BT rated 'top carbon cutter'

BT has been named by international magazine Business Week as one of the world's top carbon cutting companies.

BT was ranked in the top five Low Carbon Leaders Awards sponsored by Business Week in partnership with UK environmental charity The Climate Group.

The ranking compiled by a panel of judges including distinguished academics was based on the total reduction of greenhouse gases by each company in relation to its size, as well as its leadership on climate change over the ten years.

In the European edition of the magazine, it says of BT: "Low carbon and renewable sources provide 98 per cent of BT's British power consumption, saving $1.15 billion. Adding 38 per cent reduction in vehicle emissions almost doubles savings."

The other companies in the top five are US chemical manufacturer DuPont, US aluminium producer Alcoa, UK oil and gas giant BP and German pharmaceutical group Bayer.

Chief executive of The Climate Group Dr Steve Howard said: "These awards are a clear recognition of how important leadership is in tackling climate change.

"These are the best examples of companies who have taken a dynamic and proactive approach to the issue.

"They have seen that the solutions to climate change are possible, available and cost effective. Our global future will be driven by a low carbon economy, and those already embracing this future are reaping the benefits."