A new index measures the performance of the largest 40 sustainability leaders in Japan and provides market participants with a highly liquid and tradable sustainability benchmark for Japanese equities.

The index-the Dow Jones Sustainability Japan 40 Index (DJSI Japan 40)-was launched by SAM, an investment boutique focused exclusively on sustainability investing, and Dow Jones Indexes.

Components of the index are selected and weighted based on the SAM sustainability scores. The scores are based on industry-specific criteria covering issues such as corporate governance, risk management, emissions, water and energy consumption, human capital development, and stakeholder relations.

"As one of the largest investment markets worldwide, Japan is a crucial player in driving the integration of sustainability criteria into investing. With the DJSI family just about to turn ten years old, we are delighted to add a dedicated Japanese index to our offering and to support the momentum in this market with a benchmark designed according to the SAM sustainability scores," said Alexander Barkawi, managing director, SAM Indexes.

"Sustainability indexing continues to gain importance as interest grows in responsible investment concepts, particularly in light of the recent volatility and turmoil in financial markets.

The Dow Jones Sustainability Japan 40 Index complements the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes, launched in 1999. The index series comprises 14 broad and blue-chip global, Asia Pacific, North America, U.S., European and Euro zone benchmarks, as well as additional subset benchmarks.

For more information on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes, visit www.sustainabilityindexes.com.