Every SINK score is produced by the same formula, using the same rubric, applied to publicly available data. No exceptions. No special treatment. This page explains exactly how it works so you can verify any score yourself.
SINK scores are independent assessments based on publicly available information. They represent our editorial judgment applied consistently across all companies — they are not statements of verified fact. All scores are open to challenge and correction by anyone with evidence.
SINK = (0.3 × Base + 0.7 × Performance) × ScaleA fixed score representing the sustainability ceiling of an industry. Oil & Gas scores 20 because the core business is extracting fossil fuels — no amount of solar panels on headquarters changes that. SaaS scores 70 because software has a fundamentally lower environmental footprint. This is a ceiling, not a floor — it caps how high a company in that sector can score.
Ten questions, each scored 0–10, based on publicly available evidence. This is where effort counts. A company that discloses fully, sets science-based targets, transitions to renewable energy, and maintains clean governance will score high regardless of their industry.
Total emissions volume determines a multiplier between 0.60x and 1.00x. A company emitting 50 million tonnes of CO₂e per year has its score reduced by 40% — because scale matters. Physics doesn't care about percentages. The planet experiences absolute tonnes, not relative improvement.
Every company is assessed against these ten questions. Each is scored 0–10 based on the thresholds below. Performance = sum of all ten scores.
Scores between anchors (0, 3, 6, 10) reflect how closely a company meets the next threshold. The anchors define the range. The evidence determines where within it a company falls.
Each industry gets a base score reflecting the environmental ceiling of its core business activity. Click any row to see the rationale. All scores are open to challenge.
New sectors added as companies are scored. Base scores set by editorial review and open to challenge with evidence.
Theoretical near-maximum. Requires exceptional performance across all dimensions at scale.
Best-in-class. Only a handful of companies in our database have reached this level.
Genuine sustainability leadership backed by verified data and science-based targets.
Meaningful effort with room for improvement.
Some action but significant gaps remain.
Major disclosure or performance deficiencies.
Minimal effort or actively harmful practices.
We don't grade on a curve. We grade against the planet. Scores above 75 are exceptionally rare — reflecting how demanding the rubric is. The majority of companies score between 30 and 60. A score of 60+ represents genuine sustainability leadership, the kind backed by verified data, science-based targets, and transparent governance.
A separate designation for companies whose core business demonstrably removes more greenhouse gas than it creates. The badge is displayed alongside the SINK score — it does not change the score itself.
Eligibility requires all three:
Companies cannot pay to receive this designation.
Scored using publicly available data. Awaiting community verification.
At least 5 community verifications across the 10 questions, with fewer than 3 open challenges. Each verification must include a source URL or brief justification.
At least 20 community verifications, fewer than 2 unresolved challenges, and score stable for 30+ days.
Every question on every score has a “Challenge” button. Click it, select the tier you think is correct, provide your evidence — a source URL is required — and submit.
Challenges are published publicly. When community evidence supports a more accurate assessment, the score is updated, the challenger is credited, and the change is logged permanently in the score history. No score is final.
We'd rather be corrected than wrong. That's the point.
Published rationale for every base impact score.
SaaS / Digital Services base score revised from 75 to 70 — reflects growing energy intensity from AI and data centre expansion.
Electronics / Hardware base score revised from 45 to 40 — better reflects full lifecycle footprint including mining, fabrication, and e-waste.
Apparel (Durable) base score revised from 25 to 30 — previous score understated the gap between durable and fast fashion models.
Added interpolation note for rubric scoring between anchors.
Added verification requirement: community verifications must include a source or justification.
Formula, 10-question rubric, base impact table, scale penalties, scoring bands, verification tiers, and challenge process.