ESG News from Leading Brands

Environment

TD Bank Group Supports Vancouver's Greenest City Action Plan

Jun 23, 2017 9:00 AM ET

In 2016, TD Bank Group collaborated with Bullfrog Power on a first-of-its kind renewable energy initiative to address 100% of its energy footprint for TD branches in Vancouver, as well as a portion of its business-related travel in the city.

The collaboration between TD and Bullfrog Power will help to achieve some of these goals, and provide a necessary model for how businesses can address 100 per cent of their energy footprint in support of a low-carbon economy.

Responsible Production & Consumption

The Growth of Green Product Certification in China

Jun 23, 2017 9:00 AM ET

Much has been written about three trends that are important in answering this question – growing affluence in China, the power of e-commerce, and the export of Chinese goods to the rest of the world. These trends, in turn, are creating a greater demand for truth in labeling, and driving the growth of third-party verification and validation. This article steps back to take stock of where we are, and where we are headed.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Sustainability and Profitability

Jun 23, 2017 8:55 AM ET

While many companies jump to the conclusion that environmental stewardship and bottom-line profitability are mutually exclusive of each other, Bechtel has always embraced the concept of sustainability and continues to advance it through innovation in the company.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Ten Authentic Leadership Practices

Jun 23, 2017 8:45 AM ET

David MacLennan, Chairman and CEO of Cargill, shares his perspective on authentic leadership with Kevin Cashman for Forbes.

Social Impact & Volunteering

New Program Helps Families on Tight Budgets Afford Healthy Foods

Jun 22, 2017 5:45 PM ET

“We at Safeway and Albertsons believe that healthy eating creates healthy communities. We are committed to supporting Complete Eats, and doing our part to provide our customers fresh and affordable fruits and vegetables,” said Karl Schroeder, president of the Seattle division of Safeway and Albertsons.

Green Infrastructure

Keep Phoenix Beautiful Launches Crowd Fundraiser for New Community Garden

Jun 22, 2017 5:45 PM ET

A new garden is coming to life in Phoenix! Keep Phoenix Beautiful is launching a crowdsourcing campaign to raise $25,000 for their new Keep Phoenix Beautiful Community Garden. Funds raised will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Keep America Beautiful and Lowe’s, up to $25,000, bringing the potential total amount to invest in sustainable practices here in Central Phoenix and nationwide to $50,000. Donate now through Aug. 31st at http://bit.ly/helpkpbgrow.

Diversity & Inclusion

A Manager, Rugby coach - and Feminist

Jun 22, 2017 5:15 PM ET

If you have been watching Bloomberg TV recently, you may have noticed more women appearing on the network. Mr Grant Coombe was instrumental in effecting that change. In six months, the 43-year-old sales manager of Bloomberg LP Singapore increased women's presence by 97 per cent in a Women's Voices movement. The head of Bloomberg's global and Asia-Pacific key accounts is an advocate for the media to represent a diversity of voices.

Diversity & Inclusion

5 Ways Finances Influence Same-Sex Marriages

Jun 22, 2017 4:00 PM ET

Marriage equality is now a reality for same-sex couples, and along with that comes most of the marriage protections offered by federal and state laws. For some, the opportunity to marry may have come later in life, perhaps after one or both individuals have amassed personal wealth. As a result, many gay and lesbian couples may find themselves weighing the economics of marriage more carefully than many other couples do.

Environment

Top 5 Takeaways from the 2017 ILTA Conference

Jun 22, 2017 3:25 PM ET

Antea Group had its finger on the pulse of the recent ILTA conference and came away with 5 key takeaways for your benefit.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Recruitment and Retention for Tomorrow’s Workforce

Jun 22, 2017 3:20 PM ET

In today’s war for talent, organizations and leaders are looking for strategies to attract individuals who will thrive in a senior care environment. The key word is strategy, which requires a plan of action. Incorporating a strong workforce planning process is an essential component of the overall business strategy.

Environment

Survey Finds Majority of World’s Leading Companies Will Maintain Climate Investments and Strategies, Despite Changing Policies in Washington

Jun 22, 2017 3:20 PM ET

A survey distributed in June by CECP: The CEO Force for Good to the largest global companies asked how corporate environmental strategy stacks up against current Federal and global agreements and regulations. Two-thirds of respondents indicated that their company already goes “beyond what’s required” and is committed to that path.

Events, Media & Communications

CECP Announces Second CEO Investor Forum As Movement to Encourage Corporate Long-Term Planning, Disclosure, and Governance Gains Momentum

Jun 22, 2017 3:10 PM ET

CECP, a coalition of more than 200 of the world’s largest companies, announced that its Strategic Investor Initiative (SII) will host the second CEO Investor Forum (CIF) on September 19th, 2017, at the Bloomberg LP HQ. This invitation-only event will feature leading CEOs presenting their company’s long-term strategic plans—including operational and financial outlooks ranging three to five years or more--to an audience of 200 long-term-oriented institutional investors and pension funds, collectively representing $25 trillion in AUM. CEOs confirmed to date include: Mark Bertolini, CEO of Aetna; Michael P. Gregoire, CEO of CA Technologies; Kevin Clark, President and CEO, Delphi; Johan Dennelind, President and CEO of Telia; and Rodney O. "Rod" Martin, Chairman and CEO of Voya Financial.

Research, Reports & Publications

Owens Corning Publishes 2016 Sustainability Report

Jun 22, 2017 3:00 PM ET

Owens Corning today published its 2016 sustainability report. The company’s 11th annual report, themed It All Adds Up, documents the actions and efforts driving its global “handprint” and environmental footprint progress.

Events, Media & Communications

Final Days to Register for U.S. Chamber Foundation's Resilience Event, June 26

Jun 22, 2017 2:45 PM ET

Promoting Resilience and Cross-Sector Collaboration for a Sustainable Future will take a comprehensive look at the different social drivers that impact a community’s ability to prepare and respond. Starting with a holistic approach to community development, experts will discuss best practices to creating resiliency plans.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Nine Out of 10 Americans and Canadians Call for Affordable Housing Solutions

Jun 22, 2017 2:15 PM ET

A majority of Americans and Canadians have made it clear: we are not paying enough attention to affordable housing needs and solutions, according to Habitat for Humanity’s Affordable Housing Survey.

Environment

A Big Data Approach to Gathering CSR Data

Jun 22, 2017 2:00 PM ET

CSRHub uses input from investor-driven sources (known as “ESG” for Environment, Social, and Governance or “SRI” for Socially Responsible Investment), non-governmental organizations, government organizations, and “crowd sources” to construct a 360 degree view of a company’s sustainability performance.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Investing in Employee Development Fuels Unrivaled Culture and Talent

Jun 22, 2017 1:45 PM ET

At Yum!, we aim to unlock the true potential in all of our employees by investing in both their professional and personal development through our holistic performance management process called the Building People Capability (BPC) cycle.

Green Infrastructure

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Approves SCS Global Services as Third Party Certifier for Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products

Jun 22, 2017 1:30 PM ET

Leading third-party certifier SCS Global Services (SCS) announced today that it is now approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a Third Party Certifier (TPC) for the Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products, commonly referred to as the EPA Formaldehyde Rule.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

AT&T Recognized as No. 1 Community-Minded Communications Company

Jun 22, 2017 1:10 PM ET

Diversity & Inclusion

LA Galaxy to Host 4th Annual Pride Night on June 24 at StubHub Center

Jun 22, 2017 1:00 PM ET

AEG’s LA Galaxy will celebrate the LGBTQ community of Los Angeles with its 4th Annual Pride Night at StubHub Center on Saturday, June 24, as part of the Galaxy’s home match against Sporting KC, presented by Hotel Tonight (7:30 p.m. PT, Spectrum SportsNet, Spectrum Deportes). As part of the celebration, Covenant House, which offers housing and support services to homeless, runaway and trafficked youth, will serve as the Community Partner of the Match.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Throwback Thursday: Duke Energy Volunteers Through the Decades

Jun 22, 2017 1:00 PM ET

Volunteer work is part of Duke Energy's legacy and identity as a company. Duke Energy is committed to powering the lives of its customers and the vitality of it communities in the seven states it serves. That's why employees contribute their time and money giving back to the community.

Diversity & Inclusion

Inclusivity Strengthens Century Project

Jun 22, 2017 1:00 PM ET

In this final installment of our four part series on diversity and inclusion in our workplace, we look at how large scale operations and projects have the potential to significantly boost the profile of women in mining and inspire increased inclusivity and innovation.

Responsible Production & Consumption

The Bee Lab Takes On a Big Threat to Bees

Jun 22, 2017 12:55 PM ET

People know how to protect themselves from disease, but what about bees? Varroa mites are one of the most significant threats to honey bee health today.

Research, Reports & Publications

Highlights from Bridging the Technology Divide at Taproot Foundation's U.S. Pro Bono Summit

Jun 22, 2017 12:35 PM ET

The Taproot Foundation's U.S. Pro Bono Summit is an annual gathering of leaders from across sectors and industries with a shared vision to make the talents and skills of the business community accessible to social change organizations.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Beyond Financing: Key Attributes of a Public-Private Partnership

Jun 22, 2017 12:30 PM ET

Public-private partnerships (P3s) are most commonly known for funding large-scale water infrastructure projects that a utility can’t support through traditional funding. However, other key attributes in the P3 model are often overlooked. In a P3, the private entity may provide the capital, but the true benefits go well beyond financing alone.