ESG News from Leading Brands

Energy

A Brighter Future for This California Community

Nov 3, 2015 2:00 PM ET

The apartment community serves 100 limited-income families and recent efforts to implement energy upgrades, including a solar rooftop system, have helped to build community, benefit residents and strengthen the neighborhood.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Challenge Raises Nearly $3.1 Million for Domestic Violence Survivors

Nov 3, 2015 1:05 PM ET

Energy

GM’s Energy Stars: Bob Randazzo, Rochester Operations

Nov 3, 2015 12:45 PM ET

All this week, we will be recognizing employees from our U.S. facilities who have helped GM realized $435 million in energy savings by reducing energy intensity by 40 percent and carbon dioxide emissions by 41 percent over the last 20 years.

Environment

Republic Services and UNLV Team UP for Recycling Challenge

Nov 3, 2015 12:45 PM ET

​Republic supported the University of Las Vegas (UNLV) as they competed against 71 other schools nationwide in The GameDay Recycling Challenge.

Health & Healthcare

Whirlpool Corporation’s HealthWorks Offers Employees a Better Chance at Success Through Engagement and Support

Nov 3, 2015 12:30 PM ET

Whirlpool Corporation has always valued the health of its employees. When we talk about health, we don’t just mean the numbers on the scale or the hours spent being active – although those numbers matter. Physical, emotional and spiritual health also matters.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Healthy Futures Fund Doubles Commitment to Disadvantaged Areas with $100 Million in New Funding for Affordable Housing, Health Care

Nov 3, 2015 11:00 AM ET

A unique financial collaboration is deploying $100 million in new capital to improve health and expand housing opportunities in low-income communities.

Innovation & Technology

Can Better Toilets and Latrines Solve the World’s Sanitation Problem?

Nov 3, 2015 10:10 AM ET

Far too often, development professionals sanitize the discussion of toilets and excrement, using industry jargon—like “sanitation”—to euphemize a messy topic.

Energy

CRS Publishes Guides to Renewable Energy in the EPA Clean Power Plan

Nov 3, 2015 10:00 AM ET

Center for Resource Solutions recently released two reports on the U.S. EPA's Clean Power Plan, which directs states to implement greenhouse gas emissions limits for existing electricity generators.

Environment

New Channel for Recycling Gets Great Reception

Nov 3, 2015 9:30 AM ET

Floor to ceiling garbage bags, rows of waste bins and an old warehouse may not depict an art museum at first glance, but it’s a place Carolina Lizano Fernández calls beautiful.

As the corporate social responsibility coordinator for Kimberly-Clark’s Central America & Caribbean region, Lizano acts as a museum curator of sorts. She helps manage AmbientaDOS, a recycling program that has transformed light bulbs, bottle caps, paperboard and other discarded material into jewelry, ornaments and colorful lamps – among other new things.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Chemical in Sunscreen Products May Be Damaging Reefs, Research Says

Nov 3, 2015 9:10 AM ET

Personal safety has seen a large increase in awareness and adherence over the years, and a trip to the beach is no different. With the summer season winding down, beaches around the world are starting to see less visitors. A recent study however, has found that beach-going visitors might be unintentionally leaving a harmful impact on the destinations they enjoy so much.

Research, Reports & Publications

Millennials Will Be Key Drivers of Sustainability in Small and Medium Businesses

Nov 3, 2015 9:00 AM ET

Today, Cox Enterprises released the results of the second annual Cox Conserves Sustainability Survey, which showcased that Millennials will lead the way for small and medium businesses in future conversations and efforts around conservation, energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. The survey, commissioned by Cox Enterprises, is a national study that examines sustainability opportunities and challenges for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

Events, Media & Communications

Raising Responsible Digital Citizens: It Takes a Community

Nov 3, 2015 9:00 AM ET

In today’s world, kids are using electronic devices before they are reading and writing—which is both exciting and frightening for parents and communities. It seems that with every year that passes, kids are receiving their first cell phone, tablet, or other electronic device at younger and younger ages. As this trend continues, it’s more important than ever to teach kids to use these devices responsibly and become good digital citizens.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Astellas Pharma Employees Volunteer to Support Children and Adults with Disabilities in Chicagoland

Nov 3, 2015 9:00 AM ET

Nearly 300 Astellas Pharma corporate services’ employees participated in a variety of activities on Oct. 28 to support the programming of Clearbrook, a Chicago-area nonprofit that provides services to people with disabilities. Employees helped contribute to Astellas’ annual global service day goal of 10,000 volunteer hours, in honor of its 10th anniversary,

Environment

Ecocentricity Blog - November 2, 2015

Nov 3, 2015 9:00 AM ET

Here is why I was as excited as every kid dressed up in a Halloween costume this past Saturday who realized the house on the corner was giving out king-size candy bars: this stadium is aiming to be the world’s first LEED® Platinum professional sports stadium. And I can take public transportation to it. Dang I live in a cool city.

Health & Healthcare

PT Freeport Indonesia, a Freeport-McMoRan Company, Provides Free Eye Exams and Surgery to Communities in Papua

Nov 3, 2015 8:45 AM ET

Education

Arrow Electronics Collaborates with Nonprofit “Close the Gap” to Help Bridge the Digital Divide in Africa

Nov 3, 2015 8:40 AM ET

Environment

Global Green and National Grid Partner on Climate Disaster Preparedness for NYC

Nov 3, 2015 8:30 AM ET

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Virginia Department of Forensic Science Receives Energy Efficiency Leader Award from Trane

Nov 3, 2015 8:30 AM ET

Trane presented its Energy Efficiency Leader Award to the Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) on Oct. 29.

Events, Media & Communications

Re-imagine Resources - Reducing Food Waste to Fight Hunger: A Twitter Chat with Sealed Air

Nov 3, 2015 8:00 AM ET

Did you know that 78 percent of adults in the U.S. have wasted food in one way or another? Meanwhile, more than 800 million people are unable to meet their daily calorie needs and more than 2 billion people suffer from nutritional deficiencies. It is estimated that more than one-third of the food we produce is never consumed. Considering the projected population growth to 9 billion by 2050, these food related challenges will only increase. In light of these staggering statistics, we must look at food waste and the actions we take on a daily basis to address this growing problem.

Education

Meet Amgen Scholar Alumni Alexandra Imre

Nov 3, 2015 7:30 AM ET

"...the Amgen Scholars Program (ASP) is an unparalleled opportunity for young scientists to improve their professional skills."

Events, Media & Communications

National Geographic Channel Premieres 'Breakthrough,' New Science Documentary Series from Ron Howard and Brian Grazer

Nov 3, 2015 7:00 AM ET

On Sunday, November 1, 21st Century Fox's National Geographic Channel launched the first episode of Breakthrough, a new documentary series produced by Ron Howard and Brian Gazer in which six Hollywood visionaries bring to life the stories, people, and technology behind the world's most cutting-edge scientific innovations. Sunday's premiere highlighted the work of scientists fighting against global pandemics, and future episodes will tackle subjects as diverse as alternative energy, water conservation, and anti-aging technology from directors such as Paul Giamatti, Angela Bassett, and Howard himself. Breakthrough airs Sundays at 9/8 c on National Geographic Channel.

Environment

Recycling Old Locomotives Generates Green Results

Nov 3, 2015 6:05 AM ET

Innovation & Technology

How MANA is Addressing Severe Malnutrition in Children with the Help of NetSuite.Org

Nov 3, 2015 4:05 AM ET

Diversity & Inclusion

MGM Resorts Joins Veteran Jobs Mission

Nov 2, 2015 6:00 PM ET

MGM Resorts International announced today that it joined the Veteran Jobs Mission, a coalition of more than 200 companies that are dedicated to hiring one million U.S. Veterans. Cofounded by JP Morgan Chase in 2011 as “100,000 Jobs Mission,” the newly renamed “Veteran Jobs Mission” is committed to developing best practices resources for companies looking to hire Veterans while maintaining a focus on employee engagement and career development.

Diversity & Inclusion

Respect All Altars

Nov 2, 2015 5:15 PM ET

November is Native American Heritage Month, which is a good time to reflect upon our engagement with Tribes in the United States. Native American Heritage Month is a national platform to highlight Native American cultures and traditions.
As TransCanada moves ahead in implementing its Indigenous Relations Strategy with the many Tribes it interacts with, various aspects of developing positive respectful relationships must be considered.