ESG News from Leading Brands

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Former Erb Institute PostDoc, Georgallis Receives Veni Grant of $290K

Aug 2, 2018 9:05 AM ET

The Veni grant will provide the sum total of €250,000 towards Georgallis’ work in understanding moral markets. Georgallis added, “I am honored to receive the Veni grant by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research. The grant will enable a better understanding of the evolution of moral markets, and help nurture these sectors which have a dual impact on economic and social change. I look forward to getting started!”

Environment

Novartis Announces US Renewables Agreement to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Aug 2, 2018 8:50 AM ET

Novartis announced today a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) in collaboration with Invenergy, North America’s largest privately held renewable energy company. As part of the Novartis environmental strategy, the initiative aims to add 100 megawatts (MW) of wind power to the electrical grid.

Research, Reports & Publications

Freeport-McMoRan Publishes 2017 Working Toward Sustainable Development Report “Powered by Copper”

Aug 2, 2018 5:00 AM ET

Freeport-McMoRan’s 2017 Working Toward Sustainable Development Report now is available online.

Titled "Powered by Copper," the report provides information on the company's sustainability programs – including approach, focus areas and performance targets – and highlights the company's progress made on key issues affecting the company and stakeholders.

Events, Media & Communications

Brands Taking Stands™ | Getting It Right

Aug 1, 2018 5:25 PM ET

The intersection of business and values has been the site of several collisions lately—some accidental, some accidents waiting to happen.

Energy

National Grid Releases Plans for Innovation, Customer Opportunities, and a Clean Energy Future

Aug 1, 2018 5:00 PM ET

National Grid has filed with New York regulators an update for distributed system implementation plan, its guide for advancing a cleaner, more efficient energy system.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Arbor Day Foundation Announces New Partnership With Grove Collaborative

Aug 1, 2018 3:00 PM ET

The Arbor Day Foundation announced today a new partnership with Grove Collaborative — an auto-shipment service offering natural household products — to plant 100,000 trees in forests of high need. Grove Collaborative has pledged to donate 1 percent of sales from Grove Collaborative’s Seedling branded paper products toward the Foundation’s reforestation efforts on an ongoing basis.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Tri-State Diversity Council Highlights Leadership Excellence at 2018 Diversity & Leadership Conference

Aug 1, 2018 3:00 PM ET

The Tri-State Diversity Council will be hosting the 2018 Diversity and Leadership Conference on August 23, 2018, at the New Yorker Hotel. The conference will feature multiple speakers presenting on a variety of topics regarding the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. In addition, top business leaders will be recognized with a series of awards highlighting their commitment to effective and progressive leadership.

Education

“Subaru Loves Learning” Celebrates the Importance of Education in August

Aug 1, 2018 2:55 PM ET

Subaru of America, Inc. announced today it will once again team up with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) to bring the world of science, engineering, and innovation to students through the “Subaru Loves Learning” initiative celebrated each August.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Legg Mason Affirms Its Commitment to Responsible Investing in Australia

Aug 1, 2018 1:15 PM ET

Legg Mason recently announced that we have joined the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) – an industry group representing investors from across Australia and New Zealand who are focused on responsible, ethical and impact investing.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

No More Shoes: A Different Perspective on Free-From Food Labeling

Aug 1, 2018 1:05 PM ET

Imagine that some enterprising souls in the U.S. decide one day that shoes are bad, and begin drumming up support and waging communications campaigns to convince the country to go “Shoe free.”

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

The National Diversity Council Announces 2018 Top 50 Women in Entertainment

Aug 1, 2018 1:00 PM ET

The National Diversity Council announces the 2018 Top 50 Women in Entertainment, a definitive list of female executives, influencers and achievers impacting the entertainment industry. These women have reached the top of their profession and are effective leaders within their organization. They drive change, contribute to business growth, and inspire others to succeed.

Diversity & Inclusion

Shire Joins the United States National LGBT Chamber of Commerce as a Corporate Partner

Aug 1, 2018 12:00 PM ET

Shire is proud to announce that it has joined the United States National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) as one of its corporate partners dedicated to supporting LGBT entrepreneurs and sourcing from NGLCC’s certified LGBT Business Enterprises (LGBTEs).

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

VSP Global Doubles Original 2020 Commitment to Provide Access to Eye Care and Eyewear

Aug 1, 2018 12:00 PM ET

n 2016, VSP Global hit a milestone of providing access to no-cost eye care and eyewear for one million people in need, like Lancaster, and committed to helping another million by 2020. In partnership with VSP network doctors, that goal was reached two years early. Now, VSP has committed to doubling its original goal.

Sustainable Development Goals

For Its 10th Anniversary, BCtA Is Looking Towards the Future!

Aug 1, 2018 11:45 AM ET

Since 2008, the Business Call to Action has reached truly global scale. Now over 200 members strong, our member companies serve low-income populations in growing and emerging economies. Through our key accomplishments and successes, we invite you to reflect on our shared history and take part in the great work ahead—to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities.

Environment

Kate Williams: 1 Percent For The Planet

Aug 1, 2018 11:45 AM ET

When you read about the giant islands of plastic garbage in our oceans, or see time-lapsed photos of diminishing arctic sea ice, in order to stave off the helpless feeling that creeps up into your throat, do you ever reach into your wallet intending to donate to an organization that’s making a difference? But then you may hesitate. To whom should you give to have the greatest impact?

Research, Reports & Publications

HP’s Sustainability Criteria Helped Generate $700M in New Revenue

Aug 1, 2018 11:25 AM ET

HP Inc. says that sustainable impact was a key differentiator for more than $700 million in new business last year. The company’s newly published 2017 Sustainable Impact Report shows a 38% year-over-year increase in sales bids with sustainability requirements.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Walmart Foundation and Tyson Foods Invest in Region’s Inclusion Efforts

Aug 1, 2018 11:00 AM ET

With strong financial support from Tyson Foods and Walmart Foundation, EngageNWA, which operates as part of the Northwest Arkansas Council, launched its strategic plan with the goal to enhance the region’s ability to ensure an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone who makes Northwest Arkansas home.

Research, Reports & Publications

eBook | Stand or Sit: Changing Roles of Companies & CR Directors in Politically Divisive Times

Aug 1, 2018 10:45 AM ET

Learn how to approach potentially divisive issues, when to weigh in and why remaining neutral is not always the best option.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Pioneering a People-Centered Approach to Corporate Philanthropy

Aug 1, 2018 10:45 AM ET

In 1943, long before corporate social responsibility (CSR) became a catchphrase, Johnson & Johnson Chairman Robert Wood Johnson wrote the company’s now-famous “Our Credo,” which states that the company must be “responsible to the communities in which we live and work and to the world community as well.” While language like this is commonplace in corporate America today, when Johnson wrote those words, it was considered extraordinary for a company to put people before profit, and to claim that an obligation to help better society was embedded in its mission.

Environment

Generating Power From the Roads

Aug 1, 2018 10:30 AM ET

As scientists and companies work on cleaning up cars, there’s also a team developing new technology along a road in rural Georgia in the United States, with the aim of making a truly sustainable highway.

Research, Reports & Publications

To Be Successful, New Study Says Business Should Lead With This

Aug 1, 2018 10:10 AM ET

Eighty-five percent of Americans say they would likely support a purpose-driven company in their community, while more than two-thirds (68%) say they would want to work for that company.This and other insightful data was just published in the 2018 Cone/Porter Novelli Purpose Study from public relations agency Porter Novelli who recently announced the launch of its global Purpose Practice, specializing in purpose-driven brand strategy and communications.

Events, Media & Communications

Earth Overshoot Day: How BOLD Ideas Help to Move the Date

Aug 1, 2018 10:05 AM ET

Events, Media & Communications

Erb Managing Director, Shadow Companies in Palm Oil Supply Chains, and Business’s Social License to Operate: A Conversation with Innovation Forum’s Ian Walsh

Aug 1, 2018 10:05 AM ET

While in London recently, Erb Institute Managing Director, Terry Nelidov sat down with Ian Welsh at Innovation Forum to discuss trends in how companies approach their social license to operate, and why it is increasingly regarded as essential.

Health & Healthcare

Merck Foundation and Marshall Health Announce New Initiative to Address Opioid Epidemic in West Virginia

Aug 1, 2018 9:45 AM ET

With a $2 million grant from the Foundation payable over four years, the System is an innovative, comprehensive approach that aims to reduce opioid overdoses and overdose deaths, improve access to substance abuse prevention and treatment services, and help reduce the rising rates

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

How to Plan Your Financial Future in Your 40s

Aug 1, 2018 9:05 AM ET