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, the Responsible Commodities (RECOSI) coal programme (Bettercoal) aims to advance sustainability performance in the global coal supply chain through the Bettercoal Assurance System.
TDi Sustainability was tasked to support RECOSI with introducing modifications to its Assurance System by providing expert input on its governance, structure, and technical content.
Approach and deliverable
TDi staff have worked with Bettercoal from its inception when the initiative was created and has first-hand experience and knowledge of applying the Bettercoal Code. TDi support for RECOSI covers:
- TDi worked with RECOSI with the redesign of the assurance mechanism for the Bettercoal 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 RECOSI on establishing and developing its systems.
- TDi has worked with RECOSI (Bettercoal) on the modifications to its 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 Bettercoal Suppliers based on the Bettercoal Code and international standards such as IFC Performance Standards and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. TDi staff have conducted Bettercoal assessments in Russia, Poland, the USA, Colombia and Kazakhstan.
TDi Sustainability is currently working with RECOSI on projects to further review and enhance its assurance system and the Bettercoal Code.
Responsible Commodities
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 Bettercoal 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 as TDi Sustainability.