6 September 2023

Latest update.

Claims Rules. 

With the recent release of the NEW Accounting for Nature® Standard it is crucial for our supporting documentation to be updated to help make it easier for users to navigate and provide clear guidance on the application of the Standard. 

In an increasingly eco-conscious world, businesses and organisations are recognising the importance of transparently communicating their commitment to environmental stewardship. How you tell your story and make your claim can make all the difference.

To ensure the integrity and credibility of our Standard, and to support the emerging environmental markets, we have established comprehensive updated Claims Rules to govern the use of claims for users with a Certified Environmental Account. 

These rules are designed to support users in accurately and effectively showcasing their alignment with the Accounting for Nature® Standard, fostering trust among stakeholders, and enhancing their brand reputation, whilst minimising the risk of greenwashing. 

Key updates to the Claims Rules include; 

• Alignment with revised terminology and criteria in the Standard; 
• Guidance on claims relating to environment markets and ‘nature positive’ claims;
• Updated guidance on claims related to reporting periods, accuracy levels and use of Trustmarks';
• Guidance on non-compliance with the Claims Rules.

Accounting for Nature is here to help support you in becoming a leader in reporting credible environmental outcomes. Thank you for choosing our Standard and for your ongoing support as we strive to shape an accountable framework that integrates the value of nature into the nature of business, inspiring us all to make nature count.  

Audit Rules.

The Accounting for Nature® Audit Rules provide the rules and procedures that govern the preparation of audit reports under the Framework, and who may be listed as an Accounting for Nature® Accredited Auditor.

As part of the NEW Standard release an update has been made to the Audit Rules to include the following; 

• Amendment to the Certification Pathways for audit when seeking Certification under the Accounting for Nature® Framework: 
  • Option 1 - Certified - Independent Audit; and 
  • Option 2 - Certified – AfN Verified. 
• Guidance on choosing the appropriate Certification pathway for the purpose of the Environmental Account. 
• Requirements and process for undertaking an Independent Audit, including the Accounting for Nature® Accredited Auditor engagement process, to gain access to the Certified – Independent Audit Trustmark.
• The requirements and process for undertaking an AfN Technical Assessment, to gain access to the Certified – AfN Verified Trustmark. 
• Process for applying to become an Accounting for Nature® Accredited Auditor.

Coming soon.

Stay tuned for more information on the release of revised process documents designed to assist you to apply the Accounting for Nature® Standard. Over the upcoming weeks updated Methods, Environmental Accounts and Accredited Expert Process will be released.