Investors

A recognized leader in ESG

BASF shares are particularly attractive for investors looking for businesses with strong performance regarding the environment, society and governance (ESG). In the analyses of leading ESG rating agencies, BASF is often recognized as benchmark within the chemical industry. They specifically highlight our integrated sustainability reporting, business ethics and the development of sustainable products. 

Current ratings

We actively participate in a wide array of ESG ratings. Below is an overview of our current ratings, underlining our position as a leader in sustainability. 

Ranking

BASF rating

Last update

CDP

  • Climate
  • Water
  • Forests

 

A- (Leader)

A- (Leader)

A- (Leader)

February 6, 2024

FTSE4Good

Included in the FTSE4Good Index Series

July 24, 2023

ISS ESG

Prime Status

December 9, 2023

MSCI ESG

A

August 30, 2023

Morningstar Sustainalytics

25.1 points (overall strong ESG risk management; among top 3 peers in diversified chemicals)

April 12, 2023

Vigeo Eiris

60 points

October 31, 2023

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The non-profit organization CDP has again ranked BASF as one of the world’s leading companies for its measures and transparent reporting on climate protection, water and forest management. BASF received an A- rating in all three categories.

BASF once again achieved an “A-” rating on CDP’s climate list in 2023. Among other things, the assessment considers the transparency of emissions reporting, the handling of risks and opportunities arising from climate change, the climate protection strategy and CO2 reduction measures. BASF has been participating in CDP’s reporting on climate protection-relevant data since 2004.

After receiving an ‘A’ rating last year, BASF was awarded an ‘A-’ this year for water security. The reason for the downgrade is a new CDP guideline that stipulates that companies that manufacture products containing hazardous substances cannot receive an ‘A’ in the water security category. CDP’s assessment takes into account how transparently companies report on their water management activities and how they reduce risks such as water scarcity. CDP also evaluates the extent to which product developments can contribute to sustainable water management for customers of the companies assessed. BASF is introducing sustainable water management at all relevant production sites by 2030. This includes the major Verbund sites and sites in water stress areas.

In 2023, BASF was again evaluated by CDP for its efforts in forest protection and was ranked A-, as in the previous years. The CDP assessment is conducted based on detailed insights into the palm value chain and activities that impact ecosystems and natural habitats. Palm kernel oil and its primary derivatives are among the company’s most important renewable raw materials. BASF has once again fulfilled its voluntary commitment to source only RSPO-certified palm oil and palm kernel oil. The company is aware of the importance of protecting forests for the well-being of the environment and society. BASF’s position paper on forest protection sets out the company’s commitment to preserving biodiversity in areas of High Conservation Value such as High Carbon Stock forest areas and peatlands in the procurement of renewable raw materials. BASF reports transparently on these activities in its current Responsible Sourcing Report.

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BASF has been listed in FTSE4Good Index Series since its launch in 2001

BASF was again listed in the FTSE4Good Index Series in 2023. Only companies that meet stringent criteria in social, environmental and corporate governance (ESG) and manage to continuously confirm or develop these in regularly conducted assessments are listed in these indices. 

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ISS ESG has rated BASF again in the category Prime. Prime Status is awarded to leaders in the respective industry that succeeded in the rating process according to industry-specific criteria in terms of social and environmental compatibility. Among other things, BASF received special recognition for having addressed material sustainability topics such as business ethics, environmental management system and energy efficiency with a comprehensive set of measures and processes.

In the 2023 MSCI ESG ratings, BASF scored an “A.” The analysts highlighted that BASF is present in clean tech markets and has a robust carbon mitigation strategy. In addition, governance risks were perceived as relatively low.

BASF belongs to the best category for “diversified chemicals” with a medium ESG risk and was recognized for its strong risk management, e.g., in the areas of CO2, emissions, wastewater and waste as well as occupational health and safety.

In the rating by Vigeo Eiris, the ESG rating unit of Moody’s, BASF received a total score of 60. Vigeo Eiris awarded high scores to BASF, amongst others, in the areas product safety, social and environmental standards in the supply chain and environmental strategy. The raters saw potential for improvement, for example, in the areas of atmospheric emissions and the impact of its products and services.

Last Update February 6, 2024