Not all ESG performance is reflected in reports or scores—some of it lives in perception. Sentiment analysis makes it possible to compare how companies are viewed in public ESG discussions.
This benchmarking allows investors to distinguish between those leading with purpose and those lagging behind, regardless of self-reported disclosures.
Why Benchmarking ESG Perception Matters
- Perception often drives inclusion in sustainability funds or indices.
- Peer-relative tone reveals leadership positioning in key ESG categories.
- Stakeholders (customers, regulators, NGOs) base trust on visible signals, not just filings.
What Sentiment Benchmarking Measures
Platforms like Sentalyse aggregate ESG-related sentiment to produce:
- Environmental tone: emissions, climate action, circular economy
- Social tone: labor conditions, DEI, community impact
- Governance tone: leadership trust, ethics, transparency
Comparing Peers: Sample Matrix
| Company | ESG Sentiment Score | Relative Position |
|---|---|---|
| Company A | +0.42 | Leader (top quartile) |
| Company B | +0.05 | Neutral |
| Company C | -0.34 | Laggard (bottom quartile) |
Use Cases
- Investors screen for companies outperforming peers on ESG perception.
- Sustainability teams benchmark their reputation regionally or sector-wide.
- Boards evaluate tone around ESG performance vs industry norms.
Final Thoughts
ESG leadership is increasingly judged in the court of public opinion. Sentiment benchmarking adds the context analysts need to evaluate who is winning trust—and who is falling behind.
Use Sentalyse to benchmark ESG sentiment across industries, geographies, and time.