More and more companies are facing the challenge of justifying that their R&D&I projects comply with the DNSH (Do No Significant Harm) principle, especially when seeking public funding, such as grants managed by the CDTI. Properly validating DNSH compliance is not only a mandatory requirement in many programs, but an opportunity to reinforce the sustainability and robustness of the project. Below, we share five practical tips that can help you improve your DNSH validation process for calls such as those of the CDTI.

5 keys to a successful DNSH validation in CDTI calls for proposals

1. Understand what DNSH implies in your specific case
The principle of no significant harm to the environment (DNSH) is articulated around six environmental objectives. A generic statement is not enough: it is necessary to analyze how each project activity affects these six axes. Customize the analysis and adapt the technical language to the criteria that CDTI and other organizations usually value in the validation of the DNSH.
2. Document rigorously from the design of the project
One of the most common mistakes in DNSH validation CDTI is to leave the documentation to the end. Collect evidence from the beginning: product datasheets, environmental impact reports, life cycle justification, etc. The more traceability and consistency you have between documents, the smoother the validation process will be.
3. Rely on environmental experts
Having a team or consultant specialized in sustainability can make all the difference. Not only will they help you identify hidden risks, but they will also know how to write DNSH validation reports with the approach expected by the CDTI or other funding agencies.
4. Use specific examples and references in your justification
Avoid generalities. In the DNSH validation for CDTI projects, it is advisable to reference regulations, technical standards, recognized methodologies and sectoral best practices. For example, when justifying that there is no significant impact on biodiversity, you can mention how Regulation (EU) 2020/852 is complied with or include maps and analysis of the geographical environment of the project.
5. Review previous cases and adapt what you have learned
Each CDTI call usually consolidates criteria. Study examples of successful DNSH validations and learn what kind of arguments and documentation have worked. This will allow you to anticipate and optimize both the approach and the language.

Improving the DNSH validation is not only a procedure to obtain CDTI grants, but an opportunity to demonstrate your organization’s real commitment to sustainability. Adopting a rigorous, coherent and well-documented strategy from the beginning of the project will allow you not only to comply with the technical requirements, but also to stand out from other proposals.
Do you need to validate the DNSH of your next CDTI project? At ICDQ we are specialists in performing validations in unbeatable timeframes. We have a team of high level professionals and we are oriented to your needs, shall we talk?