KnowESG Methodology
Updated: 2025-08-15
This page documents our evaluation framework for carbon accounting software, the verification process behind every data point, our inclusion/exclusion criteria, conflict of interest policy, and a versioned changelog.
Fit Score Charter
Our Fit Score reflects how well a platform serves a buyer profile across capability, compliance, and operational fit. Default weights:
- Scope coverage (1/2/3): 20%
- Standards & assurance (GHGP, CSRD, TCFD, PCAF): 20%
- Data model (activity vs spend, LCA depth): 15%
- Supply chain support (supplier data, requests): 15%
- Integrations (ERP/BI/data warehouse): 10%
- Price band & TCO (by segment): 10%
- Proof (docs, references, audit trail): 10%
Weights are adjusted per persona in future iterations (ESG Manager, CFO, Procurement). See changelog for revisions.
Inclusion & Exclusion Criteria
Included when
- Publicly available product site with carbon accounting capability
- Claims align to GHGP and/or CSRD/TCFD documentation
- Evidence from official docs, marketplace listings, or analyst reports
Excluded when
- No verifiable product or evidence
- Primarily offsets/marketplace without accounting capability
- Unsubstantiated claims or broken references
Verification Process
- Collect claims from vendor docs and trusted sources
- Tag each table datapoint with a source URL and last checked date
- Automated weekly link health check; human review of material changes
- Flag discrepancies; update page and changelog
Users can click the ✓ Verified pills on the hub to view source and timestamp.
Conflict of Interest Policy
KnowESG may offer paid listings or advertising. Our rankings and evaluations are independent: sponsorships do not influence scoring or ordering. Where a relationship exists, we disclose it clearly.
Changelog
- v0.1 (2025-08-15)
- Initial release of Methodology page
- Defined Fit Score weights and criteria
- Published verification workflow and COI policy