INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Simon Property Group (NYSE: SPG), a global leader in retail real estate, has been recognized by the CDP and The Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) for its ongoing leadership and commitment to sustainability and energy conservation.

Simon was recognized by the CDP as a leader among S&P 500 companies, with a total score of 98A, for the depth and quality of climate change data it disclosed to investors and the global marketplace. This is the sixth year that Simon has been listed on CDP's Climate Disclosure Leadership Index. The company has also been included on CDP's Climate Disclosure Performance Index, reaching the top 'Band A' performance level. This highlights the positive actions taken by Simon in the areas of measuring, verifying and managing its carbon footprint.

In addition, Simon received a "Green Star" rating, the highest designation by GRESB, and was awarded a total score of 59, a year over year gain of 16 points.

"As a global leader in retail real estate, Simon is committed to incorporating sustainable practices that reduce energy use and increase the efficiency of daily operations at our shopping centers,"  said David Simon, Chairman and CEO of Simon. "Engaging in these practices provides important economic and environmental benefits and addresses the expectations of our stakeholders."

About Simon
Simon is a global leader in retail real estate ownership, management and development and a S&P100 company (Simon Property Group, NYSE:SPG).  Our industry-leading retail properties and investments across North America, Europe and Asia provide shopping experiences for millions of consumers every day and generate billions in annual retail sales.  For more information, visit simon.com.

About CDP and GRESB:
CDP, formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project, is an international, not-for-profit organization providing the only global system for companies and cities to measure, disclose, manage and share vital environmental information.  The S&P 500 report, including names of companies featured in the Climate Disclosure Leadership Index, can be found at www.cdp.net.

GRESB is an industry-driven organization committed to assessing the sustainability performance of real estate portfolios (public, private and direct) around the globe. www.gresb.com

SOURCE Simon Property Group, Inc.