ESG News from Leading Brands

Innovation & Technology

Consumers Energy Sponsors Michigan FIRST Robotics State Championship

Apr 19, 2017 9:30 AM ET

The FIRST Michigan robotics state championship [took place] at Saginaw Valley State University on Saturday, April 15, and Consumers Energy sponsor[ed] its efforts.The competition brings together students interested in STEM-based careers–those with interests in science, technology, engineering and math. A total of 160 teams will be competing in Saginaw for the opportunity to advance to the world competition, set to be held in St. Louis, Missouri later this month.

Diversity & Inclusion

Yum! Grows Female Leadership at Women’s Foodservice Forum Conference

Apr 19, 2017 9:15 AM ET

Last week, 39 team members from Yum! and our brands attended the Women’s Foodservice Forum’s (WFF) Annual Leadership Development Conference in Orlando, Florida. The WFF’s Annual Leadership Development Conference is a mix of educational sessions and speakers that aims to provide attendees with the tools they need to chart out their own career paths, as evidence to the WFF’s mission to advance women leaders, driving growth for individuals and organizations.

Education

Sands Cares: A Day in the Life Career Day

Apr 19, 2017 9:05 AM ET

In February, The Venetian, The Palazzo and Sands Expo hosted 50 students from Valley High School’s Job for Americas Graduates (JAG) Program for a day of tours and workshops to expose them to all the opportunities in the hospitality industry.

Environment

It’s Time to Bee Better

Apr 19, 2017 9:05 AM ET

Oregon Tilth and the Xerces Society have created Bee Better, a new certification designed to encourage a pollinator-friendly approach to agriculture and meet consumer demand for increased transparency and environmental responsibility from food producers.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Tetra Tech Supports the U.S. Navy on Multi-Award-Winning Remediation Project

Apr 19, 2017 9:00 AM ET

The U.S. Navy Region Southwest received the prestigious FY 2016 Chief of Naval Operations Environmental Award for the Environmental Restoration, Installation category for the design-build of remediation systems for volatile organic compound (VOC)-contaminated groundwater, soil gas, and indoor air at Naval Base Point Loma in California. Tetra Tech is proud to have contributed to the success of this project and to have supported the Navy in protecting human health and the environment.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Cargo Covers Strengthen Supply Chains and Reduce Food Waste

Apr 19, 2017 9:00 AM ET

When you think about the many ways that technology has shaped your life, what comes to mind first? Maybe it’s faster communication, or lifesaving healthcare. But what about fruit salad? It’s easy to forget, but with today’s complex food supply chains there are some surprising technologies behind many of our favorite meals—even the simple things we enjoy every day.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Fighting Cancer at the Summit

Apr 19, 2017 8:30 AM ET

In the last five years, he and his team -- who refer to themselves as Climbing for Cancer -- have reached the top of the tallest mountains in nearly all 50 states. Ward, who retired from the Benton Harbor-based appliance maker [Whirlpool Corporation] almost a year ago, is one of several people who raise money for Relay for Life in an effort to combat cancer. Whirlpool Corp. employees and retirees have been involved in Relay for Life of Berrien County since 1996.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

De Beers Scores with Local Football Squads

Apr 19, 2017 8:00 AM ET

Bright new soccer kits have been handed over to local football associations by De Beers’ Venetia mine in South Africa.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Sustaining Organic Food

Apr 19, 2017 5:30 AM ET

Pesticides touch every aspect of our lives, from residues on our produce to increased chronic disease to biodiversity loss. Toxic compounds are used all over the world to the detriment of the environment and human lives. In a small village in Mexico, women are paying the ultimate price. The village of Venustiano Carranza is located in Chiapas, the southernmost Mexican state, which shares a border with Guatemala.

Environment

Rebooting The Earth

Apr 18, 2017 6:55 PM ET

VMware is on a mission to ensure a net positive effect across our products, people and planet. This Earth Day, we are taking action to inspire a ripple effect through our collective impact. For every employee that pledges to take sustainability-related actions at home or at work, VMware will plant a tree on their behalf through Restore the Earth (REF) Foundation.

Innovation & Technology

Q&A: Qualcomm Chairman Paul Jacobs Discusses the Tricorder XPRIZE and the Winners

Apr 18, 2017 6:10 PM ET

The invention revolution has always been inspired by technology from fiction — how do we pluck a device out of TV science fiction and make it real? Back in 2012, the Qualcomm Foundation and the XPRIZE Foundation worked together to develop the Qualcomm Tricorder XPRIZE, a Star Trek-inspired competition that set out to provide anyone with the ability to diagnose health conditions by using a real-world version of the Tricorder.

After five years (the same duration as Starship Enterprise’s original mission) of competition, we’re excited to announce that Final Frontier Medical Devices takes the top prize.

Social Impact & Volunteering

National Rebuilding Month: Older Homes

Apr 18, 2017 5:55 PM ET

Old housing issues are often much more significant than drafty windows and squeaky stairs. Rebuilding Together affiliates nationwide are helping low-income homeowners eliminate these hazards and ensure they live safe and healthy in their homes.

Environment

Earth Week Guest Post: A GM Engineer’s Drive to Make Recycled Content Mainstream

Apr 18, 2017 5:30 PM ET

For our annual Earth Week guest post series, we’re showcasing a variety of voices in the sustainability space. First up, Matthew Vandyke, a materials engineer at General Motors, offers tips on how to incorporate more recycled content into manufacturing.

Energy

GE and Southern California Edison Debut World’s First Battery-Gas Turbine Hybrid

Apr 18, 2017 5:30 PM ET

GE (NYSE: GE) and Southern California Edison (SCE), an Edison International (NYSE: EIX) company unveiled the world’s first battery-gas turbine hybrid system in Norwalk, California. This is the first of two units that GE has delivered for SCE only months after announcing initial deployment plans of this innovative technology.

Energy

A Lineman in the Family? Yes, Three

Apr 18, 2017 5:00 PM ET

Dozens of children cheered for their dads who were competing at the Carolinas East Lineman’s Rodeo, but, for the first time, Seth Caison was competing with his dad.

Jeff Caison and his sons Seth, 26, and Drew, 23, are all linemen for Duke Energy. Seth, who grew up playing baseball, football and basketball with his dad coaching from the sidelines, said he was excited to finally be on the same team. Seth works in Matthews, N.C., but made the 2 hour and 30 minute trip to compete at his dad’s rodeo.

Energy

Environment: JetBlue Signs Historic Renewable Jet Fuel Deal

Apr 18, 2017 3:00 PM ET

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are an inherent challenge for all airlines, but that doesn’t mean we ignore them. So far, we’ve invested in new engine technology and smarter flying techniques to reduce emissions where possible. In 2015, we signed the White House’s American Business Act on Climate PledgeLink opens an external site and may not conform to the same accessibility policies as JetBlue., committing to further reductions.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Peter Waldman and Bloomberg Businessweek won The Sidney Hillman Foundation's April 2017 Sidney Award

Apr 18, 2017 2:30 PM ET

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Baseball is Back: Here Are Three Quality of LifeHacks from the Baseball Field

Apr 18, 2017 2:15 PM ET

As April rolls in, baseball is getting into in full swing. Whether you enjoy casually watching your favorite teams on the big screen, or you just go to the games for the food and fun, there are several business lessons you can learn from America’s favorite pastime.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Wells Fargo, No Barriers Warriors Announce the 2017 “Warriors to Summits” Team

Apr 18, 2017 2:00 PM ET

Environment

Shire Facilities Divert 66% of Total Waste to Landfill

Apr 18, 2017 2:00 PM ET

Our focus on how we use resources improves efficiency, creates less waste, and reduces risks and impacts on the environment and our local communities.

Media & Communications

Sustainability Highlights | Happy Holiday Weekend! (04.14.17)

Apr 18, 2017 1:45 PM ET

The term “sustainability” can be complex and take on different meanings. The most common definition of sustainability comes from the 1987 UN Brundtland Commission...

Innovation & Technology

Cross-Border Trade: PayPal’s $400B Business

Apr 18, 2017 1:05 PM ET

We’re living in a world where nearly everything – goods, services, entertainment, etc. – is available to purchase online. The expansive global e-commerce market affords consumers greater choice than ever before, and offers merchants access to an entirely new customer base. This represents incredible opportunities for large retailers and small merchants alike as they scale their businesses – including payments – to reach online consumers and expand their overseas sales opportunities.

Diversity & Inclusion

Everyday Diversity

Apr 18, 2017 12:15 PM ET

Earlier this month, I sat in a room alongside 400 nonprofit sector leaders at the Center on Effective Philanthropy’s annual conference – all of us still trying to find our footing in the wake of regressive and unjust social policy announcements from Washington, D.C., and the resulting fresh challenges facing our organizations and the communities we serve. Grant Oliphant, CEP’s Board Chair, opened the conversation with sobering, resonant words.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Kohler Signature Store Receives LEED Gold Certification

Apr 18, 2017 12:00 PM ET

The Kohler Signature Store by First Supply has become the first retail space in the U.S. to receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification under the new LEED v4 guidelines. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) awarded the 5,800 square-foot showroom located in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, LEED Gold v4 for Interior Design & Construction Retail.

Sustainable Development Goals

5 Examples of Beverage Companies Tackling Water Risks, Stewardship Challenges

Apr 18, 2017 11:35 AM ET

Diminishing water resources is a rising global challenge and many beverage companies have recognized the vital role they play in addressing it. We highlight examples of global beverage companies and associations that have taken action to address water risks and achieve better water stewardship with the help of Antea Group and its global partners.