Skip to main content
ESG Risk Ratings Distilling for Enhanced Performance and Downside Protection

ESG Risk Ratings: Distilling for Enhanced Performance and Downside Protection

In Volume 2 of the Quantitative Investment Approaches for ESG Risk series created in partnership with Natixis, this report examines the impact of ESG risk on portfolio performance, volatility, downside risk and financial health.

ESG in Conversation: The AI Revolution Comes to ESG

Learn how AI technology is being leveraged in the world of ESG research and analysis in our latest episode.

Global Greenwashing Regulations: How the World Is Cracking Down on Misleading Sustainability Claims

Amid fears of greenwashing claims and evolving reporting standards, sustainable investment assets have dropped as much as 51 percent. In this rapidly changing environment, ESG stewardship is one of the most effective ways to integrate genuine sustainability principles into investment management.

ESG Stewardship: A Powerful Tool to Mitigate Greenwashing Risks

Amid fears of greenwashing claims and evolving reporting standards, sustainable investment assets have dropped as much as 51 percent. In this rapidly changing environment, ESG stewardship is one of the most effective ways to integrate genuine sustainability principles into investment management.

It’s Not Just Wildfires and Hurricanes: Extreme Heat Is a Silent Killer for Companies

Extreme heat could account for 65% of North America’s productivity losses by 2030, Sustainalytics says.

ESG Risk Ratings 360

ESG Risk Ratings: A 360° Review

This paper, in partnership with Natixis, is the first of three papers that will provide valuable insights on the potential economic and societal benefits of aligning with ESG standards, as well as the potential costs and disruptions.

Rising Conflict, Responsible Business: What Companies and Investors Need to Know About Operating in High-Risk Areas

In this blog we look at how unstable states are classified and the associated business risk landscape, how companies can manage these risks, and how investors can engage with business operating in conflict-affected areas.

Raising the Bar in Mining and Minerals for the Cleantech Supply Chain: The Role of Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives

In this article, we look at multi-stakeholder initiatives in the mining industry and how to mobilize investors to raise the bar for industry collaboration in the cleantech supply chain.

Filling in the Data Gaps: The Current State of Reporting on Principal Adverse Impacts Disclosures for the SFDR

In this blog we take a closer look at trends in data availability and reporting across mandatory and voluntary PAIs, and how investors can address their data gaps.

How to Achieve Net Zero? Match Action to Ambition

Morningstar Sustainalytics’ president on the gains and pains in the fight against climate change.

The circular way forward could be the key to reducing food waste

Indications that a food crisis is imminent are clear. Fundamental changes in the global food system are required to address these challenges. This decade is a watershed moment for urgent efforts to close the loop, and companies and investors can play a pivotal role. Despite being closely connected to issues such as climate change and basic human rights, food waste has attracted comparatively less attention from companies, investors, and other stakeholders.

North American Material Risk Engagement Trends: ESG Reporting Frameworks, Emission Reduction Targets and Beyond

There are many factors that rating agencies consider within its overall assessment. For example, ESG rating companies tend to look for at least three years of ESG metrics to determine company trends and long-term ESG targets, goals, and strategies to manage and reduce ESG risks at least five years ahead. Read on to learn about how Sustainalytics' Material Risk Engagement program promotes and protects long-term value by engaging with high-risk companies on financially-material ESG issues. (A North American Snapshot)

ESG Risks of Aging Pipelines for U.S. Energy Infrastructure Investors

Pipelines play a critical role in the U.S energy infrastructure transporting natural gas, crude oil, natural gas liquids, petroleum, and petrochemical products. While these pipelines play a vital role in supporting the U.S economy, investors are increasingly scrutinizing pipeline operators' long-term economic profitability and sustainability practices. A closer look into the status of pipelines reveals a particular issue that investors need to consider.

(Possibly) a little less conversation and (definitely) a little more action, please

This blog originally appeared on GES International’s website and has been republished following Sustainaltyics’ acquisition of the company on 9 January 2019. See the press release for more information.

covid-19 vaccine storage dry ice

ESG Risk Exposure from COVID-19 Vaccine Transportation and Distribution

As mass vaccination against the coronavirus started, a key challenge has been to keep millions of doses of vaccines at the right temperature. An increase in temperature inside a truck or aircraft, by half a degree, for half an hour, would reportedly result in a 'defrosted' vaccine which has then to be discarded.

Is there a price to be paid for ESG Investing?

With a growing awareness around sustainability issues and accelerating regulatory developments in Europe, sustainable finance is one of the most significant talking points of our time. But what does sustainability investing mean for stakeholders and what are the resulting challenges? What’s more, what kind of impact does this have on a company’s mid to long-term strategy as well as its short-term profitability? By bringing together representatives from the regulatory side, the financial industry, the non-financial industry and an independent advisory firm, we aim to take a closer look at the consequences for the corporate world and answer a key question - is there a price to be paid for investing in ESG companies?

10 ESG Themes to Watch in 2019

This year’s instalment of our 10 for series – 10 for 2019: Systemic Risks Loom Large – explores 10 environmental, social and governance (ESG) themes that could affect global investment portfolios in 2019.

Human Rights Accountability Takes Center Stage in 2020

December 10th is Human Rights Day and, as we approach the end of the year, recognition of this day offers a suitable moment to reflect on the extraordinary events that unfolded in 2020.

Combining ESG Risk and Economic Moat

In this report, we look at the potential synergies between Sustainalytics’ ESG Risk Ratings and Morningstar’s Economic Moat Rating. As a part of our research, we constructed a back-testable investment strategy and portfolio by segmenting stocks with low ESG risk and a wide moat. While both metrics worked independently, they performed exceptionally well in combination.

Integrating Climate Risk into Corporate Governance

Since the introduction of the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), there has been increased scrutiny of corporate climate governance and broader associated risks. Investors have increased their focus on climate risk, as governance mechanisms are likely to be impacted by transition and physical risk challenges[i].