ESG News from Leading Brands

Health & Healthcare

Shire: Innovative Therapies for Rare Diseases

Sep 1, 2017 1:00 PM ET

Shire is the global leader in serving patients with rare diseases. We strive to develop innovative therapies across a core of rare disease areas, supplemented by diversified capabilities in highly specialized conditions. We feel a strong sense of urgency to address the high unmet medical needs of these patient communities.

Environment

Hurricane Harvey Starkly Exposes the Financial Burden of Climate Change on Economy, Environment and Human Health

Sep 1, 2017 12:35 PM ET

Hurricane Harvey, potentially the costliest disaster in U.S. history, “starkly exposes the colossal financial burden of climate change and its impacts on the economy, the environment and human health,” Ceres said in a statement today.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

During Summer Break, Florida Teachers Trekked to the Rocky Mountains for Unique, Hands-On Professional Development

Sep 1, 2017 12:10 PM ET

Since 1976, Keystone Science School (KSS), nestled in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, has taught scientific principles and leadership skills to young people, teachers, and community members through engaging hands-on field experiences. Because today's youth are our future leaders, KSS developed interactive science education programs that help students become familiar with scientific and critical thinking skills and encourage them to be engaged citizens.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Consumers Energy Foundation Awards 2017 Apprentice Scholarships Honoring Fallen Employee

Sep 1, 2017 12:00 PM ET

The Consumers Energy Foundation is assisting two men training to become utility line workers as the second-year recipients of a scholarship honoring an employee killed on the job in 2012.

Innovation & Technology

#TechstarsATL: Get to know Vlipsy

Sep 1, 2017 11:40 AM ET

Techstars Atlanta is presented in partnership with Cox Enterprises and is part of a worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed. Applications for the 2017 program’s 10 coveted spots came from 41 countries around the globe. 2ULaundry is one of the participants.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Habitat for Humanity Receives $300,000 Neighborhood Revitalization Grant from Wells Fargo

Sep 1, 2017 11:00 AM ET

Eleven local Habitats will receive a grant to implement revitalization projects, including neighborhood beautification and repairs to community common areas. These locations include San Francisco; Denver; Wilmington, Del.; Orlando and West Palm Beach, Fla; Macon, Ga.; Charlotte, N.C.; Harrisburg, Pa.; Rock Hill, S.C.; Houston; and Milwaukee.

The funding also will support two additional Habitat organizations in Santa Ana, Calif. and Savannah, Ga., in their efforts to develop formal plans for future neighborhood revitalization projects.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Asia: At the Vanguard of Sustainable Business

Sep 1, 2017 11:00 AM ET

Asia is moving aggressively towards greater corporate transparency around important sustainability topics. In this blog, GRI's Chief Executive Tim Mohin analyzes the main drivers behind this trend, and presents aspirations for the future.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Bacardi Contributes Up to $100,000 to Support Communities Affected by Hurricane Harvey

Sep 1, 2017 10:35 AM ET

In the wake of Hurricane Harvey’s impact and devastation in parts of Texas, Bacardi U.S.A, Inc. announced today its contribution of up to $100,000 to support its business partners and others affected by the storm.

Diversity & Inclusion

So Many Good Jobs, But Where Are the Workers?

Sep 1, 2017 10:30 AM ET

As Labor Day approaches, we take a closer look at the nation’s evolving workplace. The U.S. recently celebrated a 16-year low unemployment rate of 4.4 percent. Yet, employers are still looking to fill a record-breaking 6.2 million open jobs.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Aflac and TSYS Give to Hurricane Harvey Relief, Others Urged to Help

Sep 1, 2017 10:15 AM ET

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

FCA US and the FCA Foundation Support Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts

Sep 1, 2017 10:05 AM ET

As Texas continues to face unprecedented flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey, FCA US LLC and the FCA Foundation have partnered with disaster relief organizations to support residents and communities affected by the storm. The FCA Foundation, the charitable arm of FCA US, announced a total of $200,000 in grants to three disaster relief organizations that provide resources in communities across the country.

Environment

Unreasonable Impact | One of the World’s Largest Electric Vehicle Fleets Is Providing Tomorrow’s Transportation, Today

Sep 1, 2017 10:05 AM ET

Based in India, Lithium Urban Technologies is pioneering a shift toward more sustainable urban mobility, operating the most productive electric vehicle fleet in the world. This company is India’s first 100 percent, zero emission transport service, providing a large fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) along with highly trained and certified drivers. With the lowest energy cost per kilometer on the market, Lithium offers the cheapest and cleanest commercial transport option on the market – and it’s the largest fleet outside of China.

Events, Media & Communications

Responsible Gaming Ambassadors Use Training to Help Guests

Sep 1, 2017 10:00 AM ET

In May, a Team Member from The Venetian | The Palazzo Front Desk experienced first-hand the direct impact and importance of the Responsible Gaming Ambassador Program provided by Las Vegas Sands. The Team Member, who works as a Hotel Manager, had attended the Responsible Gaming Ambassador training in January.

Education

Building Mining Leaders of Tomorrow

Sep 1, 2017 9:50 AM ET

We believe in supporting programs that encourage youth to pursue careers in mining and to create long-term socio-economic benefits in the communities where we operate.

This past summer, our Éléonore mine in Northern Québec welcomed several new faces to its workforce with its Summer Student Employment Program (SSEP).

The SSEP was launched as an opportunity for Cree students at a post-secondary education level to learn more about the mining industry. The SSEP differs from classroom training in that it allows students to build skills through hands-on work experience alongside miners and employees.

Social Impact & Volunteering

HP Volunteers Make a Difference in Their Communities

Sep 1, 2017 9:45 AM ET

Each year, HP employees around the world volunteer in their local communities, with support from HP, which offers every employee four paid volunteer hours each month. This year the HP Foundation invited employees to volunteer with their colleagues to support causes that are close to their homes — and hearts — as part of its 40 Days of Doing Good campaign.

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

PANDORA is Creating Shared Value & Strategic Partners

Sep 1, 2017 9:45 AM ET

Our engagement spans from active membership of – and communication through – the United Nations Global Compact and the Danish Business Network for Human Rights (DBNHR) to community engagement at our Thai crafting facilities, support to charitable organisations and dialogue with the millions of consumers that has signed up to our social media platforms. As members of the steering committees for both the Danish UN Global Compact network and the DBNHR we seek to learn from and influence the ethical performance of other Danish companies.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Hormel Foods Lends a Helping Hand After Hurricane Harvey

Sep 1, 2017 9:30 AM ET

Hormel Foods has a history of being a good neighbor and Hurricane Harvey is no exception. Hormel Foods is lending a helping hand to those impacted by Hurricane Harvey through its partnership with Convoy of Hope. In anticipation of hurricane season this year, Hormel Foods partnered with Convoy of Hope to help stock their warehouse with protein-rich products, such as SKIPPY® peanut butter, Stagg® chili, Hormel® premium chicken breast and SPAM® products, that could be positioned and distributed immediately for disaster relief efforts. Convoy of Hope sent their disaster services team with our products to help with Hurricane Harvey relief efforts on Friday, Aug. 25, and began distributing over the weekend.

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

Weatherford Holds Suppliers to High Standards

Sep 1, 2017 9:00 AM ET

Weatherford requires suppliers to adhere to ethical business standards.

Environment

The Dish on Dirt: Why Soil Matters to Tree Health

Sep 1, 2017 9:00 AM ET

Have you ever planted multiple trees or shrubs at the same time and noticed one variety flourishing while the other had no progress? There are numerous factors that can affect your plant health, one of which is soil.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Subaru of America Donates an Additional $100,000 to American Red Cross to Support Hurricane Harvey Relief Effort

Sep 1, 2017 9:00 AM ET

Subaru of America, Inc. announced today its donation of $100,000 to support those affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana, through its ongoing support of the American Red Cross. As a platinum member of the American Red Cross Ready 365 Giving Program, Subaru already contributes $100,000 annually to support Red Cross’ proactive response to disaster relief efforts.

Energy

Sustainability is Driving Global Biofuel Policy and Technology

Sep 1, 2017 7:00 AM ET

The rapidly growing role of biofuels in the economy has important ramifications for sustainable development worldwide. Biofuels offer significant potential benefits as alternatives to traditional energy sources in the transportation sector.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

21CF Donates $500,000 to Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts in Texas, Sets up Financial Assistance Grants for Affected Colleagues

Aug 31, 2017 8:05 PM ET

Nearly 500 of 21st Century Fox’s colleagues in Texas are affected by the unprecedented rainfall from Hurricane Harvey, including those based in Fox Networks Group’s critical network operations center in The Woodlands and the local Fox Television Stations. As an initial step in its response to the flooding and devastation in that area, the company is donating $500,000 to United Way of Greater Houston’s relief fund.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Astellas Farma Brasil Is Named One of the Best Companies to Work for in the Country

Aug 31, 2017 8:00 PM ET

Astellas Farma Brasil (AFB) was recently named one of the 20 best medium-sized multinational companies to work for across all industries in the country, according to the Great Place to Work® Institute's latest rankings.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Newmont Case Study: Creating Potable Water Sources for Generations to Come

Aug 31, 2017 6:35 PM ET

In 2010, work started on the Kenyasi Water Project (KWP) – an expansion and integration of the water systems. Today, there are three water systems serving more than 50,000 residents, and activity is expected to continue with additional boreholes and the construction of a new overhead reservoir planned for 2017.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Habitat Hammers Back: Habitat for Humanity Mobilizes Harvey Response, Calls for Support

Aug 31, 2017 6:30 PM ET

Habitat is deploying Mobile Response Units and Disaster Corps volunteers to the region to begin rapid assessments as flood waters recede. There are about 30 local Habitat for Humanity offices throughout the parts of southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana affected by the storms. With their help, Habitat for Humanity International is assessing the shelter and housing needs in areas impacted by Hurricane Harvey and developing response options.

In addition to long-term housing repair and construction, Habitat’s response will include organizing volunteers and resources to help with the cleanup and mucking out homes damaged by wind and flood waters.