The FTSE Environmental Opportunities All-Share Index has been produced by environmental investment specialist Impax Group in partnership with FTSE, and contains companies from the new energy, waste management and pollution control sectors.

The companies included have demonstrated that a minimum of 20 per cent of their business comes from environmental markets or technologies.

The largest business included is Germany-based technology giant Siemens, which has developed a number of energy-saving technologies. The median market capitalisation of companies in the index is US$1.7 billion (£860 million), while the smallest company included is valued at $62 million.

Ian Simm, chief executive of Impax, says the index will provide a credible benchmark for investors in the environmental sector. He adds, ‘Environmental investment is a compelling growth story now firmly in the mainstream.’

Will Oulton, head of responsible investment at FTSE, comments, ‘The index will appeal to institutional and retail investors who want to gain exposure to and track the performance of those companies who are transforming their businesses to increasingly source revenues from global environmental markets.’