Evaluation Methodology

How We Evaluate Sustainability Consulting Firms

Our evaluation framework is designed to provide objective, comprehensive, and actionable insights into the capabilities and performance of ESG consulting firms serving the Greater China region.

Core Principles

Independence

We maintain complete editorial independence and accept no payments from evaluated firms.

Transparency

Our methodology is fully public and open to scrutiny and feedback.

Rigor

We employ systematic, data-driven approaches aligned with international best practices.

Three Capability Domains

Our evaluation system is built around three core capability domains, each containing 5 sub-dimensions, comprehensively measuring institutional expertise

Disclosure Capability

Weight 30%

DISCLOSURE CAPABILITY

Ability to deliver high-quality ESG reports meeting global standards

Report Development
Report Development
Report writing, design, production
Global Standards Alignment
Global Standards Alignment
GRI, SASB, ISSB, TCFD, CDP, CSRD
Bilingual & Cross-cultural
Bilingual & Cross-cultural
Chinese-English professional communication
Data Governance
Data Governance
ESG data collection, management, quality control
Assurance Support
Assurance Support
AA1000, ISAE3000 verification support

Risk & Rating Capability

Weight 35%

RISK & RATING CAPABILITY

Expertise in ESG ratings improvement and risk management

International Rating Improvement
International Rating Improvement
MSCI, S&P CSA, Sustainalytics, CDP
Domestic Rating Navigation
Domestic Rating Navigation
Wind, SynTao, CSI indices
ESG Risk Assessment
ESG Risk Assessment
Materiality analysis, risk identification
Carbon & Climate
Carbon & Climate
GHG Protocol, SBTi, TCFD scenarios
Supply Chain ESG
Supply Chain ESG
Supplier screening, Scope 3, due diligence

Strategic Capability

Weight 35%

STRATEGIC CAPABILITY

Capacity to integrate sustainability into business strategy and support international expansion

Sustainability Strategy
Sustainability Strategy
Vision, goals, roadmap
Business Value Integration
Business Value Integration
ESG to competitive advantage
Go-Global Support
Go-Global Support
International compliance for Chinese enterprises
Stakeholder Engagement
Stakeholder Engagement
Investor relations, ESG communication
Agility & Customization
Agility & Customization
Response speed, solution flexibility

Scoring System

Score Range
0-100 Points
Each dimension scored independently
Calculation Formula
Overall = Disclosure×30% + Risk&Rating×35% + Strategy×35%
Tier Classification
Platinum
90+
Gold
80-89
Silver
70-79
Bronze
<70

Evaluation Process

1

Data Collection

We gather comprehensive information from public sources, firm submissions, client referrals, and industry databases.

2

Quantitative Analysis

Using standardized metrics and weighted scoring algorithms, we evaluate firms across 15 dimensions within three capability domains.

3

Qualitative Assessment

Expert analysts review case studies, methodologies, and client testimonials to validate quantitative findings.

4

Independent Verification

Third-party verification of key claims and cross-referencing with international framework standards.

5

Peer Review

Our advisory board reviews preliminary rankings to ensure objectivity and methodological rigor.

6

Publication

Final rankings are published with detailed scorecards and transparent methodology documentation.

Framework Alignment

Our methodology aligns with globally recognized sustainability frameworks and standards

GRI Standards
SASB
ISSB
TCFD
UN SDGs
ISO 26000
CDP
CSRD

We continuously update our methodology to reflect evolving international standards and best practices in sustainability reporting and ESG assessment.