A Canadian weekly news magazine, Macleans, released its list of the top 50 socially responsible corporations.
The companies are considered the best in their sectors based on their performance across a range of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) indicators tracked by Jantzi-Sustainalytics.
Each of the companies featured is either Canadian-listed or a wholly owned subsidiary of a foreign-listed company with significant operations or brand presence in Canada.
H&M was recognized for sustainability initiatives ranging from a target to source 100% sustainable cotton by 2020, to recycling 85% of its non-reusable clothes hangers. In April, the company launched its "Conscious Collection" a clothing line made of more environmentally friendly materials, such as organic and recycled fabrics.
In addition to providing an eco-profile that estimates the environmental impact of each of its products, Nokia also was the first company to join the Saving Our Species initiative led by the Global Environment Facility, the World Bank Group and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Nokia’s mobile devices also allow open-source software that has been used to gather data on population, drought and disease in developing countries.
Gap Inc. received recognition this year for its Personal Advancement and Career Enhancement program, which provides life skills and enhanced technical skills to female garment workers to help them advance in the workplace. The clothing brand also established an environmental council of senior executives and mid-level managers to promote company-wide initiatives.
Campbell‘s takes into account sustainability when determining executive compensation, and it aims to cut 100 million pounds of packaging material by 2020. In addition, the soup maker donates one canned food item to Food Banks Canada and 25 cents to the United Nations World Food Programme, for every "Nourish" product it sells.
Best Buy hosts "Tech it Away" e-waste drives at Canadian schools to collect and recycle used electronics, in exchange for grants. The retailer is also getting involved with electric vehicles. It teamed up with ECOtality to install charging stations at select stores, and it is working with Mitsubishi Motors and Eaton Corporation to create additional incentives to encourage EV ownership.
Other well-known brands received recognition include Volkswagen, TD Bank Group, Sony, Philips Electronics, Nike, Kellogg’s and H.M. Heinz.
Read Macleans‘ full coverage:
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