Amidst an ever-growing number of ESG data providers, ESG data provider of the year, EMEA GIST Impact, a specialist in impact measurement and metrics was described by Sustainable Investment Awards judges as a standout provider showing "real innovation" in the market.

GIST Impact's environmental datasets cover over 50 data points on climate, energy and water, as well as what it describes as "hard to find" data, such as air pollution or hazardous waste. Where gaps are present, GIST Impact uses advanced machine-learning models to estimate these data.

Its nature and biodiversity datasets cover even more ground, with over 80 metrics at portfolio, company and asset level for over 14,500 publicly listed companies. By combining site-specific datasets with geospatial datasets, GIST said it can "provide holistic analysis of nature-related dependencies, impacts, risks and opportunities". This allows investors to "locate biodiversity and nature-related sensitive zones of investments", and fully align their reporting with the recommendations of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD).

Over the past year, its client base has expanded to include some of the world's largest investors, including sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and banks. It has worked with these clients to provide deep-dive analyses of funds' 'hidden environmental risks' and even jointly created a web tool that allows investors to see the environmental cost of a potential investment compared with other investment options.

"Winning the ESG data provider of the year award is a testament to the increasing importance of 'impact' data in sustainability and ESG reporting," said GIST Impact CEO Pavan Sukhdev. "As impact data providers, our mission is to illuminate the environmental and social impacts of corporate activities, providing investors with the science-based, economically-sized, actionable impact intelligence they need to make informed decisions.

"Companies and investors who have yet to embrace impact data are missing out on a vital tool for future-proofing their sustainability investments, by spotting their real risks and opportunities."

He added: "We are honoured by this recognition and remain committed to driving innovation and excellence in impact measurement and valuation."