IRIS+
A catalog of 600+ impact metrics from the GIIN—creating a “common language” for measurement.
Overview
IRIS+ is a catalog of impact-measurement metrics developed and maintained by the GIIN (Global Impact Investing Network). It consists of 600+ standardized metrics (IRIS Metrics) and theme-based metric sets (Thematic Taxonomy). With recommended metric sets for 14 themes—agriculture, education, energy, finance, healthcare, and more—it aims to create a “common language” of impact among investors, companies, and NPOs.
When to use it
- When setting KPIs to explain to impact or ESG investors
- When you want to compare and benchmark impact against other organizations
- As reference metrics when starting KPI design from scratch
- When preparing a report aligned with GIIN standards
How to use it
Define “what you want to change” in 1–2 sentences. This becomes the basis for selecting IRIS+ metrics.
Choose the closest of the 14 IRIS+ themes (agriculture, education, energy, etc.).
Refer to the recommended metric set (Core Metrics) for the chosen theme and select what you can measure.
Don’t try to measure everything. Set 3–5 that show the most important change as core KPIs.
Decide data-collection frequency, owner, and aggregation method, and build a quarterly/annual review.
◎ Pros
- ·Internationally recognized standard metrics lower the cost of explaining to investors and partners
- ·With 14 themes and 600+ metrics, it covers almost any business domain
- ·Free to use (via the GIIN website)
- ·Designed to integrate with the IMP framework and B Impact Assessment
△ Cautions
- ·So many metrics that choosing is hard; beginners struggle to narrow down
- ·Metric definitions are English-based and may need interpretive adjustment in the Japanese context
- ·IRIS+ does not cover the implementation (operational design) of data collection
