ESG News from Leading Brands

Social Impact & Volunteering

National Volunteer Week Twitter Chat: Activating Civic Engagement through Skills-Based Volunteering

Apr 17, 2017 5:00 PM ET

In honor of National Volunteer Week, Common Impact is hosting a Twitter chat on Tuesday, April 25th at 12 pm EDT to explore how corporate skills-based volunteer programs activate civic engagement in employee volunteers. Skills-based volunteerism gives employees a chance to roll up their sleeves and truly understand the challenges facing nonprofit organizations and the social sector.

Social Impact & Volunteering

A Habitat House Leads to Personal Successes

Apr 17, 2017 3:40 PM ET

The smell of fresh paint always takes Boris Henderson back. Back to the day he walked through the door of his family’s new Habitat house for the first time.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Cradles to Crayons for Volunteer Month

Apr 17, 2017 3:35 PM ET

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, nearly 130,000 children live in poverty and lack access to basic needs, including clothing. Kohler's U.S. East Region Wholesale Management team volunteered for the nonprofit, Cradles to Crayons, to help make a positive impact on the lives of local children.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Keybank Finances Latest Affordable Housing Acquisition by Non-Profit, Harmony Housing

Apr 17, 2017 3:15 PM ET

KeyBank has provided a $6.5 million bridge loan to Harmony Housing, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing safe, clean and comfortable affordable rental housing throughout the United States. Key has provided financing solutions to Harmony Housing since 2014, financing 25 of its last 28 transactions.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Walmart’s “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” Campaign Calls on the Public to Join the Fight Against Hunger and Make a Difference in their Local Communities

Apr 17, 2017 3:00 PM ET

Today, Walmart launches its “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign, a nationwide initiative that encourages the public to join the fight against hunger. Working with Discover card and five suppliers, which represent some of the nation’s leading food companies – Campbell Soup Company, General Mills, Kellogg Company, The Kraft Heinz Company and PepsiCo – Walmart is offering three easy ways to take action against hunger and help a local Feeding America food bank through social, online and in-store participation.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Making Change Happen on Comcast Cares Day

Apr 17, 2017 2:55 PM ET

This Saturday, April 22, marks the 16th annual Comcast Cares Day, where more than 100,000 volunteers in 21 countries will leave a lasting impact in the communities where they live and work.

Environment

HanesBrands Releases 2016 Environmental Performance Data

Apr 17, 2017 2:55 PM ET

Hanes continues making progress toward 2020 goals for energy use, carbon dioxide emissions, water use, renewable energy and landfill diversion

Social Impact & Volunteering

Rhode Island School of Design and Loyola Marymount University Named RecycleMania 2017 Champions

Apr 17, 2017 2:30 PM ET

Loyola Marymount University and Rhode Island School of Design have been crowned the winners of the 2017 RecycleMania competition. With a recycling rate of more than 83.9 percent, Loyola Marymount University is the top school in the Diversion category, while the Rhode Island School of Design is first in the Per Capita Classic category. RecycleMania is the nation’s premier waste reduction and recycling competition among colleges and universities, managed by Keep America Beautiful.

Education

Scotiabank Impact Story: Education and Empowerment: the Bank of Tomorrow

Apr 17, 2017 2:20 PM ET

Whether you accessed this website via computer, tablet, or phone, you probably already have some inkling of how much technology has come to shape our day to day lives. Most of us rely on technology as an integral part of our routine, from getting directions to streaming favorite music to managing our finances.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Making the Match, Part 1: Differentiating Technical and Strategic Support in Pro Bono Programming

Apr 17, 2017 1:35 PM ET

At the Taproot Foundation, we see two distinct kinds of pro bono support: technical and strategic. Understanding which type nonprofits need is essential, both to ensure nonprofits receive the right support and that corporate talent has a positive experience.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Out On the Trail: 50 Years of Volunteerism

Apr 17, 2017 1:25 PM ET

I’ve spent some of the best days of my life out on a hiking trail, clearing brush, field checking maps and leading crews that rehabilitate trails and build new ones. You might see me carrying a clipboard and counting deer droppings, cutting brush with loppers or clearing blown down trees with a chain saw. Or perhaps you might find me building a bridge, swinging a sledge hammer or moving big rocks to build stepping stones or stairs. It’s not a high-paying job; it’s not even a paying job, actually. Money isn’t the point. I volunteer because it’s infinitely rewarding. I get to work with a great group of likeminded folks to ensure future generations can enjoy the hiking trails I have loved for so long.

Education

KFC's Reach High with GEDworks Program Invests in Employee Education

Apr 17, 2017 1:15 PM ET

According to ‘Advancing Your Frontline Workforce With Employer-Sponsored Education Benefits,’ a white paper recently published by GED Testing Service, almost 40 million working adults in the U.S. lack a high school diploma: “for millions of Americans, especially those who fill entry-level and frontline jobs, the lack of a high school diploma is an insurmountable barrier to taking advantage of these popular reimbursement programs. Thankfully, workers who have not completed high school are not without hope.”

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

How DC Habitat is Empowering Families to Thrive Through Stability, Equity, and Self-Reliance

Apr 17, 2017 12:55 PM ET

Washington, D.C. is in the midst of a serious affordable housing shortage. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) considers housing to be affordable if a person spends no more than 30% of his or her income towards rent or a mortgage.

Innovation & Technology

When Energy Storage Joins the Blockchain the Entire Energy Community Benefits

Apr 17, 2017 12:15 PM ET

Answering the call for increasing energy self-reliance, a grassroots electricity-sharing model is emerging. “Community microgrids,” comprising community-owned or subscribed solar PV and other renewable energy sources, offer participants and surrounding consumers the security of energy resilience in times of grid failure and protection from energy price increases driven by volatile energy markets.

Environment

Why We Are Excited For ILTA 2017 (And You Should Be Too!)

Apr 17, 2017 11:35 AM ET

June 11-14, 2017 in Houston, TX - Thousands of terminal industry professionals meet at ILTA's annual international operating conference and trade show in order to network with peers, share best practices, find solutions and learn about the latest in equipment and technology. Following the conference, attendees can visit with almost 350 companies at ILTA's 2017 trade show, including Antea Group.

Diversity & Inclusion

Major Leaguers Provide $42,000 Grant to Honor Legacy of Jackie Robinson

Apr 17, 2017 11:30 AM ET

Major League baseball players will once again proudly bestow a $42,000 grant from the Players Trust to the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF), the Trust announced on Friday, April 14 – the day before the baseball world celebrated the 70th anniversary of when Jackie made his Major League debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers and, by doing so, courageously shattered the game’s color barrier.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Sustainability is No Longer Optional for Suppliers

Apr 17, 2017 11:15 AM ET

With several governments internationally developing and implementing Climate Change, Circular Economy and Zero Waste Policies, global firms are already taking a proactive approach to supply chain risk management, while others are taking a riskier “wait and see approach”.

Green Infrastructure

Green Power in India

Apr 17, 2017 11:15 AM ET

VMware India recently sealed a deal with its builders to enable two of its largest buildings based in the city of Bangalore – Kalyani Vista and Kalyani Magnum – to receive 85% of their power from renewable energy. Kalyani Vista will receive wind energy for close to 438,000 sq. ft while Kalyani Magnum will receive energy for nearly 206,212 sq.ft from wind power turbines located in the State of Karnataka.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

ACCP Presents Shannon Schuyler the 2017 Ignite Impact Award

Apr 17, 2017 11:00 AM ET

Shannon Schuyler, Principal, Chief Purpose Officer & Corporate Responsibility Leader, PwC, was awarded the 2017 ACCP Ignite Award for her exceptional leadership in the corporate responsibility field.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Avista Receives National Utility Customer Service Award

Apr 17, 2017 11:00 AM ET

Avista recently received the Edison Electric Institute’s 2017 National Key Accounts Award for Outstanding Customer Service. The award is given to electric companies that provide superior service to national, multi-site energy customers. Avista was one of only eight recipients chosen by customers in a nationwide open-ballet process.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Home is the Key to Stability for Carlos and his Family

Apr 17, 2017 10:40 AM ET

After moving from Puerto Rico a decade ago, Neryann and her family uprooted four times before becoming Habitat for Humanity Pinellas County homeowners, in Florida.

Events, Media & Communications

National Grid Celebrates Lineworker Appreciation Day

Apr 17, 2017 10:30 AM ET

Because of their unwavering efforts and commitment to customers, National Grid is proud to recognize the field force on National Lineman Appreciation Day, which falls on April 18.

Environment

Thinking About a Corporate Wastewater Program? What You Need to Know

Apr 17, 2017 10:15 AM ET

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Skating to Success in Harlem

Apr 17, 2017 10:10 AM ET

In our current political climate, characterized by confusion, vitriol, and disruption, practicing servant leadership is more important than ever. Servant leaders are those who place the needs of the group ahead of their own and use empathy to create environments in which everyone can thrive. At the PIMCO Foundation, this philosophy is visible in our volunteering initiatives and in the focus of our grant making. In our view, an ethos of caring for others is the cornerstone of healthy societies. We firmly believe that volunteering builds this spirit of community empowerment; it can be transformative. In my own experience, it has both moved and molded me. It has been my privilege to work with others who embody these same values.

Social Impact & Volunteering

KIRO 7 and The Trust For Public Land Launch Seattle’s 2017 Cox Conserves Heroes Awards Program

Apr 17, 2017 10:05 AM ET

KIRO 7, in partnership with The Trust for Public Land, today launched Seattle’s 2017 Cox Conserves Heroes program to honor local environmental volunteers.