This is a financial index which analyses the behaviour of public limited companies listed on the stock market, from a sustainability perspective. The Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) is a worldwide benchmark and is highly values by business sectors as it provides information regarding the capacity of businesses to manage their activities in a responsible manner, in line with economic, environmental and social requirements. It was created in 1999 by Dow Jones Indexes and belongs to the economics and finance group Dow Jones and Company - editor of the Wall Street Journal. The first sustainability index published by the Dow Jones Corporation was the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index I, which grouped together 10% of the 2500 companies included on the Dow Jones Global Indexes.

In 2001 the European Stoxx Limited and SAM joined this Dow Jones philosophy and created the Dow Jones Stoxx Sustainability Index, which includes 20% of the 600 companies on the European index Stoxx 600. Both indicators are considered in the stock market world as optimum reference point for the design of financial products In fact, according to the organisations responsible for these indexes, over forty large fund manager analyse the conclusions of this ranking in order to decide in which companies to invest. These gauges analyse the behaviour of the major international businesses in relation to sustainable development. The selection process of these companies is completed according to DJSI-defined criteria, and are submitted to independent assessment. The information and data required for including a company to the DJSI are obtained from the analysis of an 88-question survey and public information issued on the company such as its annual report. During this analysis over 25 general criteria are taken into account, specific for the sector to which the listed company belongs. Each case takes into consideration the economic dimensions of the company - capital, solvency, growth, risk management-; the environmental dimension - environmental actions and management, policies regarding climate change, recycling, biodiversity, eco-efficiency-; and the social dimension - code of conduct and good governance, health and safety, relations with local communities, employment practices, career development-. Once all these factors have been considered, each company receives a score, which is the basis for drawing up a list divided into categories.

Both indexes, the DESI World and the DESI Stoxx are reviewed annually and include the companies most firmly committed to sustainability criteria.

Companies which obtain the title of "DJSI Member" enjoy increased visibility and are publicly recognised as leaders in social, environmental and economic areas.