Key steps to building a materiality matrix and turning your challenges into a climate strategy
In a context marked by ecological transition, growing regulatory and fiscal pressure (CSRD, European taxonomy, ISO standards, ETS) and changing stakeholder expectations (customers, employees, investors, suppliers), companies no longer have a choice: they must demonstrate their genuine commitment to sustainable development.
The materiality matrix has become an essential strategic tool. It is not limited to a CSR reporting exercise. CSR reporting or mapping environmental issues. When well constructed, it forms the basis of an ambitious climate policy, enabling:
- Prioritize priorities.
- Improve environmental performance.
- Guide the organization's sustainable management.
This article details the three key steps to creating a successful materiality matrix:
- Understanding its strategic value.
- Identify key issues methodically.
- Translate this analysis into a concrete action plan using innovative solutions such as Decarbo’Solution®.
Contents
Understanding what a materiality matrix (really) is
Definition and strategic role
A materiality matrix is a management tool that combines two dimensions:
- What is important to stakeholders (customers, employees, supply chain partners, investors, communities).
- Which has a real impact on the company's activities (environment, finances, ethics, safety, working practices).
It provides a diagrammatic overview of the key issues that should guide climate strategy, CSR policy, and governance practices.
More than just CSR reporting
Too often reduced to a compliance exercise, the materiality matrix is in fact a strategic management tool that:
- helps anticipate ESG (environmental, social, and governance) risks.
- is a lever for sustainable competitiveness.
- creates sharedCSR communication between management, employees, and stakeholders.
At GCI, the materiality matrix is considered a fundamental step before any climate action, as it gives meaning to the action plan and aligns the company's values with its commitments.
How to sustain and strengthen your business through a successful low-carbon trajectory.
Identify priority issues methodically
A rigorous evaluation phase
The success of a matrix depends on structured and inclusive work. The most effective methods include:
- Internal consultations: workshops, employee surveys.
- External dialogue: discussions with customers, investors, strategic suppliers, NGOs.
- Documentary and regulatory review: ESG compliance, ISO 26000 standards, CSRD.
- Risk mapping: ecological, social, ethical, and financial impacts.
Identify what is essential and avoid what is superfluous
This phase allows us to distinguish between truly fundamental issues and secondary topics:
- Examples of key topics: climate, emissions, security, diversity, energy transition, responsibility.
Each identified issue is assessed according to:
- Its importance for stakeholders.
- Its potential impact on the company's business, results, and governance.
GCI's expert support
GCI teams support groups and companies through:
- Proven study tools.
- An expert reading of international standards.
- Participatory methods that facilitate employee buy-in and stakeholder engagement.
This approach guarantees a robust matrix, useful not only for compliance with standards but above all for sustainable management and decision-making.
Decarbonization of purchasing, the key to corporate carbon competitiveness.
Translate the matrix into a climate action plan
From analysis to action
A materiality matrix is only valuable if it translates into concrete actions. Companies must:
- Prioritize the most significant emission sources.
- Implement corrective and innovative measures.
- Mobilize all stakeholders, including strategic partners.
Decarbo’Solution® modules: transforming analysis into results
To support organizations in taking action, GCI has developed the Decarbo’Solution® suite:
- Decarbo’Target®: create, simulate, and manage a multi-year action plan. Visualize the impact of each action and define an ambitious trajectory.
- Decarbo’Supply®: targeting reductions in procurement weight, which can account for up to 80% of a company's Scope 3 emissions. Promoting carbon positive discrimination® and strengthening competitiveness.
Decarbo’Tender®: integrate environmental criteria into calls for tenders, in accordance with ISO 14067 and public procurement regulations. Select more responsible partners and improve overall results.
Towards a low-carbon trajectory
By combining the materiality matrix and Decarbo’Solution® tools, companies can:
- Comply with reporting and compliance requirements (CSRD, ISO, SBTi).
- Strengthen their competitiveness in the market.
- Bringing together employees, partners, and customers in a dynamic process of sustainable value creation.
The matrix thus becomes the first step in an ambitious climate initiative, integrated into management and aligned with performance objectives.
In summary, building a materiality matrix means investing in a more responsible, competitive, and sustainable future.
With the support of GCI and its Decarbo’Solution® suite, companies are moving from a simple outline of the challenges to an ambitious and manageable low-carbon trajectory that complies with regulations, creates value, and has a positive impact on the environment and society.
In summary, building a materiality matrix means investing in a more responsible, competitive, and sustainable future.