MEA: Measurement, Indicators and Data

1. Definition and challenges

The “Measurement, Indicators and Data” pillar concerns the company’s ability to track, analyse and leverage data related to its practices, particularly in the area of circular economy.

This includes establishing simple indicators (energy consumption, waste volumes, responsible purchasing…), as well as using them to make informed decisions.

For a micro or small-to-medium enterprise, the goal is not to implement complex systems, but to have a few reliable benchmarks in order to understand its impacts and track progress over time.

Key challenges:

• Moving away from “gut-feeling” management
• Identifying priority areas for improvement
• Monitoring the effectiveness of actions put in place
• Progressively meeting customer or regulatory expectations

2. What does a good score mean?

A high score indicates that the company has already structured a minimum level of monitoring and analysis of its practices.

In practical terms:

• Key indicators are defined and tracked on a regular basis
• Data is collected reliably, even if the tools remain simple
• The company is able to analyse its results and draw lessons from them
• Decisions are partly based on measured evidence
• A dynamic of continuous improvement is in place

The company does not simply act: it measures in order to progress.

3. What does a low score mean?

A low score means that the company has little data available or does not actually make use of it.

This may manifest as:

• An absence of indicators or scattered data
• Difficulty in assessing the real impact of actions
• Decisions made solely on the basis of impressions
• An inability to track progress over time
• Difficulty in demonstrating its efforts to customers or partners

The company sometimes takes action, but without being able to measure whether its actions are effective.

4. Priority action areas

1) Define 3 to 5 simple indicators

Identify a few key data points to track in relation to the activity.

Example: monthly electricity consumption, volume of waste produced, share of responsible purchasing.

2) Centralise existing data

Bring together information that is already available (invoices, statements, internal spreadsheets…).

Example: create a simple Excel file to consolidate energy and water consumption figures.

3) Establish regular monitoring

Update indicators at an appropriate frequency (monthly or quarterly).

Example: update the data once a month during an internal check-in.

4) Visualise results

Make data easy to read in order to facilitate understanding.

Example: create simple charts to track trends in consumption.

5) Use data to make decisions

Draw on indicators to guide actions.

Example: identify a rise in consumption and implement a targeted action.

6) Share results internally

Involve teams by making data accessible.

Example: display a key indicator on the premises or in meetings.

5. Expected benefits

Implementing simple monitoring makes it possible to move from an intuitive approach to a data-driven one.

In the short term:

• Better visibility into practices
• Awareness of key challenges
• First quantified benchmarks

In the medium term:

• Ability to prioritise actions
• Tracking of progress made
• Greater credibility with partners

In the long term:

• More refined and strategic management
• Natural integration of data into decision-making
• Showcasing results (communications, tenders…)