Yes and no – there are two considerations in approaching an ESG ratings provider’s rating process.
1. Data – what data has the most influence on the rating that you can control through disclosure. Disclosure tends to influence only half (or less) of any given rating, and data points that CAN be disclosed either legally, efficiently, or competitively is only a portion of even that. Focused disclosure means targeting data points that are disclosable AND have the highest potential score leverage.
2. Culture – though sustainability frameworks and standards are the conversational zeitgeist, ratings provider culture plays an important role in how guidance for “grey zone” data points are considered, how relative ratings are created, engagement with the providers will manifest (if at all), and how deep or difficult it will be to maneuver through the methodology documentation.