Question Builder

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With the Question Builder sheet, you can create or edit questions that appear inside a custom ESG framework. Each question automatically includes a generic rich-text response field.

This sheet contains 11 columns, each of which serves a different function.
Figure 1. Question builder sheet
An example of the Question builder sheet.
Framework
In this column, you specify the short name for the custom framework where you want to add or edit questions. Each question is then linked to the appropriate framework, so the system knows where to add or update content. Questions are organized and applied to the correct reporting structure, even when you are managing multiple frameworks.
Topic
Topics are a group of questions in a framework. Topics help you to navigate large frameworks by organizing questions into logical subject areas. Grouping questions improves the user experience when you locate or work with specific sustainability themes such as water use, emissions, or labor practices.
For example, in GRI, topics include:
  • GRI 305: Emissions 2016
  • GRI 306: Waste 2020
In SASB, topics include:
  • Greenhouse gas emissions
  • Waste management
Category
Categories help group questions across frameworks, for example, Climate Change or Workforce. Categories create a consistent way to tag similar content across different frameworks, such as GRI, SASB, or ESRS. Categories enable cross-framework ordering inside disclosures and support internal harmonization of ESG topics.
Category labels are pre-defined in the system. Use the drop-down menu in the column to select the appropriate category for your questions.
Figure 2. Category drop down menu in the Question Builder
The category drop down menu featuring options such as Air Quality, Business Ethics, and Community Relations.
Note: If you paste content into the Category column from another cell, the drop-down list is removed.
Code
Unique identifier for each question. In managed frameworks, the question code is typically taken directly from the framework. This field has a 100-character limit and must be unique within the framework.
Note: Codes that are added here must exist in other frameworks.
Summary
Appears on the disclosure home page to give the user a quick overview without opening the response page in full. The summary has a 200-character limit.
Question
The main prompt or ask presented to the user and includes the question's reporting requirements. This defines exactly what the user needs to report on, such as “Describe your organization’s policies to reduce Scope 1 GHG emissions.” Clear, precise wording ensures users know what’s expected and enables consistent responses across organizations and reporting periods.
Details
Include extra context, clarification, or expectations that expand on the question. This column can include examples, standards reference, or formatting notes. Details help interpret the intent behind the question. They prevent misunderstandings and provide necessary depth, especially for technical disclosures. For example, they can clarify whether historical data is expected or if a breakdown by region is required.
Guidance
Instructions provided by IBM® ESG Suite to help you collect, manage, and report on ESG data.
Order
This column helps set the numerical order for how questions appear in the user interface. It controls the sequence of questions, which can significantly improve user workflow and logic. For example, similar items can be grouped or high-priority items can be put at the top of the list.
Note: Ensure that you don’t repeat the question order numbers or your questions overlap.
Related Questions
Comma-separated field that links related questions by using their codes.
Figure 3. Example of related questions in the Question builder worksheet
Related questions such as GRI 305-1 and GRI 302-4 in the Question Builder sheet
Note: Ensure that the Question Codes exist in the Framework Library to successfully add them as Related Questions.

Form Response Builder

After you configure disclosure questions by using the Question Builder, you can optionally use the Form Response Builder to define how users will provide responses. You use the Form Response Builder to define specific data input types for the response fields. For more information, see Form Response Builder.