ESG News from Leading Brands

Innovation & Technology

Advancing Economic Inclusion Through Innovative Digital Solutions

Jun 24, 2016 10:05 AM ET

How can educators unlock the potential of open education resources on the web? How can a company become more accessible to the disabled? Where do you find employment opportunities for marginalized people with basic skills? How can you help struggling students to graduate?

Responsible Production & Consumption

The Hershey Company Sets Ambitious Goals to Address Priority Issues

Jun 24, 2016 10:05 AM ET

In late 2015, the Hershey Company announced ambitious new goals to significantly reduce our environmental impact, increase our purchase of responsibly sourced ingredients and become a recognized leader in employee diversity.

Research, Reports & Publications

Promoting Increased Mobility in the Retail and Adjacent Sectors

Jun 24, 2016 9:00 AM ET

Environment

Championing a Culture of Optimism at Sappi North America

Jun 24, 2016 9:00 AM ET

The rapidly changing world around us is having a widespread impact on just about everything: global economies, industries, markets, consumer trends and our planet’s resources. As a company, we are embracing this reality with a focused strategy and some very clear objectives.

Health & Healthcare

Reimagine Survivorship

Jun 24, 2016 8:00 AM ET

From 2010-2015, LIVESTRONG’s Community Impact Project (CIP) invested nearly $4 million to replicate 12 proven, outcomes-based cancer survivorship programs in nearly 600 communities across the country. One of those programs, Pillars 4 Life (now known as Reimagine.me) is now available to even more cancer survivors through their new online platform. Founder Kristin MacDermott, shares information below on how survivors can use this program to navigate the roller-coaster of emotions after treatment.

Research, Reports & Publications

UniCredit Integrated Report Details the Group’s Sustainable Value Creation

Jun 24, 2016 5:00 AM ET

The Integrated Report details UniCredit’s commitment to generating value over time, illustrating its efforts to be an effective and efficient Group. The Report presents a comprehensive account of the financial and sustainable performance of the Company. In particular, it describes the actions undertaken consistently with UniCredit’s purpose: bringing prosperity to individuals, enterprises and communities.

Environment

Guest Post: In Shaping the Future of Mobility, Convenience, Reliability Still Key

Jun 24, 2016 1:15 AM ET

General Motors Chairman and CEO Mary Barra has said the automotive industry will change more in the next five years than it has in the last 50. Here’s some proof just from our operations.

Environment

World’s First MSC Certification of Recreational Fishery Alongside Commercial Counterpart

Jun 24, 2016 1:00 AM ET

Recreational fishers were recognized for their efforts to engage in sustainable fishing practices in a landmark Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification. At a ceremony Friday in Mandurah, Western Australia, third-party certifier SCS Global Services presented the first-ever MSC certificate to Recfishwest, who along with the commercial Mandurah Licensed Fishermen's Association (MLFA), earned the coveted certification for the Western Australian Peel Harvey Estuarine Fishery. This achievement sets an important precedent for recreational fisheries everywhere.

Environment

National Geographic Brings President Obama to Yosemite to Record The White House's First Ever VR Experience

Jun 23, 2016 10:00 PM ET

National Geographic partnered with Facebook and Félix & Paul Studios to create The White House's first ever 360-degree virtual reality video experience during President Barack Obama's June 18 visit to Yosemite National Park. Audiences will have the chance to view the VR video later this summer, along with a full interview between the President and Richard Bacon, host of Explorer on 21st Century Fox's National Geographic Channel. The interview will be broadcast as part of National Geographic's Power of Parks initiative, a year-long programming push to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Parks Service.

Environment

The Smart City Solution

Jun 23, 2016 9:00 PM ET

Today, 80 percent of us live in cities, an explosive growth in urbanization that shows no sign of slowing down. But what are the consequences of this rapid change — for us and for our planet? As our populations condense around cities, we face tremendous challenges and exciting opportunities to make city life better and more sustainable. The key? Make our cities "smart."

Events, Media & Communications

Business Leaders Endorse Sustainable Development Goals as Framework for Shaping Corporate Strategies

Jun 23, 2016 7:35 PM ET

At the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit 2016, more than 600 business leaders from 75 countries joined leaders from civil society, the UN and Government to advance private sector actions for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Opened yesterday at United Nations Headquarters by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the second day of the Summit focused on how companies can transform their business models to responsibly meet the needs of society, tap into new markets and achieve success.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Versaic's Financial Clients Making a Difference- June 2016

Jun 23, 2016 6:10 PM ET

From banking clients, M&T, Citi, and Fifth Third to Highmark and Dr. Pepper Snapple...check out some of our client's philanthropic stories below. We hope their good work will inspire you in your quest for making an impact in your community!

Responsible Production & Consumption

Effective Compliance & Ethics Programs Reduce Federal Fines by up to 95%

Jun 23, 2016 5:35 PM ET

Last year, the U.S. Sentencing Commission released a set of guidelines for fines assessed to organizations found responsible for federal offenses. The guidelines specify that companies with an “effective compliance and ethics program in place,” including those supported by a third party service provider, can qualify to have their fines reduced by up to 95%.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Forest City Celebrates 13th Annual Community Day

Jun 23, 2016 5:25 PM ET

On Friday, June 24, more than 650 associates of Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: FCEA and FCEB), will participate in the company's 13th annual Community Day, a paid day of service benefitting non-profit organizations in many of the cities where the company has a presence. This year, associates from more than 65 Forest City locations will come together to provide assistance to charities and agencies in their respective communities.

Innovation & Technology

Utilities Progressively Move Toward Automation Programs to Boost Reliability

Jun 23, 2016 5:00 PM ET

Old and obsolete equipment and lack of integration of automation into the overall enterprise – coupled with reliability mandates – have created an environment ripe for the adoption of distribution automation and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) programs for utilities.

Education

Driving Employment Opportunities for First Nations

Jun 23, 2016 4:50 PM ET

TransCanada-sponsored Building Environmental Aboriginal Human Resources (BEAHR) program helps build strong futures for Indigenous Peoples, such as Curve Lake First Nation resident Paige Williams, who is following her passion to pursue a career as a biologist.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Two Startups Addressing Digital and Financial Inclusion Each Receive $50,000 Investments from the Points of Light Civic Accelerator

Jun 23, 2016 4:05 PM ET

ATLANTA, GA (June 22, 2016) – The Points of Light Civic Accelerator announced today that it will invest $50,000 each in New York On Tech and PYT Funds – one nonprofit and one for-profit startup. Both are creating greater opportunities for all to succeed in the digital economy by launching new models to increase financial and digital inclusion.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Nasdaq President Addresses Sustainability Reporting

Jun 23, 2016 3:30 PM ET

“If we make the make the mandatory standard too high, it will stifle the ability for entrepreneurial companies, and particularly small businesses, to get access to capital to grow, create jobs, create wealth and improve the overall economy,” Friedman told the UN audience. “Therefore it is a balance that we have to strike between mandatory and voluntary standards.”

Environment

Strong Water Risk Management Urged by Nestlé Waters Sustainability Chief

Jun 23, 2016 3:00 PM ET

There is a pressing need for companies to address water risks in their supply chain, according to well-known sustainability innovator Nelson Switzer, chief sustainability officer for Nestlé Waters North America, speaking at a national environmental conference today.

Research, Reports & Publications

Caterpillar's Commitment to Alternative and Renewable Energy

Jun 23, 2016 3:00 PM ET

Across Caterpillar’s global operations, our employees are exploring ways to incorporate alternative and renewable energies to improve our safety, efficiency and sustainability performance. In 2015, 27.1 percent of our electrical energy was from renewable or alternative sources.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Avnet Interns Make a Difference at St. Mary’s Food Bank

Jun 23, 2016 2:30 PM ET

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Sodexo Employee Business Resource Groups Award $45,000 in Community Grants

Jun 23, 2016 2:05 PM ET

Sodexo Employee Business Resource Groups Award $45,000 in Community Grants

Funds for the award grants were generated through the proceeds from Sodexo’s Technology Recycling Program

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

There’s a Clear Path for Business on Sustainability, Finds United Nations Global Compact-Accenture Strategy Study

Jun 23, 2016 1:35 PM ET

The United Nations Global Compact-Accenture Strategy CEO Study 2016, Agenda 2030: A Window of Opportunity, finds business leaders accepting a mandate to take the lead in solving societal challenges. The survey of more than 1,000 CEOs, who are already committed to sustainability through their participation in the UN Global Compact, shows that they now see a unique opportunity to reshape their industries and accelerate progress towards the SDGs.

Health & Healthcare

New Report Aims to Help Health Care Sector Address Inequalities in Access to Specialty Care

Jun 23, 2016 1:30 PM ET

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Bloomberg Philanthropies Support 'Extravaganza Macabre' Launch at Battersea Arts Centre

Jun 23, 2016 1:30 PM ET

Extravaganza Macabre is the latest in a series of Playground Projects at Battersea Arts Centre supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, which over the last ten years has supported projects with lasting legacies that touch every part of the organisation.