# 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)

<table id="bkmrk-criterion0-points3-p"><thead><tr><th>Criterion</th><th>0 points</th><th>3 points</th><th>5 points</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>**Specificity**  
(5 pts max)</td><td>Outcome described in generic terms ("reduces environmental impact")</td><td>Outcome linked to a recognised domain (climate, water, biodiversity) with approximate unit</td><td>Outcome linked to specific IRIS+/TNFD/GRI indicator; application event precisely defined; unit of application clear</td></tr><tr><td>**Attribution**  
(5 pts max)</td><td>No mention of counterfactual; gross impact only</td><td>Counterfactual acknowledged; baseline described in general terms</td><td>Documented baseline with source citation; geographic and temporal specificity; net impact calculation shown</td></tr><tr><td>**Quantifiability**  
(5 pts max)</td><td>Directional claim only ("significantly reduces emissions")</td><td>Numeric estimate with unit; calculation methodology described but not documented</td><td>Full calculation methodology documented; uncertainty range provided; measurement protocol specified</td></tr><tr><td>**Verifiability**  
(5 pts max)</td><td>No verification plan; self-certified data</td><td>Verifier type identified; verification standard referenced; timeline indicated</td><td>Independent verifier engaged or contracted; SSOT access protocol defined; verification standard specified (ISAE 3000 or equivalent)</td></tr><tr><td>**Scalability**  
(5 pts max)</td><td>SUI only demonstrated in pilot context; no protocol for replication</td><td>Protocol exists for replication; no infrastructure assessment</td><td>Protocol stable across geographies/customer types documented; SSOT infrastructure plan supports target volume</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Section 2: Baseline Robustness (15 points)

<table id="bkmrk-indicator0-points5-p"><thead><tr><th>Indicator</th><th>0 points</th><th>5 points</th><th>10 points</th><th>15 points</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>**Baseline Source Quality**</td><td>No source cited; founder estimate</td><td>Industry report or secondary source; limited geographic specificity</td><td>Government statistical source or peer-reviewed study; adequate geographic match</td><td>National statistical institute or IPCC/equivalent official body; country and crop/sector specific; year cited</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table id="bkmrk-indicatordeduction-b"><thead><tr><th>Indicator</th><th>Deduction</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Baseline older than 5 years with no update plan</td><td>−3 points</td></tr><tr><td>No baseline degradation assessment (what if counterfactual improves?)</td><td>−2 points</td></tr><tr><td>Baseline scope mismatch (national average applied to highly atypical geography)</td><td>−3 points</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Section 3: SSOT Maturity (20 points)

<table id="bkmrk-ssot-levelscorecrite"><thead><tr><th>SSOT Level</th><th>Score</th><th>Criteria</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Level 0: Fragmented</td><td>0 points</td><td>Data in multiple disconnected tools; no central repository</td></tr><tr><td>Level 1: Consolidated</td><td>8 points</td><td>All impact-relevant data in one system; version-controlled; manually updated</td></tr><tr><td>Level 2: Automated</td><td>15 points</td><td>Automated data flows from source systems; validation on ingest; change log</td></tr><tr><td>Level 3: Audit-Ready</td><td>20 points</td><td>Immutable audit trail; role-based access with logging; structured export for verifiers</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

## Section 4: Verification Status (25 points)

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

## Section 5: MDB / Taxonomy Alignment (15 points)

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

## Total Score Interpretation

<table id="bkmrk-score-rangeclassific"><thead><tr><th>Score Range</th><th>Classification</th><th>CTH Action</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>0–30</td><td>Impact Nascent</td><td>SUI Definition Workshop; not yet eligible for investor introductions</td></tr><tr><td>31–50</td><td>Impact Developing</td><td>SSOT and verification advisory; eligible for TA grant facilitation</td></tr><tr><td>51–70</td><td>Impact Ready</td><td>Eligible for impact investor introductions; blended finance scoping begins</td></tr><tr><td>71–85</td><td>Impact Advanced</td><td>Eligible for MDB introductions; blended finance structuring support</td></tr><tr><td>86–100</td><td>Impact Verified</td><td>Full CTH investor network access; results-based finance eligibility; flagship case study</td></tr></tbody></table>

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*Next: [Implementation Guide for CTH Startups](#bkmrk-next%3A-implementation) — how to build your SUI from zero.*