ESG News from Leading Brands

Sustainable Development Goals

Companies Announce Support for SDG 14 Implementation

Jun 29, 2017 6:00 AM ET

Albertsons Companies, one of the largest US supermarket companies, announced its support for SDG 14 by joining the Seafood Task Force and signing on to the pledge on Committing to Social Responsibility in Global Fisheries and Aquaculture, a voluntary commitment made by the private sectors, NGOs and the UN during the UN Ocean Conference.

Research, Reports & Publications

Heathrow Publishes Its 2016 Sustainability Performance Report

Jun 29, 2017 5:00 AM ET

Heathrow’s latest Sustainability Performance Report demonstrates continued progress on a range of sustainability issues.

Environment

Progressing Economic Growth and Environmental Conservation

Jun 28, 2017 8:10 PM ET

In 2016, Newmont, the State of Nevada and the U.S. Department of the Interior established the Conservation Framework Agreement, a mutually agreed upon framework governing Newmont’s management of more than 1.5 million acres of sagebrush habitat in Nevada.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Points of Light Civic Accelerator Invests $100,000 in Two Startups Advancing Economic Mobility for Underserved Populations

Jun 28, 2017 7:10 PM ET

The Points of Light Civic Accelerator announced today that it will invest $50,000 each in SpringFour (Chicago) and The Virtual Scholarship Center (Atlanta) – one for-profit and one nonprofit startup. Both ventures are focused on financial well-being and economic mobility to help more individuals and families succeed.

Environment

AEG Releases 2017 Sustainability Report

Jun 28, 2017 7:00 PM ET

Furthering its industry leadership in sustainability, today at the Green Sports Alliance Summit, AEG, the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company, released its sixth annual sustainability report, a comprehensive publication that details the company’s global efforts toward reducing its environmental footprint.

Environment

5 Energy Efficiency, Emission Reduction Milestones | 10 Years of BIER

Jun 28, 2017 6:45 PM ET

As stakeholder expectations evolve and sustainability awareness grows, the beverage sector is facing increasing pressure to be more productive while also consuming less energy.

Innovation & Technology

The Spark of Innovation Series: Learn How Booz Allen Interns are Combatting Drowsy Driving

Jun 28, 2017 6:30 PM ET

In the third installment of the six-part video series, “The Spark of Innovation,” Michael Jacob and André Nguyen discuss how, as interns at Booz Allen Hamilton, they conceived the concept of Beat Awake, an algorithm to help prevent drivers from falling asleep at the wheel.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Three Quality of Lifehacks for a More Sustainable Diet

Jun 28, 2017 6:10 PM ET

Shrinking your food footprint isn’t as daunting as it may seem. By eating in a more sustainable way, you can lower your environmental impact, protect ecosystems and contribute to food security not just for us, but for future generations, according to The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Conejo Valley, California High Schoolers are on the Run for Local Kids

Jun 28, 2017 5:25 PM ET

On Thursday, June 15, Westlake held its second annual “Action Run,” a 5K race at Conejo Creek Park to support youth from Area Housing of Ventura Country, a housing facility for low-income families that in addition to less expensive rent also provides activities and educational programs for their children.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

More Than A Mayor: Who Is Business Mogul Michael Bloomberg?

Jun 28, 2017 5:15 PM ET

Mike, as he prefers to be called, has just been named one of the 2017 Highest Rated CEOs according to employee reviews on Glassdoor. With a 95% CEO approval rating, Bloomberg has harnessed the power and passion of nearly 19,000 employees in 192 locations around the world. What’s his secret to success? An innovative (and politics-free) company culture, combined with some of the best opportunities that an organization can offer.

Environment

Four Tips to Stay Safe and Be More Environmentally Responsible this Fourth of July

Jun 28, 2017 4:30 PM ET

The summer is in full swing, and this July 4th weekend, Republic Services encourages you to incorporate safety and environmental responsibility into your festivities with these practical tips.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Timberland Employees Make a Difference Around the World with Earth Day Service Projects

Jun 28, 2017 4:30 PM ET

Media & Communications

Corporate Sustainability Disclosure – On the Rise But Does the Disclosure Address What Investors Seeking?

Jun 28, 2017 4:00 PM ET

The good news is that more public company managements are involved in, and approving, broader disclosure on sustainability information. There are widely-accepted frameworks in place to help boards and managements better understand the needs and desires of stakeholders -- especially providers of capital (asset owners, managers, analysts) seeking meaningful data and accompanying narrative to explain the progress being made (or lack thereof) in ESG performance.

Environment

Seven Audacious Ideas to Reverse Global Warming

Jun 28, 2017 4:00 PM ET

How do we solve a problem like climate change? In the new book Drawdown, a team of over 200 scholars, scientists, policymakers, business leaders, and activists propose 100 practical solutions.

Innovation & Technology

How Qualcomm Drone Technology is Improving Lives for Farmers in Brazil

Jun 28, 2017 2:00 PM ET

See how Wireless Reach uses Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ Flight drone technology to improve agricultural yields, reduce environmental impact and improve the economy for farmers in Brazil. Chad Sweet, Senior Director of Engineering at Qualcomm, weighs in on the benefits of this new category of IoT.

Environment

Why Use Big Data to Measure CSR?

Jun 28, 2017 2:00 PM ET

In the past several posts, we have defined Big Data, shown the problems we hope it will address, and described how CSRHub has implemented a Big Data approach to creating corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability ratings. It is time now to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the “Big Data” approach.

Research, Reports & Publications

Curious About the Impact of Skilled Volunteerism?

Jun 28, 2017 2:00 PM ET

Each year, the Taproot Foundation conducts a nonprofit survey to get a pulse on the field of skilled volunteerism. Insights from last year’s survey found 95% of nonprofits reporting that pro bono service improved their organization’s effectiveness.

Diversity & Inclusion

Creating a Shared Society: A Spotlight on the Irish International Immigrant Center

Jun 28, 2017 2:00 PM ET

This quarter, we’re highlighting the work of the Irish International Immigrant Center (IIIC), Boston’s Welcome Center for immigrant families, and who are working towards a shared society where all are welcomed and valued, and enjoy equal opportunities and protections. IIIC assists immigrant and refugee families from around the world as they integrate into American society. They do so by providing legal, wellness and education services, advocating for systemic change, and facilitating cross-cultural community building.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Points of Light Recognizes CVS Health as One of the 50 Most Community-Minded Companies in the United States

Jun 28, 2017 2:00 PM ET

CVS Health [NYSE:CVS] today was recognized by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, as one of the fifty most community-minded companies in the United States. The Civic 50 provides a national standard for superior corporate citizenship and showcases how companies can use their time, skills and other resources to improve the quality of life in the communities where they do business.

Research, Reports & Publications

Nonprofits - Make Your Voice Heard in the Taproot Foundation’s Annual Survey

Jun 28, 2017 1:45 PM ET

Do you work in the social sector at a nonprofit or social change organization? The Taproot Foundation wants to hear from you!

Environment

Clean Drinking Water More Important to Americans than Clean Air, According to New Study

Jun 28, 2017 1:05 PM ET

The study found that two in three Americans (66 percent) believe their own community’s clean drinking water is at risk, while 59 percent say a major overhaul of U.S. water infrastructure is needed to avoid that possibility. City-dwellers are especially likely to fear their community’s clean drinking water is at risk (70 percent versus 63 percent in rural areas). There is almost universal agreement (96 percent) that if the United States does not proactively invest in the country’s water infrastructure system now, it will end up costing more in the long run.

Research, Reports & Publications

Sustainability at UPS: The Road Ahead

Jun 28, 2017 1:00 PM ET

UPS has been helping people and businesses move goods by focusing on the road ahead — both literally and figuratively. Our success reflects relentless attention to emerging trends, innovative ideas and transformative technologies that enable global commerce, growth and sustainable solutions.

Innovation & Technology

Why All Digital Roads Lead to Rome

Jun 28, 2017 1:00 PM ET

Our very own Matt Lasmanis (US VP, IT) shares how the rapid increase in velocity, accessibility, and volume of information is reshaping society and our expectations.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

MetLife Foundation Asks Where next?

Jun 28, 2017 12:40 PM ET

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

The Journey Toward Impact and Outcomes: A Conversation with Michelle DiSabato, Impact Advisor at Blackbaud

Jun 28, 2017 12:15 PM ET

In this episode of the Champions for Social Good Podcast, Jamie Serino speaks with Michelle DiSabato, Impact Advisor for the Corporate and Foundation Solutions division of Blackbaud. Michelle explains how her passion for impact and measurement led her to a career centered on helping foundations and corporations more clearly understand the impact that their programs are having on the people and communities that they're serving.