Top UK bank awarded for green leadership

Barclays has won with the prestigious EDF Energy Environmental Leadership Award in the UK’s most influential awards for responsible business.

Presented by HRH The Prince of Wales and former US Vice President Al Gore, Business in the Community’s Awards for Excellence 2007 recognised Barclays for its outstanding efforts to embed environmental considerations into every part of its business.

The company has pioneered new environmental products and services, maintaining its position at the forefront of carbon trading, and launching a new ‘green’ credit card that will donate a minimum of £1 million to carbon reduction projects in its first year and a further 50% of its profits in the following years.

In its own operations, Barclays has implemented a five-year programme investing in energy efficiency and made its UK operations carbon neutral for 2006 at a cost of £1.7 million.

Gareth Wynn, Chairman of the Environmental Leadership Award judging panel and Director of Communications for EDF Energy, said:

“Barclays made a compelling case for how they have taken concern for the environment into all parts of their company, not for the sake of being good citizens but because it is good business. They showed us how they are taking action to address the direct impact of their operations and using the bank’s influence to ensure environmental concerns are addressed in the projects in which they invest. “

ScottishPower was Highly Commended in the Award category for leading its sector on renewables and energy efficiency.

For a list of companies awarded with a Big Tick in this and other Award categories, visit our Awards for Excellence pages.