
The Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI World) is a global benchmark for sustainability performance. It assesses the sustainability of companies listed on major global exchanges.
DJSI World is a family of indices that tracks the financial performance of companies that demonstrate strong sustainability practices. It's based on a comprehensive assessment of a company's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.
Companies are evaluated on their ability to manage their environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance practices. This evaluation is done annually, and the results are used to create the DJSI World indices.
The DJSI World indices are widely recognized and respected, and are used by investors, corporations, and other stakeholders to identify companies that are leaders in sustainability.
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What is DJSI World?
DJSI World is a global sustainability benchmark that evaluates the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of companies. It's a widely recognized and respected framework used by investors, companies, and other stakeholders to assess ESG performance.
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The DJSI World index was launched in 1999 by S&P Dow Jones Indices and RobecoSAM, a Swiss investment firm. The index is based on a rigorous evaluation process that assesses companies on their ESG performance.
Companies are evaluated on a range of ESG factors, including environmental management, supply chain labor practices, and corporate governance. The evaluation process is conducted annually, with companies invited to participate and submit their ESG data.
The DJSI World index is widely followed by investors and other stakeholders, who use it as a benchmark to assess ESG performance and make informed investment decisions.
How it Works
The Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) World is a benchmark that assesses the sustainability performance of companies. It's a continuous process that evaluates companies on various environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics.
The DJSI World uses the Industry Classification Benchmark (ICB) to define general and industry-specific sustainability criteria for each of the 60 industries under the benchmark. This ensures a comprehensive evaluation of companies' sustainability performance.
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Companies are assessed and given an ESG score based on their disclosures, news, and ESG metrics. The DJSI World reports a carbon footprint that's about 54.3% better than the broader S&P Global BMI, indicating a lower environmental impact.
The DJSI World's ESG scores are used to identify industry leaders and laggards, providing investors with valuable information on where to invest their money for the collective benefit of the planet. The index is updated annually in September based on updated sustainability scores.
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Key Takeaways
The Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) is a benchmark for socially conscious investments, representing the top 10% of the biggest 2,500 companies in the S&P Global Broad Market Index based on long-term environmental, social, and governance criteria.
This index is a popular choice among private wealth managers, who seek to invest in companies that prioritize sustainability.
The DJSI World is weighted on a free-float market capitalization basis, which means market capitalization is calculated by taking the share price and multiplying it by the number of shares available in the market.
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The index is calculated using a specific methodology that ensures companies are ranked based on their sustainability performance.
Here are some key facts about the DJSI World:
- Top 10% of the biggest 2,500 companies in the S&P Global Broad Market Index
- Weighted on a free-float market capitalization basis
- Popular benchmark for private wealth managers
Another popular sustainability index is the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index, which includes the top 20% of the largest 600 stocks listed in the S&P Global Broad Market Index based on environmental, social, and governance practices.
How It Operates
The Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) operates by analyzing the performance of companies on key issues like climate change mitigation, labor practices, and governance. This helps identify leaders and laggards in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) matters.
The DJSI assesses each company using the Industry Classification Benchmark (ICB), which defines sustainability criteria for 60 industries. This process increases the credibility of companies and investor trust.
Companies are given an ESG score based on their disclosures, news, and ESG metrics. This score is used to evaluate sustainability performance and help companies gain a competitive advantage.
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The DJSI is weighted based on free-float market capitalization, with changes made annually in September based on updated sustainability scores. This ensures that companies with strong ESG records are given more weight in the index.
Here's a breakdown of the DJSI's sector composition:
The DJSI also reports a carbon footprint that's about 54.3% better than the S&P Global BMI. This is a significant achievement, and it's a testament to the index's focus on sustainability.
DJSI World Indices
The Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) are a family of indices that launched in 1999 as the first global sustainability benchmark. There are multiple DJSI indices, including DJSI World, DJSI North America, DJSI Europe, and various regional and specialized sustainability indices.
The DJSI World index is a global index consisting of the top 10% of the largest 2,500 stocks in the S&P Global Broad Market Index based on their sustainability and environmental practices. It was launched on Sept. 8, 1999, and is maintained by S&P Dow Jones Indices in conjunction with RobecoSAM.
The DJSI World index covers dozens of industry groups and has members in more than 20 nations. Some of its top 10 constituents by weight include Microsoft Corp, Alphabet Inc., Unitedhealth Group Inc., Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd., and AbbVie Inc.
The DJSI World index is used as a benchmark by private wealth managers in over 20 countries for asset management. It evaluates companies based on ESG factors like climate change mitigation, labour practices, supply chain standards, governance, and innovation.
Joining and Benefits
To be included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), companies can't directly apply, but rather are chosen through a rigorous annual review process that assesses their sustainability practices. This process vets companies using a mix of cross-industry and industry-specific questions.
The review looks at many factors, such as environmental performance, social practices, corporate governance, and economic indicators. Companies are compared to others in their field to determine how well they perform in terms of sustainability.
The top-performing companies in each industry are included in the DJSI, making them true leaders in sustainability. Only the best of the best make it into the index.
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How Can Companies Join Indices?

Companies can't directly apply to join the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices, but they can be selected through an annual review using a global corporate sustainability assessment.
S&P Dow Jones Indices and RobecoSAM choose companies based on their sustainability practices, evaluating factors like environmental performance, social practices, corporate governance, and economic indicators.
The review process involves comparing companies to their peers in the same industry to determine their sustainability performance.
Companies are vetted using a mix of cross-industry and industry-specific questions, and information is also collected from company documentation, media coverage, and personal contacts.
Climate strategy, environmental reporting, labour standards, corporate governance, and risk management are key topics evaluated during the assessment.
Only the top-performing companies in each industry are included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, ensuring that selected companies are true leaders in sustainability.
RobecoSAM analysts make the final decision on whether to exclude a company or not, and they also rely on media coverage and an assurance report from Deloitte to confirm the accuracy of company information.
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Benefits of Inclusion
Being included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) comes with numerous benefits.
Investors' confidence increases in companies listed in the DJSI, making it easier to make investment decisions. This is because a higher score in the index signifies a company's commitment to sustainability and ESG practices.
Companies listed in the DJSI are recognized as sustainability leaders, which can lead to increased customer loyalty and preference for sustainable products and services, especially among Gen Z.
Having a friendly work culture is a hallmark of companies listed in the DJSI. This leads to enhanced productivity and morale among employees.
Being listed on the DJSI can boost a company's marketing efforts organically, reducing costs and increasing brand image.
Getting listed on the DJSI requires continuous effort, allowing companies to introspect and identify areas for improvement. This process helps companies to come up with solutions to overcome their weaknesses.
Companies listed in the DJSI set a precedent for others to follow in pursuit of sustainability efforts, creating a chain reaction that contributes to the benefit of the planet.
Selection and Importance
Companies are selected for DJSI through S&P Global's annual Corporate Sustainability Assessment, evaluating economic, environmental, and social criteria across industries.
This rigorous assessment helps identify companies that are making a positive impact on the world.
DJSI companies are often recognized as sustainability leaders, with studies showing they outperform their peers in long-term value creation and risk management.
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Company Selection Process
Companies are selected for the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) through S&P Global's annual Corporate Sustainability Assessment.
This assessment evaluates economic, environmental, and social criteria across industries. Companies are vetted on factors such as environmental performance, social practices, corporate governance, and economic indicators.
Only the top-performing companies in each industry are included in the DJSI, making them true leaders in sustainability in their fields.
RobecoSAM analysts make the final decision on whether to exclude a company or not, and they also depend on media coverage and an assurance report from Deloitte to confirm the veracity of the company's information.
The assessment process compares businesses to others in their field to determine how well they perform in terms of sustainability, reviewing publicly available information, company reports, and communicating directly with the companies.
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Importance for Investors
As an investor, it's essential to consider the long-term value creation and risk management of potential investments. DJSI companies often outperform their peers in these areas.
Studying DJSI companies can help you identify sustainability leaders, which is a crucial aspect of making informed investment decisions. DJSI helps investors achieve this by providing a framework for evaluating sustainability performance.
Special Considerations
Companies listed in the DJSI World are reevaluated each year, with the scoring process beginning in March and new scores released in September.
Those companies that fail to show consistent progress may be removed from the index.
Companies may also be deleted between annual reviews if the index committee determines the company is not behaving in accordance with sustainability guidelines.
A company may be excluded from the index based on a variety of ethical exclusions, including its exposure to alcohol, gambling, tobacco, armaments, firearms, nuclear power, nuclear weapons, and adult entertainment.
The index committee reviews news stories for each company's involvement with ESG issues that might damage the company's reputation and core business, including human rights issues, labor disputes, workplace safety, illegal commercial practices, fraud, and environmental disasters.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does DJSI stand for?
DJSI stands for Dow Jones Sustainability Index, a benchmark for companies that excel in environmental, social, and governance practices.
What is DJSI rating?
The DJSI rating is a benchmark that identifies companies with exceptional sustainability practices, reflecting their commitment to long-term value creation. It's a seal of approval for companies that excel in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance.
What is the DJSI score methodology?
The DJSI score methodology assesses companies based on their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors, considering economic, environmental, and social impacts. This framework evaluates a company's overall sustainability performance and governance practices.
What is the DJSI sustainability reporting?
The DJSI sustainability reporting assesses a company's performance in economic, environmental, and social aspects, evaluating governance, risk management, and practices like climate change mitigation and labor standards. This comprehensive analysis helps identify areas for improvement and promotes sustainable business practices.
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