Performance Standard 1

Environmental and social responsibility is critically important in today’s global economy. An environmental and social management system (ESMS) helps companies integrate plans and standards into their core operations—so they can anticipate environmental and social risks posed by their business activities and avoid, minimize, and compensate for such impacts as necessary. A good management system provides for consultation with stakeholders and a means for complaints from workers and local communities to be addressed.

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(last updated June 14, 2021)

Social and Environmental Assessment and Management Systems (2006)

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Performance Standard 1 Implementation Resources

• Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) Implementation Handbook (General), Self-Assessment and Toolkit
• Also see ESMS Implementation Handbooks for: 
  • Animal Production
  • Construction
  • Crop Production
  • Food & Beverage
  • Health Care Facilities
  • Metal Products Manufacturing
  • Textiles & Apparel
• Good Practice Handbook on Cumulative Impact Assessment and Management: Guidance for the Private Sector in Emerging Markets
• Stakeholder Engagement: A Good Practice Handbook for Companies Doing Business in Emerging Markets
• Understanding IFC's Environmental and Social Review Process