Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) data is a central pillar in how organizations manage risk, meet regulations, and attract investors. Companies are under growing pressure to disclose accurate sustainability information, and stakeholders are quick to spot gaps or inconsistencies. Getting good data is a key challenge, but reliable ESG data providers can make the difference between analaysis headaches and confident, forward-looking decisions.
ESG ratings and ESG data are not the same. Ratings providers tell you what they think of a company’s ESG performance. Data providers give you the information itself, so you can run your own analysis. This piece focuses on data providers, since they are closest to what decision-makers, advisors, and regulators need to build a clear picture.
A PwC global investor survey found many investors believe companies must improve on transparency and consistency in ESG data to maintain trust. A related survey showed that inconsistent and incomplete ESG data is viewed by more than 70% of investors as the biggest barrier to sustainable investing.
Why ESG data matters
ESG data underpins the credibility of every climate and sustainability claim. Investors use it to assess whether companies are managing risks such as carbon exposure or supply chain vulnerabilities. Advisors rely on it to help clients benchmark against peers and prepare for regulations such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) in the EU or California’s SB 261. Companies use ESG data to spot disclosure gaps, design decarbonization strategies, and guide long-term investment. Without accurate, consistent data, none of this is possible.
Making sense of ESG data sources
The challenge is that ESG data is fragmented. Each provider conducts ESG data research differently, collecting and interpreting information with their own proprietary (and often opaque) methodologies. Some rely heavily on company disclosures such as reports, filings, and sustainability statements, while others pull in alternative data such as satellite imagery, NGO research, or social media analysis. Artificial intelligence (AI) is often used to scan these sources at scale, but transparency varies.
The key is knowing where the data comes from and how consistent it is across sources. If you cannot trace its origin or defend its methodology, you risk basing strategy on unreliable information.
Critical criteria for evaluating ESG data providers
Not all ESG data is created equal. When comparing providers, focus on these four criteria.
High-quality, accurate data
The best providers combine AI with human expertise. That allows them to process large amounts of filings, private documents, and alternative sources, then validate findings in context. The result is audit-ready insights you can trust.
Flexibility of methodology
Transparency matters. You should know exactly how the data is collected and structured. Look for providers that let you map data to your own frameworks, adjust weightings, and combine internal documents with traditional disclosures. Flexible methodology means you can defend your analysis and tailor it to strategic goals.
Public and private data coverage
Investors often face blind spots with private companies, but leading providers are closing this gap. Coverage should extend across both public and private organizations, with frequent updates to capture new risks and opportunities.
Integration with existing systems
ESG data should flow easily into your workflows. Check for API access, multiple data formats, or managed connectivity platforms that support real-time analysis without additional work from your team.
10 leading ESG data providers
Here are some of the most established and innovative providers in the space.
Manifest Climate
Manifest Climate centralizes, standardizes, and contextualizes ESG data. Its AI-driven platform does not just deliver raw information. It provides decision-ready insights tailored to your organization—giving you the sustainability answers you need, fast.
Strengths:
- AI-powered analysis that cuts through fragmented data
- Customizable to frameworks such as CSRD, IFRS S1 and S2, or internal standards
- Ability to generate insights from both public and private documents
- Audit-ready insights with clear traceability
Manifest Climate is best suited for teams that need to move from fragmented ESG inputs to consistent, defensible intelligence. Unlike many traditional providers, it integrates private company information, internal disclosures, and regulatory frameworks into one view.
MSCI
MSCI is one of the most recognized names in ESG ratings and data. It maintains ESG datasets covering more than 8,000 companies and has been a benchmark provider for decades. Its data underpins many widely used sustainability indices.
Strengths:
- Broad, global coverage across industries and regions
- Deep integration with financial markets through indices and benchmarks
- Long track record trusted by investors
Limitations:
- Proprietary scoring methodologies with limited transparency
- More difficult to tailor to custom frameworks or unique indicators
MSCI is often used by institutional investors who want comparability across portfolios. It is a reliable option for benchmarking but less flexible for custom assessments.
Sustainalytics
Sustainalytics, a Morningstar company, focuses on ESG risk ratings and controversy tracking. Its research is widely used by asset managers and institutional investors to identify reputational risks.
Strengths:
- Strong event-driven analysis, including controversies and emerging risks
- Integration with Morningstar’s investment research platforms
- Global coverage across industries
Limitations:
- Emphasis on ratings rather than raw data feeds
- Limited ability to customize methodologies or indicators
Sustainalytics is best for investors who want insight into controversies and risk events that may impact company performance or reputation in the short to medium term.
ISS ESG
ISS ESG, part of Institutional Shareholder Services, specializes in governance data but also provides ESG ratings and research. It is frequently used in the proxy advisory and shareholder engagement context.
Strengths:
- Deep expertise in governance and shareholder-related risks
- Broad ESG data coverage for institutional investors
- Integration with voting and stewardship services
Limitations:
- Methodology and scoring approaches are less transparent
- Limited private company coverage
ISS ESG is often used by asset managers and advisors focused on governance issues or shareholder activism. It is particularly useful where governance performance is a central part of decision-making.
Refinitiv (LSEG)
Refinitiv, now part of the London Stock Exchange Group, delivers ESG scores and data across more than 10,000 public companies. Its platform integrates ESG with financial market data, making it widely used by analysts.
Strengths:
- Large coverage universe across industries and geographies
- Seamless integration with financial analytics tools like Eikon
- Regularly updated ESG scores
Limitations:
- Rigid methodology with limited flexibility
- Designed primarily for public company data
Refinitiv is a strong option for financial analysts who need ESG data alongside traditional financial metrics for research and portfolio analysis.
S&P Global ESG
S&P Global provides ESG data through its Sustainable1 platform, offering scores, indices, and analytics that are widely recognized across capital markets.
Strengths:
- Deep integration with financial indices and credit ratings
- Extensive sectoral coverage
- Well-established methodologies
Limitations:
- Proprietary scoring models are not always transparent
- Primarily focused on public companies
S&P Global ESG is particularly valuable for investors or corporations that want consistency between ESG data and the broader financial market context.
Moody’s ESG Solutions
Moody’s ESG Solutions combines ESG and climate risk analysis with expertise in sustainable finance. It provides tools that align closely with regulatory and risk management requirements.
Strengths:
- Strong focus on climate risk analytics and scenario modelling
- Alignment with financial risk management and credit analysis
- Growing integration of ESG into broader Moody’s services
Limitations:
- Limited flexibility compared to specialized ESG platforms
- Coverage still expanding beyond traditional financial universes
Moody’s is well-suited for financial institutions conducting stress tests, regulatory disclosures, or scenario analyses tied to climate and ESG risks.
Bloomberg ESG
Bloomberg offers ESG data through its terminal and enterprise platforms. It is widely adopted by financial professionals for its real-time market integration.
Strengths:
- Real-time ESG updates integrated into financial market data
- Comprehensive datasets covering public companies
- Familiar interface for financial professionals
Limitations:
- High cost of access
- Less customizable for sustainability teams outside finance functions
Bloomberg ESG is a natural fit for investment managers, traders, and analysts who already use Bloomberg terminals and want ESG information in the same environment as their financial data.
FactSet
FactSet integrates ESG data into its financial analytics suite. Its ESG solutions allow investors to screen companies, build models, and track portfolio exposures.
Strengths:
- Strong integration with financial modelling and analytics
- Customizable datasets and screening capabilities
- Focus on supporting portfolio management workflows
Limitations:
- Narrower ESG coverage than larger data providers
- Primarily designed for financial market users
FactSet is a good option for investment professionals who need ESG insights embedded directly into their financial research and decision-making processes.
Nasdaq
Nasdaq provides ESG services through its ESG Hub, which focuses on disclosure and reporting support for issuers. Its tools are designed to help companies align with investor and regulatory expectations.
Strengths:
- Support for corporate issuers to meet disclosure requirements
- Integration with Nasdaq’s market platforms
- Regulatory alignment for listed companies
Limitations:
- Less comprehensive data coverage than major ESG data providers
- Primarily designed for listed issuers rather than investors
Nasdaq’s ESG Hub is most relevant for public companies seeking to improve ESG disclosure quality and alignment with regulatory and investor demands.
Common challenges in ESG data (and how to overcome them)
Rigid datasets
Many providers limit users to pre-defined universes. Without flexibility, comparisons across sectors or geographies become misleading.
Opaque methodologies
A lack of clarity on how scores are built can lead to reputational or regulatory risk. Stakeholders may challenge your claims if scoring logic cannot be defended.
Fragmentation
Combining multiple sources is time-consuming and error-prone. Manual processes raise risks of missing data or double-counting.
How to overcome them
Choose platforms that allow flexible frameworks, custom inputs, and the ability to re-weight metrics. Demand transparency in methodology, definitions, and source data. Use consolidation tools that centralize ESG data from multiple providers and allow audit-traceable processes.
How AI unlocks better ESG insights
There’s a lot of hype around AI for ESG, but AI tools really are changing how organizations work with sustainability data. By scanning unstructured sources at scale such as filings, news, and satellite images, AI turns noise into clear signals. The results are faster, more accurate, and tailored to your needs.
Use cases include:
- Benchmarking performance against peers
- Running portfolio or supply chain assessments
- Creating custom disclosure analyses
- Supporting regulators with supervision and enforcement
A Bloomberg survey of European financial market participants found 63% said issues with company-reported ESG data are their biggest concern. AI helps close these gaps by identifying inconsistencies, validating disclosures, and surfacing decision-ready insights.
AI does not replace traditional datasets from firms such as MSCI or S&P. Platforms like Manifest Climate add context and actionable intelligence, filling gaps and helping teams get answers faster.
Turn ESG data into actionable insights
High-quality ESG data is the foundation of smart decision-making. But it only creates value when it is transformed into insights that drive action. Manifest Climate helps organizations move from fragmented ESG information to consistent, audit-ready intelligence.
The cost of poor ESG data is significant. Misstatements can lead to regulatory penalties, investor distrust, litigation, or reputational damage. Missed risks can undermine strategic plans. Getting ESG data right builds resilience, supports compliance, and protects reputation and value.Ready to see how?
Request a sample of our ESG data or book a consultation today to see how actionable intelligence can transform your ESG strategy.
