ESG, sustainability & impact foundations · Working
Do no significant harm
Also called: DNSH
ELI5
A principle requiring an activity not to materially undermine specified environmental or social objectives.
Used in conversation
“Which standard and reporting period govern do no significant harm?”
Pitch context
You will see “Do no significant harm” in sustainability reports, impact decks, climate plans and assurance materials when the discussion reaches esg, sustainability & impact foundations.
Why it matters: In esg, sustainability & impact foundations, the reporting boundary, method, period and evidence can materially change the claim.
Caution
State the reporting boundary, method, period and evidence; standards, regulation and assurance requirements vary.
Sources & evidence · 4
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- IFRS Foundation / International Sustainability Standards Board — IFRS S1 and IFRS S2 Sustainability Disclosure StandardsDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- OECD — G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance 2023Direct source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- International Organization for Standardization — ISO Net Zero Guidelines and related workDirect source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- GHG Protocol — Standards and GuidanceSupporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-16