The manual for the sustainability assessment of start-ups was developed by the Borderstep Institute for Innovation and Sustainability and Forum Nachhaltige Geldanlagen. It aims to support investors in identifying sustainable start-ups, drive sustainability-oriented business model development, and provide a basis for funding and support organizations. The manual assesses criteria such as business context, start-up team, business concept, and products/services. It also includes instructions for using the manual, assessment concepts, and development stages of a start-up.

Key Insights

• The manual aims to promote sustainable start-ups by assisting investors, rating agencies, and funding organizations in assessing sustainability and impact.
• It provides a structured approach to evaluating sustainability aspects such as business context, team orientation, business concept, and product impact.
• The manual includes tools like the Sustainable Business Canvas for developing sustainable business models.
• The assessment results are intended for internal use and continuous improvement of a start-up’s sustainability performance.
• The manual emphasizes the importance of regular assessments to support ongoing dialogue and improvement in sustainability practices.

Source: GreenUp Invest