ESG - Environmental, Social & Governance

Guiding Principles

Available in 10
New Languages!
ESG - Environmental, Social & Governance Company Logos

The Guiding Principles are based on fundamental principles of social, environmental and governance responsibility that are consistent with applicable laws and international standards, which may include the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, ILO Conventions, OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, as well as the Paris Agreement.

The Guiding Principles define common expectations of the signatories for their suppliers. To fulfil the Guiding Principles, automotive suppliers should implement a management system/s – defined as a combination of policies, processes, functions, tools and internal controls – that help an organization to control its operations, reach objectives and ensure continuous improvement. The recommendations concerning the practical application of the Guiding Principles are outlined in the Practical Guidance.

Both resources are now offered in English, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French, Italian, Polish, Turkish, Hungarian, and Japanese.

Download Documents

NEW

Automotive Industry Guiding Principles

This reference document for suppliers aims to address the latest trends and industry expectations on supply chain sustainability.

NEW

Automotive Sustainability Practical Guidance

This has also been updated to better reflect the current practicalities and legalities of meeting these industry expectations.

Fill out the form below to download these resources in English, or visit the AIAG Store now for additional language options!

Available Languages

These language are now available at the AIAG Store:

  • Chinese
  • Turkish
  • Spanish
  • Polish
  • Portuguese
  • Japanese
  • Italian
  • Hungarian
  • German
  • French

Sustainability matters beyond individual companies and the forward-thinking Guiding Principles speak to the industry’s commitment, collaboration and continued necessity to speak with one voice across the automotive supply chain.

Business Unit Lead Mike Lapham | Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, LLC (HDMA)

Collaboration History (Dating back to 2008)

  • 2022 CTSA Data

    Automotive Industry Guiding Principles + Practical Guidance

    Launched By: Collaboration between AIAG and Drive Sustainability

    Today, we are migrating from ‘aspirational guidance’ to an industry standard for global legislative compliance.

  • 2017 CTSA Data

    Automotive Industry Guiding Principles + Practical Guidance

    Updated By: Collaboration between AIAG and Drive Sustainability

    Additional clarity was added in the Practical Guidance document.

  • 2014 CTSA Data

    Automotive Industry Guiding Principles

    Launched By: Collaboration between AIAG and CSR Europe

    The scope increased to include Environmental Standards and Business Ethics for the US and Europe.

  • 2011 CTSA Data

    Corporate Responsibility Guiding Statements

    Updated By: Ford, GM, Chrysler, Honda, Toyota & AIAG

    Other OEMs joined the effort to reach a broader section of the supply chain.

  • 2008 CTSA Data

    Global Working Conditions Guidance Statements

    Launched By: Ford, GM, Chrysler, & AIAG

    OEMs created aspirational guidance to align the industry on basic working conditions.

eLearning with ELEVATE

Looking for industry preferred training to help your supply chain understand OEM expectations in the Automotive Industry Guiding Principles and Practical Guidance? We’ve got you covered!

In collaboration with ELEVATE Digital Learning, AIAG and leading member companies are making virtual, on-demand social and environmental performance training accessible to their suppliers — targeting small to medium enterprises, new entrants to the supply chain, high-risk suppliers, and internal staffs.

With a sponsoring company model based on best practices for cascading information and resources throughout the supply chain, AIAG members can now support their suppliers by joining us as a sponsor and facilitating free access to these critical offerings.

Course categories include:

  • Assessments & Remediation
  • Environment
  • Health & Safety
  • Hours of Work
  • Recruitment
  • Responsible Manufacturing
  • Wages & Benefits
  • Worker Engagement
  • Supervisor Skills
  • Forced Labor
  • Code of Conduct

Along with exploring fundamental ESG content in alignment with the Guiding Principles, these eLearning modules support a common industry approach, provide training for corrective action procedures, and help companies proactively meet management system requirements for growing global due diligence legislation.

AIAG members are now eligible to become a sponsoring company — simply fill out the form to get started — but if you’re not a member yet, there’s still time to join and take advantage of this program! Be sure to check out our membership area to learn more and take next steps today.


ELEVATE Digital Learning offers more than 70 distinct eLearning modules available in English, Chinese, Spanish, Vietnamese, Japanese, and various other languages. View all of ELEVATE's offerings on their website.

Click to view sample videos, taken directly from their modules.

Migrant Worker Orientations
Recognizing Child Labor
Controlling Chemical Risks
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Each scenario-based session runs approximately 20-30 minutes, including interactive exercises and a final quiz to ensure subject matter proficiency.

Ready to become a sponsoring company? Fill out the form below to get started.

Free Online Assessment

This free online assessment includes terms and knowledge common to the automotive industry and is designed to help on-board employees who have been assigned to lead or champion their company's sustainability efforts.

Sign Up For Training Now

This free online course highlights fundamental principles of responsible working conditions and expectations of FCA, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Toyota and Daimler.

Register To Watch Webinars

In this webinar, learn the information various ESG firms are expecting companies to provide to demonstrate sustainable supply chain practices.


Converging developments create the need for companies to fully understand and strategically manage the disclosure of a new set of performance metrics.

Program Management: Corporate Responsibility Team - (248) 358-3570