How can you assess the CSR/ESG maturity of a IT and Tech Provider? The AdVaes 5-step method.

Why assess the CSR/ESG maturity of IT players?

Digital transformation and innovation are now inextricably linked to environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. For businesses, public organisations and investors, assessing the CSR/ESG practices of IT providers has become a strategic priority, not only in the context of non-financial reporting (CSRD, SFDR, taxonomy, etc.) but also when responding to calls for tenders.

The AdVaes 5-step method

1. Research of relevant information, document analysis and reported CSR/ESG policies
The first step is to search for and collect all available information and public commitments, giving priority to those that have been validated or certified: CSR reports, climate policies, codes of conduct, membership of certification initiatives, etc. These documents are reviewed and analysed to extract useful data and information. The collection process is often combined with additional interviews and/or, depending on the scope, questionnaires (e.g. Barometer) or assessment grids (e.g. Benchmark).

2. Assessment of concrete actions taken
This step verifies the operational translation of commitments: carbon footprint auditors, eco-design practices implemented, certifications, ratings obtained from recognised external third parties, methodologies used, responsible purchasing policy, etc.

3. Assessment of key performance indicators (ESG KPIs)
The data referenced by the available or reported quantitative indicators is analysed and then entered into the AdVaes data platform: GHG emissions across the three scopes, energy consumption, share of renewable energy, proportion of female employees, etc. This data supplements and/or updates the data already in the database. It can be exported for further processing or accessed directly in data visualisation format. It enables an initial ‘score’ to be established for the level of transparency in the communication of information compared to the market average.

4. Analysis and positioning relative to peers
Each service provider is then compared with its peers based on available market environment data. This positioning allows for a relative assessment of its performance compared to the market. It can be refined and adjusted through iterative processes, supported by feedback from the service provider and its ecosystem.

5. Maturity score, benchmark and recommendations
Finally, AdVaes establishes a maturity score that can vary from around 20 indicators to over 100, with associated recommendations for progress, adjustment or consolidation of positioning. Beyond that, the reports produced are used to evaluate, in a neutral and independent manner, the actions taken and the results achieved.

Why is this assessment useful?

• For customers: facilitating tendering and securing their IT value chain ;
• For providers: access a critical review, position themselves in the market, compare themselves to others, and improve their CSR/ESG performance ;
• For investors and public purchasers: identify credible players who are compatible with upcoming regulatory requirements..

An independent and scalable approach

AdVaes' approach is based on principles of transparency, regular updates and openness to feedback from the sector. It is designed to support regulatory and sectoral developments. It also incorporates weak signals identified through continuous monitoring.

Find out more:

• Exploit AdVaes® Diag – CSR/ESG diagnostic and critical review service dedicated to the tech sector
• Discover AdVaes® Matrix - positioning matrix
• Take advantage of AdVaes® ESG Data Platform - ESG database on IT providers

• Contact us: ask [@] advaes.com.