ESG News from Leading Brands

Energy

Hydropower is Making Waves as a Source of Renewable Energy

Oct 5, 2016 10:15 AM ET

Hydropower is generally less expensive per kilowatt-hour than wind or solar energy, and the untapped potential of many dams and waterways means there’s much more electricity to be had.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Whirlpool Corporation Changes the Meaning of Manufacturing with Innovation, Efficiency and Career Growth

Oct 5, 2016 10:10 AM ET

As National Manufacturing Day approaches this week, Whirlpool Corporation will mark the occasion with a month-long series of events to highlight the importance of American manufacturing.

Education

Martian Salad Project at Whitworth University Shows Promise for Cultivating Life on Mars

Oct 5, 2016 10:10 AM ET

Space travel is a popular topic in science and in film. “The Martian,” starring Matt Damon, saw the main character use his skills as a botanist to grow food and survive on the planet. Such a feat may seem like Hollywood hype, but scientists at NASA, with help from Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Life Services, are working together to make growing food on Mars a reality.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

CITGO Awards McNeese Students with Scholarships

Oct 5, 2016 10:05 AM ET

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Arby's Foundation Partners with TEGNA, Points of Light for Make A Difference Day on October 22

Oct 5, 2016 10:00 AM ET

The Arby’s Foundation will partner with TEGNA Inc and Points of Light for Make A Difference Day on Saturday, October 22. Make A Difference Day is one of the largest annual single-days of service nationwide.

Environment

Saving Our Skin: Conservation on Land and Sea

Oct 5, 2016 10:00 AM ET

Responsible Production & Consumption

Nespresso and Local Coffee Farmers in South Sudan Progress in Rebuilding Coffee Industry

Oct 5, 2016 10:00 AM ET

Despite the ongoing conflict, South Sudanese coffee farmers are making progress in reviving the country’s coffee industry.

Environment

Norfolk Southern Employee Spotlight: Protect the Planet, Earn a Profit

Oct 5, 2016 9:45 AM ET

Josh Raglin, general manager facilities, has helped make Norfolk Southern a U.S. corporate leader in conservation capitalism, a business approach that turns conservation into opportunities for profit.

Health & Healthcare

Collaborating to Fight Childhood Malnutrition and Meet UN Sustainability Development Goal

Oct 5, 2016 9:15 AM ET

One year after the announcement of these Sustainable Development Goals, Amway asked Michelle Nunn, president and CEO of CARE USA (one of our global partners) to reflect on the significance of these goals, as well as our unique and strong partnership.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Get to Know 1st Source Bank, Finalist for 2016 Employee Volunteer Program of the Year

Oct 5, 2016 9:15 AM ET

What makes the employee volunteer program at 1st Source Bank so successful? According to them, their employees are the key. They recommend finding champions within your company who will set and example and encourage others to volunteer.

Diversity & Inclusion

Automotive Supplier Diversity Drives Forward as FCA US Marks 17th Year of MatchMaker

Oct 5, 2016 9:15 AM ET

FCA US LLC hosted its 17th annual MatchMaker on Sept. 15, bringing more than 3,000 participants to its headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

Research, Reports & Publications

CBRE: “Office Space is Meant to Inspire”

Oct 5, 2016 9:05 AM ET

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Bacardi Named One of World’s Most Reputable Companies

Oct 5, 2016 9:05 AM ET

Bacardi Limited, the world’s largest privately held spirits company, has once again been named among the most reputable companies in the world, according to the annual Global RepTrak® 100 list compiled by the Reputation Institute and published in Forbes. Ranked at #92, this is the third year in a row family-owned Bacardi has made the annual global ranking.

Energy

How a Wendy’s in Mobile, Alabama Became the Most Energy-Efficient Wendy’s in the World

Oct 5, 2016 9:05 AM ET

At Wendy’s, we understand that energy conservation in our industry is a big responsibility. It’s a long-term commitment and full of complex (and often expensive) changes that aren’t going to happen overnight. I’m lucky to work with a first class energy team that’s fast at work to improve energy efficiency at Wendy’s.

Health & Healthcare

The Neonatal Resuscitation Program: How a Partnership Between the U.S. and China Saved Thousands of Babies

Oct 5, 2016 9:00 AM ET

For an expectant mother, one of the most frightening things that can happen during labor is to give birth—and then hear nothing. No tiny being whimper, no I’ve-entered-the-world wail.

For Jia Qiuwan, it happened not once, but twice.

Diversity & Inclusion

Honda Supervisor in Georgia Featured in “Who Makes a Honda” Video

Oct 5, 2016 9:00 AM ET

For Mandy Wheeler-Brown, a production control supervisor at Honda Precision Parts of Georgia, LLC (HPPG), the day begins at 4 a.m. and doesn’t end until well after dark. But Wheeler-Brown wouldn’t have it any other way.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

PayPal & Kiva | Celebrating Ten Years of Making a Difference

Oct 5, 2016 9:00 AM ET

At PayPal, we see the transformative effect that affordable financial services can have on individuals and merchants every day.

Health & Healthcare

XPRIZE Visioneers 2016 Summit Declares Deloitte’s Conquering Cancer XPRIZE ‘Ready to Launch’

Oct 5, 2016 7:00 AM ET

Saving millions of lives globally from cancer is one step closer to a reality as Deloitte’s Conquering Cancer XPRIZE, co-led by Deloitte health leaders and pediatric oncologist Dr. Daniel Kraft, is now officially “ready to launch.” This weekend XPRIZE convened nine international teams to share their Impact Design Proposals across a portfolio of Grand Challenge areas at the Visioneers 2016 Summit.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Bloomberg & Pritzker: Africa Could Be the Great Economic Success of This Century

Oct 5, 2016 5:25 AM ET

Over the last eight years, America has written a new chapter in our relationship with Africa. Under President Obama’s leadership, we have worked to transition our support for the continent from aid to trade and empowerment.

Diversity & Inclusion

Finding a Home at Olive Garden

Oct 4, 2016 9:15 PM ET

Ian Nason persevered through homelessness and a difficult upbringing to achieve new heights as Director of Operations for Olive Garden.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Robecosam Publishes Corporate Sustainability Rankings Together With Bloomberg And Provides ESG Data To Mainstream Investors Worldwide

Oct 4, 2016 5:55 PM ET

RobecoSAM publishes corporate sustainability rankings together with Bloomberg and provides ESG data to mainstream investors worldwide

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Kathleen Smith to Receive a Women in Sustainability Leadership Award from Green Building & Design Magazine

Oct 4, 2016 4:40 PM ET

International Living Future Institute is thrilled to announce that Kathleen Smith, Vice President of the Living Building Challenge, has been awarded one of Green Building & Design (gb&d)’s Women in Sustainability Leadership Awards.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Graphite: The Newest Mineral Under Public Scrutiny

Oct 4, 2016 3:55 PM ET

The electronic and automotive industries are facing increased scrutiny as environmental and ethical concerns regarding graphite productions grow. Already under pressure to determine “conflict-free” Tin, Tungsten, Tantalum and Gold (3TG) sources under the US federal regulation Dodd-Frank 1502, manufacturers and suppliers are now also being pushed to also investigate graphite sourcing throughout their supply chains.

Events, Media & Communications

Sustainable Brands and RILA Announce Conference Partnership

Oct 4, 2016 3:35 PM ET

Sustainable Brands® recently announced a strategic partnership with Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA). RILA will merge its sustainability-focused conference with Sustainable Brands to produce a dedicated program track at SB’17 Detroit focused on sustainability-led innovation in the retail sector.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Greenville, S.C., Area Emergency Responders Hone Their Skills on Norfolk Southern Safety Train

Oct 4, 2016 3:25 PM ET

Norfolk Southern Corporation’s (NYSE: NSC) safety train rolled into Greenville, S.C., last week, hosting 213 area emergency responders who received advanced training in safely handling potential rail incidents involving hazardous materials.