Duke Energy, Alcoa Among Companies Recognized for Sustainability Reporting

Duke Energy and Alcoa, both industry leaders, as well as ESS clients, have been chosen as finalists for the Ceres 2007 North American Sustainability Rewards. According to a news release, “the awards are not intended to endorse or reward corporate sustainability performance, but rather to acknowledge exemplary disclosure that places performance in the broader context of sustainability challenges, risks and opportunities.”

Ceres is a leading network of investors, environmental groups and other public interest organizations that work with companies to address sustainability challenges such as global climate change. Ceres also directs the Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR), comprised of over 60 institutional investors who collectively manage more than $4 trillion in assets.

Award nominees were evaluated based on criteria that address completeness, credibility and quality of communication. The panel of 13 judges includes North American leaders and experts representing a broad spectrum of backgrounds.

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has been giving these awards for fifteen years to promote transparency in reporting sustainable business practices. This year, 87 companies entered reports, and 21 finalists were chosen. Since 1999, ACCA has teamed up with Ceres to present the awards for sustainability. This year’s entrants included a wide variety of industries from mining to automotive manufacturing to apparel.

Duke Energy, Alcoa and the other award nominees are leading a powerful new trend in which companies are leveraging EHS information management systems to communicate their sustainability performance to external stakeholders. As a result, their efforts are being recognized by organizations like Ceres.

Add comment January 10th, 2008