The 'big four' – Tesco, Sainsbury, Morrisons and Asda - together with Marks & Spencer were given the highest ratings by Brand Emissions, the first annual survey of the carbon performance of 600 of the UK's biggest brands.

The ratings means that these companies were awarded the status for delivering carbon emissions reductions or being top ranked on emissions intensity in their sector; having emissions targets above the UK government's climate change committee and reporting carbon emissions in compliance with accepted international standards, according to Marketing magazine.

In total 121 brands were rated as leaders, whose number also included T-Mobile, BMW, British Airways, Abbey and Dell. At the other end of the scale, Google, Burger King and The AA were among 250 big name brands that failed to disclose carbon emissions performance data. Other brands failing to report include Channel 4, Dyson, Facebook and Iceland.

In other findings, McDonald's, Harvey Nichols and Porsche were revealed as having no public emission reduction targets. Of those that reported their emissions, 122 (54%), increased them in 2008 such as Barclays, Sky and ebay.

Brand Emissions was commissioned by Marketing and Brand Republic and conducted by Edinburgh University Business School and the ENDS Carbon team. The data are drawn mainly from the Carbon Disclosure Project, the largest carbon database in the world.

Commenting on the Brand Emissions Leaders Project, ENDS Carbon's technical director Craig Mackenzie said: 'It's become clear some brands are making much bigger commitments to reduce their emissions than others. The Brand Emissions Leaders Project aims to ensure that their performance and future ambition is recognised.'

Mike Barry, head of sustainability at Marks & Spencer, has told this website that M&S is committed to reducing its carbon footprint as part of its contribution towards tackling climate change.

Public disclosure of carbon emissions is a key element of the UK's Climate Change Act, which requires reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by at least 34% by 2020, relative to 1990 levels.

'An unsuccessful outcome at Copenhagen will have a detrimental impact on business'

A report launched today (PDF 1.58MB) (26th November) by the Norton Rose Group highlights the importance business places on a successful deal at Copenhagen. 79% of business respondents to the survey believe that an unsuccessful outcome at Copenhagen will have a detrimental impact on business, 60% felt climate change should be a more significant priority than the global economic crisis and 92% can see business opportunities in their own organisation as a result of the drive to reduce carbon. 

Realted links

Hopes for Copenhagen (PDF 1.58MB)

Brand Emissions

Marketing Magazine

Brand emissions leaders and laggards identified, All Business 29 October 2009

Climate Change Act

Business Week: November 23