2026 - 2027
Hydropower Sustainability Standard Review
Hydropower Sustainability Standard:
Help shape the future of sustainable hydropower
The Hydropower Sustainability Standard is undergoing its first official review. We are inviting stakeholders worldwide to contribute to two global public consultations.
About the Hydropower Sustainability Standard
The Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS) is the world's only global certification system 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 - for projects at any stage of their lifecycle.
Launched in 2021, the HSS is used by developers, financiers, governments, and communities to ensure hydropower projects meet the highest sustainability standards. It is governed by the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance (HSA), a multistakeholder body with four chambers representing industry, civil society, financial institutions and governments.
First official system review
As a member of the ISEAL Alliance, the HSA is required to formally review the HSS at least once every five years. With the Standard launched in 2021, this first review must be completed by end of 2026.
The goal is not to reinvent the HSS - it is to strengthen it. Five years of implementation has generated valuable lessons. The review is an opportunity to improve the clarity, usability, and technical alignment of the HSS, and ensure it keeps pace with evolving ESG expectations, financing frameworks and sustainability science.
Scope of the review
The review covers three components of the HS Certification System, with different consultation approaches for each.
Public consultation
HS Standard
The review will address the scope, principles and structure of the HSS’ 12 sections, plus the scoring methodology and requirements framework. This is the primary focus of both global consultations.
Internal + open question
Theory of Change
The framework describing how the HSS drives change. Minor updates are proposed. Reviewed internally, but the public consultation form includes a question welcoming input from all.
Internal + open question
Assurance System
The certification rules and processes, including assessor accreditation, transparency requirements, and certification costs. Reviewed internally, but the public form includes a question welcoming input from all.
Governance
The review is conducted through the HSA's existing multistakeholder governance structure, ensuring that all sectors and regions have a voice in the outcome.
Working Group
Draws from all four Council chambers. Prepares consultation materials, reviews feedback and makes recommendations on revisions to the Standard.
Governance Committee
Approves all consultation papers and key decisions, including the final revised standard.
Secretariat
Manages the review process runs, the public consultations, coordinates communications and publishes summary reports.
ALA Advisory Group
Accredited Lead Assessor (ALA) Advisory Group provides technical input throughout the review