With a rapidly growing population and the ever-increasing demands placed on the planet, sustainable development is one of the greatest challenges of our time. This issue is at the heart of debates between governments, businesses and society, as the current way of life is not sustainable in the long term. If we do not take action, future generations will bear the consequences of the depletion of natural resources. It is therefore necessary to change our mindset and adopt practices that make our communities more sustainable, ensuring a better world for the present and the future.

The ISO 37101 International Standard defines the requirements and provides guidance for establishing a sustainable development management system in communities. It aims to help communities formulate a structured framework that will help improve their social, economic and environmental aspects. The model provides guidelines for regions, municipalities and organisations, supporting them in defining their overall objectives and in defining a sustainable development strategy at local level that takes into account the interests of all stakeholders. It applies to communities of all sizes, enhancing their efforts towards sustainable development and steering them towards smarter, more resilient and efficient infrastructure that contributes to improving their overall well-being.

In addition, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) recently published ISO 37109, which sets out guidelines and requirements for project developers, decision-makers and organizations that manage the approval, promotion, financing, planning, design, procurement, management, review and implementation of projects or programmes. It is aimed at project developers implementing urban and construction projects within a holistic framework of sustainable development for communities, ensuring that development combines efficiency, resilience and respect for the environment and society.

By implementing a sustainable development management system based on the International Standards ISO 37101 and ISO 37109, communities and project developers can achieve:

• Build consensus on sustainable development within communities
• Implement a holistic system that takes into account the economic, social and environmental pillars of sustainable development, as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Improving the sustainability, intelligence and adaptability of strategies, programmes, projects and services under their direct responsibility
• Preservation and protection of the environment
• Rational use of natural resources
• A systematic approach to the involvement of all stakeholders
• Increasing the effectiveness and attractiveness of development projects within communities
• International recognition

Therefore, ISO 37101 and/or ISO 37109 certification should be among the priorities of each community and organisation. ISO 37101 and ISO 37109 certification is a tool for achieving the objectives of communities and organisations undertaking development projects. By obtaining it, you confirm that you have the expertise and skills to contribute to improving the sustainability of communities, ensuring a more resilient and prosperous future development.

TÜV HELLAS (TÜV NORD), utilizing its network of experienced and well-trained inspectors, provides Training, Inspection and Certification services to organizations that design and implement sustainable development projects in communities, based on the International Standards ISO 37101 and ISO 37109.

As an internationally recognized and trusted certification body, TÜV HELLAS (TÜV NORD) effectively supports you in your certification process, providing objective information throughout the assessment process.

Our PRINCIPLES form the backbone of the services we provide to you:

• SAFETY & TRANSPARENCY: We provide comprehensive and clear answers throughout the certification process.
• RELIABILITY: We guarantee that the process proceeds as planned, with no last-minute twists and surprises.
• COOPERATION: We build long-term relationships of trust, ensuring that your journey to certification is successful and constructive.

Impartiality and objectivity are our core values. As a global leader in certification, we offer services on an international level, with our logo being a symbol of excellence and continuous development.