Help shape the future of
sustainable hydropower
About the Standard
The Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS) is the only global certification scheme designed specifically for hydropower. It defines good and best practice across 12 topics - from environmental and social management to governance, climate resilience, and community engagement.
About the Review
As a member of the ISEAL Alliance, the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance is required to formally review the Hydropower Sustainability Standard at least once every five years. The goal is not to reinvent the standard, but to strengthen it.
Scope of the Review
Public consultation
HS Standard
The 12-section Standard - their scope, principles, structure, and requirements framework.
This is the primary focus of both public consultations.
Internal + open questions
Theory of Change
The framework describing how the HSS drives impact. Reviewed internally, but the public consultation form includes an open question welcoming all input.
Internal + open questions
Assurance System
Certification rules and processes, including assessor accreditation, transparency requirements, and costs. Open question in the public consultation form.
Governance
structure
HSS Review Working Group
Consults chamber members, collects feedback, and provides recommendations to the HS Secretariat on revisions to the Standard.
HS Governance Committee (HSGC)
Approves all consultation papers and key decisions, including the final revised Standard. Mobilises Council members to participate in consultations.
HS Secretariat
Prepares all materials based on Working Group input. Manages the consultations, coordinates communications, and publishes summary reports.
ALA Advisory Group
The Accredited Lead Assessor Advisory Group provides technical input drawing on five years of experience using the Standard.
Review timeline
Frequently asked questions
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As a member of the ISEAL Alliance, the HSA is required to formally review the HSS at least once every five years. The Standard was launched in 2021, making this review due by the end of 2026. The goal is not to reinvent it but to strengthen it - improving clarity, usability, and alignment with the ESG expectations and financing frameworks that have evolved significantly since launch.
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No. The 12-section structure and core approach are preserved. The review focuses on refining the scope and principles of each section and updating the requirements framework to reflect current international good and best practice.
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Three components: the HS Standard (the primary focus of the public consultations), the HS Theory of Change, and the HS Assurance System.
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Several bodies share responsibility. The Working Group, with representatives from all four HS Council chambers, consults with their respective chamber members, collects feedback, and provides recommendations to the HS Secretariat. The HS Secretariat prepares all materials based on that input and manages the day-to-day running of the review, including the public consultations and all communications. The HS Governance Committee (HSGC) approves key decisions and mobilises Council members to participate. The Supervisory Committee endorses the final recommendations and provides oversight. The ALA Advisory Group contributes technical expertise throughout. ISEAL provides independent guidance to ensure the process meets its Code of Good Practice.
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Anyone. You do not need to be an HSA member or a hydropower expert. The HSA particularly welcomes input from civil society organisations, governments, financial institutions and communities affected by hydropower.
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Round 1 (May–July 2026, 60 days) focuses on the high-level framing of what the Standard covers, including the scope and principles of the Standard’s 12 ESG sections. Round 2 (October 2026, 30 days) presents the full revised standard, including updated requirements, for final review.
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Not for Round 1, which is designed to be accessible to anyone. Plain-language summaries will be provided. Round 2 is more technical, but a summary of key changes from Round 1 will be available to help.
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Materials and forms will be available in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Chinese. Responses in any of these languages are accepted.
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All responses are logged and reviewed by the Working Group and the HS Secretariat. After each round, a summary report is published explaining what the feedback said and how it has shaped the revised Standard. Round 1 report will be published within 12 weeks of closing; Round 2 within 8 weeks.
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Respondents must provide their name, organisation, and stakeholder category. However, you may request that your identity not be disclosed in any published outputs, and this will be respected where feasible.
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By joining HSA’s mailing list, you will receive email updates when consultations open and when key documents are published. You can also follow the HSA on LinkedIn for updates throughout the review.
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You are welcome to apply to join the HS Council and participate in the internal consultations on the Theory of Change and Assurance System. Council membership is open to organisations across all four chambers.
Key documents
Terms of Reference (English only)
The governance framework, scope, objectives, and timeline for the HSS Review.
Communications and Engagement Strategy (English only)
How the HSA will communicate about the review and manage the two public consultations.
Public webinar video: First Public Consultation on the HSS Review (English only)
In this recording, Alain Kilajian, HSA's Co-Founder and Deputy Executive Director, outlines the review process and scope, introduces the consultation papers and explains how the public can provide feedback.
Public webinar presentation: First Public Consultation on the HSS Review (English only)
In this presentation, Alain Kilajian, HSA's Co-Founder and Deputy Executive Director, outlines the review process and scope, introduces the consultation papers and explains how the public can provide feedback.
Public Consultation
Thank you for your input!
Round 1 of the public consultation on the Hydropower Sustainability Standard is now closed. A summary of the feedback received will be published by 4 September 2026, and Round 2 will open in October–November 2026.