CONTENTS:
Understanding the truMRK Transparency Score
The truMRK Transparency Score is designed to help stakeholders quickly understand how responsibly a sustainability report communicates its claims — not just what is said, but how it’s evidenced, framed, and likely to be interpreted.
Scores are determined through a structured, evidence-based process that combines independent subject matter expertise with AI-assisted analysis to ensure every assessment is consistent, objective, and transparent.
What the Score Tells You
Each sustainability report we review receives a truMRK Transparency Score — a number from 1 to 5 — that reflects how clearly and credibly the report communicates environmental and ESG-related information.
This score gives you a fast, independent view of how well the report performs.
How We Score Reports
Every sustainability report we review receives three individual scores between 1 (poor) and 5 (best practice), one for each core assessment area:
-
Claim Verification
-
Language Check
-
Context & Credibility
These three scores are clearly presented so stakeholders can see where the report performs well and where there is room for improvement.
The overall Transparency Score is calculated by averaging these three scores and rounding to the nearest whole number.
The Scoring Scale
| Score | Transparency Rating | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Low Risk | Responsible, well-evidenced, and clearly presented. |
| 4 | Moderate–Low Risk | Generally strong, with minor areas for refinement. |
| 3 | Moderate Risk | Mixed clarity; key claims may need more evidence or precision. |
| 2 | High Risk | Significant gaps in clarity, evidence, or responsible framing. |
| 1 | Very High Risk | High potential for greenwashing or misleading communication. |
What We Assess
– Claim Verification – Are claims supported with verifiable, credible evidence?
We look for robust data, third-party certifications, and transparency on methods and baselines.
– Language Check – Is the tone clear, proportionate, and responsible?
We evaluate how claims are worded — avoiding vague, exaggerated, or misleading statements.
– Context & Credibility – Does the report reflect stakeholder expectations and provide enough context?
We check for completeness, disclosure of limitations, and alignment with industry norms.
Why This Matters
Transparency builds trust.
Whether you’re an investor, regulator, customer, or sustainability professional, the truMRK Transparency Score helps you understand not just what a company is saying — but how responsibly they’re saying it.
Our scoring framework is designed to make that judgement clear, consistent, and grounded in best practice.