MARKETPLACE & INDEX REQUIREMENTS
How We Define What’s Truly Sustainable
We don’t believe in vague labels or greenwashing. Every company listed in our marketplace or featured in our index must meet clear, science-based criteria grounded in the world’s most advanced sustainability frameworks—including the Taxonomy, the Paris-Aligned Benchmark, and strict exclusion thresholds. Whether you're an institutional investor seeking transparency or a retail investor looking for real impact, our standards ensure that what you see is what you support.
Step 1: Taxonomy Alignment — The Foundation of Sustainability
To be considered taxonomy-aligned, a company must generate at least 55% of its revenue from activities that meet the criteria of recognized sustainability taxonomies, such as the EU Taxonomy and the Independent Science Based Taxonomy (ISBT)—with more frameworks to be integrated as they evolve. These taxonomies represent the most advanced global efforts to define what “sustainable” truly means, turning broad environmental claims into clear, science-based standards.
Unlike generic ESG ratings, which often rely on opaque scoring methods or self-reported intentions, taxonomy alignment is evidence-based and activity-specific. It requires a company to contribute meaningfully to environmental goals like climate mitigation or circularity, while also doing no significant harm to other sustainability objectives and meeting essential social safeguards.
We believe that for a company to be considered truly sustainable, the majority of its business must come from sustainable activities—and none of its operations should undermine environmental or social goals.
To verify taxonomy alignment, we take a deep-dive approach. Our team analyzes a company’s publicly available financial and sustainability reports, cross-checks claims against both proprietary and open-access databases, and flags any inconsistencies or risks. Only when we find no evidence of misalignment or harm do we clear a company to move on to the next steps: PAB Exclusion Criteria and Fossil Fuel Screening.
Our methodology is designed to bring clarity, credibility, and accountability to sustainable investing. In a world where greenwashing remains a serious concern, we believe that both institutional and retail investors deserve access to companies that are truly aligned with global sustainability goals—not just in name, but in substance. That’s why every company listed on the SWISOX Sustainable Marketplace or included in our indexes goes through a structured, multi-stage verification process rooted in the most advanced sustainability frameworks available. From taxonomy alignment and Paris-Aligned Benchmark (PAB) exclusions to fossil fuel thresholds and social safeguards, our criteria are built to identify companies that are actively contributing to a just, low-carbon transition. We go beyond labels and vague ESG scores—what matters to us is real-world impact, measurable transparency, and a firm commitment to do no significant harm. Our methodology is not static; it evolves with science, regulation, and investor expectations. And while our process is rigorous, our goal is simple: to make it easier for investors to support the companies that are genuinely building a sustainable future.
What is a Taxonomy?
In sustainable finance, a taxonomy is a classification system that defines which economic activities can be considered environmentally or socially sustainable—and under what conditions. Unlike vague ESG claims, taxonomy criteria are science-based, measurable, and activity-specific.
What makes taxonomies like the EU Taxonomy truly groundbreaking is how they’re built: through collaboration between academics, NGOs, industry experts, and regulators. This multi-stakeholder process ensures both credibility and practicality. Backed by regulation, taxonomies represent the next frontier in sustainability reporting—providing a common language for defining real impact and directing capital where it matters most.
Step 2: Beyond the Paris-Aligned Benchmark — No Room for Harm
Meeting the SWISOX standard means going further than the Paris-Aligned Benchmark. In addition to taxonomy alignment, every company we assess must pass a rigorous exclusion screening.
At this stage, we look at the company’s involvement in harmful or high-risk activities—from fossil fuels to weapons to tobacco—and apply a stricter lens than PAB requires. While PAB allows limited fossil fuel exposure, we apply zero tolerance for revenues generated from oil-related activities, including exploration, extraction, or support services. We also exclude companies involved in coal, controversial weapons, and any practices that significantly harm environmental or social objectives.
This approach is about integrity: sustainability isn’t just about what you do—it’s also about what you choose not to do. Companies that pass this step demonstrate they aren’t profiting from the very industries driving the crisis we aim to solve.
Only after clearing this exclusion screen can a company proceed to the final step: our fossil fuel project filter.
What is the Paris-Aligned Benchmark (PAB)?
The Paris-Aligned Benchmark (PAB) is an EU regulation designed to help financial products align with the Paris Agreement. It provides minimum standards for climate-focused investments, primarily by excluding companies involved in coal, oil, and gas, as well as those violating international norms.
PAB represents a major leap forward in responsible investing—but at SWISOX, we build on this foundation with even stricter thresholds, ensuring only companies with the highest sustainability integrity are included in our marketplace.
Step 3: No New Fossil Fuel Projects — A Clear Line in the Sand
The final step in our verification process excludes companies involved in the expansion of fossil fuel production or infrastructure. While some frameworks leave room for interpretation, we apply a clear and uncompromising rule: companies currently developing or planning new fossil fuel projects are not eligible for the SWISOX Sustainable Marketplace or Index.
This includes companies expanding into new oil, gas, or coal extraction, as well as those building or planning infrastructure to support fossil fuel use—regardless of their current share of sustainable revenue. Sustainability is not compatible with new fossil development.
Even companies with otherwise strong credentials will not pass this stage if they are actively engaged in fossil fuel expansion. Only companies that have made a clean break from such activities—and can demonstrate it—are eligible for listing.
What Counts as a “New Fossil Fuel Project”?
A “new fossil fuel project” includes any planned or ongoing effort to expand fossil fuel operations. This includes:
New exploration for oil, gas, or coal
Development of new reserves or oil/gas fields
Construction of coal mines or fossil-related infrastructure such as pipelines, LNG terminals, or power plants
Expansion of existing fossil fuel capacity
These definitions reflect the consensus among climate science and policy experts that any further expansion of fossil fuel production is incompatible with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
At SWISOX, we align with this principle by screening out companies contributing to fossil expansion—ensuring our platform supports only those aligned with a sustainable, net-zero future.
| Exclusion Area | PAB Criteria | SWISOX Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue from Oil Activities | Allows up to 10% of total revenues | Zero tolerance for oil-related revenue |
| New Fossil Fuel Projects | Not explicitly excluded | Strict exclusion of exploration, expansion, or construction |
| Coal | Excludes mining and coal-based energy | Stricter exclusions including infrastructure and supply chain |
| Controversial Weapons | Excluded | Excluded |
| Tobacco | Excluded | Excluded |
| Social Safeguards | Minimum safeguards required | Minimum safeguards required |
How We Can Help
Our approach goes beyond compliance—offering companies actionable sustainability strategies to meet rigorous criteria and align with global standards. From taxonomy-aligned reporting to transition planning and investor visibility, these efforts create real value across operations, strengthen credibility, and open the door to sustainable capital.
Taxonomy-Aligned Sustainability Reporting
We support companies in preparing high-quality, EU Taxonomy-aligned sustainability reports. Whether you're starting from scratch or refining existing disclosures, we’ll connect you with trusted experts to get it done right—efficiently and credibly.
Transition Planning to Meet Listing Criteria
Not there yet? No problem. We’ll work with you to identify gaps and co-develop a practical, credible transition plan to align with the SWISOX eligibility framework. From environmental performance to social safeguards, we guide your path to becoming investable.
Enhanced Visibility with Sustainable Investors
Get in front of the right audience. Once you're on the path—or fully aligned—we’ll help increase your visibility through the SWISOX platform, indexes, and partnerships. We make sure that investors looking for authentic sustainability can find you.
Our Partnerships & Alliances
Our partnerships with leading sustainability consulting firms and expert service providers allow us to support your journey with precision and credibility. From sustainability reporting and taxonomy alignment to meeting criteria for marketplace entry or index inclusion, we offer tailored solutions—some delivered in-house, others through trusted partners who work closely within our framework. These collaborations ensure that every step you take is backed by deep expertise, practical tools, and a clear path toward visibility and sustainable capital. Explore our partner network to see how we can help you move from ambition to action.
Ready to Talk?
Have you gone all-in on sustainability, but now you need the world to notice? Wondering how to tap into institutional or retail investors who actually share your vision? Maybe you’ve got your sights set on issuing a sustainable bond or just need a hand with your ESG reporting? We’ve got you covered. Drop your details below for a personalized product demo or a chat with our team—because your impact deserves a spotlight. Let’s make your sustainability journey known, together.