Designed for companies that want to take a quantum leap, this tool takes them step by step toward sustainability and regulatory compliance.
VCS software enables companies to measure themselves against the latest sustainability standards, ensure compliance with current regulations, and follow a clear and structured path, also aimed at obtaining VCS certification.
Our approach
Sustainability is a complex, science-based issue; addressing it effectively requires a measurable and certifiable approach.
01
Simplified Approach
With VCS, companies can continuously monitor and improve their sustainability score, making a challenging journey clearer and more achievable.
02
Accuracy
Accurate measurement allows businesses to make informed decisions focused on continuous improvement, aiming for a stronger, market-aligned sustainability performance.
03
Guidance
Beyond simplifying compliance with required standards, the software serves as a key guide to achieving certifications that validate a company’s commitment to sustainability.
The modular structure of the software allows it to adapt to different business needs, both for those who are new to sustainability and for those who already have an established path toward sustainability.
Software VCS
What you get with VCS
01
Certification
Companies that achieve a certain score level through the VCS can apply to be certified by ICEC. Certification is a formal recognition of the progress made by companies and is enhanced in the marketplace by Assocalzaturifici through promotion, including international promotion, of the VCS mark.
02
Simplified process
Aimed at micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises that are approaching sustainability for the first time and want to assess their positioning with respect to ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) compliance and practical guidance on how to improve.
03
Compliance pathway
Ensures compliance with and monitoring of local and international regulations, with the ability to store documents and files in a restricted area.
04
Flexible and customized reports
We not only guide strategic decisions, but also make operational choices easier, enhance companies’ commitments in the marketplace, and help them differentiate themselves from competitors by putting sustainability at the heart of every action.
05
Sustainability report
For companies that need to automate and simplify the process of creating a sustainability report in line with the latest and most qualified international standards and requirements.
06
Archive function
The process creates internal awareness, improves knowledge of the supply chain, and will enable the company to have and make available to customers, when needed, all sustainability-related documentation stored in an automated electronic repository.
The requirements of the VCS
The VCS is designed to ensure that companies are always aligned with the highest international standards of sustainability.
Thanks to its ability to adapt to constantly evolving regulations, the VCS requirements support the adoption of standards such as the ESRS (European Sustainability Reporting Standards), the GRI (Global Reporting Initiative), and other globally recognized frameworks.
The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive – CSRD (Directive 2022/2464), which requires companies to provide detailed and standardized sustainability disclosures, is based on the ESRS developed by EFRAG (European Financial Reporting Advisory Group). EFRAG and the GRI have issued a joint statement highlighting the high level of interoperability between the two frameworks. This means that VCS, by following the GRI standard, can guide companies along a path aligned with CSRD requirements.
In this context, an extensive process of analysis and integration of the most authoritative sources—both international and sector-specific—has been carried out, focusing on key sustainability topics and the requirements of the most established standards.
The Development of VCS
Specifically, the development of the VCS software is based on international standards and guiding frameworks for corporate social responsibility, due diligence, sustainable development, and the improvement of environmental and social impacts in business management, procurement practices, and across the supply chain, including:
| EFRAG/ESRS | |
| ISO26000 | ISO14001 |
| ISO9001 | EU Commision PEF Initiative |
| OECD Guidelines | Fashion Industry chart for Climate Action |
| Science Based Targets | Fashion Pact |
| GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) | GHG Protocol |
| UNGPs (United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights) | UNITED NATIONS SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) |
The result of this work is a single list that includes
The topics, themes, and requirements are continuously evolving.
Topic
14
Sub-topic
76
Sub-sub-topic
510
A path of awareness
With the adoption of the VCS certification process, a path of awareness is built within the company (internal) and along the supply chain on sustainability issues.
The risk of non-compliance with international regulations is controlled, and alignment with major international standards is achieved.
Software Features
01
Self-assessment of essential requirements
The client must evaluate themselves against the essential VCS requirements. “Essential requirements” refer to mandatory requirements that hold significant relevance for VCS purposes, as they correspond to legal obligations.
02
Self-assessment of supplementary requirements
The client must evaluate themselves against the supplementary VCS requirements. “Supplementary requirements” refer to sustainability requirements with significant relevance for VCS purposes. At the end of the self-assessment, a score (compliance index) is obtained.
03
Internal improvement plan
If minimum requirements are not met, the client must define and implement an improvement plan. Simply preparing the improvement plan does not allow progression to the certification phase.
04
List of significant suppliers
The client must identify and make available the list of significant suppliers, meaning those that meet certain criteria, such as minimum duration of activity and percentage of purchases made.
05
Evaluation of suppliers on essential requirements
The client must register significant suppliers in the VCS software and evaluate them against the essential VCS requirements.
06
Evaluation of suppliers on supplementary requirements
The client must evaluate significant suppliers against the supplementary VCS requirements.
07
Supplier improvement plan
If suppliers do not meet the minimum requirements, the client must define and implement an improvement plan. Again, simply preparing the improvement plan does not allow progression to the certification phase.
08
Certification request
Contact the certification body once the evaluations required for the different levels (VCS Step 1, 2, 3, 4) have been completed.
09
Certification achievement
Pass the certification audit and obtain the free use of the VCS mark (in one of the four variations) based on the level of sustainability achieved.
Consultants and Support
The VCS software is not just a compliance assessment tool but a comprehensive system that guides companies toward sustainability in a practical, efficient way, with the support of industry experts.
VCS is backed by experienced local consultants who provide personalized assistance and help integrate ESG best practices. Additionally, the software is designed to reduce the time needed to obtain certifications by mapping ESG issues and their related predefined corrective actions.
A holistic path to sustainability
We support footwear companies on a structured and customized path to sustainability, creating a space that promotes the sharing of knowledge and best practices and fostering company growth.