Sustainability
Business
development with modern approaches
The term Sustainable Development represents a comprehensive strategic approach aimed at preventing and addressing global impacts on the Environment, Society, and Economy, while producing a clearly positive impact both operationally and more broadly.
By approaching sustainability holistically and long-term, businesses have the opportunity to respond to the challenges of our era with solutions and practices that add value and differentiation.
Understanding modern development requirements, AVS consultants are available to all organizations wishing to advance their Sustainable Development and ESG initiatives, thereby increasing their visibility through the disclosure of ESG performance.
Sustainability Services
ESG
According to the Athens Stock Exchange, the term “ESG” refers to environmental, social, and corporate governance issues that can affect a company’s ability to generate value.
In a corporate context, it refers to the integration of non-financial factors into business strategy and decision-making.
Although ESG indicators are often referred to as “non-financial,” they are linked to business competitiveness, and how a company manages them may have financial consequences.
Environment
Issues related to the environment and living and non-living natural systems, including land, air, water, and ecosystems.
Society
Issues related to society, human rights, and the well-being of the communities in which a company operates.
Governance
Issues related to decision-making processes, management practices, and the structure of corporate governance.
Materiality Assessment
The double materiality analysis focuses, on the one hand, on stakeholders, through the significant impacts of the Company on society and the environment and vice versa, and on the other hand, on investors, through factors that could create financial risk.
Reports
The ESG Report supports Companies in capturing the social impact of their operations, in improving operational efficiency, in further developing relationships with stakeholders and in responding to current regulatory and social needs-challenges.
Climate
Law
The National Climate Law, N. 4936/2022-05-17, defines the transition to climate neutrality and adaptation to climate change. It covers the country’s requirement in the context of addressing the energy crisis and environmental protection, as defined by Community Legislation.
Compliance
It defines the framework for the determination, measurement, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions across a wide range of economic activities.
It defines practical methods for calculating direct greenhouse gas emissions and indirect greenhouse gas emissions from energy consumption.
It ensures the country’s gradual transition to climate neutrality by 2050.
It sets interim emission reduction targets (base year 1990):
55% by 2030
80% by 2040
Applicability
Businesses
Local Authorities
Islands
Vehicles
Buildings
Facilities with Environmental Licensing
Environmental Impact Studies of Projects or Activities
Carbon Footprint
The carbon footprint is a measure of carbon dioxide emissions and the CO2 equivalent amounts of other greenhouse gases in tons of emissions per unit of comparison, such as year and kilometers traveled. These measurements make it possible to compare the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted by an activity, a product, a Company, or a country.
The international standard ISO 14064-1: 2018 specifies principles and requirements at the organization level for the quantification and reporting of GHG emissions and is a tool for limiting and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and can be verified by a suitably accredited body. It serves as an effective business tool for organizations to comply with current greenhouse gas inventory regulations or to prepare for future ones.
Corporate
Responsibility
Corporate Responsibility is a business model that helps a Company be socially responsible towards its stakeholders. Applying its principles in the Company’s daily operations involves strengthening support for society and environmental issues, instead of contributing negatively to them.
CSR
The need for companies to align with sustainability practices makes it necessary to highlight Corporate Social Responsibility issues within the framework of both the S (Social) and G (Governance) criteria. In this context, we provide CSR reporting services, following the criteria required for alignment with ESG requirements.
ISO 26000
ISO 26000:2010 is a set of guidelines that provides guidance on how businesses and organizations can operate in a socially responsible way (also known as Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR).
This means that the organization or business acts in an ethical and transparent manner, which contributes to the health and well-being of society.
Benefits of implementing ISO 26000:2010
- Enhancement of corporate reputation and customer trust
- Compliance with international principles of transparency and ethics
- Improved relationships with customers, employees, suppliers, and the local community
- Strategic alignment with Sustainable Development Goals
ISO 22301
In today’s unpredictable business world, an operational disruption – even for a few hours – can be costly in terms of money, reputation, and customers. ISO 22301:2019 is the international standard that enables you to ensure your business remains operational even in crisis conditions, through the planning and recovery of critical functions after incidents such as:
- Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods)
- Power outages or telecommunication failures
- Cyberattacks
- Human error or technical failures
Benefits for your business
- Minimizing downtime
- Enhancing customer and partner trust
- Protecting corporate reputation
- Fulfilling contractual and legal requirements
- Securing a competitive advantage
Our AVS team handles the entire process:
- Risk and impact analysis (Business Impact Analysis)
- Designing emergency and crisis management plans
- Staff training and testing
EcoVadis
EcoVadis is the leading global supplier assessment organization for responsible business practices. The EcoVadis rating system (CSR Rating) assesses the quality of a company’s Corporate Social Responsibility management system through its policies, implemented practices, and relevant results.
Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)
In today’s business world, sustainability is not an option – it’s a strategic necessity. The platform enables you to set ambitious, scientifically-backed CO₂ emission reduction targets.
With SBTi, your business can:
- Set measurable and realistic targets for Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions
- Gain international recognition as an organization implementing a science-based sustainability strategy
- Demonstrate its commitment to a green future, enhancing customer and partner trust
Of the 11,324 organizations worldwide that have set or committed to targets, 8,682 have validation, while 2,033 aim for net-zero, indicating the need for reliable guidance on the path to sustainable development (source August 2025 Science Based Targets Initiative)
Why partner with AVS
- We guide you step-by-step to integrate SBTi into your company’s strategy.
- Emissions analysis
- Designing science-based targets (GHG emission reduction) in accordance with the SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard, covering Scope 1, 2, and 3
- Guidance for validation through SBTi Services, ensuring your targets meet SBTi Services criteria
We have many years of experience:
- In environmental and energy management systems (ISO 14001 & ISO 50001)
- In CO2 emission verification systems, such as the National Climate Law and ISO 14064 standard
- In governance systems according to international standards ISO 37001, ISO 37701, ISO 22301, ISO31001, SA 8000, ISO 260010, ISO 37002
SA 8000
The SA 8000:2014 Social Accountability Standard is an internationally recognized social responsibility standard, based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions, and international rules and national legislation.
It covers critical areas such as:
- Prohibition of child and forced labor
- Health & Safety in the workplace
- Fair wages and working hours
- Freedom of association
- Non-discrimination and equal opportunities
- Responsible and ethical business conduct
Benefits of implementing SA 8000:2014
- Enhancement of corporate reputation and customer trust
- Compliance with international requirements and conventions
- Attracting and retaining talented personnel
- Reducing the risk of violations and legal consequences
- Promoting sustainable development
At AVS – Business Quality Consultants, we believe that social responsibility is not merely a formal certificate, but a strategic choice that adds real value to your business and builds long-term trust relationships.
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) is the internationally recognized organization that promotes sustainable and responsible forest management. FSC certification ensures that forest products, such as timber, paper, and furniture, come from forests managed with respect for the environment, society, and the economy.
With FSC certification, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to sustainable production and the use of responsible timber, enhancing their credibility in the market and customer trust, by meeting requirements for:
- Protection of ecosystems and biodiversity
- Rights of workers and local communities
- Economic viability and transparent management practices
- Its benefits for your business
- Increased credibility and reputation
- Promoting sustainable development, by enhancing environmental responsibility, protecting ecosystems, biodiversity, and the rights of local communities.
- Competitive advantage in the market by registering in the FSC global database https://search.fsc.org/en/, allowing the attraction of customers and partners who prioritize sustainable and green certifications, opening new markets and opportunities.
ISCC EU
The ISCC EU (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) is an internationally recognized sustainability certification system that ensures the production, processing, and distribution of biofuels, biomass, and other raw materials complies with the legal requirements of the European Union for sustainability and greenhouse gas emission reduction.
ISCC EU certification concerns companies operating in the sectors of:
- production and trade of sustainable fuels
- supply chain of sustainable raw materials
- production of electricity, heating, and cooling from biomass
Benefits of ISCC EU Certification
- Global recognition: ISCC EU is internationally accepted, facilitating cross-border trade.
- Access to new markets and contracts: Certification is often a prerequisite for collaborations with large customers and suppliers who set strict sustainability criteria.
- Reduced emission costs in EU ETS: Biofuels that comply with RED criteria and are ISCC EU certified can be recorded with a zero emission factor, reducing emission allowance purchase obligations.
- Compliance with FuelEU Maritime regulations: It allows for fuel certification according to EU RED, reducing penalties for non-compliance and improving the environmental image in the shipping sector.
- Reliability and transparency in the supply chain: Certification documents the origin and sustainability of products, enhancing the trust of customers and regulatory authorities.
- Strategic advantage in ESG reporting: It supports the achievement of sustainability goals, reduced emissions, and responsible sourcing, improving corporate image and competitiveness.
Why choose AVS for ISCC EU?
Since 2014, AVS has been supporting businesses operating in the energy, biofuel, and biomass sectors to obtain ISCC EU certification, the leading European sustainability certification system, enabling them, through the acquisition of the ISCC certificate, to gain access to new markets and recently to comply with the new FuelEU Maritime Regulation, which will be fully implemented across the European Union from January 1, 2025.
ISO 46001
The ISO 46001:2019 is the international standard for efficient water use. It specifies requirements for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of a Water Efficiency Management System. The standard is based on a documented approach, with baseline indicators and business activity indicators, so that improvement is measurable and continuous.
Who is it for?
ISO 46001 is suitable for any organization that uses water and wants to reduce water consumption, to comply with legislation, and to enhance its environmental profile. For example:
- Hotels and tourist accommodations
- Industries and crafts
- Food and beverage businesses
- Municipal services and water supply organizations
- Hospitals, educational institutions, and public organizations
- Agricultural and agri-food businesses
Benefits of implementing ISO 46001
- Cost reduction through water saving
- Compliance with environmental legislation and regulations
- Reduction of the environmental footprint and enhancement of sustainable development
- Recycling and reuse of water where feasible
- Identifying saving opportunities
ISO 59014:2024
The ISO 59014:2024 is an international standard that specifies requirements for the sustainable recovery of secondary materials, their quality assurance, and traceability throughout the production and recycling cycle. It helps businesses integrate circular economy practices, reducing their environmental footprint and increasing customer and partner trust.
Who it is for
- Recycling and material recovery industries
- Manufacturers and suppliers of secondary materials
- Wholesale and retail packaging businesses
- Companies aiming for sustainable production and circular economy
Benefits of implementing ISO 59014:2024
- Reliability and trust towards customers, partners, and regulatory authorities.
- Demonstrable traceability of the origin and management of secondary materials.
- Contribution to sustainable development and reduction of the environmental footprint.
- Alignment with circular economy principles and responsible production.
Sedex SMETA
The Sedex SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) is one of the most recognized assessment tools for corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ethical business practices. Through SMETA, organizations can assess and verify compliance with international labor, ethical, environmental, and safety standards. SMETA is an assessment and verification of a business’s processes and practices, recognized by international customers and suppliers.
Who is it for?
Any organization interested in transparency, ethical governance, and sustainable development, such as:
- Industries and manufacturing companies
- Food, beverage, and packaging companies
- Retail companies and supply chains
- Service organizations and providers of consulting solutions
Benefits of Sedex SMETA implementation and verification
- Enhanced reliability and reputation: Your business demonstrates commitment to ethical practices and social responsibility.
- Compliance with international standards for safety, environmental management, and ethics.
- Supply chain risk reduction
Added value for partners and customers
ELOT EN 13429
The ELOT EN 13429 is the European standard that specifies requirements for reusable packaging, as well as the assessment and verification procedures for packaging compliance with these requirements.
Who it is for:
The ELOT EN 13429 certification is for:
- Manufacturers of reusable packaging
- Importers and distributors of packaging
- Food and beverage companies that use reusable packaging
- Retail and logistics management organizations
Benefits of ELOT EN 13429 implementation and certification:
- Compliance with European Standards
- Reduction of environmental footprint
- Customer reliability and trust
- Economic benefits
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