How Do You Really Compare? Environmental Benchmarking for Today's Brands

Knowing what “good” looks like in sustainability starts with context, not guesswork. Environmental benchmarking gives modern brands a concrete way to see where they stand and how far they can go.

Why “Good” Is Impossible Without Context

Every brand wants to be seen as “good” on sustainability, but that term is meaningless without something to measure against. A 70% recycling rate, a 10% Scope 3 reduction, or a Net Zero 2040 target might sound impressive, but whether they are strong or weak depends on your sector, size, and peer group. Without benchmarking, sustainability ambition risks becoming marketing language rather than a measurable position.

Turning “Good” Into Measurable Performance

Benchmarking makes sustainability concrete. When emissions are compared by sector and revenue band, brands can see whether their footprint is genuinely competitive or quietly lagging. Waste and recycling rates assessed against peers reveal if operational improvements are ahead of the curve or just average. Integrating third-party credentials with underlying performance data ensures that certifications aren’t just badges, but part of a transparent story. Governance structures and targets can also be evaluated against the latest disclosure standards so boards understand whether their commitments match modern expectations.

How Earthmark Defines “Good” for Your Sector

Earthmark is built to answer the question: “What does good look like for a brand like ours?” By aligning emissions, waste, recycling, and credentials to sector-specific benchmarks, Earthmark helps boards quickly see if they are leading or lagging rather than relying on internal narratives. Communications teams gain clarity on which performance claims they can make confidently, with the numbers and context to back them up. Customers and investors, in turn, see credible, contextualised data rather than isolated statistics.

From Abstract Goals to Relative Position

In sustainability, “good” isn’t an abstract ideal—it’s a relative position in your competitive landscape. Brands that understand their place can set sharper targets, prioritise actions with higher impact, and communicate progress without over- or under-claiming. If you don’t know what “good” looks like in your sector, it’s almost impossible to aim higher or prove that you’re moving in the right direction.

👉 The first step toward being “good” is knowing where you stand. Benchmarks turn ambition into evidence.