Marks & Spencer takes sustainability most seriously says consumer poll

British high street stalwart Marks & Spencer proved top of most consumers’ minds when asked to name a company that took environmental sustainability seriously in their daily business operations.

The Co-operative Group ranked second, Tesco third, BP fourth and Sainsbury’s fifth.

However, the study exposes the fact that two thirds (68%) of respondents were unable to name a company taking the issue of environmental sustainability seriously.

The research, conducted amongst 1,819 adults for the Carbon Trust by YouGov found that only 5% saw businesses as being most effective in helping the environment, when compared to environmental pressure groups, academics and the government. By contrast, 22% of those surveyed see businesses as being the most effective in helping the economic recovery.

 “Whilst it’s clear that consumers still care about the environmental future, their perspective on where the responsibility falls is skewed. It cannot be solely down to environmental groups to shoulder the weight of protecting our planet’s natural resources. Businesses have an enormous role to play here and need to be seen to be doing their part,” explained Tom Delay, chief executive of the Carbon Trust.

Read the full story in the October issue of Ethical Performance.