Impact & Sustainability News From Leading Brands

Innovation & Technology

Q&A: Qualcomm Chairman Paul Jacobs Discusses the Tricorder XPRIZE and the Winners

Apr 18, 2017 6:10 PM ET

The invention revolution has always been inspired by technology from fiction — how do we pluck a device out of TV science fiction and make it real? Back in 2012, the Qualcomm Foundation and the XPRIZE Foundation worked together to develop the Qualcomm Tricorder XPRIZE, a Star Trek-inspired competition that set out to provide anyone with the ability to diagnose health conditions by using a real-world version of the Tricorder.

After five years (the same duration as Starship Enterprise’s original mission) of competition, we’re excited to announce that Final Frontier Medical Devices takes the top prize.

Social Impact & Volunteering

National Rebuilding Month: Older Homes

Apr 18, 2017 5:55 PM ET

Old housing issues are often much more significant than drafty windows and squeaky stairs. Rebuilding Together affiliates nationwide are helping low-income homeowners eliminate these hazards and ensure they live safe and healthy in their homes.

Environment

Earth Week Guest Post: A GM Engineer’s Drive to Make Recycled Content Mainstream

Apr 18, 2017 5:30 PM ET

For our annual Earth Week guest post series, we’re showcasing a variety of voices in the sustainability space. First up, Matthew Vandyke, a materials engineer at General Motors, offers tips on how to incorporate more recycled content into manufacturing.

Energy

GE and Southern California Edison Debut World’s First Battery-Gas Turbine Hybrid

Apr 18, 2017 5:30 PM ET

GE (NYSE: GE) and Southern California Edison (SCE), an Edison International (NYSE: EIX) company unveiled the world’s first battery-gas turbine hybrid system in Norwalk, California. This is the first of two units that GE has delivered for SCE only months after announcing initial deployment plans of this innovative technology.

Energy

A Lineman in the Family? Yes, Three

Apr 18, 2017 5:00 PM ET

Dozens of children cheered for their dads who were competing at the Carolinas East Lineman’s Rodeo, but, for the first time, Seth Caison was competing with his dad.

Jeff Caison and his sons Seth, 26, and Drew, 23, are all linemen for Duke Energy. Seth, who grew up playing baseball, football and basketball with his dad coaching from the sidelines, said he was excited to finally be on the same team. Seth works in Matthews, N.C., but made the 2 hour and 30 minute trip to compete at his dad’s rodeo.

Energy

Environment: JetBlue Signs Historic Renewable Jet Fuel Deal

Apr 18, 2017 3:00 PM ET

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are an inherent challenge for all airlines, but that doesn’t mean we ignore them. So far, we’ve invested in new engine technology and smarter flying techniques to reduce emissions where possible. In 2015, we signed the White House’s American Business Act on Climate PledgeLink opens an external site and may not conform to the same accessibility policies as JetBlue., committing to further reductions.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Peter Waldman and Bloomberg Businessweek won The Sidney Hillman Foundation's April 2017 Sidney Award

Apr 18, 2017 2:30 PM ET

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Baseball is Back: Here Are Three Quality of LifeHacks from the Baseball Field

Apr 18, 2017 2:15 PM ET

As April rolls in, baseball is getting into in full swing. Whether you enjoy casually watching your favorite teams on the big screen, or you just go to the games for the food and fun, there are several business lessons you can learn from America’s favorite pastime.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Wells Fargo, No Barriers Warriors Announce the 2017 “Warriors to Summits” Team

Apr 18, 2017 2:00 PM ET

Environment

Shire Facilities Divert 66% of Total Waste to Landfill

Apr 18, 2017 2:00 PM ET

Our focus on how we use resources improves efficiency, creates less waste, and reduces risks and impacts on the environment and our local communities.

Media & Communications

Sustainability Highlights | Happy Holiday Weekend! (04.14.17)

Apr 18, 2017 1:45 PM ET

The term “sustainability” can be complex and take on different meanings. The most common definition of sustainability comes from the 1987 UN Brundtland Commission...

Innovation & Technology

Cross-Border Trade: PayPal’s $400B Business

Apr 18, 2017 1:05 PM ET

We’re living in a world where nearly everything – goods, services, entertainment, etc. – is available to purchase online. The expansive global e-commerce market affords consumers greater choice than ever before, and offers merchants access to an entirely new customer base. This represents incredible opportunities for large retailers and small merchants alike as they scale their businesses – including payments – to reach online consumers and expand their overseas sales opportunities.

Diversity & Inclusion

Everyday Diversity

Apr 18, 2017 12:15 PM ET

Earlier this month, I sat in a room alongside 400 nonprofit sector leaders at the Center on Effective Philanthropy’s annual conference – all of us still trying to find our footing in the wake of regressive and unjust social policy announcements from Washington, D.C., and the resulting fresh challenges facing our organizations and the communities we serve. Grant Oliphant, CEP’s Board Chair, opened the conversation with sobering, resonant words.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Kohler Signature Store Receives LEED Gold Certification

Apr 18, 2017 12:00 PM ET

The Kohler Signature Store by First Supply has become the first retail space in the U.S. to receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification under the new LEED v4 guidelines. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) awarded the 5,800 square-foot showroom located in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, LEED Gold v4 for Interior Design & Construction Retail.

Sustainable Development Goals

5 Examples of Beverage Companies Tackling Water Risks, Stewardship Challenges

Apr 18, 2017 11:35 AM ET

Diminishing water resources is a rising global challenge and many beverage companies have recognized the vital role they play in addressing it. We highlight examples of global beverage companies and associations that have taken action to address water risks and achieve better water stewardship with the help of Antea Group and its global partners.

Innovation & Technology

Major League Baseball Players Launch Infield Chatter, a New Mobile Social Community

Apr 18, 2017 11:30 AM ET

The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) today announced that it will make the bridge from players to fans even shorter to cross, by debuting the new Infield Chatter mobile social community. The first-of-its-kind platform seeks to become the dedicated mobile destination for players and their passionate fans, with more than 1,000 players already on board as registered users.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

America’s Charities Welcomes 16 High-Impact Nonprofits to Its Alliance of 140+ Member Organizations

Apr 18, 2017 11:30 AM ET

America’s Charities, which inspires employees and organizations to support causes they care about, is pleased to welcome 16 new members to its alliance of 140+ nonprofit organizations.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Avista Named as a 2017 Grid Edge Award Winner by Greentech Media

Apr 18, 2017 11:00 AM ET

The Grid Edge Awards represent the top twenty companies or projects that showcase innovative products, introduce new business models to the electric sector, or otherwise present alternative ways of managing the electric grid that are more efficient and reliable.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

BSR at 25: Meeting the Moment

Apr 18, 2017 11:00 AM ET

This year marks BSR’s 25th anniversary. And in a time of extraordinary change, we're staying firmly focused on what these shifts mean for the future of sustainable business.

Health & Healthcare

A Pluralistic Approach to Non-Communicable Diseases

Apr 18, 2017 10:10 AM ET

More than five years have passed since the 2011 United Nations high-level meeting on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs). NCDs such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung disease are a leading cause of mortality worldwide, responsible for more than 30 million deaths annually. These diseases alone place an enormous burden on health systems, representing $2 trillion a year in health costs, and the projected toll in lost economic output by 2030 is a staggering $47 trillion. Beyond the impacts on economic output, NCDs will continue to deepen poverty and impede our collective ability to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Women Building Careers in Impact Investing

Apr 18, 2017 10:05 AM ET

Jenn's journey to be a CEO - When I returned from Gabon I made the decision to focus on finance. My experiences abroad alongside my education had led me to the thinking that capital equates to power, and is a key determinant of capability for individuals, businesses, and communities. Although now I know that finance is only one piece of the pie of life, I still maintain the important role that it plays.

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

Meet Jeff Johnson, Outdoor Photographer, Fair Trade Ambassador

Apr 18, 2017 10:00 AM ET

Launching next week, we teamed up with Jeff Johnson, a well-known photographer of California adventure culture, for our We Wear Fair Trade photo series to honor a few of the individuals and brands who are making a bold, collective commitment to value the people who make our clothes.

Events, Media & Communications

Actress Pam Grier to Attend Dining Out For Life® Hosted by Subaru® on April 27

Apr 18, 2017 10:00 AM ET

Actress Pam Grier will participate in the 27th Annual Dining Out For Life hosted by Subaru. The delicious fundraiser, that’s expected to raise more than $4 million to help fund essential HIV/AIDS services, will be held on April 27, 2017, when over 3,000 restaurants in 62 cities across North America will donate a generous portion of the day’s proceeds to their local HIV/AIDS Service organizations.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Is Your Company Adoption Friendly? There’s Still Time to Make Our Top 100 List.

Apr 18, 2017 10:00 AM ET

For 11 years, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption has ranked the Top 100 Best Adoption Friendly Workplaces. Companies like Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Citizens Bank, Wendy’s, Snapchat, Zappos and others have made the list for financial reimbursement of adoption costs and time off for employees who adopt.

Education

UK to Equip 6,000 Underprivileged with Digital Skills, for Free

Apr 18, 2017 9:25 AM ET

It’s 2017, so you might imagine that in the United Kingdom, all citizens have access to technology. Sadly, that’s not the case, but the government is working to change that with a five-year plan.