ESG News from Leading Brands

Innovation & Technology

Grid Modernization: Utility 2.0 has arrived, but it brings opportunity and caution

Feb 15, 2017 9:00 AM ET

For years, utilities have struggled to define the more responsive operational systems and customer-centric performance models that would trumpet the arrival of Utility 2.0. Lacking a singular event marking the shift, it seems more likely a steady, incremental advance through technology deployments, analytics and a focus on customer engagement represents the path towards a continually evolving future state.

Environment

Protecting Our Business While Safeguarding Forests

Feb 15, 2017 9:00 AM ET

As one of the world’s largest buyers of market pulp, Kimberly-Clark knows that protecting forests is critical to addressing climate change, conserving terrestrial biodiversity and ensuring a resilient, healthy supply chain, so sustaining this natural resource through responsible forestry is just one of the ways we care for the planet.

Energy

The Four Product Future Transforming the Energy Industry Today

Feb 15, 2017 8:30 AM ET

Last year, renewable energy sources represented more than half the new power capacity around the world.

While this is an important step toward achieving a clean energy future, successfully integrating this large amount of renewable generation into the current U.S. transmission system – in a safe and reliable manner – is currently a monumental challenge. The intermittent nature of both wind and solar challenges our ability to fully depend on these resources. As we see in Figure 1, not only is wind energy variable, but it can also defy forecasting – even “hour-ahead” forecasting.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Scotiabankers Erika Osmond, Deanne Harada, Anastasia Kotsidis & Marta Cano win Executive Coaching Awards

Feb 15, 2017 8:20 AM ET

Women in Capital Markets (WCM), a non-profit advocacy organization which promotes the entry and advancement of women into leadership roles in the financial sector, announced seven recipients of the 2017 WCM Executive Coaching Award at a reception in Toronto.

Environment

Greenwashing: What Is It, and How Does Domtar Avoid It?

Feb 15, 2017 8:15 AM ET

With eco credentials proliferating and corporations looking to capitalize on the sustainability trend, greenwashing is becoming more common. Domtar remains truthful by following the Federal Trade Commissions' Green Guides.

Environment

New Exhibition at Marina Bay Sands ArtScience Museum Uses Augmented Reality to Raise Awareness of Rainforest Conservation Issues

Feb 15, 2017 8:15 AM ET

Into the Wild: An Immersive Virtual Adventure, is the latest permanent development at Marina Bay Sands’ ArtScience Museum in Singapore. The virtual reality adventure transforms nearly 11,000 square feet into a virtual rainforest, which can be explored using one’s smartphone device.

Environment

Bald Eagle That Survived Lead Poisoning Released at Consumers Energy’s Karn Generating Plant

Feb 15, 2017 8:05 AM ET

Responsible Production & Consumption

Wishing You a Very Floral Veriflora Valentine's Day!

Feb 14, 2017 6:00 PM ET

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

5 Steps to Develop a Supply Chain Risk Assessment Process

Feb 14, 2017 5:05 PM ET

Gaining as much value from the supply chain as possible while meeting consumer expectations for sustainably and ethically produced products is a difficult balance to achieve. To do so successfully, companies need to identify where threats exist across the supplier network and implement iterative mitigation strategies.

Responsible Production & Consumption

If It Makes the Dictionary, It Must Be Important

Feb 14, 2017 5:05 PM ET

Every year Merriam-Webster, the word authority, expands its dictionary. This year, I took particular notice of one of those new words: food insecure. It’s an important recognition of the 50 million Americans who struggle every day to get adequate nutrition (Source USDA) including 13.1 million children (source Feeding America).

Social Impact & Volunteering

MGM Resorts International, News 3, the CW Las Vegas and iHeartMedia join the Red Cross to Host First Community Blood Drive at T-Mobile Arena

Feb 14, 2017 4:30 PM ET

It’s a safe bet that donating blood can help save lives. The American Red Cross is wagering that the Las Vegas community will answer the need.

Diversity & Inclusion

21st Century Fox and AMC Theatres Celebrate Black History Month With Free Screenings of “Hidden Figures” in Communities Across the Country

Feb 14, 2017 4:00 PM ET

In celebration of Black History Month, 21st Century Fox and AMC Theatres are joining forces to provide free screenings of Academy Award nominated film “Hidden Figures” in communities across the country. The film – starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe – tells the 'untold' story of three African American female NASA mathematicians during the Space Race of the 1960's.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Kansas Communities Receive $2,500 Bluechip® Awards From Kansas Recreation And Park Association, Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Kansas

Feb 14, 2017 3:55 PM ET

Five Kansas communities and one state park – varying in both population size and programs – have two things in common; each is striving to improve the health of those who live, work and play in their community.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

2017 AIAG Corporate Responsibility Summit - Registration Now Open!

Feb 14, 2017 3:00 PM ET

The 2017 AIAG Corporate Responsibility Summit is the leading event for manufacturing professionals to discuss sustainability issues, share best practices and network with like-minded individuals.

Events, Media & Communications

21CF Earns 11 Wins at NAACP Image Awards with Honors for ‘Empire,’ ‘Atlanta,’ ‘Hidden Figures’ and More

Feb 14, 2017 3:00 PM ET

21st Century Fox businesses took home a collective 11 trophies from the 48th NAACP Image Awards on February 11, scoring wins for acting and directing on film and television projects such as Empire, Atlanta, The People v. O.J. Simpson, This Is Us, and Hidden Figures. The ceremony, which celebrates the accomplishments of people of color across the media landscape, was broadcast live on TV One and was hosted by Anthony Anderson.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Keep America Beautiful, Lowe's Heroes Leave Lasting Legacy in Las Vegas

Feb 14, 2017 2:00 PM ET

Keep America Beautiful recently teamed up with Lowe’s at its National Sales Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, for the largest Lowe’s Heroes project in the company’s history.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

‘Transformative Power of Transparency’ Tops on New GRI Chief’s

Feb 14, 2017 12:35 PM ET

Unlike another world leader who is one month into his new job, Tim Mohin has heralded his new administration at GRI by kicking off a global listening tour.

A veteran sustainability officer at tech giants like AMD, Apple and Intel, Mohin has yet to issue any sweeping executive orders. He took his roadshow to Phoenix this week for the “GRI Reporters’ Summit” and received input from companies using the Global Reporting Initiative’s standards to keep stakeholders briefed on environmental, social and governance issues.

Health & Healthcare

Cutting Back on Sugar: Healthy Ways to Curb America’s Mouth-Watering Obsession

Feb 14, 2017 11:35 AM ET

Universally, people love sugar. It is a main ingredient in America’s favorite comfort foods, and with Valentine’s Day, sugar overindulgence might seem inevitable. Multiple studies show that eating too much sugar is directly correlated to obesity, which can lead to health problems. When it comes to sugar, moderation is key.

Environment

Ecocentricity Blog: Building a Bridge

Feb 14, 2017 11:30 AM ET

“Good friend, in the path I have come,” he said,/ “There followed after me to-day/ A youth whose feet must pass this way…/ He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;/ Good friend, I am building this bridge for him!”

Events, Media & Communications

ESG For Finance Professionals Certification Course Hosted at Baruch College March 15, 2017

Feb 14, 2017 11:15 AM ET

The Why and How of Applying ESG Factors to Corporate Valuations -- A One-Day Professional Educational Seminar Presented by Governance & Accountability Institute, Global Change Associates and hosted by Baruch College/CUNY

Environment

Republic Services: Recycling Capabilities

Feb 14, 2017 11:05 AM ET

While a number of factors have affected the recycling model in the U.S. in recent years, the consumer demand for effortless, All-in-One™ or single-stream recycling programs has never been greater. Republic Services knows through market research that 9 out of 10 Americans want recycling services, and they are willing to pay for it.

Education

Social Design is the Future

Feb 14, 2017 11:00 AM ET

The first or second question people inevitably ask us is “what are your alums doing?” “What kind of jobs do they get?”

We thought the best way to answer that questions is by showing you here, and letting you see what our graduates have to say about how they’re using what they learned at DSI to get jobs, and to excel at them.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

The Collective Impact of Giving Back Together

Feb 14, 2017 11:00 AM ET

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Le Monastère des Augustines Receives a 5 Key Rating with GSTC Recognized Green Key Eco-Rating Program

Feb 14, 2017 10:35 AM ET

Green Key Global is pleased to announce Le Monastère des Augustines, a Green Key Global member since 2015, has received a 5 Key rating with the new GSTC Recognized Green Key Eco-Rating Program.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Cargill's World Food Day Campaign Reaches More Than 250,000 People

Feb 14, 2017 10:35 AM ET

Over the three months surrounding the United Nations World Food Day in October 2016, Cargill employees and businesses around the globe showcased the company’s commitment to nourishing the world in a series of programs and events focused on food security and nutrition.