Impact & Sustainability News From Leading Brands

Research, Reports & Publications

Philip Morris International Sustainability Report Shows Relentless Business Shift Towards Smoke-Free Future

May 16, 2018 5:00 AM ET

Philip Morris International Inc. (“PMI”) (NYSE: PM) today published its third Sustainability Report (2017), outlining the concrete steps being taken to fundamentally transform its business by putting smoke-free products at the core of PMI’s sustainability efforts to address wider societal challenges, drive operational excellence, manage its social impact and reduce its environmental footprint.

Environment

Paul Ehrlich on Jaws

May 15, 2018 8:20 PM ET

Did you know that 300 years ago people had larger jaws? Why would this be the case and why is it important? Paul Ehrlich, the founding father of modern population sciences, is here to talk about his new book which is a bit of a diversion from his usual work – warning us to not have too many kids. This time, Ehrlich, along with co-author and orthodontist Sandra Kahn, explore the links between jaw size and an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, sleep apnea and hyperactivity. Today, Ehrlich discusses the evolutionary biology of jaws and talks about what people can do to reverse what he calls a “hidden epidemic.”

Diversity & Inclusion

Community Investment Has a Role to Play in a Diversity & Inclusion Strategy - Have you registered?

May 15, 2018 7:05 PM ET

Health & Healthcare

Gildan Donates $570,000 to Refurbish Majoncho Sosa Community Park in Honduras

May 15, 2018 5:15 PM ET

Gildan Activewear Inc. is announcing the opening of a newly refurbished community park in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, which was inaugurated yesterday by President Juan Orlando Hernández, Gildan representatives and members of the community. This park is the largest in the city, and second largest in the country, providing a modern, multi-sport recreational space to unite families and promote sporting activity as part of the “Parques para una Vida Mejor” (Better Life Parks) program.

Events, Media & Communications

Sustainable Brands Announces 2018 Innovation Open Semi-finalists

May 15, 2018 5:00 PM ET

Sustainable Brands® recently announced 11 semi-finalists to compete at the Sustainable Brands Innovation Open (SBIO) startup competition co-sponsored by Makersite and RISN Incubator at Arizona State University. The SBIO competition attracts world-changing entrepreneurial teams with unique ideas to solve some of the world’s pressing environmental and social concerns.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Ecolab to Receive World Environment Center’s 2018 Gold Medal Award for Corporate Sustainability

May 15, 2018 5:00 PM ET

The World Environment Center (WEC) is pleased to announce that Ecolab will receive the Gold Medal for International Corporate Achievement in Sustainable Development during the 34th annual Gold Medal Presentation Ceremony in Washington, D.C., on May 17. Doug Baker, chairman and CEO of Ecolab, will accept the award on behalf of the company.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Wells Fargo Donates $250,000 for Denver-Aurora Stabilization Efforts

May 15, 2018 4:50 PM ET

Wells Fargo today announced a total of $250,000 in donations for three local nonprofits to help revitalize Denver-Aurora neighborhoods through the Wells Fargo NeighborhoodLIFT® program.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

2019 Gender-Equality Index Gives Companies Chance to Prove Their Commitment to Gender Equality to Investors

May 15, 2018 4:40 PM ET

Last week’s discussions at the Bloomberg Business of Equality Summit proved that the topic of gender equality is ubiquitous – companies can no longer ignore gender-related issues in the workplace. Policies and practices that promote equality benefit everyone – employees are happier, more productive and exhibit a greater sense of loyalty. Not surprisingly, we also know that companies that prioritize inclusion tend to outperform those that do not.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Fully Paid Parental Leave for Duke Energy’s Moms, Dads

May 15, 2018 3:00 PM ET

Duke Energy in 2017 began offering its employees fully paid parental leave – totaling six weeks – to bolster workfamily balance and help attract and retain highly skilled workers.

Research, Reports & Publications

Aetna Releases 2016-2017 Corporate Social Responsibility Report

May 15, 2018 3:00 PM ET

Aetna, one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, today released its 2016-2017 Corporate Social Responsibility report. This year’s report covers the 2016 and 2017 calendar years and provides an in-depth look into Aetna’s commitment to building healthy communities.

Education

Meet the 2018 AT&T Aspire Accelerator Class

May 15, 2018 2:45 PM ET

I love getting to meet and learn from innovators from all walks of life. When people from diverse backgrounds — geographically, culturally, ethnically or professionally — come together to address social challenges, the results are awe-inspiring.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

GM Makes 100 Best Corporate Citizens List

May 15, 2018 2:00 PM ET

Corporate Responsibility Magazine has named General Motors to its 19th annual 100 Best Corporate Citizens list. Ranked at No. 21, General Motors is the only automaker recognized for standout environmental, social and governance performance.

Energy

Ecocentricity Blog: This One Is a Step Back

May 15, 2018 1:15 PM ET

It is important for environmentalists to acknowledge each step back at the same time they celebrate every two steps forward. Credibility is lost if sustainability’s successes are trumpeted while ignoring its failures.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Jack Daniel's Brand Ambassador Explains Importance of Responsibility

May 15, 2018 12:20 PM ET

Jack Daniel's brand ambassador and bartender for over 20 years, Eric "ET" Tecosky, explains the importance of responsibility in an on-premise environment.

Diversity & Inclusion

Israel: Workforce Diversity is the Key to Building an Innovative Society

May 15, 2018 12:00 PM ET

Israel is home to more than 15 different cultures, each with their own distinctive traditions and ancestral backgrounds. Although Israel is often characterized as the world’s only Jewish state, diversity is, and always has been at the heart of its identity as a nation.

Health & Healthcare

Nestlé Launches Global Initiative to Help Children Lead Healthier Lives

May 15, 2018 11:55 AM ET

On the United Nations International Day of Families, Nestlé announced its global “Nestlé for Healthier Kids” initiative. The program includes the further development of healthier products and advice for families on nutrition and exercise. It aims at helping 50 million children lead healthier lives by 2030.

Health & Healthcare

INFOGRAPHIC: How to Boost Industrial Safety and Productivity with a “Culture of Clean”

May 15, 2018 11:30 AM ET

Industrial workers aren’t afraid to “get down and dirty” on the job – but they’ll be happier, safer and more productive if their work environments are equipped to be kept as clean as can be.

This requires more than a once-in-a-while initiative of posters and pamphlets encouraging your workforce to be mindful of the mess. If you want to take full advantage of the business-building benefits of a cleaner work environment, it takes a new corporate mindset, from the corner office to the shop floor. This infographic highlights three key steps that will take you a long way down this often-overlooked path to a safer, more productive workplace.

Innovation & Technology

Siemens Foundation and Discovery Education Celebrate 'Siemens NATIONAL DAY OF STEM' to Spark Student Interest in Real-World Applications of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

May 15, 2018 11:05 AM ET

The Siemens Foundation and Discovery Education are teaming up today to host the annual Siemens National Day of STEM. The day is designed to spark a national conversation about pathways to success for students through STEM and demonstrate how science, technology, engineering and math work together to shape the future.

Events, Media & Communications

Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in and Goldcorp Sign Collaboration Agreement

May 15, 2018 11:00 AM ET

Diversity & Inclusion

HP VIDEO | Reinvent Mindsets: #LatinoJobs

May 15, 2018 10:25 AM ET

Green Infrastructure

Part 2: Inside World War II’s Secret Cities

May 15, 2018 10:15 AM ET

Part 2 of a 2-part series. Last time, we introduced you to three cities created at the height of World War II. Next up are Hanford and Los Alamos, and Bechtel’s role in moving them forward.

Green Infrastructure

Why I’m Pursuing My WELL AP Credential: Andrew Browning

May 15, 2018 10:10 AM ET

As an Associate in the Development division of Forum Real Estate Group, a full-service, private equity and real estate investment firm based in Denver, Col., I understand the importance of spaces that are created to fit the needs of the people inside of them. Forum has a diverse portfolio of 49 properties (nearly 11,000 units), including signature ground-up developments that include office, mixed-use, retail, industrial, and multifamily. The amount of time people spend in each of these spaces provides an immense opportunity to positively impact their lives.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Award-winning News for Domtar’s 2017 Sustainability Report

May 15, 2018 9:55 AM ET

Award-winning news for Domtar, a leading global provider of pulp, paper and personal care products. The company is pleased to announce its 2017 Sustainability Report, “Working Smart for the Long Term,” has been named the winner in two categories of the Corporate Register Reporting Awards 2018 program (CRAA’18). More than 121 entries submitted by 61 organizations across 6 continents were judged and Domtar won in the categories of Creativity in Communication and Openness & Honesty.

Health & Healthcare

The Quest for Quality Maternal Health Care in India

May 15, 2018 9:25 AM ET

In India, we’re giving patients a voice – and getting providers to listen. What a private sector-driven, consumer-centric, ‘total market’ approach to improving maternity health care looks like.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Cisco’s International Volunteers Return to Beijing to Connect and Empower Education

May 15, 2018 9:10 AM ET

Recently, Cisco’s Connected Asian Affinity Network (CAAN), an employee resource organization (ERO) that focuses on cultivating more Asian leaders, sent several of its members to Beijing, China to work with the Green and Shine Foundation, a non-governmental organization (NGO) that focuses on scholarships, donating educational materials, and providing training to teachers in rural areas.