Impact & Sustainability News From Leading Brands

Innovation & Technology

FIRST Robotics & NRG Energy: Bringing on the "Coopertition"

May 11, 2017 4:20 PM ET

Coopertition produces innovation. It’s a philosophy based on kindness, mentorship, respect and sharing – all in the face of fierce competition. Learn more about coopertition at nrg.com/FIRST

Health & Healthcare

Obayashi Moves Forward in Pursuit of WELL Certification

May 11, 2017 4:05 PM ET

We are pleased to announce that Obayashi has completed the document acquisition and submission process for Techno-station for WELL Certification. Techno-station, the main building of the Technical Research Institute (TRI), is the first project in Japan to register and submit this high level of document verification.

Green Infrastructure

DERA Grant Funding Announced by EPA

May 11, 2017 3:45 PM ET

As a courtesy to our stakeholders, Leonardo Academy is excited to forward an available funding opportunity for Clean Diesel projects though the EPA’s Diesel Emission Reduction Program (DERA). EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality is soliciting proposals nationwide for projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions, particularly from fleets located in areas designated as having poor air quality. The EPA anticipates awarding approximately $11 million in DERA funding to eligible projects​.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Bridging the Technology Divide: Key Takeaways from Taproot's First-Ever Technology Convening

May 11, 2017 3:15 PM ET

How can pro bono service help nonprofits access technology solutions that transform their organizations and solve our communities’ challenges? That’s what Taproot sought to discover at Bridging the Technology Divide, our first-ever technology convening at the U.S. Pro Bono Summit. The day was comprised of a cross-sector group of leaders in technology and service coming together to explore and collectively shape how we can solve social sector needs with technology expertise.

For those who missed the action, here’s a recap of the day’s key takeaways:

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Astellas’ Tina Karunaratne named a 2017 Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association Luminary

May 11, 2017 3:10 PM ET

Astellas and its wholly owned subsidiary, the Astellas Institute for Regenerative Medicines (AIRM) today announced that Tina Karunaratne, director of clinical and late-stage project management, will be honored as a 2017 Luminary by the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA) at the 28th Woman of the Year event.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Ryerson University Students Named National Champions of the Environment

May 11, 2017 2:05 PM ET

In Gujarat, India, where 70 per cent of the population faces high water stress, Enactus Ryerson University students created Project Pura, which empowers local waterpreners to manufacture and sell ceramic water filters, while simultaneously providing a water sanitation education and entrepreneurship program to drive industry growth.

Innovation & Technology

Is That It? The Benefits of Continuous Configuration

May 11, 2017 2:00 PM ET

Versaic is the only company in our line of business to take a different approach to software implementation, a model called continuous configuration which is a nerdy name for something that delivers huge benefits.

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

Supply Chain Transparency: A Change Tool for Successful Global Businesses

May 11, 2017 1:45 PM ET

Identifying companies’ vast supply networks is challenging, and tracking their sustainability performance even more so. However, measuring data and increasing transparency are powerful tools for managing the risks and grasping the opportunities of global supply chains, contributing to sustainable development and a positive effect on the bottom line.​

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Consumers Energy Recognized by Forbes Magazine as Michigan’s Best Employer in National Survey

May 11, 2017 1:40 PM ET

Last week, unemployment fell to its lowest level in a decade. Companies are competing aggressively for talent, piling on more perks and benefits every year. But which organizations have the most satisfied employees? Forbes worked with research firm Statista to compile the definitive list of the best employers in America.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Water Supply Project Earns Global Desalination Plant Honor

May 11, 2017 1:30 PM ET

Environment

Migrating Birds at Musselwhite

May 11, 2017 1:00 PM ET

Habitat loss, whether through natural or man-made causes, is one of the main triggers for the extinction of migratory birds and a main topic for this year’s World Migratory Bird Day.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Why Millennial Moms Deserve a Pat on the Back

May 11, 2017 12:25 PM ET

It’s 2 am. I’m lying on the floor of my son’s room for the third night in a row. I’m pretty sure I’m doing a terrible job as a mother since I’m not letting him “cry it out” like all the sleep books instructed. To make myself feel better, I pick up my phone and post an angelic picture of my son on Facebook. With each notification of activity on my post, I am lulled into a state of contentment. Perhaps I am a great mom after all…

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Comcast NBCUniversal Moves Up 10 Spots to No. 19 on DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies List

May 11, 2017 12:15 PM ET

DiversityInc recognized Comcast NBCUniversal as one of the nation’s leading companies for Diversity & Inclusion at its annual Top 50 Awards Dinner on May 2nd in New York City.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

How Workplace Policies Can Make the Office Friendlier for New Parents

May 11, 2017 11:45 AM ET

Given the lack of sleep, jumbled schedules and general unpredictability of the situation, mixing work with life as a new parent is never going to be easy.

Nonetheless, there are steps workplaces can take to ease the load for employees with young children. All manner of things, ranging from strategically placed refrigerators to flexible policies around off-site working, play a role in making the kid-work balancing act a little less hectic.

Environment

Smart Stakeholder Engagement: 6 Tips for EHS & Sustainability Managers

May 11, 2017 11:45 AM ET

As EHS and sustainability become more intertwined with a company’s overall business strategy, success takes more than resources and good management - it also requires smart stakeholder engagement.

Innovation & Technology

Barclays’ Mark Thain Shares Insights on the Role of Social Innovation in Business

May 11, 2017 11:30 AM ET

Before joining Barclays’ Citizenship team in 2009, Mark had extensive experience in project finance, as such, he was responsible for strategy, finance and impact evaluation across Barclays’ global portfolio of community partnerships.

Diversity & Inclusion

Quality of Life for Energy & Resources’ Indigenous Partners & Employees

May 11, 2017 11:30 AM ET

Canada is home to an Indigenous population of 1.4 million. Their quality of life, when compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts, is impacted by factors that many of us can’t imagine.

Only about 40 percent of Indigenous adults in Canada have graduated high school. Many Indigenous adults experience poor health. Beyond this, many Indigenous people face discrimination, poverty, and poor living conditions on reserves.

Health & Healthcare

Diageo Makes Interactive Responsible Drinking Module Available to U.S. Consumers

May 11, 2017 11:00 AM ET

Diageo, the global leader in beverage alcohol, announced today the public launch of an online e-learning module called DRINKiQ designed to provide consumers with the information they need to make informed decisions about drinking responsibly.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Timberland Celebrates Earth Day with Global Community Service Projects

May 11, 2017 11:00 AM ET

Global outdoor lifestyle brand Timberland, a leader in sustainability and corporate social responsibility, today announced it is conducting service projects in more than 15 countries throughout April and May as part of the company’s 19th consecutive celebration of Earth Day. Timberland has supported thousands of communities around the globe as part of its longstanding commitment to community service, from its headquarters in Stratham, New Hampshire to Hong Kong, China.

Innovation & Technology

Arrow Electronics SAM Car Project Continues Driving Innovation Forward

May 11, 2017 10:30 AM ET

For the past four years, Arrow Electronics has teamed with former racecar driver and current Verizon IndyCar Series team co-owner Sam Schmidt on automotive innovations with the potential to help people with physical disabilities lead more independent lives. Or in Schmidt’s case, to help them recapture their passion for racing.

Education

CITGO and the Ocean Exploration Trust Welcome Science Communication Fellows for At-Sea STEM Expeditions

May 11, 2017 10:30 AM ET

For the fourth consecutive year, CITGO Petroleum Corporation has teamed up with the Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) to provide select educators the opportunity to explore the ocean and share that experience with students back home. This year, three teachers from CITGO operational areas have been selected as OET Science Communication Fellows.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

JetBlue Named Top 20 Place to Work in Forbes’ ‘America’s Best Employers of 2017’ List for Third Consecutive Year

May 11, 2017 10:05 AM ET

JetBlue (NASDAQ:JBLU) today announced it has earned a top spot among Forbes’ “America’s Best Employers of 2017.” The airline landed at No. 12 of 500 companies nationally and for the third year, was named the best company to work for (No. 1) in the category of transportation and logistics.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

You Can Help Children in Foster Care

May 11, 2017 10:00 AM ET

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is expanding its work, and as a result, more children are thriving in their adoptive homes. Your support makes this possible!

Social Impact & Volunteering

Unity Spans the Globe for Viacommunity Day’s 21st Year

May 11, 2017 9:05 AM ET

In an enormous show of support for local communities around the world, more than 4,000 Viacom employees threw themselves into the 21st annual Viacommunity Day last Friday. It was themed as a day of unity, bringing employees from every part of the company together at more than 150 projects sites across the United States and more than a dozen other nations, a collective effort that underscored Viacom’s unwavering dedication to putting our resources, skills, energies and collective will toward improving our communities.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

WOSU Visits Wendy's Restaurant Support Center

May 11, 2017 9:05 AM ET

The Wendy’s Family has always felt a responsibility to give back to our communities. Dave Thomas’ vision from day one was a focus on Quality, Doing the Right Thing and Giving Back. Every day our restaurant teams across the country and the employees at our Restaurant Support Center in Dublin, Ohio honor his legacy and strive to make him proud.