ESG News from Leading Brands

Events, Media & Communications

President Barack Obama Keynotes on Inclusion: The Time is Now

Feb 19, 2019 10:30 AM ET

The National Diversity Council will host the 2019 National Diversity and Leadership Conference on April 8-12, 2019 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel and the Renaissance Dallas Hotel. This year’s theme is “Inclusion: The Time is Now.”

Innovation & Technology

A Deep Dive into Machine Learning

Feb 19, 2019 10:15 AM ET

As part of the Enabling Technologies Initiative at Moody’s Investors Service (MIS) and in partnership with Moody’s Information Technology (MIT), last year six of our employees attended a monthlong program at Google’s Machine Learning Advanced Solutions Lab in Mountain View, California.

Environment

EHS and Sustainability Practitioners Get Real with Their Priorities & Motivations

Feb 19, 2019 10:10 AM ET

Antea Group surveyed a group of over 40 EHS and sustainability professionals to discover their outlook on challenges and priorities in their fields.

Media & Communications

Question for Corporate Leaders: Is Your Company’s Sustainability Journey Based on Key Strategies? Is There Clear Alignment of Foundational Strategies With Sustainability?

Feb 19, 2019 10:00 AM ET

Strategy – the familiar word comes down to us over the eons from the language of ancient Greece. The roots of the original word (translated to “stratagem”) mean “the work of the generals, or generalship” which is to clearly say: to lead from the front..or the top!

Energy

Consumers Energy Sets Goals for Smart Energy District in Jackson, Including 40 Percent On-Site Renewable Energy

Feb 19, 2019 9:45 AM ET

Consumers Energy today announced its goals for the Jackson Smart Energy District, an efficient, affordable, clean energy hub in its hometown. The Jackson Smart Energy District aims to achieve 2040 Clean Energy goals 15 to 20 years early -- including producing 40 percent of the District’s energy needs from on-site renewable sources.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

IOSCO Recognizes That ESG Matters Have Material Short and Long Term Impact

Feb 19, 2019 9:35 AM ET

The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), the international body that brings together the world’s securities regulators, published their Statement of Disclosure of ESG Matters by Issuers on 18 January 2019. With the statement, IOSCO recognizes the importance of considering Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) information as material for investors.

Social Impact & Volunteering

This Children’s Village Supports Vulnerable Children and Families Across South Africa

Feb 19, 2019 9:00 AM ET

Back in July 2017, HP Inc. committed to enhancing education for more than 100 million people by 2025. And in partnership with Global Citizen, its mission is to reinvent quality learning and digital literacy to empower people, including those who are marginalised, to help them succeed in the digital economy and create better lives for themselves and their families.

Research, Reports & Publications

Taproot Foundation Releases State of Pro Bono: Corporate Edition

Feb 19, 2019 8:35 AM ET

As the field of pro bono service continues to grow, companies increasingly identify pro bono programming as a critical element of their overall social impact objectives. Taproot Foundation conducted an inaugural survey of companies doing pro bono to collect data on their programs, identify trends, and share key observations for advancing the field. This resource provides information to help practitioners compare their program design and outcomes to peers in the field, and to support them as they achieve greater impact through pro bono service.

Energy

Is California the New Hub for Electric Transportation?

Feb 19, 2019 8:00 AM ET

With a growing number of companies like Tesla and electric bus manufacturer Proterra headquartered in California, it’s worth exploring whether the state is becoming a hub for electric transportation.

Research, Reports & Publications

Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation-Supported Research Examines Residential Outdoor Water Use

Feb 19, 2019 8:00 AM ET

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation was one of several funders to support a two-year long Landscape Transformation study conducted by the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE). AWE’s study was the most expansive and diverse assessment to date of outdoor water efficiency programs implemented by water providers throughout North America.

Research, Reports & Publications

RBS Publishes 2018 Integrated Strategic Report

Feb 19, 2019 8:00 AM ET

“We are building a more sustainable bank; a more responsible company, doing business in a more sustainable way. We consider the long-term impacts of our actions in our decision making, and we are proud that our enterprise and financial education programmes show the difference we’re making for our customers and communities. Continuing to live by our values and providing, simple, safe and more customer focused banking will help us to build trust for the long term.”

Diversity & Inclusion

Let’s Protect The Dreamers

Feb 19, 2019 7:30 AM ET

On February 11, 2019, our CEO, Hans Vestberg, along with over 100 other CEOs representing nearly every sector of the American economy urged Congress to pass a permanent, bipartisan solution this year to protect the Dreamers.

Sustainable Development Goals

Deputy Executive Secretary, UN Climate Change Joins Ethical Corporation’s Responsible Business Summit Europe

Feb 19, 2019 5:10 AM ET

Ovais Sarmad joins CEOs and business leaders from all over the world to discuss how to lead the sustainable future through innovation, collaboration and investment at Ethical Corporation’s Responsible Business Summit June 10-12

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Fortune Ranks Comcast NBCUniversal #3 on 'Best Big Companies to Work For' List

Feb 18, 2019 12:30 PM ET

Comcast NBCUniversal was named one of the 2019 FORTUNE “Best Big Companies to Work For,” ranking #3 on the inaugural list, according to global research and consulting firm Great Place to Work and Fortune. It’s an honor to be on this list, alongside many other impressive companies. This recognition is a reflection of all of our fantastic employees around the world. From a range of professions, including engineering and software design to create products our customers love; to news, entertainment, film, and theme park production – our employees bring their passion and commitment to work every day, building an inclusive environment where all ideas can be shared and heard.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Aflac and CMN Hospitals Named a 2019 Halo Awards Finalist

Feb 18, 2019 11:45 AM ET

Engage For Good’s Halo Awards are North America’s highest honor for corporate social initiatives and cause marketing and showcase successful consumer engagement and employee engagement efforts. This prestigious CSR, cause marketing and corporate social impact award focuses on initiatives where brand purpose and social impact intersect to help build a better world and the bottom line.

This year, Aflac and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals are proud to be named a finalist in the Best Health Initiative for My Special Aflac Duck.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

75% of Schneider Electric Employees Are Covered by the Group’s New Global Family Leave Policy

Feb 18, 2019 10:30 AM ET

At Schneider Electric, we believe ‘Great People Make Schneider Electric a Great Company'. Our Diversity and Inclusion ambition is to provide equal opportunities to everyone everywhere and to ensure all employees feel uniquely valued and safe to contribute their best. What defines family, life and work for our people is changing everyday. We need policies to address the diverse needs of all our employees, no matter who they are, where they live, and how they manage their unique life and work.

Environment

Consumers Energy Foundation Calls for Planet Awards Applications Supporting Michigan’s Natural Resources with $500,000

Feb 18, 2019 10:20 AM ET

The Consumers Energy Foundation is strengthening its commitment to Michigan’s environment by announcing new plans to provide $500,000 to nonprofits for projects aiming to preserve, restore and protect Michigan’s natural resources.

The first Planet Awards will provide as much as $250,000 to two or more Michigan nonprofits aiming to make a positive impact on the state’s land, water, or air.

Innovation & Technology

These Employees Invented a Device That Could Save Lives

Feb 18, 2019 10:00 AM ET

Rick Freeman left work thinking about a conversation he had with his co-worker Brandon Garrison about how to improve a safety process at Allen Steam Station. The next day, he came back to work with an idea that could save lives in factories and power plants nationwide.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

European Commission Is Planning to Update the Non-Binding Guidelines on Non-financial Reporting

Feb 18, 2019 9:15 AM ET

The Technical Expert Group on Sustainable Finance set up by the European Commission in July 2018 has published its first report on companies' disclosure of climate-related information in January 2019.

Diversity & Inclusion

GMAAN and Cadillac Discover 'The Power of Reinvention'

Feb 18, 2019 9:00 AM ET

The General Motors African Ancestry Network, in partnership with Cadillac, discovered “The Power of Reinvention” during its 13th annual Black History Month Program. This year’s theme acknowledged the power of the organization’s collective history born out of diverse experiences to bring together GM employees and the community.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Ingersoll Rand Receives United Way “Spirit of North Carolina Award” for Citizenship Efforts in Central Carolina

Feb 18, 2019 9:00 AM ET

Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR), a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments, received the “Spirit of North Carolina” award in recognition of its excellence in conducting a United Way campaign, philanthropic culture and community partnership. The award honors Ingersoll Rand’s 2018 campaign that included a donation of $1.4 million to the United Way of Central Carolinas and employee volunteerism to address the most critical community needs- hunger, housing and shelter.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

How These Dogs Are Trained to Save Lives in an Avalanche

Feb 18, 2019 8:30 AM ET

Thomson named the puppy Skadi after the Nordic goddess of winter as a nod to the blizzard. Today, they are one of five teams attending the WBR school thanks to a scholarship from Subaru, a partner of the National Ski Patrol, a non-profit founded in 1938 that has more than 30,000 ski patrollers working to keeping people safe on mountains across the country.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

ASCSC Community Foundation Hosts Pop-Up Prom Dress Giveaway for 300 High School Students at Dignity Health Sports Park

Feb 16, 2019 11:00 AM ET

Environment

Going Green for a More Sustainable Business and Future

Feb 15, 2019 3:30 PM ET

A focus on the environment not only supports Symantec’s business objectives—it also contributes to the urgent action needed to combat global climate change and other environmental challenges. We launched the “Going Green in 2018” campaign to encourage employees to take part in our environmental sustainability efforts, while also learning about opportunities for individual actions.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Jackson Charitable Foundation and Discovery Education Announce “Cha-Ching™ Money Smart Kids!” Elementary School Contest Winner

Feb 15, 2019 2:50 PM ET

Jackson Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit with the mission to advance financial knowledge on a national scale, and Discovery Education, the leading provider of digital curriculum resources, digital content, and professional development for K-12 classrooms, today announced Larry Miller Intermediate School in New Concord, Ohio as the $10,000 grand prize winner of the Cha-Ching Money Smart Kids! Contest.