More large firms care about air quality, study shows

A growing number of the world's largest corporations are taking air quality improvements more seriously.

This is according to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) Global 500 report, which showed 68 per cent of the biggest international companies factor climate change into their policies.

Figures from 2010 indicated that less than half of the firms surveyed were focussing on reducing their carbon footprint, so a significant improvement has been made.

The study also outlined a correlation between green ideologies and financial performance, as enterprises with a clear strategic focus provided better returns for investors.

Chief executive officer of the CDP Paul Simpson said firms that have not adopted a green agenda could struggle to remain competitive.

"The improved financial performance of companies with high carbon performance is a clear indicator that it makes good business sense to manage and reduce carbon emissions," he remarked.

BMW is one example of a business that has profited from being environmentally-friendly and it was recently named as the most sustainable car manufacturer by the Dow Jones.

Posted by Claire Manning