Impact Methods
Impact measurement
Impact is our compass. At Danone Ecosystem, we don’t just act. We define, measure, evaluate, and share in order to prove, improve, and inspire. Impact assessment drives our initiatives: evaluating and measuring are key.
Impact Assessment Policy
Our Impact Assessment Policy reflects our commitment to rigorous, science-based and transparent evaluation. It is built on six core principles that guide how we design, assess and improve our initiatives to ensure they create meaningful and lasting change.
- Impact by design: Using the Theory of Change, we start by defining the impacts we aim to achieve to build the action plan. From the outset, we plan impact assessment to both prove and improve the effectiveness of our actions.
- Tailored to project maturity: In the innovation phase, we conduct in-depth impact evaluations to understand outcomes and their causes. In the scale-up phase, we focus on impact measurement through KPIs to demonstrate the scope of our results.
- Scientific rigor: We follow recognized scientific standards for data collection and analysis. Our methods evolve with project contexts and, when possible, are validated through scientific publications.
- Independent evaluation: We prioritize external assessments. When internal teams lead evaluations, we ensure oversight or external audits to guarantee objectivity and reliability.
- Consistency with flexibility: We track key indicators over time while adapting to changing contexts, ensuring our impact measurement remains relevant and accurate.
- Transparency: We share all results, positive or negative, to foster learning and accountability. Evaluation data is made publicly available in line with Danone Ecosystem’s guidelines.
The Theory of Change (ToC)
The ToC is a tool to create a continuous process to explore and explain change. Widely used by international organizations and NGOs, it outlines how change is expected to occur in a particular context, and the contributions needed from various stakeholders. At Danone Ecosystem, the ToC framework helps us identify actions that lead to the achievement of our long-term goals.
Danone Ecosystem's Impact Training
For over 15 years, efforts have been dedicated to designing and measuring projects that drive meaningful and sustainable change. To share this expertise, we have developed an open-source online training based on real-world experience. It offers key insights and practical tools to support the development of effective, impact-driven initiatives.
The training addresses fundamental questions, including:
- What does “impact” truly mean?
- How can clear and measurable project objectives be defined?
- What concrete actions contribute to lasting, positive change?
Designed for NGOs, businesses, co-financers, international organizations, and sustainability professionals, this training provides valuable knowledge applicable across various sectors.