Environment

If someone told me when I first joined UPS as an engineer that I would one day be discussing the role of data in sustainability, I would have been taken aback. Now, after decades of working in sustainability across various functions at UPS, I see how an engineer’s obsession with data is helpful in addressing today’s biggest sustainability challenges.

Bangladesh is ranked among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. Last week, I saw that risk firsthand while attending the 10th annual Community-Based Adaptation conference in Dhaka. In conversations with climate and community adaptation experts, as well as through field trips into the city, a clear message prevailed: Companies must do more to build climate resilience by investing in communities and in those most disproportionately affected, including women. This will, in turn, generate business benefits.

Global lifestyle brand Timberland recently unveiled its 2015 CSR performance results, highlighting a year of progress and addressing a few challenges. The data is a powerful demonstration of the brand’s continued commitment to sustainability and transparency against its three key CSR pillars: product, outdoors and community.

General Motors is turning its employees’ recycled water bottles into a new life: noise-reducing fabric insulation that covers the Chevrolet Equinox engine. The bottles – collected from five of its Michigan facilities – are also being turned into air filtration components and insulation in coats for the homeless community.

Lockheed Martin’s 2015 Sustainability Report details how we manage and achieve progress in Product Performance. Our objective is to innovate to deliver optimal economic and performance value over the life cycle of our products. Our focus on performance and sustainability ensures safe, reliable, affordable products that support our customers’ missions of national security, citizen services and sustainable development.