Supporting the development of the RECOSI Coal Programme (Bettercoal) Assurance System and Platform
Established by a group of major coal buyers, the Responsible Commodities (RECOSI) coal programme (Bettercoal) aims to advance sustainability performance in the global coal supply chain through the Bettercoal Assurance System.
TDi Sustainability was tasked to support RECOSI with introducing modifications to its Assurance System by providing expert input on its governance, structure, and technical content.
TDi, in collaboration with the Responsible Commodities Sourcing Initiative (RECOSI) Coal Programme (Bettercoal), developed a customised online platform to streamline the assurance process and improve document management. The Bettercoal Assurance Platform was developed to address inefficiencies and issues in the assurance process, document sharing, and continuous improvement plans.
Assurance Mechanism Redesign:
TDi staff supported RECOSI in redesigning the assurance mechanism for the Bettercoal Code, including assessment protocols, auditor training materials, and reporting documents.
Technical & Advisory Committee Participation:
TDi actively participates in the Bettercoal Technical & Advisory Committee, providing expert judgement, analysis, and peer review of Bettercoal standards and assurance.
Lead Assessors for Coal Mine Assessments:
Members of the TDi team are approved Lead Assessors, and can conduct coal mine assessments of Bettercoal suppliers based on the Bettercoal Code and international standards. TDi staff have so far conducted twelve assessments of Bettercoal producers.
Approach and deliverables:
- TDi worked with RECOSI with the redesign of the assurance mechanism for the Bettercoal Code, including assessment protocols and tools, auditor training materials, and reporting documents.
- TDi staff have been active members of the Responsible Commodities Technical and Advisory Committee (TAC) for many years and have advised RECOSI on establishing and developing its systems.
- TDi has worked with RECOSI (Bettercoal) on the modifications to its current Code, including extensive stakeholder engagement and wording revisions.
TDi staff have worked with Bettercoal from its inception when the initiative was created and has first-hand experience and knowledge of applying the Bettercoal Code.
TDi staff are approved Lead Assessors to conduct coal mine assessments and continuous monitoring of Bettercoal Suppliers based on the Bettercoal Code and international standards such as IFC Performance Standards and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. TDi staff have conducted Bettercoal assessments in Russia, Poland, the USA, Colombia and Kazakhstan.
Get in touch to find out how we can help you with your auditing and assessment requirements.