SCS Global Services is a U.S.-based global leader in third-party certification, auditing, testing, and standards development focused on sustainability, environmental stewardship, and responsible business practices. Headquartered in Emeryville, California, the company has been at the forefront of driving credible, science-based verification services across multiple sectors for over four decades.
Core Business
SCS Global Services operates as a trusted third-party certifier and standards developer, offering services that span environmental claims, food safety, supply chain sustainability, climate change mitigation, and responsible sourcing. Their certifications are recognized globally by governments, regulatory bodies, and consumers as credible validation of environmental and ethical business performance.
Product and Service Offerings
SCS offers a comprehensive suite of services across five core verticals:
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Environmental Certification:
- Recycled Content Certification
- Indoor Air Quality Certification
- Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody
- LEED-compliant product certifications
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Sustainability Certification:
- Sustainable Seafood Certification (e.g., MSC, ASC)
- Carbon Neutral and Carbon Footprint Certification
- Fair Trade and Social Responsibility Standards
- Zero Waste to Landfill Validation
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Food Safety and Quality Certification:
- BRCGS Food Safety Certification
- USDA Organic and Non-GMO Certification
- GlobalG.A.P. and HACCP Certification
- GFSI-benchmarked audits
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Climate Services:
- GHG Inventory Verification
- Carbon Offset Project Validation (Verra, Gold Standard)
- Climate Neutral and Net Zero Planning
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Consulting Services:
- Corporate Sustainability Strategy
- Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Reporting
- Supply Chain Risk Assessment and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
These services are offered to companies of all sizes—from multinational corporations to small producers—across industries including food and agriculture, forestry, apparel, construction, packaging, and energy.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
SCS Global Services stands out for its:
- Credibility and Integrity: All certifications are conducted under ISO/IEC 17065, ensuring international conformity
- Science-based Standards: Built on life cycle assessment and environmental science
- Global Reach: Service operations in more than 50 countries
- Custom Program Development: Co-creation of standards for emerging sectors and bespoke corporate needs
- Thought Leadership: Recognized contributor to UN initiatives, sustainability coalitions, and green building councils
SCS is often chosen for certifications requiring deep technical rigor and independent verification, particularly where environmental claims are subject to regulatory and market scrutiny.
Financial Strength
As a privately owned company with over 40 years of operations, SCS Global Services maintains a stable financial foundation. Though specific financial data is not disclosed, indicators of its strong market position include:
- Over 300 full-time professionals including scientists, auditors, and certification experts
- Partnerships with leading global brands, retailers, and manufacturers
- Authoritative presence in sustainability-related RFPs and government-backed initiatives
SCS’s services are widely relied upon in procurement decisions, investor ESG assessments, and regulatory compliance.
Shipment Data
As a service provider rather than a physical goods manufacturer, SCS Global Services does not participate in product shipments. However, its certifications facilitate international trade of certified products, including:
- Certified sustainable seafood and agricultural products
- Green building materials and FSC-certified wood products
- Carbon offsets for global emissions trading programs
SCS plays a critical role in ensuring trade compliance through its globally accepted certifications.
Target Market
SCS Global Services targets:
- Global corporations seeking sustainability and ESG compliance
- Food and agriculture producers needing market access via certifications
- Construction and building product manufacturers
- Carbon project developers and environmental NGOs
- Retailers and brands requiring ethical sourcing verification
Their client base includes Fortune 500 companies, multinational food and beverage producers, government agencies, and sustainability startups.
Capabilities
SCS’s core operational capabilities include:
- Global auditing network, with regionally deployed auditors and sector specialists
- Proprietary cloud-based certification platform
- In-house scientific research, testing, and LCA teams
- Multilingual, multi-standard audit and consulting services
- Deep expertise in ISO, GFSI, and ISEAL standards
Their operational infrastructure allows for rapid deployment, client onboarding, and recurring audit cycles across complex global supply chains.
Certifications and Compliance
SCS Global Services maintains:
- ISO/IEC 17065 Accreditation for product certification
- ISO/IEC 17021 Accreditation for management system certification
- Approval from USDA, GFSI, ISEAL, FSC, MSC, ASC, Verra, and other standard-setting organizations
- Data privacy and cybersecurity compliance for handling sensitive client information
- Active role in benchmarking programs and multi-stakeholder standard development initiatives
Customer Testimonials
SCS Global Services has been consistently recognized by clients for the quality, transparency, and depth of its audits and certification processes. Leading brands in food, construction, and energy cite SCS as a key partner in achieving and maintaining sustainability certifications that align with their corporate responsibility goals.
Major Achievements
- Over 40 years of continuous operation in third-party environmental and social certification
- Pioneered multiple certification schemes for recycled content, zero waste, and carbon neutrality
- Played a founding role in the development of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification system
- Certified products and supply chains in over 100 countries
- Recognized by UN bodies, national governments, and major sustainability alliances for contributions to global climate, resource conservation, and food security goals
