Canonical Mapping & Interpretation Layer
Structural layer for framework interpretation, mapping rules, and non-authoritative positioning relative to external standards without defining actual framework mappings.
Purpose
CMP establishes the architectural framework for interpreting external disclosure standards (GRI, SASB, ESRS, TCFD, etc.) and mapping them to Canonical ESG structures, while explicitly maintaining non-authoritative positioning and structural independence.
Responsibilities
- Define structural approach to external framework interpretation without asserting specific mappings
- Establish mapping rule types without implementing them for specific standards
- Maintain explicit non-authoritative positioning relative to external standards
- Define structural independence rules—external frameworks do not alter CERM/CDI definitions
- Establish evolution rules for managing external framework version changes
- Preserve formal separation between canonical architecture and external standard content
Non-Authoritative Positioning
- CMP does not assert that Canonical ESG definitions supersede external standards
- CMP does not claim authoritative interpretation of GRI, SASB, ESRS, TCFD, or other frameworks
- CMP mappings are structural convenience, not standard-setting
- External frameworks remain authoritative for disclosure requirements
- Canonical ESG maintains structural independence from external framework evolution
- CMP mappings are versioned independently from external framework versions
Independence Rules
- External framework concepts do not alter CERM element definitions
- External framework disclosure requirements do not modify CDI structural slots
- External framework updates do not automatically trigger Canonical ESG version changes
- CMP mappings are additive overlays, not canonical replacements
- Structural integrity of CERM and CDI is preserved regardless of external framework alignment
- Canonical ESG architecture may evolve independently of external standard revisions
Evolution Rules
- CMP major version: Breaking changes to mapping rule structures or independence principles
- CMP minor version: Additive changes (new mapping rule types, new framework categories) without breaking existing mappings
- CMP patch version: Clarifications, documentation updates, non-structural corrections
- External framework updates (GRI 2021 to 2024, ESRS changes) do not automatically change CMP version
- CMP mappings may be updated to reflect external framework changes without structural CMP changes
- All CMP updates must preserve non-authoritative positioning
Structural Components
Framework Category
A classification of external disclosure standards by type—voluntary, mandatory, sector-specific, thematic—without asserting specific framework content.
Characteristics
- Defined as structural categories only
- May be referenced by mapping rules
- Does not prescribe specific framework requirements
- Subject to CMP versioning
Mapping Rule Type
A defined approach for relating external framework concepts to CERM elements or CDI slots without implementing specific mappings.
Characteristics
- Defines rule structure (one-to-one, many-to-one, conditional)
- May specify transformation logic categories
- Does not assert specific external-to-canonical mappings
- Subject to CMP versioning
Interpretation Slot
A structural position for expressing how external framework concepts may be understood in canonical terms without asserting authoritative interpretation.
Characteristics
- Has explicit non-authoritative disclaimer
- References CERM element types
- References external framework categories
- Subject to CMP versioning
Version Management
Structural rules for managing external framework version changes without breaking existing Canonical ESG implementations.
Characteristics
- Defines versioning independence principles
- Establishes mapping update procedures
- Preserves backward compatibility rules
- Subject to CMP versioning
Governance Positioning
Review Criteria
- Does the change maintain non-authoritative positioning?
- Does the change preserve structural independence from external frameworks?
- Does the change avoid asserting specific framework mappings?
- Is versioning properly incremented for structural changes?
- Does the change preserve CERM/CDI integrity?