Ocean Life Impact Goal considers the way companies oversee their water use when making products is an important factor for this principle. Yet the primary consideration is the value and respect placed on the ocean and its marine life. Of note is the strength of companies' waste management and recycling initiatives. Also crucial are the controls and systems that companies have in place to avoid significant disasters that could impact ocean life.
When scoring a company on the Ocean Life impact goal, the following underlying Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) factors are considered:
- Waste & Hazardous Material Management: Environmental issues associated with hazardous and non-hazardous waste generated by companies. Specifically, management of solid waste in the manufacturing of agriculture and other land processes. Covers treatment, handling, storage and disposal, and regulatory compliance.
- Water & Wastewater Management: A company’s water use, water consumption, and impact of operations on water resources influenced by regional differences in availability and quality of water. Includes management of water efficiency, intensity, and recycling. Also addresses the management of wastewater treatment and discharge, including groundwater and recycling.
- Ecological Impacts: The management of impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity through activities relating to land use such as exploration, extraction of natural resources, cultivation, construction and their consequences, including biodiversity loss, habitat destruction, and deforestation at all stages such as planning, land acquisition, permits, development, etc.
The SASB is a non-profit organization founded in 2011 to help businesses and investors develop a common language about the financial impacts of sustainability. To learn more, see https://www.sasb.org/about/
To learn more about the Impact Scoring methodology, see How are Impact scores calculated?