ESG Ratings: A Roller Coaster of Opinions and Practices

• Controversy and variability of ESG ratings using the example of Tesla
• Future developments and standards in ESG reporting
• Significance and challenges for investors and companies

Tesla exemplifies the confusion surrounding ESG ratings. The question of whether the automaker should receive a high rating due to its electric vehicle production, a low rating due to some labor practices and autopilot risks, or an average rating is answered differently by different rating agencies. Many investors use ESG ratings as a way to compare companies based on their environmental, social and governance practices, but so far expectations have largely been disappointed.

Challenges and differences in ESG assessments

The reasons for these discrepancies often lie in different methods used by the rating agencies. Additionally, there are concerns about the quality and availability of ESG data. Although many companies publish information on their ESG performance, it is often incomplete and inconsistent, making comparison difficult. With $2,8 trillion in sustainable funds worldwide, this represents a significant problem.

However, the differences in ESG scores may narrow in the next few years, particularly due to calls for mandatory sustainability reporting. From 2025, the European Union will require ESG reporting from many companies, and the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has published a mandatory sustainability information framework that could provide a global basis (IFRS S1 and IFRS S2). The recipients of financial reporting are informed about climate-related financial information.

An increase in disclosures and an improvement in the quality of these disclosures are therefore expected over the next five years. The standard development at the European level within the framework of the CSRD (European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS)) remains to be seen. Double materiality is required here, according to which the effects of a company's actions on its environment must also be taken into account.

Pros and cons of ESG ratings

The current state of ESG ratings shows that there are both advantages and disadvantages to current practice. While ESG ratings can provide investors and stakeholders with important insights, their reliability and consistency is not yet guaranteed. However, with the coming changes and new standards, there is hope for improvements and a more reliable basis for investment decisions.

Overall, the topic of ESG ratings is highly important and will continue to become more relevant with the planned developments and requirements in reporting.