面對全球永續挑戰，百大永續企業展現韌性與創新

隨著環境、社會與治理（ESG）議題持續升溫，企業對永續發展的承諾面臨前所未有的壓力。美國前總統川普的政策大幅推動化石燃料產業，並抨擊多元、平等與包容（DEI）計畫，使得反ESG聲浪更加高漲。然而，儘管面臨政治與法律挑戰，多數企業並未因此放棄其永續目標，甚至在多個層面上取得了顯著進展。根據Calvert Research and Investments對美國1000家最大上市公司的研究，這些企業正在以創新策略和長期承諾塑造永續未來。

As Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues continue to gain traction, corporate commitments to sustainability are under unprecedented pressure. Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies promoting the fossil fuel industry and criticizing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives have amplified anti-ESG sentiment. Despite political and legal challenges, many companies have not abandoned their sustainability goals. Instead, they have made significant progress on multiple fronts. According to a study by Calvert Research and Investments on the 1,000 largest publicly traded U.S. companies, these businesses are shaping a sustainable future through innovative strategies and long-term commitments.

穩步邁向永續：榜單中的領導者

位於華盛頓特區的水科技公司Xylem，憑藉其對環境永續的持續努力，從去年的第15名一躍升至第6名。該公司承諾在2025年前於全球22座主要設施實現100%再生能源與水資源回收目標，並達成零廢棄物掩埋。「我們專注於長期目標，無論是法規變化還是政治干擾，都不會改變我們的永續方向，」Xylem高層Walt Kozlowski強調。

Steady Progress in Sustainability: Leaders on the List

Washington, D.C.-based water technology company Xylem has demonstrated remarkable progress, climbing from 15th place last year to 6th this year, thanks to its continued environmental sustainability efforts. The company has committed to achieving 100% renewable energy and water recycling at 22 major global facilities and attaining zero landfill waste by 2025. “We focus on long-term goals, and changes in regulations or political disruptions won’t alter our direction toward sustainability,” emphasized Xylem executive Walt Kozlowski.

同樣表現突出的Clorox公司則再次蟬聯榜首。這家擁有Burt’s Bees、Glad與Hidden Valley Ranch等品牌的日用品巨頭，將高階主管的薪酬與永續目標的達成緊密掛鉤，以體現其在治理與環境議題上的高度責任感。值得注意的是，Clorox除了在性別薪酬平等方面持續優化，還在產品安全與品質上大幅提升，為業界樹立了標竿。

創新驅動永續：科技與效率的結合

半導體設備製造商Lam Research今年名列第8，其創新的低碳技術為其贏得高度評價。該公司推出的新型低溫蝕刻技術，不僅能精準快速地製造半導體晶圓，還顯著降低能耗和碳排放。這項技術將每片晶圓的能源消耗降低約40%，並將設備相關排放減少90%，展現了技術創新如何有效促進永續發展。

Another standout performer is Clorox, which retained the top spot. This consumer goods giant, known for brands like Burt’s Bees, Glad, and Hidden Valley Ranch, ties executive compensation to achieving sustainability goals, reflecting its strong commitment to governance and environmental issues. Notably, Clorox has made strides in gender pay equity and significantly improved product safety and quality, setting a benchmark for the industry.

Innovation Driving Sustainability: The Integration of Technology and Efficiency

Semiconductor equipment manufacturer Lam Research secured 8th place this year, earning high praise for its innovative low-carbon technologies. The company introduced a new low-temperature etching technology that not only enables precise and rapid semiconductor wafer production but also significantly reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions. This technology lowers energy use per wafer by approximately 40% and reduces equipment-related emissions by 90%, showcasing how technological innovation can effectively advance sustainability.

此外，全球商業地產服務龍頭CBRE Group（排名第11）則通過優化基礎設施與能源管理，展示了可持續發展與經濟效益的完美結合。「低碳能源與再生能源不僅環保，更具經濟效益，我們視這為一個巨大的機會，」CBRE首席永續長Rob Bernard表示。

企業策略面臨反ESG逆風

儘管企業在永續領域的努力成果顯著，反ESG的聲浪卻未曾停歇。共和黨主導的多個州政府及法律機構發起了一系列針對ESG的訴訟，指控企業在決策中優先考量環境與社會因素，可能損害股東利益甚至違反信託責任。例如，密蘇里州總檢察長近日控告星巴克的多元包容政策歧視非目標群體，星巴克則斷然否認這項指控並稱之為「不實」。

大型資產管理公司如貝萊德（BlackRock）也因ESG投資策略受到來自多州聯合的反壟斷訴訟壓力。儘管公司否認指控並稱訴訟「毫無根據」，但仍選擇退出全球淨零排放金融聯盟，以避免進一步的法律爭議。

Similarly, global commercial real estate leader CBRE Group, ranked 11th, has demonstrated the perfect synergy between sustainability and economic benefits through optimized infrastructure and energy management. "Low-carbon and renewable energy are not only environmentally friendly but also economically advantageous. We see this as a tremendous opportunity," said CBRE Chief Sustainability Officer Rob Bernard.

Corporate Strategies Face Anti-ESG Headwinds

Despite their successes in sustainability, companies continue to face mounting anti-ESG sentiment. Republican-led state governments and legal institutions have launched a series of lawsuits against ESG initiatives, accusing companies of prioritizing environmental and social factors in decision-making at the expense of shareholder interests and potentially violating fiduciary duties. For example, Missouri’s Attorney General recently sued Starbucks over its diversity and inclusion policies, alleging discrimination against non-targeted groups. Starbucks firmly denied the allegations, calling them "baseless."

Large asset management firms such as BlackRock have also faced antitrust lawsuits from multiple states due to their ESG investment strategies. Although BlackRock denies the allegations, calling the lawsuits “without merit,” the company has chosen to withdraw from the global Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative to avoid further legal controversies.

However, these challenges have not deterred internal corporate efforts toward sustainability. For instance, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink recently reassured clients in a letter: "Our commitment has not changed; we are simply more cautious about how we communicate these initiatives." Many companies have opted to quietly advance their sustainability programs, minimizing external promotion to avoid becoming the center of political disputes.

然而，這並未改變企業內部的永續努力。例如，貝萊德CEO Larry Fink近期致信客戶表示：「我們的承諾未曾改變，只是現在我們更謹慎描述這些計畫。」多數公司選擇低調推動其永續發展計畫，減少對外宣傳以避免成為政治爭論的焦點。

國際法規與跨區挑戰：全球企業的應對策略

美國聯邦層面尚未實施強制性環境披露規範，但其他地區正在逐步建立更加嚴格的標準。加州近期通過法律，要求所有大型企業從2024年起披露其碳排放數據，而歐盟則更進一步，要求企業披露人權與環境相關的全面數據。這些法規促使跨國企業在不同地區採取多元化的應對策略，以確保其全球業務符合各地規範。

強化治理與人力資本：永續成功的基石

Calvert的研究強調，治理是企業永續成功的關鍵因素之一。包括董事會結構、財務責任與高管薪酬在內的治理表現，決定了企業是否能有效應對人力與資源挑戰。例如，剛進榜的工業設備製造商Ingersoll Rand（排名第94），憑藉卓越的員工安全記錄（工傷率低於業界平均72%）脫穎而出，其副總裁Mary Betsch表示：「我們的安全文化來自於管理層對標準化流程的高度重視。」

International Regulations and Cross-Regional Challenges: Strategies for Global Companies

While the U.S. federal government has yet to enforce mandatory environmental disclosure regulations, other regions are establishing increasingly stringent standards. California recently passed a law requiring large companies to disclose their carbon emissions starting in 2024. Meanwhile, the European Union has gone further, mandating comprehensive disclosures on human rights and environmental impacts. These regulations are prompting multinational corporations to adopt diverse strategies across regions to ensure compliance with varying local requirements.

Strengthening Governance and Human Capital: Foundations for Sustainable Success

Calvert's research highlights governance as a critical factor in achieving corporate sustainability. Governance practices, including board structure, financial accountability, and executive compensation, play a decisive role in a company’s ability to address labor and resource challenges effectively. For example, industrial equipment manufacturer Ingersoll Rand, which entered the rankings at 94th place, stood out for its exceptional employee safety record, with an injury rate 72% below the industry average. "Our safety culture stems from management’s strong emphasis on standardized processes," said Vice President Mary Betsch.

在當前競爭激烈的勞動市場，具備優秀永續發展能力的企業更能吸引頂尖人才。例如，製造軍用及消防車輛的Oshkosh（排名第40）積極參與減少飢餓等社區計畫，並設立基金幫助遭遇災害的員工。其永續副總裁Kevin Tubbs指出：「我們的目標是成為員工心目中最理想的工作場所，這同時也是一種長期競爭優勢。」

In today’s competitive labor market, companies with robust sustainability initiatives are better positioned to attract top talent. For instance, Oshkosh, a manufacturer of military and firefighting vehicles ranked 40th, actively participates in community programs to alleviate hunger and has established funds to assist employees affected by disasters. "Our goal is to be the most desirable workplace for our employees, which is also a long-term competitive advantage," noted Kevin Tubbs, Vice President of Sustainability at Oshkosh.

總結：永續的未來需要持續努力

Conclusion: A Sustainable Future Requires Continued Efforts

本次榜單的100家企業，涵蓋從市值僅28億美元的American States Water到3.4兆美元的Nvidia，體現了跨產業的多樣性。這些公司以創新與治理能力為基石，推動永續目標並創造經濟效益。雖然前路充滿挑戰，但這些企業的成功故事證明，永續發展不僅僅是道德責任，更是提升效率與競爭力的明智之舉。

This year’s list of 100 companies spans a diverse range of industries, from American States Water, with a market capitalization of just $2.8 billion, to Nvidia, valued at $3.4 trillion. These companies, built on innovation and strong governance, are advancing sustainability goals while creating economic benefits. Although challenges lie ahead, their success stories demonstrate that sustainability is not only a moral responsibility but also a strategic move to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.