Accreditation bodies in the Asia Pacific region are working to harmonize practices related to sustainability initiatives, encouraging adoption of international standards and guidelines. This aims to promote transparency, credibility, and recognition of sustainability claims across different countries. Additionally, APAC organizes capacity-building activities and workshops to enhance the competence of accreditation bodies and conformity assessment personnel in the region, focusing on sustainability-related topics.
Quality infrastructure plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable development goals by providing a foundation for economic growth, social development, and environmental protection. Accreditation and accredited conformity assessment bodies are essential in ensuring the credibility and trustworthiness of sustainability initiatives, providing assurance that claims are feasible and credible. APAC works towards harmonizing accreditation practices across the region, encouraging member accreditation bodies to adopt and align with international standards and guidelines for sustainability assessments, such as ISO standards, to promote transparency and credibility in sustainability claims across different countries.
In addition to promoting transparency and credibility, APAC has established various Working Groups (WGs) to harmonize the region’s approach to sustainability standards. These WGs discuss matters relating to ISO standards on validation and verification of sustainable information, environmental and sustainability labeling, and other sustainability-related topics. APAC also organizes capacity-building activities, workshops, and training programs to enhance the competence of accreditation bodies and conformity assessment personnel in the APAC region, focusing on sustainability-related topics such as environmental management systems, energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions, and social responsibility.
Furthermore, APAC’s Environment Working Group under the Communications and Promotion Committee ensures the sensitization of APAC members on the latest developments in sustainability. The Executive Committee encourages members to actively participate in these efforts, aiming for APAC to become leaders in the area of accreditation and sustainability.
