NSF/ANSI 391.1 Certification for Professional Services

NSF/ANSI 391.1 paves the way for professional service providers (PSPs)^* to forge a resilient and responsible business landscape. By embedding transparency ethical standards, and a minimized carbon footprint into your core values.

Using NSF/ANSI 391.1, PSPs can:

• Gain competitive advantage without modifying corporate structure or bylaws.
• Attract and retain employees, clients, and investors.
• Address state and federal procurement guidelines for sustainable services.
• Align business operations with sustainability objectives.

NSF/ANSI 391.1 is the only ESG certification specifically designed for the professional services sector. The NSF/ANSI 391.1 standard sets strict initial criteria for all applicants while offering flexibility, allowing you to further highlight your dedication to a sustainable future. It provides two certification tiers, allowing your organization to earn credit for adopting additional policies, actions, and procedures across its four pillars: Positive Environmental Impact, Economic and Corporate Governance, Social Equity for all Stakeholders, and Supply Chain Diversity and Sustainability.

Review the certification levels and points system below:

Within each of the four pillars, all PSPs regardless of size, location or service area must meet all prerequisites to demonstrate compliance to NSF/ANSI 391.1. Some requirements include:

Environmental

• Publish publicly available environmental policy
• Demonstrate a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions caused by company services
• Increase the use of renewable energy within the corporate footprint

Governance

• Provide documentation of ethical codes of conduct
• Undertake recurring stakeholder mapping exercises
• Publicly report sustainability and ESG policies

Social

• Commit to preventing harassment, discrimination and violence in the workplace
• Document anti-corruption, labor, anti-discrimination and career path policies
• Commit to support nonprofits and NGOs or provide pro bono services

Supply Chain

• Implement supplier diversity programs and increase your spend with diverse suppliers
• Create a diverse supply chain that supports protected class businesses
• Establish sustainable procurement policies
• Undertake recurring stakeholder engagement

Once a PSP has demonstrated compliance with all prerequisites, it can select additional policies and practices to gain points across the four pillars.

* Organizations classified as professional service providers by the U.S. Federal Professional Services Schedule (PSS) or NAICS code 54.