This principle addresses the responsibility to conserve biodiversity at all scales—genes, species, and ecosystems. Businesses can conserve biological diversity at all scales, use the components of biological diversity sustainably, and share in the benefits that derive from the use of biodiversity, as set out in the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.

In this principle is checked if the welfare of any animals that are part of the product chain are protected in any environment in which they are kept, including in living quarters, slaughterhouses, laboratories or while in transit. This includes, but is not limited to, animals used in food, apparel, entertainment, breeding, service and pharmaceutical sectors.

This principle addresses if natural resources are viewed by businesses as capital and treated with equal care as human, financial, and physical capital. Natural resources belong to the global community, and users of natural resources will therefore manage them for long term sustainability. This principle applies to both renewable and non-renewable natural resources.