Methodology

Strategic Corporate Biodiversity Index Methodology
Our Strategic Corporate Biodiversity Index provides a comprehensive, evidence-based framework to gauge and compare how companies implement biodiversity conservation in their operations. Please try our beta version of Strategic Corporate Biodiversity Index tool. The index breaks down the complex interplay of corporate actions, biodiversity goals, and strategic outcomes into four distinct stages:

Stage 1: Biodiversity Pressures and Priority Areas (30%)
1.1 Summary of Biodiversity Pressures (15%)
This measure assesses the extent of biodiversity pressures directly attributable to corporate activities. Companies report on their specific impacts within their operational scope, helping stakeholders understand the direct challenges to biodiversity.
1.2 Priority Species, Habitats, and Ecosystem Services (15%)
Companies must identify and list critical species, habitats, and ecosystem services that are affected by their operations. This component ensures that corporate objectives are aligned with the protection and preservation of these priorities, providing a clear benchmark for performance evaluation.

Stage 2: Vision, Goals, and Strategies (40%)
2.1 Corporate Biodiversity Vision (10%)
Each company articulates a clear, actionable vision for the future, highlighting their commitment to biodiversity. This vision serves as a foundation for setting strategic goals and is informed by the identified biodiversity pressures and priorities.
2.2 Scalable Biodiversity Goals and Objectives (15%)
Goals and objectives are set to reflect the company’s long-term commitment to improving biodiversity outcomes, such as enhanced habitat cover, species abundance, and water quality. These goals are precisely defined to ensure they are measurable and directly tied to the company’s broader environmental impact.
2.3 Key Strategies to Deliver Goals and Objectives (15%)
This section evaluates the specific strategies developed to achieve the stated goals and objectives. Effective strategies are those that are integrally linked to both the company’s biodiversity vision and the detailed objectives.

Stage 3: Indicator Framework and Strategic Plan (20%)
3.1 Framework of Core Indicators (10%)
We examine the robustness of a company’s indicator framework used to monitor progress towards biodiversity goals. This framework should include a mix of pressure, state, response, and benefit indicators.
3.2 Elements of a Biodiversity Strategic Plan (10%)
Companies must demonstrate a strategic plan that includes management practices and restoration efforts tailored to their biodiversity goals. This plan should detail specific activities such as habitat protection, invasive species removal, and sustainable resource management, alongside metrics for monitoring success.

Stage 4: Monitoring and Reporting (10%)
4.1 Monitoring Plan (5%)
This component looks at the comprehensiveness of a company’s monitoring plan, which should specify the indicators used, and outline data collection methodologies, timelines, and responsibilities.
4.2 Database of Relevant Data (2.5%)
Assesses the accessibility and use of relevant biodiversity databases that support the monitoring of company-specific indicators, such as the IUCN Red List and Global Forest Watch.
4.3 Monitoring and Reporting Systems (2.5%)
Companies are evaluated on their ability to standardize and present biodiversity data effectively. This includes the use of digital dashboards and other data visualization tools that aid in decision-making and ensure transparency.