Polar bears in Norway, Alaska and Canada are being tracked with satellite collars to see how climate change is affecting them. The animals can be followed on a website, which includes a special children's zone, in an initiative from the electronics firm Canon and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The two became conservation partners in 1998, with the multinational business helping to fund the charity's work. An 84% green score shows that Canon, which specialises in cameras and imaging products, is doing a good job of keeping its 1,716 UK workers up to date. A monthly newsletter features "eco-warriors" among them, who are demonstrating good environmental practice at work or at home.

The environment is an everyday consideration for the workers (85%). There are plenty of signs around the office to remind them to think green (84%) and bosses encourage everyone to save energy (74%) and to recycle (75%). Staff at the UK head office in Woodhatch, Surrey, are setting an example to their colleagues at 15 other sites. They no longer have individual waste bins and the number of recycling bins for cans, paper, cardboard and ink and toner cartridges has been increased.

Since this focus on recycling began, the number of general waste wheelie bins removed from the site for disposal at landfill has dropped from five to three a day. Staff do not feel that the organisation produces too much waste, with a 65% score.

They believe that Canon's green commitments are serious (89%). The firm is aware of its environmental impact at every stage of development, manufacturing and marketing, and strives to improve its performance. A 75% score shows employees think green targets are met year on year, and they report that Canon's environmental impact is improving (85%).

The organisation hasn't simply jumped on the green bandwagon — it pioneered the collection and recycling of used toner cartridges in 1990. Staff believe it always does what is best for the environment (78%).

Up to 20% of Canon's total electricity is generated by on-site photovoltaic panels. The company also purchases energy on green tariffs. Energy-efficient printers, movement-sensitive lighting, low-energy lightbulbs and a switch-off campaign for computers and monitors helped to produce a 15% cut in electricity use in 2008.

The Canon Care Scheme was created in 1990 to support charity and community projects, including those concerned with the environment. It is chaired by the managing director, Andy Vickers, who, with the other bosses, leads by example on environmental issues, according to staff (69%). A 72% score shows they feel encouraged to get involved with community projects.

Canon holds events to mark World Environment Day. At the head office last year, a local farmers' market was held plus a nature walk and fundraising activities for WWF. Employees say the firm does a lot for the environment (85%) and don't believe green initiatives are a waste of money (91%).