ESG News from Leading Brands

Environment

Kate Williams: 1 Percent For The Planet

Aug 1, 2018 11:45 AM ET

When you read about the giant islands of plastic garbage in our oceans, or see time-lapsed photos of diminishing arctic sea ice, in order to stave off the helpless feeling that creeps up into your throat, do you ever reach into your wallet intending to donate to an organization that’s making a difference? But then you may hesitate. To whom should you give to have the greatest impact?

Sustainable Development Goals

For Its 10th Anniversary, BCtA Is Looking Towards the Future!

Aug 1, 2018 11:45 AM ET

Since 2008, the Business Call to Action has reached truly global scale. Now over 200 members strong, our member companies serve low-income populations in growing and emerging economies. Through our key accomplishments and successes, we invite you to reflect on our shared history and take part in the great work ahead—to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities.

Research, Reports & Publications

HP’s Sustainability Criteria Helped Generate $700M in New Revenue

Aug 1, 2018 11:25 AM ET

HP Inc. says that sustainable impact was a key differentiator for more than $700 million in new business last year. The company’s newly published 2017 Sustainable Impact Report shows a 38% year-over-year increase in sales bids with sustainability requirements.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Walmart Foundation and Tyson Foods Invest in Region’s Inclusion Efforts

Aug 1, 2018 11:00 AM ET

With strong financial support from Tyson Foods and Walmart Foundation, EngageNWA, which operates as part of the Northwest Arkansas Council, launched its strategic plan with the goal to enhance the region’s ability to ensure an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone who makes Northwest Arkansas home.

Research, Reports & Publications

eBook | Stand or Sit: Changing Roles of Companies & CR Directors in Politically Divisive Times

Aug 1, 2018 10:45 AM ET

Learn how to approach potentially divisive issues, when to weigh in and why remaining neutral is not always the best option.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Pioneering a People-Centered Approach to Corporate Philanthropy

Aug 1, 2018 10:45 AM ET

In 1943, long before corporate social responsibility (CSR) became a catchphrase, Johnson & Johnson Chairman Robert Wood Johnson wrote the company’s now-famous “Our Credo,” which states that the company must be “responsible to the communities in which we live and work and to the world community as well.” While language like this is commonplace in corporate America today, when Johnson wrote those words, it was considered extraordinary for a company to put people before profit, and to claim that an obligation to help better society was embedded in its mission.

Environment

Generating Power From the Roads

Aug 1, 2018 10:30 AM ET

As scientists and companies work on cleaning up cars, there’s also a team developing new technology along a road in rural Georgia in the United States, with the aim of making a truly sustainable highway.

Research, Reports & Publications

To Be Successful, New Study Says Business Should Lead With This

Aug 1, 2018 10:10 AM ET

Eighty-five percent of Americans say they would likely support a purpose-driven company in their community, while more than two-thirds (68%) say they would want to work for that company.This and other insightful data was just published in the 2018 Cone/Porter Novelli Purpose Study from public relations agency Porter Novelli who recently announced the launch of its global Purpose Practice, specializing in purpose-driven brand strategy and communications.

Events, Media & Communications

Erb Managing Director, Shadow Companies in Palm Oil Supply Chains, and Business’s Social License to Operate: A Conversation with Innovation Forum’s Ian Walsh

Aug 1, 2018 10:05 AM ET

While in London recently, Erb Institute Managing Director, Terry Nelidov sat down with Ian Welsh at Innovation Forum to discuss trends in how companies approach their social license to operate, and why it is increasingly regarded as essential.

Events, Media & Communications

Earth Overshoot Day: How BOLD Ideas Help to Move the Date

Aug 1, 2018 10:05 AM ET

Health & Healthcare

Merck Foundation and Marshall Health Announce New Initiative to Address Opioid Epidemic in West Virginia

Aug 1, 2018 9:45 AM ET

With a $2 million grant from the Foundation payable over four years, the System is an innovative, comprehensive approach that aims to reduce opioid overdoses and overdose deaths, improve access to substance abuse prevention and treatment services, and help reduce the rising rates

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

How to Plan Your Financial Future in Your 40s

Aug 1, 2018 9:05 AM ET

Innovation & Technology

Interview: Science Engagement Research Partner Tina Blackmore

Aug 1, 2018 9:00 AM ET

This interview is with Tina Blackmore, who works as a Science Engagement Research Partner for MARS.

Environment

Expert Interview with Christine Arbogast, Solid Waste Expert

Aug 1, 2018 9:00 AM ET

Ms. Arbogast leads the Organics Management Committee for Tetra Tech’s Solid Waste Practice. Her recent work has focused on helping solid waste system managers meet new requirements for diversion of organic waste from landfills and the assessment of financially and environmentally sustainable solid waste management practices. Her work has included evaluation of landfill capacity optimization options, waste diversion and organics management programs, renewable energy and conversion technologies, and food waste recycling and prevention programs.

Sustainable Development Goals

New Guidance for Companies to Report Their Impact on the Sustainable Development Goals

Aug 1, 2018 9:00 AM ET

The Global Reporting Initiative and the UN Global Compact released today a “Practical Guide” to enable companies to better measure and report on their impact on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The new publication helps companies of all sizes to prioritize SDG targets to act and report on, set related business objectives, and measure and report on progress.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation Announce a Commitment of $200,000 for California Wildfire Relief

Jul 31, 2018 7:40 PM ET

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have made a commitment to provide support through cash and product donations of $200,000 to organizations in response to the severe wildfires that are impacting California. As part of this commitment, Walmart is working closely with local officials and governmental entities to help meet the needs of those affected.

Sustainable Development Goals

Delivering Shared Value With Rapid Diagnostics

Jul 31, 2018 6:30 PM ET

Despite health improvements made across Africa in recent years, significant health challenges remain for 1.2 billion people living across the continent. The region shoulders some of the world's heaviest infectious disease burdens: 90 percent of the world’s malaria cases and nearly 70 percent of the 36.7 million HIV cases worldwide. Adding further complication, healthcare access for those living in rural sub-Saharan Africa is limited. This is where Abbott's life-changing technologies, and a commitment to pioneering collaboration, are making a difference.

Events, Media & Communications

Social Value Canada Fall 2018 SROI Training

Jul 31, 2018 5:45 PM ET

Fall dates have been announced for SROI Accreditation and SROI Introductory Training. Also, a new course is offered for those interested in techniques to maximize social impact: Maximize. Manage. Measure.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Sappi Included in the FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Index Top 30 Index and FTSE4Good Index Series

Jul 31, 2018 5:30 PM ET

Sappi Limited, the leading global producer of dissolving wood pulp, specialities and packaging papers, printing and writing papers as well as biomaterials and biochemicals, is pleased to announce its inclusion in the FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Index Top 30 index.

Education

VIDEO | Discover Data Program Aims to Ignite Interest in Data Among Middle School Students

Jul 31, 2018 5:10 PM ET

The Nielsen Foundation recently launched Discover Data, a signature education initiative in collaboration with Discovery Education and The Afterschool Alliance. The program provides resources to students ages 11 to 14 that create excitement about the power of data analysis. The initiative includes student activities and career profiles.

Innovation & Technology

Meet the 2018 Cisco GPS Challenge First Runner-Up: Jara

Jul 31, 2018 5:05 PM ET

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Team ScottsMiracle-Gro is Ready to Ride Through Central Ohio

Jul 31, 2018 4:45 PM ET

ScottsMiracle-Gro associates are participating in Pelotonia’s 10th anniversary ride.

Green Infrastructure

Brand Renovations: A Tree Grows in Manhattan

Jul 31, 2018 4:40 PM ET

Sustainability and wellness have become a cornerstone of the Mohawk brand, so it was obvious that the New York flagship showroom should likewise highlight the importance for designers to take these characteristics into consideration in their own designs. “We’re leveraging our sustainability acumen as well,” explained Bandy, “and creating a ceiling for people to think about how they eat, how they exercise, how they come to work, how they do that as a part of the culture – not separate from it.”

Energy

Energy Storage: Taking Care of Customers Throughout the Energy Project Lifespan

Jul 31, 2018 4:00 PM ET

At ENGIE Storage, we’re committed to our customers’ success, and have people and processes in place to ensure they are taken care of throughout the life of their energy project. One of the key features of an energy storage engagement is the 10-year contract term, which is quite a long time in our fast-changing industry. We sat down with Michael Laine, Client Relationship Director at ENGIE Storage, to explore the questions that commercial and industrial (C&I) facility energy managers might have.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Sappi Recognized for Investments at Cloquet, MN Mill and Surrounding Community

Jul 31, 2018 3:35 PM ET

In September 2017, Sappi North America received an award from the governor’s offi ce under the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) in recognition of its investment and innovative technologies at the Cloquet Mill.