ESG News from Leading Brands

Education

"Old Dogs" And New Tablets: Verizon Changes How Teachers Approach Tech

Jul 31, 2018 3:00 PM ET

Teachers in 26 schools in eight states are in training with Verizon Innovative Learning, a program that harnesses the power of technology to transform learning. They’ll join 74 schools in 12 states already participating in the initiative, which gives free technology, free internet access and an innovative tech-based curriculum to under-resourced schools.

Education

Partnering to Build Communities Beyond the Classroom

Jul 31, 2018 2:55 PM ET

The core of the Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE) is a unique partnership between scientists and teachers. Amgen scientists contribute their expertise in cutting-edge research and desire to empower students in STEM, while teachers contribute their expertise in how to interest and motivate students and their desire to connect STEM to the real-world.

Environment

Dell Looks at Earth Overshoot Day

Jul 31, 2018 2:35 PM ET

This coming Wednesday (August 1), humanity will hit Earth Overshoot Day – the day when we have used more resources than Planet Earth can regenerate. Every day from now until the end of the year, we are spending past our limit. Thankfully, the planet has a buffer (a natural bank account, if you will) to pay those bills. But we are carrying a balance, and that balance is getting bigger and bigger.

Energy

Despite Progress, Northeast not on Track for Carbon Emissions Goals

Jul 31, 2018 2:35 PM ET

Energy

UPS to Test New Electric Vehicle

Jul 31, 2018 2:20 PM ET

UPS is excited to be bringing a new class six vehicle into its rolling lab of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles. The new fully electric vehicle from Thor Trucks, Inc. will be road tested in Los Angeles, California later this year.

Events, Media & Communications

Sustainability & ESG Trends in View

Jul 31, 2018 1:30 PM ET

Every week G&A Institute assembles the value-added content that our team gathers for you as we closely monitor trends and developments in corporate sustainability, corporate responsibility, corporate citizenship, sustainable investing, and related topics and issues. Our Editor-in-Chief Ken Cynar leads the daily effort and you see the results of his work in each issue of Highlights (note we are on #406 this week). We hope that you benefit from this effort, part of our information-sharing and educational mission.

Environment

The Recycling Partnership and the PepsiCo Foundation Launch Largest-Ever Industry Challenge to Boost Residential Recycling for 25 Million U.S. Families and Support a Circular Economy

Jul 31, 2018 12:30 PM ET

The PepsiCo Foundation, the philanthropic arm of one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, and national nonprofit The Recycling Partnership today announced the launch of "All In On Recycling," the largest ever industry-wide residential recycling challenge to make recycling easier for 25 million families across the country – providing them with the resources they need to recycle more and recycle better.

Environment

Practitioner Spotlight--Debbie Ferguson

Jul 31, 2018 11:55 AM ET

Learn about Debbie Ferguson, Antea Group's event and field marketing manager.

Environment

Ecocentricity Blog: Talk Nerdy to Me

Jul 31, 2018 11:45 AM ET

History is littered with examples of corporations that have harmed the environment in the name of earning a profit. Wouldn’t it be nice if a corporation could simultaneously seek a profit while balancing that goal with environmental and social concerns?

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Growing in the Hospitality Industry at Las Vegas Sands

Jul 31, 2018 10:40 AM ET

As soon as guests check-in, their experience at a Las Vegas Sands Integrated Resort might begin at the front desk. Team Members check-in and greet more than 35,000 guests a month, just at The Venetian Las Vegas. Behind those desks once stood Jaime Miranda, who served as front desk manager in 2005. She had the privilege and responsibility to welcome each guest and set the tone for their stay.

Education

Teachers Learn How to Spark Early Interest in STEM Careers

Jul 31, 2018 10:35 AM ET

To help fill a pipeline of future scientists and engineers, many teachers in the St. Louis area are “stemitizing” — integrating science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts into all school subjects.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Launching Investing in Society, a Sector-Wide Insights Collection

Jul 31, 2018 10:30 AM ET

Companies issue an annual report every year but where can you find information about the corporate sector as a whole? Sure, indices can tell you lots about stock price, market cap, and EBITDA. In this modern age, expectations of companies go much further beyond financial performance. CECP is thrilled to launch Investing in Society, a digital collection that endeavors to focus on the most crucial insights of how the sector is faring beyond where the Dow closes.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Nestlé’s Day of Service Shows How Passion Feeds Purpose

Jul 31, 2018 10:05 AM ET

As a leader at the world’s largest food and beverage company, I know that no single person, company, or organization can solve hunger, but our collective efforts can change lives.

I’m proud to say that Nestlé and our employees across the country take enormous pride in the role we play in working toward a solution. For 2018, Nestlé’s annual Day of Service in the U.S. will focus on combating hunger in our communities. Our employees will work at more than 75 events across the country, doing everything from preparing meals for families here in Northern Virginia, to serving at a Cleveland food bank, to leading a food drive in Oakland, California. These are only a few of the volunteer efforts organized across our factories, distribution centers, headquarters, and many locations in between.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Closed Loop Launches Circulate Capital to Take on Ocean Plastics in Asia

Jul 31, 2018 9:55 AM ET

Closed Loop Partners today is announcing a new venture, Circulate Capital, to invest in companies, innovations and projects that prevent marine plastic waste originating in Asia.

Sustainable Development Goals

Driving Progress Towards Achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Jul 31, 2018 9:35 AM ET

In collaboration with the United Nations Foundation, the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) and companies like Nestle and Novozymes, Essity invited experts and executives from the UN, government, business and non- governmental organizations to discuss the relationship between policy and investments that drive progress toward SDG implementation.

Environment

VIDEO | Hallmark Is Making Progress Toward 2020 Goals

Jul 31, 2018 9:25 AM ET

In working toward Hallmark’s ambitious 2020 Environmental Goals, the company regularly incorporates positive strides for the environment with the needs of the business. In years like 2017, it can be a balancing act between what is required to grow the business and what is needed to maintain forward progress on environmental goals.

Environment

Developing the New Mexico Heirloom Corn Project

Jul 31, 2018 9:05 AM ET

In February 2016 The New York Times ran a story, “Oaxaca’s Native Maize Embraced by Top Chefs in US and Europe,” highlighting the work of a new company called Masienda that was sourcing landrace (heirloom) corn from small farms in Mexico. Masienda’s business model emphasizes conservation of agrobiodiversity, while supporting smallholders using sustainable/organic farming methods. When some of us here in Santa Fe saw this article we asked the question, “Why can’t this be happening in New Mexico as well?” And so the New Mexico Landrace (Heirloom) Corn Project was born.

Sustainable Development Goals

Northern Trust's Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals

Jul 31, 2018 9:05 AM ET

During 2017, we set specific key performance indicators aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations and will continue to measure progress against these indicators.

Research, Reports & Publications

Moody’s Details Its Progress Opening Doors to a Better Future

Jul 31, 2018 9:00 AM ET

Moody’s Corporation’s newly released Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report details the company’s progress in delivering on its goal of empowering people around the world to create a better future for themselves, their communities and the environment. “Moody’s CSR strategy is focused on finding challenges that we can solve by creating paths to knowledge and opportunity,” said Raymond McDaniel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Moody’s. “I am proud that Moody’s employees have dedicated their time and expertise to addressing these challenges — from supporting small business owners to nurturing the environment — in ways that have changed the world around us for the better.”

Sustainable Development Goals

Warranty Solutions and the Arbor Day Foundation Reach the Planting of 2M Trees

Jul 31, 2018 9:00 AM ET

Warranty Solutions and the Arbor Day Foundation have reached a new milestone in their partnership by planting two million trees in our nation’s forests. The partnership began in 2009 to help improve air quality, water quality, mitigate the effects of climate change, combat deforestation and prevent species loss.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

What Types of Partnerships Should You Be Exploring? Join Social Capital and Blackbaud in a Free Webinar August 1st and Find Out

Jul 31, 2018 8:00 AM ET

Be smarter about your partnerships with insights from Social Capital. Join Social Impact and Blackbaud on August 1st at 2 pm ET to learn more about this shift toward corporate activism, and uncover what kinds of partnerships you should be exploring.

Sustainable Development Goals

Coca-Cola & PGGM: Reporting on the SDGs

Jul 31, 2018 5:00 AM ET

Businesses are increasingly asked to demonstrate the long-term value of the business and show their progress on SDG targets.

Health & Healthcare

To Be Successful, Your Business Should Lead With This

Jul 31, 2018 1:30 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.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Legg Mason Affiliate Martin Currie Achieves Top ESG Rating For Second Year In A Row

Jul 30, 2018 4:35 PM ET

For the second year running, the PRI has awarded Martin Currie, an investment affiliate of Legg Mason (NYSE:LM) an A+ (highest performance band) in all three of its top-level categories: ‘Strategy and Governance', 'Incorporation’ and ‘Active Ownership'.

Health & Healthcare

A New Health Center is Under Construction Thanks to PNC Bank’s Innovative Community Development Banking

Jul 30, 2018 4:15 PM ET

Every day, dozens and dozens of patients, from parents with newborns to the elderly, visit Unity Health Care’s East of the River Health Center for medical care. For many people in that Northeast Washington, D.C. community, this may be the only place they go to see a doctor. Unity doesn’t turn away anyone who seeks care, no matter their circumstances.