Materiality Matrix
Methodology
In collaboration with PwC, SIX performed an extensive materiality analysis in the first quarter of 2022. The concept of double materiality was applied for the first time here. In the first step, more than 40 internal and external stakeholders were interviewed in individual discussions (pls. see GRI 102-42: Identifying and Selecting Stakeholders, p. 14). In these interviews, the stakeholders were asked to assess both the impact of SIX on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) topics (inside-out perspective) and the impact of ESG topics on the enterprise value of SIX (outside-in perspective).
The qualitative interviews resulted in a longlist of 35 potentially material topics. In order to narrow down the list to the key topics for SIX, the results of preceding strategy work (conversation with customers, peer review) were taken into account. Further, the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) standards, the MSCI ESG criteria, and general sustainability trends were applied. This allowed for the longlist to be narrowed down to 17 material topics.
To prioritize the 17 material topics, the 40 stakeholders interviewed were asked in a quantitative survey to rate these topics on a scale of 1 to 5 (1=very low impact; 5=very high impact) with regard to their inside-out and outside-in impact for SIX (see axes of the matrix above). The quantitative survey had a response rate of 75%, with more internal than external stakeholders providing their assessment.
The impact of the topics assessed on the enterprise value of SIX was then validated using the SASB five-factor test. To this end, the experts from PwC assessed the impact of the material topics on SIX with regard to (1) the financial impact and risks, (2) legal, regulatory, and political factors, (3) industry standards and competitive factors, (4) concerns of stakeholder groups and social trends, and (5) opportunities for innovation.