2006

ABN AMRO /Banco /Banco Real
www.banco.se
www.bancoreal.com.br
The Dutch based, ABN AMRO is the 20th largest bank in the world. It has a burgeoning commitment to sustainability and publishes a comprehensive sustainability report on its activities each year. Importantly, it does not see sustainability as an addition to its business, but rather as a central component, so increasingly sustainable thinking is being integrated into core business practices and into its decision-making. As a testament to this progress the bank was recognised as the most transparent organisation in the Netherlands this year.

As well as the parent, two parts of the bank deserve special mention: Banco, an ethical fund management company based in Stockholm, is an active campaigner for ethical behaviour; and Banco Real, the Brazilian arm of the bank which is particularly strong in microfinance. Not only do these parts of the bank deliver sustainability in their specific markets, they are an active force for change within the bank as a whole.

BP
www.bp.com
BP was formed from a merger of a group of multinational oil companies. Today BP do more than others in renewables and are certainly well ahead in CSR than their competitors. Kudos to a company whose tagline is now “Beyond Petroleum.”

Dr Hauschka
www.drhauschka.com
Dr Hauschka began as so many companies creating skin care products did. A nurse mixed hom?pathic medicines into creams to help burns’ victims, found that they worked remarkably well, and contacted WALA of Germany to start the line. WALA has been involved in organic farming for decades, and an entire community now works to produce the pure, hand-harvested ingredients found in Dr Hauschka skin care products. All the products are homoeopathic and anthroposophical, and have been tested by Lucire and other media to be the equal of or superior to “pharmaceutical” equivalents. Its corporate structure is that of a trust, which prevents directors from taking supernormal dividends.

First Mile Solutions
www.firstmilesolutions.com
The Internet is the nervous system of our planet and the billions of people who lack communications infrastructure do not see themselves as the “last mile problem”. FMS regards last mile problems as first mile opportunities for both operators and end-users. For under $1.00 per user, rural communities that have never seen a newspaper can do things like email, browse the Web, and have their own voicemail box using FMS technology. FMS technology leverages major trends that are rapidly driving costs down: WiFi and digital storage. FMS is based in Cambridge, MA, where research and development is performed by management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Interface Carpet /Interface Inc.
www.interfaceinc.com
www.interfacesustainability.com
Interface is a recognized leader in the commercial interiors market, offering floorcoverings and fabrics. The company is committed to the goal of sustainability and doing business in ways that minimize the impact on the environment while enhancing shareholder value.

Interface was founded in 1973 by Chairman, Ray Anderson, considered to be a pioneer from the start – a trailblazer of the modular carpet industry in the United States. The company promotes sustainable business practices – within its global community and in the products it makes. For Interface, sustainability is a belief that is built into the business model, an underlying corporate value, ensuring that business decisions are weighed against their potential impact on economic, natural and social systems. It’s a means for associates to deliver superior value to customers and shareholders. Interface is a global company with manufacturing locations on four continents and offices in more than 100 countries.

Slow Food Movement
www.slowfood.com
Started in Italy in 1986, this organisation exists to promote the individuality of gastronomic culture. It now has 83,000 members around the world. It runs counter to everything that fast food stands for. It supports localised and regional cuisine and produce, conserves agricultural biodiversity and protects food quality. It aims at delivering quality rather than speed.

Sovereign Global Investment
www.sov.com
Sovereign Global (formerly Sovereign Asset Management) is a privately owned, independent investment organisation which has been investing in the international capital markets for over twenty years. Based in Dubai, Sovereign focuses its activities on countries and companies that play a significant role in the global economy.

Sovereign believes that the critical keys are successful allocation of capital assists in financing industry and government, creating employment, reducing poverty and providing opportunity for growth and fulfillment.

Sovereign seeks prosperity for all, by promoting effective capital allocation and good corporate governance in the companies and countries in which it invests.

Toyota Prius
www.prius.com
The first commercially available and successful Hybrid Car, powered by both petrol and electricity, self-charging through the petrol engine, innovating leading-edge technologies. Toyota is the clear frontrunner in mainstreaming of hybrid vehicles.

Watabaran
www.watabaran.org
Watabaran is a company in Nepal, emulating values of fair trade. They recycle paper and produce handmade Christmas cards, calendars and gifts for organisations and companies all over the world. Watabaran represents environmental sustainability and good working practices and conditions. All employees are shareholders of the company and their salaries are well above local averages.

2006 judging panel

Anders Abrahamsson
Paulina Borsook
Edward Daniel
Pierre D’Huy
Thomas Gad
Sicco van Gelder
Patrick Harris
Nicholas Ind
Rikard Jansson
Tim Kitchin
Denzil Meyers
Johnnie Moore
Stanley Moss
Tony Quinlan
Ian Ryder
Jack Yan

2006 BWAC logo