RvA and sustainability
Society is facing major social and ecological challenges. Such as tackling climate change, poverty and inequality and the availability of clean drinking water and sustainable energy. Action is urgently needed and we all have a role to play in this. As a national accreditation body RvA also contributes to a better and more sustainable world.
Sustainable Development Goals
The European Union and the United Nations (UN) have formulated sustainability goals. In 2015, the UN adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to achieve a sustainable world for all.
The UN Commission Brundland formulated the following definition of sustainability: “Sustainability is meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Companies and products demonstrably sustainable through accreditation
We see that businesses are looking for ways to communicate the sustainability of their products, services and business operations to the world. By having products tested, inspected, certified or calibrated under accreditation, companies can demonstrate their sustainable impact. Through certification under accreditation, they also make visible how they contribute to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals.
How the RvA deals with sustainability
The RvA wants to identify opportunities in the field of sustainability within the world of quality infrastructure to create positive social impact. We believe it is important to stimulate the discussion about sustainability and to show how certification, inspection and testing under accreditation contribute to the realization of the SDGs.
Sustainability also plays a role in accreditations. For clients, the RvA assesses the activities under accreditation that contribute to the SDGs. In addition, we monitor developments in the field of sustainability regulations, to see whether these regulations may have an impact on the TIC industry and on accreditation.
In our own organization, we all contribute to controlling our ecological footprint. For example, we do this by preferring to travel by train and by taking the plane less often. We also pay attention to sustainability when purchasing products and services.
This is how accreditation contributes to the SDGs
SDG 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.
Accredited institutions contribute to the development of sustainable, environmentally friendly agriculture.
SDG 3: Ensure good health and promote well-being for all at all ages.
Accreditation contributes to reliable testing in hospitals. Quality marks and testing under accreditation ensure safer food.
SDG 4: Adequate education is important for people of all ages and at all stages of life.
Technicians, such as welders and electrical engineers, can be certified under accreditation as proof that they do their job well.
DG 6: Access to clean drinking water and sanitation.
Accredited institutions help to detect harmful substances in soil and water.
SDG 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
Wind turbines and solar panels can be tested and certified under accreditation.
SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
Accreditation contributes to the application of requirements for healthy and safe working and the working methods of temporary employment agencies.
SDG 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.
Measuring and reducing emissions of harmful substances under accreditation contributes to a clean environment.
SDG 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
Measuring and reducing emissions of harmful substances under accreditation contributes to a clean environment.
SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
Testing and certification of wind turbines and solar panels under accreditation. Environmentally friendly waste processing and recycling under accreditation.
SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Improve environmental performance through clear objectives and monitoring with an accredited certified management system.
SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.
Accredited institutions help to detect harmful substances in soil and water.
SDG 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, halt biodiversity loss and land degradation, combat desertification.
Accredited measurements of soil, water and air provide a reliable picture of life on land.
SDG 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies, ensure access to justice for all and build inclusive institutions at all levels.
Cybersecurity is essential to be effective and prevent abuse. Testing and certification under accreditation contributes to operating information-safely.