CH2M Hill, a global full-service engineering, procurement, construction and operations firm, was named one of the 2009 World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute, an international think-tank dedicated to the advancement of best practices in business ethics and corporate social responsibility.

“CH2M Hill has proven to be one of the world leaders in upholding high ethical standards, making it a true standout in its industry, especially as unethical business actions and decisions grab headlines each day,” said Alex Brigham, executive director of the Ethisphere Institute. “The competition for this year’s World’s Most Ethical Companies was very strong and we applaud CH2M Hill for rising to the top.”

CH2M Hill employs more than 1,500 people in a dozen California offices. The company has been providing sustainable solutions to communities in California since 1946. CH2M Hill’s full-service offices deliver engineering and design services for water, transportation, energy, industrial facilities and environmental projects throughout the state. Employees are actively engaged in the community and volunteer their time and expertise with a number of organizations, including Heal the Bay, Friends of the Los Angeles River, Homeboys Industries, Engineers Week and World Water Monitoring Day.

Ethisphere’s researchers and analysts reviewed more than 10,000 companies in order to determine the finalists. The 2009 World’s Most Ethical Companies methodology committee, comprised of leading attorneys, government officials, professors and organization leaders, were consulted early on in the process and had the opportunity to review and comment on the methodology used to rate this year’s nominees. Ethisphere researchers further analyze information provided by the companies through questionnaires.

The methodology for the ranking includes reviewing codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories; evaluating the investment in innovation and sustainable business practices; reviewing activities designed to improve corporate citizenship; studying nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers; and gathering feedback from consumer action groups.