FAQS

truMRK Explained

Here are answers to some of the key questions people ask about truMRK and how our independent review process works. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please get in touch.

KEY QUESTIONS

What is truMRK?

truMRK is an independent verification service that reviews sustainability communications for clarity, evidence and transparency.

We assess how responsibly environmental and ESG related claims are communicated. Our reviews examine the strength of supporting evidence, the clarity of language used, and whether sufficient context is provided for stakeholders to form a fair view.

Each assessment results in a structured Transparency Report.

What types of content does truMRK review?

truMRK reviews a wide range of sustainability related communications, including:

  • Sustainability and ESG reports

  • Corporate websites and sustainability pages

  • Investor communications

  • Press releases and public announcements

Our methodology focuses on how sustainability claims are communicated, regardless of format.

Does truMRK assess sustainability performance?

No.

truMRK does not evaluate whether a company is environmentally or socially “good” or “bad”.

Instead, we assess the quality of communication. This includes whether claims are supported by credible evidence, expressed responsibly, and presented with sufficient context.

What is a Transparency Report?

A truMRK Transparency Report is an independent assessment of sustainability related communications.

It provides:

Transparency Reports can be published publicly or used internally as a benchmarking tool.

What are the three assessment areas?

Every review evaluates content across three areas:

  • Claim Substantiation
    Are claims supported with verifiable and credible evidence?
  • Language Check
    Is the tone clear, proportionate and responsible?
  • Context and Credibility
    Does the content provide sufficient context for stakeholders to form a fair view?

Each area receives an individual score from 1 to 5.

What do the scores mean?

Scores range from 1 (very weak communication) to 5 (very strong communication).

They reflect the quality of disclosure and communication within the content reviewed. They do not represent a judgement of a company’s overall sustainability performance.

Do organisations need to publish their Transparency Report?

No.

Organisations can choose to:

  • Publish the Transparency Report and display the truMRK Verified badge, or

  • Use the report internally to benchmark and strengthen future communications.

Publication is optional.

What does truMRK Verified mean?

truMRK Verified indicates that sustainability related communications have undergone an independent transparency review.

The badge links to the published Transparency Report so stakeholders can see how the content was assessed across evidence, language and contextual integrity.

Does truMRK edit or rewrite reports?

No.

truMRK provides independent assessments and recommendations, but organisations remain responsible for their own communications.

The review process may highlight areas where clarity, evidence or context can be strengthened before publication.

Who conducts the reviews?

Reviews are conducted using truMRK’s structured methodology and involve independent expert analysis of the content being assessed.

The aim is to ensure assessments are consistent, objective and aligned with recognised regulatory guidance and reporting frameworks.

Why does independent review matter?

Sustainability communications are increasingly scrutinised by regulators, investors and the public.

Independent review helps organisations:

  • Reduce greenwashing risk

  • Strengthen transparency

  • Improve credibility

  • Demonstrate accountability to stakeholders

truMRK provides a structured and independent way to support responsible sustainability communication.