URB-D.04.A - Natural Disaster Risk Assessment
Does the company conduct risk assessments for all types of natural disasters relevant to its operations?
About the data
The WBA Urban Benchmark measures and ranks the world's most influential companies on their efforts to shape sustainable, inclusive and resilient urban environments, tracking how companies address essential urban needs while respecting planetary boundaries across dimensions including decent work and human rights, environmental and climate impacts, social inclusion, and sustainability leadership. The 2026 edition assessed 300 companies across four key industries shaping urban environments: real estate, construction and engineering, transport, and utilities. Companies were scored on 24 urban-specific indicators plus 18 core social indicators, spanning four measurement areas: sustainable governance, inclusive cities, healthy cities, and climate change and resilient cities. The benchmark is designed to incentivise the private sector to take adequate responsibility for its role in ensuring affordable, safe and inclusive urban environments for all. More information can be found here.
Methodology
Urban areas are prone to natural disasters, which may (e.g. flood risk) or may not (e.g.
earthquakes) be exacerbated by climate change. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
(UNDRR) highlights that just 1 USD invested in risk reduction and prevention can save up to 15 USD in
post-disaster recovery (UNDRR, n.d.). Companies can limit natural disasters in the built environment
by reducing exposure to risk (i.e. choosing development sites carefully, in disaster risk-free areas
wherever possible) and reducing vulnerability (i.e. building disaster-resistant infrastructure, facilities
and services). Companies should also ensure that buildings and service networks are designed, built
and operated in accordance with natural disaster risk assessments conducted at each building and
service network location. Moreover, risk assessments must be conducted systematically, iteratively and
collaboratively.
Research Guidance
The company must disclose a detailed description of the natural disaster risk assessment process used to identify risks at its operational sites. This should cover all applicable natural disasters, not only restricted to climate-related risks.
The company should also identify the potential natural disaster hazards relevant to its operational sites.
earthquakes) be exacerbated by climate change. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
(UNDRR) highlights that just 1 USD invested in risk reduction and prevention can save up to 15 USD in
post-disaster recovery (UNDRR, n.d.). Companies can limit natural disasters in the built environment
by reducing exposure to risk (i.e. choosing development sites carefully, in disaster risk-free areas
wherever possible) and reducing vulnerability (i.e. building disaster-resistant infrastructure, facilities
and services). Companies should also ensure that buildings and service networks are designed, built
and operated in accordance with natural disaster risk assessments conducted at each building and
service network location. Moreover, risk assessments must be conducted systematically, iteratively and
collaboratively.
Research Guidance
The company must disclose a detailed description of the natural disaster risk assessment process used to identify risks at its operational sites. This should cover all applicable natural disasters, not only restricted to climate-related risks.
The company should also identify the potential natural disaster hazards relevant to its operational sites.
License
Topics
Framework Mappings
Value Type
Category
Options
Yes
No
Assessment
Steward Assessed
Report Type
Aggregate Data Report