ESG News from Leading Brands

Green Infrastructure

Unreasonable Impact | The Next Generation of Rural Infrastructure: Q&A with Altaeros Energies

Jun 20, 2017 10:55 AM ET

Over half of the world’s population is still not using the internet. Seemingly something out of a science-fiction movie, Altaeros Energies has developed the world’s first autonomous aerostat system to deploy energy and communication to more people at a fraction of the cost. In other words, they have effectively created a really tall cell tower (up to 600 meters off the ground) that can provide as much mobile coverage as at least 20 ground-based cell towers. Not only that, but this tethered airborne platform can lift a lightweight wind turbine up into the sky where winds are strong and consistent, harnessing exponential amounts of clean energy.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Final Week to Apply! Submit Your 2017 Citizens Awards Nomination!

Jun 20, 2017 10:50 AM ET

Hurry, it's the final week to apply for the 2017 Corporate Citizenship Awards, held with support from media partner USA TODAY Network. Submit a nomination before June 23 to be recognized for the impact your organization makes in communities around the world.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Video: Make Volunteering Work for All Your Employees

Jun 20, 2017 10:20 AM ET

Research, Reports & Publications

Edge Computing Promises Significant Impacts on Data Center Planning

Jun 20, 2017 10:00 AM ET

A new Black & Veatch white paper examines the emerging deployment of edge computing and its impacts on data center infrastructure planning. Developed in partnership with DCD (formerly DatacenterDynamics), the white paper analyzes drivers, use cases and strategies to prepare for the edge computing evolution.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

WFXT Boston 25 and The Trust for Public Land Launch Boston’s 2017 Cox Conserves Heroes Awards Program

Jun 20, 2017 10:00 AM ET

WFXT Boston 25, in partnership with The Trust for Public Land, today launched Boston’s 2017 Cox Conserves Heroes program to honor local environmental volunteers.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Green Lodging Right Down to the Carpet

Jun 20, 2017 9:50 AM ET

For the first LEED Platinum certified hotel in the United States, sustainability is a guiding tenet in every way that hospitality is extended to green-minded guests. That’s why it was important for the Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, N.C., to make responsible decisions with the waste that was created from a recent renovation. In addition to specifying beautiful custom multi-level cut and loop carpeting from Durkan, the staff made sure that what was replaced was diverted from the landfill by recycling the carpet through our ReCover program.

Social Impact & Volunteering

De Beers Sports Programme Helps Kids Follow Their Dream

Jun 20, 2017 9:30 AM ET

As a start, De Beers Consolidated Mines (DBCM) has donated football and netball equipment to 13 primary schools in the Blouberg area, close to its Venetia mine.

Diversity & Inclusion

Transforming JetBlue’s Network Through Mentorship

Jun 20, 2017 9:15 AM ET

Acquiring the right talent takes commitment. In 2016, we continued our effort to build our network through mentoring programs for vets, individuals with disabilities, and underrepresented groups of emerging talent.

Media & Communications

Words of Affirmation. To Go.

Jun 20, 2017 9:15 AM ET

Focus on the details. Dave Thomas knew that was what was going to set Wendy’s apart. And that’s why he made sure that the details were accounted for in every restaurant—from sourcing quality ingredients and customizing any order any time, to delicious flavor combinations that leave you wanting more.

Environment

Aramark Demonstrates Progress Minimizing Environmental Footprint

Jun 20, 2017 9:15 AM ET

Aramark (NYSE: ARMK), a global leader in food, facilities and uniforms announced today the latest step demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability by reducing, reusing and recycling food waste through responsible practices, from the initial purchase to final waste disposal.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Bacardi Wins 4th Annual Corporate Blood Drive

Jun 20, 2017 9:05 AM ET

A spokesperson said, “Bacardi has been awarded the revolving trophy and a certificate to thank them for their commitment to saving lives and caring for those with therapeutic transfusion needs, such as sickle cell and cancer patients."

Environment

We Mean Business and WBCSD to Expand the Reach of below50

Jun 20, 2017 9:05 AM ET

Today, the We Mean Business Coalition (WMB) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) announced a new partnership to expand the reach and uptake of WBCSD’s below50 work. Through the partnership, below50 will become a key initiative for companies and investors committing to climate action through the We Mean Business Take Action Campaign.

Research, Reports & Publications

200 Years of Inspiring Science at Johnson Matthey

Jun 20, 2017 9:00 AM ET

Johnson Matthey, one of the longest-trading businesses in the FTSE 100, celebrates its 200th anniversary this year. A global leader in science and technology, the company was founded in London by Percival Norton Johnson in 1817 as a gold assaying business.

Education

Remarkable Camden Graduates Receive Awards for College

Jun 20, 2017 9:00 AM ET

In addition to several academic achievement awards and certificates they received from the district, city, and county governments, the students were also granted several gifts to help them continue their great achievements in college, such as, a new laptop as well as a $1,000 scholarship check for each student to help cover the cost of living while in college, from Subaru of America.

Events, Media & Communications

BASF, Philips Lighting and Crown Estate on True Value Impact Reporting

Jun 20, 2017 5:00 AM ET

With the increased requirement from stakeholders for companies to portray the value of their impact and the added scrutiny on sustainability data - accurate sustainability reporting is more important than ever.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Astellas Employees Create and Donate Thousands of Items to Four Las Vegas-Area Children’s Charities

Jun 19, 2017 9:25 PM ET

Approximately 1,000 Astellas employees attending the company’s National Sales Forum recently gathered to assemble almost 2,800 items for children’s charities in Southern Nevada as part of the company’s annual day of service program, Changing TomorrowDay .

Environment

DePaul Students Create New Sustainability strategies for FOX Sports and MLB as Part of FOX Sports University

Jun 19, 2017 8:15 PM ET

Public Relations students at DePaul University in Chicago met with senior executives from 21st Century Fox, FOX Sports, and Major League Baseball on June 5 to pitch new project ideas and marketing campaigns for the companies’ joint environmental sustainability efforts. The presentation was the result of a semester-long partnership between DePaul and the FOX Sports University program, which allows college students the chance to work directly with sports industry professionals on a real-world problem facing their business. DePaul students were charged with creating new public messaging strategies that raise awareness of FOX Sports and MLB’s sustainability initiatives throughout the baseball season.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Support to Human Rights and Refugee Causes via Corporations Increases Almost 40 Fold Following Travel Ban

Jun 19, 2017 8:00 PM ET

This World Refugee Day, Benevity, the market leader in workplace giving, volunteering and community investment software, announces that donations made through its award-winning cloud solution to human rights and refugee causes have increased 6 times year-over-year since the Executive Order banning travel by nationals of 6 Muslim-majority countries in January 2017.

Research, Reports & Publications

Boeing Delivers Increased Efficiencies; Reduced Waste, Emissions

Jun 19, 2017 5:30 PM ET

Boeing begins its second century of business with a firm commitment to lead the aerospace industry into an environmentally progressive and sustainable future.

Events, Media & Communications

Final Week to Register for #USCCFcircular Summit!

Jun 19, 2017 3:30 PM ET

Join hundreds of sustainability business leaders June 26-28 for our 2017 Sustainability and Circular Economy Summit: From Aspiration to Implementation! This year's program is filled with dozens of action-oriented sessions led by an outstanding lineup of thought leaders and practitioners in the sustainability and circular economy field.

Diversity & Inclusion

Elsa Nielsen: They Thought I Couldn't Do It!

Jun 19, 2017 3:15 PM ET

Like many companies in traditionally male-dominated industries, one of the challenges Goldcorp faces as a company is diversity in the workforce. We aim to provide opportunities that enable women to move past perceived barriers or specific skill-sets, and consider their potential. In the second of our four-part series on diversity and inclusion in the workplace, we share Elsa Nielsen’s inspiring story.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Whirlpool Corporation and Habitat for Humanity Renew Relationship for 18th Year

Jun 19, 2017 3:00 PM ET

Today, Whirlpool Corporation announced a renewal of its longtime collaboration with Habitat for Humanity for the remainder of 2017, continuing to provide a new range and refrigerator for every new Habitat for Humanity home in the U.S.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

KeyBank Arranges $8.4 Million in Total Financing to Address Affordable Housing Gap in Roxboro, NC

Jun 19, 2017 3:00 PM ET

KeyBank Community Development Lending & Investment (CDLI) provided $8.4 million in total financing for the quick acquisition of Brookwood Apartments, a 90-unit low-income apartment community in Roxboro, NC, located approximately 50 miles north of Raleigh/Durham. Specifically, KeyBank provided the sponsor with a $4 million short term bridge loan and an immediate 10-year permanent financing loan worth $4.4 million though Freddie Mac.

Environment

How an Almond Orchard Solved Its Need for Bees

Jun 19, 2017 2:55 PM ET

More than 80 percent of the almonds sold worldwide are grown in California. The state also is home to one of the best examples that we know for creating habitat for honey bees and other native pollinators needed for bountiful almond production.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Tulane University and Sodexo Partner for Feeding Our Future Summer Program

Jun 19, 2017 2:10 PM ET

For the second year in a row, Sodexo’s Dining Services team at Tulane University is providing free and nutritious meals to children at six New Orleans community centers through Sodexo’s Feeding Our Future program. The program, which kicked off Monday, will provide 300 meals every weekday through August 4 to children who are at risk of hunger during the summer months.