IMPACT SCORE®
The score that assesses the sustainability of your coffees.

Before developing our own sustainability measurement tool, we analysed existing tools (Planet Score, Regenerative Score, etc.) but none were suitable for the specificities of specialty coffee production. We wanted a tool that best represented the production challenges in our sector.

The assessment is carried out through a semi-structured interview during field visits by our local managers. This interview can be conducted with the producer but also with the manager of a washing station and/or cooperative to cover post-harvest stages. For coffee coming from multiple producers, a random representative sample is chosen. Each answer is supported with evidence to ensure the reliability of results. Answers collected generate a score from 0 to 5, then are weighted and combined to generate an overall score for each sub-dimension and dimension. The final score is the average of the three dimensions. Each evaluation is checked by a transition specialist who identifies potential progress levers.

The interview conducted during each assessment consists of 24 criteria, framed as questions which the Belco manager answers after their visit to understand all the supplier's challenges.

These criteria represent the most relevant sustainability issues for farms. Their selection followed a bibliographical review matched with our expertise.

They were carefully chosen to reflect our three-dimensional approach to sustainability (agro-environmental, socio-territorial, economic) and to be measurable in every coffee-growing context. They are also aligned with the transition objectives we wish to measure and monitor over time.

A representative sample is selected from the coffee producers list. The selection is always random and may take into account each producer’s contribution by volume to ensure the sample represents the majority share of the coffee volume.

A full assessment takes around 2 hours per farm.

These assessments are ideally repeated annually, and at least every two years. This allows us to see any potential changes in practices.

This sustainability measurement tool represents a significant investment for Belco, requiring our field managers to spend 2 hours per supplier yearly in an ideal scenario, as well as substantial time on data collection, entry, and analysis.

At each of our locations in producing countries, a local manager has been trained in the tool and is responsible for collecting and assessing suppliers’ sustainability levels.

If they wish, producers can access all the information from their assessment. In any case, the aim of the semi-structured interview is always explained before it starts, and a discussion is held at the end to explore any topics that may need clarification.

The Impact Score is a self-assessment tool for the farm. Producers are made aware of key topics and can measure their progress potential by identifying areas for improvement.

The assessments shared with suppliers serve as the basis for discussions about potential projects to be implemented on their farm in order to improve their score from one year to the next.

No, the Impact Score is a tool for awareness, measurement, and transition support. It does not affect the price paid to the producer. However, a high score greatly helps with raising the value of a coffee.

Yes, we are already developing a more comprehensive version containing around a hundred indicators.

An Impact Score filter on the coffee catalogue allows you to view all coffees that have already been assessed and are in stock.

No, the Impact Score does not yet include these factors and currently focuses on the farm and processing station scale.

This is the aim; in the near future, we would like to enhance this tool's credibility, legitimacy, and reliability by having our methodology certified by an independent certifying body.