Greenpeace released version five of their Cool IT leaderboard that rates IT companies on their climate solutions, energy impact and political advocacy.

Overcoming Cisco, the winner from the last year, Google has taken the top spot as the leader in advocacy for clean energy. Greenpeace applauds Google for their dedication to using cleaner and renewable energy.

“Technology giants have a real opportunity to use their power and influence to change how we produce and use energy – Google tops the table because it’s putting its money where its mouth is by pumping investment into renewable energy,” Greenpeace International IT analyst Gary Cook said. “The IT sector might like to consider itself forward-thinking, but it is keeping far too quiet while the dirty energy industry continues to exert undue influence on both the political process and financial markets.”

Google scored 53/100 for their efforts in conservation and reducing their carbon footprint. The report goes on to say that Google scored so high because they disclosed their energy footprint, have plans to increase its renewable energy use from 25 percent in 2011 to 35 percent in 2012. They were also applauded for investing $915 million in renewable energy projects.

Like any company, however, Google did have a few areas where they could improve according to the report. Greenpeace was disappointed with the company’s decision to shut down its RE“The IT industry must use its influence, innovative spirit and technological know-how to overcome the dirty energy companies who are holding on to the status quo, and holding us back from a transition to a renewable energy economy,” Cook said. “What we’re seeing is a lot of talk from companies about moving toward clean energy, but so far, not much of action.”

You can read the full report here.