DUBLIN, Nov. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT), the global leader in medical technology, today announced that it has been recognized as one of the world's leading companies for sustainability with its inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (DJSI North America). The DJSI North America includes a select group of companies based on their performance across a variety of sustainability criteria, including economic performance, environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and corporate governance. This is the 13^th consecutive year Medtronic has placed on the prestigious list, considered to be a leading benchmark for corporate sustainability.

"Medtronic has never been more focused on our purpose or clearer on our role as a responsible corporate citizen," said Medtronic CEO Geoff Martha. "As stewards of human health and well-being, and with an aspiration to be the undisputed leader in healthcare technology, we are committed to prioritizing sustainability to create a better world. We will continue to invest in the environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) efforts that are most aligned to our Mission, while also driving long term growth and profitability."

Medtronic's sustainability strategy focuses on balancing long-term growth and profitability with creating value by working responsibly in all facets where its business intersects with society. Medtronic's sustainability performance areas identified as most material to long-term success include, innovation and access to healthcare, product quality and patient safety, inclusion and diversity, ethical business practices, responsible supply management, employee engagement and development, human rights, and environmental stewardship. The company's sustainability priorities align to various tenets of the Medtronic Mission and frame Medtronic's contributions to the United Nations Sustainability Goals.

One example of Medtronic's commitment to ESG factors is its recently announced goal to be carbon neutral in its operations by fiscal year 2030, with an aggressive target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by fiscal year 2025 and increasing use of renewable and alternative energy by partnering in virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) and investing in renewable energy credits (RECs) and carbon offsets.

Another example is the company's ongoing focus on inclusion, diversity and equity. The company reported 100% gender pay equity in many countries including the U.S. and 99% gender pay equity for employees globally in fiscal year 2020. In January, the company was one of three recipients of the prestigious 2020 Catalyst Award in recognition of its initiatives for fostering a workplace in which women can advance. Medtronic has also committed to several new actions that will advance its global inclusion, diversity, and equity work for employees and the communities where it operates, including linking inclusion and diversity goals with compensation and advancement opportunities for all people managers in fiscal year 2022.

The DJSI ranking adds to the recognition Medtronic received earlier this year through its continued inclusion in the FTSE4Good Index Series. Companies in the FTSE4Good Index Series have met stringent environmental, social and governance criteria, and are positioned to capitalize on the benefits of responsible business practices. More information can be found at https://www.ftse.com/products/indices/FTSE4Good.

More information about Medtronic's comprehensive sustainability efforts can be found in the 2020 Integrated Performance Report and by visiting www.medtronic.com/citizenship.

About the Dow Jones Sustainability Index

The Dow Jones Sustainability Indices are a family of best-in-class benchmarks for investors who have recognized that sustainable business practices are critical to generating long-term shareholder value and who wish to reflect their sustainability convictions in their investment portfolios. The family was launched in 1999 as the first global sustainability benchmark and tracks the stock performance of the world's leading companies in terms of economic, environmental and social criteria.

Created jointly by S&P Dow Jones Indices and SAM, the DJSI combine the experience of an established index provider with the expertise of a specialist in Sustainable Investing to select the most sustainable companies from across 61 industries. More information about the DJSI can be found at http://www.sustainability-indices.com.

About Medtronic

Medtronic plc (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is among the world's largest medical technology, services and solutions companies – alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more than 90,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals and patients in more than 150 countries. The company is focused on collaborating with stakeholders around the world to take healthcare Further, Together.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

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