ESG News from Leading Brands

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

Are These 8 Smelters of High Concern Present in Your Supply Chain?

Apr 7, 2017 2:30 PM ET

Companies that determine smelters of high concern exist or may exist in their supply chain can take action and still stay Dodd-Frank 1502 compliant by following these risk mitigation guidelines:

Green Infrastructure

Green Star and Living Building Challenge Partner to Streamline Dual Certification

Apr 7, 2017 1:45 PM ET

The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) and the International Living Future Institute (IFLI) today released a new guidance document to streamline certification efforts for projects pursuing both Green Star and Living Building Challenge ratings.

This follows a commitment by the two organisations in 2016 to work collaboratively to promote the design, construction and operations of positive and restorative buildings in Australia.

Innovation & Technology

Shifting From Parts to Patterns

Apr 7, 2017 1:00 PM ET

In the context of our interconnected 21st century social, political, economic and ecological challenges, the critical distinction between complexity and reductionism is far from a trivial one. It is, in fact, a life or death insight.

Diversity & Inclusion

Avnet Chief HR Officer MaryAnn Miller Named One of Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Technology

Apr 7, 2017 12:45 PM ET

Avnet announced today that MaryAnn Miller, Senior Vice President, Chief HR Officer and head of Global Marketing and Communications has been named one of 2017’s 50 Most Powerful Women in Technology by the National Diversity Council. This is the third time in her 11-year tenure with Avnet that Miller has received this distinguished honor, first in 2014 and again in 2015.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

KeyBank Arranges $15.5 Million in Financing for Affordable Housing in Renton, WA

Apr 7, 2017 12:30 PM ET

KeyBank’s Community Development Lending & Investment (CDLI) team has provided a $15.5 million bridge to HUD loan for the Royal Hills Apartments, a 284-unit multifamily property located in Renton, WA. Of the 284 units, 281 are designated affordable housing for individuals and families making at or below 45% AMI; however, 57 of these units are specifically set aside for individuals and families with disabilities making at or below 50% AMI.

Health & Healthcare

Hygiene Matters on World Health Day and Beyond

Apr 7, 2017 12:10 PM ET

Each April, World Health Day celebrates the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) and renews the call to action for governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to work together to raise public health standards around the world.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Local Family to Receive New Habitat Home Keys Saturday

Apr 7, 2017 12:00 PM ET

On Saturday, April 8, Fauquier Habitat for Humanity will celebrate with the Navarrete family, Warrenton’s newest Habitat homeowners, at a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Events, Media & Communications

Solving the Solvable in Global Health, Agriculture, and Youth Employability

Apr 7, 2017 10:05 AM ET

PYXERA Global and partners convened more than 200 leaders and innovators at the Global Engagement Forum: Live in Washington, D.C on April 4 and 5. The two-day Forum dove into global challenges outlined by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically with regards to hunger (reducing post-harvest loss), global health, and youth employability. The Forum was a one-of-a kind convening created with a highly collaborative and participatory focus to bring together individuals from private, public, and non-profit sectors.

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

5 Fair Trade Certified™ Products to Get You Ready for Spring

Apr 7, 2017 10:00 AM ET

Spring is a time of transformation and rejuvenation. Flowers bloom, the sun returns and our favorite café patios are starting to open up again. As we begin to come out of hibernation it's important to remember self-care. That's why we've selected five of our favorite Fair Trade Certified™ items that will help you step into spring with your best foot forward.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Supply Chain | The Great Enabler

Apr 7, 2017 9:55 AM ET

Not only is HP delivering satisfaction for customers receiving its products, but also economic and social empowerment for the communities in which it operates.

Sustainable Development Goals

Strength in Numbers: How Communal Property Rights Can Strengthen Sustainable Investment

Apr 7, 2017 9:00 AM ET

Supporting policy development and pilots that strengthen land rights to improve land and natural resource management

Environment

4 Ways Treating Wastewater Can Change The World

Apr 7, 2017 9:00 AM ET

Water is one of the most important resources we have – and yet every day we are wasting it. This year’s World Water Day on March 22 takes up the theme of wastewater, and how we can create a better world by treating and reusing this resource.

Environment

Now or Neverglades Clears Major Hurdle

Apr 7, 2017 9:00 AM ET

As you probably know by now, Orvis has partnered with the Everglades Foundation to help save the amazing ecosystem of the Everglades, and we have asked our customers to help through a matching-grant program.

Diversity & Inclusion

Women in Executive Leadership: Now Comes the Hard Part

Apr 7, 2017 9:00 AM ET

Media & Communications

Whole Planet Foundation Proudly Partners with WTRMLN WTR

Apr 7, 2017 9:00 AM ET

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Multipliers of Prosperity | Agents of Change

Apr 7, 2017 9:00 AM ET

At the end of a winding dirt road in Gazipur, Bangladesh, women crowd into a fluorescent-lit stall. One of them, Khodaza Khatun, is providing her fingerprints for a tiny biometric scanner. One by one, she presses her fingers on the machine, pausing to adjust the folds of her peach-colored sari. When she’s finished, she’ll have opened her first bank account.

Events, Media & Communications

Are You Speaking at Renewable Energy Markets 2017?

Apr 6, 2017 3:00 PM ET

Don't miss this opportunity to speak at Renewable Energy Markets 2017, the most important annual conference for the clean energy market. We are seeking abstracts for panel sessions that are timely, unique, and informative.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Finding Your Reason to Serve

Apr 6, 2017 1:50 PM ET

I always appreciated those who gave their time to serve their communities but I didn’t realize how much their impact mattered until I found my reason to serve.

Health & Healthcare

What’s Behind the Headlines? Separating Health and Nutrition Facts from Fiction

Apr 6, 2017 1:40 PM ET

In today’s media-saturated world, information about health and nutrition is everywhere. But while we have access to more reliable information about nutrition than ever, there are also many scientifically questionable or even false claims presented as fact. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to sort out truths from falsehoods.

Energy

Southern California Cities Plug Into Charge Ready EV Program

Apr 6, 2017 1:15 PM ET

Southern California Edison has launched its Charge Ready program to expand access to electric vehicle charging in its service territory, beginning with construction of the first charging stations in the cities of Lynwood and Ontario.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

VMware Ranked #42 on People Magazine's 50 Companies that Care 2017 List

Apr 6, 2017 1:00 PM ET

VMware has once again been recognized for our unique culture and commitment to our global community. In partnership with the Great Place to Work Institute, People magazine released their inaugural “50 Companies that Care.”

Innovation & Technology

Working Toward a Circular Economy Through Disruptive Technology

Apr 6, 2017 12:30 PM ET

Most often, when people think of disruptive technology their eyes turn to the sky and thoughts of high tech “rocket science.” Today, instead of looking up, lower your gaze down and follow your feet.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Consumers Energy Receives U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Recognition as ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year

Apr 6, 2017 12:30 PM ET

Consumers Energy this morning was again honored nationally for its excellence and commitment to energy efficiency with the ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Birmingham, Jefferson County Homeownership Gets Boost with Wells Fargo NeighborhoodLIFT Program

Apr 6, 2017 12:05 PM ET

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC), NeighborWorks® America, and Neighborhood Housing Services of Birmingham today announced the NeighborhoodLIFT® program for Birmingham and Jefferson County with a $2.55 million investment by Wells Fargo to boost local homeownership.

Environment

OSRPs in Washington State: Three Lessons Learned to Help Inform Other State Implementations

Apr 6, 2017 12:05 PM ET

Antea Group recently developed oil spill response plans for several railroads in Washington State looking to maintain compliance with Chapter 173-186 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). Read about the lessons we learned that other rail lines could apply as they plan for the implementation of similar regulations.