Canonical ESG Full Architecture
Structural definition of the Canonical ESG institutional data architecture comprising four canonical layers and cross-cutting design principles.
Architecture Layers
Canonical Element Reference Model
Defines the canonical element types and their permitted relationships that constitute the foundational data layer for sustainability disclosure.
Canonical Disclosure Intent
Defines the structural layer for disclosure intent, constraints, and architectural positioning without asserting authoritative mappings.
Canonical Mapping & Interpretation
Defines the structural layer for framework interpretation, mapping rules, and non-authoritative positioning relative to external standards.
Structured Sustainability Statements
Defines the presentation and disclosure layer for structured sustainability reports, annexes, and statement formats.
Cross-Cutting Design Principles
Nine design principles govern the Canonical ESG architecture, ensuring structural integrity, institutional neutrality, and long-term sustainability of the reference model.
Versioning Rules
Major Version
Breaking structural changes to element definitions or relationships
Minor Version
Additive changes (new elements, new relationships) without breaking existing structures
Patch Version
Clarifications, documentation updates, non-structural corrections
Governance
Change Review Criteria
- Adherence to Structural Neutrality
- Preservation of backward compatibility or explicit major version increment
- Completeness of relationship definitions
- Absence of external framework coupling
- Clarity of versioning impact