Terms of use

• substantive review by external validation bodies (e.g., TÜV SÜD, SQS),
• separate contract between customer and validation partner; any assurance services are entirely the responsibility of the external partner,
• ZEROvia is exclusively a technical platform provider,
• no joint responsibility for validation decisions.

Version: 3.2
Stand: June 16, 2026
Zerovia GmbH, Via Casti 52, 7151 Schluein, Switzerland
E-mail: info@zerovia.ch

1. general and scope of application

1.1 These terms of use govern the use of all digital services, websites, applications and modules of theZEROvia GmbH, Via Casti 52, 7151 Schluein, Switzerland („ZEROvia,» „we»). This includes, in particular:

• the platformZEROvia.app,
• the websitesZEROvia.ch,ZEROvia.ai and ZEROvia.academy
• all ESG, Supplier, Procurement and AI modules,
• API interfaces and integrations,
• publicly published ESG profiles and their embed codes for third-party websites.

1.2 By using the platform, the user („customer,» „company») agrees to these terms of use.

1.3 For all paid services, the following additionalSubscription conditions ZEROvia GmbH.

1.4 In case of contradictions, the following priorities apply: (1) individual agreements, (2) subscription terms, (3) these terms of use.

2. purpose and service description

Platform and Methodology License. ZEROvia is a modular SaaS platform for digitizing procurement processes, supplier management, and ESG data collection and reporting for small and medium-sized enterprises. ZEROvia provides a standardized ESG methodology that customers use under a license to create an ESG profile based on their own company master data, their own answers to questionnaires, and their own documents and supporting evidence. The resulting ESG score and ESG profile are the customer's own results.ZEROvia does not issue ESG ratings or ESG assessments and is not an ESG rating provider within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2024/3005 on the transparency and integrity of ESG rating activities («ESGRR»).

2.2 The platform can include the following functions:

1. ESG Quick Check
2. ESG Rating
3. ESG Profile (Self-Declared, Verified, Validated) at Four Maturity Levels: ESG Quick Check (Level 1), ESG Self-Assessment (Level 2), VS Basic (Level 3), VS Comprehensive (Level 4)
4. VS-based ESG reporting (Basic and Comprehensive) according to EU Voluntary Standard; VS will likely replace the VSME standard from July 2026 onwards. VSME profiles remain backward compatible.
5. Verification and validation services
6. Supplier and Master Data Management
7. Procurement Module
8.  Document upload features
9. AI-powered analyses and text drafts
10. User, Role, and Permission Management
11. Embed codes for integrating published ESG profiles on customer websites

2.3 ZEROvia takes overNo guarantee for a specific ESG result, no certification, no regulatory recognition and no legal advice.

2.4 AI-generated content. ZEROvia uses generative AI to create draft content for ESG profiles and reports. This content is submitted to the client for review and approval prior to publication and will be labeled as AI-assisted draft in the published profile (Art. 50 (4) EU Reg. 2024/1689, applicable from 08/02/2026). The client is responsible for the content accuracy after approval.

2.5 Training Data. Customer data is not used to train AI models that are accessible to third parties. The use of anonymized aggregate data for internal model improvement is only permitted with explicit customer opt-in.

2.6 Embedding on Customer Websites.

 ZEROvia provides embed codes that allow clients to integrate their published ESG profile into their own website. Three embed modes are available: (a) static HTML snippet including inline JSON-LD (recommended for SEO/AEO), (b) server-side include via API, and (c) live JavaScript widget. The client is responsible for legally compliant embedding on their third-party pages (privacy notices, cookie banners, imprint). ZEROvia is not liable for the presentation on third-party pages but guarantees maintenance of the embed service for 24 months after the last profile update. The indexing of public profiles by third parties—including procurement platforms and AI answer engines—does not establish ZEROvia as an issuer of ESG ratings within the meaning of the ESGRR.

3. registration and user accounts

3.1 A user account is required for certain functions.

3.2 The customer undertakes to:

1. to provide only correct and complete information,
2. to treat access data confidentially,
3. to assign roles and permissions correctly,
4. to prevent unauthorized use.

3.3 ZEROvia may block or delete user accounts if:

• there is a breach of these terms of use,
• there is a safety risk,
• false statements are made.

4. contents of the customer

4.1 The customer bears sole responsibility for all content provided by him, in particular:

• Master data,
• ESG disclosures and self-assessments from the four maturity levels,
• Supplier and company information,
• uploaded documents, receipts, and certificates,
• Information in questionnaires,
• Free text fields and other entries.
  

4.2 ZEROvia checks customer-provided content not automatically for accuracy, completeness or timeliness, except within the scope of expressly booked verification services.

4.3 The customer guarantees that he has all rights to transmit and publish the data provided.

4.4 Environmental and Climate Claims. The customer undertakes to only include environmental claims, seals, and labels in their profile if they are objectively verifiable and demonstrable. General terms such as „climate-neutral,» „green,» or „environmentally friendly» are only permissible with data substantiation (EmpCo Directive (EU) 2024/825, applicable from 09/27/2026; Swiss Unfair Competition Act Art. 3 para. 1 lit. x, in force since 01/01/2025). Forward-looking statements require documented implementation plans. Proprietary sustainability seals without independent certification may not be uploaded or used in the profile.

4.5 AI-generated customer content. To the extent the customer uses content designed by ZEROvia with generative AI based on their inputs, the responsibility for the content remains with the customer. ZEROvia will mark this content in the profile in a machine-readable format.creativeWorkStatus in JSON-LD and visible as an AI draft.

5. ESG Profile, Maturity Levels, Profile Types, Validity, and Liability

5.1 Profile Types (Test Depth)

ZEROvia supports three profile types, defined by the depth of testing:

Self-Declared ESG Profile

• pure self-disclosure,
• no testing by ZEROvia.

Verified by ZEROvia

• Fee-based formal plausibility and document check,
• no audit, no certification,
• no assurance service under ISAE 3000 or ISAE 3410,
• no product according to Regulation (EU) 2024/3005 (ESGRR),
• Opt-in required.

Validated by External Partner

• Verification by external validation bodies,
• separate contract between customer and validation partner,
• ZEROvia is exclusively a technical platform provider,
• no joint responsibility for validation decisions.

5.2 Maturity Levels (Depth of Disclosure)

Regardless of profile type, ZEROvia assigns each profile to one of four maturity levels:

1. Stage 1 — ESG Quick Check (15-20 Self-Assessment Questions)
2. Stage 2 — ESG Self Assessment (48–62 questions with evidence classes E0–E4)
3. Level 3 — VS Basic (EU Voluntary Standard Basismodule B1–B5, formerly VSME Basic)
4. Stage 4 — VS Comprehensive (EU Voluntary Standard incl. C1–C9, formerly VSME Comprehensive)

Ripeness stage and profile type are orthogonal axes. The complete methodology is underZEROvia.ch/methodik available.

5.3 Structure of the ESG Profile

The ESG profile summarizes:

1. the customer's master data,
2. the customer's stage-specific self-disclosures from the completed maturity stage, as well as
3. Further receipts, certificates, and documents uploaded by the customer.

All content of the ESG profile is provided exclusively by the customer themselves. ZEROvia provides the technical infrastructure, data capture logic, and standardized methodology; ZEROvia does not issue its own ESG ratings.

5.4 Marking of Profiles

ZEROvia clearly marks each profile with:

1. Profile type and maturity level,
2. Date of last update and review,
3. Validity Period,
4. Examiner (Company, ZEROvia, external partner),
5. Note regarding AI-generated content (if applicable).

5.5 Validity Period

5.5.1 Each ESG profile has a fixed validity period (Quick Check and ESG Self-Assessment: 12 months; VS Basic and Comprehensive: according to EFRAG specifications or agreed audit cycle).

5.5.2 After expiry, the profile will be marked as «expired» or «update required.».

5.5.3 The customer is required to update their information on a regular basis. Significant changes (number of employees ±25 %, new locations, new certificates, loss of certificates) must be entered within 90 days.

5.6 No Proof of Sustainability

ESG profiles — regardless of their stage of development or type — representnone:

• Proof of sustainability,
• Audit or assurance report,
• officially recognized ESG report,
• CSRD or ESRS verification,
• Report on Swiss Code of Obligations, Art. 964a–c,
• OR Art. 964j Report (Due Diligence Child Labor and Conflict Minerals),
• Certificate

The maturity level describes the depth and verifiability of the disclosure, not the actual sustainability performance of the company.

5.7 Customer Responsibility

The customer is solely responsible for:

1. the accuracy and completeness of his statements,
2. regulatory compliance,
3. uploaded documents, receipts, and certificates,
4. Updates following procedural changes or new information,
5. compliance with the EmpCo Directive (EU 2024/825), the Swiss Unfair Competition Act (UWG), and comparable regulations against misleading environmental claims.

5.8 Responsibilities of Third Readers

third parties (e.g. banks, insurance companies, business partners):

• Check information independently,
• decisions are not based exclusively on ESG profiles.

5.9 Disclaimer

ZEROvia is not liable for:

1. incorrect or incomplete customer information,
2. Interpretations or decisions by third parties,
3. Validation assessments of external partners,
4. economic or regulatory consequences,
5. Use of expired or outdated ESG profiles,
6. Allegations of greenwashing or regulatory sanctions resulting from misleading statements made by the customer,
7. Content that was published after customer approval — even if it was created by the platform's AI models,
8. regulatory consequences for the customer from the use of the ESG profile for purposes requiring regulatory approval.

5.10 Blocking, Deletion, and Profile Lifecycle

ZEROvia can delete, restrict, or flag ESG profiles if:

• If the information is incorrect, misleading, or relevant to greenwashing,
• abuse is present,
• legal requirements are violated,
• a violation of the EmpCo, the Unfair Competition Act (UWG), or similar regulations is found.

Upon termination or deletion, the ZEROvia profile page will be depublished within 14 days and served with an HTTP 410 status. ZEROvia will endeavor in good faith to have indexed profile versions removed from search engines and AI response engines, but does not guarantee complete removal from their cache and training data.

6. release of ESG data to third parties (opt-in)

6.1 The customer can voluntarily release ESG data to third parties, e.g:

1. Banks and financial institutions,
2. Insurance,
3. Large companies, customers, and suppliers
4. Validation or testing partner,
5. other business partners.

6.2 Release takes place exclusively afterexpress consent (opt-in), among others:

• Activate a partner code,
• Sharing a profile or data link,
• Release in the platform,
• Request for verification or validation,
• other documented consent.

6.3 The customer guarantees that he has the necessary rights and consents to pass on data to third parties.

6.4 ZER0via does not check the legitimacy of recipients.

6.5 The customer bears sole responsibility for the legality of the data release.

6.6 ZEROvia is not liable for:

• unauthorized releases by the customer,
• the evaluation by third parties,
• Decisions based on forwarded data.

6.7 Revocation only applies to future access.

6.8 Machine indexing of publicly published profiles.By publishing a profile on zerovia.app, the customer agrees to be indexed by search engines, AI answer engines (including ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews, Claude), and comparable automated systems. ZEROvia outputs profile data as structured data (JSON-LD, Schema.org) to enhance visibility in such systems. Indexing cannot be selectively revoked; withdrawal is only possible by de-publishing the entire profile. ZEROvia employs industry-standard robots.txt directives and respects opt-out signals upon customer request (noindex, X-Robots-Tag). The indexing of public profiles by third parties does not establish ZEROvia as an issuer of ESG ratings within the meaning of the ESGRR; the responsibility for content remains with the customer as the profile owner.

7. data protection

It is validPrivacy policy ZEROvia GmbH. The publication of the ESG contact person (name, function, business email) in the ESG profile is based on legitimate business interests (B2B context; Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR, Art. 31 Swiss DPA). Data subjects have the right to information, rectification, and erasure.

8. security and compliance

The customer undertakes not to upload or disseminate any unlawful, confidential or personal data without authorization.

9 Prohibited uses

In particular, the following are prohibited:

1. Scraping, Data Mining, or automated extraction,
2. manipulated or false ESG disclosures,
3. Upload of unauthorized or illegal data,
4. Attacks on systems or circumvention of security features,
5. Use of the ZEROvia Brand, Logo, or Maturity Labels on Non-ZEROvia Profiles.

10 Intellectual property

10.1 All rights to software, design, data models, texts, graphics, brands, the ZEROvia methodology, and the maturity level system belong to ZEROvia or its licensors.

10.2 Rights to Customer-Generated AI Content. With the approval of AI-generated texts and reports created for the customer, the customer acquires an unlimited, perpetual, royalty-free right of use for internal and external purposes within the scope of the business purpose. The underlying models, prompts, and generation logic remain with ZEROvia.

11. Availability

ZEROvia aims for high availability but cannot guarantee it.

12. limitation of liability (general)

12.1 ZEROvia is only liable for damages caused by intentional or grossly negligent behavior.

12.2 No liability exists for:

1. indirect damages,
2. consequential damages,
3. lost profits,
4. Data loss, unless caused by gross negligence.

12.3 Liability is limited to the amount of the annual subscription fees.

13. changes to the terms of use

ZEROvia may modify these Terms of Service. The current version is available online.

14 Applicable law and place of jurisdiction

It applies exclusivelySwiss law. The place of jurisdiction for all disputes isChur (GR).