BT are 'Leaders of Pack' With Standout Sustainability Strategy
LONDON, September 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
A report published today by Carbon Clear finds that for the third year in a row, BT Group are setting the standard for sustainability reporting for FTSE 100 companies. The telecommunications giant demonstrates a comprehensive approach to carbon and sustainability reporting, firmly cementing their position as one of the best practice leaders of the FTSE 100.
The sixth annual report by Carbon Clear ranks each FTSE 100 company on their: carbon measurement and reporting; strategy and targets; emissions reduction; engagement with stakeholders; and, innovative approach to sustainability reporting.
A copy of the full report looking at trends for the FTSE 100 and naming the top 20 companies can be downloaded here - info.carbon-clear.com/hubfs/Reports/Sustainability_Reporting_Performance_of_the_FTSE_100.pdf.
Key findings of the report include five more companies setting carbon emission reduction targets based on climate science than in 2015. The research shows that companies that set 'science based targets' are more likely to achieve, or even exceed their goals.
There has also been a 9% uplift to 64 companies using or buying renewable energy compared to 2015. The report suggests that the Paris climate change negotiations in December 2015 may have influenced the awareness of climate issues among FTSE 100 companies.
The report finds that a variety of businesses within the FTSE 100 are showing that growth is enhanced by sustainable business practices, not limited by it.
Marks and Spencer Group scored marginally behind BT to rank in second place. The company is praised for its consistent and holistic approach to delivering meaningful carbon reductions, especially in the way it works with both the supply chain and customers to reduce emissions.
Unilever, ranked third and is the only company that scored full marks in the new 'innovation' section. The company demonstrates an admirable commitment to long term sustainability leadership. By rewarding progress on sustainable business through the remuneration packages of a growing number of managers, including the CEO and several members of the Unilever Leadership Executive, Unilever demonstrates commitment to putting sustainability issues on a par with financial success.
However, the report states that it is disappointing that more companies are not following the lead of the top performers, with 57 companies in the FTSE 100 scoring under 50%.
Mark Chadwick, Chief Executive of Carbon Clear, commented: "The hard work and dedication companies such as BT, M&S and Unilever have towards developing a more sustainable business model is fantastic. These 'leaders of the pack' are setting the agenda for business sustainability proving that such an approach is aligned to long-term commercial value."
"But the gap between those pushing the boundaries of best practice and those simply complying with legislation remains as large as ever. Given the risks of ignoring climate change - whether it's losing business to a competitor who mirrors customer values in sustainability, or infrastructure being disrupted due to severe weather - this doesn't make sense."
"This is especially the case when its often simple steps that see the quickest returns, whilst paving the way for a longer term strategy."
Gudrun Cartwright, Environment Director at Business in the Community, a charity which works with businesses to create a fairer society and a more sustainable future, said:
"Business must be at the centre of reducing carbon emissions if our economy is to achieve the kind of smart growth needed to ensure long term prosperity for business and society."
"The global agreement reached at COP21 Paris in 2015 raised the bar for climate action. As we approach the 1st anniversary of the historic agreement we urge businesses from the FTSE 100, and indeed beyond, to make sustainability a central part of their strategy. We hope this report will both inspire businesses of all sizes to look at how they can set ambitious sustainability targets and challenge businesses to understand their potential to do more."
For the first time this year, Carbon Clear also applied the scoring to the Spanish IBEX 35 index. The analysis provides a comparison of the sustainability performance of similar companies, in the UK and Spain including Telefonica with BT and Centrica with Iberdrola.
Sustainability Performance of the IBEX 35 is available here - info.carbon-clear.com/hubfs/Reports/Sustainability_Reporting_Performance_of_the_IBEX_35.pdf
Results
The Top 10 FTSE 100 performers are: BT Group; Marks & Spencer Group plc; Unilever; Coca-Cola HBC; Kingfisher; Sky; Aviva; Mondi; RELX Group; Centrica; Diageo; Reckitt Benckiser Group.[1]
The aim of Carbon Clear's annual research report is to acknowledge and highlight those businesses that are taking real action towards meeting ambitious sustainability plans and environmental targets, while sharing best practice when it comes to managing the risks and maximising the opportunities of climate change.
Editors' notes
The full report available here - info.carbon-clear.com/sustainability-reporting-performance-of-the-ftse-100. Please ensure this link is used in any news story.
A high-res image is available to download here - http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/1961789/FTSE_collateral_2016/FTSE_images/wind_turbine_sunset.jpeg
About Carbon Clear
Carbon Clear is a world leading provider of carbon and energy management and sustainability services. We partner with our clients to design, build and operate intelligent sustainability solutions to address their business challenges, helping them to compete and prosper in a low-carbon world. For more information, please see http://www.carbon-clear.com.
[1] Kingfisher and Sky shared joint 5th position and Centrica, Diageo, and Reckitt Benckiser shared joint 10th position.
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