The most sustainable corporations for 2016

Research firm Corporate Knights last week released its Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations Index for 2016.

The index every year ranks companies that prove they are increasing productivity while using fewer resources. It considers a broad range of sustainable business factors, including how organisations balance environmental, social and governance performance while delivering superior returns to investors.

Taking out the top spot for 2016 was BMW, with an overall score of 80.10%.

It was a good year for Australian companies, with the Commonwealth Bank ranking fourth on the global index with a score of 73.10%. This makes it the most sustainable Australian corporation and the most sustainable bank in the world.

“This diverse scorecard approach to sustainable business practices is valuable in that it ensures every part of the way we do business is considered,” said Kylie Macfarlane, general manager, corporate responsibility, Commonwealth Bank.

“This includes everything from our achievement of 35% women in senior management ranks to a new target to have 40% by 2020, to reducing our energy consumption, as well as ensuring that we have industry-leading and transparent reporting around a range of indicators such as tax paid, superannuation fund status and carbon emissions.”

Other Australian banks also made it onto the index, with Westpac coming in at 33rd (64.60%), ANZ at 67th (59.90%) and NAB at 73rd (58.90%). Insurance company IAG followed at 74th (58.80%).

Global machinery company Atlas Copco meanwhile celebrated its 10th year on the index, taking out the 34th spot. It is the only company in the machinery industry included on the list.

Atlas Copco’s energy-saving products include its variable-speed compressors, which run only at the speed necessary. The company has also launched VSD+ technology, which slashes energy use by more than half compared with traditional compressors.

“Providing customers with the most innovative, energy-efficient, safe and ergonomic products is a key part of our business model,” said Mala Chakraborti, Atlas Copco’s vice president corporate responsibility. “Integrating sustainability in our operations generates great value for both industry and society.”

The 2016 Global 100 results can be viewed here.

Image caption: The GA VSD+ compressor from Atlas Copco.