Sustainability
Assesment
Sustainable management with the right strategy - The best of sustainability.
In a world confronted with environmental problems such as climate change, resource scarcity and social injustice, the issue of sustainability is becoming increasingly important for companies. The German Institute for Product and Market Evaluation (DIPM) recognizes brands that stand out for their exemplary sustainability strategies. This study examines the Institute’s selection criteria and the specific sustainability practices of the award-winning brands.
Methodology
As part of regular Germany-wide surveys, companies are analyzed using an AI-supported process with regard to their public presentation on topics such as sustainability and environmental protection.
This preliminary scan is carried out by systematically evaluating digital content on company websites and in social media, focusing on specific terms such as sustainability.
Companies that exceed a defined threshold based on this preliminary analysis are then subjected to an in-depth review of their corporate strategy with regard to sustainability.
This in-depth assessment comprises an examination according to defined criteria that include ecological, social and economic aspects as well as the company’s methodical approach to sustainability issues. Only if a company meets these comprehensive criteria is it certified by the German Institute for Product and Market Assessment. This certification includes the awarding of a seal of quality that symbolizes and publicly recognizes compliance with high standards of sustainable corporate management.
Evaluation criteria include:
Is sustainability (in the sense of economic, ecological and social sustainability) part of the company’s corporate constitution / canon of values? What values is the company based on and how does it ensure that they are observed?
Does the project / product / service contribute to the 2030 Agenda – to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG ́s) and their sub-goals? Which goals have been or will be achieved in the near future? How have they been or will they be achieved?
Does the company operate in a way that is suitable for grandchildren as defined by the German Sustainability Strategy? Specifically: are natural resources used sparingly and carefully, are the climate and environment protected, are fair business practices and an employee-oriented HR policy pursued and is responsibility taken for the entire supply chain?
In detail, to what extent does the product / service support the sustainability criteria of sufficiency, efficiency and consistency over the entire life cycle?
In concrete terms: we ensure the reduction of production and consumption, the more efficient use of materials and energy, environmentally friendly material cycles, recycling and waste avoidance.
Is the contribution to sustainability (project/product/service) a role model for other entrepreneurial players and does it stimulate the transformation process of society (in terms of economic, ecological and social sustainability)?
Which strategies and concepts for the sustainability transformation of the company that demonstrate the sustainable spirit of innovation and enable grandchildren-friendly business practices in the future are still being pursued?
Is a sustainability report publicly accessible?
Results
The German Institute for Product and Market Evaluation uses a variety of criteria to evaluate sustainability practices, including environmental protection, social responsibility, transparency and economic efficiency. The award-winning brands are characterized by their innovative strength, their commitment to sustainable business practices and their social responsibility. Examples of best practices include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting fair labor and promoting environmental protection through product innovation and circular economy.
Application process for
your company
Would you like to apply proactively?
The “Sustainable Corporate Strategy” seal of approval is open to companies that exemplify sustainable business practices in line with the German Sustainable Development Strategy and the 2030 Agenda.
This can involve sustainable action through the reduction of production and consumption, the more productive use of materials and energy in the sense of the circular economy, recycling and waste avoidance. Social and ecological entrepreneurial initiatives that serve to strengthen sustainability are also assessed. The following, for example, can be submitted as application documents: Sustainability concepts, sustainability and annual reports, sustainability certifications, evidence of manufacturing sustainable products.
How is the evaluation carried out?
The assessment of corporate sustainability is based on a comprehensive and dynamic list of criteria that reflects the current state of research as well as ongoing discussions and developments in the field of sustainability. This list of criteria is multidimensional and integrates various aspects of sustainability, which are generally divided into the three main categories of environmental, social and economic sustainability. The methodology behind this assessment is both quantitative and qualitative and aims to provide a holistic assessment of a company’s sustainability performance.
Ecological criteria
When assessing the environmental sustainability of a company, factors such as energy efficiency, emissions reduction, resource consumption, waste management and biodiversity are taken into account. The analysis includes not only the direct effects of the company’s activities, but also indirect effects along the entire supply chain. Advanced methods such as life cycle assessment (LCA) enable a detailed examination of the environmental impact of products and services, from the extraction of raw materials through production and use to disposal.
Social criterian
The social dimension of sustainability includes aspects such as working conditions, human rights, contribution to the common good, stakeholder engagement and corporate social responsibility (CSR). The assessment focuses on the company’s practices in terms of fairness and safety in the workplace, compliance with international labor standards, the promotion of diversity and inclusion, and the impact of the company’s activities on the local and global community. Social assessment methods often include stakeholder surveys, case studies and analysis of CSR reports.
Economic criteria
Economic sustainability considers the long-term financial performance of a company in conjunction with its ability to contribute positively to environmental and social goals. This includes issues such as business ethics, risk management, innovation and the creation of sustainable business models. The assessment focuses on the integration of sustainability principles into the company’s strategic planning and decision-making in order to strengthen its resilience to economic, environmental and social challenges.
Methodical approach
The assessment methodology typically involves reviewing and analyzing the available sustainability concepts. This is usually followed by the collection and analysis of data through questionnaires, interviews, document review and benchmarking. Advanced statistical techniques and data mining methods are used to identify patterns and trends and to evaluate the performance of companies over time or in comparison to industry standards. Sustainability indices and ratings also play an important role in quantifying sustainability performance.
The list of criteria is regularly reviewed and updated to take account of the dynamic nature of the sustainability sector. This ensures that new scientific findings, technological developments, regulatory changes and social expectations are incorporated into the assessment. The application of these methodological approaches makes it possible to obtain a well-founded and holistic assessment of a company’s sustainability performance.
