National Grid today welcomed the announcement that it has been awarded Platinum Plus status -  a new award given to those who have surpassed the benchmarking criteria - by Business in the Community (BITC) in recognition of its commitment to the environment, the community and its employees.

This is the 7th year in succession that the company has received the top tier ranking in the BITC Corporate Responsibility Index, and it is the only company to do so within the gas, water and multiutilities category.

This platinum plus award complements the company’s many other top tier rankings including the Dow Jones sustainability index and FTSE 4 Good.

In operating its electricity and gas businesses in the United Kingdom and the United States, National Grid’s 27,000 employees take responsibility for protecting its customers and communities.

Steve Holliday, National Grid Chief Executive said, “We are delighted to have maintained our strong track record in the BITC Corporate Responsibility Index. The Platinum Plus ranking demonstrates our continuing success in delivering energy safely and reliably around the country, while operating our networks in a responsible manner among the communities we serve”.

Stephen Howard, Chief Executive, Business in the Community said: “I congratulate National Grid on achieving Platinum Plus in the 2008 Business in the Community Corporate Responsibility Index. At a time when trust and confidence in businesses is at an all time low, it is examples like this that will help to demonstrate that some businesses are taking the responsibility they have towards their people and the planet seriously and that it makes business sense.

“It is reassuring to see that climate change, skills development, supply chain management, board level reporting and workplace issues are top of the agenda for businesses. However, the results also show us that we still have a long way to go. If UK plc is to exit the recession fighting fit, then urgent actions need to be taken.”

BITC Platinum status is awarded to companies which score 95% in the BITC Corporate Responsibility index. Platinum Plus status, new this year, was introduced in recognition of certain companies in the Index whose significant efforts to manage and measure their business impacts had surpassed the benchmarking criteria in other levels, and whose outlook in this area showed real long-term commitment.