Voluntary performance standards offer a means of companies to adopt sustainable practices, conveying benefits to the environment, society and indeed to their own business, but how well are they protecting biodiversity? A study by UNEP-WCMC reviewed the biodiversity-related criteria within a number of business standards to find out. Issues raised include the lack of clarity in identifying important biodiversity and the under-use of existing biodiversity conservation approaches. This article provides an overview of existing gaps that need to be addressed in order to strengthen the ability of standards to safeguard biodiversity.