Core Principles
A set of Core Principles form the centerpiece of the Accountability Framework. These principles lay out both the scope of strong company commitments and key practices essential for implementation and monitoring.
Read a summary of the Core Principles below, or download a complete draft of the Core Principles document:
Environmental and Social Scope
Elements of a strong company commitment on key environmental and social topics:
A – Protect ecosystems
Supply chains are deforestation-free and protective of other natural ecosystems
B – Respect human rights
Supply chains respect human rights, including rights of indigenous peoples and local communities and workers’ rights
C – Specification of commitments
Commitments apply broadly across operations, are time-bound and verifiable, and are based on common terminology
Implementation and Monitoring
Key practices and procedures to fulfill commitments and credibly demonstrate results:
1 – Company systems
Establish processes & procedures that effectively facilitate implementation of commitments
2 – Traceability
Control origins of materials in supply chains sufficiently to demonstrate compliance or determine improvement needs, including risk assessment and supply chain mapping
3 – Supply chain management
Institute supplier management systems to fulfill commitments and address non-compliance across the full supply base
4 – Land use
Conduct or support responsible practices in land acquisition, land use planning, and site development
5 – Land management
Conduct or support effective land management and long-term protection to safeguard forests, natural ecosystems, and human rights
6 – Remedy & remediation
Remedy past social and environmental harms, including violation of commitments
7 – External relations
Conduct business and engage with stakeholders in an ethical manner to help protect the environment and respect human rights
8 – Monitoring & verification
Conduct regular monitoring against time-bound targets and improvement plans, and provide independent verification
9 – Reporting & disclosure
Report progress regularly, using common definitions and good practices to convey precise information on performance and progress
To review the complete Core Principles document:
Participate
Companies, government, civil society and other stakeholders are encouraged to provide input and help shape the Framework’s further development:
Next Up
Review and download the Framework’s Operational Guidance: