sdg CertificATION

INTERNATIONAL SDG CERTIFICATION OF LIBRARIES

The SDG Certification is a joint framework for libraries working with sustainability. It has been co-developed by libraries and includes both an organizational, operational and a citizen-oriented perspective.

Libraries around the world are important local cultural centres and meeting places. For this reason, they are in a privileged position to help people and local communities understand and get started with the necessary sustainable transition.

The SDG Certification aims to strengthen the ability of libraries to be a driving force for citizen involvement and sustainability. It is a way to rethink the role of the library as to not only provide knowledge but also increase citizen participation and action towards a sustainable future. This role requires libraries themselves to contribute to more sustainable solutions, to collaborate with others in the local community and to invite citizens to get involved.

At this point over 40 per cent of Danish public libraries have achieved an SDG Certification. The programme was developed in collaboration between the Danish Library Association, Danish non-profit organization Chora 2030 and 20 participating pilot libraries and is now run by Chora 2030.

Join the SDG certification programme

To meet the interest of libraries outside of Denmark wishing to obtain an SDG Certification, Chora 2030 has developed an international version of the certification programme.

In order to obtain an SDG Certification, the library needs to fulfil the following steps:

5 steps

1. Sustainability is part of the library strategy
2. Key staff and management have participated in an online workshop by Chora 2030
3. The library has carried out a staff SDG workshop
4. The library’s guiding principles and SDG action plan have been developed
5. SDG action carried out by the library on three levels (Knowledge, Engagement and Internal Operations – see model below).

The SDG Certification model listing the levels and categories that each library needs to consider in its SDG action plan. 

Libraries joining the programme get:

• An introductory online workshop (1 hour)
• English version certification materials (guides and templates)
• A follow-up online workshop (1 hour)
• An SDG Certification when the five steps have been completed

Price

Participation fee per institution: DKK 15,000 or EUR 2,000.

Contact Chora 2030 for further information about joining the certification programme: info@chora2030.dk

SDGs & Libraries – inspiration and cases from Danish libraries

In Denmark public libraries have launched a wide range of sustainability activities: From swap markets, citizen meetings and repair workshops to the libraries’ own initiatives such as lending of tote bags made from recycled textiles and purchasing recycled shared bikes for staff. The libraries collaborate with schools, local associations and civil society organizations to involve citizens and local communities in sustainable activities.

Find some of the many good examples in this inspiration catalogue which also contains a short introduction to the certification programme.