At a ceremony in the British Library this morning, 12 organisations received awards at the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) UK Awards for Sustainability Reporting. The winning organisations received their awards from the Rt. Hon. Michael Meacher MP, Minister for the Environment. Winners included Canary Wharf Group, Unilever, BT Group, ScottishPower and the Co-operative Bank. A number of SMEs were also Award-winners.
For over a decade, ACCA has promoted transparency in reporting the impact of business activities on sustainable development and is involved in reporting awards in more than 20 countries. The ACCA Awards for Sustainability Reporting embrace four award categories: Environmental Reporting, Social Reporting, Sustainability Reporting and an Electronic Media Commendation.
Rachel Jackson, Head of Social & Environmental Issues at ACCA, said: "2002 and 2003 have been characterised by an immense interest in, and concern for, improved governance. Calls for greater organisational accountability and transparency have come from all quarters. The impending UK Companies Bill, for example, is likely to include a requirement for a mandatory Operating and Financial Review statement which will enforce far wider disclosures of environmental and social risks and impacts than UK listed companies have historically been required to make.
"The ACCA Award-winners have been recognised for their innovative responses to stakeholder demands by reporting publicly on the social and environmental impacts of their operations. These organisations recognise that public environmental, social and sustainability reporting is a key means by which they can demonstrate their accountability, integrity and transparency."
