Eaton Corporation rose from 43rd to 16th in the second-annual Green Rankings of America’s 500 largest companies by Newsweek Magazine in its Oct. 25 edition. Eaton also ascended from third to first among general industrial companies.

“Sustainability is part of a global philosophy at Eaton of what we call ‘doing business right,’” said Alexander M. Cutler, chairman and chief executive officer. “Throughout our company, Eaton people are developing solutions that drive sustainable growth, such as efficiently using and conserving global resources, developing energy-efficient products, and protecting the environment and the health and safety of our employees and communities.”

Newsweek gave each company a Green Score, based on environmental impact, green policies and reputation, on a scale from 100 (highest performing) to one (lowest performing). Eaton’s score was 90.54.

Eaton emphasizes responsible environmental stewardship and disclosure, publishing an environmental annual report each year and participating in other forms of environmental reporting. This year’s eight-page Sustainability Report, part of Eaton’s 2009 Annual Report, is availablehere. Eaton has received numerous awards for sustainability and corporate responsibility, including:
  • Recognition by the Ethisphere Institute for the fourth consecutive year as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies
  • Corporate Responsibility Officer (CRO) Magazine recognition for the third consecutive year among the 100 Best Corporate Citizens in America. Eaton ranked second in 2008.
  • “Most Committed Multi-National Award” for Social Responsibility in China -- Foreign Investment in China magazine
  • A gold–level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for Eaton’s Asia Pacific Headquarters office building in Shanghai.
Newsweek worked with leading environmental researchers MSCI ESG Research, Trucost and CorporateRegister.com and an editorial partner, ASAP Media, to produce this second annual set of rankings.