Newsweek and three research partners developed a ranking system to determine the top environmentally responsible corporations among the 500 largest in the US. The results offer some surprises, as well as lots of back slapping among the usual suspects. Unfortunately missing are the myriad small to mid-sized businesses that are doing even more than their fair share to limit their environmental impact, but were too small to be included in the rankings.

Still, there is much to appreciate and learn from the list that is presented. If huge corporate behemoths like HP and Nike can prove relatively nimble in steering their cumbersome management structures in the direction of greater sustainability, what excuse does any business have anymore?

Companies were ranked for Environmental Score, Green Policies and Performance Score and Reputation Survey Score. Go here to see full results listed as overall rankings, and rankings in 15 different industry categories. Here are just a few to note:

Top 5 overall (all but J&J are technology companies!):

1. HP (first major firm to report greenhouse gas emissions, and make major reductions)
2. Dell (4th in overall energy consumption, but much of it is from renewables)
3. Johnson & Johnson (climate change leader in its market)
4. Intel (largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy)
5. IBM (instituted first environmental policies in 1971)

Top Three in Banking and Insurance:

1. Wells Fargo
2. Citigroup
3. Travelers

Top Three in Food & Beverage:

1. Coca Cola Enterprises (Largest US Bottler)
2. Coca Cola (Global Brand/Beverage Company)
3. Brown-Forman (Alcohol and Wine Producer)

Take a look at the listings and the details presented, especially for winners in your industry. This can be a great source to get ideas for your own continuing green intiatives.

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Tags: green business, sustainable business