Better Health for All

The company's core business of providing apartment communities, combined with environmental initiatives, delivers substantial health benefits by promoting stable housing, cleaner living environments, and improved air quality. Specifically, the company achieved a 24.2% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions and increased photovoltaic solar generation by 298%, leading to significant positive health externalities.

Essex Property Trust also offers mental health counseling and coaching sessions for its employees as part of its wellness programs. The company's business activities do not generate revenue from products with direct negative health impacts, nor do they involve health-related data, patents, food products, addiction potential, or clinical trials. While the company provides affordable housing options and employee rent subsidies, and engages in employee wellness and environmental initiatives, specific quantitative data required by the rubric (e.g., percentage of revenue, percentage of vulnerable populations reached, percentage of health-related expenditure) is not available to score related KPIs.

Fair Money & Economic Opportunity

Essex Property Trust, Inc. is a real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on apartment communities, not a financial institution offering lending, insurance, or deposit services. Consequently, most KPIs under 'Fair Money & Economic Opportunity' are not applicable to its core business model. While the company provides approximately $30 million annually for 2,455 apartments at below-market rents

and extended rent subsidies of around $5 million to over 800 employees in 2022 , these activities do not constitute financial products or services as defined by the rubric. Additionally, Essex has committed to donating $3 million to charitable causes , but this is a commitment, not an action, and lacks the specific financial metrics (e.g., percentage of pre-tax profit) required to score relevant KPIs.

Fair Pay & Worker Respect

The CEO's annual total compensation was approximately 83.8 times the median employee compensation.

No associates are covered by collective bargaining agreements. The company's Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) was 5.88 in 2024. Essex Property Trust maintained gender pay parity for the fourth consecutive year, with female compensation at 102% of male compensation in 2024, excluding CEO and NEO salaries. Employee engagement surveys in 2024, with an 87% response rate, showed an average of 8.55 out of 10 across key drivers. The voluntary employee turnover rate was 17% in 2024. Furthermore, no associates are employed under temporary contracts.

Fair Trade & Ethical Sourcing

Essex Property Trust, a residential REIT, focuses on developing and managing multifamily properties.

Its business model limits direct engagement with fair trade sourcing, as its operations do not directly align with fair trade practices.

Honest & Fair Business

Essex Property Trust achieved a GRESB score of 84 in 2023.

The company has a low-risk ESG rating of 11.6 as of October 2023. Its Audit Committee has adopted confidential, anonymous processes for concerns or complaints regarding regulatory compliance, accounting, audit, or internal controls. All committees of the Board have only independent trustees as members.

Kind to Animals

Essex Property Trust's operations do not directly involve animal welfare, making most animal-related KPIs not applicable to its business model as a real estate investment trust. The company does not engage in animal testing, animal husbandry, or the sourcing of animal-derived products. While the company has undertaken initiatives indirectly supporting wildlife conservation, such as committing to science-based emission reduction targets in 2023

and having 17 LEED Certified apartment communities , the provided evidence does not include measurable biodiversity impact, species recovery, or habitat restoration metrics.

No War, No Weapons

Essex Property Trust Inc operates as a real estate investment trust focused on multifamily residential properties.

There is no evidence of direct or indirect involvement in military activities or arms manufacturing. The company maintains a neutral stance regarding the 'No War, No Weapons' value, with no significant connections to military or peace initiatives. Consequently, all KPIs related to military, arms, or conflict activities are not applicable to its core business operations.

Planet-Friendly Business

Essex Property Trust achieved a 47% waste diversion rate.

The company also reported a 24.2% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 298% increase in solar generation capacity. In 2023, it invested $4.4 million in 32 energy and water use reduction projects, leading to projected annual savings of $3.2 million. The company obtained 21 green certifications for existing properties in 2023, including 14 Energy Star certifications, and is committed to setting science-based emissions targets.

Respect for Cultures & Communities

Essex Property Trust filed 57.3% of eviction notices against Black tenants, who constituted 36.7% of tenants studied, suggesting racial disparities in eviction practices that may lead to cultural displacement.

The company also contributed $8.8 million to the California Apartment Association Issues Committee opposing the Justice for Renters Act, which critics argue could lead to gentrification and displacement, altering the cultural fabric of neighborhoods. On other fronts, Essex Property Trust promotes cultural sensitivity, allowing eligible associates up to eight paid volunteer hours annually, and recognizes diverse cultures. The company provides DEI education and training, including guest speakers and comprehensive unconscious bias training for employees. A Diversity & Inclusion Committee reports directly to the CEO. Essex supports various organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the American Red Cross, and local charities in regions like the Pacific Northwest, Northern California, and Southern California through activities like school supply drives and fundraiser events.

Safe & Smart Tech

Essex Property Trust settled a class-action lawsuit for $350,000 in April 2019

following a 2016 data breach that compromised personal information, including Social Security numbers and payroll data, of approximately 2,500 employees . An earlier data breach involving unauthorized access to its computer networks was disclosed in September 2014 . No data breaches or unauthorized data use incidents have been documented in the past three years.

Zero Waste & Sustainable Products

The company achieved a waste diversion rate of 47.4% in 2023.

It has a target to divert 50% of waste by 2030.