Kesko continues among the world's leading companies in sustainability

KESKO CORPORATION PRESS RELEASE 09.09.2011 AT 11.00
  
Kesko has been included in the Dow Jones sustainability indexes DJSI World and DJSI Europe for the ninth time. In the annual review 2011, Kesko was given the highest scores in the sector for Customer Relationship Management and for Codes of Conduct/Compliance/Corruption&Bribery.

DJSI indexes measure sustainability of top companies worldwide

The Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DJSI) are the most recognised and oldest worldwide sustainability indexes. Companies to be included in the DJSI indexes are selected on the basis of the corporate sustainability assessment made by the SAM Group (Sustainable Asset Management) of Switzerland. The assessment is a comprehensive analysis, in which each company answers some one hundred general and sector-specific questions on economic, social and environmental responsibility.

The world's 2,500 largest companies are invited to SAM's assessment, and the best ones in each sector are included in the DJSI indexes. Annually, new companies are added to and old ones are deleted from the indexes. This year, 342 firms - of which 41 were new ones - were included in DJSI World, while 172 firms - 21 new ones - were included in DJSI Europe. In addition to Kesko, six other companies from Finland were included.

Kesko's responsibility work continues

Kesko is carrying out long-term and committed work for responsibility. Kesko's Responsibility Programme sets objectives for combating climate change, increasing energy efficiency, wellbeing of employees, and responsible purchasing and selections.

"I'm satisfied and proud of the fact that Kesko employees' and the K-Group's long-term work for responsibility is reflected in international sustainability comparisons. Our work continues and we still have much to do to make our customers better see the results in our stores, too," says Matti Halmesmäki, Kesko's President and CEO.

Kesko is included in several sustainability indexes

Kesko is included in the FTSE4Good Global and FTSE4Good Europe indexes focusing on responsible investment.

In the SAM Sustainability Yearbook 2011, Kesko's sustainability work qualified in the Silver Class in the Food & Drug Retailers sector as in the previous year.

Kesko has been in the list of 'the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations of the World' since 2005. In the list published in 2011, Kesko's ranking was 26th.

The US Ethisphere Institute listed Kesko among the World's Most Ethical Companies in March 2011.

Further information:
CR Manager Helena Frilander, Kesko Corporation, tel. +358 1053 23143
www.sustainability-indexes.com

Kesko (www.kesko.fi) is a retail specialist whose stores offer quality to the daily lives of consumers. Kesko has about 2,000 stores engaged in chain operations in the Nordic and Baltic countries, Russia, and Belarus.