Standards-SDGs links

Multi-disciplinary research links standards and the SDGs

In April 2020, CSA Group launched an ambitious project titled “Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals through National Standards of Canada.” This 18 month-long initiative, funded by the Employment and Social Development Canada’s Sustainable Development Goals Funding Program, aimed to:

  • Provide standards users with critical, reliable, and transparent information on how CSA Group standards connect to the 17 SDGs at the target or indicator level.
  • Help inform standards users on how the application of specific standards can assist their organizations in achieving their SDGs-related goals.
  • Identify immediate opportunities for strengthening the integration of sustainable development principles in standards development.

The methodology developed by the research team confirmed that 80% of CSA Group’s own standards support one or more SDGs. See which specific SDGs each CSA Group standard supports.

Our methodology

CSA Group methodology for mapping standards and the SDGs

CSA Group collaborated closely with researchers from the University of Guelph, Niagara College, and Ryerson University. The team assessed the effectiveness and practicality of preliminary mapping conducted by CSA Group, extensively researched existing literature, and developed a robust double-Delphi process for identifying connections between standards and the SDGs at the target or indicator level.

Watch the videos to learn more about the methodology for mapping standards and the SDGs

Supporting SDG Action through Standards
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A Methodology for Mapping the SDGs
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SDG Mapping Case Study: CSA S501:21
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CSA W200-18 and CSA S503:21
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Spotlights

Practical examples of links between the CSA Group standards and the SDGs

CSA Group research explored how public and private organizations can use relevant standards to support their SDGs objectives. Read the spotlight stories:

A high-rise building surrounded by trees

Industry Perspective

CSA S478:19, Durability in Buildings
A reflection of wind turbines on a smooth surface of solar panels

Industry Perspective

CSA C22.1:21 Canadian Electrical Code Part I, Safety Standard for Electrical Installations
A high-rise building surrounded by trees

Industry Perspective

CSA/ANSI B149.6:20 Code for Digester Gas, Landfill Gas, and Biogas Generation and Utilization
A bird’s-eye view of the northern landsape covered by permafrost

Industry Perspective

CSA S501:14 Moderating the Effects of Permafrost Degradation on Existing Building Foundations
Areal view of retention basins or stormwater retention pod

Industry Perspective

CSA W200-18 Design of Bioretention Systems
Drainage system pipes piled on top of each other and prepared for construction.

Government Perspective

CSA S503:20 Community Drainage System Planning, Design, and Maintenance in Northern Communities
: Blue water system pipes piled on top of each other and prepared for use.

Public Corporations Perspective

CSA S503:20 Community Drainage System Planning, Design, and Maintenance in Northern Communities
Oil and gas pipeline system

Industry Perspective

CSA Z662:19 Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems