2020 GCSA Guidelines

2020 Global Corporate Sustainability Awards Guidelines

Organizers:

Taiwan Academy of Corporate Sustainability Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy Center for Corporate Sustainability

2020.03.28

Table of Contents I.

Motivation and Objectives

2

II.

Organizers

3

III. Important Dates

3

IV. Award Categories and Application Fee

3

V.

5

Qualifications

VI. Submission

5

VII. Payment

7

VIII. Selection Criteria

7

IX. Notice

9

X.

10

Contact

XI. Appendix I:

Online Application Form

11

XII. Appendix II:

Selection Guidelines and Nomination Form of Outstanding Professional Award

12

XIII. Appendix III-I:

Application of Sustainability Reporting Award

19

XIV. Appendix III-II:

Self-Evaluation Form Reporting Award

21

XV. Appendix IV:

Application of Best Practices Award

26

XVI. Appendix V:

Acknowledgement

28

1

of

Sustainability

2020 Global Corporate Sustainability Awards I.

Motivation and Objectives United Nations established the 2030 Agenda and the 17 Sustainable Development

Goals (SDGs) in 2015 establishing a vision of the future, becoming the set of global guidelines to ensure humanity’s progress towards this sustainable future. Corporate sustainability is the keystone to accomplishing these goals as corporations constitute more than half of economic activity worldwide. Hence, so corporate sustainability is of critical importance and essential to the success of sustainable development. The implementation of corporate sustainability initiatives and the publication of corporate sustainability reports are activities important in the international business community.

Alliance for Sustainable Development Goals (A‧SDGs) established Global Corporate Sustainability Awards (GCSA) in 2018 to expand the global footprint of sustainability. Companies worldwide will be offered qualitative and quantitative supports in their corporate governance informational disclosures, which will further their contribution to sustainable development, environmental friendliness, and social justice. GCSA offers recognition in three major award categories: Outstanding Professional, Sustainability Reporting, and Best Practices.

Aims 1.

Promoting sustainable corporate principles and practices.

2.

Recognizing corporates’ efforts toward sustainable development.

3.

Continue to develop global standards of corporate sustainability.

4.

Acknowledging the multi-faceted nature of sustainability issues.

5.

Fostering the focus within the global business community on corporate social responsibility and sustainability issues.

Award Evaluation The procedure commences when candidates lodge applications stating their achievements, reporting awards candidates requires to self-evaluate upon entry. Upon closure of registration, the entries will be reviewed by panel judges who are sustainability professionals. The processes differ between award categories: 1. Outstanding Professional and Best Practice: the awards will be graded by 2

panel judges before formal discussion by Selection Committee to decide on the winners. The panel judges are formed by a group of professionals in the field of sustainability.

2. Sustainability Reporting: the reports and self-evaluation forms will be reviewed by reviewing judges in the preliminary round before final review by the final committee form by professionals from the field of governance, social, and environment aspects of sustainability. The reviewing judges are from corporations, academia, governments, and NGOs who are trained to evaluate CSR reports.

The selection criteria are listed under Section VIII. II. Organizers:

Taiwan Academy of Corporate Sustainability Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy Center for Corporate Sustainability

III. Important Dates 1.

Event Guidelines announcement: 16th March 2020

2.

Registration open: 11th May 2020

3.

Registration deadline: 10th August 2020

4.

Notice of judging results: 4th October by separate notice to winners

5.

Awards ceremony: 18th November 2020

IV. Award Categories

1. Outstanding Professional Award Recognizes splendid individuals that have made outstanding contributions to sustainable development within their organizations.

The number of winners will dependent upon the number of participants and their performances.

2. Sustainability Reporting Award Rewards those corporates that disclose sustainability information that are transparent and credible. The number of awards is determined based on the number of participating corporates and their performance.

3. Best Practice Award 3

Rewards those corporates that has the best practice in sustainable developments. Each corporate is eligible of submitting multiple entries regarding their respective practices. The number of awards is determined based on the number of participating corporates and their performance. The practice with top score by panel judges will be awarded “Outstanding Practice” and those scored above average will be awarded “Great Practice”.

The winners of the above awards will be issued a number of entry tickets for 2020 Global Corporate Sustainability Forum (GCSF) without additional cost.

Companies in emerging economies based on DJSI Emerging Market Index are eligible for the emerging market category of all of the awards above.

V.

Application Fee

Award Category Outstanding Professional Sustainability Reporting Best Practice

Fee (USD) $330 $1,230 $1,230

VI. Eligibility 1.

Outstanding Professional Nominations are submitted by domestic and foreign government agencies, NGOs, corporates, and academics. The selection guide and nomination form are detailed in Appendix II.

2.

Sustainability Reporting Participants must submit their Corporate Sustainability Report for evaluation.

Submission should include the English version report of the latest two years (2019 or 2020), with disclosure contents covering corporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) information. The framework of report is not limited to Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) or Integrated Report (IR), but could be, for example Sustainability Accounting Standard Board (SASB) or others. Local regulations would also be considered as eligible framework in developing sustainability report.

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3.

Best Practice Participants must submit a nomination form as per Appendix IV. The projects can be supported with pictures, website links, or any other forms of media.

VII. Submission Submission process will be confirmed after setting up of the official website.

1.

Outstanding Professional A.

Information included in submission (not limited to): a. Profile of the nominee’s organization or companies. b. Profile of nominee. c. Description of the nominee’s experiences and achievements in 600 words. d. Corporate sustainability performance of the nominee. Summarize in 300 words, with total content of 3,000 words. e. Supporting documents such as the nominee’s news article, biography, or research publications.

B.

Additional Note a. The nominee must be informed of his/her nomination. b. Outstanding Professional Award winners will be eligible for re-entry 3 years after winning the award.

2.

Sustainability Reporting Documents for submission: a. Participants must submit the English version of sustainability report for the latest two years (2019 or 2020), with disclosure covering 2019 or 2020 calendar years. The framework of report is not limited to either of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or Integrate Report (IR), but could be, for example Sustainability Accounting Standard Board (SASB) or others. Local regulations would also be considered as eligible framework in developing sustainability report. b. Dedicated corporate website link for the report and sustainability section for the website.

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c. Completed the Self-Evaluation Form, as provided in Appendix III. 3.

Best Practices a. Documents for submission: Complete Application Form with the information below: 

Project(s) name



Aim of the project(s)



The project motives, objects, initiation process, timing, and other details.



The positions, expertise, and experiences of project participants.



Other information which supports the project



Position of the project: Purpose, goals, and how are the goals being achieved.



Evaluation: How the project link to the company’s businesses, products, and services. This can be stated with its operation process and timing.



Sustainable developments: State the factors leading to and impacts on sustainable development.



Innovation: Is the project newly initiated or developed based on existing resources? What features making the project innovative, creative, and unique?



Results: What are some of the quantitative and (or) qualitative results since the project commencement? Are there any measurable feedbacks and evaluations?

b. Supporting documents should include but not limited to: 

Certifications



Project related posters and photos



Multimedia presentation

VIII. Payment: The payments can be proceeded through either online credit card payment or bank transfer. The procedure will be finalized after the website set up.

IX. Criteria 6

1.

Outstanding Professional The panel judges will evaluate participants based on the criteria below: Reputation Overall Contribution Social Impacts Corporate Image Special achievements

The nominee is reputable in his/her respective industry or field of specialty Benefits brought to the nominee’s organization and the wider society Influence brought to the wider society setting example to other companies of similar industry and practices The reputation of respective organization which the nominee holds leadership position.

Nominee’s highlighted achievements in its practices which may include quantitative results, awards, and other forms of outstanding outcomes.

Each of the criteria about constitute 20% of the overall score.

2.

Sustainability Reporting Assess disclosure of corporate sustainability reports (50%), multimedia applications, and quality of contents (50%). a. Sustainability Reports (50%)  Evaluate disclosure of sustainability report, including validity, transparency, practicality, and communication.  Framework of reporting includes but not limit to Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or Integrated Report (IR), but local regulation or other standard can be eligible. Evaluation are conducted following the three dimensions below:

Criteria Completeness 40% Credibility 35% Communication 25%

Evaluation Indicators  Materiality  Strategy

 Stakeholder Inclusion  Organizational Context

 Management Processes  Governance  Assurance  Presentation  Structure

 Stakeholder Inclusion  Performance Stakeholder Inclusion

b. Multimedia Applications and Quality of Contents (50%)  Publication of sustainability related news and updates.  Accessibility, transparency, timeliness, and completeness of corporate sustainability website.  Interactive hyperlinks to electronic reports.

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 Evaluation follows the dimensions below: Indicator

Evaluation Indicators

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) webpage Update and Management 25% Reference Website Electronic Report & Hyperlinks to Related Information 25%

3.

 Sustainability section is hyperlinked on the Corporate Homepage.  The report is available for download.  The website has the latest news, real-time communication with stakeholders, and the web information is routinely updated.  In accord with the definitions of CSR, there must be disclosure of the four dimensions of environmental, social and governance (ESG) and supply chain management, with links.  Hyperlinks to electronic reports and other information.

Multimedia Design & Interactive Function 25%

 Quality of text, images, charts, videos, and interactive websites contents for communication with stakeholders.

Stakeholder Communications, Feedback Channels & Social Network Websites 25%

 Website map/search engine link to CSR section.  Outline of CSR section contents by category along with link to email. Other communication channels on the website include but not limited to online survey, social network applications (e.g. Twitter, Facebook, YouTube), and electronic newsletter.

Best Practices

Strategies and Objectives (25%) Criteria Objective (15%) Clearly define the short, mid, and long-term strategies of the respective projects/programs

Guidelines In no more than 1,200 words, describe the objective of the project/program. The questions addressed include but are not limited to: i. Project/program background ii. Aim to achieve from this project iii. Target groups iv. Integration with the target communities v. A Stakeholder engagement vi. People involved The description should give references to goals, standards, and guidelines include but not limited to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Relevance (10%) Relevance of the project/program to the communities or stakeholders

8

Impacts, Effectiveness, and Continuity (40%) Criteria Guidelines Impacts (10%) In no more than 1,000 words, address Coverage of the project/program and the impacts such as: influences made to the target group(s) i. Geographical and demographical coverage ii. The meaningful changes to the targeted groups iii. Differentiation of the program to other programs of similar nature Effectiveness (15%) In no more than 1,500 words, describe Effectiveness of the project/program in issues such as: achieving its objectives i. Schedule and plan of the project/program ii. The leaderships involved including CEO, and the Board of Directors. iii. Communication to respective stakeholders iv. Project execution (include the toolkits) v. Integrated into the daily business vi. Measurements and monitor process vii. Management approach (such as performance indicators) with realistic measurements Continuity (10%) The impacts created to the target groups are sustainable from a long-term perspective Performance and Leadership (35%) Performance (25%) In no more than 1,200 words, describe Achievement of the project/program the issues include but not limited to: from a sustainability perspective in the i. Achievements for the business or social, economics, and environment organization itself ii. Impacts on people involved and dimensions. its target population iii. The result is in accordance with the objectives and plans iv. Stakeholder engagements The communication of the project’s performance to stakeholders is important.

Leadership (10%) In less than 400 words, describe how the project has set an example to its respective industries or to other programs of similar nature.

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Additional notes: i. The use of photos, diagrams, graphs, tables, flowcharts, and other forms of demonstrations are encouraged in all of the above sections. Words in the graphs and diagrams are not included in the word count. ii. The descriptions should consider the qualitative and quantitative factors. iii. Please attach the supporting documents to the application where applicable.

X. 1.

Notices The host organization has been granted permission acting in the public interest over all of the participants’ information submitted without limit to time or place, to collate, process, use, publish, in media (print media, online platforms, etc.), data analysis. and disclosure in other channels.

2.

The award winners shall agree, based on the principles of transparency, integrity, equity, openness, and fairness, to authorize the host organization to publish award related fact or information (from the original submissions), for analytical and data processing, publications, or media platforms (print media, online platforms, etc.).

3.

The information provided by participants must not be falsified in any way.

To ensure the spirit of corporate sustainability is fulfilled with transparency and integrity in information disclosure, any forms of malicious nondisclosure, where any report of such a matter is made, the participants agree that the organizers may amend or cancel any awards in accordance with the nature of such matters.

4.

The organizers retain the ultimate rights to amend or change events, or make decision on cancellation of the awards, such matters shall be solely made public on the official website.

XI. Contact Mr. Wayne Chu, Taiwan Academy of Corporate Sustainability Email: GCSA@taise.org.tw/ whchu@ccstw.net ADD: 5F.-5, No.188, Sec. 5, Nanjing E. Rd. Taipei, Taiwan TEL: +886-2-2769-8599*508 GCSA Website: www.globalcsforum.com/gcsa 10

Appendix I

Online Application Form Profile of Organization Name (Legal Entity) Name (abbr.)

Nationality

Managing Director Address Website

Contact Details Division Name

Job title

Telephone Number

Mobile Number

Email

Fax

Mailing Address

11

Appendix II

Outstanding Professional Award

Guidelines and Nomination Form

12

Guidelines of Outstanding Professional Award I.

The award recognizes exemplary individuals for their efforts in sustainable developments.

II.

The nominations may be submitted by representatives from government agencies, non-profit organizations, corporates, and academics.

III.

Complete nominations need to include the nominee’s present job title, education background, and summary of exemplary activities (in electronic version) for submission to the organizer, along with other materials for review.

IV.

The President of the Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Academy (TCSA) serves as Chairman who appoints panel judges for award evaluation.

V.

The panel judges will undertake review of documents before final decision by the chairman Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Academy for winners of the award.

VI.

The Award trophy will be presented to winners at the annual Global Corporate Sustainability Awards Ceremony.

VII. Upon approval of these Awards Guidelines, these Guidelines shall take effect from the date of announcement, and the same applies as to any amendments thereafter.

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Nomination Form of Outstanding Professional Award Important Notice 1.

2.

The individual who submits the nomination represents their entire organization, and each organization can only recommend one nominee.

The personal information of nominee must be as how it appears on passport.

Category  World Market

 Emerging Market

Profile of Nominee’s Corporate Corporate Name

Job Title

Address

Telephone Number

Email

Fax

Nominee’s Name and Job Title Name Job Title

Description of Nomination and Nominee's Special Contributions (600words)

□

The nominee is informed to participate the award (Please check it)

14

Profile of Nominee 2 inches photo

First Name

Middle Name

Gender

Nationality

Last Name

Telephone Number

Current Address

Fax Phone Number

Email Link to the Latest Published Sustainability Report

Please fill in the following form in the order according to importance.

Education School/College/University

Major

Starting Ending Year Year

Job Title

Starting Ending Year Year

1 2 3

Experience Corporate and Department 1 2 3 15

Current Position Corporate and Department

Job Title

Year Commenced

1 2 3

Performances in field of Corporate Sustainability Subject

Year

1 2 3

Awards and Achievements

Awarding Organization

Subject 1 2 3

16

Year

Description of Nominee's Contribution to and Achievements in Corporate Sustainability 1. Summary (300 words)

2. Content (3,000 words)

3. Supporting Documents

(Available in PPT form which must be within 10 pages, compressed documents and weblinks are accepted)

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Appendix III

Sustainability Reporting Award

Application and Self-Evaluation Form

18

Appendix III-I

Application of Sustainability Reporting Award Category ď Ż World Market

ď Ż Emerging Market

Organization Details Year of Establishment Publicly Listed (if Yes, enter Stock Symbol)

Organization Type Stock Symbol

Industry

Corporate Overview (no more than 1,000 words)

Website for Sustainability

Details of Corporate Sustainability Report Year of Publication of Report Framework of Report Externally Assurance with ThirdParty?

Web-link to Report

Publish time (this year included)

Level of Assurance

19

Corporate’s CSR Committee/Department Chief of CSR Department/Committee Project or Program (part-time) Employees

Professional Staff Have you established a CSR strategy formulation team, such as Corporate Social Responsibility Committee or Corporate Sustainability Committee?

(If Yes, Enter the Name) Title of Top Executive whom CSR Report shall be Submitted

Name of Committee

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Appendix III-II

Self-Evaluation Form Sustainability Reporting Award

Part I. Assessing Published Sustainability Reports ď Ź

Completeness 40% Indicators

Caption

Materiality 15%

The organization’s Materiality Analysis of key sustainability challenge results and responsive methods.

Referencing Page/ Explanation If Necessary (300 words) Stakeholder Inclusion 10%

The key subjects for the Reportage, establishing engagement with organizational stakeholders, responsive methods and results, and explanation of the significance of all the stakeholders to the organization.

Referencing Page/ Explanation If Necessary (300 words)

Strategy 10%

Explanation of the entire supply chain including society, environmental and sustainable development strategies, product and services controls, short, medium and long-term goals, and process overviews (measuring, disclosing and calculating efficacy benchmark measures, and timeliness of reportage and scope thereof).

Referencing Page/ Explanation If Necessary (300 words) Organizational Context 5%

Introduction of the corporate. Information includes but not limited to: main products and services, financial efficacy, geographic distribution and employee information, overall environment and organizational operations related information.

Referencing Page/ Explanation If Necessary (300 words)

21

SelfEvaluation Score

ď Ź

Credibility 35% Indicators

Caption

Management Processes 10%

The management process contents are primarily composed of: management systems, guidance and standards used in the Report, and key points of contact for preparing and authoring the Report.

Referencing Page/ Explanation If Necessary (300 words) Stakeholder Inclusion 5%

Results of consensus reached through stakeholder consultations, feedback activities adopted by the organization, and how the results contribute to changes in the organization’s establishment of strategies.

Referencing Page/ Explanation If Necessary (300 words)

Governance 5%

The relationship of remuneration and sustainability efficacy for the Board members and managers responsible for sustainable development related issues, risks and opportunities analysis. The information includes management overview and uniformity with sustainable management commitments and pledges.

Referencing Page/ Explanation If Necessary (300 words) Performance 5%

Information on challenges posed by significant events along with economic, environmental and social efficacy. The information shall include violations of laws and respective explanations thereof.

Referencing Page/ Explanation If Necessary (300 words) Assurance 10%

Internal auditing or certification processes, and external assurance (including the scope and methods of assurance certification).

Referencing Page/ Explanation If Necessary (300 words)

22

SelfEvaluation Score



Communication 25% Indicators

Caption

Presentation 10%

Layout, comprehensiveness, appropriateness of length, innovative presentation and communication, and appropriate graphic presentation.

SelfEvaluation Score

Referencing Page/ Explanation If Necessary (300 words) Stakeholder Inclusion 5%

Accessibility, communication, and feedback mechanisms

Referencing Page/ Explanation If Necessary (300 words) Structure 10%

Consists of three aspects: (1.) overall reportage conclusions, (2.) index and search engine, and (3.) report includes comprehensive hyperlinks to webpage explanations and more detailed information.

Referencing Page/ Explanation If Necessary (300 words)

Part II. Multimedia Applications and Content Quality Indicators CSR Websites Updating and Management 25%

Caption   

Hyperlinks to CSR section on the Corporate Homepage.

The report is available for download.

The website has the latest news, real-time communication with stakeholders, and the web information is routinely updated.



In accordance with the definitions of CSR, there must be disclosure of the four dimensions of environmental, social and governance (ESG) and supply chain management, with links.

Hyperlinks are link to electronic Report and other information.

Referencing Website

Explanation If Necessary (300 words) Electronic Report & Hyperlinks to Related Information 25%



23

SelfEvaluation Score

Indicators

Caption

Referencing Website

Explanation If Necessary (300 words) Multimedia Design & Interactive Function 25%



Quality of text, images, charts, videos, and interactive websites contents for stronger communication with stakeholders.



Website map/search engine function categorize on the CSR Websites.

CSR webpage contents has been categorized with links to inquiry email. Other features include but not limited to social media (e.g.

Twitter, Facebook, YouTube etc) and electronic newsletter.

Referencing Website

Explanation If Necessary (300 words) Stakeholder Communications, Feedback Channels & Social Network Websites 25%



Referencing Website

Explanation If Necessary (300 words)

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SelfEvaluation Score

Appendix IV

Best Practice Award

Application Form

25

Application of Best Practices Award Category ď Ż World Market

ď Ż Emerging Market

Project/Program Details Name Aim(s) Partnership(s) Abstracts (In 300 words)

Strategy and Objectives

Descript in no more than 1,200 words the strategic objectives of the project/program and how it relevant to the target communities or stakeholders.

People involved People

Expertise(s)

Experience(s)

Impacts, Effectiveness, and Continuity

In 1,000 words, describe the impacts the project/program brought to the target group(s).

In 1,500 words, state the effectiveness of the project/program in achieving its objective. The statement should include whether the project is sustainable in long term.

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Performance

State in 1,200 words what the project/program has achieved from sustainability perspective.

Leadership

In 400 words, state the business and community impacts from the project/program.

Supporting Documents (If applicable) Provide link to supporting documents where applicable. Compressed documents and weblinks are accepted.

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Appendix V

Acknowledgement On behalf of the entering corporate/organization, I hereby confirm that all the documents provided are realistic, complete, accurate, and effective. Any information or supporting documents provided that are fraudulent and/or purposely lead to misinterpretation by judges will lead to disqualification of submission. If the fraudulent information is discovered after announcement of winners, the award will be disqualified. I acknowledge that my corporate and myself have no personal relationships or employed by the organizer’s committee (Other than ordinary business relationships). Finally, my corporate and myself will not commit bribery of any forms towards committee members in making objective, reliable, and realistic judgements.

Authorization: Name:

Signature:

Job Title: Corporation Name:

Date:

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