ESG Rating
Our ESG Rating serve as a testament to our dedication to responsible business practices and our journey towards sustainability leadership. Discover Your ESG Rating Level Today!
Transparency and Accountability
We prioritize transparency and accountability in our ESG Rating process, providing clear documentation of our assessment methodology, criteria, and scoring methodology. Companies can trust that our ratings are based on rigorous analysis and adhere to industry best practices, ensuring credibility and trustworthiness.
Continuous Improvement
Our ESG Rating is designed as a continuous improvement framework, rging companies to progress and refine their sustainability strategies over time. Employing a blend of regular evaluations, iterative feedback mechanisms, and thorough benchmarking analyses, we facilitate companies on their trajectory towards sustainability excellence.
Holistic approach
Our ESG Rating takes a holistic approach to performance measurement, considering not only environmental and social factors but also governance practices, business ethics, and long-term value creation. This comprehensive assessment enables companies to address the full spectrum of sustainability issues and drive holistic improvements in their ESG performance.
Our ESG rating model employs a structured approach to help companies evaluate their sustainability maturity across four progressive stages.
Our proprietary rating model RISE 1.0 employs a methodical approach that guides companies through an evaluation of their sustainability maturity across four progressive stages: Rudimentary, Inceptive, Strengthened, and Exemplary. Each stage signifies a distinct level of sustainability integration, accompanied by specific indicators and recommended practices to assist organizations in their journey towards sustainability excellence.
Rudimentary Stage – Establishing the Foundation
At this initial stage, companies focus on laying the groundwork for sustainability integration within their operations.
Key areas of emphasis include raising awareness about sustainability, formulating foundational policies, and initiating basic sustainability reporting.
Indicators of progress may include the establishment of sustainability committees, adoption of fundamental sustainability principles, and initial efforts to engage stakeholders.
Inceptive Stage – Initiating Sustainable Practices
Organizations in this stage actively implement sustainable practices across various facets of their operations, moving beyond mere awareness towards concrete action.
Initiatives may encompass measures such as improving energy efficiency, implementing waste reduction programs, and providing employee training on sustainability practices.
Indicators of advancement may include the implementation of specific sustainability initiatives, setting targets for sustainability performance, and integrating sustainability considerations into procurement processes.
Strengthened Stage – Integrating Sustainability into Operations
Companies at this stage have successfully integrated sustainability into their core business processes and decision-making mechanisms.
Special emphasis is placed on aspects such as ensuring sustainability along the supply chain, managing product lifecycles in a sustainable manner, and actively engaging with stakeholders.
Indicators of progress may involve the adoption of sustainable supply chain practices, the incorporation of sustainability metrics into performance evaluations, and meaningful engagement with diverse stakeholder groups.
Exemplary Stage – Leading by Sustainable Example
Organizations in this advanced stage are recognized as leaders in sustainability, setting industry standards and catalyzing transformative change.
Key areas of focus include fostering innovation, collaborating with industry peers on sustainability initiatives, and advocating for broader sustainability goals.
Indicators of leadership may include the development of cutting-edge sustainability initiatives, collaboration with peers on impactful sustainability projects, and advocacy efforts aimed at influencing policy changes to promote sustainability at a systemic level.
By systematically assessing their progress through these four stages, the RISE 1.0 model empowers companies to identify areas for improvement and chart a course towards enhanced sustainability performance. By leveraging the structured guidance provided by the RISE 1.0 model, businesses not only contribute positively to the environment and society but also bolster their long-term competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic business landscape.
The RISE 1.0 model is a pioneering sustainability maturity framework developed by SustainScore, inspired by India’s Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework
In response to the growing imperative for businesses to embrace sustainability as a core aspect of their operations, SustainScore recognized the need for a structured approach to assess and guide companies on their sustainability journey.
The genesis of the RISE 1.0 model stems from the pressing need to address sustainability challenges facing businesses in today’s global landscape. As sustainability increasingly becomes a key determinant of corporate success, organizations worldwide are grappling with the complexities of integrating sustainability into their operations effectively.
Recognizing this imperative, SustainScore embarked on a mission to develop a robust sustainability maturity framework tailored to the unique context of Indian businesses. Drawing inspiration from India’s Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework, which provides guidelines for corporate sustainability reporting, SustainScore sought to expand upon this foundation and offer a comprehensive framework for companies to assess and advance their sustainability journey.
The development of the RISE 1.0 model was guided by extensive research, consultation with industry experts, and analysis of best practices in sustainability management. SustainScore collaborated with a diverse range of stakeholders, including businesses, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and academia, to ensure that the RISE 1.0 model reflected the latest insights and emerging trends in sustainability.
Central to the development of the RISE 1.0 model was the recognition that sustainability is not a one-size-fits-all endeavour. Different companies operate in diverse sectors, face unique challenges, and possess varying levels of readiness to embrace sustainability. As such, the RISE 1.0 framework was designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing organizations to tailor their sustainability efforts according to their specific circumstances and aspirations.
Moreover, the RISE 1.0 model goes beyond mere compliance with regulatory requirements. While aligning with the BRSR framework provides a solid foundation, RISE 1.0 encourages companies to aspire towards sustainability leadership and excellence. By delineating clear stages of sustainability maturity, from rudimentary establishment to exemplary leadership, RISE 1.0 empowers organizations to set ambitious goals, track progress, and continuously elevate their sustainability performance.
The launch of the RISE 1.0 model marks a significant milestone in India’s sustainability landscape, offering companies a roadmap to navigate the complexities of sustainability and drive meaningful change. As businesses increasingly recognize the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors with long-term value creation, RISE 1.0 emerges as a timely and indispensable tool for businesses committed to sustainability transformation. Through the model, SustainScore aims to catalyse a wave of sustainable innovation, collaboration, and impact, ultimately paving the way towards a more sustainable and resilient future for Indian businesses and society.
Sustainability maturity within companies is quantified through our proprietary scoring mechanism, known as the Business Responsibility Scoring Index (BRSI). This index calculates the total scores achieved by an entity in a given financial year. These scores are then used to categorize companies into different stages of sustainability maturity.
| Stage | BRSI Scoring Range | Explanation | ESG Rating |
| Level 1 – Rudimentary Stage | Up to 25% | At this foundational stage, companies are initiating their sustainability journey. They focus on complying with basic Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) regulations, emphasizing awareness-building among employees and stakeholders regarding sustainability importance. | Bronze |
| Level 2 – Inceptive Stage | More than 25% and up to 50% | Companies at this stage progress towards more deliberate sustainability practices. They establish clear sustainability goals and metrics for tracking progress. Initiatives include encouraging employee engagement in sustainability initiatives and conducting focused and proactive awareness campaigns. | Silver |
| Level 3 – Strengthened Stage | More than 50% and up to 75% | Sustainability becomes integral to the company’s operations and culture. Innovative solutions for resource efficiency and waste reduction are implemented, with sustainability practices embedded in supply chain management. Formalised collaborative efforts with suppliers and partners to enhance sustainability practices are initiated. | Gold |
| Level 4 – Exemplary Stage | More than 75% | Companies in this stage are acknowledged leaders in sustainability, both within their industry and beyond. They set ambitious goals surpassing mere compliance and have a transformative impact on the environment and society. Active advocacy for sustainable policies, engagement in partnerships to drive industry-wide change, and investments in research and development of sustainability solutions characterize this stage. | Platinum |
Scoring Criteria
BRSI encompasses a set of predefined criteria aligned with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices in sustainability management.
These criteria cover a wide range of ESG aspects, including but not limited to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, ethical governance, and economic performance. Scores are typically assigned on a scale such as 0, 1, 2.
Data Collection
Companies provide relevant data and documentation related to their sustainability initiatives, performance indicators, policies, and practices. This data may include sustainability reports, environmental impact assessments, stakeholder engagement records, diversity and inclusion metrics, corporate governance documents, and more.
Evaluation Process
Trained evaluators assess the company’s performance against each criterion based on the provided data and evidence. The evaluation process involves analyzing the effectiveness, relevance, transparency, and impact of the company’s sustainability efforts within each ESG dimension.
Weighing and Scoring
Each criterion is assigned a specific weight based on its importance and relevance to overall sustainability performance. Weighing ensures that more significant aspects of sustainability receive greater emphasis in the scoring process. Scores are assigned to individual criteria based on the company’s level of compliance, performance, and impact within each dimension.
Aggregation and Calculation
Once scores are assigned to each criterion, they are aggregated to calculate an overall score for the company. The overall score reflects the company’s sustainability performance across all evaluated dimensions.
Benchmarking and Comparison
The company’s overall score is benchmarked against predefined thresholds or industry standards to determine its sustainability maturity level. Benchmarking allows for comparisons with peer companies, industry averages, or sustainability leaders to provide context and identify areas for improvement.
Feedback and Improvement
Companies receive feedback on their sustainability performance, including strengths, weaknesses, and recommendations for improvement. This feedback serves as a basis for developing strategies, setting goals, and implementing initiatives to enhance sustainability performance over time.