What is SAQ 5.0?

The SAQ 5.0 is a Sustainability Assessment Questionnaire, created by Drive Sustainability - a Group of Automotive OEMs, and available exclusively on the NQC platform.

Background

The SAQ was created to remove duplication and improve efficiency for suppliers when responding to standard questions relating to sustainability activities.

Steps

What does the SAQ measure?

The SAQ is designed to assess and verify a supplier's compliance with CSR and sustainability expectations. It evaluates the policies, processes, functions, tools, and internal controls that an organisation has in place to manage its operations, meet objectives, and support continuous improvement.

Can more than one person from my organisation work on completing a single questionnaire?

Yes, multiple users that are registered on your organisation account, and that have the required user permissions (e.g. viewer and submitter) can typically contribute to completing a single questionnaire.

Background

Collaboration with colleagues can be useful to ensure that you provide the most complete response to questionnaires. Colleagues may have expertise in different areas (e.g. Human Rights, Environment, Supply Chain Management). The NQC platform automatically saves your progress as you move between questionnaire pages. It is recommended that one user is responsible for the final review and submission.

Steps

Ensure all colleagues who need to contribute are registered users under your organisation's account, and ensure that they have the necessary user permissions to edit the questionnaire. If needed, check with your organisation's 'User Manager'.

To invite a colleague to collaborate on a questionnaire:

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. Find the relevant questionnaire on your dashboard (use filters and search if needed).
3. Select the 'Respond' button on the questionnaire tile on your Dashboard.
4. Move through the questionnaire to the page or section that you want your colleague to work on.
5. Select the 'Invite user to collaborate' option from the right side of the questionnaire page.
6. Enter the email address of your colleague and any instructions that might be helpful for them.
7. Click 'Invite user' to send a platform email to them about the request for their support.
8. You should also communicate internally with your colleague so that they know to expect an email from the NQC platform.
9. Once your colleague has signed into the platform, they will be directed to the page or section within the questionnaire where you invited them to help. They will also see your written instructions.
10. Ensure the questionnaire is sent for validation in order to complete it.

I received an invitation code from my customer. What is it for and how do I use it?

An invitation code allows you to either start a new questionnaire requested by your customer or share an existing completed questionnaire with them instantly. You should always check if you already have an existing questionnaire on your account to meet the request of your customer.

Background

Invitation codes streamline the sharing process. They directly link your questionnaire response (new or existing) to your customer's request, granting them access immediately.

Steps

Find and share an existing questionnaire using an invitation code

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. Find the existing questionnaire on your Dashboard (use filters and search if needed).
3. Select the 'Share' button on the questionnaire tile.
4. Choose the option to 'Enter invitation code'.
5. Enter the invitation code that is in the email request from your customer.
6. Select 'Share' to complete the action.
7. If the questionnaire is not yet complete, you must answer the remaining questions and send for validation.

To start a new questionnaire using an invitation code

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. Select 'Enter invitation code' on the top right side of your Dashboard.
3. Choose the option to 'Enter invitation code'.
4. Enter the invitation code that is in the email request from your customer.
5. Select 'Share' to complete the action.
6. Complete the questionnaire and send for validation.

What's changed in SAQ 5.0?

SAQ 5.0 introduces a more flexible and modular assessment structure, designed to ensure the questionnaire remains relevant and proportionate for suppliers of all sizes, sectors, and operating models. Question sets are now tailored based on site headcount and primary industry sector, with a clear distinction between mandatory and optional questions.

Background

The Sustainability Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ 5.0) has been enhanced to better support modern, global supply chains. The updated structure focuses more closely on the specific characteristics of each supplier, helping to reduce unnecessary complexity-particularly for non-production and service-based organisations-while maintaining robust sustainability coverage.

Under SAQ 5.0:

- Mandatory questions contribute directly to the overall SAQ 5.0 rating.
- Optional questions provide additional insight but do not impact the rating.

This approach ensures suppliers are assessed fairly and consistently, while buyers continue to receive meaningful and comparable sustainability data across their supply chains.

To support users, NQC provides briefing sessions and supporting materials that explain the SAQ 5.0 structure, scoring approach, and how industry sector (NACE®) and site headcount influence question routing and scoring-particularly when updating an existing SAQ.

Steps

To access SAQ 5.0 webinar recordings:

Select the relevant language below to register for and view the SAQ 5.0 briefing webinar:

• English
• Deutsch
• Français
• Italiano
• Português
• Español
• 日本語
• 中文

The webinar explains the SAQ 5.0 structure, scoring approach, and practical completion guidance.

To access SAQ 5.0 briefing slides and supporting materials:

Select the relevant language below to download the SAQ 5.0 briefing slides:

• English
• Deutsch
• Français
• Italiano
• Português
• Español
• 日本語
• 中文

The slides explain how NACE® industry codes and site headcount influence question routing within SAQ 5.0, and how updates to your responses may impact your overall SAQ 5.0 rating.

I don't have a DUNS number. What should I do?

If you don't have your DUNS number yet, we can either help you to find the correct one or we can provide you with a temporary one.

Background

NQC requires a DUNS number for completing the SAQ 5.0 to ensure your customers can correctly identify your business. There is no charge for an organisation to obtain a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet. If you need to complete an SAQ 5.0 urgently and don't have your DUNS number yet, we can provide you with a temporary number.

Steps

To find or request a DUNS number

Visit the Dun & Bradstreet website. A general starting point is the D&B
D-U-N-S Number Lookup/Request page (search online for
"Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S Number request").

Specific regional links may also be helpful:

• Germany: dnb.com/de-de/upik/
• USA: dnb.com/duns-number/lookup.html
• China: dnb.com.cn
• Latin America: cialdnb.com/d-u-n-s-number/
• UK: dnb.co.uk/duns-number/lookup.html
• Other countries: dnb.co.uk/choose-your-country.html

If you require a temporary DUNS number, please raise a ticket:

1. Click your initials in the top-right corner.
2. Click Tickets.
3. Click Raise a new ticket.
4. Select Getting Started from the drop-down menu.
5. Select None of these questions help - Raise a new ticket.
6. Provide your details in the ticket (Name, Organisation, Email, and request for a temporary DUNS number).
7. Click Send.