Sustainability Domain

The Sustainability domain focuses on the organization's approach to managing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors to ensure long-term business viability while creating positive impact and meeting stakeholder expectations.

Schema Version: 2.1
Schema Location: /schemas/sustainability.schema.json
Specification: JSON Schema Draft-07

Overview

What is the Sustainability Domain?

The Sustainability domain captures the environmental, social, and governance dimensions that increasingly influence business success, enabling systematic measurement and improvement of sustainability performance. The domain covers:

• Environmental Impact — Effects on natural resources and ecosystems
• Social Responsibility — Relationships with employees, suppliers, and communities
• Governance Practices — Structures guiding sustainability decisions
• Sustainability Strategy — Integration into business operations

This domain extends the Orthogramic Metamodel by providing deeper insights into ESG factors and their alignment with strategic objectives.

Purpose and Value

The Sustainability domain enables architects and planners to:

• Align sustainability with strategy — Connect initiatives to business objectives
• Map to requirements — Link to regulatory and voluntary commitments
• Support decisions — Enable data-driven sustainability investments
• Drive performance — Systematically measure sustainability metrics
• Manage governance — Provide foundation for ESG risk management

For Data Engineers

The Sustainability domain maps directly to ESG data concepts:

• Environmental Impact → Emissions data /carbon accounting
• Social Responsibility → HR metrics /supplier audit data
• Governance Practice → Compliance data /policy tracking
• Sustainability Metrics → ESG KPIs /reporting dashboards
• Carbon Footprint → Scope 1, 2, 3 emissions data

Core Components

The Sustainability domain uses the ESG framework:

1. Environmental: Climate, resources, biodiversity, pollution
2. Social: Labor, diversity, human rights, community
3. Governance: Board, ethics, transparency, risk management

Domain Attributes

Core Attributes

Attribute	Type	Description	Required
sustainabilityID	String	Unique identifier	✓
title	String	Name of sustainability element	✓
description	String	Detailed explanation	✓
sustainabilityCategory	Enum	ESG category	✓
orgUnitTitle	String	Organization unit responsible
orgUnitRoles	Array[String]	Roles managing sustainability
scope	Enum	Organizational breadth
materialityAssessment	Object	Materiality analysis results
targets	Array[Object]	Sustainability targets
currentPerformance	Object	Current performance metrics
reportingFrameworks	Array[String]	Reporting standards used
certifications	Array[Object]	Certifications held
initiatives	Array[Object]	Active sustainability initiatives
risks	Array[Object]	Sustainability-related risks
opportunities	Array[Object]	Sustainability opportunities
stakeholderEngagement	Object	Stakeholder engagement approach
governance	Object	Sustainability governance
dependencies	Array[Object]	Dependencies on other domains
strategicAlignment	String	Connection to strategy

Enumeration Values

Sustainability Category (sustainabilityCategory)

Value	Description	Example
Environmental	Environmental impacts	Climate, waste, water
Social	Social responsibility	Labor, diversity, community
Governance	Governance practices	Ethics, transparency, board
Integrated	Cross-cutting ESG	Sustainability strategy

Impact Category (impactCategory)

Value	Description	Example
Emissions	Greenhouse gas emissions	Scope 1, 2, 3
Energy	Energy consumption	Renewable, efficiency
Water	Water usage and discharge	Consumption, treatment
Waste	Waste generation	Recycling, landfill
Biodiversity	Ecosystem impacts	Land use, species
Pollution	Air, water, soil pollution	Discharges, spills

Social Category (socialCategory)

Value	Description	Example
Labor	Employee practices	Working conditions, safety
Diversity	Diversity and inclusion	Gender, ethnicity, accessibility
Human Rights	Human rights protection	Supply chain, operations
Community	Community engagement	Local impact, philanthropy
Health Safety	Health and safety	Workplace safety, wellbeing

Reporting Framework (reportingFramework)

Value	Description
GRI	Global Reporting Initiative
SASB	Sustainability Accounting Standards
TCFD	Task Force on Climate-related Disclosures
CDP	Carbon Disclosure Project
UN SDGs	UN Sustainable Development Goals
CSRD	Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
ISSB	International Sustainability Standards Board

Environmental Impact Elements

Attribute	Type	Description
impactID	String	Unique identifier
impactTitle	String	Name of environmental impact
impactDescription	String	Detailed description
impactScope	Enum	Scope: Scope 1, Scope 2, Scope 3, All Scopes
impactCategory	Enum	Category of impact
impactMeasurement	Object	Measurement methodology
currentFootprint	Object	Current impact levels
reductionTargets	Array[Object]	Reduction goals
mitigationStrategies	Array[Object]	Mitigation approaches
reportingRequirements	Array[Object]	Disclosure requirements
verificationStatus	Enum	Third-party verification

Social Responsibility Elements

Attribute	Type	Description
socialID	String	Unique identifier
socialTitle	String	Name of social initiative
socialCategory	Enum	Category of social responsibility
stakeholders	Array[String]	Affected stakeholders
programs	Array[Object]	Active programs
metrics	Array[Object]	Performance metrics
targets	Array[Object]	Social targets
policies	Array[Object]	Related policies
riskAssessment	Object	Social risk assessment

Governance Practice Elements

Attribute	Type	Description
governanceID	String	Unique identifier
governanceTitle	String	Name of governance practice
governanceArea	Enum	Area: Board, Ethics, Risk, Transparency, Compliance
oversight	Object	Oversight structure
policies	Array[Object]	Governance policies
controls	Array[Object]	Governance controls
reporting	Object	Governance reporting
effectiveness	Object	Effectiveness assessment

Domain Relationships

The Sustainability domain integrates with other metamodel domains:

Target Domain	Relationship Type	Description
Strategy	Alignment	Sustainability supports strategic objectives
Risk	Identification	Climate and ESG risks identified
Policy	Governance	Sustainability policies defined
Supply Chain	Impact	Supply chain sustainability managed
Finance	Investment	Sustainability investments tracked
Performance	Measurement	ESG KPIs tracked
Products	Design	Product sustainability considered
Operations	Execution	Operational sustainability
Stakeholder	Engagement	Stakeholder expectations managed
Compliance	Requirements	Regulatory requirements met

Examples

Example 1: Corporate Carbon Footprint

{
  "sustainabilityID": "SUST-ENV-001",
  "title": "Corporate Carbon Footprint Management",
  "description": "Comprehensive assessment and management of organization-wide greenhouse gas emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3, including direct operations, purchased energy, and value chain activities.",
  "sustainabilityCategory": "Environmental",
  "orgUnitTitle": "Sustainability Office",
  "orgUnitRoles": ["Chief Sustainability Officer", "Environmental Program Manager", "Carbon Reporting Specialist"],
  "scope": "Enterprise",
  "reportingFrameworks": ["GRI", "TCFD", "CDP", "ISSB"],
  "environmentalImpact": {
    "impactID": "ENV-CARBON-001",
    "impactTitle": "Corporate Carbon Footprint",
    "impactScope": "All Scopes",
    "impactCategory": "Emissions",
    "impactMeasurement": {
      "methodologyName": "GHG Protocol Corporate Standard",
      "measurementUnits": "Metric tons CO2 equivalent (tCO2e)",
      "measurementFrequency": "annual",
      "dataQuality": "high",
      "verificationStatus": "third-party verified"
    },
    "currentFootprint": {
      "reportingPeriod": "2024",
      "totalImpact": "345,000 tCO2e",
      "impactBreakdown": [
        {
          "category": "Scope 1 (Direct emissions)",
          "amount": "78,500 tCO2e",
          "percentage": 22.8,
          "sources": ["Fleet vehicles", "Natural gas combustion", "Refrigerant leakage"]
        },
        {
          "category": "Scope 2 (Purchased energy)",
          "amount": "52,300 tCO2e",
          "percentage": 15.2,
          "sources": ["Electricity consumption", "Steam and heating"]
        },
        {
          "category": "Scope 3 (Value chain)",
          "amount": "214,200 tCO2e",
          "percentage": 62.0,
          "sources": ["Purchased goods", "Transportation", "Employee commuting", "End-of-life treatment"]
        }
      ]
    },
    "reductionTargets": [
      {
        "targetName": "Net Zero by 2040",
        "targetType": "absolute",
        "baselineYear": "2020",
        "baselineValue": "425,000 tCO2e",
        "targetValue": "0 tCO2e",
        "targetYear": "2040",
        "scienceBasedTarget": true
      },
      {
        "targetName": "50% Reduction by 2030",
        "targetType": "absolute",
        "targetValue": "212,500 tCO2e",
        "targetYear": "2030",
        "scienceBasedTarget": true
      }
    ],
    "mitigationStrategies": [
      {
        "strategyName": "Renewable Energy Transition",
        "description": "Transition to 100% renewable electricity",
        "expectedReduction": "52,300 tCO2e",
        "timeline": "2028",
        "investment": "$15M"
      },
      {
        "strategyName": "Fleet Electrification",
        "description": "Replace vehicle fleet with EVs",
        "expectedReduction": "35,000 tCO2e",
        "timeline": "2030",
        "investment": "$45M"
      }
    ]
  },
  "governance": {
    "boardOversight": "Quarterly sustainability review by Board ESG Committee",
    "executiveAccountability": "CSO reports to CEO with ESG-linked compensation",
    "managementCommittee": "Cross-functional Sustainability Council"
  },
  "strategicAlignment": "Core enabler of corporate net-zero commitment and ESG leadership positioning"
}

Example 2: Diversity and Inclusion Program

{
  "sustainabilityID": "SUST-SOC-001",
  "title": "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program",
  "description": "Enterprise-wide program to foster diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace",
  "sustainabilityCategory": "Social",
  "orgUnitTitle": "Human Resources",
  "socialResponsibility": {
    "socialID": "SOC-DEI-001",
    "socialTitle": "Workforce Diversity",
    "socialCategory": "Diversity",
    "stakeholders": ["Employees", "Candidates", "Communities"],
    "programs": [
      {
        "programName": "Inclusive Hiring Initiative",
        "description": "Structured approach to diverse candidate sourcing and selection",
        "status": "active"
      },
      {
        "programName": "Leadership Development",
        "description": "Program for underrepresented groups advancement",
        "status": "active"
      }
    ],
    "metrics": [
      {
        "metricName": "Gender Diversity",
        "currentValue": "42% women in workforce",
        "targetValue": "50%",
        "targetYear": "2027"
      },
      {
        "metricName": "Leadership Diversity",
        "currentValue": "35% underrepresented groups in leadership",
        "targetValue": "40%",
        "targetYear": "2026"
      }
    ]
  },
  "reportingFrameworks": ["GRI", "UN SDGs"],
  "strategicAlignment": "Supports talent strategy and innovation through diverse perspectives"
}

Example 3: ESG Governance Framework

{
  "sustainabilityID": "SUST-GOV-001",
  "title": "ESG Governance Framework",
  "description": "Governance structure and practices for sustainability oversight",
  "sustainabilityCategory": "Governance",
  "orgUnitTitle": "Corporate Governance",
  "governancePractice": {
    "governanceID": "GOV-ESG-001",
    "governanceTitle": "Board ESG Oversight",
    "governanceArea": "Board",
    "oversight": {
      "boardCommittee": "ESG and Sustainability Committee",
      "meetingFrequency": "quarterly",
      "responsibilities": [
        "Review sustainability strategy and targets",
        "Monitor ESG risk exposure",
        "Approve sustainability disclosures",
        "Oversee stakeholder engagement"
      ]
    },
    "policies": [
      {"policyName": "Environmental Policy", "status": "active"},
      {"policyName": "Human Rights Policy", "status": "active"},
      {"policyName": "Supplier Code of Conduct", "status": "active"}
    ],
    "reporting": {
      "internalReporting": "Monthly to Executive Committee",
      "externalReporting": "Annual Sustainability Report",
      "assurance": "Limited third-party assurance"
    }
  }
}

Implementation Guidelines

Sustainability Program Best Practices

1. Assess materiality — Identify most significant ESG issues
2. Set science-based targets — Align with global frameworks
3. Integrate with strategy — Connect to business objectives
4. Measure and report — Track progress transparently
5. Engage stakeholders — Involve internal and external parties

Materiality Assessment Matrix

UN SDG Alignment

SDG	Orthogramic Domain	Example Initiatives
SDG 7 - Clean Energy	Environmental Impact	Renewable energy transition
SDG 8 - Decent Work	Social Responsibility	Fair labor practices
SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption	Supply Chain	Circular economy
SDG 13 - Climate Action	Environmental Impact	Carbon reduction
SDG 16 - Strong Institutions	Governance Practice	Ethics and transparency

OpenMetadata Integration

For Data Platform Teams

When integrating with OpenMetadata, map Sustainability entities as follows:

Orthogramic Element	OpenMetadata Entity	Notes
Environmental Impact	Table	Emissions data tables
Carbon Footprint	Metric	Carbon metrics
ESG Metrics	Dashboard	ESG dashboards
Sustainability Report	Report	Annual reports
Compliance Data	Test Suite	Compliance checks

# Example: Map Sustainability to OpenMetadata Dashboard
def create_sustainability_dashboard(sustainability):
    """
    Map Orthogramic Sustainability to OpenMetadata Dashboard
    """
    return {
        "name": sustainability["sustainabilityID"].lower(),
        "displayName": sustainability["title"],
        "description": sustainability["description"],
        "dashboardType": "esg",
        "owner": {"name": sustainability.get("orgUnitTitle", ""), "type": "team"},
        "tags": [
            {"tagFQN": f"ESGCategory.{sustainability['sustainabilityCategory']}"}
        ] + [
            {"tagFQN": f"ReportingFramework.{framework}"}
            for framework in sustainability.get("reportingFrameworks", [])
        ],
        "charts": [
            {
                "name": "carbon_footprint",
                "displayName": "Carbon Footprint",
                "chartType": "line"
            },
            {
                "name": "target_progress",
                "displayName": "Target Progress",
                "chartType": "gauge"
            }
        ]
    }

Schema Reference

• Repository: Orthogramic/Orthogramic_Metamodel
• Schema Location: /schemas/sustainability.schema.json
• Version: 2.1
• Specification: JSON Schema Draft-07
• License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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