Oil and gas giant Sasol has been listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI), the company said on Thursday.

"This is a great achievement for Sasol ... It is the first time that we have been listed on this renowned index," said Sasol CE Pat Davies.

"Our previous best was to get to the top 15 percent in the Oil and Gas sector last year ... Our renewed focus on people, exceptional performance, long-term sustainable growth and safety has been rewarded."

This DJSI comprises the leading 10 percent of the largest 2500 global companies in terms of corporate sustainability and provides a platform to encourage corporate progress towards sustainability and long-term business success.

Inclusion on the DJSI was the goal of leading international corporations, Sasol said. "It results in public acknowledgement of being an industry leader in strategic areas of economic, environmental and social dimensions, and recognition by important stakeholders such as legislators, customers and employees."

Sasol added that the index was watched closely by market participants around the world.

Debate shift

"We have seen a clear shift in the debate around sustainability issues and their important role for long-term corporate performance," said John Prestbo, Editor and Executive Director, Dow Jones Indexes.

"Several large institutional asset owners have moved into sustainability mandates, influential investment consultants have built up teams to support their clients in this field, and a growing number of market participants is integrating long-term economic, environmental and social factors into their analysis" Prestbo added.

Launched in 1999, the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes are the first global indexes tracking the financial performance of the leading sustainability-driven companies worldwide.

Sapa