Answer
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, SUPPLIERASSURANCE 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:
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:
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.
