Net Zero Compare

Green Policies, Regulations & Standards

Track the policies, regulations, and standards that shape emissions reporting, disclosure, procurement, and sustainability compliance.

Submit a Missing Policy
Policy Types Guide
Policies tracked
1,125
Last updated
November 9, 2026

Filter (1000) Policies:

EU Port Reception Facilities Directive 2019/883

EU Port Reception Facilities Directive 2019/883

by Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG Move)
Requires ships to deliver waste ashore and ports to provide adequate waste reception systems
View Policy
The EU Port Reception Facilities Directive 2019/883 requires Member States to provide adequate facilities for waste from ships and generally requires vessels calling at EU ports to deliver their waste before departure. Ports must operate cost-recovery systems designed to remove incentives for illegal discharge at sea, while ship operators must provide waste information and maintain delivery documentation. The Directive also covers fishing vessels, recreational craft and passively fished waste accidentally recovered at sea. Waste delivered ashore must be managed under EU waste rules, supporting separate collection and recycling where appropriate. Limited exemptions apply where ships have sufficient storage capacity or operate approved regular services.
UK Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO)

UK Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO)

by Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem)
Verifies renewable electricity generation and supports annual Fuel Mix Disclosure
View Policy
The UK Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin scheme certifies the renewable origin of electricity generated in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Ofgem issues one REGO for every MWh of eligible renewable generation. REGOs are primarily used by licensed electricity suppliers to substantiate renewable electricity in annual Fuel Mix Disclosure, but they are also used for voluntary sustainability disclosures, renewable electricity procurement and carbon accounting. Generators participate voluntarily by applying through Ofgem's Renewable Electricity Register and submitting generation data. Since 2021, EU countries no longer recognize UK REGOs, and from the April 2023 disclosure period EU Guarantees of Origin are no longer accepted for GB Fuel Mix Disclosure.
OECD Decision C(2001)107/FINAL on Transboundary Movements of Wastes Destined for Recovery Operations

OECD Decision C(2001)107/FINAL on Transboundary Movements of Wastes Destined for Recovery Operations

by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Controls international shipments of waste destined for recycling and other recovery operations
View Policy
OECD Decision C(2001)107/FINAL establishes the international control system for transboundary movements of waste destined for recovery within the OECD area. The framework separates waste into Green and Amber control procedures. Lower-risk Green waste generally moves under simplified commercial controls, while Amber waste can require prior notification, competent-authority consent and standardized movement documentation. Waste must be sent to legally authorized recovery facilities and recovered in an environmentally sound manner. The OECD itself does not directly enforce companies; implementation and penalties operate through national legislation. All OECD Member countries participate in the system, with Colombia joining its control system in January 2026.
EU Single-Use Plastics Directive Fishing Gear EPR Provisions

EU Single-Use Plastics Directive Fishing Gear EPR Provisions

by European Commission Directorate-General for Environment (DG ENV)
Makes producers responsible for collection and treatment costs of plastic fishing gear waste
View Policy
The EU Single-Use Plastics Directive 2019/904 establishes Extended Producer Responsibility for fishing gear containing plastic. Producers must finance the separate collection of waste fishing gear delivered to port reception facilities or equivalent systems, as well as its transport, treatment and relevant awareness-raising measures. Member States with marine waters must establish minimum annual national collection rates for recycling and monitor both fishing gear placed on the market and waste gear collected. The EPR provisions had to be implemented by December 31, 2024. Detailed registration, fee and compliance systems are determined nationally. The Commission is due to evaluate the Directive by July 2027 and may consider binding EU-wide fishing gear collection targets.
EU Landfill Directive 1999/31/EC

EU Landfill Directive 1999/31/EC

by European Commission Directorate-General for Environment (DG ENV)
Restricts waste disposal and limits municipal waste sent to landfill to 10% by 2035
View Policy
The EU Landfill Directive 1999/31/EC establishes environmental and operational requirements for landfill disposal and supports the transition toward recycling and resource recovery. Landfills must operate under permits, apply waste acceptance procedures, manage pollution risks, and monitor facilities during operation and after closure. Following the 2018 circular economy amendment, Member States must restrict the landfilling of waste suitable for recycling or other recovery from 2030 and reduce municipal waste sent to landfill to no more than 10% by 2035. The Directive is legally binding through national implementation, with penalties, permit controls and enforcement determined by Member States.
EU End-of-Life Vehicles Directive 2000/53/EC

EU End-of-Life Vehicles Directive 2000/53/EC

by European Commission Directorate-General for Environment (DG ENV)
Requires vehicle take-back depollution and 85% recycling by weight
View Policy
The EU End-of-Life Vehicles Directive 2000/53/EC establishes requirements for vehicle collection, authorized treatment, depollution, reuse, recycling and recovery. Since 2015, economic operators have been required to achieve at least 85% reuse and recycling and 95% reuse and recovery by average vehicle weight. The Directive also restricts lead, mercury, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium and requires manufacturers to consider dismantling and recovery during vehicle design. It remains applicable in 2026, but a new EU Regulation on vehicle circularity entered into force on August 13, 2026. The new Regulation will apply from September 1, 2028, replacing the existing ELV and 3R Type Approval Directives.
EU Sewage Sludge Directive 86/278/EEC

EU Sewage Sludge Directive 86/278/EEC

by European Commission Directorate-General for Environment (DG ENV)
Regulates agricultural sludge recovery to protect soil water crops and human health
View Policy
The EU Sewage Sludge Directive 86/278/EEC regulates the agricultural use of sewage sludge to protect soil, water, vegetation, animals and human health while enabling recovery of nutrients and organic matter. The Directive establishes controls for heavy metals, requires sludge and soil analysis, generally requires sludge treatment, and restricts application to grassland, forage crops and certain fruit and vegetable production. A minimum three-week waiting period applies before grazing or forage harvesting, while sludge cannot be applied to land used for certain raw-consumed crops during the 10 months before harvest or during harvest. The Directive remains in force, with enforcement and penalties implemented through Member State legislation.
International Finance Corporation Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability

International Finance Corporation Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability

by International Finance Corporation (IFC)
Set environmental and social requirements for projects receiving IFC financing
View Policy
The IFC Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability establish environmental and social requirements for projects and companies receiving applicable IFC financing. The current 2012 framework contains eight standards covering environmental and social risk management, labor, resource efficiency and pollution prevention, community health and safety, resettlement, biodiversity, Indigenous Peoples and cultural heritage. IFC clients must identify relevant risks, establish appropriate management systems, apply the mitigation hierarchy, engage stakeholders and monitor performance throughout the investment lifecycle. The standards are not international law or a certification system, but they become enforceable through financing agreements. IFC and MIGA are currently updating their Sustainability Frameworks.
Chile Supreme Decree No. 32 of 2024

Chile Supreme Decree No. 32 of 2024

by Chile Ministry of the Environment
Establishes rules for internationally transferred carbon credits under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement
View Policy
Chile Supreme Decree No. 32 of 2024 regulates greenhouse gas reduction and removal certificates used under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Published on December 13, 2025, it establishes procedures for authorizing mitigation activities, participating entities, methodologies, monitoring, verification, certificate homologation and international transfers. The framework also governs corresponding adjustments to prevent double counting and establishes Chile’s implementation of the Article 6.4 mechanism. Participation in Article 6 markets is voluntary, but projects seeking authorized international transfers must comply with the Decree. Chile issued additional technical guidance in 2026 on methodology validation, environmental and social integrity, and authorization of participating and operational entities.
R2v3: Responsible Recycling Standard

R2v3: Responsible Recycling Standard

by Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI)
Certifies responsible electronics reuse and recycling across environmental, data security and downstream management practices
View Policy
R2v3 is an international third-party certification standard for electronics reuse, refurbishment and recycling managed by Sustainable Electronics Recycling International. All certified facilities must meet core requirements covering areas including environmental and worker protection, data security, reuse, material tracking, and downstream management. Additional Process Requirements apply according to activities performed, such as data sanitization, test and repair, materials recovery, and downstream recycling. Facilities are independently audited, and their certification scope identifies the processes for which they have demonstrated conformity. R2 certification is voluntary but can be required through procurement or customer relationships. PADNOS references R2v3 for its Alpine electronics facility.
  • «
    Previous
Showing results 1 to 10 of 1000

Stay Ahead: Navigate Policies, Regulations & Standards with Confidence

Navigating the ever-changing landscape of policies, regulations, and standards can feel overwhelming. Yet, staying informed and compliant isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about creating opportunities to innovate, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge. Here’s what you need to know to make sense of it all.

Why Policies, Regulations, and Standards Matter

In today’s market, sustainability policies are no longer optional. Governments, industry groups, and global organizations are implementing rules to address environmental challenges, and businesses must adapt or risk falling behind. Regulations impact areas like:

  • Energy Usage: Mandates to reduce emissions and adopt renewable sources.

  • Reporting Requirements: Transparency in carbon accounting and environmental disclosures.

  • Product Standards: Ensuring sustainable materials and ethical sourcing.

By understanding and adhering to these frameworks, your business doesn’t just remain compliant—it positions itself as a leader in the green economy.

Key Categories of Policies and Standards

To navigate effectively, it’s helpful to categorize the rules you need to follow:

  • Global Initiatives: Agreements like the Paris Accord or ISO environmental standards provide overarching guidance.

  • Regional Regulations: Directives such as the EU’s Green Deal or US SEC climate risk disclosures impact localized markets.

  • Industry-Specific Rules: Sectoral requirements, like LEED certifications for construction or sustainable packaging mandates, can vary widely.

Understanding which rules apply to your business ensures your focus is strategic and impactful.

How to Stay Ahead

  1. Invest in Tools and Expertise: Use software and consultants that specialize in compliance and carbon tracking.

  2. Monitor Updates: Regulations evolve quickly. Stay connected with industry groups and government notifications.

  3. Integrate Compliance into Strategy: Instead of treating compliance as a cost center, align it with broader goals like cost savings or market differentiation.

The Bottom Line

Engaging with policies, regulations, and standards doesn’t just help your business avoid fines or legal issues. It positions you to innovate, enhance your reputation, and capture the growing demand for sustainable goods and services.

Ready to dive deeper? Explore the specific frameworks that shape your industry on this page, and start building compliance into your competitive advantage.