GreenPath – a maturity model for digital sustainability in GreenTech projects and carbon footprint credibility

Digital technologies are important enablers of sustainable transformation. However, project-level tools that assess whether digitalization leads to measurable sustainability outcomes and credible carbon-footprint impacts remain scarce. This study introduces GreenPath, a project-level maturity model that conceptualizes digital sustainability as impact readiness. The model was developed using established maturity model design principles and a design science research approach, with the assessment structure designed to support subsequent quantitative validation. A literature review indicates that existing maturity models either emphasize digital capacity or sustainability ambition but fail to evaluate whether projects can produce decision-relevant footprint results. GreenPath addresses this gap through five dimensions: degree of digitalization, sustainability integration, impact orientation, organizational anchoring, and methodological foundation. Green certificate (GC)-based electricity accounting in life cycle assessment serves as an illustrative case highlighting frequent gaps between technological advancement and footprint credibility. Applications in the water, construction, and agricultural sectors illustrate that GreenPath distinguishes technologically advanced projects from those prepared to quantify impacts and support mitigation decisions. For Carbon Footprints research and practice, GreenPath provides a structured way to assess project readiness for credible footprint accounting. This includes the use of GC-based electricity claims, thereby supporting transparent decision-making and evidence-based alignment of digital innovation with sustainability goals.