A new standard for businesses
Certified future-commitment – become a pilot company now!
Under the working title “Certified Future-Commitment (Z.EN),” we want to develop a new certification system for companies that have set out on this path: they are taking responsibility for the environment, society, and good business practices—and are working step by step to further improve their impact.
Z.EN is aimed at companies that have already gone beyond initial measures and want to make their responsible actions transparent and verifiable, even if not all structures are fully established yet.
It is not perfection that is required, but substance, attitude, and a willingness to develop.
Why a new standard?
Do we really need another label?
In today’s jungle of labels, this is a fair question. Many existing standards are well-intentioned but not always consistent or practical. The result? Frustration, confusion, and overwhelm – especially for small and medium-sized businesses, but also for consumers.
With the CSE standard, we have offered a well-established, ambitious certification system for many years. However, we have increasingly heard the call for a more accessible alternative: a standard with fewer entry barriers, but a clear direction and reliable verification.
Certified Future-Commitment (Z.EN) is our response – designed for companies that already take responsibility and want to continue developing in a structured way, without having to commit all their resources at once.
Pilot Phase
Here’s how the pilot phase works
We are looking for committed companies to help us shape the very first certification round – and we’re getting started soon!
Save the dates:
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Q&A-Session 1: 30.09.2025, 2:30 pm, Zoom (non-binding participation)
- Q&A Session 2: 15.10.2025, 9:00 am, Zoom (non-binding participation)
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Kick-off Meeting for all Pilot Companies: October 21, 2025 – 2:30 pm (CET) – Zoom
The pilot phase will run through 2025 and 2026. Our goal is to have the first companies certified under the new standard as early as the beginning of 2026.
What Z.EN Offers
Our approach: accessible, but with ambition.
This new label is designed for companies taking their first, clear steps toward regenerative business practices – and looking for a credible, third-party-verified way to communicate their efforts.
The standard combines:
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a low-threshold entry
- clear and actionable requirements
- a commitment to continuous improvement
Criteria
An Overview of the Criteria
The content criteria will be developed together with the pilot companies. We are aligning them with the ESG framework (Environment, Social, Governance) to systematically cover key aspects of responsible business.
Special focus will be given to biodiversity, climate, water and ocean protection, and social responsibility.
E | Environment:
Carbon footprint
Biodiversity
Water protection
S | Social:
Diversity & inclusion
Family-friendly policies
Fair working conditions
Sustainable mobility
Human rights
G | Governance:
Ethical business conduct
Science-based approach
Transparency
Become a Pilot Company
Your Benefits as a Pilot Company
By joining the pilot phase, you will help shape the standard from the ground up – and enjoy attractive advantages:
Preferential conditions for label use
Active involvement in defining the criteria
Visibility through accompanying communications and PR
Early positioning as a future-focused business
Exchange with other committed companies
Guidance for real progress in the company
Costs
Certification Costs
Once the standard is finalized and regular certification begins, costs are expected to include:
Audit Tool (STAR) Fee: tiered by company size (FTEs), starting at €600 per year
Label Base Fee: for use of the seal in communications and marketing, approx. €500 per year
Certification Costs: depending on the audit effort and company structure, invoiced directly by the certification body
Certification bodies
Recognized certification bodies
Certification bodies that wish to audit and certify companies according to the new standard must meet specified, standardized requirements.
As with our CSE certification, we work exclusively with selected partners to ensure independent and high-quality auditing.
Are you a certification body operating according to ISO 17065, accredited for the EU Organic Regulation, and interested in recognition for Z.EN certification? Please get in touch with us!
Roles and responsibilities in the project
Become a Pilot Company
Your Path to Certification Begins Here
Would you like to become a pilot company or learn more about the new standard?
Get in touch with us – or sign up directly for our Q&A session:
1. Q&A-Session: 30.09.2025, 2:30 pm, Zoom (non-binding participation)
2. Q&A Session: 15.10.2025, 9:00 am, Zoom (non-binding participation)
E-Mail: info@gfaw.eu
Arrange a consultation appointment
Do you have any questions about sustainability seals and certification? Ask for a free consultation!