ECTF
What this framework measures
The ESG Communicative Transparency Framework evaluates the communicative integrity of corporate sustainability disclosure, not whether a company performs well on ESG metrics, but whether the way it communicates about those metrics matches what its own data actually shows.
Existing rating systems assess what companies do. The ECTF assesses whether how they describe it is honest. These are different questions, and most existing instruments conflate them.
ESG
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Communication
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Transparency
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Framework
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ESG ✳︎ Communication ✳︎ Transparency ✳︎ Framework ✳︎
How scores are calculated
Eleven indicators are scored 0–2 across two categories. Part A covers six greenwashing indicators including vagueness, selective disclosure, and cross-platform inconsistency. Part B covers five credibility gap indicators including emissions trajectory versus claims and omission of material controversies.
Scores are anchored to specific evidence such as verbatim quotes, data calculations, and regulatory findings. The scores are not derived from holistic impressions. Intra-coder reliability was tested at κ = 0.766.
Popular
Severity Bands
Severe · Part A 10–12
Systematic, multi-indicator failure across all platforms
High · Part A 7–9
Multiple significant failures; verification infrastructure absent or broken
Moderate · Part A 4–6
Partial failures present across indicators; typical large-company profile
Low · Part A 0–3
Minimal communicative failure; not observed in this sample
Coding Parts
Part A: Greenwashing indicators
1. Vagueness
2. Lack of quantification
3. Selective disclosure
4. Future deflection
5. Third-party verification ·
6. Cross-platform inconsistency
Each indicator scores 0 (absent), 1 (partial, mitigating factors present), or 2 (clear and systematic failure). Total max = 12.
Part B: Credibility gap indicators
1. Emissions trajectory vs. reduction claims
2. Carbon neutrality / net zero claim integrity
3. Omission of material controversies
4. ESG ratings volatility
5. TCFD disclosure completeness
Scored N/A where a company makes no relevant claim (e.g. no net zero commitment). Total max = 10.