CLEAN EDGE LAUNCHES RANKINGS OF CORPORATE CLEAN ENERGY LEADERS
Inaugural Universe Includes Apple, Cisco, Intel, Johnson & Johnson, Microsoft, Nike, Walmart, and other Tech, Finance, and Consumer Product Leaders
Portland, OR, March 01, 2016 — Clean Edge today released the inaugural universe of Corporate Clean Energy Leaders, recognizing corporations that are leading the way in establishing renewable electricity and low-carbon commitments, deploying renewable energy, and investing in clean-tech deployment. As more companies transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, the Corporate Clean Energy Leaders universe provides a key barometer of innovation, best practices, and leadership.
Thirty-four companies make the inaugural list. They are, in ranked order (in the case of ties, the companies with tie scores are listed alphabetically):
- Walmart (Retail)
- Apple (Tech)
- Autodesk (Software)
- Equinix (Internet Services/Data Centers)
- Alphabet/Google (Tech)
- Intel (Tech)
- Johnson & Johnson (Consumer Products)
- Microsoft (Tech)
- Salesforce (Tech)
- Starbucks (Retail)
- Steelcase (Manufacturing – Furniture)
- Adobe (Tech)
- EMC (Tech)
- Goldman Sachs (Finance)
- Herman Miller (Manufacturing – Furniture)
- Interface (Manufacturing – Carpeting)
- Kohl’s (Retail)
- Rackspace (Internet Services)
- Voya Financial (Finance)
- Whole Foods (Retail/Groceries)
- Biogen (Biotech)
- AT&T (Telecom)
- BD (Medical Supplies)
- Cisco Systems (Tech)
- Facebook (Tech)
- Fedex (Global Courier Services)
- General Motors (Automotive)
- Keurig Green Mountain (Specialty Coffee)
- Nike (Sportswear & Apparel)
- Procter & Gamble (Consumer Products)
- Staples (Retail)
- Target (Retail)
- Verizon (Telecom)
- Workday (Software)
“These companies are committing to low-carbon, clean energy-powered operations to improve not just the environment, but their bottom lines,” says Clean Edge managing director Ron Pernick. “Corporate Clean Energy Leaders spotlights firms that are taking a proactive role in moving toward a clean-energy future, with a focus on solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources and more efficient, low- or zero-carbon operations.” Clean Edge tracks six different indicators to create the rankings. Specific criteria used in developing the Corporate Clean Energy Leaders universe include:
- Investment organizations that have mobilized at least $25 billion in clean-energy/clean-tech/environmental deployment
- Companies that have a stated goal of getting 100% of their total electricity from renewables (for U.S. and/or global operations)
- Companies that get 25% or more of their current electricity from renewables (for U.S. and/or global operations)
- Climate leadership based on active membership in leading global carbon-reduction efforts and executive-level sustainability staffing
While many organizations apply negative screens to track corporate sustainability, fossil-free, and ESG (environmental, social, and corporate governance) activities, Clean Edge applies a methodology focused on actions and commitments, applying mainly positive screens. Companies must meet at least two of the tracked criteria, and meet minimum score thresholds, to be eligible for inclusion in the rankings. Companies must be U.S.-listed on the NYSE, NASDAQ, or AMEX exchange and have a market cap of at least $1 billion. The list excludes corporations whose primary business is the extraction and/or processing of coal or oil. Clean Edge plans to update the universe twice annually, in January and July. Clean Edge’s Corporate Clean Energy Leaders debuts at a time when more companies and governments around the world are working to achieve higher renewable energy and lower carbon emission goals. To learn about licensing opportunities on the Corporate Clean Energy Leaders universe, please contact [email protected] or call 503-493-8681.