Hydropower Sustainability Standard
for people, nature and the climate
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.
Developers and operators
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Secure capital faster Deliver verified ESG disclosures that help accelerate credit approval and build confidence with insurers.
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Cut appraisal time Provide audit-ready evidence aligned with IFC Performance Standards, helping lenders and DFIs reduce duplication during ESG due diligence.
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Protect your timeline Identify and address ESG risks early, avoiding delays in permitting, procurement and project delivery.
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Access RE100 and PPA buyers Showcase verified sustainability data that satisfies RE100 requirements and gives corporate buyers the documentation trail they need.
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Unlock Climate Bonds and premium markets Use certification as a trusted assurance layer that I-REC buyers and Climate Bond investors require.
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Build credibility Strengthen your standing with sector peers, investors, governments and civil society.
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Prepare your team Equip your staff with tailored training to manage assessments effectively and build long-term capacity.
Communities
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Verified community benefits Demonstrate credible evidence of ESG outcomes, strengthening impact reporting and stakeholder engagement.
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Better local outcomes Encourage stronger engagement with local communities and better consideration of local priorities.
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Protect natural resources Help protect local ecosystems and reduce environmental impacts.
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Infrastructure for your community Improve visibility over project contributions to local infrastructure and essential services through investments in roads, schools, and healthcare facilities.
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Jobs and skills Create local employment and skill-building opportunities, driving long-term economic growth.
Financial institutions
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Faster credit decisions Independently verified governance and impact data satisfies your ESG due diligence requirements and supports insurer expectations.
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Streamline due diligence Rely on pre-packaged, audit-ready evidence aligned with IFC Performance Standards, helping reduce duplication during ESG appraisal.
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Access sustainability-linked capital Independent verification opens the door to REC buyers and Climate Bond investors seeking credible hydropower assets.
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Invest with confidence Back your portfolio with independently assured ESG performance, verified against internationally recognised standards.
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Reduce ESG risk Identify and address material issues early, protecting your portfolio from financial and reputational exposure.
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Protect long-term value Support projects that sustain the social and environmental foundations that underpin long-term project viability.
Governments and regulators
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Credible ESG signalling Use independent assessment procedures to give regulators, investors and the public a clear record of progress on carbon transition goals.
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Set the benchmark Use an internationally recognised standard to set and communicate hydropower performance requirements in your jurisdiction.
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Enforce accountability Monitor and enforce adherence to internationally accepted ESG practices across your project portfolio.
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Build public trust Signal your commitment to responsible development and strengthen your social licence through independent certification.
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Balance energy and sustainability Advance hydropower development that meets your energy needs while protecting environmental and social values.
Civil society organisations
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Evidence-backed accountability Use documented, verified project data as a reliable foundation for dialogue, monitoring and impact reporting.
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Strengthen your advocacy Engage with projects aligned with global sustainability norms, giving your advocacy internationally recognised credibility.
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Track performance transparently Use published assessment reports to monitor project performance against established ESG indicators.
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Shape project outcomes Participate in multi-stakeholder processes designed to ensure your perspectives are reflected in project decisions.
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Drive lasting change Support projects verified to respect human rights and protect ecosystems.
Academia and research institutions
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Standardised ESG data Access a consistent body of independently verified ESG data for research and comparative analysis.
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Real-world case studies Use projects assessed against internationally recognised criteria as practical examples in curriculum development and applied research.
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Collaborate on innovation Work alongside certified projects to advance sustainability science, policy and technology in the hydropower sector.
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Shape the HS Standard Contribute your expertise to the ongoing development of the international benchmark for responsible hydropower.
Roles and 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, Registration fee 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
Registration fee is fixed at 3 000 EUR for large projects
Certification cost is fixed at 9 000 EUR per certification.
Projects 10 MW and smaller
Registration fee is fixed at 1 500 EUR per application.
Certification cost is fixed at 4 500 EUR per certification.
