LIXIL has launched an excellent series of products and innovations that help tackle the global sanitation crisis and positively impact the lives of millions of people.

DSM has shown true ambition over a number of years to put sustainability at the heart of its strategy. The co-creation of new social and environmental measurement and performance standards and transition to renewable energy (100% Netherlands, 50% US) is the ambition we require to meet the Goals ahead. Bravo!

Ulula is an interesting start up that is using AI as an award-winning force for good to identify human rights abuses across the supply chain. Judges were impressed by the innovative concept, the scalability factor as well as the scale of wide-ranging partnerships, customers and funding Ulula has achieved since its creation.

Kimberly-Clark has impressed judges by the multiplicity and coherence of climate initiatives coupled with robust science-based performance evaluation. Judges noted the scope 3 emissions reporting and plan to address them as an important factor setting them apart. They have also embraced important partnerships by working with WWF, CDP and WRI. Well done!

Novartis has developed a comprehensive report that is transparent about the company’s key challenges and objectives while introducing new approaches on quantifying value creation. Clear and varied communications, and judges noted the interactive feedback engagement on major topics to this sustainability report. Certainly, an interesting model for many to follow.

ABN AMRO have produced an excellent report that demonstrates a clear focus on integration, with clear metrics, and a clear purpose of the company’s work towards a sustainable economy. Judges would like to highlight IIRC framework adoption with external verification. Judges have seen ABN AMRO apply for this category over the last years and definitely serves as one of the leaders in this field.

STEM for girls is not a new topic. What is new about this campaign is how EDF combined the topic with block buster cinema to gain real traction and awareness for STEM. Clear ambition, clear metrics, and clear impact. A brilliant campaign!

Unilever’s work across a number of fronts is highly admirable from Palm oil to land rights to modern slavery. Its commitment to meaningful transparency is especially impressive. Few companies put names and numbers on salient human rights issues within their company – especially when it comes to hard-to-fix issues… A real model for an increasingly critical topic in global corporations today.

Unilever's approach to updating its responsible sourcing policy over the last few years and extending it to include another 27,000 suppliers is truly innovative and impressive. Judges were particularly impressed by how in 2017 Unilever took a significant step in supply chain transparency by publishing a list of 1,400 of the palm oil mills in its our supply chain. It is the first consumer goods company to do so and a model to follow.

Tesco has put a large amount of resources and commitment to this partnership with FareShare, including the personal commitment of its CEO Dave Lewis, who leads the global Champions 12.3 initiative to tackle food waste globally. It is the only supermarket to report transparently on its food waste. The fact that the technology is open share helps scalability.

AstraZeneca tips a very strong field across all 3 aspects of innovation, impact and scalability. On impact alone, its work on a critical global issue such as NCDs is remarkable. It has made credible inroads at multiple levels: direct behaviour change, research and advocacy. The investment to output ratio is especially impressive clearly linking back to the business. A real model to study.

Teck Resources is a very innovative mining company that addressed diversity through various angles from working with native communities, women as well as transgender employees. Impressive impact for a company where diversity can be challenging, with a firm commitment to empowering local native communities.

Noted for her expertise, judges recognised Darian McBain’s passion across environment and social areas. Some of her key achievements include developing and implementing ethical migrant recruitment policies, negotiating a landmark agreement with Greenpeace which led to a Vessel Code of Conduct. A worthy winner of this year’s Business Leader of the Year Award!

Christiana Figueres has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for achieving one of the most challenging tasks of our era. Her bold, stead-fast and passionate commitment culminated in 195 countries signing the Climate Agreement in Paris in December 2015. This has laid a roadmap for countries and companies to follow to ensure we avoid the disastrous impacts of climate change.