ESG News from Leading Brands

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Sustainably Grown® Certification Earns More High Marks

Apr 25, 2018 9:00 AM ET

In its “ABC’s of Food Labels,” U.S. non-profit Green America has awarded SCS Global Services’ Sustainably Grown® certification program four and a half stars, among the highest rankings earned by any of the popular global sustainable agriculture ecolabels. This is just the latest recognition received by Sustainably Grown, which covers a comprehensive set of environmental, social, economic, safety and quality attributes related to the production of fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs, nuts, cut flowers, and ornamental plants. Additionally, Sustainably Grown certification is well aligned with consumer demand, according to a recent nationwide study of U.S. shoppers. The research was conducted by Category Partners, one of the leading third-party fresh produce analytics firms in the U.S.

Education

Tetra Tech Promotes STEM Around the World

Apr 25, 2018 9:00 AM ET

Tetra Tech’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Program aims to help students at all levels—from kindergarten to graduate school—develop an interest in these four technical fields. Tetra Tech employees around the world complete classroom visits, conduct science activities, provide mentorships, and participate in a multitude of programs, including activities that focus on water, science careers, and motivating girls and young women to pursue STEM careers.

Research, Reports & Publications

NRG Energy Demonstrates Leadership With 2017 Sustainability Results

Apr 25, 2018 9:00 AM ET

Today, NRG Energy, Inc. published its 2017 Sustainability Report. In this report, the company announces new sustainability achievements and milestones and provides, for the first time, the company’s principles on climate change.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Cacapon Institute Honored With Arbor Day Foundation’s Headwaters Award

Apr 25, 2018 9:00 AM ET

The Arbor Day Foundation has announced today that Cacapon Institute of West Virginia have been awarded the Foundation’s inaugural Headwaters Award which celebrates innovative programs — in rural or urban areas — that support the improvement of water quality and quantity through forestry activities.

Diversity & Inclusion

INTERVIEW: Valerie Maldonado Senior Engineer Process Developer for MARS

Apr 25, 2018 9:00 AM ET

A few weeks ago, MARS INC. contacted me, asking me to interview four of their Women in STEM.* Over the next few weeks, their interviews will be posting one by one. This interview is with Valerie Maldonado, Fruity Confections CBU Mars Wrigley Confectionery here in the US.

Research, Reports & Publications

John Lewis Partnership Corporate Responsibility Report 2017/18

Apr 25, 2018 5:00 AM ET

John Lewis Partnership has released its latest Corporate Responsibility Report which provides an update on activities and progress made over the last year in support of the Partnership’s three overarching aims; Source and sell with integrity, Deliver more with less and Unlock Partner potential.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Republic Services Drivers Honored with National Driver of the Year Awards

Apr 24, 2018 8:40 PM ET

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Avery Dennison Makes CSR Investment in Southeast Asia

Apr 24, 2018 8:30 PM ET

With many of Avery Dennison’s solutions made from paper, maintaining a sustainable paper supply is vital to our business success and achieving our long-term sustainability goals. In fact, we’re aiming to use 100% FSC-Certified paper for all of our products by the year 2025.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Smithfield Foods’ Senior Director of Hunger Relief, Dennis Pittman, Honored with “Innovation in Action” Award

Apr 24, 2018 4:25 PM ET

Dennis Pittman, who serves as Smithfield Foods’ senior director of hunger relief, last week received the Frank Timberlake “Innovation in Action” Award from the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, a Feeding America Food Bank based in Charlotte, N.C.

Each year, the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina hosts an awards luncheon for partners in the community who have gone above and beyond to support their mission to end hunger in the 19 counties they serve throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. Dennis has been recognized for his leadership of Smithfield’s Helping Hungry Homes® initiative and his years of work to support the fight against hunger.

Environment

VIDEO | Alliance Data Reduces GHG Emissions by 21 Percent in Two Years

Apr 24, 2018 4:25 PM ET

Since 2015, Alliance Data reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 21 percent metric tons. Check out how we fared in this short video. Our 2017 Corporate Responsibility report, which will be out in the coming weeks, will detail more of our efforts to nurture and protect our environment.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Ninety Employees Clean Up 60 Acres in 30 Degree Temperatures

Apr 24, 2018 4:15 PM ET

Camp Westwood is a branch of the Pawtucket YMCA tucked away off the beaten path in Coventry, RI. The 60 acres of land is open from April to October each year for locals to camp, swim, kayak, or just enjoy the beautiful setting. And as our employees turned into the camp this Earth Day, we were greeted with a sign that read “Thank You National Grid Volunteers.” We hadn’t done anything to deserve the thanks yet, but we were about to earn it.

Events, Media & Communications

Final Days to Register for the 2018 Shared Value Leadership Summit

Apr 24, 2018 4:15 PM ET

Time is running out to join business leaders committed to providing scalable solutions to society's greatest challenges at the 2018 Shared Value Leadership Summit on May 1-2 at the Conrad New York.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Renay Loper of PYXERA Global Leads Workshop at Taproot Foundation’s U.S. Pro Bono Summit

Apr 24, 2018 3:30 PM ET

PYXERA Global is pleased to announce our participation in the Taproot 2018 U.S. Pro Bono Summit hosted by the Taproot Foundation and BMW Foundation on April 18–19 in San Francisco, CA. The Taproot Foundation’s annual event brought together leaders in the practice of Global Pro Bono to share knowledge, challenges, and experiences in an effort to better facilitate pro bono work that drives social change. PYXERA Global joined other leaders in the practice to discuss Global Pro Bono projects as they relate to technology, leadership, and food access.

Environment

Bloomberg Gives $4.5 Million to Help U.S. Keep Paris Climate Accord Commitment

Apr 24, 2018 3:30 PM ET

Former New York City Mayor and philanthropist Michael Bloomberg says he has a responsibility to help the environment as the Trump administration has backed down from its role in the Paris climate agreement. He said on "Face the Nation" he will write a check for $4.5 million this year to fund that mission.

Energy

Headlights vs. Highlights: Season Four of Better Buildings SWAP Showcases General Motors and L’Oréal USA

Apr 24, 2018 3:10 PM ET

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today unveiled the fourth installment of the “Better Buildings Challenge SWAP,” featuring General Motors and L’Oréal USA. In this online video series, the companies swap energy management teams to gain new insights, save money and improve the energy performance of their industrial facilities. The result is an informative, behind the scenes look at what it takes to improve manufacturing competitiveness through energy efficiency.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Will Implicit Bias Training Solve the Starbucks Problem?

Apr 24, 2018 3:00 PM ET

A barista calls the cops on two black men waiting for a friend and Starbucks responds with implicit bias training to help employees recognize subconscious racism. Is this response good enough? Information on its own does not change attitudes and behavior. So, what’s the answer?

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

The Hundred People Behind Your Favorite Pair of Jeans - Erb Institute | Business for Sustainability

Apr 24, 2018 1:30 PM ET

Have you ever stopped to think about how many people were involved in making the clothes you buy? Chances are you have heard about or read The Travels of a T-shirt in a Global Economy or listened to Planet Money’s piece on making a t-shirt. Both are incredibly interesting examinations of the effects of global trade on the fashion industry, developing countries and garment workers.

Innovation & Technology

VMware Celebrates 20 Years of Innovation

Apr 24, 2018 1:00 PM ET

From virtualization to cloud computing, with a commitment to be a force for good, click here to explore VMware's interactive timeline and find out how 20 years of innovation have given rise to a better, more connected world.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Morgan Stanley Announces New Commitment to Finance $250Bn in Low-Carbon Solutions by 2030

Apr 24, 2018 12:55 PM ET

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) today announced a new commitment to provide $250Bn in low-carbon financing by 2030. Contributing to this commitment are the Firm’s activities in clean-tech and renewable energy financing, sustainable bonds and other transactions that enable low-carbon solutions. As companies, governments and institutions transition to a low-carbon economy, Morgan Stanley views low-carbon financing as a win-win for business and the environment.

Education

Brain Food: How What You Eat Can Help You When Studying

Apr 24, 2018 12:15 PM ET

If you are what you eat, then what should you eat (or not eat) to help you retain information when studying for final exams? Sodexo national dietitian Beth Winthrop, who helps the company’s college and university clients create healthy, well-balanced food options for students around the United States, has offered her tips for smart eating during finals season.

Research, Reports & Publications

Walmart Highlights Economic, Societal and Environmental Progress in 2018 Global Responsibility Report Summary

Apr 24, 2018 11:15 AM ET

Today, Walmart released a summary of its eleventh annual Global Responsibility Report (GRR), highlighting the company’s progress and accomplishments in fiscal year 2018 to increase economic opportunity, enhance sustainability of supply chains and strengthen local communities.

Environment

5 Writing and Communication Tips for EHS Professionals

Apr 24, 2018 11:05 AM ET

If you write anything as an EHS professional, you should read these 5 writing tips on Antea Group's blog.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Rebuilding Together Announces [Re]Build, Cause Marketing Campaign to Accelerate Support to People and Communities in Need

Apr 24, 2018 10:55 AM ET

Rebuilding Together, the leading home and community revitalization national non-profit organization, today announced the launch of [Re]Build, a grassroots movement to repair homes and revitalize communities across the country.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Moody’s Seeks to Open Doors to a Better Future

Apr 24, 2018 10:35 AM ET

Diversity & Inclusion

Bloomberg Marks Launch of New Voices Initiative to Diversify Newsroom Sources

Apr 24, 2018 10:30 AM ET

At a reception at Bloomberg’s New York headquarters on April 17, Laura Zelenko, Bloomberg Senior Executive Editor of Talent, Diversity, Training and Standards announced that Bloomberg is already tracking progress in meeting ambitious goals and is providing media training for women and other diverse executives who are underrepresented on Bloomberg’s broadcast airwaves.