ESG News from Leading Brands

Events, Media & Communications

Utilizing the Power of Technology for Social Good

May 1, 2018 3:15 PM ET

Innovative partnerships, where businesses can work with and leverage the assets of governments, NGOs, and civil society, can help develop creative, sustainable, and scalable solutions that can create significant impact. The partnerships and the technologies that make this possible is the focus of Digital Empowers: Accelerating Innovation for Business and Social Good, a forum hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Tata Consultancy Services.

Media & Communications

Eco-design, Energy Efficiency, CSR Practices, and Good Governance Reported at Bloomberg

May 1, 2018 2:45 PM ET

Efficiency and environmental measures have cut carbon dioxide emissions by 834,209 tons in nine years reports Bloomberg, the Manhattan-based financial, software, data and media company. As a result, operating costs have been reduced by an impressive $103m (£74m, €84m). The emissions statistics are among the ethical achievements listed in Bloomberg’s 2017 impact report.

Innovation & Technology

Unlocking ¢hange: BNY Mellon and Ashoka Launch Social Innovation Challenge

May 1, 2018 2:45 PM ET

Today, six out of ten Americans will experience financial insecurity in their lifetimes1. While saving money can be a challenge for a variety of reasons, the inability to build a strong financial foundation is often a symptom of a greater, systemic problem. Now, BNY Mellon and Ashoka are launching a collaborative effort aimed at addressing the root causes of financial inequality through innovation—the Unlocking ¢hange Challenge.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Forbes Names National Grid One of “America’s Best Employers 2018”

May 1, 2018 2:30 PM ET

Forbes Magazine selected National Grid as one of “America’s Best Employers 2018,” ranking in the top 500 companies in the United States. National Grid also received this honor in 2017. National Grid is joined by national and global brands like Google, REI and JetBlue Airways on this list.

Health & Healthcare

The Drug Enforcement Administration, DEA Educational Foundation and Discovery Education Announce 10 National Finalists For Second Annual ‘Operation Prevention’ Video Challenge

May 1, 2018 2:25 PM ET

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), DEA Educational Foundation and Discovery Education today announced 10 national Operation Prevention Video Challenge finalists. The Operation Prevention Video Challenge – a peer-to-peer platform for communicating messages about the dangers of opioid misuse – invites educators, students, teen advocates and communities to vote for the People’s Choice winner through May 15, 2018 at OperationPrevention.com.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Northwest Ohio Wind Farm to Power General Motors’ Ohio, Indiana Plants

May 1, 2018 2:10 PM ET

Officials from General Motors and Starwood Energy Group joined Ohio lawmakers, county officials and local landowners today at a press conference to unveil the Northwest Ohio Wind Farm, a 100-megawatt wind project under construction in Paulding County, Ohio. Power purchased from the wind farm will help offset the power used at General Motors’ Ohio and Indiana manufacturing facilities with clean, renewable energy.

Events, Media & Communications

WBCSD Sustain Newsletter | Sustainability Comes Together in Our Biggest-ever Event in Montreaux

May 1, 2018 1:45 PM ET

WBCSD’s annual Liaison Delegate Meeting is a truly global event, with sustainability leaders from across the world visiting Montreux, Switzerland from 16-19 April for this year’s event.

Research, Reports & Publications

Duke Energy's Renewable Energy Portfolio Grew Almost 20 Percent in 2017, According to New Report

May 1, 2018 1:35 PM ET

Duke Energy's renewable energy capacity grew by almost 20 percent in 2017, according to the company's newly posted Sustainability Report. One of the company's sustainability goals is to own, or have under contract, 8,000 megawatts (MW) of wind, solar and biomass capacity by 2020. Over the past year, the company has made strong progress toward that goal, growing its renewable energy capacity from 5,400 MW to more than 6,400 MW, which can power more than 1 million homes at peak production.

Research, Reports & Publications

Prudential Strengthens Their Community Through Pro Bono

May 1, 2018 1:25 PM ET

Newark, New Jersey, is experiencing a revival. Graduation rates are climbing, economic growth has risen, and the city has become increasingly prosperous and vibrant. Since its founding in 1875, Prudential has contributed immensely to this progress through significant investments in local infrastructure, organizations, and people. As one of Newark’s anchor institutions, Prudential’s commitment to the city has included a focus on pro bono service: a powerful tool for strengthening local nonprofits that, in turn, greatly benefits society.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

May is Foster Care Awareness Month and We NEED Your Help

May 1, 2018 12:55 PM ET

May is Foster Care Awareness Month. Right now, there are more than 430,000 children in foster care. Some will be reunified with their biological families, but will not. Today, more than 117,000 are in need of a loving, adoptive home.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Social Value Canada Announces Dates for SROI (Social Return on Investment) Training

May 1, 2018 12:55 PM ET

May 30-31, 2018 in Calgary and June 13-14, 2018 in Toronto, join Social Value Canada for SROI Accreditation training. The course is a requirement for all individuals seeking accreditation by the SROI International Network.

Innovation & Technology

AI as a Force for Good in Supply Chain Management

May 1, 2018 12:25 PM ET

As artificial intelligence (AI) moves from research to reality, new insights and increasingly automated decision making are disrupting entire supply chain networks. AI will affect everything-from raw materials sourcing to factory floor productivity. These emerging technologies will unlock business value while simultaneously revealing opportunities to better utilize the workers within those ecosystems.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Bans on Plastic Straws Are Growing. But Is the Travel Industry Doing Enough?

May 1, 2018 11:40 AM ET

Spirit companies have joined the fight, stating that there’s no place for plastics in cocktails. Bacardi launched its No Straw campaign in 2016, estimated to eliminate one million straws a year.

Environment

Powering a Greener Future

May 1, 2018 11:30 AM ET

Next-generation 4G and 5G mobile networks are enabling innovations that protect the environment and improve quality of life. That was the key takeaway from “Celebrating Earth Day: The Power of Next Generation Networks to Advance Environmental Sustainability,” an event Verizon hosted earlier this week. Steve Rochlin of IO Sustainability moderated a panel of experts and innovators who discussed how mobile networks are supporting innovations that save energy and reduce carbon emissions.

Events, Media & Communications

Carnival Cruise Line Salutes Military Couples Aboard Carnival Miracle at Port Tampa Bay

May 1, 2018 11:30 AM ET

Carnival Cruise Line, which carries more active and retired military personnel than any other cruise operator, joined forces with Operation Homefront Sunday, April 29, 2018, to host a “day date” event for 100 military couples aboard Carnival Miracle at Port Tampa Bay in Florida.

Green Infrastructure

Boost Your Workplace Wellness With These 4 Green Habits Today

May 1, 2018 10:40 AM ET

Education

As the Education World Relies More on Data, Nonprofits Need Help With the Numbers

May 1, 2018 10:15 AM ET

The education world is dense with data. And all those numbers can be numbing, especially for nonprofits trying to make a difference. One day each year, Fidelity Investments invites those groups to its complex near Grapevine Lake to help make sense of it all.

Health & Healthcare

Merck for Mothers Blog | Assessing and Addressing Maternal Sepsis

May 1, 2018 10:10 AM ET

Every pregnant or recently pregnant woman is at risk of an infection that could trigger maternal sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to infection causes injury to its own tissues and organs. Despite it being one of the main causes of maternal death and leading to about 35,000 deaths every year, the true burden of maternal sepsis is presently unknown, due to a lack of data.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Las Vegas Team Members Participate in Nevada’s Big Give

May 1, 2018 10:05 AM ET

On March 22, Sands Cares, the company’s global corporate giving program, partnered with the United Way of Southern Nevada to sponsor Nevada’s Big Give. Since 2011, thousands of Nevadans have participated in the 24-hour online crowdfunding event that was created to rally together community support for Nevada’s charitable causes. In total, $631,153 was raised by 4,360 individual donors that benefitted 235 nonprofits.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Arrow Electronics Celebrated National Volunteer Month and Arrow Charitable Year-One Success

May 1, 2018 10:05 AM ET

Arrow Electronics is committed to serving the communities in which its employees live and work. Each year, Arrow employees partner with local nonprofits around the world, extending the company’s collaborative and innovative culture into the broader community. For national volunteer month, Arrow celebrates its employees’ commitment to giving back and the first year for Arrow Charitable.

Events, Media & Communications

Live From #SV Leaders Summit - Inspire. Innovate. Act.

May 1, 2018 10:00 AM ET

Watch the 2018 Shared Value Leadership Summit from your desk! Tune into sharedvalue.org/livestream on Tuesday, May 1, and Wednesday, May 2, for conversations with companies that are using shared value to take on the issues that are making headlines around the world.

Environment

Help Give Our Planet Some Re-leaf This Arbor Day

May 1, 2018 9:35 AM ET

For a long time, we’ve been committed to helping our customers find new ways to protect the environment, and Plant a Tree is one way we can really collaborate with you on that. You can donate online by simply adding the “Plant a Tree option” to your shopping cart. If you are in a business, simply ask your account representative about adding the Plant a Tree option to your Premier Account.

Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity & Inclusion at IFF

May 1, 2018 9:30 AM ET

Diversity and inclusion (D&I) are imperative to our continued success. We are dedicated to nurturing a truly inclusive, fair culture, built on a legacy of pioneering firsts that pursues new frontiers to explore. Our new Diversity & Inclusion program recognizes and accelerates our journey to full inclusiveness and inspires us to lead transformational change from within.

Environment

UPF Diverts 97 Percent of Waste from Landfills

May 1, 2018 9:15 AM ET

In less than five years, the Uranium Processing Facility (UPF) Project has recycled or reused nearly 194 million pounds of materials and diverted more than 97 percent of the project’s total waste from landfills.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

From Dairy Farm Girl to Attorney for General Mills

May 1, 2018 9:00 AM ET

This is the latest post in our “You Grow, Girl!” series highlighting female farmers – from the northern reaches of Canada to the heartland of the U.S. From the western coast of Africa to the rolling hills of France and beyond. The series amplifies the voices of female farmers, who play vital roles in agriculture worldwide. Here, they share their unique perspectives on food, family and farming. This post is from Annette Frawley.