Crossing the Finish Line

ESG Compliance, Made Visible

Verified Progress. Recognised Impact.

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Why It Matters

Real action deserves real recognition.

If you're running a small or medium-sized business, ESG is no longer just a nice idea, it's becoming a legal and commercial requirement.

From reporting rules like the CSRD to investor and supply chain pressure, SMEs now face growing expectations to show how they manage their environmental, social, and governance risks. But doing the work isn’t enough. You need to prove it.

That’s where Credly® digital credentials come in. Each badge reflects real, verified action, aligned with global frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the EU’s CSRD, and recognised ESG standards.

Every badge earned through the 169 to 1® eco-system provides:

  • Evidence that your business has taken measurable ESG action

  • Clarity for customers, funders, and regulators

  • A public, portable record you can use for compliance, tenders, and reporting

Recognition In 3 Simple Steps

1. Take Action

Complete any toolkit, workshop, challenge or SDG target inside the 169 to 1® ecosystem.

2. Get Verified

Your progress is tracked and verified through our closed-loop system.

3. Earn Badges

Receive official Credly® micro-credentials you can share anywhere, including LinkedIn.

Why Digital Credentials Matter

Your impact deserves more than a download.

For SMEs, ESG compliance isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about building long-term value, managing risk, and staying competitive.

Credly® digital credentials are secure, searchable, and built to reflect what you’ve done; not just what you signed up for. These badges give you a way to track, verify, and show that progress; clearly, publicly, and with integrity.

✔ Globally trusted and secure
✔ Use them in ESG reports or supplier documentation
✔ Share them with funders, partners, or clients
✔ Build your SDG portfolio in a way that counts
✔ Show you're ready for the next legal reporting threshold

What the Badges Cover

We’ve developed a targeted ESG badge system designed for real-world SME use. Each badge has clear criteria, defined evidence requirements, and credible alignment with ESG law. Here are the six core themes:

1. Environmental Responsibility

These badges recognise measurable steps to reduce your environmental footprint.

Carbon Footprint Baseline Completed
For SMEs that have calculated and documented their Scope 1 and 2 emissions.

Waste Reduction Strategy Adopted
Awarded to businesses with a completed waste audit and documented plan of action.

Renewable Energy Commitment
Recognises firms sourcing at least 30% of their electricity from renewable sources.

2. Social Impact and Inclusion

These badges show how your workplace treats people; fairly, equally, and with care.

Living Wage Employer (Verified)
Issued to SMEs paying all staff at least the national living wage.

Inclusive Hiring Practices Introduced
Awarded for adopting formal policies that promote fair, non-discriminatory recruitment.

Employee Wellbeing Programme Launched
Given to businesses offering documented support for mental health, flexibility, or staff wellbeing.

3. Governance and Transparency

Good governance builds trust. These badges help show that your policies are clear, fair, and enforced.

ESG Risk Policy in Place
For SMEs with an internal or board-level policy for identifying and managing ESG risk.

First ESG Disclosure Completed
Awarded to companies that have publicly reported their ESG performance or risks.

Anti-Corruption Code of Conduct Adopted
Recognises implementation of an integrity policy signed by all staff and contractors.

4. Legal and Regulatory Preparedness

Compliance isn’t just for large corporations. These badges help SMEs prepare for what’s coming.

CSRD Readiness Assessment Completed
For SMEs that have conducted a gap analysis aligned with EU reporting requirements.

ESG Data Governance Standards Adopted
Issued when your business can show it is managing ESG-related data in a structured, auditable way.

5. Climate Risk and Resilience

These badges show that your business is not only aware of climate risks, but actively planning for them.

Climate Risk Scenario Modelled
For SMEs that have run at least one structured scenario exploring future climate impacts.

Business Continuity Plan (Climate-Resilient)
Awarded to firms with a plan in place to adapt to extreme weather or climate-related disruption.

6. Supply Chain and Procurement Ethics

Your impact extends beyond your own operations. These badges help track upstream responsibility.

Ethical Sourcing Policy Implemented
Recognises companies that require suppliers to meet ethical and environmental standards.

ESG Supplier Assessment Completed
For SMEs that have mapped and reviewed ESG risks within their supply chain.

What’s Behind Each Badge: Real Metadata, Not Marketing

Every badge is built on a standard metadata structure to support audit readiness, regulatory alignment, and long-term credibility. Here’s what that means:

Example Badge: Carbon Footprint Baseline Completed

Details

Field

Confirms the SME has calculated, documented Scope 1 and 2 emissions.

Description

Based on GHG Protocol or ISO 14064, plus 3rd party review or internal audit.

Criteria

Emissions spreadsheet, signed disclosure, or verified tool output.

Evidence Required

Hudson Consultancy Online or 169 to 1® ESG Compliance Network

Issuer Name

SDG 13, CSRD Article 29, ESRS E1, ISO 14064

Alignment

ESG Reporting, Carbon Accounting, SME Compliance

Skills / Tags

Verified

Badge Type

Introductory / Advanced (depending on depth of action)

Level

12–24 months, (encouraging regular updates)

Validity

New data year submitted with updated results

Reissuance Criteria

ESG Legal Compliance Pathway

Pathway Category

Already Taking Action? You're Ready to Be Recognised

If you’re working inside the 169 to 1® eco-system, your work already counts. Now you can show that progress, officially.

Badges are included in all active subscriptions.

Browse Our Toolkit Library or Subscribe Now

FAQs

  • Once you complete a verified action, you’ll receive an email invitation from Credly® to accept your badge. You’ll need a free account to manage and share them.

  • Yes. All active subscribers are eligible to receive badges for verified progress across all eligible pathways.

  • Absolutely. Our credentials are ideal for both personal and institutional recognition — including education, business, or NGO use.

  • Yes. We offer co-branded badge options for schools, SMEs, and partner organisations. Contact us to explore custom pathways.

This isn’t just learning. It’s recognised impact.

Get started, get activated, get verified; and get credit for the change you’re making.


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