What the Audit Process Really Looks Like – And Why You Need to Prepare

If you’ve never gone through a sustainability audit, it may seem mysterious or even intimidating. But the process is actually quite structured, and understanding it is the first step toward passing it. 

Here’s what it typically looks like: 

1. Documentation Review 
   The auditor requests and examines your sustainability claims, policies, SOPs, and supporting evidence. Missing or inconsistent files are red flags. 

2. Interviews & Verification 
   Next, they talk to your team and potentially your suppliers. They want to confirm that what's written down is actually happening. This includes clarifying responsibilities, workflows, and data collection practices. 

3. Findings & Corrective Actions 
   The result: a detailed report outlining any gaps or non-conformances. You’ll need to respond quickly with documented corrective actions to maintain certification. 

Every step requires preparation. Without it, you risk delays, extra costs, or even a failed audit. 

GreenCircle’s Audit Readiness Assessment mirrors the three-phase audit process, offering a structured evaluation that identifies critical requirements and compliance gaps so you know exactly where you stand and what to address before the formal audit. 

Explore how our new Audit Readiness Assessment prepares you step-by-step.

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Written by Sara Risley, Certification Officer, GreenCircle Certified

About Sara

Sara brings over 15 years of experience in product certification and regulatory compliance. Before joining GreenCircle, she served as the Vice President of Certification at Green Seal, where she led the certification department for two years. Prior to that, she led NSF International's food product certification division, overseeing independent verification for food labels and packaging claims such as Organic and Non-GMO certifications. Additionally, she spent five years as the technical operations lead at NSF International, managing ANSI-accredited standards for commercial food equipment, food contact materials, and water filters.