Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings are now a key management and decision-making tool for investors, lenders and business partners. Good ratings not only improve access to capital and tenders, but also build trust through transparent and consistent ESG information.

KPMG combines in-depth ESG expertise with the targeted use of artificial intelligence to support companies in addressing ESG rating requirements in a structured, efficient and consistent manner, and to build a robust, scalable ESG data and governance architecture.

Why ESG ratings are relevant

Relevance for financing and investors

ESG ratings are increasingly being taken into account in lending terms and investment decisions.
Secure market access

Minimum requirements in supply chains determine tender specifications and approved supplier lists.
Reputation and transparency

Good rating results reflect the quality of ESG management and enhance credibility with customers, employees and the public.

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The hurdles

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Significant internal effort and tied-up resources

ESG ratings require the time-consuming collection of data, supporting documentation and consistent text – often on top of day-to-day operations and without central coordination.

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Limited transparency and comparability

The varying methodologies used in standard ESG ratings – some of which are difficult to understand – make it challenging to manage and prioritise measures effectively.

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High level of complexity in the requirements

ESG rating criteria are often highly detailed and open to interpretation – correctly interpreting them and translating them into reliable answers requires specialist ESG and rating expertise.

What we offer – two complementary phases

Phase 1

ESG Rating Submission – faster, more efficient, more effective

We help you process ESG ratings more quickly, with significantly less manual effort and to a higher standard. Through structured data collection and the systematic resolution of data gaps, we support a structured, methodology-compliant approach to ESG ratings, including the quality-assured preparation and submission of the required information.

Phase 2

Integrated ESG data governance – scaling sustainably

Building on our initial successes, we are establishing a robust, scalable ESG data and governance architecture. The aim is to create a centralised, reusable ESG database with clear lines of responsibility, enabling consistent reporting across ESG ratings, reporting standards and regulatory requirements.

Technology enablement

AI-powered document analysis and pre-filled questionnaires to reduce manual effort.
Centralised data collection and evidence management to speed up reviews.
Quality assurance by ESG experts – precise, rating-compliant wording.

The benefits for you

Faster and more reliable processing with less manual effort
Greater transparency and comparability through better use of existing information and the systematic closure of gaps relevant to ratings.
An integrated data foundation that supports ratings, reports and customer enquiries alike.

Who is it suitable for? – Our collaboration models

Initial assessment and organisations with limited ESG resources (Managed Service).
Organisations with an existing team that require targeted development and bespoke support (Specific Advisory).
Highly experienced teams that need expert advice on specific issues (Ask a Consultant).

We look forward to discussing your current situation and your ambitions.

Interested in our services? Contact us

An overview of selected ESG ratings

EcoVadis: A supply chain-focused assessment of policies, measures and metrics relating to environmental, social and ethical issues, as well as sustainable procurement, based on an annual questionnaire.
CDP: An assessment of environmental transparency and performance based on an annual questionnaire – modules include climate, forests and water, amongst others.
Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) ESG Corporate Rating: Assessment based on publicly available information, focusing on governance and sector risks.
Sustainalytics ESG Risk: Focus on unmanaged ESG risks based on publicly available information.
Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) ESG Ratings: Assessment of sustainability-related risk management based on publicly available information.

KPMG and Briink

For many companies today, ESG ratings are a decisive factor in securing financing, gaining market access and positioning themselves competitively. At the same time, the reality remains challenging: high complexity, constantly evolving methodologies and a significant amount of manual work.

This is precisely where the partnership between KPMG and Briink comes in – with the aim of creating measurable added value.

By combining Briink’s AI-powered platform with KPMG’s in-depth ESG and regulatory expertise, we are supporting this transformation:

from manual, reactive reporting
to structured, data-driven and score-based ESG rating management

Together, we support companies throughout the entire reporting process:

Reducing the workload through AI-powered data extraction and pre-filled responses
Improving quality and consistency through structured methodologies and quality reviews
Targeted refinement of ESG ratings through gap analyses and score-oriented improvement measures
Embedding ESG ratings within an integrated, future-proof ESG data and governance framework