Sustainability
- 1 Sustainability Domain
- 1.1 Overview
- 1.2 Purpose and Value
- 1.3 Core Concepts
- 1.3.1 Environmental Impact
- 1.3.2 Social Responsibility
- 1.3.3 Governance Practice
- 1.3.4 Sustainability Strategy
- 1.4 Domain Structure
- 1.4.1 Domain Attributes
- 1.4.2 Domain Elements
- 2 Conclusion
- 3 Sustainability Domain Schema
Sustainability Domain
Overview
The Sustainability Domain focuses on the organization's approach to managing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors to ensure long-term business viability while creating positive impact and meeting stakeholder expectations.
Purpose and Value
The Sustainability Domain enables organizations to:
Align sustainability initiatives with strategic objectives and operational capabilities
Map sustainability efforts to regulatory requirements and voluntary commitments
Support data-driven decision making about sustainability investments and priorities
Drive performance improvements through systematic measurement of sustainability metrics
Measure and improve sustainability performance across environmental, social, and governance dimensions
Provide a structured foundation for sustainability governance and risk management
Document sustainability initiatives and track progress toward goals
Core Concepts
Environmental Impact
The assessment, measurement, and management of an organization's effects on natural resources, ecosystems, and the environment, including carbon footprint, waste generation, water usage, and biodiversity impacts.
Social Responsibility
The organization's approach to managing relationships with employees, suppliers, customers, and communities, including labor practices, diversity and inclusion, human rights, and community engagement.
Governance Practice
The structures, policies, and processes that guide sustainability decision-making, including board oversight, management approaches, transparency mechanisms, and ethical standards.
Sustainability Strategy
The overarching approach to integrating sustainability into business operations and strategy, including priorities, resource commitments, implementation roadmaps, and performance targets.
Domain Structure
Domain Attributes
Basic identification: title, description, sustainabilityCategory
Organizational alignment: orgUnitTitle, orgUnitRoles
Materiality factors: materiality, stakeholderInterest
Compliance elements: regulatoryRequirements, voluntaryCommitments
Performance characteristics: currentPerformance, targetPerformance
Strategic factors: strategicAlignment, investmentLevel
Reporting aspects: reportingFramework, verificationApproach
Implementation elements: improvementStrategy, riskImplications
Domain Elements
Environmental Impact Element
Provides a structured assessment of environmental aspects:
Impact identification and categorization
Measurement approaches and metrics
Current and target footprints
Reduction strategies and initiatives
Regulatory requirements and industry benchmarks
Verification standards and methodologies
Social Responsibility Element
Maps the organization's approach to social impacts:
Initiative scope and categories
Stakeholder beneficiaries and business impacts
Performance targets and implementation approaches
Resource commitments and partnership models
Success metrics and reporting frameworks
Governance models and responsibilities
Governance Practice Element
Evaluates the structures for sustainability governance:
Practice types and organizational scope
Implementation status and verification methods
Responsible parties and accountability mechanisms
Performance metrics and stakeholder engagement
Transparency mechanisms and disclosure approaches
Review processes and improvement initiatives
Sustainability Strategy Element
Provides a comprehensive view of the sustainability approach:
Strategic priorities and business case elements
Stakeholder alignment and time horizons
Resource requirements and implementation roadmaps
Governance structures and performance indicators
Communication approaches and integration methods
Risk mitigation approaches and contingency plans
Conclusion
The Sustainability Domain extends the Orthogramic Metamodel with a robust framework for modeling and managing sustainability-related aspects of business architecture. By providing structured schemas for environmental impacts, social responsibility initiatives, governance practices, and sustainability strategies, it enables organizations to systematically align their sustainability efforts with strategic objectives and operational requirements.
The integration with the Strategic Response Model ensures that sustainability insights drive strategic decision-making and organizational change. This domain complements other domains by focusing on the environmental, social, and governance dimensions that increasingly influence business success, providing critical context for strategic planning and operational execution.
Organizations can use this domain to develop a more comprehensive understanding of their sustainability landscape, identify improvement opportunities, and ensure that sustainability initiatives are properly resourced, managed, and aligned with strategic priorities.
Example Implementation
Example: Corporate Environmental Impact Assessment
{
"impactID": "ENV-CARBON-001",
"impactTitle": "Corporate Carbon Footprint",
"impactDescription": "Comprehensive assessment of organization-wide greenhouse gas emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3, including direct operations, purchased energy, and value chain activities.",
"impactScope": "enterprise",
"impactCategory": "emissions",
"orgUnitTitle": "Sustainability Office",
"orgUnitRoles": ["Chief Sustainability Officer", "Environmental Program Manager", "Carbon Reporting Specialist"],
"impactMeasurement": {
"methodologyName": "GHG Protocol Corporate Standard",
"measurementUnits": "Metric tons CO2 equivalent (tCO2e)",
"measurementFrequency": "annual",
"dataQuality": "high",
"verificationStatus": "third-party verified"
},
"currentFootprint": {
"reportingPeriod": "2024",
"totalImpact": "345,000 tCO2e",
"impactBreakdown": [
{
"category": "Scope 1 (Direct emissions)",
"amount": "78,500 tCO2e",
"percentage": 22.8,
"sources": ["Fleet vehicles", "Natural gas combustion", "Refrigerant leakage"]
},
{
"category": "Scope 2 (Purchased energy)",
"amount": "125,300 tCO2e",
"percentage": 36.3,
"sources": ["Electricity", "Steam", "Cooling"]
},
{
"category": "Scope 3 (Value chain)",
"amount": "141,200 tCO2e",
"percentage": 40.9,
"sources": ["Business travel", "Employee commuting", "Purchased goods and services", "Product use", "End-of-life treatment"]
}
],
"baselineComparison": {
"baselineYear": "2020",
"changePercentage": -12.5,
"absoluteChange": "-49,300 tCO2e"
}
},
"targetFootprint": {
"targetYear": "2030",
"reductionTarget": "50% reduction from 2020 baseline",
"absoluteTarget": "197,150 tCO2e",
"scienceBasedAlignment": "1.5°C pathway aligned",
"interimTargets": [
{
"year": "2025",
"targetReduction": "25% reduction from 2020 baseline",
"absoluteTarget": "295,725 tCO2e"
}
]
},
"reductionStrategy": {
"strategyName": "Carbon Reduction Roadmap",
"approachDescription": "Comprehensive program to reduce emissions through renewable energy transition, fleet electrification, supplier engagement, and operational efficiency improvements",
"keyInitiatives": [
{
"initiativeName": "Renewable Energy Transition",
"description": "100% renewable electricity procurement through PPAs and on-site generation",
"expectedReduction": "105,000 tCO2e",
"timeframe": "2024-2027",
"investmentRequired": "$42M",
"status": "in progress"
},
{
"initiativeName": "Fleet Electrification",
"description": "Transition 80% of vehicle fleet to electric vehicles",
"expectedReduction": "35,000 tCO2e",
"timeframe": "2024-2028",
"investmentRequired": "$28M",
"status": "in progress"
},
{
"initiativeName": "Supplier Engagement Program",
"description": "Partner with top 100 suppliers to reduce Scope 3 emissions",
"expectedReduction": "55,000 tCO2e",
"timeframe": "2024-2030",
"investmentRequired": "$12M",
"status": "planning"
}
]
},
"regulatoryRequirements": {
"currentRegulations": [
{
"regulationName": "Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)",
"jurisdiction": "European Union",
"complianceStatus": "compliant",
"requirementDescription": "Mandatory sustainability reporting including GHG emissions"
},
{
"regulationName": "SEC Climate Disclosure Rule",
"jurisdiction": "United States",
"complianceStatus": "compliant",
"requirementDescription": "Disclosure of climate-related risks and GHG emissions"
}
],
"emergingRegulations": [
{
"regulationName": "Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism",
"jurisdiction": "European Union",
"expectedImpact": "moderate",
"preparednessLevel": "planning stage"
}
]
},
"industryBenchmarks": {
"industryAverage": "425,000 tCO2e",
"industryLeaders": "175,000 tCO2e",
"competitivePosition": "better than average, approaching leader status",
"peerComparison": "15% lower emissions than industry average, 20% higher than industry leaders"
},
"mitigationInitiatives": [
{
"initiativeID": "INIT-CARBON-001",
"initiativeTitle": "Carbon Reduction Program",
"status": "active",
"relationshipType": "primary",
"relationshipStrength": 5
},
{
"initiativeID": "INIT-ENERGY-002",
"initiativeTitle": "Energy Efficiency Program",
"status": "active",
"relationshipType": "supporting",
"relationshipStrength": 4
}
],
"reportingProtocol": {
"frameworkName": "GHG Protocol",
"reportingFrequency": "annual",
"publicDisclosure": "yes",
"reportingPlatforms": ["Annual Sustainability Report", "CDP Climate Change Response", "Corporate Website"]
},
"verificationStandard": {
"standardName": "ISO 14064-3",
"verifier": "ERM CVS",
"assuranceLevel": "limited",
"verificationScope": "Scope 1 and 2 emissions, selected Scope 3 categories",
"lastVerificationDate": "2024-03-15"
},
"strategicAlignment": {
"alignmentDescription": "Carbon reduction directly supports our corporate climate strategy and net-zero commitment",
"strategicObjectives": ["Achieve net-zero emissions by 2040", "Position as sustainability leader in industry", "Reduce exposure to carbon pricing risks"],
"alignmentStrength": "high"
},
"riskImplications": {
"primaryRisks": [
{
"riskType": "transition",
"riskDescription": "Carbon pricing mechanisms increasing operational costs",
"potentialImpact": "medium",
"mitigationApproach": "Accelerated carbon reduction initiatives, internal carbon pricing"
},
{
"riskType": "physical",
"riskDescription": "Climate-related disruptions to operations and supply chain",
"potentialImpact": "high",
"mitigationApproach": "Climate adaptation measures, supplier diversification, business continuity planning"
}
],
"secondaryRisks": [
{
"riskType": "reputation",
"riskDescription": "Stakeholder pressure for more ambitious climate action",
"potentialImpact": "medium",
"mitigationApproach": "Transparent reporting, science-based targets, stakeholder engagement"
}
]
}
}
Sustainability Domain Schema
Cross-Domain Relationship Mappings
Add to JSON Schema
Convert these Cross domain JSON schema snippets to tables
Sustainability-Strategy Relationship Schema
{
"$schema": "http://json-schema.org/draft-07/schema#",
"title": "Sustainability-Strategy Relationship Schema",
"description": "Schema for relationships between Sustainability domain and Strategy domain",
"type": "object",
"required": ["relationshipID", "sustainabilityID", "title", "relationshipType"],
"properties": {
"relationshipID": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Unique identifier for this relationship"
},
"sustainabilityID": {
"type": "string",
"description": "ID of the sustainability element"
},
"title": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Name of the strategy"
},
"relationshipType": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Nature of the sustainability influence on strategy",
"enum": ["strategic-driver", "compliance-requirement", "risk-mitigation", "opportunity-creation", "competitive-advantage", "reputation-enhancement", "other"]
},
"relationshipStrength": {
"type": "integer",
"description": "Strength of influence (1-5)",
"minimum": 1,
"maximum": 5
},
"sustainabilityFactors": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Sustainability factors influencing this strategy",
"items": {
"type": "string"
}
},
"strategicAlignment": {
"type": "object",
"description": "How sustainability aligns with strategy",
"properties": {
"alignmentDescription": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Description of alignment"
},
"alignmentLevel": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Level of alignment",
"enum": ["misaligned", "partially-aligned", "mostly-aligned", "fully-aligned"]
},
"alignmentGaps": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Areas where alignment is lacking",
"items": {
"type": "string"
}
},
"alignmentPlan": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Plan to improve alignment"
}
}
},
"strategicObjectives": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Strategic objectives affected by sustainability",
"items": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"objectiveID": {
"type": "string",
"description": "ID of strategic objective"
},
"sustainabilityContribution": {
"type": "string",
"description": "How sustainability contributes to objective"
},
"importanceLevel": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Importance to objective",
"enum": ["minor", "moderate", "significant", "critical"]
}
}
}
},
"competitivePositioning": {
"type": "object",
"description": "How sustainability affects competitive position",
"properties": {
"positioningRole": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Role in competitive positioning"
},
"competitiveAdvantages": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Competitive advantages created",
"items": {
"type": "string"
}
},
"competitiveDisadvantages": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Competitive disadvantages created",
"items": {
"type": "string"
}
},
"benchmarking": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Comparison to competitors"
}
}
},
"strategyConstraints": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Constraints imposed by sustainability",
"items": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"constraintDescription": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Description of constraint"
},
"impactLevel": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Level of impact",
"enum": ["minor", "moderate", "significant", "severe"]
},
"mitigationApproach": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Approach to address constraint"
}
}
}
},
"strategicInvestments": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Strategic investments in sustainability",
"items": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"investmentName": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Name of investment"
},
"investmentDescription": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Description of investment"
},
"investmentRationale": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Strategic rationale"
},
"expectedOutcomes": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Anticipated results"
}
}
}
},
"performanceMetrics": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Metrics for measuring strategic impact",
"items": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"metricName": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Name of metric"
},
"metricDescription": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Description of what is measured"
},
"currentValue": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Current performance"
},
"targetValue": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Target performance"
}
}
}
}
}
}
Sustainability-Capability Relationship Schema
{
"$schema": "http://json-schema.org/draft-07/schema#",
"title": "Sustainability-Capability Relationship Schema",
"description": "Schema for relationships between Sustainability domain and Capability domain",
"type": "object",
"required": ["relationshipID", "sustainabilityID", "title", "relationshipType"],
"properties": {
"relationshipID": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Unique identifier for this relationship"
},
"sustainabilityID": {
"type": "string",
"description": "ID of the sustainability element"
},
"title": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Name of the capability"
},
"relationshipType": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Nature of the relationship",
"enum": ["enabling", "supporting", "dependent", "enhancing", "limiting", "critical", "developing", "other"]
},
"relationshipStrength": {
"type": "integer",
"description": "Importance of this relationship (1-5)",
"minimum": 1,
"maximum": 5
},
"capabilityContribution": {
"type": "string",
"description": "How capability contributes to sustainability"
},
"capabilityRequirements": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Requirements the sustainability places on capability",
"items": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"requirementDescription": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Description of requirement"
},
"importance": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Importance level",
"enum": ["low", "medium", "high", "critical"]
},
"fulfillmentLevel": {
"type": "string",
"description": "How well requirement is met",
"enum": ["unmet", "partially-met", "mostly-met", "fully-met"]
},
"improvementNeeds": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Areas needing improvement"
}
}
}
},
"capabilityMaturity": {
"type": "object",
"description": "Maturity of capability for sustainability needs",
"properties": {
"maturityLevel": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Current maturity assessment",
"enum": ["initial", "developing", "defined", "managed", "optimizing"]
},
"maturityGaps": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Key maturity gaps",
"items": {
"type": "string"
}
},
"maturityTargets": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Target maturity state"
},
"developmentRoadmap": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Plan for capability development"
}
}
},
"performanceMetrics": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Metrics for measuring capability contribution",
"items": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"metricName": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Name of metric"
},
"metricDescription": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Description of what is measured"
},
"currentValue": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Current performance"
},
"targetValue": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Target performance"
},
"impactOnSustainability": {
"type": "string",
"description": "How this metric affects sustainability"
}
}
}
},
"improvementInitiatives": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Initiatives to improve capability for sustainability",
"items": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"initiativeName": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Name of initiative"
},
"initiativeDescription": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Description of initiative"
},
"expectedBenefits": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Sustainability benefits expected"
},
"status": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Current status",
"enum": ["planned", "in-progress", "completed", "ongoing"]
}
}
}
},
"resourceAllocation": {
"type": "object",
"description": "Resources allocated to capability for sustainability",
"properties": {
"budgetAllocation": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Budget allocated"
},
"personnelAllocation": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Personnel allocated"
},
"technologyInvestment": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Technology investments"
},
"allocationRationale": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Rationale for resource allocation"
}
}
},
"governanceModel": {
"type": "string",
"description": "How capability is governed for sustainability needs"
}
}
}
Sustainability-Risk Relationship Schema
{
"$schema": "http://json-schema.org/draft-07/schema#",
"title": "Sustainability-Risk Relationship Schema",
"description": "Schema for relationships between Sustainability domain and Risk Management domain",
"type": "object",
"required": ["relationshipID", "sustainabilityID", "riskID", "relationshipType"],
"properties": {
"relationshipID": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Unique identifier for this relationship"
},
"sustainabilityID": {
"type": "string",
"description": "ID of the sustainability element"
},
"riskID": {
"type": "string",
"description": "ID of the risk element"
},
"relationshipType": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Nature of the relationship",
"enum": ["risk-to-sustainability", "sustainability-to-risk", "mitigating-factor", "risk-generating-factor", "interdependent", "compliance-related", "other"]
},
"relationshipStrength": {
"type": "integer",
"description": "Importance of this relationship (1-5)",
"minimum": 1,
"maximum": 5
},
"riskImpact": {
"type": "object",
"description": "How risk impacts sustainability",
"properties": {
"impactDescription": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Description of impact"
},
"impactSeverity": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Severity of impact",
"enum": ["minimal", "moderate", "significant", "severe", "critical"]
},
"impactScenarios": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Specific impact scenarios",
"items": {
"type": "string"
}
}
}
},
"sustainabilityControls": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Sustainability controls addressing risk",
"items": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"controlDescription": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Description of control"
},
"controlEffectiveness": {
"type": "string",
"description": "How well control works",
"enum": ["ineffective", "partially-effective", "effective", "highly-effective", "not-assessed"]
},
"implementationStatus": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Status of implementation",
"enum": ["not-implemented", "planning", "in-progress", "implemented", "verified"]
}
}
}
},
"sustainabilityGaps": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Sustainability gaps increasing risk",
"items": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"gapDescription": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Description of gap"
},
"riskContribution": {
"type": "string",
"description": "How gap contributes to risk"
},
"remediation": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Plan to address gap"
}
}
}
},
"climateScenarioAnalysis": {
"type": "object",
"description": "Climate scenario analysis for risk assessment",
"properties": {
"scenarioName": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Name of climate scenario"
},
"scenarioDescription": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Description of scenario"
},
"timeHorizon": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Time period for scenario"
},
"impactAssessment": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Assessment of impacts under scenario"
},
"adaptationStrategy": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Strategy to adapt to scenario"
}
}
},
"performanceMetrics": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Metrics for measuring sustainability impact on risk",
"items": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"metricName": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Name of metric"
},
"metricDescription": {
"type": "string",
"description": "What metric measures"
},
"currentValue": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Current measurement"
},
"targetValue": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Target value"
}
}
}
},
"improvementInitiatives": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Initiatives to improve sustainability risk management",
"items": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"initiativeDescription": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Description of initiative"
},
"expectedOutcome": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Anticipated result"
},
"status": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Current status",
"enum": ["proposed", "approved", "in-progress", "completed", "canceled"]
}
}
}
},
"regulatoryImplications": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Regulatory aspects affecting this relationship",
"items": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"regulationType": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Type of regulation"
},
"regulationName": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Name of regulation"
},
"implications": {
"type": "string",
"description": "How regulation affects relationship"
},
"complianceStatus": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Current compliance state"
}
}
}
}
}
}
Sustainability-Value Stream Relationship Schema
{
"$schema": "http://json-schema.org/draft-07/schema#",
"title": "Sustainability-Value Stream Relationship Schema",
"description": "Schema for relationships between Sustainability domain and Value Stream domain",
"type": "object",
"required": ["relationshipID", "sustainabilityID", "valueStreamID", "relationshipType"],
"properties": {
"relationshipID": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Unique identifier for this relationship"
},
"sustainabilityID": {
"type": "string",
"description": "ID of the sustainability element"
},
"valueStreamID": {
"type": "string",
"description": "ID of the value stream"
},
"relationshipType": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Nature of the relationship",
"enum": ["sustainability-embedded", "sustainability-enabled", "sustainability-constrained", "sustainability-measured", "other"]
},
"relationshipStrength": {
"type": "integer",
"description": "Importance of this relationship (1-5)",
"minimum": 1,
"maximum": 5
},
"touchpoints": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Points where sustainability and value stream interact",
"items": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"valueStreamStage": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Stage in the value stream"
},
"sustainabilityElement": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Sustainability element affected"
},
"interactionType": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Nature of the interaction"
},
"sustainabilityImpact": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Description of the sustainability impact"
},
"visibilityToStakeholders": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Extent to which this impact is visible to stakeholders",
"enum": ["invisible", "partially-visible", "fully-visible"]
}
}
}
},
"sustainabilityOutcomes": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Sustainability outcomes from this value stream",
"items": {
"type": "string"
}
},
"frictionPoints": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Areas of difficulty between sustainability and value stream",
"items": {
"type": "string"
}
},
"improvementOpportunities": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Opportunities to improve alignment",
"items": {
"type": "string"
}
},
"alignmentScore": {
"type": "integer",
"description": "Score indicating how well the value stream aligns with sustainability (1-5)",
"minimum": 1,
"maximum": 5
},
"lifecycleImpacts": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Environmental and social impacts across product/service lifecycle",
"items": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"lifecycleStage": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Stage in product/service lifecycle",
"enum": ["raw-materials", "manufacturing", "distribution", "use", "end-of-life"]
},
"impactDescription": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Description of sustainability impact"
},
"impactSeverity": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Severity of impact",
"enum": ["low", "medium", "high", "critical"]
},
"mitigationApproach": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Approach to mitigate impact"
}
}
}
},
"circularityMeasures": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Measures to improve circularity in the value stream",
"items": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"measureName": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Name of circularity measure"
},
"measureDescription": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Description of measure"
},
"implementationStatus": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Status of implementation",
"enum": ["planning", "piloting", "implementing", "established"]
},
"expectedBenefits": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Anticipated sustainability benefits"
}
}
}
},
"performanceMetrics": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Metrics for measuring this relationship",
"items": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"metricName": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Name of the metric"
},
"metricDescription": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Description of what is measured"
},
"currentValue": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Current performance value"
},
"targetValue": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Target performance value"
}
}
}
}
}
}
Sustainability-Performance Relationship Schema
{
"$schema": "http://json-schema.org/draft-07/schema#",
"title": "Sustainability-Performance Relationship Schema",
"description": "Schema for relationships between Sustainability domain and Performance domain",
"type": "object",
"required": ["relationshipID", "sustainabilityID", "performanceID", "relationshipType"],
"properties": {
"relationshipID": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Unique identifier for this relationship"
},
"sustainabilityID": {
"type": "string",
"description": "ID of the sustainability element"
},
"performanceID": {
"type": "string",
"description": "ID of the performance indicator"
},
"relationshipType": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Nature of the relationship",
"enum": ["direct-measurement", "indirect-indicator", "leading-indicator", "lagging-indicator", "proxy-measure", "other"]
},
"relationshipStrength": {
"type": "integer",
"description": "Importance of this relationship (1-5)",
"minimum": 1,
"maximum": 5
},
"measurementApproach": {
"type": "object",
"description": "How sustainability is measured through this performance indicator",
"properties": {
"approachDescription": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Description of measurement approach"
},
"dataSource": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Source of measurement data"
},
"measurementFrequency": {
"type": "string",
"description": "How often measurement occurs",
"enum": ["real-time", "daily", "weekly", "monthly", "quarterly", "annually"]
},
"calculationMethodology": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Method used to calculate the indicator"
}
}
},
"performanceTargets": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Targets for this performance indicator",
"items": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"targetDescription": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Description of the target"
},
"targetValue": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Target value"
},
"targetYear": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Year for target achievement"
},
"baselineValue": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Baseline value"
},
"baselineYear": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Baseline year"
}
}
}
},
"frameworkAlignment": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Alignment with sustainability reporting frameworks",
"items": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"frameworkName": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Name of reporting framework"
},
"specificDisclosure": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Specific disclosure or indicator in framework"
},
"alignmentLevel": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Level of alignment with framework",
"enum": ["partial", "full", "exceeds"]
}
}
}
},
"dataQuality": {
"type": "object",
"description": "Assessment of data quality for this indicator",
"properties": {
"qualityLevel": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Overall data quality assessment",
"enum": ["low", "medium", "high", "very-high"]
},
"completeness": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Assessment of data completeness",
"enum": ["poor", "fair", "good", "excellent"]
},
"accuracy": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Assessment of data accuracy",
"enum": ["poor", "fair", "good", "excellent"]
},
"consistency": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Assessment of data consistency",
"enum": ["poor", "fair", "good", "excellent"]
},
"improvementPlan": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Plan to improve data quality"
}
}
},
"assuranceApproach": {
"type": "object",
"description": "Approach to verifying this indicator",
"properties": {
"assuranceType": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Type of assurance",
"enum": ["none", "internal", "external-limited", "external-reasonable"]
},
"assuranceProvider": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Organization providing assurance"
},
"assuranceStandard": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Standard used for assurance"
},
"assuranceFrequency": {
"type": "string",
"description": "How often assurance is performed"
}
}
},
"performanceHistory": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Historical performance for this indicator",
"items": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"year": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Performance year"
},
"value": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Performance value"
},
"trend": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Trend direction",
"enum": ["improving", "stable", "declining", "mixed"]
}
}
}
},
"stakeholderRelevance": {
"type": "array",
"description": "Relevance to different stakeholders",
"items": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"stakeholderGroup": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Stakeholder group"
},
"relevanceLevel": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Level of relevance to stakeholder",
"enum": ["low", "medium", "high", "critical"]
},
"stakeholderUseCase": {
"type": "string",
"description": "How stakeholder uses this information"
}
}
}
}
}
}
Sustainability Domain Properties
Sustainability Domain Attributes
Property | Description | Example |
---|---|---|
sustainabilityID | Unique identifier for the sustainability element | "SUST-ENV-001" |
title | The name or title of the sustainability element | "Carbon Footprint Reduction Program" |
description | A detailed explanation of the sustainability element | "Enterprise-wide program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across operations" |
sustainabilityCategory | Classification of sustainability type | "environmental" |
orgUnitTitle | The organization unit responsible for this sustainability element | "Sustainability Office" |
orgUnitRoles | Specific roles within the organization unit that manage this sustainability element | ["Chief Sustainability Officer", "Environmental Program Manager"] |
sustainabilityScope | Organizational scope covered by this sustainability element | "enterprise" |
materiality | Significance to stakeholders and business | {"materialityLevel": "high", "assessmentMethod": "GRI materiality assessment"} |
regulatoryRequirements | Compliance obligations related to this sustainability element | ["SEC Climate Disclosure Rule", "EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive"] |
voluntaryCommitments | Non-regulatory commitments related to this sustainability element | ["Science Based Targets initiative", "UN Global Compact"] |
currentPerformance | Present state of sustainability performance | {"metrics": [{"metricName": "Scope 1 & 2 emissions", "currentValue": "345,000 tCO2e"}]} |
targetPerformance | Desired state of sustainability performance | {"metrics": [{"metricName": "Scope 1 & 2 emissions", "targetValue": "172,500 tCO2e", "targetYear": "2030"}]} |
strategicAlignment | Connection to business strategy | {"alignmentLevel": "high", "alignedObjectives": ["Climate leadership", "Operational efficiency"]} |
investmentLevel | Resource commitment to sustainability | {"annualBudget": "$18.5M", "resourceAllocation": ["42 FTEs", "Consulting support"]} |
stakeholderInterest | Level of stakeholder concern | {"interestLevel": "high", "keyStakeholders": ["Investors", "Customers", "Employees"]} |
reportingFramework | Reporting methodology for sustainability | {"frameworks": ["GRI Standards", "TCFD", "SASB"]} |
verificationApproach | Validation method for sustainability data | {"approach": "Third-party assurance", "standard": "ISAE 3000"} |
improvementStrategy | Enhancement approach for sustainability | {"strategyName": "Continuous Improvement Program", "approaches": ["Annual target setting", "Monthly reviews"]} |
riskImplications | Risks associated with sustainability element | {"riskLevel": "medium", "keyRisks": ["Transition risks", "Physical climate risks"]} |
Environmental Impact Element Schema
Property | Description | Example |
---|---|---|
impactID | Unique identifier for the environmental impact | "ENV-CARBON-001" |
impactTitle | Name of the specific environmental impact | "Corporate Carbon Footprint" |
impactDescription | Detailed explanation of the environmental impact | "Organization-wide greenhouse gas emissions including direct operations and value chain" |
orgUnitTitle | Organization unit responsible for this impact | "Sustainability Office" |
sustainabilityID | ID of the sustainability domain this impact belongs to | "SUST-ENV-001" |
impactScope | Organizational scope of the impact | "enterprise" |
impactCategory | Type of environmental impact | "emissions" |
impactMeasurement | Approach to measuring the impact | {"methodologyName": "GHG Protocol", "measurementUnits": "tCO2e"} |
currentFootprint | Present measurement of the impact | {"totalImpact": "345,000 tCO2e", "reportingPeriod": "2024"} |
targetFootprint | Goal for impact reduction | {"targetYear": "2030", "reductionTarget": "50% reduction"} |
reductionStrategy | Approach to improve environmental impact | {"strategyName": "Carbon Reduction Roadmap", "keyInitiatives": [{"initiativeName": "Renewable Energy Transition"}]} |
regulatoryRequirements | Compliance requirements related to impact | {"currentRegulations": [{"regulationName": "SEC Climate Disclosure Rule"}]} |
industryBenchmarks | Comparison with industry peers | {"industryAverage": "425,000 tCO2e", "competitivePosition": "better than average"} |
mitigationInitiatives | Specific efforts to reduce impact | [{"initiativeID": "INIT-CARBON-001", "initiativeTitle": "Carbon Reduction Program"}] |
reportingProtocol | How impact is reported | {"frameworkName": "GHG Protocol", "reportingFrequency": "annual"} |
verificationStandard | How impact data is validated | {"standardName": "ISO 14064-3", "verifier": "ERM CVS"} |
Social Responsibility Element Schema
Property | Description | Example |
---|---|---|
initiativeID | Unique identifier for the social initiative | "SOC-DEI-001" |
initiativeTitle | Name of the specific social initiative | "Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Program" |
initiativeDescription | Detailed explanation of the social initiative | "Comprehensive program to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion across all operations" |
orgUnitTitle | Organization unit responsible for this initiative | "People and Culture" |
sustainabilityID | ID of the sustainability domain this initiative belongs to | "SUST-SOC-001" |
socialCategory | Type of social impact | "diversity-and-inclusion" |
stakeholderBeneficiaries | Who benefits from this initiative | ["Employees", "Communities", "Suppliers"] |
businessImpact | Effect on business operations and outcomes | {"impactAreas": ["Talent attraction", "Innovation", "Culture"], "impactLevel": "significant"} |
currentPerformance | Present state of the initiative | {"metrics": [{"metricName": "Gender diversity", "currentValue": "38% women in leadership"}]} |
performanceTargets | Goals for the initiative | {"metrics": [{"metricName": "Gender diversity", "targetValue": "50% women in leadership", "targetYear": "2028"}]} |
implementationApproach | Method for executing the initiative | {"approaches": ["Training programs", "Recruitment practices", "Mentoring"]} |
resourceCommitment | Resources allocated to the initiative | {"annualBudget": "$3.2M", "personnel": "12 FTEs", "executiveSponsorship": "CHRO"} |
partnershipModel | External collaborations for the initiative | {"partners": ["NGOs", "Industry associations", "Educational institutions"]} |
successMetrics | How initiative success is measured | {"metricCategories": ["Representation", "Inclusion", "Development", "Retention"]} |
reportingFramework | How initiative is reported | {"frameworks": ["GRI Social Standards", "UN Global Compact"]} |
governanceModel | How initiative is managed | {"committee": "Diversity Council", "reviewFrequency": "quarterly"} |
Governance Practice Element Schema
Property | Description | Example |
---|---|---|
practiceID | Unique identifier for the governance practice | "GOV-ESG-001" |
practiceTitle | Name of the specific governance practice | "ESG Oversight Framework" |
practiceDescription | Detailed explanation of the governance practice | "Board and executive-level oversight structure for ESG performance and reporting" |
orgUnitTitle | Organization unit responsible for this practice | "Corporate Governance" |
sustainabilityID | ID of the sustainability domain this practice belongs to | "SUST-GOV-001" |
governanceCategory | Type of governance practice | "board-oversight" |
governanceScope | Organizational reach of the practice | "enterprise" |
industryStandards | Relevant standards for this practice | ["Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures", "NYSE ESG Guidance"] |
implementationStatus | Current state of implementation | "established" |
verificationMethod | Validation approach for the practice | {"methodName": "Independent governance review", "frequency": "biennial"} |
responsibleParties | Who is accountable for this practice | {"board": "Sustainability Committee", "executive": "Chief Sustainability Officer"} |
performanceMetrics | Success measures for the practice | {"metrics": [{"metricName": "ESG goal achievement", "currentValue": "85%"}]} |
stakeholderEngagement | How stakeholders are involved | {"approaches": ["Annual materiality assessment", "Stakeholder advisory panel"]} |
transparencyMechanisms | Disclosure approaches | {"mechanisms": ["Annual sustainability report", "ESG investor presentations", "Website disclosures"]} |
reviewProcess | Evaluation methodology | {"process": "Quarterly board committee reviews", "annual": "Comprehensive governance assessment"} |
improvementInitiatives | Enhancement efforts | {"initiatives": [{"initiativeName": "ESG integration in executive compensation"}]} |
Sustainability Strategy Element Schema
Property | Description | Example |
---|---|---|
strategyID | Unique identifier for the sustainability strategy | "STRAT-SUST-001" |
strategyTitle | Name of the specific sustainability strategy | "Sustainable Business Transformation" |
strategyDescription | Detailed explanation of the sustainability strategy | "Five-year roadmap to embed sustainability across all business operations and value chain" |
orgUnitTitle | Organization unit responsible for this strategy | "Sustainability Office" |
sustainabilityID | ID of the sustainability domain this strategy belongs to | "SUST-STRAT-001" |
strategicPriorities | Key focus areas of the strategy | ["Climate action", "Circular economy", "Inclusive workplace", "Sustainable supply chain"] |
businessCaseElements | Value proposition of the strategy | {"valueDrivers": ["Risk reduction", "Cost savings", "Revenue growth", "Brand enhancement"]} |
stakeholderAlignment | How strategy aligns with stakeholder expectations | {"alignmentAssessment": "Strong alignment with investor and customer expectations"} |
timeHorizon | Timeline for strategy implementation | {"startYear": "2025", "endYear": "2030", "phaseApproach": "Three implementation phases"} |
resourceRequirements | Resources needed for the strategy | {"totalInvestment": "$85M", "staffingNeeds": "Cross-functional team of 45 FTEs"} |
implementationRoadmap | Plan for strategy execution | {"phases": [{"phaseName": "Foundation", "timeframe": "2025-2026"}]} |
governanceStructure | Management approach for the strategy | {"oversight": "Board Sustainability Committee", "execution": "Sustainability Steering Committee"} |
performanceIndicators | How strategy success is measured | {"frameworkType": "Balanced scorecard", "keyMetrics": ["Carbon reduction", "Circular material use"]} |
communicationApproach | How strategy is communicated | {"internalApproach": "Town halls, training", "externalApproach": "Sustainability report, investor days"} |
integrationWithBusinessStrategy | How sustainability connects with overall strategy | {"integrationLevel": "fully integrated", "strategicPillars": ["Growth", "Efficiency", "Innovation"]} |
riskMitigationApproach | How strategy addresses risks | {"approaches": ["Climate scenario analysis", "Supply chain resilience planning"]} |
Schema Evolution Guidance
The Sustainability Domain schema is expected to evolve with emerging practices in sustainability management. Future extensions may include:
Climate resilience modeling
Circular economy frameworks
Biodiversity impact assessment
Supply chain sustainability traceability
Science-based targets integration
ESG ratings and benchmarking frameworks
Organizations should plan for these evolutions by maintaining clean taxonomies and clear relationship models in their current implementation.
The Orthogramic Metamodel license: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 (CC BY-SA 4.0), ensuring it remains open, collaborative, and widely accessible.