The Sustainability Performance Standard (SPS) is an innovative standard developed by SQS to support SMEs in implementing and optimising their sustainability strategies.

The SPS is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as larger organisations that wish to establish a structured sustainability management system.

The first step is to order the SPS checklist. A GAP analysis can then be carried out to record the current status of your company and create a clear basis for the next steps.

The GAP analysis helps to identify deviations between your current status and the requirements of the SPS standard. It serves as a basis for the development of targeted measures.

The process usually takes 6 to 9 months, depending on the size and complexity of your organisation and the availability of the required data.

The audit takes between one and several days for the initial certification. Surveillance audits usually take between half a day and a full day, depending on the size and complexity of your organisation and the availability of the required data.

Yes, the SPS is based on a harmonised structure that enables an easy integration into existing ISO management systems.

No, at least one esg2go self-assessment must be available for the certification of the SPS. An SQS verification is not required but is highly recommended to increase credibility.

An annual verification by SQS provides security regarding internal reporting processes, increases the credibility of your sustainability strategy and builds trust with customers, investors and other stakeholders.

The required data usually comes from existing systems and reports, such as income statements and balance sheet, environmental indicators, social indicators and governance data.

The certificate is valid for 3 years. After the major initial certification, and in the next recertification cycle, a surveillance audit is carried out in each of the following two years.

Yes, the SPS is based on internationally recognised ISO standards and is therefore applicable for companies worldwide.

We offer specialised workshops and seminars to qualify your team for the implementation of the SPS. Contact us for details.

The costs depend on the size of your company and the scope of the certification. We will be happy to provide you with a customised offer.

The verification process has a two-stage structure. After you have completed the rating, you provide our verifiers with the necessary evidence, which is checked for plausibility and accuracy. We will then visit you on site. This visit takes between half a day and a whole day.

The costs for using the esg2go tool can be found here: Prices for tool and link to esg2go. 
The cost of verification by SQS depends on the size of your company. Please contact us for a customised offer. 

Yes, while esg2go was developed specifically for the needs of SMEs, the tool can also be used by larger companies looking for an efficient solution for their sustainability reporting.

All required information should already be available as part of your existing company reporting. You can see the specific information that needs to be recorded in the sample report here.

The esg2go label refers to one financial year. We recommend an annual update and verification to document continuous improvements and ensure that your rating is up to date.

Yes, after successful verification by SQS, you can use the esg2go label with the assurance statement and your rating in your internal and external communication. This includes annual reports, marketing materials, your website and social media channels to emphasise your sustainability efforts. The use is based on the applicable SQS regulations.

While esg2go is primarily an assessment and reporting tool, it provides you with valuable information on potential for improvement in the areas of environmental, social issues and corporate governance. For further support, we could recommend you qualified experts and partners from our network.

The esg2go tool and SQS verification services are currently available in German, French and English. This means that companies in Switzerland and internationally can use the tool in their preferred language.

No, verification by SQS is optional. You can also use esg2go without verification to obtain an assessment of your sustainability performance. However, verification increases the credibility of your rating and is highly valued or even required by investors, customers and other stakeholders.

esg2go is a web-based online tool that does not require the installation of any software. You can access the platform directly via your web browser and start assessing your sustainability performance immediately. This enables uncomplicated and flexible use without the need for technical installations or updates.

Yes, esg2go is designed to be compatible with international sustainability standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This enables your company to meet globally recognised reporting requirements and present your sustainability performance in an international context.

esg2go was developed specifically for the needs of SMEs and is characterised by its user-friendliness, cost efficiency and the possibility of independent verification by SQS. Unlike complex and expensive tools, esg2go offers a practical approach that requires no additional data collection and still delivers comprehensive results.

The time required for ISO 45001 certification depends on various factors, for example the size and complexity of the company, the expertise of the employees involved, the software solution or the time available to establish the system. It usually takes between six and twelve months to develop the processes and applicable documents and to prepare for the certification audit, which takes at least one day. For large companies, the audit can take several days.

Once the initial certification has been successfully issued, the company receives a certificate that is valid for three years. In each of the following two years, a maintenance audit – which is smaller in scope – is carried out. These ensure that the requirements of the norm are met on an ongoing basis and that the company continues to develop. Before the certificate expires, a recertification audit is carried out and the cycle starts again.

The costs depend on various factors, for example the size and complexity of the company, the number of full-time employees or the number of locations requiring certification. One-off or ongoing costs for establishing and operating the system, such as internal staff costs, training for employees, consultancy fees and licences for process management software, must be taken into account. It is advisable to make a cost estimate in advance. ISO 45001 certification is of strategic importance and an investment in the future of the company.

SQS is a certification body authorised by the Swiss Accreditation Service (SAS). This means we are not permitted to advise you on establishing a management system. The separation between consulting and certification is a key factor for our independence and therefore for the credibility of our certificates. However, we do offer training courses for the establishment and continuous developmen of management systems; these are conducted by our experienced auditors.

The certification body is responsible for carrying out the certification audit in accordance with the regulatory requirements and checking the company for conformity with the requirements of ISO 45001. It is important to select an accredited certification body that is recognised by a national accreditation body, such as SQS. This is the only way to ensure that the certificate is widely recognised, including internationally.

All valid certificates issued by SQS can be found on our website under Certified organisations. To search for a company, enter the registration number.

Yes, a company can have several certifications at the same time, for management systems in accordance with ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 14001 (environmental management), ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety) and others. These norms complement each other and enable companies to create an integrated management system that takes into account the various requirements of customers, employees and other stakeholders.

If the requirements of the norm are not met and the lead auditor declares so-called major or minor non-conformities, the company must rectify these within a specified period. If the company is unable to do so, the certification body may impose a suspension of a maximum of six months or cancel the certification procedure. However, these cases are extremely rare. 

The company should ensure that all employees understand the requirements of the norm and are able to implement them in day-to-day operations. Training courses and programmes can help to raise awareness of the norm and its benefits and thus ensure the OHSMS operates effectively and efficiently.

The SECO guidelines, the EKAS, the SUVA documents (checklists, information sheets, vital rules, etc.) and ISO 45001 complement each other perfectly to ensure a comprehensive safety management system in the company. While SECO, EKAS and SUVA provide specific requirements and guidelines for the Swiss working environment and focus on national regulations, ISO 45001 provides an internationally recognised framework for occupational safety and health management systems. ISO 45001 lays the foundation for a systematic process for determining legal obligations and other requirements and promotes continuous improvement in the area of occupational health and safety. Implementing the ISO standard helps companies to fulfil both local and international requirements and promotes a culture of safety that goes beyond legal requirements. Therefore, companies that follow both national guidelines and ISO 45001 can strengthen their compliance and create a safer working environment.

ISO 45001 is compatible with the Swiss guidelines for occupational health and safety.  It enables Swiss companies to integrate their legal obligations in the area of occupational health and safety into a comprehensive management system. The standard supports systematic risk assessment and the implementation of effective measures to comply with Swiss laws and regulations. By applying ISO 45001, Swiss companies can not only fulfil their legal requirements, but also continuously improve the health and safety of their employees. 

ISO 45001 replaced OHSAS 18001 in 2018 to provide a more comprehensive and proactive approach to health and safety management at work. The new standard emphasises leadership responsibility, requires greater management involvement and improves the integration with other ISO standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. It broadens the scope by taking greater account of the organisational context and stakeholder expectations, resulting in more effective risk reduction and health promotion. The transition period for switching from OHSAS 18001 to ISO 45001 ended in September 2021.

The SN EN ISO 45001:2023 standard has been in place since 2023. It replaces SN ISO 45001:2018. The differences between the two standards are only of editorial nature. They have been adopted by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) and incorporated into a new Swiss standard by the Swiss Association for Standardisation (SNV) for the purpose of compatibility.  

Due to the editorial changes, various accreditation bodies in Europe have adopted guidelines regarding their country-specific standard. This means that there is a need for action by the certification bodies and holders of the old certificates in these countries. 

The Swiss Accreditation Service (SAS), on the other hand, is refraining from introducing new requirements. This means that neither the SQS as a certification body nor holders of ISO 45001:2018 certificates accredited in Switzerland need to take any action. 

Why exactly this is the case and what editorial changes SN EN ISO 45001:2023 contains can be found in our information document.