■ Recognized for efforts in reducing greenhouse gases and hazardous substances, and enhancing board independence and expertise in the 2025 MSCI ESG evaluation.
■ Attains highest rating among global energy industry leaders, officially recognized as a premier global ESG leader.
SK Innovation has been acknowledged for its exceptional performance in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management, as recognized in the global capital markets. The company announced today that it has attained the highest AAA rating in the 2025 MSCI ESG Ratings, published by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI), a leading global ESG rating agency. This prestigious rating places SK Innovation at the forefront of the industry, both within Korea and among major global energy companies.
Since its official declaration of ESG management in 2021, SK Innovation has swiftly progressed from a BBB to an A rating, maintaining the latter for three consecutive years. In 2024, the company advanced to an AA rating, and remarkably, in just one year, achieved the pinnacle AAA rating.
This achievement reflects substantial improvements across all ESG areas, including efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and carbon intensity, enhance the management of hazardous substances and waste, expand safety and environmental management systems across global operations, strengthen safety and health initiatives under board supervision, and improve board expertise and independence, alongside robust anti-corruption and corporate ethics practices.
In particular, SK Innovation was recognized for its environmental performance, notably for reducing waste and hazardous substances produced during business operations compared to the previous year. In the social domain, the company received praise for acquiring international certifications (ISO 14001, ISO 45001) for its Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) policies, which are implemented at major domestic and international sites and consistently applied to external partners under board leadership.
The governance structure, which meets global standards through enhanced outside director expertise and board independence, was also highly rated. The board’s efforts to strengthen anti-corruption and corporate ethics management significantly contributed to the upgraded rating.
Each year, MSCI evaluates the ESG management of over 8,500 publicly traded companies worldwide, categorizing them into seven rating levels (AAA, AA, A, BBB, BB, B, CCC). These results are crucial for global institutional investors’ decision-making. With the highest rating now secured, SK Innovation is poised to attract new global investment opportunities and expand its share of existing investments, which is expected to positively impact the company’s corporate value.
An SK Innovation spokesperson commented, “Achieving the highest MSCI ESG rating is a testament to our sustainability efforts across environmental, social, and governance areas on a global scale. We remain committed to practicing responsible management that aligns with global standards, fostering sustainable growth, and building trust with our diverse stakeholders.”
