Renowned Canadian magazine Maclean’s recently published its annual edition highlighting the Top 50 Socially Responsible Companies, and for the third consecutive year, Ford Motor Company has been named a “best-in-class” leader.
The list, which recognizes Canadian business leaders, represents an ongoing partnership between the publication and global sustainability research company Sustainalytics. I spoke with Annie White, Sustainalytics’ project manager for the list, to learn more.
Why was Ford chosen?
White explained to me exactly why Ford was selected to the list. “When we think of Ford in our industry, it stands out as a veteran when it comes to social corporate responsibility and reporting,” she said. “One element is that the company has set long term goals and targets that address some of its main operational impacts like emissions or waste and it reports on progress towards these goals regularly. This is particularly impressive in an industry that is subject to such strict regulations and regulatory requirements to start with.”
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Making the esteemed list is something that makes Lauren More, Ford of Canada’s VP of Communications, proud. “Maclean’s highlighted our goal to reduce our facility-based CO2 emissions by 30 per cent and our development of an inflatable safety belt,” she said. “These are important elements of our sustainability strategy.”
White also indicated how Ford’s focus on its people is also relevant to the list. “The company continues to focus on safety, employee relations, and stakeholder engagement initiatives, so it really takes a holistic approach and sets targets to some of those programs.”
What does it mean for Ford?
White identified multiple advantages to being on this list, most notably that it enhances the company’s reputation and brand recognition.
“I think that consumers are evermore concerned with the responsibility of the company that they purchase from,” she said. “These lists are a great way for consumers to learn about brands that they are so familiar with and it’s a great way for companies to see who some of their peers are in the sustainability world and who is also being recognized.”
There are a total of 10 sectors in the list, including transportation and logistics, banking, energy and utilities, food and beverage, industrials, and technology, among others. To view the whole list, click here.