Nasdaq Advances Corporate Sustainability Leadership in 2019

Reduces Carbon Footprint to Zero through Offset Purchase Program

NEW YORK, Dec. 19, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) announced today its milestones achieved in 2019 to advance its environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices as part of its company-wide commitment to sustainability. Nasdaq’s ESG efforts were successfully reflected both in its work with corporate clients as well as within its own operations.

“Our commitment to ESG – including our carbon footprint reduction program – mirrors our commitment to our clients and the communities in which we serve,” said Evan Harvey, Global Head of Sustainability at Nasdaq. “As more clients and companies search for sustainable business products and processes, we not only try to meet that need, but anticipate it. The world is changing – as are market and institutional investor expectations – and companies will continue to adapt in order to create long-term value and a meaningful contribution to all their stakeholders.”

Nasdaq’s listed companies have a deep tradition of innovation, responsibility, and dedication to sustainable practices, with an average of 76% of companies listed on our U.S. and European exchanges reporting on at least one ESG metric on an annual basis¹.

Nasdaq’s 2019 ESG highlights:

Corporate & Community Efforts
Initiative	Description
ESG Reporting & Engagement	Nasdaq accelerated its engagement and expanded disclosures with key stakeholders in the investment community, including leading ESG research providers. Increased transparency and improving fundamentals resulted in an 18% rise in Nasdaq’s Sustainalytics ESG score in 2019, the largest among its peer group.
ESG Oversight	Nasdaq’s board of directors reconstituted its Nominating & Governance Committee to include oversight of Nasdaq’s corporate responsibility, including environmental and social initiatives. Committee renamed in December 2019 as the “Nominating & ESG Committee,” underscoring board-level commitment to ESG.
Carbon Neutrality	Nasdaq achieved carbon neutrality2 across all business operations through the purchase of carbon offsets and renewable energy certificates.
Stakeholder Advocacy	Signed the Business Roundtable’s “Statement on the Purpose of a Company” letter; Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman committed to deliver value to all stakeholders.