Ecolab Commended for Climate Change Disclosure

September 24, 2010

ST. PAUL, Minn., Sep 24, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Ecolab Inc. announced today that it has been included in the 2010 Carbon Disclosure Project's "Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index." This index, a key component of CDP's annual S&P 500 Report, highlights the constituent companies within the S&P 500 Index which have displayed the most professional approach to corporate governance in respect to climate change disclosure practices. Companies are scored on their climate change disclosure and high scores indicate good internal data management and understanding of climate change related issues affecting the company.

"We are proud to receive this recognition," said Douglas M. Baker, Jr., Ecolab Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our commitment to sustainability is fundamental to how we do business at Ecolab - and our CDP reporting is just one of our many key actions that support our global sustainability initiatives."

The index, compiled by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) on behalf of CDP provides an evaluation tool for institutional investors. In 2010, it comprises 53 constituents of the S&P 500 Index based on analysis of the responses to CDP's 2010 questionnaire which focused on greenhouse gas emissions, emissions reduction targets and risks and opportunities associated with climate change.

Paul Dickinson, Chief Executive of the Carbon Disclosure Project, commented: "The Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index recognizes companies that demonstrate good internal data management practices for understanding greenhouse gas emissions, including energy use. Companies that make this index have also demonstrated clear consideration of how climate change is and will impact their business. As companies' understanding of climate change issues grows, they are better placed to take positive action to manage and mitigate its risks."

The S&P 500 Report, including names of companies featured in the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index, can be found at www.cdproject.net.

About Ecolab:

With sales of $6 billion and more than 26,000 associates, Ecolab Inc. (NYSE: ECL) is the global leader in cleaning, sanitizing, food safety and infection prevention products and services. Ecolab delivers comprehensive programs and services to foodservice, food and beverage processing, healthcare, and hospitality markets in more than 160 countries. More news and information is available at www.ecolab.com.

About CDP:

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is an independent not-for-profit organization holding the largest database of primary corporate climate change information in the world. Thousands of organizations across the world's largest economies now measure and disclose their greenhouse gas emissions and climate change strategies through CDP, in order that they can set reduction targets and make performance improvements. This data is gathered on behalf of 534 institutional investors, with combined assets under management in excess of $64 trillion, as well as purchasing organizations and government bodies and made available for integration into business and policy decision making. For more information visit www.cdproject.net.

(ECL-C)

SOURCE: Ecolab Inc.

Ecolab Inc.
Jennifer Kirscher, 651-293-2846

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