Shinsegae Department Store earns A+ in ESG assessment for second consecutive year, the only department store to do so

[Financial News] Shinsegae Department Store earned an overall A+ rating in this year’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) assessment by the Korea Institute of Corporate Governance and Sustainability (KCGS), making it the only department store to receive the rating for two consecutive years.
According to industry sources on the 12th, Shinsegae Department Store received an overall A+ rating in the “2026 ESG Assessment” announced by KCGS. After being named an “ESG Best Company” for the first time last year, it again received an overall A+ rating this year as the only department store in the industry to do so, earning recognition for its sustainable management performance.
The assessment took into account the company’s efforts to strengthen environmental management activities, including climate change response and biodiversity conservation, and to expand shared growth with small and medium-sized partner companies and mutual-benefit activities in local communities.
In the environmental (E) category, the company’s efforts to respond to climate change and conserve biodiversity received high marks. Shinsegae Department Store earned the top “Leadership” rating in the global Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) assessment and received the “Special Award for Carbon Management.” This year, it signed a business agreement with Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City to conserve biodiversity and pursued initiatives including protecting the wintering grounds of the endangered migratory whooper swan and restoring coastal ecosystems.
In the social (S) category, efforts to promote shared growth with small and medium-sized partner companies and mutual prosperity with local communities were viewed positively. Shinsegae Department Store supports its partners by operating a mutual-growth fund, providing ESG management consulting and making early payments. Last year, it introduced its “Benefit Sharing” program for the first time, offering cash incentives to 25 small and medium-sized partner companies when they meet shared goals. This year, it also received an “Excellent” rating for the ninth consecutive year in the Korea Commission for Corporate Partnership’s Shared Growth Index assessment.
In the governance (G) category, the company continues its efforts to improve management transparency and soundness, including working to establish a disclosure framework under the Korea Sustainability Standards Board (KSSB) on a consolidated basis.
A Shinsegae Department Store spokesperson said, “The overall A+ ESG rating for the second consecutive year is the result of our consistent commitment to sustainable management, from environmental management to shared growth with our partner companies. Going forward, we will further strengthen our mutually beneficial management activities, fulfilling our corporate social responsibility and growing together across all areas involving our partner companies, local communities and the environment.”
[email protected] Jang Yu-ha Reporter