# CSB Research Spotlight: ESG and Financial Performance

Center for Sustainable Business

February 11, 2021 ![meta-analysis](/sites/default/files/styles/246w/public/assets/images/Screen%20Shot%202021-02-16%20at%2011.04.30%20AM.png?itok=dgMsK9Fy) In collaboration with [Rockefeller Asset Management](https://rcm.rockco.com) and [Casey Clark](https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-clark-cfa-116b4a5/), CFA (MBA '17), Managing Director, Global Head of ESG Investments & Portfolio Manager, Rockefeller Asset Management, CSB Research Associate Professor, [Tracy Van Holt](https://www.stern.nyu.edu/experience-stern/about/departments-centers-initiatives/centers-of-research/center-sustainable-business/about-csb/our-team/about-tracy-van-holt), and Research Fellow, [Ulrich Atz](https://www.stern.nyu.edu/experience-stern/about/departments-centers-initiatives/centers-of-research/center-sustainable-business/about-csb/research-scholars), released the latest findings of their [meta-analysis research](https://www.stern.nyu.edu/experience-stern/about/departments-centers-initiatives/centers-of-research/center-sustainable-business/research/research-initiatives/esg-and-financial-performance) on ESG and financial performance determining if corporate sustainability and sustainable finance generate better financial performance.

They surveyed over 1,000 primary peer-reviewed research papers on ESG published between 2015 and 2020 and found robust evidence that better ESG is associated with better financial performance in corporate-focused studies.

Their findings also show that improved financial performance from ESG initiatives is observed over longer time horizons, which supports sustainability as a long-term business strategy.

Their research has been highlighted in several publications including [Columbia Law School's Blog on Corporations and Capital Markets](https://clsbluesky.law.columbia.edu/2020/12/15/do-corporate-sustainability-and-sustainable-finance-generate-better-financial-performance/), the [InvestorDaily](https://www.stern.nyu.edu/experience-stern/about/departments-centers-initiatives/centers-of-research/center-sustainable-business/news-events/news-insights/csb-research-spotlight-esg-and-financial-performance), and [GlobeSt.com](https://www.globest.com/2021/02/16/esg-driven-companies-demonstrate-better-long-term-performance/).

Read more about CSB's meta-analysis research on the financial impact of ESG [here](https://www.stern.nyu.edu/experience-stern/about/departments-centers-initiatives/centers-of-research/center-sustainable-business/research/research-initiatives/esg-and-financial-performance).