„ESG Rating"
§ 5 UWG, § 5a Abs. 2 UWG (Misleading practices)
What does it mean?
ESG ratings assess the sustainability performance of companies based on environmental, social and governance criteria. The use of ESG ratings in communications is generally permissible, but is subject to strict requirements under the UWG. From 27 September 2026, the EmpCo Directive tightens the assessment criteria. A generic claim such as 'excellent ESG rating' is misleading if the provider, rating and assessment period are not specified. Section 5 UWG and the EmpCo Directive (EU 2024/825) demonstrate that consumers expect concrete and comprehensible information. If this information is not disclosed, there is a material omission of information pursuant to § 5b UWG.
Typical phrasings
- 'Our company has an excellent ESG rating'
- 'Top-rated company in the field of sustainability'
- 'ESG Rating: AAA' (without provider and date)
What you can write instead
'MSCI ESG Rating AA, as at 2025' or 'Sustainalytics Risk Score 28/100 (as at: 1 January 2026)'
Required evidence
- MSCI ESG Report (with date)
- Sustainalytics Risk Score (with date)
- CDP Climate Score (with date)
Rechtsgrundlage (Originalwortlaut)
Anhang I Nr. 4a UCPD (i.d.F. EmpCo) — generische Umweltaussage ohne anerkannte Nachweise
Quelle: Richtlinie (EU) 2024/825 (EmpCo) — verbindlich ist ausschließlich die im Amtsblatt der Europäischen Union veröffentlichte Fassung.
DEDeutsch (amtlich, DE-Fassung Amtsblatt)aufklappenzuklappen
„Treffen einer allgemeinen Umweltaussage, wobei der Gewerbetreibende die anerkannte hervorragende Umweltleistung, auf die sich die Aussage bezieht, nicht nachweisen kann."ENEnglish (Official Journal, EN version)aufklappenzuklappen
„Making a generic environmental claim for which the trader is not able to demonstrate recognised excellent environmental performance relevant to the claim."FRFrançais (Journal officiel, version FR)aufklappenzuklappen
„Présenter une allégation environnementale générique au sujet de laquelle le professionnel n'est pas en mesure de démontrer l'excellente performance environnementale reconnue en rapport avec l'allégation."NLNederlands (Publicatieblad, NL versie)aufklappenzuklappen
„Het maken van een generieke milieuclaim zonder dat de handelaar erkende voortreffelijke milieuprestaties kan aantonen die relevant zijn voor de claim."