Measuring climate performance: winners and losers

Some familiar names have been recognized for their efforts to fight climate change by the environmental non-profit CDP, which just released its annual CDP S&P 500 Climate Change Report for 2014.

A couple clear leaders included Stanley Black & Decker and The Home Depot, with the former earning the highest possible score of "A" for its climate performance assessment and a 100 for its climate disclosure assessment (Stanley provided relevant information to 767 investors at their request).

A total of 63 S&P 500 companies made it onto the 2014 Climate Disclosure Leadership Index (CDLI) for their transparency and quality of environmental data.

Meanwhile, the Climate Performance Leadership Index (CPLI) recognizes 34 companies that have made a strong commitment to combating climate change.

The Home Depot earned top marks as well, scoring 93 in 2014 compared to 99 in 2013. Lowe's earned a score of 85, unchanged from its 2013 performance.

Newell Rubbermaid also made the list with a score of 50; Whirlpool earned a 58; Plum Creek came in at 84; Weyerhaeuser and Honeywell both earned an 81; Masco landed a 76; PPG Industries earned a 53; Sherwin-Williams got a 78; Fastenal scored an industry-lagging 28.

For the full report, click here.