The Performance Framework

Learn more about the DWP certification, a framework of metrics designed by companies for companies, to accelerate their journey toward sustainability excellence.

What is the DWP Performance Framework?​

The DWP certification programme is, essentially, a performance assessment developed by companies for companies, aimed at driving value creation and business growth, with a focus on sustainability best practices.​

It was designed to incentivise investment in digital solutions and innovation, acknowledging the potential of the ICT industry, as indicated in the 2019 GeSI “Digital with Purpose: Delivering a SMARTer2030” Report, to accelerate the SDGs targets, generate new revenue and cost savings through efficiency gains.

It operates with a user-friendly, market-ready platform with three years of proven experience in delivering credible and verified results.​

DwP can support reporting and is fully aligned with the latest regulatory compliance.​

What are the benefits of the Framework?​

The DwP Framework has three (3) main components with principles and associated metrics covering:

  • Purpose: informing a company on becoming a purpose-led business.

Sustainability is no longer just about minimizing risks; it is about creating long-term value for all stakeholders, including society and the environment. A clear purpose helps companies identify ways to innovate, reduce waste, and unlock new business models that can drive growth while contributing positively to the planet.

  • Digitally Enabled Solutions: reflecting how a company contributes or uses innovative digital solutions

A clear digitalization strategy not only drives operational improvements and compliance with regulations but also enables innovation, enhances transparency, and builds long-term resilience. Investing in digital transformation is essential for companies seeking to reduce their environmental footprint while remaining competitive and responsive in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

  • Responsible Business: covering how a company operates its digital value chain with respect to climate change, digital trust and responsibility, the circular economy, digital inclusion, and supply chain.

A comprehensive and clear strategy in these critical areas—Climate Change, Digital Trust, Circular Economy, Digital Inclusion, and Supply Chain—is vital for companies to remain competitive, sustainable, and resilient. These interconnected areas not only mitigate risks and ensure regulatory compliance but also drive innovation, enhance reputation, and attract investors and consumers who are increasingly prioritizing sustainable and ethical business practices. Companies that develop and implement strategies in these areas position themselves as leaders in an evolving global economy that values sustainability, transparency, and inclusivity.​

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What benefits the Framework brings to companies?​

  • Sustainability Best Practices​: Two years of work involving more than 200 experts have brought together the best sustainability practices from around the world. This is an effort that remains out of reach for most organizations, especially SMEs.​

  • Supports your Sustainability strategy: The Framework will pinpoint organizational gaps and serve as a powerful ally in developing an action plan and roadmap to address those gaps, enabling the organization to become more sustainable.​

  • End to end Assessment: It’s a comprehensive assessment from end to end. The metrics reflect how the business acts in a responsible manner concerning: its own operations; its interactions with its suppliers; and the design, delivery, and end of life management of its products and services.​

  • Measures your progress: Changes can be measured annually, allowing organizations to evaluate the impact of their internal initiatives and better support decision-making.​

  • Benchmark: Each year after submission, organizations will receive a benchmark report showing how they are positioned relative to their peers.​

  • Data Assurance by Independent Reviewer​: All submitted evidence is reviewed by an independent reviewer who validates that the data complies with the relevant metric. This ensures the quality and accuracy of the results within our Framework.​

  • Drives competitiveness and resilience

    ​: By populating the Framework and taking action, organizations can mitigate risks and ensure regulatory compliance but also drive innovation, enhance reputation, and attract investors and consumers who are increasingly prioritizing sustainable and ethical business practices. ​​

Who can use the Framework?​

The Framework is available to companies of all sizes and sectors. It is adaptable to meet the needs of both large enterprises and small to medium-sized businesses.

How can I be a member and start using the Framework?

To be a member you’ll need to comply with the steps listed below.

1. Sign the DWP Pledge and agree with the four universal commitments.

  • We commit to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and to establish practical and incremental steps to become a purpose-led business;

  • We take and report concrete action on climate change;

  • We embrace the principles of impact transparency and report accordingly every year;

  • We develop and deploy digital technology with positive societal impact.

2. Pay the DWP annual fee.

3. Submit the metrics of the DWP Performance Framework every year.

 

Please contact us if you wish to proceed with your application.