Newsweek, along with environmental researchers KLD Research & Analytics, Trucost, and CorporateRegister.com, recently ranked the largest U.S. companies based on their actual environmental performance, policies, and reputation. Sun came in at number 14 in the list of 500 in Newsweek's inaugural green rankings for 2009.

Actions favoring Sun's eco-positive grade involved the company's requirement of environmental management accreditation from all its main suppliers, its drive to improve energy efficiency of data centers, and posting monthly total energy use and greenhouse emissions by facility on its web site.

To earn its place within the top 15, Sun was analyzed in three categories - environmental impact, green policies and performance, and reputation survey - all of which were taken into account for its final green score.

Environmental Impact Score

This standardized quantitative performance measurement captured the total environmental costs of a corporation's global operations, including greenhouses gases, water use, solid waste, and acid rain emissions. Newsweek and its researchers indicated the average score was 50.12 out of 100. Sun earned a score of 68.50, placing it 30th in the technology sector and 156th in the top 500.

Green Policies and Performance Score

This score was a comprehensive analytical assessment of environmental policies that include whether there was a management policy in place, an operation of "green" facilities, an end-of-life product management, etc., as well as environmental controversies and lawsuits. Average score was 39.91, with a maximum of 100. Sun secured a mark of 77.13 for the 8th place ranking in the industry and 17th overall.

Reputation Survey Score

To obtain this score, an international opinion survey was conducted with CEOs, corporate social responsibility professionals, academics, and other environmental experts. Respondents rated company's green performance, track record, and communications. Average score was 34.44 out of 100. Sun tallied 48.96 for the number 12 spot within the technology industry and 50th out of the 500.

Green Score

All three of the scores listed above procured Sun's 14th place ranking overall and 7th within the industry with a total score of 88.11.

Technology Industry

The six other technology industry companies ranking ahead of Sun were:

6. Cisco Systems

5. Applied Materials

4. IBM

3. Intel

2. Dell

1. Hewlett-Packard

500 List

Companies besting Sun in overall rankings:

13. Wells Fargo

12. Cisco Systems

11. Johnson Controls

10. Starbucks

9. Applied Materials

8. Bristol-Myers Squibb

7. Nike

6. State Street

5. IBM

4. Intel

3. Johnson & Johnson

2. Dell

1. Hewlett-Packard

More Information

The Greenest Big Companies in America by Daniel McGinn, Newsweek

The 2009 List

Improve Business Results with Eco-Efficient Computing

The ECOnomics of 'Green IT' a Silicon Valley article

Sun Eco Innovation

Sun's Eco Responsibility

Sun Eco Services Suite

Eco Wiki [...read more...]

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