systems to understand and manage impacts, leaders can make choices that create both immediate and lasting value for people, the planet and the bottom line.
They ensure credibility and consistency.
In a world of variable sustainability claims, the standards create a common language for managing and reporting impact.
They build trust and attract capital.
Transparent, credible impact management strengthens stakeholder confidence and attracts value-aligned investors.
How can organisations benefit from embedding impact into their management systems?
Sustainability is the foundation of long-term value creation. Embedding impact into core strategy and decision-making processes can be transformational for organisations’ sustainability performance, by:
Optimising the impacts experienced by stakeholders
Opening new business and investment opportunities
Managing risks more effectively
Strengthening reputation and stakeholder trust
Staying ahead of policy and market expectations
Contributing to stable, resilient societies and economies
Looking for support?
Get help to apply the SDG Impact Standards.
If you are an organisation looking to demonstrate your sustainability claims, the SDG Impact Standards can be a powerful and credible option.
SVI’s network of accredited professionals are ready to deliver training and consult on the SDG Impact Standards, all the while guiding them towards assurance.
Assuring your impact: independent alignment with the SDG Impact Standards.
The SDG Impact Standards Assurance Scheme, managed by SVI in partnership with the UNDP, will soon enable organisations to have their systems independently assessed for alignment with the Standards.
This assurance adds external credibility, strengthens accountability and helps build trust with partners.