ESG News from Leading Brands

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Sodexo to Strengthen Commitment to the U.S. Hispanic Community

Nov 15, 2018 8:00 AM ET

Sodexo, a food services and facilities management company committed to Quality of Life, announced today its participation in the 2018 HACR Corporate Inclusion Index (HACR CII), a research initiative conducted by the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) and the HACR Research Institute, aimed at measuring Hispanic inclusion in Corporate America.

Environment

Become a Better Recycler This America Recycles Day

Nov 15, 2018 7:00 AM ET

Republic Services, an industry leader in U.S. recycling and non-hazardous solid waste disposal, is celebrating America Recycles Day by offering simple tips to help consumers be better recyclers.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

AEG Launches Annual Season of Giving With #SpreadCheer Challenge

Nov 15, 2018 6:00 AM ET

In recognition of National Philanthropy Day and celebrating the start of its annual Season of Giving, AEG, the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company, has launched the #Spread Cheer Challenge, an online digital campaign that will provide four AEG Community Foundation grant recipients -- America Scores, Los Angeles Brotherhood Crusade, Make-A-Wish Hawaii and Playworks -- with an opportunity to earn an additional $25,000 grant from the AEG Community Foundation.

Research, Reports & Publications

Enhanced Climate Change and Human Rights Disclosures in Westpac Group 2018 Sustainability Performance Report

Nov 14, 2018 6:00 PM ET

“For us, sustainability is about reflecting deeply on the issues that matter most to our stakeholders and constantly challenging ourselves,” said Brian Hartzer, Westpac Group CEO.

Research, Reports & Publications

Making An Impact: Bristol-Myers Squibb 2018 Global Citizenship Report

Nov 14, 2018 5:50 PM ET

From building partnerships to help ensure patients have access to treatments to ensuring that its commitment to diversity and inclusion extends beyond the workplace, Bristol-Myers Squibb is steadfast in its commitment to being a good corporate citizen. The 2018 Global Citizenship Reports shares stories of the work the company is carrying out as part of its commitment to its people and the communities in which they live.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

You Make Childhood Possible Today and a Cure Possible Tomorrow

Nov 14, 2018 5:15 PM ET

For the children who stay at The Inn, the decision to participate in an NIH clinical trial is often their last, best hope. It’s at this critical moment in a child’s treatment that The Inn community comes together to take care of the little things, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so families can focus on the big ones: keeping their sick child happy, making time for themselves, and supporting one another.

Energy

New LG ENERGY STAR Certified Air Purifier Delivers All-Around Air Quality

Nov 14, 2018 5:00 PM ET

ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year LG Electronics USA has launched the PuriCare™ 360° Air Purifier – the latest addition to the company’s line of advanced air care solutions. The new LG PuriCare 360° features a unique purification method that promotes 360 degrees of clean air delivery, true HEPA filtration, LoDecibal™ quieter operation and superior energy efficiency.

LG PuriCare 360° (model AS560DWR0) joins the portfolio of LG appliances certified asthma & allergy friendly® by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) – including air purifiers, washing machines and clothing care systems – helping to improve indoor air quality throughout the home. Each certified LG product has undergone rigorous scientific testing to ensure it is more suitable for people with asthma and allergies.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

She Won’t Leave A Soldier, Or Classmate, Behind

Nov 14, 2018 4:35 PM ET

Leslie Washington is a firm believer in learning concrete skills. Coming from a big military family, she joined the U.S. Navy after high school, excited about the real world experience and travel opportunities that lay ahead. From standing on plane wings while washing down aircrafts, to organizing facilities for command events, to participating in surveillance flights during Desert Storm, Leslie’s military career was unique to say the least.

Diversity & Inclusion

AEG Facilities’ KFC Yum! Center Officially Certified as Sensory Inclusive and Implements Visually Impaired Initiatives

Nov 14, 2018 4:15 PM ET

KultureCity and American Printing House for the Blind have partnered with AEG Facilities to make the KFC Yum! Center and all of the programs and events that the arena hosts sensory inclusive and more accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired. Two new initiatives will promote an accommodating and positive experience for all guests and fans with sensory or visual needs that visit the venue.

Green Infrastructure

Improving Energy Conservation, Environmental Impact with Century-Old Technology

Nov 14, 2018 3:50 PM ET

As owners of one of the largest private refrigerated trucking fleets, Tyson Foods and its subsidiaries are exploring ways to reduce carbon emissions and conserve energy by adopting modern versions of century-old technology.

In 2019, we plan to pilot two emerging motor technologies as part of ongoing efforts to improve fuel efficiency and reduce maintenance costs, all while improving overall profitability.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund Announces New Grant Winning Institutions

Nov 14, 2018 3:30 PM ET

The U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassies, Partners of the Americas, and NAFSA: Association of International Educators announce new grant recipients in the latest 100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund Competition.

Events, Media & Communications

CSR Technology and Employee Engagement

Nov 14, 2018 2:45 PM ET

On November 20 Chris Jarvis, Co-Founder of Realized Worth and Lesa George, Director of Digital Business Development, United Way of Calgary and Area will share insights into the customer experience and how technology can enable companies to meet impact and engagement objectives.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Everyday Heroes: A Snack with Purpose

Nov 14, 2018 2:40 PM ET

Sustainable Development Goals

Mohawk at Greenbuild 2018: Believe in Sustainable Flooring Solutions

Nov 14, 2018 2:30 PM ET

For the second year at Greenbuild, Mohawk Industries will showcase from both residential and commercial divisions sustainable flooring solutions designed to minimize impact on the planet. The world’s largest conference and expo dedicated to green building, Greenbuild takes place Nov. 14–16, 2018, in Chicago at McCormick Place, with Mohawk brands exhibiting in booth space 1503. This year’s theme is “Human by Nature” and focuses on the intersection of humanity and the built environment.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

JetBlue Celebrated World Kindness Day by Awarding Grants to Three Nonprofits

Nov 14, 2018 2:00 PM ET

Yesterday in celebration of World Kindness Day and as part of JetBlue For Good Month, JetBlue announced the winners of the JetBlue For Good Grants contest – Behind the Book in New York City, the Detroit Public Safety Foundation for the Detroit Police Department’s Sisterhood: No Boundaries Youth Program and Heal The Planet in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Selected from thousands of entries from community members, each of these nonprofit organizations received a $25,000 grant from JetBlue to continue their work helping others within their local communities. The designated charities each represent one of JetBlue For Good’s three pillars: youth and education, the community, and the environment.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Orlando Homeownership to Get $6.3 Million Boost

Nov 14, 2018 12:30 PM ET

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC), NeighborWorks® America, Orlando Neighborhood Improvement Corporation (ONIC), and Neighborhood Housing Services of South Florida (NHSSF) today announced the NeighborhoodLIFT® program will launch for Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties with a $6.3 million commitment by Wells Fargo to boost local homeownership.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Brands Taking Stands | Sustainable Investing Moves the Mainstream Market with Big Numbers

Nov 14, 2018 12:20 PM ET

We may be heading into the cold, dark days of winter, but my inbox has been glowing red-hot with a blast of news about sustainable finance. Updates are coming from every area of the category, from giant global entities to funds offering niche investment products, and services aimed at millennials and women.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Duke Energy Helps Protect and Restore North Carolina's Wildlife and Natural Resources With $1.1 Million Contribution

Nov 14, 2018 12:00 PM ET

Duke Energy is providing more than $1.1 million to support 11 North Carolina environmental nonprofit organizations to preserve, protect and enhance natural heritage across the state.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Responsible Forestry Trailblazer, Collins, Celebrates 25 Years of Certification

Nov 14, 2018 12:00 PM ET

Collins, a forest management and wood products company operating in California, Oregon and Pennsylvania, is pleased to celebrate 25 years of responsible forest management recognition, including independent certification under the internationally recognized Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) program. Third-party certifier SCS Global Services (SCS) and FSC paid tribute to Collins’ precedent-setting efforts at Greenbuild 2018, the U.S.’ largest green building event of the year.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Bacardi Celebrates Art, Fashion and 25 Years of Dress for Success Miami

Nov 14, 2018 11:15 AM ET

The Bacardi Women in Leadership initiative brought fashion to life during a cocktail event for a great cause. The team hosted an “Evening of Art & Fashion” to serve as the official kick-off celebration for the 25th anniversary of Dress for Success Miami, which provides a network of support, professional attire and development tools, to help women thrive in work and in life.

Health & Healthcare

Healthy Families, Healthy Futures

Nov 14, 2018 11:15 AM ET

Access to safe, voluntary family planning can empower women and helps support optimal health decision-making for themselves and their families.

Environment

Timberland, Journeys, and the Student Conservation Association Leave Green Footprint in Chicago

Nov 14, 2018 11:10 AM ET

Timberland recently convened a team of volunteers in Chicago to take another step toward fulfilling the brand’s five-year, five-city commitment to double its footprint with urban green spaces by 2021. More than 65 volunteers from Timberland, Journeys, the Student Conservation Association and the local community gathered in the Blue Island neighborhood of Chicago to transform an overgrown triangular lot into a community park and restore a growing garden for residents of a nearby senior center. Chicago was the first of three cities the brand greened this year followed by events in New York City and Los Angeles.

Research, Reports & Publications

Sustainability Reporting: 4 Things Companies Get Wrong

Nov 14, 2018 11:05 AM ET

From 100-page disclosures to a lack of standardisation in reports, here are four essential mistakes that companies make in their sustainability reports, according to Global Reporting Initiative chief Tim Mohin.

Education

Taco Bell Ups Live Más Scholarship Commitment to $21M

Nov 14, 2018 10:30 AM ET

Taco Bell is well ahead of its commitment to award $10 million in Live Más Scholarships by 2020. Three years to be exact. But instead of simply celebrating the fact, the Yum! Brands chain decided to more than double that commitment to $21 million by 2021.

Environment

Sustainability Reporting: Are You Disclosing What Really Matters to Your Investors?

Nov 14, 2018 10:25 AM ET

Antea Group blogs about corporate sustainability reporting and disclosure, and how your organisation can find its unique reporting path.