When it comes to ratings and analytics in the ESG landscape, Sustainalytics is one of the oldest,
largest and most influential players. It provides data on 40,000 companies with ratings on 13,000 of
those, as well as monitor 172 countries.
At the core of the research is the understanding that material ESG issues play a central role in a
risk-based approach to valuation. Analysis is conducted on whether companies are involved in
controversies such as human rights abuses and environmental mishaps. Besides quantifying ethical
dilemmas, the analysts evaluate the long-term risks, how much of that risk is well managed by a
company, and how much remains unmanaged.
A look at how the research translates into company-level ESG ratings.