Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Aldar has entered the top quartile of global real estate companies ranked by MSCI ESG Ratings, following an upgrade in its score from ‘BBB’ to ‘A’. The move highlights the Abu Dhabi-based developer’s sustained commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards and marks a significant milestone in its pursuit of sustainable business practices.
MSCI ESG Ratings are a benchmark used by global investors to assess a company’s exposure to ESG risks and its ability to manage them relative to peers. Aldar’s improved rating signals that its ESG strategy is having a measurable impact across operations and that it is successfully managing long-term sustainability risks.
“This upgrade reflects the significant strides we’ve made in embedding ESG as a core principle of how we do business across the group,” said Faisal Falaknaz, Group Chief Financial and Sustainability Officer at Aldar. “As we continue delivering on our strategic growth roadmap, we remain committed to responsible value creation and transparency, ensuring we contribute positively to our stakeholders, the local economy, and the environment.”
The most notable area of improvement was governance. Aldar’s corporate behaviour score — which assesses business ethics and transparency — increased by 2.1 points to reach 8.3 out of 10, placing it at the high end for the real estate sector in emerging EMEA markets. Gains in governance, coupled with enhancements in environmental performance, were instrumental in lifting the company’s overall MSCI rating.
The MSCI recognition complements Aldar’s existing accolades. In 2024, Aldar secured the number one position in the S&P Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the regional real estate sector. It also received a “low risk” ESG Risk Score of 15.75 from Sustainalytics, exceeding peer averages.
Aldar’s operational sustainability is underscored by its performance in green building initiatives. Last year, 80% of its new developments received a 3 Pearl Estidama rating or higher — a rating system overseen by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council. Furthermore, 23% of its retrofitted assets achieved either LEED Gold or Platinum status, the highest classifications awarded by the US Green Building Council.
The developer’s commitment to net zero by 2050 is already delivering measurable results. In 2024, Aldar reported a 34% reduction in average energy use intensity in its low-carbon design projects. Additionally, it achieved a 24% reduction in Scope 1 emissions and a 19% reduction in Scope 2 emissions. These reductions underscore the company’s proactive approach to decarbonisation.
