Standard Chartered bank has joined the ranks of 47 leading companies on corporate sustainability after it received a place on the coveted Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) 2010. The bank was recognised for its high performance in stakeholder engagement, human capital development, risk and crisis management, financial inclusion and climate change governance. The DJSI World is the most highly regarded sustainability index among the investor community. Competition to be included in the index is increasingly tough with the number of entries increasing by 20 per cent within the last two years. More than 40 companies were delisted from the index this year. Companies hoping for inclusion on the annual index are examined closely against a wide range of criteria in the economic, environmental and social spheres. The economic sphere covers consistency in branding practices, the structure of the board, policies against corruption and the size of audit fees. Environmental factors range from water use and CO2 emissions to the quality of environmental audit. The social dimension takes account of employee consultation, gender pay equality and stakeholder engagement amongst others. In addition, a number of sector-specific criteria are applied. Companies on the index are monitored throughout the year, ensuring that their practice matches up to their policy when responding to events. Gill James, Group Head of Sustainability, said, "Building a sustainable business is key to achieving long-term profit and return for our shareholders; Standard Chartered has a long standing commitment to benefiting the communities, in which we operate, where we develop deep relationships with our clients, influence how they do business for the better, and growing a family of staff dedicated to achieving these goals; We are pleased to join other leading organisations that share this ambition." Source: Daily Graphic