Impact & Sustainability News From Leading Brands

Research, Reports & Publications

How a Quantitative Green Chemistry Evaluator Works

Apr 12, 2018 11:10 AM ET

As many chemists turn to greener options in the lab, they face the challenge of properly evaluating the “greenness” of a chemical or process. The 12 Principles of Green Chemistry— developed by Paul Anastas and John Warner—provide a global framework that helps scientists learn about green chemistry and how to design or improve materials, products, processes, and systems. These complementary principles focus on resource efficiency, energy efficiency, and risk minimization (e.g., human health and environmental), while targeting a life-cycle perspective (e.g., raw materials extraction, chemical production, and end-of-life bioaccumulation and biodegradation). While these principles lay a solid foundation, they are only conceptual and do not provide a quantitative framework for scoring green pro

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Pfizer Foundation Continues Support of Local Organizations through 2018 Global Health Innovation Grants

Apr 12, 2018 11:00 AM ET

Events, Media & Communications

Dow Joins Forces with Erb Institute | Business for Sustainability to Expand Sustainability Literacy through Online Education Series

Apr 12, 2018 11:00 AM ET

In celebration of Earth Day, The Dow Chemical Company and the Erb Institute of University of Michigan are partnering to host the inaugural Elements of Sustainability Series, a free online education event taking place April 16-20, with webinars posted daily at 3 p.m. ET. The week-long webinar series will explore the fundamentals of sustainability as seven renowned academics share their expert insights on the leading global challenges shaping the future of business, society and sustainability.

Research, Reports & Publications

Timberland 2017 CSR Report Shows Steady Progress Toward 2020 Sustainability Goals

Apr 12, 2018 11:00 AM ET

Global outdoor lifestyle brand Timberland today releases its 2017 corporate social responsibility (CSR) report, showing steady progress toward its 2020 goals, which fall into three core pillars: make products responsibly; protect and enhance the outdoors; and serve communities. The results further demonstrate the company’s longstanding commitment to innovate and operate in a responsible manner.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Driving Energy Efficiency in the Industry – Seven Years and Counting

Apr 12, 2018 10:55 AM ET

Energy efficiency is a key part of General Motors’ strategy for a future with zero emissions. Last week, the automaker received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence award for the seventh consecutive year for its continuous leadership in protecting the environment through energy efficiency and growing its corporate energy program. The award is the highest honor an organization can receive from the EPA for energy management.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Dr. Mary Battrell Named the 2018 Swine Practitioner of the Year by American Association of Swine Veterinarians

Apr 12, 2018 10:35 AM ET

Smithfield's Dr. Mary Battrell has been named the 2018 Swine Practitioner of the Year by the American Association of Swine Veterinarians. Dr. Battrell received her veterinary medicine degree from Iowa State University and is a staff veterinarian for Smithfield's hog production division.

Research, Reports & Publications

Helping Companies Navigate the Complex Terrain of Corporate Sustainability

Apr 12, 2018 10:00 AM ET

The pressures of population, poverty, resource constraints, pollution and climate change challenge all of us to identify better ways to manage our businesses. As a sustainability-driven benefit corporation, SCS Global Services works with the natural resource, product manufacturing, green building, food and agriculture, and energy sectors to develop leadership standards and provide rigorous third-party auditing and certification. This cross-disciplinary work has given us unique insights into challenges faced by companies in achieving their sustainability goals, as well as the latest innovations in operations and technology to overcome these challenges. Our 2017 Annual Benefit Report provides a window into the wide world of sustainability practice in which we and our clients are engaged.

Environment

Rev. Leo Woodberry on Climate Justice

Apr 12, 2018 10:00 AM ET

How does one cultivate environmental activism in the deepest of red states? Is the current situation in the White House dividing Americans further, or expanding the progressive tent? This week on Sea Change Radio, we discuss these issues and more with the Reverend Leo Woodberry, a nondenominational pastor from South Carolina who is thoroughly committed to fighting climate change. Rev. Woodberry talks about his upcoming ten-state Justice First Tour, the upsides and downsides of raising awareness of climate change in the South, and the overlap between the Civil Rights and environmental movements as we mark the 50th anniversary of the passing of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Research, Reports & Publications

Bloomberg Publishes 2017 Impact Report

Apr 12, 2018 9:45 AM ET

Bloomberg today published its ninth Impact Report. The 2017 Impact Report integrates for the first time the recommendations of the FSB Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). A dedicated section on climate-related scenario analysis explores Bloomberg’s business strategy under a 2° or less Celsius scenario and under a scenario in which no concerted action is taken to mitigate climate change.

Education

Cisco VIDEO | GenYES Helps Students Develop IT and Leadership Skills

Apr 12, 2018 9:45 AM ET

GenYES trains students in grades 4 to 12 to provide technology support in their classrooms, helping to move their schools into the 21st century while gaining exposure to IT and STEM careers. Support from the Cisco Foundation enabled GenYES to expand to 30 schools in Yuma, Arizona, which received more than 1500 hours of tech support from students and saved $75K in IT service expenses.

Diversity & Inclusion

Gender Relations and Gaps in the Cocoa Value Chain in Peru

Apr 12, 2018 9:35 AM ET

Researchers at the World Agroforestry Centre have found that greater inclusion of women is needed to optimally intensify cocoa value-chains in a region of Peru.

Research, Reports & Publications

2017 Co-op Way Report

Apr 12, 2018 9:30 AM ET

The Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, with over 4.6 million members. Its purpose is ‘Championing a better way of doing business for you and your communities’. Today the Co-op announces the launch of its 12th annual sustainability report.

Sustainable Development Goals

UN Global Compact Bulletin (April 2018)

Apr 12, 2018 9:20 AM ET

On 25-26 April, organized by the United Nations Global Compact and Global Compact Network Argentina, Making Global Goals Local Business – Argentina will bring together local and global leaders from business, civil society, Government, Global Compact Local Networks and the United Nations to catalyze collective action and impact on the Ten Principles and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Health & Healthcare

eHealth Centers Improve the Rural Healthcare Crisis in India

Apr 12, 2018 9:15 AM ET

This year HPE has already committed to launching five additional facilities. In February, HPE and the State Government of Uttarakhand signed an agreement to donate four eHealth Centers and one telemedicine studio in the state, which sits in one of the most treacherous and mountainous regions of India. Meanwhile, in the state of Maharsahtra, the government has requested HPE open a sixth center following the success of five deployed centers that have already benefitted over 10,000 patients. The new center is expected to benefit a population base of 9,000 additional villagers across 3 villages in and around Pachora.

Sustainable Development Goals

An Ambitious Vision for a Sustainable Future of Work: Randstad Joins WBCSD

Apr 12, 2018 9:15 AM ET

Randstad has today become the first HR services provider to join almost 200 other forward-thinking companies at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

Social Impact & Volunteering

Freeport-McMoRan Invests in Women’s Economic Empowerment Programs

Apr 12, 2018 9:00 AM ET

PT Freeport Indonesia, a Freeport-McMoRan company, has an extensive Community Economic Development program. In cooperation with Bank BRI, the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises program supports income-generating activities for indigenous Papuan entrepreneurs.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Putting Our Feminism Into Our Finances

Apr 12, 2018 8:15 AM ET

Now is the time to invest with a gender lens. From our consumer activity to our investment portfolio, it is time to align our assets with our goals for gender equity. Each one of our dollars has an impact in the world, from our banking decisions, to our bond and public equity holdings. Let us continue to put our feminism into our finances to ensure that our money is having the impact we are hoping to see in the world. Read about how to do just that...

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

LBG Canada Companies Are Increasing Regional Community Investment

Apr 11, 2018 7:40 PM ET

In fiscal 2016, 41% of LBG Canada companies reported that more than 40% of their total community investment budget was allocated to regional programming.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

El Periódico: Iniciativa apoyará a microempresas de la región

Apr 11, 2018 5:55 PM ET

En tres semanas cierra la posibilidad de aplicar con una propuesta para mejorar el acceso a mercados por parte de los microempresarios de la región y obtener además de US$43 mil la asesoría y acompañamiento para impulsar la idea.

Events, Media & Communications

El Periódico: Initiative Supports Micro-Enterprises in the Region

Apr 11, 2018 5:55 PM ET

En tres semanas cierra la posibilidad de aplicar con una propuesta para mejorar el acceso a mercados por parte de los microempresarios de la región y obtener además de US$43 mil la asesoría y acompañamiento para impulsar la idea.

Education

Consumers Energy Helps Nurture STEM Careers through Sponsorship in FIRST® Robotics State Competition

Apr 11, 2018 4:10 PM ET

A competition of student-built and remote-control operated robots is helping spur interest in and pursuit of future high-demand science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers at the FIRST® in Michigan robotics state championships, sponsored by Consumers Energy.

Environment

Practicing Regenerative Agriculture

Apr 11, 2018 4:00 PM ET

This post is from Gary Zimmer, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Midwestern BioAg. Known as the “father” of biological agriculture, Zimmer is an internationally known author, speaker, and consultant. He owns Otter Creek Organic Farm, a family-operated, award-winning 1,000 acre farm near Lone Rock, WI, and has been on the board of Taliesin Preservation Inc. since 2011. Zimmer is the author of three books, The Biological Farmer (Second Edition), The Biological Farmer and Advancing Biological Farming, as well as numerous articles on soils and livestock nutrition.

Health & Healthcare

Collaborating for a Healthy Future: Key Insights From National Public Health Week

Apr 11, 2018 4:00 PM ET

Last week marked the 2018 National Public Health Week (NPHW), hosted by the American Public Health Association (APHA). Under the theme Healthiest Nation 2030: Changing Our Future Together, organizations nationwide shone a spotlight on issues most impacting Americans right now and affecting the wellbeing of the nation – from mental health to preventable diseases, environmental health, violence and health equality.

Research, Reports & Publications

Martin Currie Publishes Annual Stewardship Report

Apr 11, 2018 3:55 PM ET

Martin Currie, a Legg Mason, Inc. active equity specialist, today published its third annual Stewardship Report, outlining Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices across the globe. Effective stewardship of capital lies at the heart of the firm’s client proposition. Martin Currie takes a holistic look of the publicly traded companies the firm invests in, evaluating all material information whether quantitative or qualitative.

Events, Media & Communications

Deepen Your Shared Value Knowledge at #SVLeaders 2018

Apr 11, 2018 3:00 PM ET

On May 1-2, 2018 business leaders from around the world will convene at the 2018 Shared Value Leadership Summit at the Conrad New York to discuss the role business can play in providing scalable solutions to society's greatest challenges. The Summit features keynote speakers including: Hillary Rodham Clinton - Former U.S. Secretary of State; Michael Porter - Bishop William Lawrence Professor, Harvard Business School; Jennifer Dulski - Head of Groups & Communities, Facebook; Raj Shah: President, The Rockefeller Foundation; and Deval Patrick: Managing Director - Bain Capital Double Impact.