Comm Bank #4 on global index

Australia’s big four banks and one insurance company have been ranked within the top 100 most sustainable companies in the world, with Commonwealth Bank of Australia leading the charge for the nation.

Announced last night at the 2016 Wold Economic Forum in Switzerland by research firm Corporate Knights, Commonwealth Bank was ranked the fourth most sustainable company globally, making it the most sustainable bank in the world.

The G100 Index considers a range of sustainable business factors including how organisations balance environmental, social and governance performance while delivering superior returns to investors.

Westpac was ranked at number 33 on the global list while ANZ Banking Group and National Australia Bank came in at 67 and 73 respectively.

NAB was tailed by Insurance Australia Group at number 74.

Commonwealth Bank general manager of corporate responsibility Kylie Macfarlane said the G100 scorecard approach to sustainable business practice was valuable in that it ensured every part of the way the company does business is considered.

“This includes everything from our achievement of 35 per cent women in senior management ranks to a new target to have 40 per cent by 2020; to reducing our energy consumption; as well as ensuring that we have industry-leading and transparent reporting around a range of indicators such as tax paid, superannuation fund status and carbon emissions,” Ms Macfarlane said.

“Our corporate responsibility strategy guides us in achieving our vision to excel at securing and enhancing the financial wellbeing of people, businesses and communities and we are delighted that the 2016 Global 100 is recognising our performance.”

German automobile company BMW topped the global ranking.