ESG News from Leading Brands

Research, Reports & Publications

Brands Taking Stands Newsletter, 6/6/18

Jun 7, 2018 9:35 AM ET

“The Big Story” in this week’s edition of the Brands Taking Stands Newsletter focuses on how stands taken on principle by a business that already has a purpose-driven mission doubles down on the perception that that company is “better” than one that just does business-as-usual. New research shows positive benefits for firms promoting values as well as products and services.

Environment

Nestlé Waters to Certify All Its Sites to Alliance for Water Stewardship Standard by 2025

Jun 7, 2018 9:30 AM ET

Nestlé Waters has today announced that it will extend its commitment to water stewardship by certifying all of its sites to the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Standard by 2025.

The global standard promotes responsible water use that benefits local communities socially and economically, while ensuring environmental sustainability of watersheds – all priorities for Nestlé. Since first committing to the AWS Standard in 2017, Nestlé Waters has already certified eight of its factories around the world, including in Pakistan, Canada and the United States.

Events, Media & Communications

Bechtel Podcast | Jim Nolan on Construction Management and Innovation

Jun 7, 2018 9:20 AM ET

“We need to focus on training, we need to focus on safety, we need to focus on everything you can imagine to be able to even function. It’s a journey in culture really, and I like to start with safety,” stated Bechtel’s Jim Nolan, president of equipment operations on the challenges of merging construction management and innovation.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Follow the Money: How Sands Cares Assists WestCare

Jun 7, 2018 9:15 AM ET

Through the implementation of the Fresh Start Mobile Showers, WestCare partnered with Sands Cares, Las Vegas Sands’ corporate giving program, as a local stop for providing the community’s homeless population with private showering facilities. As the mobile showers began to gain traction, WestCare has been an important partner in assisting those experiencing homelessness in the Las Vegas area.

Environment

6 Natural Adventures to Visit This Summer

Jun 7, 2018 9:00 AM ET

June marks National Great Outdoors Month and National Water Month. The beauty of our nation’s forests and parks are that they are filled with breathtaking views, unbeatable hiking trails, and diverse wildlife. The summer is the season to get outdoors and connect with nature. Here are 6 forests, parks, and preserves that we are replanting in and that are full of adventure.

Research, Reports & Publications

M&S Publishes Its First Update on Plan A 2025 as Part of Its Business Transformation

Jun 7, 2018 9:00 AM ET

M&S updates stakeholders on progress against its 100 new Plan A commitments launched last year. This year’s update comes as part of a wider business transformation programme.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Sustainability Winners Unwrapped

Jun 7, 2018 5:00 AM ET

Events, Media & Communications

Twitter Chat With Aetna: #HealthierWorld, Thursday, 6/7 Noon ET/ 9am PT

Jun 6, 2018 6:30 PM ET

Join us on Twitter tomorrow, Thursday, June 7, at Noon ET (9:00 a.m. PT), as Aetna, along with public health leaders, share ideas and provide insight on how to build a healthier world, one community at a time. You can follow the conversation by locating the hashtag, #HealthierWorld.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

National Grid Earns EEI Emergency Assistance Award and Emergency Recovery Award for Restoration Efforts Across U.S.

Jun 6, 2018 5:05 PM ET

The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) today presented National Grid with the EEI Emergency Assistance Award and the EEI Emergency Recovery Award for its outstanding power restoration efforts after Winter Storm Riley, Winter Storm Quinn, and a severe wind and ice storm that impacted New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island in October 2017, March 2018, and April 2018.

Education

Washington, D.C., students learn in a floating classroom

Jun 6, 2018 5:00 PM ET

It’s not often that teenagers are able to spend a school day on a boat instead of in a classroom, but students from The School Without Walls High School in Washington, D.C., had that opportunity recently. As the high school students traveled along the Potomac and Anacostia rivers, they tested water quality, identified fish, examined maps, and surveyed bird diversity.

Diversity & Inclusion

Northern Trust Celebrates Pride Month this Month and Every Month

Jun 6, 2018 4:35 PM ET

This #PrideMonth, and every month, we're proud to recognize the diversity of our partners! We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Environment

How China’s Ban on ‘Foreign Trash’ Will Impact U.S. Recycling

Jun 6, 2018 3:25 PM ET

Are you a conscientious recycler, someone who scrubs their aluminum cans and glass containers before tossing them in the bin? Do you know the plastic recycling number codes by heart? Well, now a new rule by China might make some of these efforts moot.

Diversity & Inclusion

What’s in a Name?

Jun 6, 2018 2:10 PM ET

As a child on the playground, did you ever experience a bully relentlessly calling you a “tomboy” (if you are a female) or a “sissy” (if you are a male)? That’s how many transgender people feel, even as adults, every time they have to present their identification with their birth name and assigned gender – that information does not represent who they are, and the exercise is dehumanizing and demoralizing.

Research, Reports & Publications

Sands ECO360 Launches 2017 Environmental Progress Report with Focus on Sustainable Dining

Jun 6, 2018 1:35 PM ET

Las Vegas Sands is the leader in sustainability within the hospitality industry. Through Sands ECO360, its global sustainability program, the company implements strategic initiatives that minimize its environmental footprint on the planet. Since setting the five-year goals in 2015, the program has made outstanding progress detailed in its 2017 Environmental Progress Report.

Environment

Partnering to Build up Pollinator Populations

Jun 6, 2018 12:30 PM ET

When rival automakers come together it’s usually to brag about their latest engineering accomplishment or to re-imagine the future of mobility, but sometimes they garden. Yes, garden. Through our membership with the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC), FCA US is now tracking and promoting healthy biodiversity at 12 facilities across North America.

Research, Reports & Publications

Updated Report: Automakers Reduce Risk, Enhance Competitiveness With Strong MPG/Emission Standards

Jun 6, 2018 12:00 PM ET

In the wake of reports that the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may propose rollbacks to vehicle efficiency and emission standards, Ceres has released an updated analysis and fact sheetpointing to the economic benefits of strong national standards.

Major investors and companies are voicing concerns that the administration’s potential move could blunt a key driver of the U.S. economy, hurt the global competitiveness of the U.S. auto industry, and create significant regulatory uncertainty for the auto industry.

Events, Media & Communications

Dispatches from the Sustainable Brands Conference – Vancouver 2018

Jun 6, 2018 11:00 AM ET

At Sustainable Brands 2018 in Vancouver, Buy Social Canada led attendees on a social enterprise walking tour across the city, highlighting a long list of social enterprises and the innovative work they’re doing to better their community. Buy Social Canada brings together socially driven purchasers and social enterprise suppliers, working with community organizations, the private sector and government.

Environment

Merck INFOGRAPHIC | Finding New Ways to Reduce Our Environmental Impact and Promote Sustainability

Jun 6, 2018 10:15 AM ET

The world’s resources are finite. Over the next few decades the demand for energy, clean water and natural resources will increase substantially due to population growth and economic development. As a result, there will be fewer resources available to support the world’s growin

Responsible Production & Consumption

Looks Great, Tastes Fresh: Meet Our New Tomatoes

Jun 6, 2018 10:05 AM ET

By the end of 2018, all of Wendy's tomatoes will be vine-ripened from greenhouse farms. The goal: tomatoes that taste like you grew them yourself. And did we mention that greenhouse farms bring benefits to the environment as well?

Events, Media & Communications

MUST SEE: Ethical Corp’s Revolutionised Supply Chain Conference

Jun 6, 2018 10:05 AM ET

For over a decade this event has delivered an unmatched, holistic view of supply chain challenges and solutions. 2018’s iteration is the strongest, most value packed we’ve ever produced with a laser-like focus on the emerging technologies, innovations and collaborations critical to sustainable, cost-effective supply chain strategies.

Education

High School Students Use Star Banks Adventure® App to “Game Their Way to Success”

Jun 6, 2018 10:00 AM ET

“Dear Ms. Christoff,” the email began, “My name is Olivia Perini, and I am a 9th grade student at Harrison High School in New York. For our high school DECA club project, my two partners and I were assigned the task of coming up with a financial literacy promotion. We chose to use the T. Rowe Price Star Banks Adventure app to promote financial literacy in the school.”

Research, Reports & Publications

New Article From John Kania, Mark Kramer, and Peter Senge Provides an Actionable Framework for Catalyzing Systems Change

Jun 6, 2018 9:00 AM ET

A new article, The Water of Systems Change, published by FSG, provides an actionable model for funders and other social sector institutions interested in creating systems change. Many funders and grantees today find the concept of systems change and its implications difficult to grasp and apply, despite decades of academic research and activist leadership. The Water of Systems Change aims to clarify what it means to shift the conditions holding a social or environmental problem in place.

Sustainable Development Goals

The Role of Land Rights Documentation in Promoting Sustainable Land Use Practices

Jun 6, 2018 9:00 AM ET

Tetra Tech’s Dr. Matt Sommerville, senior associate with Tetra Tech International Development Services, participated in a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) LandLinks expert interview that highlights the innovative approaches used for customary land documentation in Zambia and ways the Tenure and Global Climate Change (TGCC) project institutionalized land reform at the local, regional, and national levels. All opinions expressed in this post are the author’s own.

Education

Duke Energy Connects Students and Educators with STEM, Literacy and Workforce Development Opportunities in North Carolina

Jun 5, 2018 3:15 PM ET

Duke Energy is empowering students, educators and the workforce of the future by investing $2.5 million in 67 education and training initiatives across North Carolina. The 2018 grants, from the Duke Energy Foundation, will enhance educational programs focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), K-3 early childhood literacy and workforce development.

Sustainable Development Goals

Monsanto and Iowa State Partner to Improve Water Quality

Jun 5, 2018 3:00 PM ET

Monsanto Company, along with its subsidiary, The Climate Corporation, today announced a partnership with the Iowa State University (ISU) Department of Agronomy to create an infrastructure project designed to monitor water quality and downstream nitrate loss. The project will provide researchers with valuable information on management practices that help keep nitrogen fertilizer from entering surrounding waterways.