ESG News from Leading Brands

Events, Media & Communications

Deep Impact: Six Takeaways from the Unreasonable Impact World Forum

Oct 25, 2017 12:50 PM ET

Hosted by Barclays and the Unreasonable Group, the Unreasonable Impact World Forum brought together 27 innovative companies from around the globe to discuss new possibilities for solving some of the world’s most pressing problems. Here are six insights and ideas from key speakers.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Curefest 2017: Taking Aim at Childhood Cancer

Oct 25, 2017 12:40 PM ET

Childhood cancer receives less than 5 percent of the national funding that goes toward cancer research and treatment. To help make it a national priority, Aflac once again joined Curefest for Childhood Cancer at its annual event near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Events, Media & Communications

Ray C. Anderson's Legacy and Friends at Net Impact 17 Conference in Atlanta

Oct 25, 2017 12:30 PM ET

John Lanier, executive director of the Ray C. Anderson Foundation, Paul Hawken, founder of Project Drawdown and Advisory Board member for the Ray C. Anderson Foundation will be speaking at the Next Impact 17 Conference in Atlanta this week, along with Allie Kelly, executive director of The Ray, and Michael Oxman and Beril Toktay of the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business.

Sustainable Development Goals

Women’s Rights and the SDGs, a Conversation with Francoise Girard, President of IWHC

Oct 25, 2017 12:15 PM ET

In this episode of the Champions for Social Good Podcast, we sit with Francoise Girard, President of the International Women’s Health Coalition (IWHC), which focuses on advancing women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights. IWHC, in coordination with other members of the UN Women’s Major Group, worked to ensure that women’s rights played a major role in the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, resulting in gender equality being assigned its own SDG in addition to being incorporated within all 17 goals. Learn the fundamental challenges women’s rights organizers are facing.

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

Moving the Circular Economy from Concept to Business Strategy and Operations – The Conference Board

Oct 25, 2017 12:00 PM ET

“The circular economy is not an entirely new concept, but it is presently at a major inflection point. Its intellectual roots emerged from early ideas and practices of recycling and pollution prevention, life cycle analysis, eco-efficiency assessments and analysis of materials flows. In response to current sustainability challenges and business opportunities circular economy proponents are now attempting to transition it from a diverse set of individual methodologies aimed at addressing specific problems to a more integrated and systematic set of ideas to transform business strategies and operations.”

Energy

Converting Waste Into Renewable Energy

Oct 25, 2017 12:00 PM ET

Responsible landfill management involves the proper handling of landfill gas and liquids, which are byproducts of the decomposition of waste. It requires considerable science, engineering and technology to manage an evolving waste stream in a manner that is protective of the air, land and water for generations to come. It also involves a relentless commitment to innovation.

Diversity & Inclusion

Comcast NBCUniversal Screens DreamWorks Pictures' 'Thank You For Your Service' in Washington, DC and Philadelphia

Oct 25, 2017 11:45 AM ET

Comcast NBCUniversal is grateful for those who serve our nation, and is proud of the thousands of members of the military community who call Comcast their home. The importance of supporting the military community is woven into the fiber of our company, starting with our company leadership. Comcast NBCUniversal leaders including founder Ralph Roberts, a World War II U.S. Navy veteran; Comcast’s Vice Chairman, Neil Smit, a former U.S. Navy SEAL; and NBCUniversal’s Vice Chairman, Ron Meyer, a Marine Corps veteran, exemplify our authentic commitment to our military community throughout the Comcast NBCUniversal family.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

BNY Mellon Recognized for Climate Action Leadership

Oct 25, 2017 11:30 AM ET

As a global leader in the corporate response to climate change, BNY Mellon has been awarded a position on this year’s Climate A List by CDP, the non-profit global environmental disclosure program.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Pro Bono Challenge Spotlights: YWCA Chicago

Oct 25, 2017 11:15 AM ET

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago impacts more than 200,000 individuals annually through programs focused on safety and wellness, education and training, and economic sustainability. They provide career, financial management, digital literacy and business services to help youth and adult members achieve financial stability and obtain training to enter high-growth fields.

Environment

7 Basic Steps for Conducting a Successful Materiality Assessment

Oct 25, 2017 11:05 AM ET

Materiality is a hot topic in the corporate sustainability world, with CSR teams working hard to meaningfully convey the opportunities and successes of their initiatives to both internal and external stakeholders.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Mike Bloomberg Is Our Saint of Rational Self-Interest

Oct 25, 2017 11:00 AM ET

“The world is turned upside down,” says Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire businessman, UN Special Envoy for Cities and Climate Change, three-term former New York City mayor, public health and immigrant champion, lover of cities and enemy of gun violence, climate quant, and sugar daddy many times over to his philanthropic causes.… It’s hard to succinctly describe what Bloomberg does. I counted, with absolutely no confidence that I was even skimming the surface, more than 20 organizations and initiatives he is currently engaged with as founder, chair, or major funder.

Environment

Ecocentricity Blog: Dreaming Big

Oct 25, 2017 11:00 AM ET

So how about you? Do you have an idea for a biomimetic innovation that could help solve our next challenge of climate change? If so, we’d love to see you enter the Biomimicry Global Design Challenge.

Energy

Major Businesses Call on International Trade Commission to Reconsider Solar Tariff

Oct 25, 2017 10:50 AM ET

In a letter sent today, major businesses are calling on the head of the International Trade Commission to reconsider its recommendation to impose a tariff or trade restrictions on imported solar products, citing the potential impacts on U.S. businesses and homeowners.

Responsible Production & Consumption

General Mills Works to Make the Cocoa Sector More Sustainable

Oct 25, 2017 10:30 AM ET

General Mills is working to make the cocoa sector more sustainable and to reduce child labor. In 2013, the company made a commitment to sustainably source its ingredients, with the goal to sustainably source 100 percent of its top 10 ingredients by 2020. Those top 10 ingredients include cocoa, oats, wheat, corn, dairy, fiber packaging, vanilla, palm oil, sugar cane and sugar beets, which represent over 50 percent of its annual raw material purchases.

Environment

VIDEO | Glasgow, VA Is Buzzing With New Pollinators at Mohawk Plant

Oct 25, 2017 10:20 AM ET

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

How to Make the Business Case for Pro Bono at Your Company

Oct 25, 2017 10:15 AM ET

Those of us who have experienced pro bono service understand that it is a powerful way to drive social change. Pro bono can equip social good organizations with the expertise and support they need to serve more beneficiaries, become more efficient, and deliver on their missions more effectively.

Sustainable Development Goals

Bringing Transparency to Climate Change Actions

Oct 25, 2017 10:10 AM ET

Innovation & Technology

Black & Veatch, Renewable Energy Test Center Launch Solar Industry’s First Bifacial Module Ranking

Oct 25, 2017 10:00 AM ET

Black & Veatch, a leading engineering, construction and consulting company and Renewable Energy Test Center (RETC), a world-class engineering services and certification testing provider for photovoltaic and renewable energy products, will launch the first bifacial photovoltaic (PV) module ranking in the solar industry.

Media & Communications

The Power of She: The Fair Trade Difference

Oct 25, 2017 10:00 AM ET

Most of the people who make Athleta clothes are women. Which is kind of fitting when you think about it. It’s also what drove us, back in January, to partner with Fair Trade USA to create more than 40 Fair Trade Certified styles. Because our mission is to empower women and girls to achieve their limitless potential.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Congrats to the Best Environmental Stewardship Finalists!

Oct 25, 2017 10:00 AM ET

Congratulations to the 2017 Best Environmental Stewardship Finalists! The Best Environmental Stewardship Corporate Citizenship Award recognizes businesses that innovate and help create a more sustainable future. Read on to learn more about the significant, positive impacts these businesses have had in communities, locally and globally.

Research, Reports & Publications

Stella McCartney Backs First Life Cycle Assessment for Man Made Cellulosic Fibers

Oct 25, 2017 9:25 AM ET

Luxury fashion brand Stella McCartney will be able to better map the environmental impacts of its raw materials, after commissioning the first ever Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for man-made cellulose fiber (MMCF) used in production.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Fresh Start Supports CARE Complex's Mission to Help Homeless Build New Lives

Oct 25, 2017 9:15 AM ET

One of Las Vegas Sands’ community partners in bringing Fresh Start Mobile Showers to people in need is CARE Complex. Dedicated to the elimination of homelessness in downtown Las Vegas, CARE Complex works to help clients achieve self-reliance and successfully transition out of homelessness.

Green Infrastructure

What You Can’t See Can Hurt You: Improving the Air We Breathe Indoors

Oct 25, 2017 9:10 AM ET

Air quality is no longer something we can judge by our senses alone, especially indoors. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulates, carbon monoxide, and radon are among the chief culprits for poor indoor air quality, along with dust, mold, and bacteria. Building design, interior design, and building maintenance are key factors influencing your “micro-climate” – that is, the space in which you live and work, and specifically, the air you breathe. Optimizing your micro-climate involves smart design, purchasing, and an understanding of the air around you.

Environment

Nestlé Waters Continues to Lead as Sacramento and Livermore Factories Achieve Prestigious Water Conservation Certification

Oct 25, 2017 9:10 AM ET

Nestlé Waters North America announced today that its Sacramento and Livermore, Calif., factories have received certification for meeting the rigorous Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Standard.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Disaster Relief Solutions for the Long Run

Oct 25, 2017 9:00 AM ET

In the past months, many Benevity clients stepped up their disaster relief efforts to mobilize rapid response from their consumers, vendors, partners, the personal networks of their people and the public at large. These companies raised half a million dollars through the portals in the first two days alone, bringing much-needed funds to communities in distress. As usual, more dollars and hands are required, but where and, perhaps more importantly, when?