Sustainability systems need clear and consistent data standards to ensure information is reliable, easy to understand, and trustworthy. Without standards, data from different organisations can be inconsistent, making it hard to compare progress or trust results. Standards create common definitions and rules for sharing data, improving transparency and reducing confusion or misleading claims. In short, data standards build trust, foster collaboration, and drive progress toward a sustainable future. The ISEAL Core Metadata Set is a universal framework to organise, share, and discover sustainability information. It makes it easier for organisations, researchers, and businesses to collaborate and drive meaningful change. Developed over three years...

Geospatial data helps sustainability systems see and prove their real-world impact. By linking the locations of their certified areas to other data, systems can monitor their activities, spot problems early, and show evidence that their programmes make a difference. ISEAL's work supporting sustainability systems making the most of location data started in 2017, with the Certification Atlas Project. A working group sought to enhance activities like risk management, performance tracking, and demonstrating impact. It focused on creating a universal data format, building a shared understanding of how geospatial data can improve accuracy and efficiency, and exploring how to produce a...

Polygon data can provide huge benefits to sustainability systems if collected and used effectively. Recognising this, we have produced a package of tools and guidance on the benefits of polygon data and how to collect it. Starting the polygon data journey Polygon data is a form of location data. Its value was first recognised through ISEAL’s Certification Atlas project. Since then, we have been working with members to develop materials that explain and illustrate its value and provide support for sustainability systems to collect it. Ways to apply polygon data Polygon location data can be used to map areas of certified activities. The comparison...