Diageo, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Anglo American were recently ranked highest among the companies reporting on indirect emissions and supply chain impacts on the CDP's FTSE 350 Climate Change Report.
Launched this week, the report provides an annual update on greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) data and climate change strategies at the UK's biggest public companies. While those topping the list make up a wide range of industries, the financial sector is prominent among the leading eight firms.
Rounding up the top 8 were BT, Barclays, British Sky Broadcasting, HSBC and British Land, which all received a disclosure score of more than 90.
Diageo and GSK scored highest, both receiving a 98, while HSBC and Anglo-American scored 97 and 96, respectively.
"Understanding the risks and opportunities around climate change is important for an international company like GSK if we are to bring more medicines to more people in a more sustainable way,” said Richard Pamenter, GSK vice president of environmental sustainability.
GSK says its long term goal is to be carbon-neutral across its value chain by 2050.
“This means not just reducing emissions at our own facilities, but right across our value chain from the sourcing of raw materials to the use of our products by patients and consumers. Measurement and disclosure of value chain emissions is a critical first step on our journey to be carbon neutral,” Pamenter added.
Last month, beverage company Diageo, maker of Johnnie Walker and Guinness, was selected as a member of the World and Europe Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI). The company also set the goal of achieving zero waste at all of its sites by 2015. In its most recent sustainability and responsibility report, Diageo said it has reduced waste to landfill by 53.4 percent this year, contributing to an overall reduction of 77.9 percent against a 2007 baseline.
"We know that stakeholder expectations of the private sector continue to evolve and become more demanding and we plan to continue to be responsive to these as we grow our business responsibly around the world," said Diageo's director of sustainability & responsibility, Carolyn Panzer.
Get the latest insights, trends, and innovations to help position yourself at the forefront of sustainable business leadership—delivered straight to your inbox.
Founder, Hower Impact
Mike Hower is the founder of Hower Impact — a boutique consultancy delivering strategic communication advisory and support for corporate sustainability, ESG and climate tech.
Published Oct 10, 2013 5pm EDT / 2pm PDT / 10pm BST / 11pm CEST