Impact & Sustainability News From Leading Brands

Energy

Consumers Energy Proposes Program to Help Large Michigan Businesses Use 100 Percent Renewable Energy

May 16, 2017 9:00 AM ET

Consumers Energy is making good on its commitment to a clean Michigan future by working with large businesses -- including the new Switch Pyramid data center in West Michigan -- that want to be powered 100 percent by renewable energy.

Research, Reports & Publications

BP’s Sustainability Report 2016 Outlines How It Is Helping to Drive the Transition to a Lower Carbon Future.

May 16, 2017 9:00 AM ET

The energy BP produces serves to power economic growth and lift people out of poverty. In the future, the way heat, light and mobility are delivered will change. BP is anchoring its business in these changing patterns of demand for a secure, affordable and sustainable energy future.

Research, Reports & Publications

ING’s 2016 Integrated Annual Report Highlights Financial and Non-financial Progress

May 16, 2017 5:00 AM ET

ING’s 2016 Integrated Annual Report is built on the theme “Accelerate”, reflecting the accelerating pace of change in technology and other areas impacting customers' lives and their expectations from financial service providers.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Microsoft Philanthropies Expands Program that Sends Tech Company Volunteers into High Schools to Teach Computer Science

May 15, 2017 7:00 PM ET

Microsoft Philanthropies on Monday announced the expansion of TEALS (Technology Education and Literacy in Schools), which pairs technology professionals with teachers to “co-teach” computer science. The TEALS program will add nearly 100 schools in the United States, and will recruit 1,100 volunteers, for the coming school year. Volunteers come from companies ranging from small startups to large brands such as Amazon, Google and Microsoft Corp., among others. Volunteers are invited to apply through the TEALS website.

Events, Media & Communications

Tokyo 30: Behind the Push to Revamp Work Culture in Japan

May 15, 2017 6:45 PM ET

This week, leaders from business, government, academia and the press gathered in Tokyo as part of our global newsmaker series for a discussion on the changing foundation and dynamics of working life in Japan.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

VMware Featured on CRN 2017 Women of the Channel List

May 15, 2017 4:00 PM ET

We are proud and honored to recognize 15 women from VMware who have made the prestigious CRN 2017 Women of the Channel list.

The executives who comprise this annual list span the IT channel, representing vendors, distributors, solution providers and other organizations that figure prominently in the channel ecosystem. Each is recognized for her outstanding leadership, vision and unique role in driving channel growth and innovation.

Environment

How Partnerships Boost Sustainable Paper Pulp Supply

May 15, 2017 3:45 PM ET

As sustainability enters the mainstream, demand for sustainable paper pulp, fiber and wood is growing fast. And companies like Procter and Gamble (P&G), Home Depot, International Paper, and others have made strong public commitments to source sustainable forest products.

Environment

AEG Celebrates Earth Month

May 15, 2017 3:30 PM ET

In celebration of Earth Month, more than 40 entities spanning four continents from AEG’s global divisions including stadiums, arenas, convention centers, and sports teams hosted activities and supported social media campaigns throughout their respective communities to raise awareness about the environment.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

In Collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Community Development, Metlife Foundation and Sesame Workshop Launch “Dream, save, Do: Financial Empowerment for Families”

May 15, 2017 3:30 PM ET

MetLife Foundation and Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Iftah Ya Simsim, launched a new initiative called “Dream, Save, Do: Financial Empowerment for Families” at the Jalila Children’s Centre in Dubai.

Education

FIRST Robotics & NRG Energy: Supporting Women in STEM

May 15, 2017 3:30 PM ET

By supporting FIRST, we’re supporting #WomenInSTEM. 33% of the women in FIRST will major in engineering – and we’re confident this number will grow as the ladies of FIRST continue to take charge and excel. See them in action: nrg.com/FIRST

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark Inducted into Boys & Girls Clubs of America Hall of Fame

May 15, 2017 3:30 PM ET

Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director Tony Clark was among seven distinguished community leaders inducted into the Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Alumni Hall of Fame during a ceremony on Wednesday, May 10.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Points of Light Honors 6000th Recipient of the Daily Point of Light Award

May 15, 2017 3:15 PM ET

Today, Points of Light honors Kylee McGrane, founder of A Moment of Magic, with the 6000th Daily Point of Light Award. The award was established in 1989 by President George H.W. Bush to celebrate the power of individuals to create change and improve the world. To this day, it is signed by the President and is presented by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service.

Health & Healthcare

Using “Big Data” in Healthcare FM: A Growing Trend

May 15, 2017 2:50 PM ET

“Big Data,” the phenomenon every industry and professional is hailing as the next great innovation-driver, has its origins in part in the healthcare industry. In today’s fast-paced environment, Big Data is likely to play an increasing role in helping hospitals stay ahead of the curve in the ever-changing healthcare industry.

Events, Media & Communications

Carla Harris, One of Essence Magazine’s “Top 50 Women Who Are Shaping the World,” to Speak at MGM Resorts Foundation’s WLC 2017

May 15, 2017 2:15 PM ET

Harris is the managing director and senior client advisor at financial services giant Morgan Stanley. The author of the book “Expect to Win: Proven Strategies for Success from a Wall Street Vet,” she is considered to be among the most influential women in the financial services sector. Harris plans to share with conference attendees some of the valuable lessons learned during her 20-plus year career on Wall Street.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

MGM Resorts International Named Among Nation's 2017 Top Companies for Diversity by Diversity Inc

May 15, 2017 2:05 PM ET

For the twelfth consecutive year, MGM Resorts International has been recognized as a Top Company for Diversity by DiversityInc, one of the nation’s leading sources on workplace diversity management. The company is ranked 3rd on “The Top Ten Regional Companies” list for diversity best practices.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Timberland Showcases Responsibly Made Products at Organic Trade Association Pop-Up

May 15, 2017 2:00 PM ET

Global outdoor lifestyle brand Timberland recently joined organic fiber brands MetaWear and Synergy, along with 21 other companies to sponsor the Organic Trade Association’s two day “Live Organic from Farm to Home” pop-up event in Manhattan. The event was designed to educate consumers on the importance of organic materials, while showcasing the latest in organic products for the closet and home, from organic cotton t-shirts and wool sweaters to organic mattresses.

Education

Culinary Students Learn Latest Technology at SCE’s Foodservice Tech Center

May 15, 2017 2:00 PM ET

Adelina Montoya, 18, has always loved to cook. As a sophomore at Bonita High School in La Verne, she was part of a team that won “best entrée” in a cooking competition and her passion was solidified.

Events, Media & Communications

Bloomberg Announces Global Business Forum to Convene Government and Business Leaders on the Future of the Global Economy

May 15, 2017 1:35 PM ET

Bloomberg today announced the Global Business Forum, a gathering in New York of global business and government leaders to discuss plans for growth and opportunity around the world.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Final Days to Nominate Volunteers for Seattle’s 6th Annual Cox Conserves Heroes Awards Program

May 15, 2017 1:30 PM ET

KIRO 7, in partnership with The Trust for Public Land, is accepting nominations for Seattle’s 2017 Cox Conserves Heroes program to honor local environmental volunteers.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Maven, One of the Fastest-Growing Mobility Brands in North America, Expands New York City Operations

May 15, 2017 12:30 PM ET

A year and a half after launching as a curated residential service in New York City, Maven has evolved into one of the fastest-growing mobility brands in North America. Leveraging its seamless and dynamic mobility platform, Maven offers unique car-sharing services geared toward both consumers and businesses. Maven has rolled out in 17 cities across North America and its members have covered more than 125 million miles.

Research, Reports & Publications

Caterpillar Highlights Commitment to “Building Better” and Making Sustainable Progress Possible Around the World

May 15, 2017 12:05 PM ET

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) published its Sustainability Report today, highlighting the company’s focus for more than 90 years on building better – better lives, better communities and, ultimately, a better world.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Walmart's Fight Hunger Spark Change is Featured on Daytime TV

May 15, 2017 12:00 PM ET

Responsible Production & Consumption

GM Works to Set Sustainable Natural Rubber Tires into Motion

May 15, 2017 11:50 AM ET

Transforming the global rubber and tire supply chain to create lasting, environmentally sound sustainable rubber production requires a collaborative approach. Through an industry-first commitment to sourcing sustainable natural rubber in its tires, General Motors is helping drive the industry toward net-zero deforestation and uphold human and labor rights.

Energy

Microgrids Can Significantly Lower Operating Costs for Water Utilities

May 15, 2017 11:00 AM ET

Energy is one of the most significant operating costs for a water or wastewater utility. Microgrid implementation at certain water or wastewater utility sites can produce sustainable energy that provides significant long-term cost savings. A new white paper outlines these benefits, water utility microgrid design considerations and ideal facility criteria for utilities to get the most out of this innovative energy management solution.

Sustainable Development Goals

UN Global Compact Bulletin (May 2017)

May 15, 2017 10:45 AM ET