Not achieving Level 1 means that one or more Level 1 performance criteria mandatory baseline requirements have not yet been met. This does not prevent a facility from improving and reassessing.
The assessment results can be downloaded and used for a gap analysis to identify opportunities for improvement. Once the identified gaps have been addressed, the facility may complete a new assessment to demonstrate its progress.
What this result means
- At least one focus area did not reach Level 1.
- Level 1 needs 100% achievement, so one requirement that is not met is enough to stop an entire assessment from reaching Level 1.
What it does not mean
- It does not mean that you filled in your self-assessment badly.
- It does not stop you from trying again. There is no limit on how many times you can assess your facility.
- An honest No is far more useful to you than an optimistic Yes. This will help you identify options for improvement.
What you receive
- No level is given and no acknowledgement is issued when the Level 1 requirements are not met.
- You keep full access to your answers, and you can download them.
What to do next
- Check your answers to the Self-assessment.
- Identify your No answers at Level 1. These are your gaps.
- Close them in your facility. Some are documents and procedures. Others need real changes to how you work.
- Start a new assessment when you are ready.
Where to get help
- Every performance criteria has guidance that explains what is expected.
- The ZDHC Supplier Roadmap to Zero gives more detail.
- An approved assessment provider can help you build what is missing.