ESG News from Leading Brands

Social Impact & Volunteering

Planting Corporate Gardens: How ScottsMiracle-Gro Associates Are Spreading Their Love for Gardening

Jun 4, 2019 9:00 AM ET

We first started encouraging associates to garden on company property at our Marysville, Ohio world headquarters in 1943 in support of the World War II Victory Garden movement. During that time, Americans were encouraged to grow their own food supply, and we offered associates land on which to grow edible gardens. Flash forward 75 years. Today, our corporate gardens have flourished into 77 raised beds with over 3,000 square feet of growing space. More than 250 associates plant and tend the gardens each growing season.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

People Power Microcredit: Whole Planet Foundation’s Daniel Zoltani

Jun 4, 2019 9:00 AM ET

Each month, we will take you behind the scenes to introduce you to the teams that are dedicated to empowering the world’s poorest people to become entrepreneurs. You will meet Field Officers, volunteers, and Whole Planet Foundation staff. Through their stories you will get a glimpse into a day on the job—whether it is in Austin, Texas or Huehuetenango, Guatemala.

Education

Transporting Today's Tech for Tomorrow's Leaders

Jun 4, 2019 9:00 AM ET

For over 10 years, FedEx has donated shipping valued at more than $15 million to FIRST competitions around the world.

Sustainable Development Goals

The Private Sector Must Take Urgent Action to Stop the Deterioration of Ocean Health, Says New Report

Jun 4, 2019 1:05 AM ET

Private companies have a vested interest in maintaining and improving the health of the ocean, according to a new report published by the United Nations Global Compact and developed in consultation with 300 representatives of business, civil society and academia. A healthy marine environment is not only necessary for many companies’ long-term operations, but it can offer significant business opportunities too.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

GLIDE’s 20th annual eBay for Charity Power Lunch with Warren Buffett Sold for a record-breaking $4,567,888

Jun 3, 2019 5:30 PM ET

GLIDE’s annual eBay for Charity Auction for a Power Lunch with Warren Buffett, sold to the highest bidder for $4,567,888.The record-breaking sale coincides with the 20th anniversary of the legendary auction, which to date has provided over $30 million to support GLIDE’s comprehensive suite of social services that help San Francisco’s most vulnerable residents. Justin Sun, founder of blockchain platform TRON and CEO of peer-to-peer streaming leader BitTorrent, is this year’s winner. Sun and up to seven invited guests get to attend a private lunch with Buffett at Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse in New York City.

Energy

Duke Energy Florida to Build Its Largest Battery Storage Projects Yet

Jun 3, 2019 5:15 PM ET

Duke Energy Florida (DEF) today announced three battery storage projects, totaling 22 megawatts, that will improve overall reliability and support critical services during power outages.Collectively, the storage facilities will enhance grid operations, increase efficiencies and improve overall reliability for surrounding communities.

Environment

World Environment Day 2019

Jun 3, 2019 5:05 PM ET

First held in 1974, World Environment Day (celebrated on June 5th each year) is a day for raising awareness about environmental issues that need our attention including, human overpopulation, global warming, pollution, and conservation.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Helping Grow Stronger Neighborhoods – in More Ways Than One

Jun 3, 2019 4:35 PM ET

Moya Elementary School in Southwest Phoenix has a new community garden and soccer field plus other improvements thanks to Rebuilding Together Valley of the Sun and 150 volunteers from Republic Services.

Innovation & Technology

Bias in the Machine: How AI Fails Us and How We Can Fix It

Jun 3, 2019 3:45 PM ET

Most AI systems need to see millions of examples to learn to do a task. But using real-world data to train these algorithms means that historical and contemporary biases against marginalized groups like women, people of color and the LGBTQ community get baked into the programs. “It’s humans that are biased and the data that we generated that is training the AI to be biased,” says Andrew Bolwell, HP’s global head of tech strategy and ventures. “It’s a human problem that humans need to take ownership of.”

Environment

Partners in Purpose: Smithfield Foods Announces Zero-Waste-To-Landfill Initiative

Jun 3, 2019 3:20 PM ET

Smithfield Foods strengthened its commitment to sustainability through a new zero-waste-to-landfill initiative. The company will reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills by 75%, and turn 75% of their facilities into zero-waste-to-landfill operations by 2025. Currently, one quarter of Smithfield Foods' facilities are certified as zero-waste-to-landfill, and reuse or recycle at least 50% of all waste generated.

Environment

JetBlue to GreenUp® All Flights This June by Offsetting Carbon Emissions for All Customers Traveling Throughout the Month

Jun 3, 2019 3:00 PM ET

To kick-off the busy summer travel season while keeping carbon offsetting top of mind, JetBlue (Nasdaq: JBLU) today announced it will offset the carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) for all JetBlue customers flying throughout the month of June. JetBlue is partnering with Carbonfund.org Foundation, an environmental non-profit organization, to offset CO2 for all scheduled JetBlue flights from June 1 to June 30, 2019.

Diversity & Inclusion

Building A More Inclusive Michigan Workforce

Jun 3, 2019 2:45 PM ET

In August 2018, we hosted a Diversity and Inclusion Summit with more than 200 guests from companies and organizations throughout Michigan. During the opening session, more than 15 Consumers Energy coworkers shared personal and not immediately visible details about themselves to demonstrate the value of including everyone using #IncludeMe.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

The Responsible Business Summit West Returns for 2019

Jun 3, 2019 1:30 PM ET

Leaders from HPE, UN Environment, Microsoft, Fedex, CDP, DSM & Metlife confirmed for San Diego Flagship

Social Impact & Volunteering

Building Nonprofit Technology Capacity Through Tech Pro Bono

Jun 3, 2019 1:15 PM ET

Transforming Technology Pro Bono is a practical guide released by Taproot Foundation and VMware for companies, philanthropies, and volunteers who are looking to offer pro bono as well as nonprofits who are looking to lead their own technology pro bono projects. In this compilation, new research is combined with the previously released Solution Development Framework to provide a comprehensive approach infused with best practices from the technology sector.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Supporting Local Communities Through Second Annual Global Legal CARES Day

Jun 3, 2019 1:05 PM ET

In May, Astellas celebrated its second annual Global Legal Community Advocacy, Representation and Service (CARES) Day. Globally, employees from the Legal and Intellectual Property (IP) departments gave back to their local communities through volunteerism and pro bono legal advice in a series of events throughout the month of May.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

MilliporeSigma Employee Spotlight: Jane Murray

Jun 3, 2019 12:55 PM ET

As part of our employee spotlight series, we’re sitting down with Jane Murray, global head of green chemistry at MilliporeSigma, to learn more about the work she’s doing to move the needle. The life science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany operates as MilliporeSigma in the U.S. and Canada.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Walmart, Sam’s Club and Walmart.org Double Commitment for Spring Storm and Flood Disaster Relief in the Midwest and South, Bringing Total Support to $1 Million

Jun 3, 2019 12:05 PM ET

With rain and flooding continuing and expected to worsen across much of the Midwest and South, and communities in Ohio, Kansas, Missouri, Indiana, and Texas still experiencing ongoing relief needs due to the recent outbreak of tornados, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Walmart.org have committed to double the support provided so far this spring, bringing the total commitment to $1 million.

Energy

National Grid Launches First-of-Its-Kind Battery Storage System

Jun 3, 2019 12:05 PM ET

National Grid unveiled a new battery storage system in Pulaski, New York, that will reinforce electricity reliability for regional customers during periods of peak demand, and alleviate the need for traditional infrastructure upgrades and investments. State and local officials joined company representatives and project partner Aggreko for a ribbon-cutting event at National Grid’s East Pulaski substation. The installation is the first-of-its kind battery storage system in the company’s U.S. service area.

Diversity & Inclusion

Culture Spotlight with Cass Averill: Sometimes Being Excluded Has Lifelong Effects

Jun 3, 2019 11:45 AM ET

In today's Culture Spotlight, Cass A. shares stories of being excluded because he was obese as a kid, starting a transgender support group, what it really takes to be an ally, and how Symantec has supported his professional and personal journey over the last twelve years.

Environment

Practitioner Spotlight--Peter Masson

Jun 3, 2019 11:35 AM ET

Antea Group showcases Peter Masson, a consultant who is well-versed in environmental impact assessments and more.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Viacom Awards Employees Who Exemplify Volunteerism with the Viacommunity Awards

Jun 3, 2019 11:35 AM ET

Viacom’s Corporate Social Responsibility force has a simple mission – to better the communities which Viacom serves, and to make a positive social impact on the people and areas where we work and live. Each year Viacom employees nominate fellow employees who have done great work in the sphere of social good for the Viacommunity Awards. Through this award, employees are empowered to go out and promote change for a chance to win a $10,000 donation for a non-profit organization of their choice.

This year, the Viacommunity Awards honor Elena Nebiolo and Amy Eicher. Both embody the Viacommunity spirit and values of creative excellence, teamwork, opportunity and inclusion. Read on to learn more about their award-winning volunteerism and the causes they elevate year-round.

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

India’s Largest Wine Producer Is Helping Its Customers Sip More Sustainably

Jun 3, 2019 11:20 AM ET

Last year, global wine production rose to near-record highs, reaching a harvest of 292.3 million hectoliters – that’s more than 7.7 billion gallons. In the U.S. alone, domestic and imported wine sales reached $70.5 billion. The world clearly loves wine.

But, few industries feel the perils of climate change more directly than the wine industry. And with temperatures expected to only become more extreme, wineries are being forced to consider the long-term risk a changing climate will have on their business.

Energy

Ecocentricity Blog: Pennies on the Dollar

Jun 3, 2019 11:15 AM ET

Fuel costs for electric vehicles kick the pants off of internal combustion engine vehicles (same goes for maintenance costs, by the way).

Research, Reports & Publications

Southern California Edison: How to Build EV-Ready Communities

Jun 3, 2019 10:45 AM ET

With more than 500,000 plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) on California’s roads,1 and millions more to come, many local officials understand that getting their communities EV-ready is not only a sustainability best practice but also an economic development opportunity. California is leading the EV adoption trend within the United States, with approximately half of all EVs on the road in the U.S. registered here.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

General Mills Foundation | FareShare Food Partner

Jun 3, 2019 10:30 AM ET