ESG News from Leading Brands

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Breaking Down the Borders of Education

Apr 3, 2017 2:40 PM ET

We take our mobile devices for granted. Always on. Always connected. NGO Télécoms Sans Frontières, with support of AT&T Foundation and AT&T, is using this technology to deliver education to young refugees in Syria.

Because when trouble strikes, connectivity can be tricky. And it’s not just natural disasters. For some, their homes, neighborhoods or entire cities may be a war zone – weeks, months or years of conflict reducing the local infrastructure to piles of smoking rubbl

Diversity & Inclusion

Cox Enterprises Announces $25,000 Grant to Support the League of United Latin American Citizens

Apr 3, 2017 2:30 PM ET

Cox Enterprises announced a $25,000 grant to the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) to expand its Empower Hispanic America with Technology (EHAT) network to Georgia. The program serves to empower the Hispanic community by increasing access to and utilization of key telecommunication technologies.

Social Impact & Volunteering

From Lonely Lunches to Anti-Bullying App, How One Teen Helps Others Create Kindness in Schools

Apr 3, 2017 2:15 PM ET

In 7th and 8th grade, Natalie Hampton faced a terrible bullying experience. Every day, she ate lunch by herself and dealt with the pain and isolation that comes from being the outsider. She decided she wanted to give bullied kids an ally – not just in her Sherman Oakes, California, school, but in schools around the country.

Diversity & Inclusion

PayPal's Jayashree Sundaresan Channels Energy Into Positive Work

Apr 3, 2017 2:00 PM ET

It's not in her job title, but PayPal's Jayashree Sundaresan is a technology leader as well as a people person. Personal success, she says, is to help others succeed – from guiding her engineers as Director of Global Operations Product Development, to mentoring women re-entering the tech world. It all starts with her relentless energy, which she applies to leading successful projects at work to exercising (she has a mean badminton game), to event planning in her community and even singing.

Responsible Production & Consumption

More Dirt on General Mills’ Sustainable Agriculture Goals

Apr 3, 2017 1:55 PM ET

General Mills publicly has stated that climate change has long-term effects on its business: Drought and flood decrease access to raw materials, and changing weather disrupts deliveries. But overall, agriculture still accounts for 9 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, and farming is the world’s second-largest industrial emitter.

Environment

Water: Our Shared Challenge, Our Shared Opportunity

Apr 3, 2017 1:30 PM ET

Last Wednesday, we took a moment to pause and consider the challenges and opportunities of our greatest natural resource: water.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

U.S. Chamber Foundation Seeks Nominations to Recognize Top Corporate Citizens

Apr 3, 2017 1:30 PM ET

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today began the nomination process for its annual Citizens Awards, which recognize businesses for their positive impact on society.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Small Steps Make Vegetables a Healthy Habit

Apr 3, 2017 1:30 PM ET

It’s easy to get stuck in a routine—and oftentimes those routines don’t include making sure everyone in your house gets the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables each day.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Another Birdie as the Aflac Duck lands at the Shell Houston Open

Apr 3, 2017 1:05 PM ET

In its first ever appearance at a PGA TOUR event, the Aflac Duck attended the Shell Houston Open this past Saturday.

Education

Beyond the Books: Creating a Campus Community

Apr 3, 2017 1:00 PM ET

For students, the college experience is a pivotal time of growth. Not only are these individuals learning new concepts and theories through their studies, many are also taking that first initial jump from childhood to adulthood as they navigate life with an increased sense of independence. Whether these students live on campus or commute from home, their experience at college shapes their first impression of life beyond the books. Because of this, providing the foundation for a robust campus community not only enhances the student experience but improves students’ quality of life.

Events, Media & Communications

GreenBiz and WBCSD to Partner on “30 Under 30” Recognition

Apr 3, 2017 12:15 PM ET

GreenBiz Group and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) will collaborate on the 2017 “GreenBiz 30 Under 30” recognition, honoring emerging leaders in sustainable business, the organizations announced today.

The alliance is conducting a global search, just launched, to identify and honor a diverse group of young men and women “who are tackling some of the toughest sustainability challenges in business, from inside big companies, at the helm of startups or in the nonprofit sector,” according to the online submission page.

Environment

The Value of EHS Consulting & Management Services

Apr 3, 2017 11:30 AM ET

Antea Group’s EHS consulting and management services span the automotive, chemical, food and beverage, oil and gas, railroad and technology industry segments. Find out how Antea Group and its global partners can work with you to create custom, fit-for-purpose EHS solutions that will help you manage risk today and drive continuous improvement tomorrow.

Environment

Climate Progress, With or Without Trump

Apr 3, 2017 11:20 AM ET

President Trump’s unfortunate and misguided rollback of environmental protections has led to a depressing and widespread belief that the United States can no longer meet its commitment under the Paris climate change agreement. But here’s the good news: It’s wrong.

Research, Reports & Publications

Making a Difference: Accenture 2016 Corporate Citizenship Report Features Progress on Skills Training, Sustainability and Closing the Gender Gap

Apr 3, 2017 11:15 AM ET

Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has published its 2016 Corporate Citizenship Report “Making a Difference,” detailing its commitment to a more inclusive and sustainable world.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

P&G and Whirlpool Partner to Bring Clean Laundry to Earthquake-Stricken Italy

Apr 3, 2017 11:15 AM ET

When it comes to disaster relief, it's all hands on deck – and companies are stepping up in increasing numbers to provide donations, products and services to help those in need. Although some schools of thought may suggest steering clear of in-kind donations, with the right partner these donations can make all the difference on the ground. Now, two major companies are joining forces to deliver just the type of help needed in the wake of disaster.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Join the #HomeIsTheKey Twitter Party!

Apr 3, 2017 10:50 AM ET

Join Habitat for Humanity’s Twitter party on Wednesday, April 5 from 2-3 p.m. EDT! Simply follow @Habitat_org and use our official hashtag, #HomeIsTheKey.

Environment

The Journey To Corporate Zero-Waste-To-Landfill

Apr 3, 2017 10:35 AM ET

Social Impact & Volunteering

CSX Partner Spotlight: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

Apr 3, 2017 10:30 AM ET

CSX’s community investment strategy is supported by a strong group of national nonprofit partner organizations who collaborate with the company to address real community needs across four focus areas: Safety, Community, Environment and Wellness.

Events, Media & Communications

Reporting 3.0 Convenes Working Group Meeting and Virtual Dialogue to Review Reporting and Data Blueprint Exposure Drafts 2.0 in Advance of May 30-31 Conference

Apr 3, 2017 10:30 AM ET

Last week, Reporting 3.0 convened a second Working Group Meeting to review the Exposure Draft 2.0 versions of the Reporting Blueprint and Data Blueprint. Paul Hurks of the Dutch Federation of Accountants (NBA) graciously hosted the gathering at the NBA meeting space in Amsterdam. During the two days, Working Group members provided constructive feedback on the Exposure Drafts, focusing particularly on the Recommendations. To get a glimpse at the content presented and discussed during the Working Group Meeting, please see the Presentations linked below:

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Cox and The Trust For Public Land Launch Arizona’s 2017 Cox Conserves Heroes Awards Program

Apr 3, 2017 10:00 AM ET

Local judging panels, comprised of civic and environmental leaders, will select three finalists who then compete to be named Arizona’s 2017 Cox Conserves Hero. The winner, chosen through an online public vote, will receive $10,000 to donate to his or her selected nonprofit beneficiary. The two finalists each will receive $5,000 for their nonprofits of choice.

Environment

Subaru Renews Partnership with the National Wildlife Federation for 2017 “Subaru Loves the Earth”

Apr 3, 2017 10:00 AM ET

Subaru of America, Inc. is once again partnering with the National Wildlife Federation to help preserve wildlife and their habitats through the automaker’s environmentally-focused philanthropic platform, Subaru Loves the Earth. With wildlife declining by over 58% percent due to habitat loss, Subaru and the National Wildlife Federation are raising awareness of this important issue by creating over 400 new Certified Wildlife Habitats at local schools and spearheading hands-on educational programs.

Innovation & Technology

Final Week to Apply for Techstars Atlanta

Apr 3, 2017 10:00 AM ET

Techstars Atlanta, presented in partnership with Cox Enterprises, is accepting applications for its 2017 class through April 9th. Techstars is an internationally recognized accelerator program that boosts entrepreneurs' early stage business and product development efforts through focused education, mentorship and funding.

Environment

Xylem Watermark | Preventing Waterborne Illness in India

Apr 3, 2017 9:30 AM ET

Since 2008, Xylem Watermark has completed more than 5000 water projects across India, providing access to clean, safe drinking water to over 484,000 people to help prevent water related illness.

Health & Healthcare

Improving Indoor Spaces Through Delos™ Research and IBM Technology Data Insights

Apr 3, 2017 9:15 AM ET

What if we knew that clean indoor air could help businesses improve corporate strategy? What if we understood how different artificial indoor lights were affecting our health, performance and sleeping patterns? Delos research is now providing the tools and knowledge to measure and build for occupant health.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Banking on the Community: Why Barclays is Giving Space to Credit Unions

Apr 3, 2017 9:05 AM ET

It may seem counter intuitive for a bank to give free office space, training and support to another finance provider. But that’s exactly what Barclays branches in Essex are doing – in a pioneering partnership with a not-for-profit credit union.