Ranking the most sustainable companies in the world: one Latin American bank made it to the top 10

Marina Vanni

Corporate Knights unveiled its 20th annual report on January 17, 2024, spotlighting the world’s 100 most sustainable corporations. Within the list, certain companies have stood out thanks to their tangible green investments.

The 2024 Global 100 Index revealed a trend among these leading businesses: a collective commitment to directing 55% of their capital expenditures, research and development, and acquisitions into green initiatives. This is a significant leap from the 17% allocated by large companies with revenues exceeding $1 billion on average.

The top-performing companies in the 2024 ranking, Sims Ltd. (1st position, ranked A+) and Brambles Ltd. (2nd position, ranked A), both hailing from Australia, boasted a perfect score of 100% in sustainable revenue and investment. Sims Ltd. is a global metal recycler operating in 30 countries, while Brambles Ltd. specializes in renting recycled shipping pallets and containers worldwide.

To rank companies, the list takes into consideration factors such as carbon productivity, the percentage of paid taxes, the CEO-to-average-worker pay ratio, the gender diversity within the board of directors, sustainable revenue, sustainable investments, and climate commitments.

Top 10 companies:

1. Sims Ltd (Australia) - Waste management
2. Brambles Ltd (Australia) - Furniture and general manufacturing              
3. Vestas Wind Systems A/S (Denmark) - Machinery manufacturing
4. Taiwan High-Speed Rail Corp (Taiwan) - Transit and ground transportation
5. Nordex (Germany) - Machinery manufacturing
6. Banco do Brasil SA (Brazil) - Banks
7. Schneider Electric SE (France) - Electrical equipment manufacturing     
8. Chr Hansen Holding A/S (Denmark)- Food and beverage manufacturing             
9. Stantec Inc (Canada) - Business, engineering and personal services        
10. SMA Solar Technology AG (Germany) - Semiconductor and electronic components manufacturing        

Equally noteworthy is the ascent of Banco do Brasil SA, the only Latin American company that made it to the top 10 with an A- score. With a 97,9% energy productivity score, a 79,5% carbon productivity score, and 95,3% waste productivity, among other indicators, the bank managed to climb 9 positions since 2023.

The 2024 Global 100 also welcomed two new standout companies, enriching its geographic footprint, particularly in China. Additionally, Italian energy firm ERG SpA earned a special commendation, the Global 100 "pivot prize," for completing its transition from fossil fuels to green energy.

To view the complete list, click here.

Author: Marina Vanni