IBM (NYSE: IBM) has been recognized for the second consecutive year as the greenest company in the U.S., according to the Newsweek 2012 Green Rankings survey, released today. A panel of independent judges ranked major companies based on numerous criteria, including their environmental impact, environmental management and sustainability disclosure. The survey is regarded as one of the most comprehensive analyses of environmental leadership, and IBM was one of 500 large U.S. organizations evaluated.

The report notes that IBM'S Smarter Planet products and services help clients measure and reduce their resource consumption while saving money. It points to a system developed at the company's Zurich Research Lab, where water that cools a supercomputer is used to warm nearby buildings.

"Environmental sustainability benefits our clients, our company and the planet, and we are constantly striving for continual improvement," said Wayne Balta, IBM's Vice President of Corporate Environmental Affairs and Product Safety. "We are grateful for this recognition as it reflects the long term commitment of IBM and its people to environmental leadership throughout the company's global business operations."

Learn more about IBM's leadership in environmental sustainability here.