ESG News from Leading Brands

Environment

Wells Fargo Global Operations Now Powered by 100 Percent Renewable Energy

Nov 8, 2017 12:30 PM ET

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) today announced that 100 percent of its global electricity consumption for 2017 will be met with renewable energy. The milestone means the company has met the first part of its commitment to purchase renewable energy to power 100 percent of global operations by the close of 2017, with a transition to long-term agreements that fund new sources of green power by 2020.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Hormel Foods Recognized by Forbes on Top Regarded Companies List

Nov 8, 2017 12:15 PM ET

Hormel Foods Corporation today announced it has been recognized by Forbes on its Top Regarded Companies 2017 list.

Environment

Duke Energy, YMCA of Greenville Team Up to Build Outdoor Classroom

Nov 8, 2017 12:10 PM ET

As one of Duke Energy’s Water Resources Fund recipients, the Greenville YMCA is working to improve access to the Reedy River with outdoor classrooms and science stations. Together, we’re creating better recreational and educational facilities for local families.

Innovation & Technology

UPS Launches eBike Solution in Pittsburgh

Nov 8, 2017 12:05 PM ET

UPS announced today its launch of an eBike that will deliver packages in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The electrically-assisted tricycle will help reduce carbon emissions in addition to congestion, noise and air quality challenges in Pittsburgh.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Thanking Our Heroes: Today and Every Day

Nov 8, 2017 11:55 AM ET

Veterans Day is an important time to reflect on the brave men and women who fought for our freedoms. This November, we’re honoring veterans by supporting organizations who, like us, are committed to serving our heroes all year long. These groups help ensure active duty military, veterans and their families receive the support they need long after the parades come to an end.

Energy

Carnival Cruise Line Signs Agreement With Shell to Fuel North America’s First LNG-Powered Cruise Ships

Nov 8, 2017 11:50 AM ET

Carnival Cruise Line, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) and the world's most popular cruise line, today announced it has signed an agreement with Shell NA LNG, LLC (Shell) to be its supplier of marine liquefied natural gas (LNG) to power North America’s first fully LNG-powered cruise ships. Under this framework agreement, Shell will supply Carnival Cruise Line with fuel for its two new LNG-powered ships expected to launch in 2020 and 2022 and to be homeported in North America.

Environment

Soil Matters More Than You Think

Nov 8, 2017 11:00 AM ET

As I walked through the verdant fields filled with a dazzling array of sorghum, hairy vetch, daikon radish, collards, cowpeas, clover, millet, kale, and other crops, I was struck by how different this field looked relative to so many other farms I've walked over the years. When we conducted a spade test, digging out a section of the soil with a simple tool, it revealed heavily clumped, rich brown matter with visible earthworms: soil life.

Environment

Ecocentricity Blog: The Coolest Spaceship Ever

Nov 8, 2017 10:30 AM ET

I’m not quite sure humanity has developed the ingenuity yet to design and engineer such a craft. But fortunately, I have good news!

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Hunger Is, A Joint Charitable Initiative of the Albertsons Companies Foundation and the Entertainment Industry Foundation, Has Raised More Than $20 Million in Total to Fight Childhood Hunger

Nov 8, 2017 10:30 AM ET

The Albertsons Companies Foundation and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) announced today their 2017 in-store, month-long campaign raised more than $5 million in donations for Hunger Is, a joint charitable initiative designed to raise awareness and funds to end childhoo

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Trane Acquires CALMAC Corporation, a Leading Energy Storage Company

Nov 8, 2017 10:30 AM ET

Trane®, a leading global provider of indoor comfort systems and services and a brand of Ingersoll Rand, announced that it has acquired CALMAC® Corporation, a privately held company specializing in cool energy technologies including IceBank® storage tanks.

Energy

Consumers Energy Says Help is Available for Those in Need as Winter Weather Sets in Across Michigan

Nov 8, 2017 10:15 AM ET

As freezing temperatures start to settle in across Michigan, Consumers Energy is reminding Michigan families, seniors and those in need that now is the time to reach out for help with winter heating costs.

Responsible Production & Consumption

WBCSD's Panorama Podcast | Heineken: From Barley to Bar

Nov 8, 2017 10:15 AM ET

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

11 GM Sites Achieve Conservation Certification

Nov 8, 2017 10:15 AM ET

As General Motors continues scaling its efforts to restore, protect and promote biodiversity, 11 more sites have earned Conservation Certification from the Wildlife Habitat Council. The company is using its land, resources and partnerships to help address pressing global biodiversity issues.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Booz Allen Named to Monster.com’s Ten Best Companies for Veterans

Nov 8, 2017 10:05 AM ET

For the third year in a row, Booz Allen Hamilton has been named to Monster.com’s Ten Best Companies for Veterans. The management and technology consulting firm ranks fifth on this year’s list.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Cox and the Trust for Public Land Announce John Walther as Louisiana’s 2017 Cox Conserves Hero

Nov 8, 2017 10:00 AM ET

Cox Communications and The Trust for Public Land last night named John Walther as Louisiana’s 2017 Cox Conserves Hero during an opening reception at the Center for Planning Excellence’s (CPEX) Louisiana Smart Growth Summit. Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana (CCA Louisiana), Walther’s nonprofit beneficiary, will receive $10,000.

Education

Amgen Scholars Alumni Hlib Razumkov Traveled From University of Toronto to University of Tokyo to Conduct Research

Nov 8, 2017 10:00 AM ET

My interest in science was ignited by my chemistry teachers and the spirit of the Science Olympiad. In my middle school, there were student subject competitions on different levels ranging from regional to international. By coincidence, my chemistry teacher was a key figure in the Ukrainian Olympiad movement. She introduced me to this entirely new world – full of studying advanced and fascinating concepts, the spirit of competition, and many bright personalities.

Energy

Bloomberg New Energy Finance Releases Preliminary Findings From Its Annual Climatescope Report

Nov 8, 2017 9:50 AM ET

Bloomberg New Energy Finance today released preliminary findings from its annual Climatescope report in time for the beginning of the COP23 climate negotiations in Bonn. Climatescope examines clean energy market conditions in developing countries annually.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

PHOTOS: Daddy Yankee Helps Families in Caguas, Puerto Rico, by Distributing Shelter Repair Kits with Habitat for Humanity and Save the Children

Nov 8, 2017 9:45 AM ET

Puerto Rico native, rapper, producer and “Despacito” singer Daddy Yankee joined volunteers in Caguas today to distribute shelter repair kits to families.

Yankee’s work with Habitat for Humanity and Save the Children is part of his commitment to help Puerto Rico rebuild following Hurricane Maria. He has pledged to donate $250,000 and raise an additional $1.5 million for the recovery.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

JetBlue For Good Month Kicks-Off By Restoring Play for More Than 2,200 Children

Nov 8, 2017 9:30 AM ET

JetBlue recently announced JetBlue For Good Month, a month of kindness and good deeds taking place in November. Throughout this month of philanthropy, the airline is bringing customers and crewmembers on board to join in giving back. Nearly 300 crewmember volunteers have joined JetBlue and KaBOOM! to build playgrounds in three of JetBlue’s focus cities, restoring play for more than 2,200 children and their families in underserved areas in Boston, Los Angeles, and New York. Over the past 12 years, JetBlue and KaBOOM! have partnered to build 27 playgrounds, providing safe play spaces for more than 60,000 children and their families.

Events, Media & Communications

Attend: Business of Kindness Regional Forum in Washington, DC

Nov 8, 2017 9:30 AM ET

Join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Born This Way Foundation, and Deloitte on November 17, for the Business of Kindness Regional Forum. Learn from business leaders, academics, and community partners on why they are championing kindness in the workplace and how you can foster it in yours.

Environment

Domtar's Evolution Means Increased Viability for Forestry

Nov 8, 2017 9:15 AM ET

It's an exciting time to be at Domtar and a member of the forestry community, Domtar Pulp & Paper President Mike Garcia said recently while speaking to a group of landowners and foresters at the South Carolina Forestry Association's annual meeting.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

VIDEO | eBay Everyday Heroes: Tackling Opioid Addiction

Nov 8, 2017 9:15 AM ET

In the US, there's a chance you know someone struggling with opioid addiction—especially in rural communities. That's why eBay seller UpaknShip is doing all it can to offer employment to those committed to recovery.

Green Infrastructure

International Well Building Institute Remains Committed to Performance, Because Human Health Demands It

Nov 8, 2017 9:05 AM ET

The International WELL Building Institute™ (IWBI™) today released its Manufacturer’s Guide to WELL™, a guide that aims to help manufacturers who produce sustainable building products and materials navigate the WELL Building Standard™. IWBI used the occasion to reiterate its intention to keep the global WELL Building Standard (WELL) focused on setting design and policy protocols and performance thresholds that buildings and communities should strive to achieve to improve the health of the people in those spaces.

Energy

Global Forces Drive Natural Gas Supply and Demand

Nov 8, 2017 9:00 AM ET

As much as recent natural gas industry dynamics are influenced by price, the reality is that the global market always is truly driven by supply and demand. Where gas reserves reside, where energy demand is needed, and how supply is being transported all tell a more holistic story of the market’s dynamics. The current disparity in supply and demand is giving natural gas buyers the upper hand in negotiating contracts and is affecting how organizations throughout the value chain are planning for the future.

Events, Media & Communications

Panel of Experts Talk Corporations and the Global Refugee Crisis at the BSR Conference 2017

Nov 8, 2017 9:00 AM ET

At the BSR Conference 2017, a panel of experts from the private sector gathered on stage to discuss what business can do to help solve the global refugee crisis. Panelists included TripAdvisor President and CEO Stephen Kaufer, MercyCorps Chief Executive Officer Neal Keny-Guyer, and Executive Vice President of Sustainability and President of Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth Shamina Singh.