Green Leaves

METHODOLOGY

We measure the true sustainability (Environmental, Social and Economic Impact) that companies make. “True Sustainability” – we do the tough work and look deep into supply chains to examine sourcing of products and components, as well as transportation, packaging, and waste at each step of the way. We also factor in fair trade and equitable working conditions, particularly in poor and developing regions of the world.

Our measurements are based on transparency. We do not give credit to companies who say they do wonderful things but are secretive about their operations.

We begin with simple non-cumbersome data that companies voluntarily give. The more verifiable data they offer, the more credit we give in our metrics. The more input we receive, the more accurate our measurement becomes. This information also allows us to extract valuable information regarding cost-effective sustainable practices that can be shared among peers for a stronger collaborative impact.

To maximize our reach and impact, we are collaborating with a variety of partners including marketing and delivery platforms.

Measurements will be simplified for consumers and are designed for simple guidance on practical decisions. We portray measurements in ways strategically designed to leverage a company’s positive impacts to give them a meaningful competitive advantage, recognition throughout the community, and increased revenue.

Our Advisory Board comprises a panel of experts to ensure a trustworthy and current basis for our assessment.

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Process and Methodology

We use data analytics to evaluate dynamic, constantly evolving, components. We analyze a company and it’s supply chains based on sourcing, packaging, transportation impact, waste reduction, and energy & resource conservation, as well as post-sale practices (eg. takeout and delivery).

EVALUATION STRATEGY

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ENVIRONMENT IMPACT & SUSTAINABILITY

  • Waste and Resource Management

    Evaluates utilization and reduction of water and materials, including chemicals, of companies as well as their supply chain(s). Evaluation of materials includes use of alternative sustainable products and processes, utilization of recycled post-consumer materials, recycling of materials to be otherwise wasted, and packaging.

  • Carbon Footprint

    Evaluates a company’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. This includes energy use, use of renewable energy, carbon offset programs, building design, sourcing, and emissions of CO2 and other Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

  • Transparency

    Evaluates transparency of operations, including policies and reporting.

  • Products and Operations

    Evaluates impacts of the company’s products. This includes production, facilitation, and support of products and operations that positively or negatively impact environmental sustainability. This section also evaluates relationships with environmentally-impactful entities as well as pioneering initiatives to become early industry leaders with respect to environmental sustainability.

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COMMUNITY IMPACT

  • Human Rights and Support of Vulnerable Peoples

    Evaluates commitment, locally and globally, to upholding fundamental human rights. This includes but is not limited to forced/compulsory labor, child labor, fair wages, and workplace safety. We evaluate supply chain operations, disclosure, and transparency (particularly of overseas sources). This includes not only upholding the fundamental human rights but the support of indigenous, oppressed, and disenfranchised populations.

  • Altruism, Philanthropy, and Community Enrichment

    Evaluates the impact on local and global communities through charitable events, donations, community service.

  • Impacts of Products and Operations

    Evaluates impacts of a company’s products and operations on communities. This includes production, facilitation, and support of market opportunities and/or goods that enhance the advancement and well-being of communities. This also includes partnerships and relationships with community-impactful entities as well as pioneering initiatives to become early industry leaders with respect community betterment

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GOVERNANCE AND ANCILLARY ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Employee Diversity and Labor Culture

    Evaluates workplace culture including diversity, provision of equal opportunities, fair treatment of employees, protection of labor rights, fair compensation, promotion of work-life balance, and employee involvement within company management.

  • Reporting and Transparency

    Evaluates the presence of sustainability reporting along with their transparency and compliance with standards. This includes 3rd party auditing.

  • Ancillary Ethical Considerations

    Evaluates ethical actions difficult to fit under other categories. This includes selling/trading personal information to third parties and involvement (directly and indirectly) with propagation and distribution of unsolicited advertisement.