ESG News from Leading Brands

Environment

We Mean Business When it Comes to Climate Change

May 10, 2017 9:30 AM ET

These days, it’s nearly impossible to open up a paper, news website or even Twitter and not see mention of a climate-related issue. People everywhere – concerned citizens to climate scientists to federal legislators – are trying to understand what to make of it and what to do about it. According to NASA’s scientific-based evidence, climate change is real and is happening as 2016 was our warmest year to date. At this moment in history, we know that we can still make changes to alter human impact on our climate. And at General Mills, we’ve taken the approach that we have a responsibility to do something about it.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Volkswagen Group of America’s Young Professionals Employee Resource Group supports Fauquier Habitat for Humanity building a new home

May 10, 2017 9:15 AM ET

Recently, 25 members of the Volkswagen Group of America Young Professionals Employee Resource Group (YP ERG) supported Fauquier Habitat for Humanity to construct a new home for a young couple and their Labrador mix in Huntly, Va. The YP ERG members used their volunteer day, a company provided paid day off to serve in the community, to install windows and doors, add structural elements and raise a shed.

Social Impact & Volunteering

New Laureus Sport for Good Project

May 10, 2017 9:10 AM ET

Ski-jump star and Laureus Sport for Good ambassador Thomas Morgenstern mingled among the teams on site in order to play soccer with the girls.

Research, Reports & Publications

2016 Co-op Way Report

May 10, 2017 9:00 AM ET

The Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, with over 4 million active members. Its purpose is ‘Championing a better way of doing business for you and your communities’.

Research, Reports & Publications

De Beers Reports a Rise in Local Investment in South Africa

May 10, 2017 8:00 AM ET

De Beers Group increased its investment in local goods and services in South Africa last year and made a major contribution to supporting community development, according to its latest Report to Society.

Research, Reports & Publications

It’s Your Business

May 10, 2017 5:00 AM ET

John Lewis Partnership has launched an online Corporate Responsibility report and Human Rights and Modern Slavery report to complement its 2017 Annual Report and Accounts.

Responsible Production & Consumption

21st Century Fox Marks 10 Years of Industry-Leading Sustainability Efforts

May 9, 2017 7:25 PM ET

Ten years ago today, our company made a bold commitment to minimize our environmental impacts, grow sustainably, and inspire others to take action, with the launch of the Global Energy Initiative.

Thanks to the dedication, creativity and passion of colleagues from around the world, we have delivered on that commitment, and improved our business and our communities in the process. Our efforts have reduced our operating costs by hundreds of millions of dollars, built important relationships with partners and audiences, earned recognition for our leadership, and established best practices for the entire entertainment industry.

Events, Media & Communications

Announcing USA TODAY Network as Citizens Awards Media Partner!

May 9, 2017 5:45 PM ET

Thrilled to announce USA TODAY Network as our media partner for the 2017 Corporate Citizenship Awards! Submit a nomination before June 23 to be recognized for the impact your organization makes in communities around the world.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Duke Energy Named to Forbes List of America's Best Employers 2017

May 9, 2017 5:45 PM ET

Diversity & Inclusion

Crewmember Resource Groups Bolster Co-Workers and the Community

May 9, 2017 3:45 PM ET

In 2016, Crewmember Resource Groups (CRGs) – JetPride, Women in Flight, Vets in Blue, and Blue Conexión – deepened relationships with co-workers and the community.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

WEBINAR: How to Launch a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign Without a Budget

May 9, 2017 2:05 PM ET

Planning and executing a successful crowdfunding campaign can be daunting. You need a compelling promo video, inviting graphics, simple yet informative communications, an engaging email strategy, and stand-out social media. Don’t panic: all this is achievable even without a budget or in-house expertise. This webinar will teach you how to harness the expertise of marketing, graphic design, videography, and communications professionals who want to volunteer to help your cause.

Research, Reports & Publications

Charting a New Course in Sustainability Reporting

May 9, 2017 1:30 PM ET

There’s currently a debate brewing among sustainability and corporate responsibility professionals about the best way to report CSR and environmental information. Is a sustainability report the proper time for storytelling or do readers just want the facts? Truth is, we are often trying to reach multiple (and different audiences) with one report. This year, JetBlue decided to revisit how we report our environmental, social and purpose-driven initiatives.

Events, Media & Communications

John Picard to Speak About The Ray at Sustainatopia

May 9, 2017 1:30 PM ET

John Picard to speak about The Ray at Sustainatopia, today and tomorrow.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Republic Services Drivers Earn Preeminent National Driver of the Year Awards

May 9, 2017 12:30 PM ET

Education

CSRHub's Bahar Gidwani Speaking at CSR Certificate Program at Rutgers

May 9, 2017 11:45 AM ET

On May 16th and 17th, the Rutgers Institute for Ethical Leadership and Governance & Accountability Institute present the Spring 2017 CSR Certificate Program for corporate managers, not-for-profit and foundation managers, and others interested in career opportunities and advancement in the fields of Corporate Social Responsibility (“CSR”), Corporate Citizenship, Corporate Sustainability, Philanthropy, Risk Management, Ethics, and related positions.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Historic Mural, CP Federal City Square Unveiled by City of Jackson

May 9, 2017 11:30 AM ET

A piece of history for Consumers Energy and its hometown came back to life last week as community members in Jackson, Michigan, unveiled a 9-by-28 foot stained glass mural that used to be part of the company’s former headquarters.

Events, Media & Communications

Live from Shared Value Summit: Business Leaders on Social Change

May 9, 2017 11:30 AM ET

Can't make it to New York? Watch the 2017 Shared Value Leadership Summit from your desk!

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Tips for Submitting an Award-Winning Nomination for #Citizens2017

May 9, 2017 11:00 AM ET

Every year the U.S. Chamber Foundation seeks to find the best examples of corporate citizenship from around the world. If you’re a company or nonprofit partner we encourage you to submit a nomination for our 18th annual Corporate Citizenship Awards!

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Gildan Recognized With a Distintivo ESR® Award for the Second Consecutive Year

May 9, 2017 11:00 AM ET

Gildan has been recognized with a Distintivo ESR® 2017 award for the second consecutive year, presented by the Mexican Center for Philanthropy (Cemefi) and the Alliance for Corporate Social responsibility (AliaRSE) to companies in Latin America that meet their designated standards in the strategic areas of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

EPA Honors GOJO as a 2017 Safer Choice Partner of the Year

May 9, 2017 10:40 AM ET

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named GOJO, the inventors of PURELL® Hand Sanitizer and the leading global producer and marketer of skin health and hygiene solutions, as a 2017 Safer Choice Partner of the Year. GOJO will be honored at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on May 15, 2017.

Education

University Leaders Discover New Ways to Help Transfer Students Achieve Their Educational Goals in Response to Difficult Transfer Processes

May 9, 2017 10:35 AM ET

In the tenth and final installment of the 2016-2017 President to President series, published today, Dr. Ángel Cabrera, Ph.D., president of George Mason University, describes the challenges associated with the transfer process and programs that can help students overcome them.

Education

CITGO and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Distribute Kindles to Houston-Area Students

May 9, 2017 10:30 AM ET

In recognition of the large role classroom attendance plays in boosting students’ academic outcomes, CITGO Petroleum Corporation is again partnering with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) this May for the Kindling Young Minds program. Through Kindling Young Minds, select Houston-area students are awarded Kindle Fire tablets for achieving perfect or much-improved attendance records. Representatives from CITGO and HCSO will help to distribute the Kindles at Alief, Houston and Spring Branch Independent School District (ISD) schools; more than 50 schools are participating in the program this year.

Environment

Ecocentricity Blog: Location, Location, Location

May 9, 2017 10:30 AM ET

All of this to say, carbon is not some enemy. It is a misplaced resource. And the opportunity for the business community to value drawdown as an investment, rather than view carbon reduction as a cost, is upon us.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Unreasonable Impact: Reinventing Luxury With Reclaimed Materials: Q&A With Elvis & Kresse

May 9, 2017 10:30 AM ET

Today, the amount of solid waste generated in urban areas and developing economies has overtaken other pollutants, including greenhouse gases. Single-use plastics outnumber fish in our oceans, and landfills tower over neighborhoods in the world’s megacities.

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

Mutually Secured Destruction and the Circular Economy

May 9, 2017 10:25 AM ET