Understanding Sustainability Certification

Why come?

Sustainability certifications are everywhere—from B Corp to Carbon Neutral, SBTi, and sector-specific eco-labels. But what do they actually mean, how hard are they to achieve, and which ones matter for your customers, supply chain and tenders?
This practical morning session demystifies the landscape and shows you what “good” looks like—without the jargon.

Who it’s for

• SMEs and larger organisations starting or sharpening their sustainability journey
• Operations, procurement, HR, marketing and leadership teams
• Community/anchor organisations interested in credible standards and claims

What you’ll learn

• The certification map: key standards (environmental, carbon, social, governance) and how they differ
• Choosing wisely: which certifications align with your goals, sector and customer demands
• Evidence & audits: what documentation you actually need and how to prepare
• Claims you can stand behind: avoiding greenwash, using labels in bids and marketing
• Costs, timelines & effort: realistic pathways for SMEs (incl. “starter” steps you can take now)

You’ll leave with

• A simple decision guide to pick the right certification for your context
• A light-touch action plan and evidence checklist
• Examples of credible claims you can use in bids, websites and social posts
• New contacts facing the same challenges (and solutions you can borrow)

This event is run by Keele University funded by Stafford Borough Council and UK Government