The ESG Sustainability Certificate for the Renewable Energy Industry

The pragmatic solution for small and medium-sized businesses

The Sustainability Certificate for the Renewable Energy Industry

How well does your company meet the relevant ESG requirements? Our new sustainability certificate from 8.2 Certification GmbH makes your documented status transparent, clear and traceable, and rated on a scale of one to five stars by an established, accredited certification body.

You will receive an independently audited sustainability certificate, a detailed ESG statement and a structured overview of any outstanding requirements.

Document-based audit | 1–5 stars | Results within a few weeks

Provide Verifiable Evidence of Sustainability

This offering is aimed at micro and small businesses in the European Union that do not yet fall directly within the mandatory scope of the CSRD, but which already need reliable sustainability information. These businesses typically have between 3 and 50 employees.

Business customers, banks, investors and contracting authorities are increasingly demanding reliable information on environmental and social issues, as well as responsible corporate governance.

Companies in the renewable energy sector face a particular challenge in that their business model supports the energy transition, while their supply chains, resource use, working conditions and corporate governance must also be transparently sustainable.

Our sustainability certificate provides a transparent foundation for this:

• for tenders and supplier evaluations
• for customer and financing inquiries
• for discussions with investors and project partners
• for internal development
• for credible corporate communications

You won’t receive an oversized, one-size-fits-all solution, but rather reporting tailored to the size, business model, and stage of development of your company.

Who is the ESG Rating Suitable for?

This offering is particularly aimed at small businesses in the renewable energy sector, including:

• Manufacturers and suppliers
• Project development and planning firms
• Operators of wind power, photovoltaic and energy storage facilities
• Electricity generation companies and energy utilities
• Technical and commercial service providers

An existing sustainability management system is not required, but having one will improve your rating.

Your Results

1. Sustainability Certificate

The certificate indicates the level achieved and the result on a scale of one to five stars. It is issued in German and, upon request, also in English.

The 1- to 5-Star Rating

The rating shows the extent to which your company meets the underlying requirements at the time of the assessment.

★ 1 Star Lowest certified level of achievement; you have embarked on your sustainability journey and can demonstrate this to stakeholders

★★ to ★★★★ 2–4 Stars Graduated level of achievement according to the requirements fulfilled

★★★★★ 5 Stars Full compliance with all assessed requirements

The assessment is based on the information submitted and supported by documentary evidence, as well as on statements that you have confirmed to us.

2. ESG Statement

The ESG Statement documents:

• the requirements fulfilled
• the evidence accepted
• the points that remain outstanding or have not yet been fully fulfilled
• the basis for the rating awarded

3. Overview of Outstanding Requirements

You will also receive a document providing a general overview of:

• which documents or evidence are still missing
• which general measures may be considered to address outstanding requirements
• which questions still need to be clarified

The information provided is intended for guidance. Individual sustainability or business consulting is not included in the service.

The service includes up to 10 hours of telephone support for questions regarding the documents to be submitted.

Procedure for the assessment

1. Receive Checklist

After commissioning us, we will send you a checklist of the required documents and information.

2. Submit Documents

You send us the available documents collected in a ZIP folder by email. No pre-sorting or time-consuming preparation is required.

3. Assessment and Evaluation

The documents are assessed against the defined requirements. This determines the documented level of achievement and the star rating.

4. Receive Results

Within a few weeks of receiving the complete documentation, you will receive the certificate, the ESG Statement and the overview of outstanding items.

Turn Sustainability into a Visible Competitive Advantage

Show customers, business partners and financing partners that your company approaches sustainability in a structured and credible manner, with clearly defined responsibilities.

With the 8.2 Sustainability Statement, you will receive a professional foundation for this within just a few weeks – tailored to your company and at a transparent fixed price.

Get in touch with us. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have about suitability, the process and the scope of services, with no obligation.

Your personal contact is Frederike Steffen 04033 46 859 36, office@8p2-certification.com

Further Develop the Rating in a targeted Manner

The certificate reflects the status at the time of the assessment. After the certificate has been issued, you can submit missing evidence or implement additional measures.

A reassessment can then be commissioned separately. If this results in additional requirements being fulfilled, the star rating may improve accordingly.

The price of the initial assessment includes:

• document checklist
• identification of the relevant requirement categories
• review and assessment of the submitted documents
• evaluation of the level of achievement
• sustainability certificate with a 1–5-star rating
• ESG Statement
• overview of outstanding requirements
• certificate issued in German
• English version available upon request

No hourly billing. No hidden additional costs.

The price is subject to statutory VAT. Payment is made in advance. Any subsequent reassessment will be commissioned separately.

The assessment is based on the information submitted and verifiable at the time of the assessment. The general guidance regarding outstanding requirements does not constitute individual consulting services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Product Suitable for Our Company?

The service is designed in particular for companies with approximately 3 to 50 employees that are looking for a professional introduction to sustainability reporting or need to meet specific requirements from customers, banks, investors or contracting authorities. If your company is larger, please feel free to contact us and we will find a tailored solution.

Does the Sustainability Statement Comply with the CSRD?

The document is based on key sustainability standards and uses the ESRS methodology for the double materiality assessment. It is a voluntary and proportionate sustainability disclosure for smaller companies – not a complete CSRD report subject to mandatory assurance.

Which Standards and Requirements Form the Basis of the Assessment?

The assessment is based on an ESG catalogue of requirements specifically developed for small and medium-sized enterprises. It is aligned with recognised European and international sustainability frameworks and takes into account the specific requirements of the renewable energy sector.

The key references include in particular:

• the VSME Standard for voluntary sustainability reporting by small and medium-sized enterprises
• relevant topics and principles of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS)
• the three ESG areas of Environmental, Social and responsible Governance
• selected principles of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• relevant requirements relating to supply chains, human rights, working conditions, environmental management, compliance and governance

The assessment covers, among others, the following areas:

Environmental

• energy consumption and energy sources
• greenhouse gas emissions
• climate action and climate risks
• resource consumption and use of materials
• waste prevention and circular economy
• water, biodiversity and land use
• environmental impacts of products and services
• supply chain and procurement

Social

• working conditions and fair employment
• occupational health and safety
• training and professional development
• equal treatment and equal opportunities
• human rights
• treatment of employees and business partners
• responsibility within the supply chain
• impacts on affected communities

Governance

• responsibilities for sustainability
• sustainability targets and internal responsibilities
• compliance and prevention of corruption
• whistleblowing systems
• data protection and information security
• risk management
• transparent business relationships
• responsible procurement and supplier management

The specific selection and weighting of the requirements depend on the size, business model, field of activity and material impacts of the respective company.

The rating does not constitute automatic confirmation of full ESRS, CSRD or VSME compliance. Rather, it certifies the degree to which the requirements assessed as part of the 8.2 Certification GmbH ESG Rating have been fulfilled, based on the evidence and statements submitted.

Is This a Certification?

Yes. Following the assessment, you will receive a certificate confirming your status with regard to the sustainability aspects outlined above.

Can We Have the Documents Updated?

Yes. If you wish, once you have addressed some or all of the outstanding items, you can repeat the assessment, update your Sustainability Statement under a new engagement and improve your rating through the measures implemented.