The rating Criteria
Net zero
The criterion: A business must evidence its target and action towards achieving net zero.
Aligns to Goal 13: 
Examples
Targets
- A net-zero target(s) with a target year
Actions
- Completing a corporate GHG inventory or carbon footprinting
- Using renewable energies
- Aligning targets to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
No star
No measurable net-zero targets or action to achieve net zero.
Half a star
A clear target in place to achieve net zero.
Half a star
Clear and evidenced actions in place supporting the net-zero strategy.
Full star
Fulfilling both ‘half star’ criteria.
Example that meet this criterion (target)
An organisation aiming to achieve net zero by 2040.
Example that meets this criterion (action)
An organization using 50% more renewable energy in the last year to support a long-term net zero target.
Example that doesn’t meet this criterion (target)
An organisation aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040.
Why doesn’t this meet the criterion?
Carbon neutrality is often used synonymously with net zero but they are not the same thing. Carbon neutrality is about balancing emissions produced with emissions removed, often by offsetting. This target cannot be accepted for this criterion.
Example that doesn’t meet this criterion (action)
An organisation creating an environmental policy.
Why doesn’t this meet the criterion?
An environmental policy doesn’t directly or automatically support a net-zero target.
Biodiversity
The criterion: A business must evidence its target and action towards increasing and supporting biodiversity or preventing biodiversity loss.
Aligns to Goal 14 and 15: 
Examples
Targets
- Stating a target for financial investment in biodiversity projects
- Introducing corporate biodiversity initiatives with set goals and deadlines
- Setting a goal to match business actions with investments in nature
Actions
- Tree planting
- Peatland restoration
- Clean ups (river, park, beach)
- Conservation programmes
No star
No biodiversity target or actions in place to support an increase in biodiversity or to prevent biodiversity loss.
Half a star
A target or ambition in place to support and increase biodiversity or prevent biodiversity loss.
Half a star
Clear and evidenced actions in place to increase biodiversity or prevent biodiversity loss. The action(s) should aim to restore, conserve or increase biodiversity.
Full star
Fulfilling both ‘half star’ criteria.
Example that meet this criterion (target)
An organisation committed to investing £50k in tree planting initiatives over the next two years.
An organisation pledging to work with 3 local NGOs to restore 10 hectares of local peatland over the next two years.
Example that meets this criterion (action)
An organisation restoring a natural peatland area in the last 12 months.
An organisation organising and completing a local river clean, supporting biodiversity restoration in the river.
We believe that any biodiversity-related target/action is helpful.
Waste
The criterion: A business must evidence its commitment to waste reduction and supporting the circular economy.
Aligns to Goal 12: 
Examples
Targets
- Zero waste to landfill
- Setting a waste reduction target
- Setting a target to increase the use of recycled content in products by FYXX
Actions
- Introducing a reduce, reuse, recycle initiative
- Using recycled material in products and packaging initiatives
- Conducting a waste audit
No star
No waste reduction targets or actions in place to support circular economy and sustainable waste management solutions.
Half a star
Clear waste reduction targets in place to support waste reduction and sustainable waste management solutions.
Half a star
Clear and evidenced waste reduction actions in place to support waste reduction target and sustainable waste management solutions.
Full star
Fulfilling both ‘half star’ criteria.
Example that meet this criterion (target)
An organisation committing to all its products being made from 100% recycled materials by 2030.
Example that meets this criterion (action)
An organisation reducing its use of single-use plastics in 2024 by 20%.
Example that doesn’t meet this criterion (target)
An organisation making a general statement to reduce its waste in the next year.
Why doesn’t this meet the criterion?
This target is not SMART and does not clarify exactly what the waste reduction target aims to achieve.
Example that doesn’t meet this criterion (action)
An organisation claiming all its products are made from sustainable materials.
Why doesn’t this meet the criterion?
The phrase ‘sustainable materials’ is vague and unclear. Aim for clarity by stating what materials are used and what makes them sustainable.
Gender equality
The criterion: A business must evidence its commitment to increasing gender equality within the workplace and/or industry.
Aligns to Goal 5: 
Examples
Targets
- Setting engagement or reach targets for an outreach, awareness or inclusion programme
Actions
- Launching a women’s leadership programme
- Establishing women-inclusive policies
No star
No ambition or action to increase gender equality within the workplace or industry.
Half a star
Clear ambition/target to increase gender equality within the workplace or industry.
Half a star
Clear and evidenced actions taken to increase gender equality within the workplace or industry.
Full star
Fulfilling both ‘half star’ criteria.
Example that meet this criterion (target)
A tech organisation committed to rolling out a women in STEM programme at a local college over the next two years.
Example that meets this criterion (action)
An organisation having an inclusive hiring policy, gender equality awareness campaigns, mentorship or internship programmes for young women leaders.
Example that doesn’t meet this criterion (target)
An organisation making a general statement about implementing a more inclusive hiring policy.
Why doesn’t this meet the criterion?
The target is not SMART and does not clarify any key details about what the inclusive hiring policy aims to achieve.
Example that doesn’t meet this criterion (action)
Making a general statement about ensuring fairness and respect in hiring and treatment of women.
Why doesn’t this meet the criterion?
Vague statement that does not provide details on ‘the how’ of this action.
Living wage
The criterion: A business must evidence its commitment to supporting a living wage.
Aligns to Goal 8: 
Examples
Targets
- To become a living wage employer by FYXX
Actions
- Signing up to a fair pay initiative
- Applying for Living Wage Foundation accreditation
No star
No ambition or action to increase or support a living wage.
Half a star
A clear ambition/target to be a living wage employer.
Half a star
Clear actions in place to support becoming a living wage employer.
Full star
Fulfilling both ‘half star’ criteria.
Example that meet this criterion (target)
An organisation with a goal of ensuring the whole organisation will earn a living wage by 2030.
Example that meets this criterion (action)
An organisation obtaining an living wage accreditation for their business.
Example that doesn’t meet this criterion (target)
An organisation stating that they pay a competitive wage.
Why doesn’t this meet the criterion?
Vague target that isn’t SMART.
Example that doesn’t meet this criterion (action)
Stating that company wages are “adequate” or “competitive”.
Why doesn’t this meet the criterion?
No clarity as to whether “adequate” or “competitive” amount to a living wage.