The accolade, awarded for the companies that are 'outstanding corporate citizens' and 'deliver world class standards of best practice in corporate responsibility', comes soon after M&S was named Company of the Year at Business in the Community's Awards for Excellence.

M&S CEO Marc Bolland collected the award and said: "It is our mission to engage millions of people in the journey to a world of more sustainable consumption through customer initiatives like Shwopping. Eco-friendly, multi-channel shops like our new Cheshire Oaks store are the future. Plan A is how we do business at M&S - it involves our customers, our employees, our suppliers and our supplier's suppliers. We are fully committed to it"

The judges recognised the scale of achievement of Plan A, M&S' 180 commitment eco and ethical programme, in making the company's operations carbon neutral, sending zero waste to landfill and its commitment to develop more sustainable products, help its customers live more sustainable lives and engage with its employees.

Marks & Spencer jointly won the award alongside its South African partner Woolworths.

Plan A is Marks & Spencer's environmental and ethical programme. Launched in 2007 with 100 commitments and extended in March 2010 by a further 80, it has already achieved the majority of its objectives including becoming the first major retailer to become carbon neutral and achieving its goal of sending zero waste to landfill.

The World Retail Awards recognise and reward outstanding achievements in the industry at the global level. Now in their sixth year, the World Retail Awards have become a highlight in the retail calendar, where senior retailers, industry experts and the global media come together to recognise and celebrate innovation and success.

Marks & Spencer (M&S)