A real estate company in the top 1% of best ESG companies in the world
Merlin properties, the largest traded real estate company in Spain, goes one step further in its plan to become a net zero emissions company by 2030 after ranking in the top 1% of best ESG companies in the world, according to Sustainalytics.
The company has considerably improved its ESG risk rating, from 12.0 to 7.2, thus becoming a leader both globally and in the real estate sector. The company strives to design and operate assets that have lasting positive impact on its users and the planet.
This improvement in rating enables the company to position itself in the negligible risk category. The achievement demonstrates, once again, Merlin’s leadership in the sustainability front and coincides with the fact that the Company has been selected, for the second year in a row, to form part of the exclusive Dow Jones Sustainability European Index, a reference index in terms of sustainability and governance.
The incorporation of Merlin Properties in the DJSI index is a clear endorsement of the company’s firm commitment to implement measures to reduce the carbon footprint in its portfolio”, explains the company in the press release.
The real estate industry is exposed to environmental and social challenges and the implementation of a strong ESG strategy is key for the actors of the sector. Merlin Properties, specialized in the acquisition and management of commercial properties in the Iberian region, has integrated sustainability into its activities and decision-making processes.
Sustainalytics, a Morningstar company, is a leading independent provider of ESG research, ratings and data that supports investors around the world with the development and implementation of responsible investment strategies.
Merlin properties was advised by Societe Generale on its ESG footprint.
We are proud to support Merlin Properties in its intention to further improve its ESG strategy”, explain Arturo Alonso, Senior Banker at Societe Generale.
Societe Generale has a strong experience in ESG Rating advisory and has supported key European real estate clients to substantially improve their ratings over the last years.
Additionally, back in November, Societe Generale acted as Joint Lead Manager, ESG structuring bank and Agent in a Eur 660m Green Loan Facility, which together with its existing liquidity, will allow Merlin to meet all debt maturities until 2027, with green related objectives.