High-Level Summary of the Marking Scheme:
- Solution Adaptability & Actionability (25% ): Measures the ease of integration, rapid deployment, and operational practicality for SMEs. It rewards solutions that are intuitive and require minimal procedural friction.
- Cost-Effectiveness & Affordability (25%): Evaluates the total cost of ownership and financial viability. This aligns with the award’s core objective to make ESG accessible rather than a luxury reserved for large corporations.
- Scientific Impact & Measurability (25%): Focuses on robust, quantifiable metrics based on the ESGC Benchmark for General Sector (v2.0). Points are awarded for verifiable data regarding Carbon Footprint, Waste Recycling and Social Impact, preferring automated, auditable tracking1.
- Expandability & Scalability (25 %): Rates the potential of the solution to be replicated across different business sectors (e.g., Construction, Manufacturing, Services) and its geographical adaptability within the Greater Bay Area.
- Bonus Points : Rewards strategic collaborations with NGOs, industry networks, and academic alignments