NP 4469 (Environmental Responsibility Management)

It is applicable to organizations of all types and sizes and can adapt to diverse geographic, cultural, and social conditions.
Foundation: 2019
Sector: General

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Objective

The NP 4469-1 standard defines a management system that helps the organization create and maintain its Social Responsibility policy and practices.

Certification according to this normative framework establishes the difference between those who genuinely practice social responsibility actions and those who engage in marketing and public relations based on support for causes, philanthropy, or sponsorship.

Social responsibility has increasingly been used by companies as a strategic and differentiating factor. Gradually but more explicitly, the number of companies assuming their social responsibility has been growing, considering it an integral part of their identity and mission.

The NP 4469-1 standard contains requirements for a social responsibility management system that allow companies to develop and implement a policy and objectives, taking into account applicable legal, regulatory, and other requirements, and considering the viewpoints of stakeholders.

This framework assumes that social responsibility should be developed through two cycles: a strategic management cycle and an operational management cycle. The strategic management cycle should include the definition of social responsibility values and principles, top management commitment, the definition of the Social Responsibility Policy, identification of social responsibility aspects, and interaction with stakeholders. The operational management cycle, based on Deming’s continuous improvement cycle (PDCA – Plan, Do, Check, Act), should enable the implementation of the defined Social Responsibility Policy.

Certification according to NP 4469-1 offers the following advantages for organizations:

Increased credibility and market reputation;
Competitive advantages: greater market penetration through an increase in consumers concerned with socially and environmentally responsible products;
Greater control and anticipation of legal compliance;
Increased productivity by creating a better working environment;
Improved relationships with all stakeholders;
Contribution to sustainable development.

As with quality management, social responsibility should be seen as an investment, not a cost, for a company.

Certification is valid for a period of three years. Annual follow-up audits and a certification renewal audit at the end of the three years are conducted to ensure that the system continues to meet the requirements of the reference standard.