Materiality/Hot-Spot Analysis (3.0)

This is an optional Innovation & Leadership (IL) credit. IL credits recognize institutions that are seeking innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and demonstrating sustainability leadership in ways that are not otherwise captured in STARS. Scoring in the Innovation and Leadership section is capped at 10 bonus points total.


Credit Language

IL 40: Materiality/Hot-Spot Analysis – version

Questions & Answers

How has this credit changed between STARS Version 2 and Version 3?

This is a new bonus credit in STARS. A comprehensive list of differences can be found in the STARS 3.0 Summary of changes.

What is a materiality/hot-spot analysis? 

A materiality/hot-spot analysis is an assessment of the potential sustainability impacts and risks of products or product categories throughout an institution’s supply chains, including, but not limited to, impacts on people and the environment, traceability considerations, anticipated stakeholder responses, and environmental and social regulations of the countries where the suppliers are based.

Suggestions for Institutions

  • Work with your institution’s procurement office and/or similar to determine whether materiality/hot-spot analysis has already been conducted, and/or to consider conducting such an analysis.

Potential Data Quality Issues

  • Documentation on a materiality/hot-spot analysis from within the previous three years must be provided.

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