As one of a series of environmental indices to be implemented, the new index comprises 450 companies drawn from the FTSE Global Equity Index Series.

 

Constituents must have a minimum of 20 per cent of their business involved in environmental markets or technologies in order to qualify. Sectors covered are alternative energy and energy efficiency, water treatment and pollution control, and waste technologies and resource management.

 

The index is intended to provide investors with a benchmark of companies who have a significant involvement in environmental technologies, therefore offering the opportunity of exposure to environmental markets. Companies of any size and origin are eligible for membership.

 

Will Oulton, head of responsible investment at FTSE, commented: “The index will appeal to institutional and retail investors who want to gain exposure to and track the performance of companies who are transforming their businesses to increasingly source revenues from global environmental markets.”