Acwa has announced an upgrade in its MSCI ESG rating from “BBB” to “A”, reflecting progress in the company’s environmental, social and governance performance and reporting practices.

The improved rating follows a multi-year initiative launched in 2023 to strengthen ESG disclosures, governance structures and internal reporting processes. 

MSCI ESG Ratings assess companies on a seven-point scale based on their exposure to industry specific ESG risks and how effectively those risks are managed.

An “A” rating places Acwa in the upper half of the global benchmark.

According to the company, the upgrade was driven by coordinated efforts led by its sustainability team in collaboration with the board and multiple business units. 

The process involved compiling, validating and reporting more than 430 ESG-related data points and over 120 disclosure metrics to improve transparency and align with international analyst expectations.

The company said the MSCI upgrade forms part of broader improvements across several ESG benchmarks. 

During the same period, Acwa improved its S&P Global ESG rating from below industry average to above average, while its Sustainalytics assessment moved from high risk to medium risk status.

Acwa added that ESG considerations are increasingly embedded into operational and strategic decision making through enhanced governance frameworks and cross functional accountability. 

The company also confirmed alignment with the principles and disclosure standards of the United Nations Global Compact.