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 to fulfilling them.
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 – Other sustainability topics
Companies analyze need for additional sustainability commitments
D – 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 – Supplier management
Institute supplier management systems to fulfill commitments 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: