The FTSE4Good index is based on an assessment of listed companies' activities within areas such as sustainable development, development of relations with interest groups and upholding fundamental human rights.

This year, Hydro is also included for the sixth time on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) and for the second time on the equivalent European index, DJSI STOXX. The company has also been given a positive mention in Goldman Sachs' assessment of sustainability in the oil industry.

"A great many people in our business areas and corporate staffs have contributed to Hydro's inclusion in these indexes," says Kirsten M. Hovi, who is responsible for sustainability reporting in Hydro. "This recognition is welcome, but we still have to work continually to improve further. 
 

RESEARCH: Extensive research makes it possible to continue making improvements to environmental performance. The picture is taken from Hydro's centre for petroleum research at Sandsli. (Photo: Michael Heffernan)

"Hydro has several different kinds of business activities, and is defined on the Dow Jones index as an aluminium company, while FTSE4Good has listed us as an energy company. It is in any case difficult for companies with a complex structure to qualify," she adds.

Idar Eikrem, head of Investor Relations in Hydro, is pleased with the inclusion of Hydro on the leading sustainability indexes. The Dow Jones sustainability indexes include only the top 10 percent of companies.

"We see increasing interest from investors who are concerned with sustainable development, and therefore we are delighted to note that Hydro again qualifies for these sustainability indexes, " says Eikrem.

Author: Trond Aasland