ISO 37101:2016 Sustainable development in communities — Management system for sustainable development — Requirements with guidance for use sets requirements and provides guidance for a management system for sustainable development in communities, including cities. A holistic approach is adopted to ensure consistency with the sustainable development policy of communities.
According to ISO, the intended outcomes of this management system include:
- managing sustainability and fostering smartness and resilience in communities, while taking into account the territorial boundaries to which they apply;
- improving the contribution of communities to sustainable development outcomes;
- assessing the performance of communities in progressing towards sustainable development outcomes;
- assessing the level of smartness and resilience achieved by communities;
- fulfilling compliance obligations.
ISO 37101 is aimed at communities to help them become more resilient, smart and sustainable, through the implementation of strategies, programmes, projects, plans and services, and to demonstrate and communicate their achievements. It is intended to be implemented by an organization that has been designated by a community to establish the organizational framework. The expectation is that it can provide the resources necessary to support the management of environmental, social and economic performance outcomes (i.e. the three pillars of sustainability).
The standard is applicable to communities of all types, sizes and structures, in developed and developing countries, at the local, regional or national levels, and in defined urban or rural areas, at their respective level of responsibility.
The standard was last reviewed and confirmed in 2022; therefore, this version remains current.
Table of Contents
| Introduction |
| 1 Scope |
| 2 Normative references |
| 3 Terms and definitions |
| 4 Context of the organization |
| 4.1 Understanding the organization and its context |
| 4.2 Understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties |
| 4.3 Determining the scope of the management system for sustainable development in communities |
| 4.4 Management system for sustainable development in communities |
| 4.5 Purposes of sustainability |
| 4.6 Sustainability issues |
| 5 Leadership |
| 5.1 Leadership and commitment |
| 5.2 Policy |
| 5.3 Organizational roles, responsibilities and authorities |
| 5.4 Responsibility for identification of community sustainability issues |
| 6 Planning |
| 6.1 Actions to address risks and opportunities |
| 6.2 Objectives of sustainable development in communities and planning to achieve them |
| 7 Support |
| 7.1 Resources |
| 7.2 Competence |
| 7.3 Awareness |
| 7.4 Communication |
| 7.5 Documented information |
| 8 Operation |
| 8.1 Operational planning and control |
| 8.2 Ensuring coherence of strategies, programmes, projects, plans and services |
| 9 Performance evaluation |
| 9.1 Monitoring, measurement, analysis and evaluation |
| 9.2 Internal audit |
| 9.3 Management review |
| 10 Improvement |
| 10.1 Nonconformity and corrective action |
| 10.2 Continual improvement |
| Annex A Maturity matrix |
| Annex B Mapping of issues, indicators and metrics |
Implementation
Implementing a management system for sustainable development in an organization in accordance with ISO 37101 involves several key steps.
Here are those steps.
Leadership and Commitment
- Demonstrate leadership commitment to sustainable development within the community.
- Establish a sustainable development policy that aligns with the community’s goals.
Context and Stakeholder Analysis
- Understand the context in which the community operates, including social, economic, and environmental factors.
- Identify and analyze stakeholders, their interests, and their needs.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
- Identify and comply with relevant legal and regulatory requirements related to sustainable development.
- Stay informed about changes in legislation and regulations.
Community Planning
- Develop a sustainable development plan that outlines the community’s objectives and targets.
- Incorporate social, economic, and environmental considerations into the planning process.
Implementation Planning
- Develop a detailed implementation plan that includes actions, responsibilities, and timelines.
- Allocate resources needed for sustainable development initiatives.
Community Engagement and Communication
- Establish mechanisms for engaging with the community and stakeholders.
- Communicate sustainable development goals, progress, and initiatives effectively.
Performance Monitoring and Measurement
- Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor the community’s sustainable development performance.
- Establish a system for regular measurement and monitoring of performance against set targets.
Risk and Opportunity Management
- Identify and assess risks and opportunities related to sustainable development.
- Develop strategies to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities.
Capacity Building and Training
- Provide training and capacity-building programs for community members and stakeholders.
- Enhance the skills and knowledge necessary for sustainable development practices.
Documentation and Record-Keeping
- Develop and maintain documentation related to sustainable development initiatives.
- Establish a record-keeping system for monitoring and reporting purposes.
Continual Improvement
- Establish processes for continual improvement of sustainable development initiatives.
- Regularly review performance, learn from experiences, and adapt strategies accordingly.
Social Inclusion and Equity
- Ensure that sustainable development initiatives promote social inclusion and equity.
- Consider the needs and perspectives of all community members, including vulnerable populations.
Resource Management
- Manage natural resources efficiently and sustainably.
- Implement practices that reduce environmental impact and promote conservation.
Collaboration and Partnerships
- Seek collaboration with other communities, organizations, and stakeholders.
- Foster partnerships that can enhance sustainable development efforts.
Community Resilience and Adaptation
- Develop resilience strategies to address challenges and changes in the community.
- Adapt sustainable development plans based on evolving circumstances.
Performance Evaluation and Review
- Conduct regular reviews and evaluations of the community’s sustainable development performance.
- Use feedback and data to improve strategies and outcomes.
In conclusion…
It is important to note that sustainable development is a holistic and ongoing process, and communities should adapt their management system to evolving challenges and opportunities.
ISO 37101 can be purchased through the ISO.org website.
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