Nike has received the highest score among companies across nine industry sectors of the 2008 Climate Counts Scorecard. The score of 82 out of 100 indicates Nike was judged to have one of the strongest and most transparent programs to reduce climate change among well-known brands.

“This is exciting recognition of the work Nike has been undertaking on the issue of climate change and is a direct result of the effort going on around the company to demonstrate that acting to reduce our footprint equals good business and a healthy bottom line,” said Nike Vice President of Corporate Responsibility Hannah Jones.

Nike gained nine points to pass last year’s high scorer, Canon, becoming the highest scoring company across all sectors.

The Scorecard rates 56 major corporations in well-known consumer sectors on their commitment to reversing climate change. The second-annual rating is based on 22 criteria that fall under four benchmarks: climate footprint measurement and understanding, impact on global warming, support of progressive climate legislation, and clear and comprehensive disclosure of climate actions.

“Business is being pushed by consumers to do its part to solve the climate crisis,” said Gary Hirshberg, chairman of Climate Counts and CEO of organic yogurt maker Stonyfield Farm. “The Scorecard allows consumers to make good climate decisions in their everyday purchases, and it’s having an impact.”

According to its web site, Climate Counts is a collaborative effort to bring consumers and companies together in the fight against global climate change. The goal is to motivate deeper awareness among consumers – not only that the issue of climate change demands their attention, but also that they have the power to support companies that take climate change seriously – and avoid those that don't.

To review all the company scores and download a pocket-sized shopping guide, visit www.climatecounts.org. You can also look up companies’ rankings by texting “cc company name” (for example, “cc Nike”) to 30644 from your cell phone to find out company information to make climate friendly decisions while shopping.