As the world's largest renewable energy, hydropower is part of the solution to climate change. With its pollution-free electricity, hydropower projects are providing a pathway to a sustainable future.

As with any infrastructure project, the construction of a hydropower facility will inevitably have local impacts on communities and the environment.

It is incumbent on all stakeholders, especially the hydropower developer and operator, to seek to maximise project benefits while avoiding, minimising or mitigating any negative impacts.
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What constitutes good and best practice in hydropower development is defined by the Hydropower Sustainability Standard, a global certification scheme based on the Hydropower Sustainability Tools and aligned with World Bank and IFC performance standards.

All hydropower projects can and should be developed and operated sustainably.

The International Hydropower Association (IHA) has played a leading role in the development of the Hydropower Sustainability Standard and Tools. The Standard is used for certifying the sustainability performance of hydropower projects around the world.

We deliver training and capacity building services on the tools targeted at professionals seeking professional qualifications.

In addition, we publish practical how-to guides focused on key issues from resettlement to benefit sharing.