Sustainability
Will this product still make sense in five years?
What it measures
How the product performs across its lifecycle — environmental impact, material sourcing, end-of-life, and durability — and whether sustainability targets are measurable and met.
Why it matters
Regulation, customer preference, and supplier availability are moving in one direction. Products that ignore sustainability accumulate risk; products that lead on it accumulate customers.
What good looks like
- Lifecycle impact has been assessed
- A sustainable sourcing policy exists and is followed
- Concrete sustainability goals with deadlines
- Circular-economy practices where they make economic sense
How it evolves across levels
- L1 Foundation
Lifecycle impact is acknowledged.
- L2 Structure
Sourcing policy exists and is followed.
- L3 Performance
Targets are set and tracked publicly.
- L4 Excellence
Sustainability shows up as a purchasing criterion for customers.
- L5 Mastery
Sustainability is part of the brand and a durable differentiator.