ESG News from Leading Brands

Social Impact & Volunteering

How a Mindfulness Practice Can Help Transcend Negative Politics

Nov 7, 2016 3:00 PM ET

In this era of sparring bipartisan political agendas and unapologetic mudslinging among campaigning rivals, it can be challenging not to get sucked into a downward spiral of negativity each time you turn on the news or read your feed.

Energy

An Enlightened Energy Solution for Rural Africa

Nov 7, 2016 2:55 PM ET

Solar energy provider Mobisol has joined the Business Call to Action (BCtA) with a commitment to provide 800,000 people and 50,000 small businesses in Kenya with reliable access to solar energy by 2020. In the process, the Berlin-based company plans to create 150 jobs along its value chain and provide training on solar energy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 100,000 tons each year.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Their Mission is Complete; Ours Has Just Begun

Nov 7, 2016 2:40 PM ET

America’s military conflicts of the past decade affected veterans, active duty service members and their families alike. Multiple deployments, frequent moves and long periods of separation can present many challenges and opportunities for military families. So this Veterans Day, as we honor and thank those who have given so much for our country and our freedoms, we also commend the spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents and significant others who provide support and structure to their loved ones throughout their times of service.

Social Impact & Volunteering

We are Among the Lucky Ones

Nov 7, 2016 2:30 PM ET

Marfan syndrome. I never heard of it either until my son, Owen, was diagnosed with the potentially fatal genetic disorder in 2014, when he was 13 years old. We are among the lucky ones. About 200,000 people in the U.S. have Marfan or a related disorder, but half are not diagnosed. Without a diagnosis and treatment, they are at risk of a sudden early death from a tear in their aorta.

Green Infrastructure

Chicago Rises in Ranking of Green Office Space

Nov 7, 2016 1:55 PM ET

Chicago has moved up in a ranking of the nation’s largest metropolises on a recent survey of sustainable office space. According to the 2016 Green Building Adoption Index, over 72% of the Chicago market’s qualified commercial space is certified green, up from 63% last year. And with nearly one-fifth of all commercial buildings in the area certified, Chicago comes in at second on the list of the nation’s 30 largest markets, right behind San Francisco.

Environment

Working Together for Stormwater Solutions in Puget Sound

Nov 7, 2016 1:35 PM ET

No one company, sector, or individual can solve important environmental issues like stormwater.

Diversity & Inclusion

Introducing the Antea Group St. Louis Office!

Nov 7, 2016 1:25 PM ET

The St. Louis office provides services drawing from several of Antea Group's practice areas to the oil and gas, food and beverage, railroad, technology and insurance industries. In addition to traditional remediation and due diligence services, our team also has the technical expertise to complete energy assessments, process safety management (PSM), environmental compliance audits and compliance support that includes stormwater and bulk gasoline storage for a variety of industries.

We have a team in place to provide emergency response support for petroleum pipeline and bulk storage plant spills and overfills, both for the responsible parties and their insurance providers. We serve as their eyes and ears with respect to their emergency response contractors and their mitigation activities

Research, Reports & Publications

Caterpillar Enterprise System Group Review

Nov 7, 2016 1:00 PM ET

Caterpillar Enterprise System Group is facilitating and supporting the strategy to achieve Enterprise Excellence by working deeply with the strategic businesses to align the enterprise, drive action and deliver superior results.

Events, Media & Communications

Michigan Diversity Council Highlights Leadership Excellence at 2016 Michigan Diversity & Leadership Conference

Nov 7, 2016 1:00 PM ET

The Michigan Diversity Council will be hosting the 2016 Michigan Diversity and Leadership Conference on November 15, 2016 at Wayne State University. The conference will feature multiple speakers presenting on a variety of topics. In addition, business leaders will be recognized with a series of awards highlighting their commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This year’s theme is “Diversity: Driving Business Forward.”

Environment

Honda Reports on its Environmental Performance and Progress in 2016 North American Report

Nov 7, 2016 1:00 PM ET

Honda's North American Environmental Report details results of environmental activities and highlights Honda’s efforts to reduce its environmental footprint

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

MicroEdge + Blackbaud Webinar: Top 5 Strategies for Corporate Giving and Engagement Programs

Nov 7, 2016 11:50 AM ET

With 2017 in view, now is the perfect time to take a look at your corporate giving and engagement strategy to ensure you’re set up for success next year and into the future. With this in mind, there’s still time to register to join our upcoming corporate giving and engagement webinar presented by Andrew Troup, Director of Corporate Giving & Engagement Strategy at MicroEdge + Blackbaud.

Innovation & Technology

Autonomous Driving: As Far-Fetched as a Unicorn?

Nov 7, 2016 11:05 AM ET

"Hi, I'm Carla-15. I'm a driverless car. Do you want to see what I do at night?" So begins the new children's book from moovel labs. The aim is to familiarise children in simple terms with the complex concept of autonomous driving. What have children's reactions been?

Research, Reports & Publications

General Motors Corporate Responsibility Newsletter - November 2016

Nov 7, 2016 11:00 AM ET

Global efforts to increase energy efficiency play a significant part in GM’s goal of meeting the electricity needs of its worldwide operations with 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. Sixteen GM facilities recently earned ENERGY STAR recognition for continued efforts to increase energy efficiency.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Volunteers Thrill Kids at Boys & Girls Club

Nov 7, 2016 11:00 AM ET

Two dozen kids from the Benton Harbor Boys & Girls Club crowded around a television set in the drama room, which was connected by a wire to a laptop computer.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Focusing on Foster Care Adoption

Nov 7, 2016 10:35 AM ET

All children deserve loving, permanent homes. That is the motivation behind the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption’s celebration of National Adoption Month -- a nationwide campaign that focuses on foster care adoption.

Environment

Carnival is Making a Commitment to Protect the Environment

Nov 7, 2016 10:30 AM ET

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

New Cone Research Reveals Millennials are Challenging Employee Engagement Norms

Nov 7, 2016 10:15 AM ET

Last year, Millennials surpassed Gen Xers as the largest generation in the workforce. They are our managers of today and our executives of tomorrow – and they're changing the face of employee engagement.

We are pleased to share our newly-released 2016 Cone Communications Millennial Employee Engagement Study, a deep-dive into the expectations, attitudes and motivations of Millennials in the workforce. The study reveals that meaningful engagement around CSR is a business – and bottom line –imperative, impacting a company's ability to appeal to, retain and inspire Millennial talent.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

James E. Starr Named President and CEO of America’s Charities

Nov 7, 2016 10:05 AM ET

Environment

The Gorton’s Fisherman Trusts Oil-Free Air

Nov 7, 2016 9:45 AM ET

Sustainability drives compressed air upgrades at major seafood facility.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Download Your EHS Guide to Global Expansion

Nov 7, 2016 9:30 AM ET

Navigating the cultural and regulatory terrain that comes with expanding into a new country can be tricky without an experienced guide. Antea Group is here to take you on a journey through EHS compliance, walking you through the various considerations and obstacles you face during global expansion.

Download the comprehensive EHS Guide to Global Expansion today on the Antea Group website and be ready for the journey ahead.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Working Locally to Support Healthy, Happy Pets

Nov 7, 2016 9:05 AM ET

Whether it’s researching the latest pet health innovation or reaching out to help at-risk pet owners find a safe place to stay, at Purina we believe in putting in the work to benefit people and their pets. The communities where we live and work are very important to us, and we think we have a responsibility to give something back. That’s why we’re delighted to have worked with Rescue Rebuild to help a local animal shelter continue their already-great work long into the future.

Education

IBM and Shaw University: An EPIC Partnership

Nov 7, 2016 8:40 AM ET

Read what the President of Shaw University has to say about how IBM’s pioneering Impact Grant for Strategic Planning has opened the door to future relationships between large corporations and HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges & Universities).

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Ingersoll Rand Awarded Leadership Status in CDP’s Annual Climate Change Report

Nov 7, 2016 8:30 AM ET

The annual Global Climate Change Report from CDP awarded Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR), a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments, leadership status with a final letter grade of A-. The report and grading award is based on analysis of the current state of corporate climate action.

Innovation & Technology

WE DO. Print Runs the Perfect Apprentice Scheme for Disadvantaged Youth

Nov 7, 2016 8:00 AM ET

Rising tuition fees and low pay for UK graduates has led to a rapid rise in apprenticeships, as young people seek an alternative to academic qualifications. However, children in care face unique challenges with disruptions at home and school and is reflected in the grades they achieve, which can then hamper their entry criteria for apprenticeships. Therefore, to level the playing field, when an employer considers whether to take on a disadvantaged young person, their potential to complete the course and do well should be taken into account, along with their entry qualifications.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Subaru of America and MWWPR Take Home Two Platinum PR Awards for Driving Home the Shocking Need for Pet Safety

Nov 4, 2016 6:40 PM ET

Subaru of America and agency of record MWWPR have been honored with two 2016 Platinum PR Awards from PRNews for the 2015 pet safety campaign. A winner in both the Media Relations and PSA categories, the campaign successfully raised awareness for pet lovers everywhere on the importance of protecting pets when traveling and was recognized during a ceremony in New York, NY on October 19, 2016.