ESG News from Leading Brands

Events, Media & Communications

Introduction to LBG Canada Webinar Announced

Sep 15, 2017 5:45 PM ET

LBG Canada is a network of professionals guiding social investment, corporate social responsibility and community engagement programs on behalf of Canada's leading companies.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

The UPS Foundation Extends Relief Network to Florida, Pledges More Than $1 Million in Additional Support

Sep 15, 2017 5:00 PM ET

UPS (NYSE:UPS) announced more than a $1 million commitment, through The UPS Foundation, in support of recovery efforts in the Caribbean, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma. The pledge is a combination of cash grants, in-kind transportation movements and technical expertise to provide urgent relief, as well as support for long-term needs ranging from rebuilding to personal and financial recovery assistance. This is in addition to the more than $1 million given toward Hurricane Harvey relief efforts on August 28.

Diversity & Inclusion

Whirlpool Signs Manifesto Valore D and Commits to Support Women’s Empowerment in the Workplace

Sep 15, 2017 4:30 PM ET

Whirlpool Corporation has signed the "Valore D" Manifesto for Women's Empowerment, an agreement meant to enhance female talent in the corporate world.

Sustainable Development Goals

UPS/Greenbiz Survey Finds Businesses Are Concerned About Impacts of Urbanization

Sep 15, 2017 4:30 PM ET

A new study from UPS (NYSE:UPS) and GreenBiz Group reveals nearly all companies (95 percent) surveyed are concerned about how urbanization will impact business growth and sustainability. However, according to The Road to Sustainable Urban Logistics survey, only 47 percent feel prepared to address the associated business challenges. Further, respondents cite air quality (58 percent) and traffic congestion (53 percent) as top concerns over other urban challenges. And 65 percent of respondents believe insufficient collaboration across sectors, including government, is a key barrier to well-managed logistic operations in urban areas.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Qualcomm Foundation Announces $1 Million Donation for Relief and Recovery Due to Devastating 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season

Sep 15, 2017 4:30 PM ET

We continue to be concerned about the severe weather developing during this year’s Atlantic hurricane season. As Hurricane Irma approaches Florida, and other strong systems develop in the Atlantic, the Qualcomm Foundation is donating $1 million to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy for long-term recovery efforts. This funding is in addition to the $1 million Qualcomm Incorporated recently pledged towards Hurricane Harvey relief and recovery.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

How Companies Can Intervene to Transform Workplace Health

Sep 15, 2017 3:00 PM ET

Social Impact & Volunteering

Keep Phoenix Beautiful 9/11 Day of Service

Sep 15, 2017 3:00 PM ET

Keep Phoenix Beautiful, in partnership with the City of Phoenix, 911Day.org and Cities of Service, conducted a 9/11 Day of Service event to honor the brave heroes of that day and to launch Keep Phoenix Beautiful’s Community Garden.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Mohawk Teams Up with Nature’s Big Springs Water to Provide Hurricane Harvey Relief in Houston

Sep 15, 2017 2:50 PM ET

Mohawk Industries and Nature’s Big Springs Water teamed up to donate and deliver more than 100,000 bottles of water to the Houston area. They split the cost of the water and will leverage Mohawk’s fleet to make the delivery once the roads are passable.

Innovation & Technology

Mary Barra Outlines GM’s Road Map for Safer, Better and More Sustainable Transportation Solutions

Sep 15, 2017 2:20 PM ET

General Motors Chairman and CEO Mary Barra hosted a press conference today in Shanghai to discuss GM’s road map for the future of personal mobility. The company’s goal is to address the challenges such as crashes, pollution and congestion that have come with growing urbanization.

Environment

Top 5 Apple Trees Sold Through the Arbor Day Tree Nursery

Sep 15, 2017 2:00 PM ET

Fall harvest is starting. Many of our favorite fall fruits and nuts are starting to ripen. Here are the five most popular apple trees sold through the Arbor Day tree nursery that will ship out this fall.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Everyday Champion Judy Spalding Blazes Courageous Trail Supporting Non-Drinkers

Sep 15, 2017 1:00 PM ET

When Judy Spalding joined Brown-Forman, sharing her history of alcohol addiction and recovery was the last thing on her mind. Working for a beverage alcohol company turned into an opportunity for Judy to blaze a courageous trail in transforming attitudes toward non-drinkers. Read more about Judy in our latest Corporate Responsibility Report and on our website.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Essity Lends a Helping Hand to Hurricane Harvey Relief

Sep 15, 2017 12:30 PM ET

Diane Engler and other Essity Employees went to the NBC10 Philadelphia studio, to give a helping hand with a donation for Hurricane Harvey relief to the American Red Cross.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

LBG Canada Spotlight: Philanthropic Giving Strategy Adapted to Economic Circumstances

Sep 15, 2017 12:15 PM ET

Over the past two years, Cenovus has intentionally supported organizations and causes that have experienced increased demand during the downturn - focusing on basic needs, mental health and vulnerable populations with more philanthropically-motivated donations. When the price of oil was around the $100 mark, the community investment team at Cenovus was carefully investing millions of dollars in three strategic areas that aligned with both the integrated oil company's focus areas (learning, safety and well-being, and sustainable communities) and their business values.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Sands ECO360 Environmentally Responsible Operations

Sep 15, 2017 12:00 PM ET

When guests visit our integrated resorts, they are treated to elegantly designed spaces, celebrity chef restaurants and exquisite customer service. But rarely do they realize what it takes to operate these mini cities behind the scenes. While our ultimate purpose is guest satisfaction, we also consciously aim to reduce our environmental footprint.

Diversity & Inclusion

#HispanicHeritageMonth: Learn More About Cox Enterprises' Partnerships with The LAA and LULAC

Sep 15, 2017 11:00 AM ET

Cox Enterprises is proud to support initiatives that aim to empower Hispanic Americans through access to technology, education and career advancement opportunities. Last month, the company partnered with the Latin American Association (LAA) and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) to bridge the digital divide in the Hispanic community by opening a new Technology Center in Atlanta.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Morgan Stanley Employees Build New Playground in Baltimore As Part of Healthy Cities Program

Sep 15, 2017 11:00 AM ET

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) today announced that over 200 Morgan Stanley and community volunteers will build a playground at Union Baptist-Harvey Johnson Head Start as part of the Morgan Stanley’s Healthy Cities initiative. Joining forces with Union Baptist-Harvey Johnson Head Start and KaBOOM!, volunteers will give more than 400 area children the play space needed for a childhood with balanced and active play, so they can thrive.

Innovation & Technology

Our Vision for Moving Humanity Forward

Sep 15, 2017 11:00 AM ET

We can’t completely predict what our world will look like 25 years from now, but we constantly study trends so that we can anticipate the rapid changes taking place in our industry. In an article for the Green Money Journal, Mary Barra shares GM's vision for moving humanity forward.

Innovation & Technology

Xylem’s Storm Solutions for Communities Around the World

Sep 15, 2017 10:45 AM ET

As a leading global water technology company, Xylem has used its expertise to help communities recover from hurricanes, record rainfall and flooding. Xylem also provides solutions for pumping stations, storm water systems and emergency contingency plans that help utilities and businesses prepare for the worst. Read about some of our recent projects in the US, Asia, South America and Europe.

Environment

What the Texas Ocelot, and Other Wildlife, Can Teach Us About Partnership

Sep 15, 2017 10:15 AM ET

It goes without saying that we should not surrender to the notion that a species like the ocelot is headed toward inevitable elimination. Rather, we should work to prevent this from occurring. Thanks to a collaborative effort between private landowners, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), The Conservation Fund, state agencies,​ and innovative companies, we’re demonstrating that endangered species can thrive in the right conditions…

Diversity & Inclusion

Why Companies Like Nestlé Embrace Veterans

Sep 15, 2017 10:05 AM ET

Starting a new career can be tough — even tougher when skills that should make you a great candidate work against you instead. Many veterans face an unfair stigma during the recruitment process, in part due to a misunderstanding of the transferable skills that make service members assets in civilian work forces.

As part of their Project Opportunity efforts, Nestlé works with organizations like Hiring Our Heroes to help veterans not only connect with employment opportunities, but also with training in how to develop resumes and interview skills.

Sustainable Development Goals

It Is Time to Fix Our Broken Food Systems

Sep 15, 2017 10:05 AM ET

Increasing demand, climate change, water stress, soil degradation and shifting diets are just some of the threats facing global food security. Our current way of feeding the world is a leading cause of environmental and health crises, and it bears risks for national security, health systems, government budgets and economic growth.

Research, Reports & Publications

Tetra Pak Index: The Connected Consumer Insights & Opportunities

Sep 15, 2017 10:00 AM ET

The 10th edition of the Tetra Pak Index, published in collaboration with General Assembly, focuses on the fast-moving, information-saturated world of the connected consumer.

Diversity & Inclusion

LGBT Retirement Communities: Aging in a Safe Place

Sep 15, 2017 10:00 AM ET

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Inspired to Make a Difference

Sep 15, 2017 10:00 AM ET

Long before the terms corporate responsibility, corporate citizenship and the triple bottom line were used, and before annual corporate responsibility reports were commonplace, Hormel Foods was doing its part to make the world a better place.

It was the company’s founder, George A. Hormel, who recognized the importance of protecting the environment and giving back and instilled it in the company’s values.

Education

The Right to Education Index

Sep 15, 2017 10:00 AM ET

As of 2013, 59 million children are still missing out on primary school—and not because they’re playing hooky. Although the Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have prompted increases in primary school enrollment worldwide, gaps remain in achieving the right to education for all, particularly related to education quality and completion of secondary education. For youth entering the workforce, the gaps result in limited employable skills. Given current education trends, youth unemployment rates will continue to grow at critical rates.