
METHODOLOGY

Process and Methodology
EVALUATION STRATEGY

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.

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

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.