Call for Pilot Participants

Incorporating a holistic approach to social and environmental impact, NSF/ANSI 391.1: General Sustainability Assessment Criteria builds on the concept of the triple bottom line, creating shared prosperity while also protecting the planet and its people. The new standard is the only points-based ESG certification designed specifically for the professional services sector.

NSF/ANSI 391.1 helps professional service providers (PSPs) implement responsible business practices that demonstrate their commitment to future generations by creating transparent policies, ethical business practices and smaller carbon footprints. The new standard allows PSPs to make documented and measurable commitments to improve their performance in each of the standard’s four pillars: environmental impact, social equity, economic governance and supply chain sustainability.

NSF’s pilot program is launching as the Biden administration and a growing number of global regulatory bodies consider adopting more sustainability and ESG mandates. New regulation requirements could have far-reaching consequences, potentially limiting your company's ability to land contracts with key institutional buyers.

In phase one of the pilot, participants will review the NSF/ANSI 391.1 prerequisite criteria and discuss the certification process with NSF experts. Phase one will also provide a forum for buyers to share their plans to require sustainability and ESG commitments from their suppliers.

Several professional services firms will participate in phase one with two federal and one state government agencies observing.

In phase two, participating PSPs that have completed the required criteria for NSF/ANSI 391.1 can apply for and complete their certification.

All types and sizes of professional services firms and institutional buyers are encouraged to complete an application for the NSF/ANSI 391.1 pilot. This includes:

• PSPs interested in certification
• Institutional buyers wanting to improve sustainability performance in their supply chain
• Membership organizations representing buyers or service providers

• Meet procurement guidelines for sustainable services
• Differentiate your organization from competitors
• Attract top talent with a commitment to sustainability

Complete the form below to receive a pilot program application detailing the prerequisites for each section of the standard to help your company assess its readiness for certification.

Submitting this form and completing the pilot application does not guarantee your participation in the pilot program.