Evaluation Criteria Framework for ESG & Sustainability Software
In order to enable users to make an informed decision on which software or platform to adopt for their Sustainability and ESG needs, Sustaira broke down the common Evaluation Criteria that are considered. The evaluation criteria framework has been segmented into three main groups that consist of various sub categories. The three main groups are: Functional, Technical and Organizational Criteria and Capabilities. This criteria is based on hundreds of conversations with ESG and Sustainability leaders, research published by analysts Gartner, Forrester and Verdantix, a powerful network of ESG and Sustainability consultants, direct customer experiences, and expertise in (low-code) software solutions.
Evaluation Criteria Framework for ESG & Sustainability Software
This framework is an easy to use checklist that organizations can reference as they do comparisons. This gives you a space to walk through all of the ESG and Sustainability Criteria organizations should consider when looking for a sustainability and ESG solution. Use this framework to compare between multiple vendors and find the best fit for you! Below, you can find an overview of each group within this framework.
Functional Criteria and Considerations
are considerations to make regarding the features and functionality in the ESG solution itself. In this framework, Functional criteria and considerations include topics such as ESG goals & KPI tracking, carbon accounting methodologies and calculations, dashboard and visualizations, (Co)creation of completely new ESG apps, including Excel migrations, and many more. This group also includes subcategories in the following areas:
Rich ESG Portfolio with single views
ESG Program Management
ESG Data acquisition / aggregation
Functional (co)creation & customization flexibility
ESG Actions, Results and Rewards
ESG Reporting
Technical criteria and capabilities
are considerations to make regarding the technical specifications within the solution itself. This includes topics such as integration capabilities, tiered user access, integration and architecture, and more! This group also includes the following subcategories:
Integration / Openness of ESG Platform
Customization Capabilities and Agility
Internationalization
Reusability
Security & Compliance
Deployment and Architecture Flexibility
Organizational criteria and capabilities
are considerations to make regarding the solution provider and its ecosystem. Considerations such as market approach, certifications, pricing and product vision are all included. This group also includes the following subcategories:
Enablement and Support Model
Futureproof
Within each subcategory, as seen in this image to the right, there are multiple criteria and capabilities that fall within each group and subcategory.
