Green commitment pays
According to new research from market tracker Dow Jones, companies that focus on environmental and social issues, as well as economic results, out-perform companies that are solely pre-occupied with the bottom line.
Seeing the 'bigger picture' clearly helps. A new DJ index reveals that the top 200 sustainable' businesses turn in results well ahead of many of the rest, especially in the technology and energy sectors.
Coincidentally, one of the UK's more successful companies, BT, recently published its own report on environmental policy and performance
The company has marked the occasion by declaring its intention to apply ISO 14001, the international environmental management system standard, across its whole business. Full certification in the UK is expected by the end of 1999.
Chief executive Sir Peter Bonfield said: "We simply cannot ignore the fact that the things we do can have a significant impact on the individuals and organisations we do business with and on the world around us. We have a duty to manage that impact and report on it."
BT does not want to be asked for copies of its report. Instead, to save paper, it can be accessed via the company's website.
Elliott Chase
