See how we assess companies, verify claims and protect independent ESG rating decisions.
NORTHON ESG Ratings™ uses a documented ESG Rating Methodology, Rating Scale and Scoring Rules, and Sector Risk Adjustment Rules. We follow the same process for every assessment. Changes to the methodology are reviewed under our Methodology Review Procedure. We record the rules, evidence and decisions so each result can be explained, checked and audited.
Which issues matter depends on the company, its sector and its size. We assess its impact on people and the environment. We also assess how environmental and social factors affect its risks and operations. Our methodology assigns weights to relevant issues so the rating reflects the company being assessed. Related internal documents: ESG Rating Methodology, Sector Risk Adjustment Rules.
We use questionnaire answers, submitted documents and, when relevant, an interview record. We match the evidence to the issues we assess, flag missing or conflicting evidence and record how we reached each conclusion. We do not treat an unsupported claim as a proven strength in the rating. Related internal documents: Data Governance Policy, Evidence Classification Rules, Record Keeping Policy.
We assess relevant company practices, results and evidence under the NORTHON ESG Ratings™ methodology. An ISO certificate does not automatically affect the ESG assessment or guarantee a higher score or grade. We consider ISO certificates, EMAS registration and ESG reports as supporting evidence based on their relevance, scope and what they show about the company’s actual practices. A reviewer checks conflicting information, weak evidence, scores and the final grade. We issue the rating only after documented professional approval. Related internal document: Rating Governance Framework.
Commercial interests, partners and advisory work must not determine an ESG rating. We use a system to prevent, identify and manage conflicts of interest. It protects the independence of each assessment. This system includes our Conflict of Interest Policy, Client Onboarding and Conflict Screening Procedure and Rating Independence Policy.
We review the evidence and assign a specific grade to the company’s assessed sustainability position. The ESG rating gives the result and grade. The ESG rating report explains the evidence and reasoning behind it. The ESG certificate presents the rating result, not just a general claim about sustainability. We support and explain each conclusion so the result is clearly different from an unsupported green claim. Related internal documents: Evidence Classification Rules, Public Disclosure Policy.
We accept and record challenges to the evidence, complaints about the process and appeals against the result under our Complaints and Appeals Procedure. Each case is reviewed separately from the original assessment. We tell the person who submitted it what we found and what happens next. Please include the company name, the relevant ESG rating and the reason for your request. Email compliance@esgratings.eu.