Sustainability indexes are stock indexes in which securities are selected not only on the basis of economic-financial parameters but also in the light of social and environmental criteria. The selection process is carried out by specialised agencies that assess companies on the basis of publicly available information or questionnaires, taking account of opinions expressed by media and stakeholders. Inclusion in these indexes is of strategic importance to companies, both for the positive repercussions on their reputation and for the fact that, in addition to the pension funds and ethical funds, an ever increasing number of investors favour sustainable companies, considering them to be less risky and more promising in the medium to long term.
Taking part in the process of evaluation is, moreover, a timely moment for reflection within the company on the results achieved. The suggestions of the rating agencies at the end of the process are taken into consideration when planning improvement actions in the future.