Impact & Sustainability News From Leading Brands

Social Impact & Volunteering

Astellas Supports the 2018 Warrior Games

Jun 14, 2018 1:30 PM ET

For the second consecutive year, Astellas employees used the company’s Volunteer Time Off program to volunteer at the 2018 Department of Defense (DoD) Warrior Games where Astellas also supported the event by providing meals for the athletes. More than 50 employees, family and friends gathered at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., and helped staff the information booth, access and family-point-of-contact areas and medal ceremonies to make the event as successful and rewarding as possible for athletes and their families.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

It’s Time to Put the ‘Human’ in Human Resources

Jun 14, 2018 1:00 PM ET

Nestlé is only as good as the people who work here. Work is just one aspect of our very complex lives, and the best companies understand that employees will only be invested in the company if the company is invested in them. As our CEO Steve Presley says, “Nestlé’s recipe for success comes down to one thing: people.” If we want our employees — and our business — to succeed, we need to make sure they have the support and tools they need to do so. Our benefit programs do just that.

Health & Healthcare

The Drug Enforcement Administration and Discovery Education Name Grand Prize Winner of Operation Prevention Video Challenge

Jun 14, 2018 12:40 PM ET

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the DEA Educational Foundation and Discovery Education awarded Porter Christensen of Pine View High School in Utah (Washington County School District), the grand prize for the annual Operation Prevention Video Challenge. Christensen’s public service announcement entitled “Waiting to Die” elicits the visceral experience of opioid misuse while taking viewers inside the mind of one teen’s decision making.

Education

Keeping up With Biotech Demand in East Asia: A Conversation With the ABE Hong Kong Team

Jun 14, 2018 12:40 PM ET

In Hong Kong and much of the broader East Asia area, the educational system is highly focused on exams. Teachers have their hands full just trying to prepare their students for the intense testing that occurs. Lab time is often reserved only for after school extracurricular activities. But some teachers are still pushing themselves and their students even further, bringing real-world biotech into their labs.

Energy

Connecticut Embraces Revolution

Jun 14, 2018 12:15 PM ET

"We are excited for the continued growth of the offshore industry in the US and are proud to advance a clean energy transition for the good of customers, local communities and the environment for generations to come.”

Health & Healthcare

The Venetian Hosts Youth Summit on Opioid Awareness

Jun 14, 2018 12:10 PM ET

On April 10, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Las Vegas District Office hosted an “Opioid Youth Summit” for all high schools in Clark County at The Venetian. One thousand high school sophomores, who were selected as student leaders from each school, filed in to hear several speakers discuss opioid safety.

Education

Building a World-Class Middle-School Innovation Lab

Jun 14, 2018 12:00 PM ET

Students at a Bucks County, PA middle school are using a lab equipped with state-of-the-art tech. “We’re building a culture where creativity thrives, and this space is the nucleus,” said FDR Middle School Principal Kevin Boles.

Environment

How Companies Harness the Power of Trees to Advance Their Sustainability Goals and Bottom Lines

Jun 14, 2018 11:40 AM ET

With all the global issues we face today — including poor air and water quality, climate risk, deforestation, poverty, and hunger — more and more corporations are taking a proactive step to become part of the solution. And they are turning to trees to make a difference.

Green Infrastructure

WheelRight Tire Safety Station on The Ray Now Includes Sidewall Reading

Jun 14, 2018 11:30 AM ET

This week, The Ray and WheelRight have upgraded the unique WheelRight drive-through tire safety station to include tire sidewall reading. The WheelRight system previously allowed for tire pressure and tread depth readings, but this additional capability contains all the critical information necessary to describe the tire and identify a suitable replacement.

Environment

Taking the Long View: 30 Years in EHS and Sustainability

Jun 14, 2018 11:05 AM ET

Antea Group’s VP, Tod Christenson, looks back on his 30 year career in EHS and sustainability as he prepares to retire.

Education

Curiosity Cube Brings Science to Life for Sacramento Kids

Jun 14, 2018 10:45 AM ET

Rather than reading from a science book, kids got to do hands-on experiments and learn about cells. Organizers said the goal of the Curiosity Cube is to spark an interest in science and create a new generation of problem-solvers.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Tupperware Brands' Leadership Team Visits Boys and Girls Club in Guatemala

Jun 14, 2018 10:35 AM ET

Rick Goings and other members of Tupperware’s leadership team visited a Boys & Girls Club in Zona 4 de Mixco, Guatemala. Rick and his team were quickly impressed by the number of kids at the club, who were very eager to welcome them and share their stories.

Energy

Mohawk Group Partners with Groundswell and Elevate Energy to Bring Solar to Community Hub in South Chicago

Jun 14, 2018 10:35 AM ET

As part of Mohawk Group’s ongoing commitment to leave more handprints than footprints, the leader in commercial flooring joined Groundswell, Elevate Energy and other partners in south Chicago today for the unveiling of a new smartflower™ solar system.

Research, Reports & Publications

WEBINAR: Need to Know Insights From the 2018 Cone/Porter Novelli Purpose Study

Jun 14, 2018 10:15 AM ET

Purpose isn’t just the latest marketing buzzword or moment-in-time tactic. Not only do Americans expect companies to lead with Purpose, they are ready to reward these companies in a variety of ways. In fact, companies that lead with Purpose will stand to build deeper bonds with existing consumers, expand the consumer base and enlist those brand advocates to share the brand message.

Innovation & Technology

How Rise Companies Are Transforming Financial Services

Jun 14, 2018 10:05 AM ET

Diversity & Inclusion

PepsiCo Named One of the Top Companies Worldwide for Millennial Women

Jun 14, 2018 10:00 AM ET

At PepsiCo, we know our teams are stronger when all voices are heard at the table, which is why we’re committed to attracting and retaining the next generation of female leaders. And now, in recognition of our efforts, we’ve been named one of the Top 1,000 Companies Worldwide for Millennial Women in 2018 – and given honoree recognition among 150 companies – by Mogul, an online platform that enables women around the globe to connect, share information and learn from each other.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Bringing Transparency to Steel Doors with Environmental Product Declarations

Jun 14, 2018 10:00 AM ET

The Steel Door Institute has commissioned third-party certifier and LCA expert SCS Global Services to prepare the first industry-wide Environmental Product Declarations for two widely used steel door products. EPDs are independently verified declarations of the potential environmental impacts associated with products. Industry-wide EPDs are important because they enable individual manufacturers to benchmark their performance through comparison of their own EPD to the industry average, and reinforce improvement efforts.

Sustainable Development Goals

Consumers Energy Proposes Long-Term Plan, Cleaner Energy Future for Michigan

Jun 14, 2018 9:55 AM ET

Consumers Energy today announced it is seizing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape Michigan’s energy future with a plan that embodies its Triple Bottom Line commitment to people, the planet and prosperity.

Research, Reports & Publications

NRG Energy CEO: Businesses Create Value by Fulfilling Societal Need in a Meaningful Way

Jun 14, 2018 9:20 AM ET

Businesses create the most value when they fulfill a societal need in a meaningful way. I often find myself reflecting on this sentiment and the importance of electricity in our modern life. Electricity, the lifeblood of modern society, powers individuals, homes, businesses and, increasingly, other areas such as transportation. In a more connected and digital future, we will rely more on electricity, not less. As a power company that generates and sells electricity, I recognize the great responsibility we have in enabling this future.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Sodexo Named NACAS West Business Partner of the Year

Jun 14, 2018 9:05 AM ET

Sodexo, a food and facilities management company committed to improving Quality of Life, announced today it was named NACAS West Business Partner of the Year for outstanding customer service and support of the educational programs at NACAS West institutions. Sodexo was nominated by two of its university clients, New Mexico State University and the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.

Education

Saying Goodbye: When It’s Time to Remove Your Tree

Jun 14, 2018 9:00 AM ET

Trees bring so much benefit and beauty to the landscape, it can be hard to part with them. But, while a tree may seem healthy to the untrained eye, it could be a disaster waiting to happen. Tree removal is usually a last resort, when no other safe management option, like pruning or disease mitigation, is sufficient. Dead, dying or otherwise hazardous trees can lead to thousands of dollars in damage, plus the priceless cost of personal injury. Often a tree doesn’t look dangerous until after a storm or heavy snow exposes its vulnerabilities.

Education

$1 Million ScottsMiracle-Gro Hagedorn Legacy Endowment Established at Ohio State

Jun 14, 2018 8:45 AM ET

Strengthening its commitment to equipping future leaders with the skills, experiences and networks necessary to succeed, The Ohio State University Max M. Fisher College of Business has announced the establishment of the ScottsMiracle-Gro Hagedorn Legacy Endowment, a $1 million fund to help students pursue their dreams of attending college.

Innovation & Technology

5 Ways Duke Energy is Using Drone Technology

Jun 13, 2018 6:05 PM ET

For nearly a century, unmanned aerial vehicles – or drones – were primarily tools for the military, but in the last decade, the use of drones for civilian tasks has skyrocketed. Industries from real estate to agriculture and retail to entertainment are using the technology to work faster, safer and in new ways. The energy industry is no exception. Duke Energy started using drones in 2015 to inspect wind and solar sites, and the ways the company can use the technology grows each year with tasks becoming more complex. For example, in February 2018, Duke Energy drone operators engineered a way to help string power lines in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

KeyBank Provides $14.2 Million in Total Financing for Preservation of Affordable Senior Housing in Buffalo

Jun 13, 2018 5:00 PM ET

KeyBank Community Development Lending & Investment (CDLI) has provided $14.2 million in construction financing for the renovation of Riverview Manor and Piotr Stadnitski Gardens in Buffalo, NY. The project will be developed in partnership with Smith and Henzy Advisory Group and MDG Design + Construction and is supported by existing project-based HUD Section 8 vouchers.

Responsible Production & Consumption

NeoCon Exhibitors Announced Living Product Certifications

Jun 13, 2018 4:45 PM ET

Five different manufacturers are celebrating 10 Living Product certifications at NeoCon 2018, bringing the total number of Living Product certifications to 20. The Living Product Challenge (LPC) was launched in 2014 by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI) to inspire manufacturers to pursue ambitious goals to dematerialize and detoxify their products and ultimately go beyond doing ‘less bad’ to create positive health and environmental impacts.