Ethical Companies

VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS
The world's leading manufacturer of wind turbines is well placed to capitalise on the rapidly growing demand for electricity generated without the use of fossil fuels. The Danish company develops, manufactures, markets and services wind turbines. Its products include the world's largest commercially available wind turbine with blades that are 32 metres in length. Around one kilowatt in every ten generated worldwide by 2010 is expected to come from alternative energy sources such as wind & solar power.

MARKS AND SPENCER
One of the UK's biggest high street retailers of clothing and food, Marks & Spencer has been working with the Ethical Trading Initiative - a coalition of companies and non-governmental organisations that aims to improve working conditions throughout the world - since 1999. The company gives over 1% of its pre-tax profits to the community and will provide 600 homeless people in the UK with work in its stores over the next two years. Among innovative schemes, it is supporting an educational programme for garment workers at all six of its suppliers in Morocco.

POWERGEN
The UK based electricity generator and trader has a strong community involvement programme supporting environmental projects close to its power stations, call centres and offices. The company was judged one of the best overall environmental and social performers in a 2002 analysis of 19 international electricity and gas supply companies by the German ratings agency oEKOM.

BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS
Ballard makes emission-free fuel cells and systems designed to be quiet, efficient alternatives to internal combustion engines. The cells generate electricity by combining hydrogen fuel with oxygen, leaving only water and heat as by-products. In 2002 Ballard and the car-maker Ford introduced the world's first hydrogen fuelled internal combustion engine driven generator. Both Daimler, Chrysler and Ford have a commercial interest in the company.

RPS GROUP
The biggest listed environmental consultancy in the UK helps to protect the environment by providing companies with advice on how to manage their impact. Its markets are driven by increase consumer awareness and by new legislation. RPS services include environmental assessments and advice on contaminated land remediation.

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