ESG News from Leading Brands

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Twenty Years Of The Global Reporting Initiative: Interview With CEO Tim Mohin

Aug 18, 2017 11:00 AM ET

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), an independent body that has pioneered sustainability reporting from a niche practice to one now adopted by organizations around the world. Read what GRI's Chief Executive Tim Mohin has to say about the growth of sustainability reporting, the importance of transparency, competition between reporting methods and his hopes for his own legacy.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Carrier Donates More Than 500 Air Conditioning and Heating Systems to Habitat for Humanity

Aug 18, 2017 10:05 AM ET

Carrier has teamed up with pro football legend and longtime Habitat supporter, Warrick Dunn, in Atlanta to celebrate the donation. For 20 years, Dunn’s Home for the Holidays program has provided single mothers working toward their first home purchase with financial assistance. He began the program in honor of his late mother, a Louisiana police officer killed in the line of duty.

Energy

Green Mountain Energy Rewind: Celebrating 20 Years

Aug 18, 2017 10:00 AM ET

Health & Healthcare

VIDEO: AT&T and Aira Explorer Help Visually Impaired Experience Solar Eclipse

Aug 18, 2017 10:00 AM ET

On Aug. 21, people across the U.S. will step outside and experience one of nature’s most visual phenomenons – a total solar eclipse.

The start-up Aira came to the Connected Health AT&T Foundry to improve wireless connectivity for their groundbreaking platform.

Health & Healthcare

Top 5 Takeaways from the Mind #WELLography

Aug 18, 2017 9:50 AM ET

Technology may be advancing every day, but nothing compares to the high-speed power of the human brain. We are a long way from creating a single piece of technology that can control your breath and heartbeat 24/7, keep your body humming along while you are deep in sleep, allow you to simultaneously answer email while watching Netflix, help you stay balanced during yoga class, navigate the NYC subway without ever pulling out a map, and experience the pure joy of a beautiful summer day. That’s an impressive to-do list, not to mention it just barely skims the surface of our brain’s capabilities. Well done, brain.

Sustainable Development Goals

The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals Drive Focus and Purpose

Aug 18, 2017 9:30 AM ET

On September 25th 2015, 193 countries adopted a set of goals to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda. Each goal has specific targets to be achieved by 2030. For the goals to be achieved, everyone from government, the private sector, and civil society need to do their part.

Environment

VIDEO | Sands ECO360: Las Vegas Sands' Global Sustainability Program

Aug 18, 2017 9:05 AM ET

Las Vegas Sands’ responsibility to the planet is as important to us as our commitment to the comfort and well-being of our guests and Team Members. The Sands ECO360 Global Sustainability strategy is designed to help minimize our environmental impact, and it reflects our vision to lead the way in sustainable building development and resort operations.

Responsible Production & Consumption

VIDEO | Sustainable Ingredients are the Future of Personal Care

Aug 18, 2017 9:05 AM ET

Cargill's Tony Jaillot describes the state of the personal care market today, and why sustainable ingredients and improved product formulation are the future of the industry.

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

Towards a Circular Economy to #MoveTheDate

Aug 18, 2017 9:05 AM ET

Across the globe, about 50 percent of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are tied to materials. The United Nations, for example, estimates that in 41.8 million tonnes (Mt) of electronic waste there is 16 Mt of iron, 1.9 Mt of copper and 300 tonnes of gold, plus other precious metals such as palladium, with a combined value of $52 billion. Therefore, the transition to a circular economy not only contributes to climate action, but can have significant economic benefits as well.

Social Impact & Volunteering

In the World: Supporting Survivors of the Japanese Earthquake

Aug 18, 2017 9:05 AM ET

I joined Barclays in 2010 on their graduate scheme and now work in the Tokyo office as an Analyst. My job is to support our sales team who mainly deal with structured Barclays products. I first started volunteering after the Tohoku disaster in 2011, when my colleagues and I organised a trip to Otsuchi town to help with the relief effort. Although there were many people who wanted to assist, at the time there was not a lot of organised support.

Sustainable Development Goals

PT Freeport Indonesia, a Freeport-McMoRan Company, Invests in Fishery Program to Empower Local Communities

Aug 18, 2017 9:00 AM ET

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Gildan Supports JCPenney Pair Up Giving Promotion Through its Gold Toe® Brand

Aug 18, 2017 9:00 AM ET

Gildan has partnered with JCPenney to provide a free pair of socks to children in need for every pair of Gold Toe® socks sold through JCPenney’s special buy one, give one promotion.

Environment

The Living Forest: What Tree Rings Tell Us About the Life of a Tree

Aug 18, 2017 9:00 AM ET

Trees are great record keepers, they tell us so much about the past. They are also resilient organisms, outliving humans and animals. Some of the oldest trees in the world are thousands of years old — like bristlecone pine.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Nespresso Proves That Single Serve Coffee Makers Can Be Environmentally Friendly

Aug 17, 2017 11:05 PM ET

Machines that brew single cups of coffee are extremely popular but is single-serve environmentally friendly? Gina-Marie Cheeseman says Nespresso proves it can be.

Events, Media & Communications

The Players Trust Treats 50 Individuals From Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Twin Cities to A Unique Day of Baseball

Aug 17, 2017 7:30 PM ET

The day’s activities were coordinated through the Players Trust’s Buses for Baseball program, which provides transportation, game tickets and personal greetings from Major Leaguers to children across the country. This baseball season, the program will make 10 Major League ballpark visits and provide over 500 children with an unforgettable experience. At each game, players sign autographs, pose for photos and answer questions. The children also receive free souvenirs, food and beverages.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Next Steps for the (Former) Members of the Business Advisory Councils

Aug 17, 2017 4:00 PM ET

In the wake of yesterday’s collapse of the advisory councils assembled by Donald Trump, BSR President and CEO Aron Cramer offers five key principles for the business leaders who were on the councils to help define and promote a thriving economy.

Health & Healthcare

Lessening the Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases

Aug 17, 2017 3:40 PM ET

Fundamental to Pfizer’s approach in supporting global health is helping to ensure that individuals have the opportunity to lead healthy lives.

Green Infrastructure

Whirlpool Corporation Awarded Gold, Silver LEED® Green Building Certifications

Aug 17, 2017 3:15 PM ET

Whirlpool Corporation has been awarded a prestigious LEED® Certification for two of its recent building projects, both located in Benton Harbor, Mich.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Adobe Brings Design Thinking to Nonprofits in Need

Aug 17, 2017 2:05 PM ET

Diversity & Inclusion

VIDEO: Innovation, Education and Bringing a New Experience to the Blind

Aug 17, 2017 1:50 PM ET

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Measuring What Matters: The Power of KPIs to Advance Sustainability

Aug 17, 2017 12:55 PM ET

When it comes to the disclosure of non-financial information, it’s understandable that many businesses come begrudgingly to table. But when sustainability reporting is focused on a few, truly relevant issues, it creates vital data that can help companies contribute to sustainable development and be more profitable in the process.

Education

Equip Students with Tools for Success Through a Gift for Teaching's Back-to-School Drive

Aug 17, 2017 12:35 PM ET

While Central Florida has seen a 1% decrease in its overall student population and number of homeless students in the area, the number of children in the free-and-reduced lunch program has risen by 2%. More children than ever need essential tools (like No. 2 pencils, loose-leaf paper, and crayons) to succeed in school. A Gift For Teaching is committed to providing these students with a head start for achievement by equipping them with school supplies.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Scotiabank New CSR Perspectives Series: Supporting Gender Equality through the HeForShe movement

Aug 17, 2017 12:30 PM ET

Gender equality remains a global issue and achieving equality requires an inclusive approach. Scotiabank is supporting the UN Women Solidarity Movement, HeForShe, with their efforts towards gender equality as one way for employees to advocate inclusion.

Green Infrastructure

Save Money and Improve Your Energy Experience with Smart Meters

Aug 17, 2017 12:05 PM ET

What's the difference between a smart meter and a regular digital meter? With a smart meter, you have two-way communication with your energy provider. Smart meters allow you to see how much energy you use, when you use it, and its cost. You can use this information to monitor and reduce energy use to save money.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Timberland Puts Samples to Good Use

Aug 17, 2017 12:00 PM ET

The sample sale typically raises at least $10,000, but this year we raised a remarkable $29,345 to benefit Lucy’s Love Bus—a Boston-based non-profit that provides funding for integrative therapies to children with cancer. Employees and their guests came out in record numbers with over 300 in attendance. The funds raised for Lucy’s Love Bus will allow the organization to add four new Healing Rooms at children’s hospitals across New England.