Scoring Rubric for SUI Assessment

Scoring Rubric for SUI Assessment

This rubric is used by CTH programme staff to score the Impact Readiness of VRF applicants and portfolio startups. It is also provided to startups for self-assessment. The rubric is designed to be specific, repeatable, and free of subjective interpretation.

Section 1: SUI Definition Quality (25 points)

Criterion	0 points	3 points	5 points
Specificity (5 pts max)	Outcome described in generic terms ("reduces environmental impact")	Outcome linked to a recognised domain (climate, water, biodiversity) with approximate unit	Outcome linked to specific IRIS+/TNFD/GRI indicator; application event precisely defined; unit of application clear
Attribution (5 pts max)	No mention of counterfactual; gross impact only	Counterfactual acknowledged; baseline described in general terms	Documented baseline with source citation; geographic and temporal specificity; net impact calculation shown
Quantifiability (5 pts max)	Directional claim only ("significantly reduces emissions")	Numeric estimate with unit; calculation methodology described but not documented	Full calculation methodology documented; uncertainty range provided; measurement protocol specified
Verifiability (5 pts max)	No verification plan; self-certified data	Verifier type identified; verification standard referenced; timeline indicated	Independent verifier engaged or contracted; SSOT access protocol defined; verification standard specified (ISAE 3000 or equivalent)
Scalability (5 pts max)	SUI only demonstrated in pilot context; no protocol for replication	Protocol exists for replication; no infrastructure assessment	Protocol stable across geographies/customer types documented; SSOT infrastructure plan supports target volume

Section 2: Baseline Robustness (15 points)

Indicator	0 points	5 points	10 points	15 points
Baseline Source Quality	No source cited; founder estimate	Industry report or secondary source; limited geographic specificity	Government statistical source or peer-reviewed study; adequate geographic match	National statistical institute or IPCC/equivalent official body; country and crop/sector specific; year cited

Indicator	Deduction
Baseline older than 5 years with no update plan	−3 points
No baseline degradation assessment (what if counterfactual improves?)	−2 points
Baseline scope mismatch (national average applied to highly atypical geography)	−3 points

Section 3: SSOT Maturity (20 points)

SSOT Level	Score	Criteria
Level 0: Fragmented	0 points	Data in multiple disconnected tools; no central repository
Level 1: Consolidated	8 points	All impact-relevant data in one system; version-controlled; manually updated
Level 2: Automated	15 points	Automated data flows from source systems; validation on ingest; change log
Level 3: Audit-Ready	20 points	Immutable audit trail; role-based access with logging; structured export for verifiers

Bonus: +2 points if SSOT roadmap to next level is documented with timeline and resource plan.

Section 4: Verification Status (25 points)

Status	Score	Evidence Required
No verification plan	0 points	—
Verifier identified; not engaged	8 points	Name of proposed verifier; confirmation of their sector experience
Methodology reviewed by verifier	15 points	Written feedback from verifier on SUI methodology; issues identified and addressed
Data audit in progress	20 points	Signed engagement letter; audit scope agreed; SSOT access granted
Full verification complete	25 points	Issued verification statement following ISAE 3000 or GHG Protocol standard

Section 5: MDB / Taxonomy Alignment (15 points)

Indicator	Score	Evidence
No taxonomy mapping	0 points	—
IRIS+ mapping only	3 points	IRIS+ indicator code(s) cited in SUI spec
SDG + IRIS+ mapping	5 points	Relevant SDG targets identified; contribution mechanism described
AIMM self-score completed	8 points	Completed AIMM self-assessment document (IFC template or equivalent)
EU Taxonomy or TNFD alignment	10 points	Environmental objective identified; technical screening criteria assessed
DFI engagement initiated	12 points	Meeting held or email exchange with IFC, IDB, ADB, or regional MDB
DFI pipeline registered	15 points	Formal indication of interest from MDB investment team; project in their pipeline

Total Score Interpretation

Score Range	Classification	CTH Action
0–30	Impact Nascent	SUI Definition Workshop; not yet eligible for investor introductions
31–50	Impact Developing	SSOT and verification advisory; eligible for TA grant facilitation
51–70	Impact Ready	Eligible for impact investor introductions; blended finance scoping begins
71–85	Impact Advanced	Eligible for MDB introductions; blended finance structuring support
86–100	Impact Verified	Full CTH investor network access; results-based finance eligibility; flagship case study

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Next: Implementation Guide for CTH Startups — how to build your SUI from zero.