Cummins named to prestigious sustainability index for 15th consecutive year

Launched in 1999, the indices are one of the oldest measures of corporate sustainability. In 2020, only 142 companies made the North American index over nearly two-dozen categories, ranging from automobiles to utilities. Cummins is one of only 10 included from the capital goods sector.

The indices are based on an exhaustive survey covering company performance and strategy in 2019 on environmental, social and governance issues. The index evaluated more than 7,000 companies from around the world in 2020.

IMPROVING SCORES

"A (Dow Jones Sustainability Indices) designation is a reflection of being a sustainability leader in your industry,” said Manjit Jus, Global Head of ESG Research and Data for S&P Global.

“With a record number of companies participating in the 2020 Corporate Sustainability Assessment and more stringent rules for inclusion this year, this sets your company apart and rewards for your continued commitment to people and the planet,” Jus said.

Once again, Cummins narrowly missed the minimum score for inclusion on the world indices. The company, nevertheless, equaled or improved its score in 20 of 22 categories compared to 2019, including significant increases for environmental, social, and occupational health and safety reporting.

A SUSTAINABLE TRADITION

Cummins has a rich history in sustainability, producing a corporate sustainability report since 2003, one of the oldest in the U.S. The company has been especially active in the past 18 months.

In 2019, Cummins adopted a new environmental sustainability strategy called PLANET 2050 to address climate and other environmental issues. Just last week, the company announced an aggressive plan for commercializing low carbon power systems fueled by hydrogen. 

On social issues, Cummins is in the midst of a ground-breaking social initiative called Cummins Powers Women to improve the lives of women and girls around the world, impacting more than 100,000 people since its start in 2018. Late last month, the company launched Cummins Advocating for Racial Equity (CARE), another step in Cummins’ intent to take a leading role in undoing systemic discrimination against people of color in the United States.

Cummins has been developing strategies for the company to play a role in four key areas: police reform, criminal justice reform, economic empowerment and social justice in healthcare, housing, workforce development and civil rights.

In governance, the company’s Board of Directors recently added a fourth woman to the 12-member board. Five members of the company's nine-member Executive Leadership Team are women.

Cummins has also taken a leading role in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, partnering with two other companies to help produce personal protective equipment. The company also developed a playbook based on lessons it learned during the crisis and shared it with other companies via Cummins’ external website, cummins.com.

The company has an extensive report on its work in sustainability on Cummins’ sustainability website.