Sept. 11, 2007 U.K. businesses looking for a wider range of data on climate performance now have a new benchmarking tool at their disposal. The Environment Index 2007 compare companies performance against their sector peers and across all participating businesses on a wide range of climate-management areas.

The index also helps companies evaluate their emissions-reduction effots, comparing their use of renewable energy and how they encourage staff to take an active part in tackling climate change.

The Environment Index, sponsored by Energy Saving Trust, is one module of the Business in the Community Corporate Responsibility Index. The best-performing companies in the index will be eligible to enter the Environmental Leadership Award 2008, part of Business in the Communitys Awards for Excellence. The award, most recently presented to Barclays Plc. by former U.S. Vice-President Al Gore, recognizes companies that have considered environmental issues in all parts of their business and improved their impact.