A robust and efficient assurance system focused on continuous improvement in order to foster a responsible coal supply chain.
Business challenge
Established by a group of major coal buyers, Responsible Commodities aims to advance sustainability performance in the global coal supply chain through the Responsible Commodities Assurance System.
TDi Sustainability was tasked to support Responsible Commodities with introducing modifications to their Assurance System by providing expert input on its governance, structure, and technical content.
Approach and deliverable
TDi staff have worked with Responsible Commodities from its inception when the initiative was created and has first-hand experience and knowledge of applying the Responsible Commodities Code. TDi support for Responsible Commodities covers:
- TDi has worked with Responsible Commodities with the redesign of the assurance mechanism for the Responsible Commodities Code, including assessment protocols and tools, auditor training materials, and reporting documents.
- TDi staff have been active members of the Responsible Commodities Technical and Advisory Committee (TAC) for many years and have advised Responsible Commodities on establishing and developing its system.
- TDi has worked with Responsible Commodities on the modifications to their current Code, including extensive stakeholder engagement and wording revisions.
Project partners and methodology
TDi staff are approved Lead Assessors to conduct coal mine assessments and continuous monitoring of Responsible Commodities Suppliers based on Responsible Commodities Code and international standards such as IFC Performance Standards, UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. TDi staff has conducted Responsible Commodities assessments in Russia, Poland, the USA, Colombia and Kazakhstan.
TDi Sustainability is currently working with Responsible Commodities on projects to further review and enhance its assurance system and its Code.
Hear from our Partners
Anne-Claire Howard, Executive Director
TDi Sustainability has shown it can deliver this quality in different geographic settings from Kazakhstan to Colombia, and from rural England to Russia. They show a deep understanding of the Responsible Commodities Code, not only in the written expression of the standard, but also the intent behind the code to assure customers that coal mines can be free of conflict, safe working places, and catalysts for positive change in local economies. Few firms show the depth of knowledge and sophistication in evaluation than TDi Sustainability.
