METHODOLOGY
Professional Services Matrix
A two-dimensional framework for professional service firms to assess their client portfolio's climate alignment (CT1–CT4) and project portfolio's climate impact (PT1–PT4) using five standardised criteria.
What is PSM?
A Two-Dimensional Climate Performance Framework
The Professional Services Matrix (PSM) is a methodology designed to help professional service firms systematically assess their client portfolio's climate alignment and their project portfolio's climate impact. By mapping both clients and projects onto a shared two-dimensional matrix, PSM enables firms to understand their current exposure, set transformative targets, and guide engagement activities accordingly.
The PSM matrix plots entities on two axes: the Client axis (vertical), which classifies clients from CT1 (Climate Non Performer) to CT4 (Climate Solutions Leader), and the Project axis (horizontal), which classifies projects from PT1 (Driving Fossil-Fuels) to PT4 (Driving Climate Solutions). The intersection of these two axes reveals the strategic climate profile of each client–project relationship.
The PSM Matrix
| Client ↑ / Project → | PT1 Fossil-Fuels | PT2 Business as Usual | PT3 Climate Transition | PT4 Climate Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CT4 Climate Solutions Leader | ||||
| CT3 Climate Committed Performer | ||||
| CT2 Climate Conventional Performer | ||||
| CT1 Climate Non Performer |
Dot size and colour indicate the strategic climate alignment of each client–project combination. Larger, greener dots represent higher positive climate impact.
Design Principles
Built to Be Rigorous and Scalable
Science-Based
Aligns with the Serviced Emissions Framework (University of Oxford), Race to Zero and Oxford Net Zero guiding principles, and the Exponential Business Playbook for professional service providers.
Practical for Scale
Principles-based guidance enables assessment of large portfolios without requiring exhaustive data collection, making it suitable for firms managing hundreds of client relationships.
Evidence-Based
All criteria rely on publicly available information — sustainability reports, regulatory filings, and third-party verification platforms such as SBTi, CDP, and C40.
Universally Applicable
A single set of criteria applies to all entity types regardless of size or organisational form, ensuring consistency while recognising entity-specific contexts.
Two-Dimensional
The framework separates an entity's fundamental nature (C0: Business Model/Mandate) from its climate governance quality (C1–C4), capturing both static risk and dynamic transformation potential.
Transparent
All methodology decisions, criteria thresholds, and classification logic are published openly to enable scrutiny, independent validation, and continuous improvement.
Standards & References