ESG News from Leading Brands

Diversity & Inclusion

Valued Roles: A Gift that Keeps on Giving

Apr 28, 2016 3:30 PM ET

We can work towards the “good Indian life” for people who are vulnerable by focusing on helping people have social roles which are valued. Social roles which are typical and valued open up all kinds of doors for people – and seem to be the typical ways that most of us gain acceptance, belonging, personal growth, friendship, opportunities, and a good reputation.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Planting a Sustainable Future

Apr 28, 2016 3:25 PM ET

The rapid growth of development of the global economy has brought a new set of challenges for the twenty-first century. The global demand for timber products has led to a magnitude of production that threatens the existence of forests that still exist from its base in Chicago, Illinois, EcoPlanet Bamboo operates commercial bamboo plantations in Central America, Western Africa, and Southern Africa.

Research, Reports & Publications

Teck Reports 2015 Sustainability Performance

Apr 28, 2016 3:00 PM ET

Teck Resources Limited ("Teck”) has released its 15th annual Sustainability Report, covering the company’s performance in 2015 and progress towards its short- and long-term sustainability goals.

Events, Media & Communications

Red Nose Day and Global Citizen Join 15th Annual Comcast Cares Day to ‘Make Change Happen’

Apr 28, 2016 3:00 PM ET

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Albertsons Companies Receives Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice Partner of the Year Award

Apr 28, 2016 2:50 PM ET

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today named Albertsons Companies (Albertsons) winner of its prestigious Safer Choice Partner of the Year Award for the company’s commitment to increasing awareness of the EPA’s Safer Choice Program for sustainable products.

The Safer Choice Partner of the Year Award recognizes businesses and organizations that advance the goal of chemical safety through exemplary participation in or promotion of the Safer Choice Program. Albertsons was recognized in the “Retailer” category and displays the Safer Choice logo on its Bright Green line of earth-friendlier private-label products as well as promotes the Safer Choice Program in stores, advertising and online messaging.

Research, Reports & Publications

In Space, in the Sky and on Land: Lockheed Martin Innovates to Create a More Sustainable Future

Apr 28, 2016 2:25 PM ET

From a system that turns waste into clean fuel, to unmanned aerial systems that help first responders, in 2015 Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] innovated to expand how it’s addressing environmental and social challenges. The Corporation shared details about these projects and others with the release of its 2015 Sustainability Report, “Science of Citizenship”. The report demonstrates progress on issues that are the most critical to stakeholders and long-term business success. In total, the Corporation achieved 95 percent of its sustainability goals.

Education

GSK Supports the Philadelphia Science Festival

Apr 28, 2016 2:00 PM ET

GSK is proud to partner with The Franklin Institute in support of the Philadelphia Science Festival engaging Philadelphians in the wonders of science.

Health & Healthcare

Putting the Cook Back in the Urban Kitchen

Apr 28, 2016 1:00 PM ET

Preparing meals at home can be challenging for the millions living in cities. Everything from long work days to cheap and convenient fast food options makes choosing to cook fresh and balanced meals difficult. But these dietary choices are also contributing to the rise of type 2 diabetes in cities around the world.

Events, Media & Communications

15th Responsible Business Summit Will Feature PYXERA Global in Two Sessions

Apr 28, 2016 1:00 PM ET

The 15th Responsible Business Summit will bring together more than 55 speakers who will share how to become a trusted business and deliver positive impact.

PYXERA Global CEO, Deirdre White, will speak at the Summit, in addition to Vice President of Enterprise and Community Development, Harry Pastuszek. White and Pastuszek will join CEOs from Europe’s most innovative and inspiring brands in responsible business to discuss how to build trust and purpose for their business. Among these CEOs include Craig Kreeger, the latest CEO to join the Summit’s keynote line up, Jean-Marc Duvoisin of Nespresso, Michael Gidney of Fairtrade Foundation, John Holland-Kaye of Heathrow Airport, and Bas van Abel of Fairphone.

Education

Booz Allen Hamilton Employees Join Delmar Loop Social Impact Hackathon

Apr 28, 2016 12:30 PM ET

Innovation & Technology

Bechtel-Sponsored Teams to Compete in FIRST® Robotics World Championship

Apr 28, 2016 12:30 PM ET

Eleven high school teams sponsored by Bechtel are competing in the 2016 FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) World Championship in St. Louis, April 27-30. They are among more than 550 teams from around the world that qualified to compete in this event, considered the preeminent celebration of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Environment

Composting at Vigilant Global: 1 Year Later

Apr 28, 2016 12:20 PM ET

Since starting a composting initiative in March 2015, Vigilant Global has collected a total of 18,140L of organic matter.

Events, Media & Communications

“Purpose” – It is Central to Business Success Says a Sustainable Brands Thinker -- And, A Fascinating Look Into the 21st Century

Apr 28, 2016 12:00 PM ET

What may sound at first glance to be “touchy-feely” management advice turns out to be solid guidance to corporate executives and managers strategizing about “bullet-proofing” their companies and brands for the immediate and the long-term. Dimitar Vhalov, the Director of Content for Sustainable Brands, explains in our Top Story the importance of “purpose” for companies as the enterprise is made more resilient and focused as part of “future-proofing,” especially for brand marketers.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

SCS Global Services Becomes Newest Non-GMO Project Verification Provider

Apr 28, 2016 12:00 PM ET

SCS Global Services (SCS) announced today that it has successfully completed a rigorous, year-long Non-GMO Project Verification Pilot Program, and is now formally recognized as Non-GMO Project Technical Administrator. This designation means that SCS is authorized to independently verify claims for all types of food products and supplements under the Non-GMO Project, one of the United States’ fastest growing food labels of all time.

Health & Healthcare

CVS Health Marks National Prescription Drug Take Back Day with Events, Education and New Take Back Data

Apr 28, 2016 11:10 AM ET

CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) is marking National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, this Saturday April 30, with the announcement that its Medication Disposal for Safer Communities Program has donated more than 500 drug collection units to law enforcement partners across the U.S., resulting in the safe disposal of more than35 metric tons of unwanted medication to date.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Republic Services Volunteers at Anaheim Health Fair Adding a Fun Environmental Education Element to the Event

Apr 28, 2016 11:00 AM ET

We were proud to work, live, and raise families in the areas we serve. This past weekend we joined hundreds of volunteers at the 10th Annual Anaheim Health Fair to show our commitment to our community. As a sponsor of the two-day event, we hosted a booth to help residents pass the time as they waited to see the doctor and/or the dentist.

Environment

Riding the Rails to Environmental Compliance: A Railroaders Guide to Regulatory Requirements

Apr 28, 2016 10:55 AM ET

Antea Group consultants Dean Krebs, Phil Gilchrist, and Tim Larson presented and moderated a session on environmental compliance at the 2016 ASLRRA Connections Convention. Topics included EPA regulations, SWPPPs, FRPs, SPCCs, C-plans, air quality, a case study, and lessons learned.

Responsible Production & Consumption

This Earth Day: Find Cracks in the Corporate Armor

Apr 28, 2016 10:35 AM ET

There seem to be, in my overly simplistic view of the world, two kinds of companies:

– companies that use their sustainability values to inform their business practices, and
– those who resist or don’t recognize the s-word.

Social Impact & Volunteering

2016 Sodexo Future Chefs Competition - Featured Chef Ella Dettloff

Apr 28, 2016 10:35 AM ET

As part of the Sodexo 2016 Future Chefs competition, today we are featuring Ella Dettloff. Ella hails from the garden state of New Jersey. Ella is a 4th grader at Madison Park Elementary School in Old Bridge, New Jersey. In this video, Ella will be showing us how to make her Sweet Potato Pancakes with Grilled Pineapple.

Social Impact & Volunteering

TruGreen Helps Keep America Beautiful

Apr 28, 2016 10:30 AM ET

TruGreen today announced a partnership with national nonprofit Keep America Beautiful to help fulfill a vision of a country where every community is a clean, green and beautiful place to live. Starting with projects in Jacksonville, Florida; Kansas City, Missouri; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Keep America Beautiful affiliates will submit community improvement ideas for a chance to secure TruGreen TruNeighbor grants of up to $15,000, including in-kind services.

Environment

Warren Buffett’s Mixed Signals on Climate Risk and Insurance

Apr 28, 2016 10:00 AM ET

When it comes to addressing climate change impacts to Berkshire Hathaway’s insurance business, Warren Buffett paints a somewhat misleading picture that minimizes the business risks posed by a demonstrably changing climate. In doing so, Buffett begs serious questions about his company’s planning for climate impacts and undermines confidence in the insurance division’s climate resilience.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Siemens and Valeo Join Forces for Global Leadership in Powertrains for Electric Cars

Apr 28, 2016 9:45 AM ET

Siemens and Valeo have signed an agreement to form a joint venture in high voltage powertrains. With this move the companies create a global leader of innovative and affordable high-voltage components and systems for the entire range of electric vehicles including hybrids, plug-in hybrids and full electric vehicles.

Environment

Ingersoll Rand Issues Extensive Update on Its Global Climate Commitment to the Clinton Global Initiative

Apr 28, 2016 9:30 AM ET

Ingersoll Rand announced key milestones towards its climate commitment to the Clinton Global Initiative. To date, the company’s climate commitment has supported the avoidance of approximately 2 million metric tons of CO2e globally, which is equivalent to annual CO2 emissions from nearly 300,000 homes annual electricity use and more than 2.3 billion pounds of coal burned. By 2030, the company expects to reduce its carbon footprint by 50 million metric tons.

Events, Media & Communications

CBRE Brisbane Women’s Network Event

Apr 28, 2016 9:25 AM ET

As part of CBRE’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, and to recognise the achievements of women in the workforce, the Brisbane chapter of CBRE’s Women’s Network recently hosted an evening of conversation and canapés.

Environment

We Mean Business Highlights Post-Paris Opportunities

Apr 28, 2016 9:00 AM ET

Global leaders have converged to New York this week to sign the ​agreement thrashed out at the ​COP21 in Paris in December 2015.