Analysis of the top companies’ performances in the different sustainability rankings

Abstract

Research background: Since the end of COP 21 in Paris 2015 and even before, there is a huge interest for big companies to see their names at the top of the different ranking, as sustainability leaders. It is not only a matter of pride but also a business interest to promote sustainability values. The countries engage themselves to reduce global warming but this can only be done by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Multinationals companies are in the position to bring a huge contribution to this objective. In this paper, we will try to evaluate different rankings done by various organisations, different companies that are in top positions in order to understand the real advancement. Purpose of the article: We want to see what is similar but also what differentiates one company from another. We will also analyse what the main key performance indicators are, used in to assess the evolution over time and how the companies are communicating their progress. We want to demonstrate if there is any common ground among different rankings or if there are huge differences in terms of results. Methods: Using descriptive and comparative analysis we demonstrate that different companies are entitled as champions of different rankings, using different metrics. Findings & Value added: In a global world, we can see that there is an important commercial interest of companies to appear in front of clients and investors as upholders of sustainability. Showing off a label of sustainability leader can help in doing business but it is not always corresponding with reality.