ISO 26000: complete guide, articles and resources

What is the ISO 26000 standard?

The ISO 26000 standard provides guidance on social responsibility (SR / CSR / ESG). Published in 2010, it is intentionally non-certifiable: it helps organisations integrate social responsibility into their strategy without imposing a single audit framework.

The standard covers 7 core subjects: organisational governance, human rights, labour practices, the environment, fair operating practices, consumer issues, and community involvement and development. It draws on major international references (UN, ILO, OECD).

Although non-certifiable, ISO 26000 is used as a foundation by several recognised evaluation schemes: EcoVadis, B Corp Certification, Sustainalytics, and GRI Standards. It also informs major ESG reporting frameworks such as SASB and the EU CSRD.

Who is ISO 26000 for?

The standard targets all organisations seeking to structure their CSR/ESG approach: companies of all sizes and sectors, public bodies, non-profits, NGOs, and government agencies. It is particularly relevant for organisations subject to ESG reporting obligations or supplier ESG requirements.

Why get certified?

ISO 26000 helps to structure a credible ESG approach, respond to customer and tender ESG requirements, anticipate SEC climate disclosure and EU CSRD, improve EcoVadis or B Corp scores, and strengthen employer brand and stakeholder trust.