HYDROPOWER SUSTAINABILITY STANDARD

The Hydropower Sustainability Standard is a robust assessment and certification framework that ensures accountability in hydropower development. It charts a path for harnessing hydropower's potential to drive positive impact, benefiting both communities and our environment. The Standard propels the responsible growth of this essential energy source, balancing progress with safeguarding our world.

BENEFITS OF IMPLEMENTING THE STANDARD

Implementing the Hydropower Sustainability Standard transcends mere compliance, delivering tangible benefits to a wide range of stakeholders and ensuring a more responsible and equitable energy sector.

    • Enhanced reputation: Gain recognition as a leader in sustainable hydropower, bolstering credibility and attracting stakeholders.

    • Improved project performance: Implement best practices to enhance project design, operation, and community engagement.

    • Access to funding: Align with international standards to attract financing from investors and multilateral organisations.

    • Risk mitigation: Address potential environmental, social, and governance risks early on, minimising project disruptions.

    • Community well-being: Enjoy improved quality of life through projects that prioritise social benefits and local engagement.

    • Environmental safeguards: Experience reduced environmental impact and safeguarding of natural resources.

    • Infrastructure development: Benefit from projects that contribute to local infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and healthcare facilities.

    • Job opportunities: Create employment and skill-building opportunities in project areas, enhancing economic growth.

    • Certified performance: Invest confidently in hydropower projects with assured environmental and social performance.

    • Risk management: Align investments with recognised ESG standards, reducing potential financial and reputational risks.

    • Long-term sustainability: Support projects that contribute positively to local economies and communities over the long term.

    • Market recognition: Invest in projects that meet international sustainability criteria, responding to growing ESG investment trends.

    • Regulatory compliance: Utilise the Standard as a benchmark for setting hydropower performance requirements.

    • Project accountability: Monitor and enforce adherence to internationally recognised ESG practices.

    • Public confidence: Demonstrate commitment to responsible development, enhancing public trust and support.

    • Sustainable development: Promote projects that balance energy needs with environmental and social considerations.

    • Advocacy support: Engage with projects that align with global sustainability norms, reinforcing advocacy efforts.

    • Transparency and accountability: Monitor project performance against established ESG indicators and report progress.

    • Collaboration opportunities: Participate in multi-stakeholder initiatives, ensuring diverse perspectives shape project outcomes.

    • Positive impact: Support projects that respect human rights, ecosystems, and local cultures, contributing to lasting positive change.

    • Data and insights: Access standardized ESG data from certified projects for research and academic analysis.

    • Real-world case studies: Study projects that integrate best practices, offering practical insights for curriculum development.

    • Collaboration potential: Collaborate on projects that advance sustainability science, policy, and technological innovation.

    • Contributing to best practices: Contribute expertise to the development and evolution of industry standards.

Roles &
Responsibilities

Council

The Hydropower Sustainability Council is responsible for the overall governance of the Standard and for overseeing the allocation of certifications to hydropower projects through its elected Governance Committee.
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assessors

Assessors are the independent auditors responsible for checking if a project is in conformance with the Hydropower Sustainability Standard.
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Secretariat

The Hydropower Sustainability Secretariat is responsible for the management and day-to-day administration of the certification system.
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sections

The Standard covers 12 environmental, social and governance (ESG) topics over two levels of performance, good practice (minimum requirements) and best practice (advanced requirements). Each topic has its own principle and scope statements to provide clarity on the intent and desired outcomes of the topic assessment.

fees

The cost of HS certification would comprise of an Assessment cost, Application cost and Certification cost.

Assessment cost includes professional fees of Assessors and will be greatly influenced by the complexity, size and location of the project.

10% of Assessment cost will be attributed to the HS Secretariat for management and administration.

projects greater than 10 mw

  • Application cost is fixed at 3 000 EUR for large projects

  • Certification cost is fixed at 9 000 EUR per certification.

Projects 10 MW AND smaller

  • Application cost is fixed at 1 500 EUR per application.

  • Certification cost is fixed at 4 500 EUR per certification.

Assessed & certified projects