ESG News from Leading Brands

Green Infrastructure

America’s First Sustainable Urban Agrihood Debuts in Detroit

Nov 30, 2016 5:20 PM ET

The Michigan Urban Farming Initiative (MUFI) is debuting America’s first sustainable urban agrihood, an alternative neighborhood growth model in Detroit’s lower North End that positions agriculture as the centerpiece of a mixed-use urban development.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Most Fuel-Efficient Minivan Ever: All-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Exceeds Target Performance, Achieves 84 MPGe Rating

Nov 30, 2016 5:15 PM ET

Environment

GM Focuses on Asia for Biodiversity Progress

Nov 30, 2016 3:45 PM ET

GM committed to earn Wildlife Habitat Council conservation certification at each of its manufacturing sites around the world by 2020. The company believes the key to progress is taking a customized, regional approach to use corporate lands and collaborative partnerships to restore, protect and promote biodiversity.

Innovation & Technology

New CFSI Audit to Validate Responsible Sourcing of 3TG by Downstream Companies

Nov 30, 2016 3:30 PM ET

New CFSI Audit to Validate Responsible Sourcing of 3TG by Downstream Companies

Health & Healthcare

A Path Toward Culturally Competent Health Care

Nov 30, 2016 3:15 PM ET

Since the launch of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), minorities across the U.S. have made significant gains in healthcare coverage. The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation reports that between 2013 and 2015 the uninsured rates fell for all racial and ethnic groups. While the future of the ACA is uncertain, the fact is that our country is becoming more demographically diverse. Pew Research projects that by 2055 there will not be a single racial or ethnic majority.

Environment

Nevada Public Radio Recently Hosted its Fall 2016 Recycle Day Event

Nov 30, 2016 3:05 PM ET

Nevada Public Radio recently hosted its Fall 2016 Recycle Day event in partnership with its participating sponsors including Republic Services, Goodwill of Southern Nevada, Care Coalition, Blind Center and Shred-It.

Health & Healthcare

Local Experts: Panama Technical Service Training Center

Nov 30, 2016 3:00 PM ET

Medtronic opened a 3,500-square-foot Technical Service Training Center in Panama City, Panama. Strategically located, the new training center is more accessible and convenient for biomedical technicians traveling from countries in Central and South America for hands-on technical training.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Fair Trade's Holiday Gift Guide

Nov 30, 2016 2:30 PM ET

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Sodexo Employees Support Military Families Abroad Through Coupon Collection Program

Nov 30, 2016 2:15 PM ET

November is Military Family Appreciation Month, and the Sodexo Employee Business Resource Group , HONOR, celebrated by leveraging the Support Our Troops® Troopons® program, which collects and sends coupons to military members stationed overseas and their families. To date, Sodexo teams have provided more than $3 million worth of coupons through the program.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Restaurateur Danny Meyer Sees a Future Where Guests Never Ask For the Check

Nov 30, 2016 2:00 PM ET

Wearing an Apple Watch probably won’t help you lose weight, but the devices might make your visit to a fine dining establishment better. Come to think of it, that will probably make you gain weight, but at least you’ll be gaining it in the best possible way.

Diversity & Inclusion

Are Your CSR Goals Aligned with Your Hiring Practices? [Video]

Nov 30, 2016 2:00 PM ET

On November 17, 2016, VolunteerMatch and Year Up joined forces to help companies learn how to unify their commitment to diversity across multiple departments, including their corporate social responsibility (CSR) department. Salesforce.org and Omnicom Media Group joined the discussion and shared their experiences from the field.

Events, Media & Communications

Business Leaders Propel Sustainable Urban Agrihood in Detroit

Nov 30, 2016 1:30 PM ET

Sustainable Brands initiates collaboration between Michigan Urban Farming Initiative, BASF, General Motors, Herman-Miller, Green Standards and others

Diversity & Inclusion

Introducing the Antea Group Syracuse Office!

Nov 30, 2016 1:15 PM ET

The Syracuse office is a lively crew that works on projects across all practices. We have particular expertise in regulatory compliance and support, enivironmental liability management, and sustainability and serve major clients in the food & beverage, high tech, and chemical industries. We pride ourselves on being jacks-of-all-trades, and try to incorporate staff cross-training as much as possible.

Health & Healthcare

Less Sugar, Great Taste: A Scientific Breakthrough from Nestlé

Nov 30, 2016 1:05 PM ET

Events, Media & Communications

Raise Your Reporting Game at the GRI Reporters’ Summit and Greenbiz 17

Nov 30, 2016 1:00 PM ET

Join us in Arizona in February 2017 for the GRI Reporters' Summit and GreenBiz 17 Annual Forum. Gain practical solutions and tools to address common sustainability challenges facing businesses in today's changing landscape.

Environment

Major Investors Applaud Move to Stay the Course on GHG Rules

Nov 30, 2016 1:00 PM ET

In response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement that it would stay the course on 2012 greenhouse gas (GHG) standards for automobiles and light duty trucks, major investors released statements supporting the decision:

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Meet Bano Fatima, A Woman Empowering Weavers and Artisans in Rural India

Nov 30, 2016 12:45 PM ET

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Nominations for Healthy10 Awards Ends Dec. 9!

Nov 30, 2016 12:00 PM ET

It's not too late to apply! Due to requests for deadline extensions, The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is still accepting applications and nominations for the inaugural Healthy10 Awards until Dec. 9!

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Transforming Lives of Families in Danger of Becoming Homeless

Nov 30, 2016 11:40 AM ET

Responsible Production & Consumption

The 700 Chocolate Bars that Could Change Packaging

Nov 30, 2016 11:40 AM ET

It might sound like the indoor farm of a chocoholic’s fantasies, but this is not a magic recipe for cultivating ready-made confectionery.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Champion of DOT: How Fighting Distracted Driving Helped Me Move from Tragedy to Triumph

Nov 30, 2016 11:35 AM ET

Distracted driving has been a problem, even before everyone had a cell phone. In the early 1980s, I remember seeing people on my morning commute doing things like reading the newspaper, shaving, or putting on make-up as they were behind the wheel. These habits and behaviors always perplexed me.

Energy

Solar-Panel Roads to Be Built on Four Continents Next Year

Nov 30, 2016 11:00 AM ET

#TheRay in West Point, GA is one of the four projects mentioned in this article. #Wattway solar paving is already being installed in Southwest Georgia. #RidetheRay

Environment

Avista Plants for Reforest Spokane Day

Nov 30, 2016 11:00 AM ET

This fall, Avista partnered with The Lands Council to plant trees for the 6th Annual Reforest Spokane Day.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Building a Culture of Service: Altria and Valero Put Local Communities First

Nov 30, 2016 10:30 AM ET

Crafting a mission statement is a chance for a company to put into words what truly drives the organization: what are the values it holds above all others? For many, success and profit come to mind. For Civic 50 sector leaders Altria and Valero Energy, community is consistently held as the organizations’ driving force.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

What SA’s Savers Really Think About Responsible Investing

Nov 30, 2016 10:25 AM ET