Impact & Sustainability News From Leading Brands

Innovation & Technology

Bridging the Gap to Economic Vitality

Jun 7, 2019 12:45 PM ET

There’s no better place to talk about bridging the gap to economic vitality in Latin America than in Miami, where the 6th annual eMerge Americas conference recently took place. eMerge brings together business and government leaders who are transforming industries, countries, and lives with innovative digital technology.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Comerica Bank Announces Record $100,000 Donation to Winner of 2019 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest

Jun 7, 2019 12:15 PM ET

Comerica Bank, the longest-serving bank in Michigan for 170 years, is excited to announce a new, $100,000 donation to the winner of the 2019 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest. The record amount in startup funds will go toward opening a brick and mortar business in Detroit, Hamtramck or Highland Park. In addition to Comerica’s $100,000 investment, the bank will also double its organizational support to Hatch Detroit with a supplementary $40,000 donation.

Diversity & Inclusion

AEG Launches “Equality for All” in Support of Pride Month

Jun 7, 2019 12:15 PM ET

To show its support for the gay rights movement and LGBT Pride Month, AEG, the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, #Stonewall50, with the release of a website and social media campaign “Equality For All.”

Diversity & Inclusion

Challenging Racial Inequity on Campus

Jun 7, 2019 12:15 PM ET

Symantec believes that a diverse and inclusive work environment helps us understand our customers better, enables us to respond to new trends more rapidly, and stimulates innovation. Investing in diversity is a business imperative and our support of Net Impact has helped establish undergraduate chapters at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and helped create the Racial Equity Fellowship.

Health & Healthcare

Do Patients Care About Sustainability?

Jun 7, 2019 12:00 PM ET

Today’s hospital patients care about sustainability in a big way. They are much like consumers in all categories, three quarters of whom are more likely to buy a product or service if the organization behind it is committed to sustainable practices.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

CBRE Secures Three Trophies at RICS Awards 2019 Australia

Jun 7, 2019 12:00 PM ET

CBRE secured three major trophies at last night’s RICS Awards 2019 Australia, recognising the firm’s focus on innovation, sustainability and the delivery of exceptional client outcomes. CBRE won the Innovation, Agency Team of the Year and Sustainability Project of the Year awards and was a finalist in two other categories. The RICS Awards showcase the most inspirational initiatives and developments in land, real estate, construction and infrastructure.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

CNH Industrial and Team Rubicon Are Rebuilding Communities

Jun 7, 2019 11:55 AM ET

“Crossing the Rubicon”, or passing the point of no return is the inspiration behind the name of the U.S. based, veteran-led disaster response organization, Team Rubicon. Founded in 2010 in response to the Haiti earthquake, a small group of U.S. military veterans travelled to regions considered too dangerous by others, committing themselves to bringing aid, equipment and manpower to communities affected by the disaster. Today, Team Rubicon has grown into a large operation with an ever-increasing need for specialized resources. This is where CASE, the global construction brand of CNH Industrial (NYSE: CNHI / MI: CNHI) comes in.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

How Bacardi Is Pioneering Corporate Responsibility in the Spirits Industry

Jun 7, 2019 11:30 AM ET

Bacardi has been an industry leader when it comes to corporate responsibility, and all employees are urged to live the motto “always do the right thing” day in and day out. Because May and June are Bacardi’s official Corporate Responsibility Months, we chatted with Rick Wilson, the global head of Corporate Responsibility, to learn more about the company’s sustainability initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and community outreach plans that are always in the works for the international spirits company.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

The Importance of Partnerships for Disaster Relief

Jun 7, 2019 11:20 AM ET

Hear from The UPS Foundation and UNICEF USA leaders about the importance of collaboration in tackling disaster relief challenges and opportunities.

Research, Reports & Publications

Companies Make Progress Gauging Climate Risk, but Not Enough

Jun 7, 2019 11:05 AM ET

Companies too often make the mistake of thinking climate change is a long-term issue, but it’s actually affecting decisions today, according to a report by a global commission set to evaluate transparency into financial climate risks and opportunities.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Siblings on a Mission to Reduce Food Waste Earn $50,000

Jun 7, 2019 11:00 AM ET

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Subaru Kicks Off Platform With Renewed TerraCycle Partnership

Jun 7, 2019 10:40 AM ET

Subaru of America, Inc. just announced its ongoing partnership with TerraCycle to help divert hard-to-recycle waste from landfills and incinerators through the automaker's environmentally-focused philanthropic platform, “Subaru Loves the Earth.”

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

IOC Receives Delivery of Zero-Emission Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles from Toyota

Jun 7, 2019 10:20 AM ET

The eight Mirai passenger cars – otherwise known as fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) – were unveiled on the eve of World Environment Day at Olympic House - the IOC’s new sustainability-driven headquarters which will be inaugurated on 23 June 2019. Toyota, a Worldwide Olympic Partner, was represented at the handover event in Lausanne by Matt Harrison, Executive Vice President, Sales at Toyota Motor Europe, who was welcomed by Timo Lumme, Managing Director of IOC Television and Marketing Services, and Marie Sallois-Dembreville, the IOC’s Director for Sustainability.

Events, Media & Communications

Exploring the Third Track at the Reporting 3.0 Conference: The Sherpas

Jun 7, 2019 10:00 AM ET

Following up on the previous two releases (here on The Village track, and here on The Journey track), this release focuses on laying out the third track, The Sherpas, at the 6th International Reporting 3.0 Conference. The Sherpas track, so-named in honor of our Advocation Partners (APs) who act as "mountain guides" in support of necessary transformation, showcases the work of r3.0 Advocation Partners. Participants from high-impact organizations in all of these Programs will share their experiences, particularly elaborating on specific pilot implementations of transformational practices, programs, and policies.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Breaking Barriers in STEM with National Grid

Jun 7, 2019 10:00 AM ET

Girls Inc. of Worcester is one of six Girls Inc. affiliates that participates in Girls Inc. and National Grid’s innovative STEM partnership. Since 2011, National Grid has generously provided funding to support impactful STEM programming and experiences to thousands of girls in the Northeast. To hear more about the direct impact National Grid’s support has on Girls Inc. girls, we spoke to Brenda Nikas-Hayes, the Director of Eureka! STEM & Leadership program at Girls Inc. of Worcester. Brenda shared how her team is preparing girls to pursue STEM education and careers!

Research, Reports & Publications

Water Utilities Urged to Exploit Data, Use Less Guesswork

Jun 7, 2019 10:00 AM ET

In the water industry, data is driving the discussion. To understand what this means requires a story about motor oil.

For decades, car manufacturers recommended that vehicles have their engine oil changed at least every 3,000 miles without fail. This was never proven practical, given that such decisions should be based on individual driving style, the conditions and climate – even the type of oil used. But these real-world conditions don't tend to factor into the carmaker's original guidelines.

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

Essity Invests in Wheat Straw Technology to Improve Circularity of Tissue Products

Jun 7, 2019 9:00 AM ET

Did you know that almost 50% of wheat straw goes to waste? Find out how Essity is using wheat straw to improve the circularity of tissue products. Find out how wheat straw is revolutionizing the sustainable production of tissue products.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Why Sustainability Makes Business Sense

Jun 7, 2019 9:00 AM ET

For a company like Philip Morris International to have a conversation about sustainability may seem almost inappropriate to some people. How can a tobacco company—which sells products that are harmful to the health of its consumers—talk in a credible way about sustainability? It’s a fair question. Sustainability needs to start with taking a hard look at the impact a company’s products have on consumers and society, and it’s no secret that cigarettes are harmful.

Research, Reports & Publications

Walmart on Track to Reduce 1 Billion Metric Tons of Emissions From Global Supply Chains by 2030

Jun 7, 2019 9:00 AM ET

In May, Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) issued its inaugural Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, which details the company’s goals, progress and achievements for fiscal year 2019 toward its commitment to activate climate change initiatives, enhance sustainability in supply chains and increase economic opportunity for associates.

Events, Media & Communications

Kathy Najimy, Samantha Harris, Others Join Lineup for 2019 Points of Light Conference

Jun 6, 2019 6:00 PM ET

Points of Light has announced additional speakers and entertainers who will join the opening plenary lineup at the 2019 Points of Light Conference, taking place June 18-20 in St. Paul.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Draper James and VSP Eyes of Hope Commit Nearly $4 Million to Fund Eye Care and Eyewear in Support of Young Women

Jun 6, 2019 5:30 PM ET

When was your last eye exam? If you’re a woman, there’s a one-in-four chance it was more than two years ago, but it’s not something to be overlooked: More women than men are at risk for vision loss from eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration To help ensure more women have access to critical eye care, Draper James, the Southern-inspired lifestyle brand founded by Reese Witherspoon, announced today a partnership with VSP Eyes of Hope, which helps increase vision care access to those disadvantaged by income, distance and disaster.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

PayPal #77 on JUST Capital Culture of Health Top 100 list

Jun 6, 2019 4:55 PM ET

PayPal has been recognized on JUST Capital’s Top 100 U.S. Companies Supporting Healthy Communities and Families. Ranking at #77, PayPal is committed to investing in healthier workers and communities by paying a living wage, providing good benefits, fostering strong community relationships and minimizing pollution.

Environment

Olay To Become the First Mass Retail Skincare Brand to Test Refillable Packaging

Jun 6, 2019 2:10 PM ET

Announced by Marc Pritchard, Chief Brand Officer of P&G, and Virginie Helias, Chief Sustainability Officer of P&G, at the 2019 Sustainable Brands Conference on June 5 in Detroit, Olay will pilot a new way of shopping for skincare that could dramatically reduce the amount of plastic used in the beauty category.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

CECP Identifies Three Vital Audiences Companies Must Engage to Drive Long-Term Growth

Jun 6, 2019 1:30 PM ET

CEOs from institutional investor firms BlackRock and State Street released their annual guidance to companies on practices they “believe will drive sustainable, long-term growth, and profitability.” These letters were issued amidst widespread cynicism, both socially and economically, while anxious chatter continues about the role of business, capitalism, and strategic time horizons.

Environment

BIER Member Spotlight: Jamal Booker

Jun 6, 2019 1:00 PM ET

The Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER) highlights their members' beverage industry sustainability insights and ideas in their BIER Member Spotlight series on a monthly basis. These spotlights include their answers to questions about their company's sustainability achievements and strategy, practical insights from BIER, interesting facts, and more.