7.21.2005 ET

(CSRwire) AccountAbility and csrnetwork have signed an exclusive deal, which will see their Accountability Rating® 2005 published in September in the world's leading global business magazine, FORTUNE.

The Accountability Rating®, now in its second year, measures how well - or how badly - the world's top companies account for their impacts on society and the environment. The ranking is defined by using the Global 100 (G-100) companies, as compiled by FORTUNE.

Scores are built up by detailed analysis of companies' performance under six domains: stakeholder engagement, governance, strategic intent, performance management, assurance and public disclosure. BP headed the table in 2004, followed closely by Suez and then Royal Dutch/Shell Group.

"The Accountability Rating looks closely at how companies integrate responsible business practices into their core processes," says Mark Line, director of csrnetwork. "The results indicate how businesses must change if they are to create long-term economic value and contribute to sustainable development."

Simon Zadek, CEO of AccountAbility says, 'Accountability has become the leading business issue of the new century. It defines the basis for business performance and success, as well as its broader social and environmental impacts. Yet, as almost every company claims to be changing for the better, we need to distinguish between genuine best practice and PR spin. The Acccountability Rating reveals the truth behind the rhetoric and shows that the biggest are not necessarily the best.'

"FORTUNE, which is best known for its FORTUNE 500 and Global 500 lists, has been looking for a way to evaluate companies on their corporate social responsibility efforts," says Robert Friedman, FORTUNE's International Editor. "The Accountability Ratings, which examine the 100 largest companies in the world as defined by FORTUNE, give us an opportunity to do just that."

The Accountability Rating® 2005 will be published in the international edition of FORTUNE on 26 September 2005 , and in addition will be promoted on FORTUNE's website. FORTUNE's publication will include the full Accountability Rating® 2005 top 100 companies, as well as commentary on individual company performance.

Notes to editors

1. AccountAbility encourages organisations worldwide to account for their impact on society and the environment. As an international institute, AccountAbility develops tools and standards, researches best practice and offers professional development training. It also acts as an international think tank to guide government and business policy. www.accountability.org.uk

2. csrnetwork is one of the UKs leading corporate social responsibility (CSR) consultancies. Founded in 1999, its purpose is to help business worldwide meet their social and environmental responsibilities. csrnetwork's team of experienced specialists, with extensive practical experience in implementing CSR practices that reflect stakeholder expectations, supports clients in five main areas: benchmarking; stakeholder engagement; strategy and systems development; communications and reporting; and independent assurance of sustainability reports. www.csrnetwork.com

3. FORTUNE, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, is the world's premier business magazine, known for its unrivalled access to industry leaders and decision-makers. It has a worldwide circulation of 1,020,000, editions in Europe and Asia, and a global readership of more than five million. The fortnightly is owned by Time Inc., the world's largest magazine publisher, which is a division of Time Warner, the world's biggest media company.

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