This page describes vocabulary applicable to any ESG Reporting Framework. Find below equivalent pages to describe framework-specific vocabulary.
Ecovadis
CDP
BCorp
IFRS
The ESG data collection process is a central step in your sustainability journey. With Greenly’s Advanced ESG Framework (or actually most of reknown ESG frameworks), this process ensures that the right indicators are treated, the right people are involved, and the quality of your data meets the expectations of auditors and regulators.
Below is a step-by-step overview of how to run an efficient and compliant ESG data collection campaign using Greenly's platform and support tools.
✅ Step 1: Review and Scope Your Indicators
🔍 What it is:
Before collecting any data, you need to define your reporting perimeter—which indicators should be treated and which should be left out.
🧰 How to do it:
Use the Excel-based scoping template (available on the platform or via your ESG expert) to review all indicators.
Select those relevant to your business, based on Materiality (impact or financial) or Regulatory applicability (e.g., CSRD, IFRS, ISO...).
Upload the file back into the platform to set-up Indicators.
The platform will then mark selected indicators as “Applicable” and others as “Non-applicable.”
You can still adjust this later via the “Skip” button on any indicator.
📌 Tip: If you're on a Hero package, Greenly’s ESG experts can pre-fill the scoping with suggested indicators.
👥 Step 2: Assign Owners, Contributors & Validators
🔍 What it is:
Each applicable indicator must be assigned to a responsible stakeholder—this is how ownership, accuracy, and review processes are ensured.
👤 Roles Involved:
Owner: Fills in the data.
Validator: Reviews and approves the data.
Contributor (optional): Helps gather info.
Project Manager: Oversees and coordinates the process.
🧰 How to do it:
Use the Onboarding Module or your existing mapping to assign people to indicators based on their domain (e.g. HR for diversity, finance for investments).
Assignments can be done in bulk using filters by data source or topic.
🚀 Step 3: Launch the Data Collection Process
🔍 What it is:
Once indicators and stakeholders are assigned, it's time to officially begin the data entry process.
📅 Suggested Kickoff Activities:
Organize a kickoff meeting to align contributors on expectations, scope, and deadlines.
Use the Greenly platform to track who has been assigned what.
Ensure each user knows how to use the platform and understands the instructions provided per indicator.
📌 Reminder: Only “Applicable” indicators need to be treated. Use platform filters to streamline views.
📈 Step 4: Monitor Progress in Real Time
🔍 What it is:
Monitor how the data collection is progressing using your personal dashboard.
🧰 Dashboard KPIs:
% of Completed indicators
% of Validated indicators
% of Mandatory indicators treated
Number of indicators with attachments
Number of assigned but incomplete indicators
You can filter by topic, contributor, status, or entity to identify bottlenecks and direct support where needed.
🔍 Step 5: Ensure Data Quality & Auditability
🔍 What it is:
Reporting is not just about submitting numbers—it’s about making sure they are credible, verifiable, and aligned with ESG frameworks.
🎯 Key Quality Requirements:
Each indicator should ideally include:
✅ Valid data in the expected format (text, number, dropdown, etc.)
📎 Attachment(s): Excel files, invoices, reports, screenshots
💬 Justification: Especially important when using proxies or estimates
🏷️ Quality flags: Automatically triggered to identify:
Proxy use
Incomplete coverage
Outdated or estimated values
Missing documentation
📌 Incomplete or unjustified indicators will be flagged in your Gap Analysis and could compromise your CSRD or EcoVadis scores.
📋 Step 6: Gap Analysis & Final Review
🔍 What it is:
Once all data is submitted, Greenly’s platform automatically runs a Gap Analysis, highlighting:
Indicators marked as “Not available”
Answers missing documentation or context
Potential compliance risks across frameworks like CSRD, CDP, GRI
Use this phase to:
Fix outstanding quality issues
Add missing files or explanations
Close any validation loops between Owners and Validators