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