When it comes to addressing climate change, including measuring and reducing its carbon footprint, Whirlpool leads the pack in the large appliance sector, according to a new analysis from the nonprofit Climate Counts.

Similarly, Steelcase leaves other furniture makers in the dust for sharing its efforts to measure climate change impacts with the public and setting clear goals to reduce its energy use and emissions.

The two companies took top honors in the latest Climate Counts Company Scorecards, meant to give concerned consumers an idea of corporate climate commitments to inform their purchasing decisions.

Interestingly, Whirlpool and Steelcase both hail from Michigan, an auto-making hub that has been hard hit by the economic recession. Climate Counts noted the pair possibly point to a potential trend of corporate climate leadership aligning with future economic stability in a recession-ravaged region.

“We’re certainly pleased to see solid corporate climate leadership coming out of Michigan and are hopeful it bodes well for the future growth of good, green jobs,” Climate Counts Executive Director Wood Turner said in a statement. “We will be paying close attention to the efforts of these companies to show continued improvement.”

Climate Counts has tracked corporate climate progress since its inception in 2007. To date, the nonprofit launched by Gary Hirshberg of Stonyfield Farms has rated 143 companies representing roughly 3,000 brands, including the pharmaceutical, toy, shipping, and Internet-software sectors, among others. [Full disclosure: GreenBiz.com Executive Editor Joel Makower is a Climate Counts board member.]

Steelcase (56 points) and Whirlpool (61 points) were the only two companies to receive a score above 50 points out of 100 in both sectors, which puts them in the “striding” category. The scores are based on 22 criteria to determine if companies have measured their carbon footprints, reduced their impacts, supported or blocked climate legislation, and and publicly disclosed their efforts.

In the furniture category, six companies earned the second highest ranking, “Starting,” which indicates a company is a better choice for the climate-conscious consumer, but is at an early stage in addressing climate change. They are Herman Miller (46), Masco (39), Sealy (16), La-Z-Boy (16), Leggett and Platt Inc. (15), and HNI Corp. (13).

Simmons, Fortune Brands, Tempur-Pedic, Serta, Select Comfort, Spring Air and Furniture Brands International each received a “Stuck” ranking, with scores of 4 points or less.

Companies in the large appliances fared better, with six out of seven companies earning a “Starting” score of between 17 and 49 points, including LG Electronics, BSH Group, AB Electrolux, Miele, Emerson Electric and Kenmore.