ESG News from Leading Brands

Green Infrastructure

Why Developers Should Welcome A Resource Revolution

Dec 6, 2016 8:05 AM ET

The emerging concepts of circular economy and resource-efficient design offer opportunities for developers. By embracing these approaches, they can reduce costs, de-risk material price volatility, improve residual values and appeal to a new generation of firms and employees for whom sustainability is a key priority.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

FedEx Named One of the 2016 10 Best Workplaces for African Americans by Great Place to Work® and Fortune

Dec 6, 2016 8:00 AM ET

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) today announced that it was chosen as one of the 2016 10 Best Workplaces for African Americans by global research and consulting firm Great Place to Work® and Fortune. The company ranked #3 on the list, which is based on employees’ assessments of workplace fairness, opportunities for training, and access to senior leadership, among other factors.

Diversity & Inclusion

Aramark Named a Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality

Dec 5, 2016 7:00 PM ET

Aramark, a global leader in food, facilities management and uniforms, proudly announced that it received a perfect score of 100 percent for the third consecutive year on the 2017 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBT workplace equality, administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Aramark joins the ranks of 517 major U.S. businesses which also earned top marks this year.

Education

Focusing on Sustainable Palm Oil

Dec 5, 2016 5:00 PM ET

One of the growing issues concerning sustainability is the production of palm oil.

Palm oil is found in 1 of 10 products in grocery stores, and this list of items includes toothpaste, baby food, deodorant, chocolate, shampoo, and many other products.

Environment

General Motors Corporate Responsibility Newsletter - December 2016

Dec 5, 2016 4:50 PM ET

General Motors Corporate Responsibility Newsletter - December 2016

Health & Healthcare

3 Quality of LifeHacks to Prevent the Spread of Germs at Work

Dec 5, 2016 4:35 PM ET

It’s National Handwashing Awareness Week. Everyone knows that handwashing is key to prevent the spread of germs. This is especially important in the workplace.

Environment

Aramark Enhances Green Thread™ Environmental Sustainability Platform

Dec 5, 2016 4:00 PM ET

Building on the company’s long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability, Aramark today announced a refreshed and enhanced Green Thread environmental sustainability platform. Green Thread brings to life Aramark’s commitments and programs focused on responsible sourcing, waste minimization, operational efficiency and transportation management. As part of Green Thread, the company is also introducing a new Sustainable Seafood Sourcing Policy and a partnership with LeanPath to support food waste tracking and measurement across the company.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

CSX Recognized on Corporate Equality Index

Dec 5, 2016 4:00 PM ET

“CSX believes that the results our people deliver create incredible value to our economy and communities, so we strive to create an inclusive environment that motivates each employee to contribute the best of his or her ability,” said Diana Sorfleet, Chief Human Resources and Chief Diversity Officer. “The diversity of our workforce has never been greater, and, with an evolving marketplace and ever advanced technologies, our commitment to employee excellence will continue to drive our success.”

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

HP Makes CDP Forest A List

Dec 5, 2016 2:50 PM ET

Environment

Innovative Kimberly-Clark Recycling Program Helps Two Midwestern Universities Turn Used Gloves into Eco-Responsible Durable Goods

Dec 5, 2016 2:45 PM ET

The Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Purdue University have diverted almost six tons of waste from landfills through an innovative recycling program that turns used lab gloves and garments into shelving, flowerpots and lawn and garden furniture.

Diversity & Inclusion

What It’s Like to Work at Booz Allen Hamilton, a “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality”

Dec 5, 2016 2:20 PM ET

For the eighth consecutive year, Booz Allen Hamilton has received a perfect score on the Corporate Equality Index (CEI). Administered by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation*, the CEI is a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBT workplace equality.

Health & Healthcare

Pfizer Foundation Grantee Sevamob Uses Entrepreneurial Approach to Provide Low-cost Care in India and South Africa

Dec 5, 2016 2:05 PM ET

Shelley Saxena is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sevamob, which operates 18 mobile clinics in India and South Africa that provide care for more than 20,000 people each month. Shelley is using his entrepreneurial background to redefine expectations about the cost of quality healthcare for low-income patients. Sevamob’s clinics provide critical access to primary and preventive care using a subscription-based model.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

The National Diversity Council Announces 2016 Top 50 Women in Entertainment

Dec 5, 2016 2:00 PM ET

The National Diversity Council announces the 2016 Top 50 Women in Entertainment, a definitive list of female executives, influencers and achievers impacting the entertainment industry. These women have reached the top of their profession and are effective leaders within their organization. They drive change, contribute to business growth, and inspire others to succeed.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Human Rights Campaign Names Diageo as a “Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality” for Ninth Consecutive Year

Dec 5, 2016 1:45 PM ET

Diageo, a global leader in beverage alcohol, is proud to announce that it has earned a perfect score of 100 percent on the 2017 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) workplace equality, administered by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation. Diageo has been consistently placed among the “Best Places to Work” and recognized as a top company supporting equality for LGBT employees. This is the ninth consecutive year Diageo has earned a perfect score on this index.

Education

AT&T and Teach for America Expand Computer Science Opportunities to Serve 2,500 Students in Low-Income Communities

Dec 5, 2016 12:55 PM ET

NEW YORK, Dec. 5, 2016 — Teach For America announced today that it will expand its Computer Science (CS) initiative, bringing high-quality opportunities to teachers and students in seven regions with support from AT&T. Through its signature philanthropic initiative, AT&T Aspire, the technology company will contribute $900,000 over the next two years to provide Udacity Nanodegree credential scholarships to help students learn the skills needed for entry-level jobs in the tech industry, and also to support quality professional development and resources for teachers serving 2,500 students across the Bay Area, Dallas-Fort Worth, Kansas City, New York City, Rio Grande Valley, South Carolina, and Washington D.C.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Human Rights Campaign Awards UPS Perfect Score On Corporate Equality Index

Dec 5, 2016 12:50 PM ET

UPS has earned a perfect score of 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Corporate Equality Index, an annual survey that rates U.S. corporations on their non-discrimination policies and practices toward lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees and consumers.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Astellas Named a Best Place to Work for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equality for Third Consecutive Year

Dec 5, 2016 12:45 PM ET

For the third consecutive year, Astellas has achieved a perfect score on the 2017 Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s (HRC) annual Corporate Equality Index (CEI). The CEI is a national benchmarking tool used to rate companies on policies and practices concerning lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) employee equality.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Duke Energy Donates $100,000 to Firefighters Battling Western Carolinas Wildfires

Dec 5, 2016 12:05 PM ET

The Duke Energy Foundation today announced a donation of $100,000 toward response efforts to battle the devastating wildfires in western North Carolina and South Carolina.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Sodexo Earns Top Marks for Ninth Consecutive Year on HRC’s 2017 Corporate Equality Index

Dec 5, 2016 11:10 AM ET

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Baxter Receives Perfect Score from Human Rights Campaign Foundation

Dec 5, 2016 11:00 AM ET

Baxter International Inc. has again earned a top score of 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2017 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). The CEI is a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality in the workplace.

Diversity & Inclusion

JetBlue Remains at the Top for LGBT Workplace Equality

Dec 5, 2016 10:50 AM ET

JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) announced today that it has received another top score of 100 on the 2017 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). The honor from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation is based on surveys and reports on corporate policies and practices related to LGBT workplace equality.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Google Extension Helps Consumers Make Responsible Purchases

Dec 5, 2016 10:20 AM ET

Just a few years ago, apps were all the rage. In fact, there was an app for just about anything, from ones that let shoppers know if slaves were involved in making products to those that would point you towards companies that align with individual values. Yet, as technology continues to evolve, so too does the world of responsible purchasing. Now, one company is taking the idea of the conscious shopping app one step further, incorporating the technology right into the online shopping experience.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Corporate Support of #GivingTuesday Hits Record Levels

Dec 5, 2016 10:15 AM ET

One of the founding partners of the #GivingTuesday movement announced record levels of corporate support for the global philanthropy movement. According to CECP: The CEO Force for Good, the number in its overall coalition of the world’s largest companies participating in #GivingTuesday 2016 was 82, the highest participation level seen yet. Begun in 2012, #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration.

Innovation & Technology

Infographic: Bright Futures Start with Basic Nutrition

Dec 5, 2016 9:15 AM ET

Events, Media & Communications

Aflac Sponsors Chasing Cancer Event | A Live Program Hosted by The Washington Post

Dec 5, 2016 9:05 AM ET

Aflac, the leader in voluntary insurance sales at the worksite in the United States and longtime supporter of children’s cancer initiatives, will sponsor Chasing Cancer, a live program hosted by The Washington Post.