Equalitas Tools
Standard SOPD Equalitas – Revisione 5.1
The SOPD Equalitas Standard – Revision 5.1 is a regulatory and application document that defines criteria, requirements and tools for the implementation of an integrated sustainability system along the wine supply chain. Elaborated in coherence with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, the Standard is based on the three fundamental pillars of sustainability –environmental, social and economic– and promotes a progressive and verifiable approach to improving business performance. The requirements are divided into Major, Minor and Recommendations, and apply to Organisations, Products and Designations of Origin of the wine supply chain through specific certification modules (SO, SP, DfS). The document is the result of a participatory and scientifically based process, coordinated by the Technical-Scientific-Ethical Committee of Equalitas, with the contribution of representatives of the productive, academic, and institutional worlds. Compliance with mandatory regulations, transparency in relations with stakeholders, and consistency with key international protocols are fundamental elements of the certification process.
To obtain the document, please send a request to: support@equalitas.it
Check list
This document collects the requirements that the Organisations participating in the Equalitas certification project for the Sustainable Organisation (SO), Sustainable Product (SP) or Designation for Sustainability (DfS) module must observe to achieve the environmental, social and economic sustainability objectives defined by the SOPD Equalitas Standard. The requirements cover all operational areas of the wine supply chain in an accurate manner, including fundamental aspects such as soil and fertility management, rational use of water, phytosanitary protection, biodiversity conservation and traceability. Each requirement is classified according to its level of application (Major, Minor, Recommendations), and represents an integral part of the Equalitas certification process, helping to ensure compliance and transparency throughout the supply chain. The required evidences are aimed at documentary and field verification by the Certification Body.
To obtain the document, please send a request to: support@equalitas.it
Equalitas Assessment Protocol for Work Providers
The Equalitas Assessment Protocol for Work Providers is a normative document which defines the requirements and verification procedures for obtaining the Sustainable Work Provider Attestation. This document applies to those who, within the wine supply chain, perform contracted works or services for Equalitas-certified Organisations, integrating environmental, social, and economic sustainability aspects.
The Protocol provides guidelines for the planning, execution, and evaluation of audits carried out by Certification Body, serving as an operational tool to ensure that outsourced processes are managed in accordance with the criteria set forth in the SOPD Equalitas Standard.
The listed requirements, classified as mandatory, include elements related to workers’ rights, occupational health and safety, contractual legality, and social responsibility. The Attestation, issued upon successful audit outcome, is valid for one year and may be renewed according to the procedures specified in the Protocol.
To obtain the document, please send a request to: support@equalitas.it
Check list
This section of the Equalitas Assessment Protocol for Work Providers presents, in a structured and detailed format, the list of requirements for obtaining the Attestation of Conformity, organized by thematic area and accompanied by related compliance criteria. The requirements, classified as “Major,” cover essential aspects of social, economic, and environmental sustainability, including respect for workers’ rights, health and safety protection, transparency in contractual relationships, data management, equal treatment, training, and corporate ethics.
Each requirement is supported by documentary and operational evidence that demonstrates its effective implementation, serving as a reference for audit activities carried out by Certification Body.
To obtain the document, please send a request to: support@equalitas.it
The “Equalitas certification Trademark usage guidelines” provide the conditions and procedures for using the Equalitas® Trademark, which certifies compliance with the certification Standard. These guidelines complement the Trademark Usage Regulation and have been created to ensure the correct use of the Trademark by Organisations or Supervisory Sindacate that have obtained the certification, in accordance with the Equalitas Standard.
The Equalitas Trademark, which is the exclusive property of Equalitas s.r.l., may only be used with prior authorization from Equalitas, which regulates its use in specific areas such as communication, labels, primary packaging, and other forms of promotion.
The guidelines are a normative and binding document for all certified entities, which must comply with the criteria and conditions set to ensure the integrity of the Trademark and the certifications.
To obtain the document, please send a request to: support@equalitas.it
Equalitas Q&A is a periodically updated document containing interpretations or modifications to the SOPD Equalitas Standard and its Implementing Regulation. It is a normative document, and therefore an official part of the Standard or the Implementing Regulation. It is updated following reports from Certification Bodies or other stakeholders, or based on reviews carried out by the Equalitas Technical, Scientific and Ethical Committee or the Board of Directors.
All updates introduced through Equalitas Q&A constitute official additions and revisions to the Standard and the Implementing Regulation, and will become an integral part of them once they undergo formal revision. The implementation of new and/or updated rules comes into effect two months after each new publication of the Equalitas Q&A, unless otherwise specified (e.g., “effective as of the date of publication”). Pure interpretations, however, are to be considered applicable immediately.
Operational Instruction for soil sampling to determine the QBS-ar index
This Equalitas Operational Instruction is a technical document that provides practical guidance for proper soil sampling aimed at determining the QBS-ar index (Soil Biological Quality – Arthropods). The instruction is designed to support companies seeking to comply with the requirement related to soil biodiversity measurement, offering detailed information on materials, sampling methods, packaging, and shipment of samples. The instructions contained in this document serve as technical support for companies adopting the QBS-ar method as required by the Standard.
Contracted laboratories:
- Sinergo (for more information, contact Dr. Francesca Quercia at info@sinergoservizi.it)
- Timesis (for more information contact Dr. Mauro Piazzi at mauro.piazzi@timesis.it).
Operational Instruction on soil sampling for the correct determination of soil biodiversity by applying the molecular DNA metabarcoding approach
This Equalitas Operational Instruction is a technical document that outlines the procedures for soil sampling aimed at assessing edaphic biodiversity through the molecular DNA metabarcoding approach. This document serves as an implementation tool of the SOPD Equalitas Standard and supports companies in adopting scientifically advanced methodologies for the characterization of soil fauna. The instruction provides detailed guidance on required materials, operational steps, sample preservation, and shipment, with the goal of ensuring the reliability of analytical results. The guidance contained in this document offers technical support for companies that choose to use this methodology within the practices established by the Standard.
Contracted laboratories:
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- University of Brescia (for more information, contact Dr. Isabella Ghiglieno at i.ghiglieno@unibs.it)
This Equalitas Operational Instruction is a technical document providing guidelines for evaluating the compliance of carbon footprint reports prepared according to the GHG Protocol, in relation to the requirements of the SOPD Equalitas Standard. The document serves as an implementation tool designed to support companies in aligning their methodological and documentary approaches with Equalitas certification requirements, ensuring consistency with the principles and criteria outlined in ISO 14064-1:2018 and ISO 14067:2018. The guidance clarifies the necessary integrations in terms of responsibilities, verification, reporting of emissions (direct, indirect, avoided, and removals), and the structure of the final report, ensuring transparency, traceability, and reliability of data. This document is a valuable technical reference for companies using the GHG Protocol as part of their path toward Equalitas certification.