Describes third-party certifications for products/services sold by the organization that are valid as of the end of the reporting period.
Organization should footnote the certification name, certifying body, and date since the product/service has been continuously certified for all product-/service-level certifications obtained by the organization.
This metric is intended to capture third-party certifications for the organization’s products and services. Certifications must come from a third party, be based on transparent standards, and have an assurance process. The process of certification must be carried out by a recognized third-party body, independent from interested parties, which demonstrates that a product or organization complies with the requirements defined by the standards or technical specifications. Examples of such certifications include UTZ Certified, Fair Trade (WFTO fair trade standard), Common Code for the Coffee Community (C4), Rainforest Alliance agriculture certification, Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
This metric may be reported in conjunction with Operational Certifications (OI1120) held by the organization.
Metrics identified as "cross-category" are those that are relevant to any IRIS+ Impact Category or Impact Theme (i.e., these metrics are not specific to any particular industry/category or theme).
June 2022 - IRIS v5.3 Released (current version)
Immaterial change. Minor revision to usage guidance for clarity.
January 2020 - IRIS v5.1 Released
No change.
May 2019 - IRIS v5.0 Released
No change.
March 2016 - IRIS v4.0 Released
Immaterial change. Minor revision to definition language in order to align consistency of metric with catalog's structure and style.
March 2014 - IRIS v3.0 Released
Immaterial change. Product/Service Certifications (PD2756) replaced Certifications (PD2756). Minor revision to metric name for clarity.
November 2011 - IRIS v2.2 Released
Immaterial change. Minor revision to definition language for clarity.
February 2011 - IRIS v2.1 Released
Immaterial change. Section changed from Product/Service Information to Cross-Sector. Minor revision to definition language for clarity.
September 2010 - IRIS v2.0 Released
Material change. Metric response format modified to allow for reporting on any certification.
September 2009 - IRIS v1.0 Released
New metric. Certifications (A8) was developed via the Original IRIS Working Group.
IRIS Metrics Work Better in Sets
To use IRIS metrics—and the resulting data—to understand impact performance, IRIS metrics should be used and analyzed in generally accepted sets and according to well-defined objectives. IRIS+ gives you access to generally accepted Core Metrics Sets aligned to common Impact Themes and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).