Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI)

DJSI is a global index assessing companies' environmental, social, governance performance.

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What is it?

A family of indices evaluating the sustainability performance of thousands of companies globally.

Who is it for?

The Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) is a tool designed for various stakeholders who have an interest in sustainability performance and corporate social responsibility. These stakeholders include:

  • Investors: For funds and investment managers who wish to embed sustainability into their investment strategies, the DJSI provides valuable insights into the sustainability practices of companies. This information aids investors in making informed decisions.
  • Companies: Businesses aiming to improve their sustainability practices and policies can greatly benefit from the DJSI. Being listed on this index can enhance a company's reputation by validating their commitment to sustainable practices.
  • Regulators and Policymakers: These entities may use the DJSI to understand the current sustainability landscape and evaluate corporate responsibilities in this field.
  • Consumers: Individuals who place high importance on sustainable and ethical practices can utilize the DJSI to guide their purchasing decisions.
  • Research and Academia: Scholars and researchers involved in studying trends and impacts of corporate sustainability can use the data provided by the DJSI for their analyses.

In essence, the DJSI serves as a benchmark for evaluating corporate sustainability practices across various sectors and regions. It plays a vital role in promoting transparency and fostering sustainable development

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When was it introduced?

The Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) was first launched in 1999. It was created to track the financial performance of companies that are leading the way in sustainability practices. Since its inception, the DJSI has undergone various updates to improve its methodology and reflect changes in sustainability practices and corporate reporting.

Key updates include:

  • Annual Review: DJSI undergoes an annual review process where companies are assessed for their sustainability performance, and new companies can be added or removed based on their scores.
  • Methodological Updates: Over the years, the methodology for evaluating companies has been refined and updated. These updates are based on emerging sustainability trends and regulatory changes.

If you're looking for specific years when significant changes were made beyond the initial launch, it�s best to consult the official DJSI website or press releases for detailed historical data on methodology changes and updates.

Why is it important?

The Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) is important for several reasons:

  1. Sustainability Benchmark: The DJSI serves as a key benchmark for investors who want to assess the sustainability performance of companies. It provides a way to identify companies that are leaders in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.
  2. Investment Decisions: The index helps institutional investors and fund managers make informed investment decisions, aligning their portfolios with sustainable practices and responsible investing principles.
  3. Corporate Accountability: Companies included in the DJSI are subject to rigorous assessments of their sustainability efforts, which encourages transparency and accountability. This can lead to improved practices as firms strive to be included or maintain their position in the index.
  4. Promoting Best Practices: The index highlights best practices in sustainability and encourages competition among companies to adopt better ESG strategies, ultimately driving industry-wide improvements.
  5. Risk Management: By focusing on sustainability, the DJSI can help investors manage risks that may arise from environmental and social issues. Firms that prioritise sustainability may be better equipped to handle regulatory changes, reputational risks, and resource scarcity.
  6. Consumer Awareness: The DJSI raises awareness about sustainability issues among consumers, influencing their purchasing decisions and encouraging companies to adopt more sustainable practices to meet customer expectations.
  7. Long-term Performance: Research has indicated that companies with strong sustainability practices may experience better long-term financial performance. The DJSI serves as a vehicle for recognising these companies, promoting the idea that sustainable practices can lead to profitability.

Overall, the DJSI plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable business practices and shaping the way investors evaluate companies in terms of sustainability.

What do organisations need to do?

Compliance with the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) involves a systematic approach to meet the criteria set by the index in terms of sustainability and corporate responsibility. Here are key steps organizations can take to align with DJSI requirements:

Understand DJSI Criteria

Familiarize yourself with the specific criteria used in DJSI assessments. These criteria typically cover environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, including:

  • Environmental impact and sustainability efforts
  • Social practices and community engagement
  • Corporate governance structures and practices

Conduct a Materiality Assessment

Identify and prioritize the sustainability issues that are most relevant to your organization and stakeholders. This can help focus efforts on areas that are crucial for DJSI evaluation.

Implement Sustainable Practices

Develop and implement policies and practices that promote sustainability:

  • Reduce carbon footprint and waste
  • Promote renewable energy sources
  • Ensure ethical sourcing and supply chain management
  • Enhance employee engagement and well-being

Collect Data and Report

Gather and track relevant data related to your sustainability practices. Create transparency through sustainability reporting, which should align with recognized frameworks (such as GRI or SASB).

Engage Stakeholders

Update and engage with stakeholders, including investors, customers, and employees, on sustainability initiatives. This can foster a culture of sustainability within the organization and enhance your reputation.

Continuous Improvement

Establish a framework for ongoing assessment and improvement of sustainability practices. Regularly review and refine strategies based on performance metrics and stakeholder feedback.

Participate in Assessments

Submit your organization's information to the DJSI assessment in line with the submission periods set by S&P Global. Accurate and thorough reporting will facilitate a better evaluation.

Stay Informed

Keep abreast of trends and changes in sustainability practices and regulations that could impact your organization's compliance with DJSI standards.

Collaborate and Learn

Engage with industry groups, NGOs, and other organizations to share best practices, learn from peers, and stay updated on sustainability developments.

By adopting these approaches, organizations can enhance their sustainability efforts and improve their chances of being included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index.

What are the benefits?

The Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) is a set of internationally recognized benchmarks that evaluate the sustainability performance of companies based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. Here are some benefits of being included in the DJSI:

  1. Reputation and Credibility: Inclusion in the DJSI signals to stakeholders that a company is committed to sustainability and responsible business practices, enhancing its reputation and credibility in the marketplace.
  2. Investor Attraction: Many investors are increasingly prioritizing sustainability. Being listed on the DJSI can attract responsible investment funds and socially conscious investors.
  3. Market Differentiation: Companies listed in the DJSI can differentiate themselves from competitors, as they can showcase their commitment to sustainable practices and good governance.
  4. Risk Management: Companies that engage in sustainable practices are often better positioned to manage risks associated with environmental regulations, social pressures, and governance issues, potentially reducing long-term operational risks.
  5. Improved Performance: Research suggests that firms with strong sustainability practices can achieve better financial performance. This can lead to improved operational efficiencies and lower costs.
  6. Benchmarking and Improvement: The DJSI assessments provide valuable feedback for companies, helping them identify areas for improvement in their sustainability practices and strategic initiatives.
  7. Engagement with Stakeholders: Inclusion in the DJSI can enhance relationships with various stakeholders, including customers, employees, and suppliers, who increasingly value ESG initiatives.
  8. Long-Term Strategy: Companies focused on sustainability are often better equipped to develop long-term strategies that align with global trends toward sustainability and responsible governance.
  9. Attraction and Retention of Talent: Companies recognized for their commitment to sustainability may find it easier to attract and retain employees who value corporate social responsibility.
  10. Regulatory Compliance: Engaging in sustainable practices can better position companies to comply with existing and future regulations related to environmental protection, labor rights, and corporate governance.

Being part of the DJSI can provide numerous strategic advantages, aligning business practices with the increasing demand for corporate accountability and sustainability.

Our consultants

Our results

Using independent sustainability consultants with Leafr just makes sense

3x

More cost effective

Clients report significant savings compared to alternative hiring approaches

Lower Risks
48 hrs

Hiring time

We will find you the best person for the role in record time

High Project
100%

Trial to hire rate

We offer a risk-free trial period on every project. Not satisfied? Find someone else for free

Need help with your sustainability initiatives?

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Here’s what our customers say

Hear how our vetted sustainability consultants have driven meaningful change for our clients

Good communication, flexible schedule and delivered exactly what was agreed and on time. Would work with her again!

Alexander Pfeiffer
CEO
at
Terralytiq

Tom helped us with calculating our carbon footprint outputs from 2019 to 2023. He managed everything end to end with minimal client direction. It was seamless and effortless. He's an excellent professional.

Bolu
COO
at
Miai

The support's been great from when we first started speaking, you wrote the brief for me and did all the sourcing. So that was fantastic. Communication has been great. The level of engagement has been brilliant.

Nick Anderdon
CFO
at
Freddies Flowers

‍Working with Leafr has been a pleasure from the beginning. Leafr has a wide network of talented individuals, and they have been able to seamlessly connect us with strong candidates for our various projects.

Lara
Partner
at
Xynteo

Leafr's marketplace boasts an extensive network of highly talented individuals. They have effortlessly connected us with great candidates. Leafr has become our go-to for skilled sustainability professionals.

Brenan Hodkinson
CRO
at
Apiday

Whenever you hire consultants you worry whether they'll be as motivated or skilled as your team. Every Leafr consultant has been so impressive. We spoke to several sustainability agencies and this has been far better value.

Guadalupe Oliver
CEO
at
Candoe

Our expert immediately became a seamless addition to our team. Her work showed a mastery of ESG and a strong understanding of the financial sector. We'd love the opportunity to work with her again.

Jess Katz
Director
at
TRIPTIK

What you get by working with us

When you work with Leafr, we make sure to deliver - every time.

Flexibility

Flexibility

We adapt to your needs, offering tailored solutions that evolve as your sustainability goals and challenges change.

Quality

Quality

We don’t compromise. We connect you with specialists who deliver exceptional work, ensuring every project meets the highest standards.

Value

Value

We maximise impact while keeping costs low, ensuring you get exceptional results within your budget, with a clear focus on return on investment.

Commitment - Workplace X Webflow Template

Commitment

Your mission becomes ours. We’re dedicated to supporting you from start to finish, no matter the complexity or duration.

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Ownership

We take responsibility for our work, proactively managing projects and driving outcomes that align with your vision.

The values that drive everything we do

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Flexibility

Flexibility

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Quality

Quality

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Value

Value

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Commitment - Workplace X Webflow Template

Commitment

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Ownership - Workplace X Webflow Template

Ownership

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Our consultants have delivered for the best across industries

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Our vetting process

Each applicant must pass our stringent vetting process before working with clients. Only those meeting our high standards are accepted. We test for behavioural competency, technical skills,  sustainability experience, and culture fit.

20% pass rate

In-depth skill review

Each consultant submits a written application along with case studies of their work. This ensures they have the specialised technical skills to tackle your sustainability challenges.

12% pass rate

Live screening

We interview each candidate for behavioural and technical skills, and test against our detailed  sustainability skillset matrix. We also ask for references and testimonials.

3% pass rate

Test projects & peer review

With the help of our experts, we review past projects to verify the consultant’s ability to deliver impactful sustainability outcomes.

Need help with your sustainability initiatives?

Find a Consultant now

How it works

Go from search to hire in as little as 48 hrs.

Project

1. Create project

Post your job description or work with us to write one on your behalf

Talent

2. See the best profiles

No more sifting through 100s of CVs. See a shortlist of the best 3-5 consultants within hours.

Interview

3. Interview & start project

Hire your favourite candidate and start working. There is a risk-free trial period on each project.

Frequently asked questions

Hiring a sustainability consultant can be a daunting process. Here we answer some of the common concerns we hear.

Will the consultant be available when I need them?

Leafr consultants are committed to your project�s success. We ensure they have the availability you need, and our support team is on hand to address any urgent requirements. Our consultants are trusted by top organisations because of their reliability and commitment.

How will you handle our sensitive or confidential information?

Confidentiality is a top priority at Leafr. All consultants sign strict non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and are trained to handle sensitive information with the utmost care, ensuring your business data remains secure. This is part of why organisations worldwide trust our consultants.

What if the consultant pushes solutions that are too expensive to implement?

Leafr consultants focus on providing cost-effective, practical solutions. They work within your budget constraints and prioritise recommendations that offer the most value without unnecessary expenditure. We offer a risk-free period so you can evaluate their proposals without financial risk.

Will working with a consultant disrupt our current operations?

Our consultants are skilled at integrating smoothly into existing operations. They work with minimal disruption, focusing on enhancing your processes rather than interrupting them. Their experience with top organisations ensures a seamless fit into your team.

I'm worried the consultant might leave the project halfway through.

Continuity is ensured through our rigorous project management oversight. Leafr consultants are committed professionals, and we have contingency plans in place to guarantee that your project will be completed even if unforeseen circumstances arise. Our 100% project satisfaction rating is a testament to our reliability.

I'm worried about committing long-term just to see results.

Leafr offers flexible engagement options. Whether you need short-term assistance or long-term support, we tailor our services to match your desired commitment level. Our risk-free period allows you to explore these options without long-term obligations.

What happens if the consultant becomes unavailable or the project gets delayed?

We have a robust network of consultants, so if any unexpected issues arise, we can quickly provide an equally qualified replacement to keep your project on track. Leafr�s support team is always available to manage and mitigate any potential delays. We also offer a risk-free period to give you peace of mind.

Is the cost-benefit ratio of hiring a consultant really worth it?

Leafr consultants are chosen for their ability to deliver clear ROI. We ensure that the value they bring far outweighs the investment, with tailored solutions that directly impact your bottom line. Plus, our risk-free period allows you to assess the value without commitment.

Will the consultant communicate effectively with our team?

Effective communication is a cornerstone of our consultants� approach. We ensure clear, consistent communication throughout the project, fostering collaboration and alignment with your team. This commitment to communication is a key factor in our 100% project satisfaction rating.

Will my team need retraining after the consultant leaves?

Our consultants focus on knowledge transfer, equipping your team with the skills and understanding they need to sustain progress after the project concludes. This ensures that the improvements are lasting and your team remains confident moving forward.

Will the consultant stay updated with the latest sustainability trends and regulations?

Leafr consultants are experts in their fields, continuously updating their knowledge of the latest trends and regulations. We ensure they bring the most current insights to your project, supported by ongoing training and development opportunities.

I'm concerned about how to assess the consultant's performance effectively.

Leafr provides clear metrics and regular updates, allowing you to track the consultant�s progress and assess the impact of their work. We also encourage feedback to ensure expectations are met. Our 100% project satisfaction rating reflects our dedication to transparency and performance.

How soon will we see results from the consultant's work?

While sustainability initiatives often have long-term goals, our consultants focus on delivering quick wins and measurable progress early in the engagement, ensuring you see value from the outset. Our risk-free period allows you to experience these early results firsthand.

I'm worried the consultant might not fully commit if they have multiple clients.

Our consultants are dedicated to delivering results. Leafr carefully manages consultant workloads to ensure your project receives the attention and commitment it deserves. Our 100% project satisfaction rating is a testament to our consultants� focus and dedication.

What if the consultant doesn't understand my specific industry or business model?

At Leafr, we thoroughly vet our consultants to ensure they have deep expertise in various industries. We match you with specialists who have proven experience in your sector, ensuring they understand your unique challenges and goals. Our consultants have been trained and trusted by the best organisations worldwide.

Not sure where to start?

Book a free call with an expert in X of our consultants. They will help you understand your current position, build out an initial strategy and prioritise the most impactful projects to work on.

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