Impact & Sustainability News From Leading Brands

Energy

Report: Renewables Hit Major Global Milestones

Mar 31, 2016 9:00 AM ET

A new report by the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) on the growth in renewable energy showed some remarkable accomplishments.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

2016 Global Philanthropy Forum Conference Kicks Off Next Week, Focuses on Mass Migration

Mar 31, 2016 7:00 AM ET

People are on the move more than ever before. Some, experiencing economic mobility for the first time, are moving to cities in search of opportunity. Others, displaced by war, natural disaster and state failure are on the move in search of safety, resulting in 60-million refugees worldwide.

Research, Reports & Publications

Coca-Cola HBC AG 2015 Integrated Annual Report Showcases Focus on Sustainable Growth

Mar 31, 2016 5:00 AM ET

Coca-Cola HBC AG published on March 17, 2016 its fourth integrated report, “Refreshing business”, which provides details on all aspects of business, governance and sustainability performance, and celebrates a year of strong results and achievements.

Environment

In Australia, the Seeds of Living Retail Are About to Bloom

Mar 30, 2016 6:00 PM ET

The Living Future Institute of Australia (LFIA) is delighted to announce an inaugural living design competition in partnership with Frasers Property Australia.

Diversity & Inclusion

Homeless Veteran Finds Hope at Time Warner Cable

Mar 30, 2016 5:10 PM ET

Time Warner Cable is proud of its military veterans. From our Vet Net employee network to our comprehensive military leave policy for reservists and active duty, TWC celebrates the contributions these employees make to our country and our company. In fact, military veterans make up just over 8 percent of TWC’s workforce.

Environment

National Grid Joins EPA Efforts to Reduce Methane Emissions

Mar 30, 2016 4:55 PM ET

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Hunger Is Closer Than You Think: Walmart Secures Meals for Those in Need

Mar 30, 2016 4:35 PM ET

You may not realize it, but those in your community may be going to bed hungry. Today, YOU can join us and help fight hunger in America. Purchase participating items in-store and online to join Walmart and Feeding America to help secure meals for those in need.
Learn more at http://bit.ly/FightHungerWalmart

Social Impact & Volunteering

CITGO and Corpus Christi American Heart Association Help Fight Cardiovascular Disease at Annual Heart Ball

Mar 30, 2016 4:10 PM ET

According to the American Heart Association, 17.3 million people die from cardiovascular disease each year, and the death toll is expected to grow to more than 23.6 million by 2030.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Prudential Pledges $5 Million to Ignite Positive Social Impact Through the Blended Catalyst Fund

Mar 30, 2016 3:35 PM ET

On March 29, Prudential Financial, Inc. proudly announced its $5 million investment in Living Cities’ newly launched Blended Catalyst Fund, a $31 million impact investing debt fund that will test innovative approaches to solving urban problems. The Blended Catalyst Fund combines philanthropic and commercial debt under the premise that both types of capital are needed to support initiatives that achieve better results for low-income people in US cities.

Innovation & Technology

Humanizing the Workplace: Using Design Principles to Inspire Workplace Thinking

Mar 30, 2016 3:10 PM ET

This is the sixth in a continuing blog series based on insights and findings from the Sodexo 2016 Workplace Trends Report. The Reportexamines nine key trends affecting business outcomes and the quality of life of employees and consumers. To learn more, access the full article: Humanizing the Workplace: Using Design Principles to Inspire Workplace Thinking

Innovation & Technology

MetLife Foundation and Verb Announce Global Competition to Improve Financial Services for the Underserved

Mar 30, 2016 2:40 PM ET

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Ashland Inc., Dell and Peter Dudley of Wells Fargo Win 2016 Charities@Work Corporate Impact Awards

Mar 30, 2016 2:35 PM ET

Charities@Work today announced Ashland Inc., Dell and Peter Dudley, Senior Vice President, Community Support Programs of Wells Fargo, winners of the 2016 Corporate Impact Awards for giving back to society in extraordinary ways. The awards were presented by the four partners that comprise Charities@Work—America’s Charities, Community Health Charities, EarthShare and Global Impact—during the 15th Annual Charities@Work Best Practices Summit on Employee Engagement luncheon held at the New York Marriott Marquis.

Diversity & Inclusion

In Search of Gideon, 53 Years Later

Mar 30, 2016 2:10 PM ET

Today, 80% of people accused of crimes in the U.S. must rely on public defenders and court-appointed lawyers who often have burdensome caseloads, conflicting interests, and other issues. This affects poor, working poor, and middle-class Americans. How did this come about and what can we do about it?

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Why It's Time for Boards to Take a Stand on Sustainability

Mar 30, 2016 1:45 PM ET

Research, Reports & Publications

Accenture Releases 2015 Corporate Citizenship Report; Skills to Succeed Initiative Equips More than 1.2 Million People with Job Skills

Mar 30, 2016 1:30 PM ET

Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has released its 2015 Corporate Citizenship Report, “Making a Measureable Difference,” which explores the company’s progress, performance and goals across its global operations.

Energy

HP Commits to 100 Percent Renewable Electricity

Mar 30, 2016 1:10 PM ET

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

CVS Health Foundation Awards $1.5 Million in Community Health Grants to Increase Access to Quality Care and Support Chronic Disease Management

Mar 30, 2016 12:55 PM ET

As part of a multi-year, $5 million commitment to increase access to health care in communities nationwide, the CVS Health Foundation today released new data from programs supported through partnerships with the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) and the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). The Foundation also announced $1.5 million in new grants distributed to 46 community health centers and free clinics for 2016.

Environment

Toyota Mirai Wins 2016 World Green Car

Mar 30, 2016 12:45 PM ET

“Just as Prius changed the world nearly 20 years ago, the hydrogen-powered Mirai is ready to make history,” said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division.

Environment

15M Babies’ Nappies Composted as Part of Sustainability Plan

Mar 30, 2016 12:45 PM ET

Environment

We’re Up for the Challenge

Mar 30, 2016 11:35 AM ET

EPA Launches New Voluntary Methane Challenge Program To Reduce Emissions from the Oil and Gas Sector

Environment

National Keep America Beautiful Initiative Reports 52 Percent Reduction of Cigarette Litter in Participating Communities

Mar 30, 2016 11:35 AM ET

Keep America Beautiful, the national nonprofit that envisions a country where every community is a clean, green and beautiful place to live, today announced an average 52 percent reduction in cigarette litter in communities that implemented its Cigarette Litter Prevention Program in 2015, a 4 percent increase over the 2014 results.

Events, Media & Communications

This Year's Tally of S&P 500 Company Disclosures - 81% Now Publishing Sustainability / Responsibility Reports

Mar 30, 2016 11:30 AM ET

For institutional investors, the key benchmark for many professionals is the S&P 500®, which is considered to be the best single gauge of large-cap U. S. equities. More than US$7 trillion in Assets Under Management are benchmarked to this index, including indexed AUM of $1.9 trillion. In all, the S&P 500 captures 80% coverage of available market cap.

Research, Reports & Publications

Implementing SASB - Two Industry Examples

Mar 30, 2016 11:25 AM ET

Over the past six months, we have been working with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) on a series of reports we call the Sustainability Accounting Standings Series (SASS).

Diversity & Inclusion

How Women are Teaching Communities to Fish with Mobile Nets

Mar 30, 2016 11:00 AM ET

Colombian women from traditional fishing communities are leading the effort in the adoption of mobile technologies and a path to a better future in our Qualcomm Wireless Reach Fishing with Mobile Nets program.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

New Case Study: Skandia Group Creating Shared Value in Sweden's Financial Sector

Mar 30, 2016 11:00 AM ET

The concept of shared value recognizes that the health of any business is inextricably linked to the long-term prosperity of its clients and communities.