Environment

When Cornell University competed in 2011 to develop an applied science and engineering campus in New York City, part of its pitch was that it would construct an academic building that would at least approach making as much energy as it used in a year, a concept known as net zero. It won. Then came the hard work of making that vision happen at the campus, known as Cornell Tech.

I spoke to Michael Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP and author of the new book Climate of Hope: How Cities, Businesses, and Citizens Can Save the Planet, about why he cares so much about climate change, the role companies have in protecting our planet, how he overcame a career challenge and his best piece of career advice.

Resource reuse makes such a big impression today because our natural resources are becoming noticeably scarce. But now, we have the technology to sustain them. Water is a great example, and a lush county in New York State is seeing its climate pose an issue that calls for circular thinking.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center, a nonprofit organization driving the circular economy in the U.S., is releasing a new case study report in June featuring examples of how companies are translating circular economy aspiration into action that drives greater resource productivity improvements, eliminates waste and inefficiency, and contributes to a stronger competitive economy.

General Mills has worked to protect and restore pollinator habitat dating back to 2011 in the U.S., and most recently made a $2 million, five-year commitment to pollinators in partnership with the USDA and Xerces Society, which was matched by the USDA.

We didn’t stop there.

Be it a yard, a nearby park or a terrace, outdoor space is a much desired amenity for house hunters everywhere. Combine that with an increased awareness and interest in where our food is coming from, and you’ve got a fertile environment for community gardens.

And while such spots are unquestionably great for growing vegetables, builders and developers are finding that they might also be good for growing sales.

The sustainable innovation of emerging technologies like blockchain and IoT are disrupting our supply chains at an accelerated rate. Lara Birkes, VP & Chief Sustainability Officer, HPE, explores the landscape and applications of these technologies to solve complex global challenges.

In celebration of World Oceans Day, Cox Enterprises announced it will become a member of Ocean Conservancy’s Trash Free Seas Alliance, pledging to work toward solutions that will eliminate ocean trash.

During the month of May, Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS) Team Members around the globe participated in the company's annual Sands ECO360 Clean Plate Challenge, a campaign aligned with the company's sustainability program to reduce food waste. The event was an engagement and educational initiative designed to encourage Team Members at all Las Vegas Sands' properties in both the United States and Asia to only take as much food as they'll consume when eating in the Team Member Dining Rooms.