Ford is top of the green 'tree'

Ford has been recognised as being the most environmentally friendly brand in the world. Image: Ford

Toyota, which recalled 1.9m Prius cars in February because of a computer software defect, fell to the number two spot for the first time since the report's launch in 2010.

Named the Best Global Green Brands, the report drew the top 50 candidates from the 100 companies listed in its annual companion report, Best Global Brands.

Compiled by Deloitte and global branding agency Interbrand, the report used more than 80 criteria, such as operations, governance and supply-chain management, to assess environmental performance.

According to Interbrand SA Chief Executive Doug de Villiers: "The aim of the report is to recognise companies that make legitimate environmental promises and deliver on them."

Up from 15th place in 2012, Ford was recognised for launching five electric vehicles since 2005, using recyclable material and for its "transparent" green practices.

Car manufacturers made up 20% of the rankings in the report and four of the top five brands.

Source: The Times via I-Net Bridge