ESG News from Leading Brands

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

The Lasting Impact of Comcast Cares Day in Santa Rosa

Aug 28, 2018 2:10 PM ET

Last year’s wildfires were devastating for our area. As one of the most destructive wildfires in state history, they destroyed at least 8,400 homes and buildings and killed 22 people. In our district, about 800 students and 90 staff members lost their homes. The fires also destroyed one of our elementary schools and a high school farm.

When faced with unimaginable tragedy, this community came together, and we truly felt the support that came in from around the world. Comcast NBCUniversal, with over 500 employees in the local area, was intimately aware of the devastation and jumped in to help.

Research, Reports & Publications

Duke Energy Releases Updated Environmental, Social and Governance Reporting Template for Investors

Aug 28, 2018 2:05 PM ET

Duke Energy, a recognized leader in transparent environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting, is participating in an innovative industrywide approach to better communicate progress on ESG and sustainability issues.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Book Excerpt—The Challenge for Business and Society: From Risk to Reward

Aug 28, 2018 2:00 PM ET

Stan Litow’s new book, The Challenge for Business and Society: From Risk to Reward published by John Wiley & Sons, presents a fact-based assessment of the role that corporations have played in society both historically and currently and perhaps most important, offers a road map for a more promising future.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Las Vegas Sands Teams up to Build Wellness Kits for Community Preparedness

Aug 28, 2018 1:40 PM ET

Las Vegas Sands is collaborating with social enterprise Clean the World and humanitarian organization American Red Cross for a property-wide hygiene and comfort kit build to support disaster and social relief efforts. This will be the company’s first build with American Red Cross and its fifth annual effort to build a total of 80,000 hygiene kits worldwide that will improve the health and well-being of populations in need with Clean the World.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Always Be Prepared: How to Plan Your Disaster Relief Strategy

Aug 28, 2018 1:20 PM ET

When news of natural disasters pop up in people’s news feeds, they feel compelled to give immediately and will often approach their CSR leaders with hundreds of “what are we doing about this?” questions—unless you have a plan. Download our practical guide to help create a solid disaster relief strategy, so you’re ready to respond quickly and confidently the next time disaster strikes.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Quick Consult: Getting Past the Myth of "Not Enough Time"

Aug 28, 2018 1:05 PM ET

One of the most common concerns companies share when thinking about developing a pro bono program is that their employees are strapped for time. What they find, though, is that smart pro bono program design can go a long way to address this concern.

Education

TCS Partners with Discovery Education for Innovation Student Challenge

Aug 28, 2018 1:00 PM ET

Tata Consultancy Services and Discovery Education today announced the launch of the TCS Discovery Education Ignite Innovation Student Challenge. The brand-new competition gives young innovators an amazing chance to win $10,000, receive virtual mentorship from a TCS technology expert and bring a winning idea to life.

Innovation & Technology

The Unanticipated Benefits of California’s Water Policies

Aug 28, 2018 1:00 PM ET

Just as California's climate policies have driven innovation in energy efficiency, renewable energy and battery storage – creating 500,000 new jobs – many of the state’s recently enacted bills are beginning to drive innovation in water technology. State policymakers should take note.

Environment

eBay | Supporting World Elephant Day

Aug 28, 2018 12:50 PM ET

In celebration of World Elephant Day, August 12th, eBay is raising awareness and support for actions that help conserve elephants by eliminating illegal trade in ivory and elephant-related products. Unfortunately, poachers kill about 20,000 elephants every single year for their tusks, which are then traded illegally both on and off line throughout the world.

Innovation & Technology

Creating Smarter, Healthier Cities

Aug 28, 2018 12:40 PM ET

Air pollution kills 4.5 million people a year and costs the world $225 billion a year in economic damages. Recent studies show that air pollution varies as much as eight times within one city block. The good news is we are on the cusp of generating widespread hyperlocal insights into air pollution. Understanding for the first time at a local, personal level where pollution is, where it comes from, and its impacts could shine a spotlight on the problem and increase the urgency and motivation for action.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Hallmark's Elizabeth Bordenave Utilizes Skills-Based Volunteering for Nonprofits

Aug 28, 2018 12:25 PM ET

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

A Deeper Look at CECP's Investing in Society: People

Aug 28, 2018 12:25 PM ET

Investing in Society, CECP’s recently launched compendium of data, research, and case studies illustrates innovations in corporate efforts to solve the world’s most pressing problems. Divided into five sections – Priorities, Performance, People, Planet, and Policies – the collection of insights offers a far-reaching assessment of what leading companies are doing in each of the five focus areas.

In the People section, CECP asks, “How can large corporations maximize societal impact and outcomes through employee engagement and purpose?”

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

The 25 Most Generous Philanthropists in America Today

Aug 28, 2018 12:15 PM ET

America's wealthiest people donated $14.7 billion in 2017 to causes, alma maters, foundations, and charities — more than doubling the amount given away in 2016. For 18 years, The Chronicle of Philanthropy has published an annual round up of the top-50 philanthropists in America by calculating their yearly donations. In 2017, the individuals and couples on the list donated a median of $97 million, doubling the giving amount from the first list published in 2000.

Environment

HP Works to Reduce the Environmental Impact of Its Worldwide Operations

Aug 28, 2018 12:00 PM ET

In early 2018, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that independent analyses conducted by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) show that 2017 was the second warmest year on record globally.
That warming trend has continued, as the latest research by NOAA predicts that 2018 is on pace to be the fourth hottest year on record – with only 2015, 2016, and 2017 being warmer.

Research, Reports & Publications

CMS Energy Releases Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) and Sustainability Report

Aug 28, 2018 11:40 AM ET

CMS Energy is participating in a voluntary industry initiative, coordinated by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), to provide the public, our customers and investors with uniform and consistent ESG and sustainability-related metrics. This report supplements our existing disclosure on these issues, including the 2018 Sustainability Report.

Research, Reports & Publications

New Sustainability Reporting Tools to Save Sweat Equity and Costs

Aug 28, 2018 11:30 AM ET

Energy and sustainability expert Schneider Electric today announced new external reporting features in the company's cloud-based enterprise software platform EcoStruxure™ Resource Advisor. The updates will enable organizations to turn sustainability disclosure into an ongoing process and better use data collected throughout the year, reducing the stress and associated expense of reporting season.

Environment

Practitioner Spotlight--Phil Gilchrist

Aug 28, 2018 11:15 AM ET

Antea Group spotlights Phil Gilchrist, its environmental remediation consultant based in California.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Billy Cable - 2018 Aflac CSR Hero

Aug 28, 2018 10:50 AM ET

One year ago, Hurricane Harvey hit Houston, Texas, and led to historic flooding. Lisa Bates, an independent agent licensed to sell Aflac products, and her family – including her 10-month-old daughter – were stranded and in need of help.

Environment

Great Plains Grassland Loss Slows Overall, While South Dakota Conversion on the Rise

Aug 28, 2018 10:30 AM ET

Last year, 1.7 million acres of grasslands were lost across the Great Plains to crop production, according to new research from World Wildlife Fund (WWF). While stark, this number represents an overall decrease in conversion from 2016, with 800,000 less acres plowed, benefiting the critical ecosystems, wildlife habitat, and rural communities who rely on these intact grasslands. However, the region of South Dakota that was once hit hardest by the Dust Bowl has experienced a dramatic increase in plow-up over the past year.

Sustainable Development Goals

Coffee Entrepreneur: How Ne​scafé Helped Wasiu Get Started

Aug 28, 2018 10:30 AM ET

Nescafé is helping thousands of young people in Central and West Africa by allowing them to run their own street vending business.

If a vendor wants to become an operator, Nescafé provides training on how to run a business, teaching the sellers about management, hygiene, quality and safety, as well as helping them to secure access to a supply of clean boiling water.

Green Infrastructure

Thailand Kicks Off WELL Journey with Strong Market Traction for Healthy Buildings

Aug 28, 2018 10:05 AM ET

The International WELL Building Institute celebrated the most recent stop of its WELL Journey in Bangkok, Thailand, with much fanfare by bringing together a diverse group of local stakeholders committed to promoting healthy buildings and healthy communities in the country.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Bacardí se une a Lonely Whale para erradicar uso de plástico

Aug 28, 2018 10:05 AM ET

Como parte de su compromiso con la sociedad, Grupo Bacardí se une a Lonely Whale, la galardonada organización sin fines de lucro dedicada a presentar ideas que impacten positivamente la salud de nuestros océanos, anunciando la campaña internacional de concientización social #TheFutureDoesntSuck o #ElFuturoNoSorbe en español.

Environment

World Water Week: Companies Must Look Beyond Own Operations to Enhance Water Stewardship

Aug 28, 2018 10:05 AM ET

The cornerstone for effective water management is to know one’s impacts. GRI has released an updated standard on water and effluents, with an emphasis on water stewardship. Developed with a working group of highly accomplished water experts, the standard has a basis in the Sustainable Development Goals and represents the best practice in reporting on water across the value chain.

Social Impact & Volunteering

President and Mrs. Carter in Indiana to Build New Habitat for Humanity Homes Alongside Future Homeowners and Hundreds of Volunteers

Aug 28, 2018 10:00 AM ET

President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter have donned their hardhats and lifted their hammers for their 35th work project with Habitat for Humanity. Building alongside volunteers and future homeowners, the Carters are helping to build 22 new, affordable homes this week in what will become an all-Habitat neighborhood in Mishawaka. With additional construction projects throughout the year, a total of 41 homes will be built, renovated or repaired in Mishawaka and South Bend as part of the 2018 Carter Work Project.

Environment

Global Teams Come Together to “Beat Plastic Pollution”

Aug 28, 2018 10:00 AM ET

Every day, General Motors employees play an important role in helping us build stronger communities as we work to achieve a world with zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion. That is especially true on World Environment Day (WED), when our global teams rally during the month of June to amplify environmental outreach activities in their facilities or communities. Each year our sites share their WED plans with the global network and employees have a chance to vote on the most creative and impactful WED outreach activities related to environmental safety and conservation.