Introduction

ESG data providers matter for anyone who makes decisions on sustainability or corporate governance.

Why? Because investors, sustainability teams and compliance officers all rely on sustainability data to assess performance, manage risk and report to stakeholders.

The volume of data has grown fast, as has the variety of ESG metrics. Good data helps users compare firms, check emissions and track governance matters. On the other hand, poor data creates extra work and raises doubts over reports and targets.

This article sets out how to judge high-quality ESG data, what to look for in a sustainability data platform, and how to pick a supplier that matches operational needs.

What counts as ESG data?

ESG data covers figures and text that describe environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters at company, sector and portfolio level. ESG data reflects a company's ESG practices, performance metrics, and risk management processes. Let's understand briefly what each pillar is about:

• Environmental metrics may include emissions, energy use and water consumption;
• Social metrics entail workforce diversity, health and safety records and supply-chain standards; and
• Governance metrics include board composition, executive pay and policies on misconduct.

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Users work with raw data, scores and narrative disclosures. The form of the data varies. Some sources report numeric series. Others publish ratings. A user must check whether a dataset suits reporting or investment analysis.

ESG ratings and reports provide a comprehensive overview of a company's ESG performance, measuring commitment and effectiveness.

Who are the users, or in other words, buyers and suppliers of ESG data

• Buyers are organizations or investors who use ESG data. This includes companies preparing sustainability reports, asset managers, analysts, or banks that need reliable ESG information to guide their investment decisions, assess risks, or meet regulatory requirements. Essentially, they buy ESG datasets or analytics services.
• Suppliers are ESG data providers or vendors who collect, analyze, and sell ESG data. These may include firms like MSCI, Sustainalytics, or Refinitiv. They supply the data, scoring models, and reports that buyers use for ESG reporting, investment analysis, and compliance.

So, buyers are the users of ESG data, and suppliers are the providers of that data.

Why data quality matters

Decision-makers hinge on high-quality ESG data to set baselines, compare peers and report to regulators. High-quality ESG data helps assess a company's performance in managing material ESG risks and opportunities. Bad data can lead to wrong conclusions, missed risks and extra costs for correction.

ESG data also helps evaluate a company's risk exposure to ESG issues. High quality typically means broad data coverage, transparent methodology and a track record of revision control.

Buyers should look for a clear account of how figures were collected and where gaps exist. That reduces time spent reconciling numbers. It also raises confidence when the data is used in audits or formal filings.

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How to test data coverage and scope

First, check whether a supplier includes the metrics you need. Some providers specialize in listed companies. Others add private firms and supply-chain emissions. Data coverage must match reporting needs.

Comprehensive coverage across sectors and sustainability issues is essential for robust ESG analysis. Check the time span available. Check the number of entities and geographies included. If Scope 3 emissions matter, confirm that the supplier tracks them.

Ask for sample files and compare against internal records. Match the supplier’s list of fields to your reporting template. This step helps avoid unexpected data gaps later.

Methods that affect reliability

Suppliers use various methods to collect ESG data, such as internal surveys, external audits, and automated feeds, and a user should seek transparency on the methods that underlie ESG data validation.

A credible supplier sets out rules for data collection, imputation and revision. Look for audit trails that show when a value changed and why. Check how the supplier treats missing entries and whether third-party attestations exist. Method notes help a buyer judge whether a specific metric suits risk modelling or statutory disclosure. Absence of method notes forces extra verification work.

Technical access and ESG data integration

Operational teams often need machine-readable formats and standard APIs. ESG data integration with portfolio systems and reporting tools reduces manual effort.

Ask whether the supplier supplies CSV files, Excel templates or API endpoints. Confirm how often the dataset updates. Check whether the schema matches your internal identifiers for companies and funds. A clean identifier mapping reduces errors when matching ESG figures to financial data.

Reporting tools and analytics

Many suppliers bundle dashboards and analytics with raw datasets. Some platforms offer a comprehensive suite of ESG reporting solutions, including data, ratings, and climate risk analysis tools. These tools speed up analysis, but they must align with recognized frameworks.

Look for output that maps to reporting standards such as those used by mainstream regulators and market bodies. Dashboards that let a user sort by ESG metrics and produce tables for reporting add value. Yet a buyer should not rely on visuals alone. Access to raw data remains important for audits and model inputs.

Cost, licensing and user rights

Price structures differ. Some suppliers charge per user. Some charge per feed or per dataset. Licensing terms vary on redistribution and publication. Before buying, confirm whether the dataset may be used in public reports and whether it may be redistributed to external auditors. Decide how many internal users need access and what export rights are required. That exercise helps to align budget with legal needs.

Common problems in ESG datasets

Buyers commonly face the following issues: first, inconsistent definitions across jurisdictions; second, missing values for private firms; third, delayed updates after corporate filings.

Some datasets rely on self-reported figures that conflict with regulatory filings. Others use estimates that can differ markedly from company disclosures. A sound due-diligence process lowers surprise costs. Inspect sample records. Reconcile a sample across two suppliers to spot discrepancies. That exercise reveals whether a dataset suits reporting or requires heavy adjustment.

Practical selection steps

Follow a simple sequence. Start by listing the ESG metrics that matter for your reporting or investment case. Next, map those needs to the suppliers’ fields and to the available time series. Then, request sample data for the entities you track. Run side-by-side checks for a small set of firms. If possible, run a pilot on a limited scope before a full contract. Finally, set internal governance: record versioning rules and a timetable for updates.

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Types of ESG Data Suppliers

MSCI-style supplier

Broad coverage of listed equities and many sustainability indicators. The dataset includes historical series for many markets. Inspect the vendor’s method notes on ratings and check whether the scoring system matches internal thresholds. The provider offers comprehensive coverage and ESG ratings for listed companies.

Sustainability ratings firm

Focus on company ratings and controversies. The product works for governance screening and reputational risk checks. Confirm how the vendor counts controversies and whether those events are backdated. The firm provides a comprehensive overview of ESG issues and controversies.

Market data aggregator

Large dataset across financial and sustainability fields. The feed suits users who need joint financial and ESG analysis. Confirm the identifier mapping between financial instruments and corporate parents. The provider offers simplified access to ESG and financial data for financial analysts.

Refinitiv-style dataset

Strong on numeric disclosures gathered from filings and company reports. The feed may include many climate and emissions fields. Check update cadence for filings from smaller jurisdictions. The dataset includes carbon footprint metrics and supports reporting on corporate sustainability.

Moody’s-style ESG arm

Emphasis on credit-related governance and social risk factors. The product works for analysts focused on credit risk and rating implications. Verify the overlap between credit scores and ESG signals. The provider evaluates material ESG issues and their impact on a company's risk and shareholder value.

NB: A buyer should request sample data and method documentation from any supplier before purchase.

How to use multiple suppliers

Some organizations combine datasets to reduce blind spots. Combining data from multiple providers can improve portfolio construction and risk management. A primary dataset may handle coverage for listed firms. A specialist dataset may fill gaps for supply-chain or private-market data. Some providers offer data on private companies and public domain sources.

When a buyer uses more than one source, document priority rules. Decide which supplier governs in case of conflict for a metric. That rule prevents repeated reconciliation work. Keep a log of transformation rules applied when merging records.

Governance, audit and ongoing checks

Assign a data steward who owns the ESG dataset within the organization. A data provider should monitor global media for controversies and reputational risks. The steward keeps a record of vendor versions and notes on methodology changes. Run periodic checks against company filings. Keep a change log for all transformations and rollbacks. That practice supports internal audit and eases external questioning.

Regulatory context and reporting standards

Regulation affecting reporting has expanded. Regulations increasingly require disclosure of financially relevant ESG factors. Many jurisdictions now expect firms to publish climate and non-financial disclosures.

Frameworks often require reporting on social and governance ESG issues. Users must check whether suppliers map to widely used reporting frameworks. Confirm whether dataset fields correspond to the labels and units required by regulators. That reduces manual conversion when preparing statutory filings.

Innovations and trends in datasets

S&P Global (p global) uses standardized methodologies for ESG scoring. New inputs appear in datasets, such as third-party satellite measures for emissions and alternative indicators from sensor networks.

Alternative data, such as satellite imagery and social media sentiment, is increasingly used to enhance ESG ratings and provide more comprehensive, real-time insights beyond conventional sources.

ESG data now covers global markets and supports international investment strategies. Vendors also add estimates for missing values.

Identifying key factors and material ESG issues is essential for effective ESG analysis. Machine learning now helps to standardize text disclosures into numeric fields. These techniques may reduce manual work, but they require careful method review. Users should ask how models were trained and where human checks intervene.

Practical checklist for procurement

Use this checklist when evaluating a supplier:

• Match of fields to reporting needs — confirm the dataset covers the exact ESG metrics required.
• Method transparency — ask for documentation that explains data sources and imputation rules.
• Sample files — obtain a test extract for entities in your universe.
• Update cadence — record how often the dataset changes.
• Export and redistribution rights — confirm whether data may appear in public reports.
• API and file formats — verify that the feed connects to internal systems.
• Pricing model — compare the cost per user and per dataset.
• Check whether the provider offers a comprehensive suite of ESG solutions and covers private companies.
• Check for seamless access to ESG data and integration with portfolio construction tools.
• Mark each item as pass, conditional or fail. That process shortens the evaluation timetable.

So what you need to look for

Sourcing high-quality ESG data matters for reporting, investment decisions and compliance. Buyers should prefer suppliers with wide data coverage, clear method notes and accessible file formats.

A simple pilot and a short reconciliation test reveal whether a dataset suits reporting or analytical use.

Keep a stewardship role for ESG data within the organization to record versioning and to manage vendor changes. Careful procurement lowers downstream work and raises confidence in sustainability claims.

Are you a business looking to scale sustainability in your operations but unsure how or where to start? Don't worry — our ESG solutions page connects you with the best ESG data providers who can guide you and deliver immediate solutions to your business challenges or pain points.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which company has the best ESG report?

Companies like FTSE Russell, Bloomberg, and Refinitiv are often recognized for high-quality ESG reporting, providing detailed sustainability data, corporate governance insights, and auditable ESG data that asset managers and institutional investors can use to assess a company's ESG performance.

What is the best ESG reporting software?

The best ESG reporting software gives better access to ESG metrics, sustainability reports, and quantitative data, thereby helping companies and financial institutions track ESG initiatives, collect ESG data, and up transparency in ESG factors.

Does Bloomberg have ESG data?

Yes, Bloomberg provides ESG data, including ESG ratings, scores, and comprehensive coverage of environmental, social, and governance information for public and private companies, helping asset owners and financial analysts make informed decisions.

Does Refinitiv have ESG data?

Refinitiv offers ESG data, ESG risk ratings, and auditable ESG insights, therefore helping institutional investors and asset managers integrate ESG factors into investment processes and benchmark performance across global markets.

What is an ESG provider?

An ESG provider collects ESG data, scores, and ratings, so as to deliver insights and comprehensive ESG coverage that supports risk management, sustainable portfolios, and informed investment decisions for financial institutions and other stakeholders.

What is the ESG data?

ESG data consists of environmental, social, and governance metrics, quantitative data, and sustainability reports that evaluate a company’s ESG performance, supply chain practices, corporate governance, and carbon footprint.

What is an ESG data platform?

An ESG data platform is a tool that offers access to ESG metrics, sustainability data, ESG ratings, and comprehensive ESG insights, thereby allowing asset managers, institutional investors, and companies to collect ESG data and analyze ESG risks efficiently.

Does Bloomberg provide ESG data?

Yes, Bloomberg provides ESG information, including ESG scores, corporate governance data, sustainability reports, and ESG risk ratings, supporting investment decisions and portfolio construction for asset owners and financial analysts.

Who is an ESG rating provider?

ESG rating providers, such as MSCI, FTSE Russell, Bloomberg, and Refinitiv, offer ESG ratings, scores, and risk assessments that help companies, investors, and financial institutions evaluate ESG performance and benchmark performance across asset classes.

What company has the best ESG rating?

Companies leading in ESG ratings are often those with strong corporate sustainability practices, strong governance data, low carbon footprints, and high ESG scores, which are tracked by providers like MSCI, FTSE Russell, and Bloomberg.

How to get an ESG rating?

To get an ESG rating, a company needs to provide sustainability reports, governance data, and quantitative ESG metrics to rating providers, who analyze the data to assign ESG scores and risk ratings for investors and other stakeholders.

How to become an ESG rating provider?

Becoming an ESG rating provider requires building a comprehensive suite of ESG data, collecting auditable ESG information, offering ESG analysis, and covering ESG factors across companies, sectors, and global markets.

What are some ESG companies?

Notable ESG companies include MSCI, FTSE Russell, Bloomberg, Refinitiv, and Sustainalytics, all of which provide ESG ratings, sustainability data, ESG insights, and tools to assess corporate governance, environmental impact, and social factors.

Who is the market leader in ESG?

Market leaders in ESG data and ratings include MSCI, FTSE Russell, Bloomberg, and Refinitiv, who provide comprehensive coverage, insights, and ESG metrics that support sustainable portfolios, investment decisions, and shareholder value.