Question

What distinguishes evidence for a basic score from evidence that drives Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum?

The progression follows the PAR framework, but what changes at each level is not just the volume of evidence: it is the depth, coverage and credibility of what is submitted.

A basic score (Committed Badge range) comes from having some policies in place across some criteria, initial measures introduced and some KPIs submitted. Many companies at this stage already have the relevant activities; the gap is documentation and submission — the transition from Committed to Bronze is largely a formalisation exercise. Companies with a Silver medal tend to have structured management systems covering the majority of activated criteria, risk assessments for key themes, at least some third-party certifications, and KPI reporting across most key criteria.

The defining additions for Gold and Platinum: SMART quantitative targets; multiple third-party certifications covering the majority of themes and the organisation; and a public sustainability report aligned with a recognised standard and third-party verified. For detailed profiles per level, see the Committed-to-Bronze, Bronze-to-Silver and Silver-to-Gold articles.