Impact & Sustainability News From Leading Brands

Green Infrastructure

Green Key Eco-Rating Program Version 3.0 is Now Available!

Sep 15, 2016 2:30 PM ET

The Green Key Eco-Rating Program, the lodging industry’s certification program of choice, has been renovated, and we are pleased to announce that version 3.0 (V3) is now available!

The move to V3 is all part of Green Key Global’s continuing goal of remaining the leading environmental certification body in the industry and to align ourselves with GSTC Recognition status.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Earthworm-Inspired Innovation Wins $10K Living Product Prize

Sep 15, 2016 1:45 PM ET

A University of Oregon design team has won the first Living Product Prize in the Biomimicry Global Design Challenge for the Living Filtration System, an innovation that creates healthier soils by preventing nutrients from leaving fields in runoff. Their $10,000 Living Product Prize win was announced at the Living Product Expo in Pittsburgh, PA yesterday.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

How the Banking Industry Could Shape the Future for Corporate Sustainability

Sep 15, 2016 1:30 PM ET

More and more each day, sustainability is becoming a crucial topic in the business world. To this extent, the UN Global Compact has specified four main principles for maintaining a sustainable business: human rights, labor rights, environmental protection and anti- corruption.

Energy

GM Details its 100 Percent Renewable Energy Goal

Sep 15, 2016 1:15 PM ET

GM is pledging to meet its electricity needs at all of its global operations with renewable energy – such as wind, sun and landfill gas – by 2050. The company’s global renewable energy manager, Rob Threlkeld, answers some questions about the company’s 100 percent renewable energy plans and what it will take to achieve its goal.

Research, Reports & Publications

Quest Diagnostics: Investing in Green Power to Reduce Our Carbon Footprint

Sep 15, 2016 1:15 PM ET

Powering our more than 2,200 Patient Service Centers and our major lab locations across the country, which operate 24 hours a day, takes a tremendous amount of energy. To balance running an effective business with reducing the environmental impact of our operations, we continuously seek opportunities to reduce energy use and invest in green energy.

Health & Healthcare

Blue Cross & Blue Shield Of Rhode Island Launches Next Generation Wellness Platform With Virgin Pulse

Sep 15, 2016 1:05 PM ET

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) today announced a new contract with Virgin Pulse to offer a customized wellness platform to its members. Beginning in 2017, BCBSRI members will have access to the global online solution to encourage, improve and sustain healthy habits.

Events, Media & Communications

How Does One Pursue a Career in Sustainability?

Sep 15, 2016 12:45 PM ET

This is the question on the minds of many young professionals, as well as a growing number of seasoned professionals looking to change course and work on issues that match their passions and worldview. In our feature article this week, Mike Hower, Senior Writer at GreenBiz group shares some very important takeaways for those that find themselves in this position.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

CBRE UK Charitable Trust Appoints New Board of Trustees

Sep 15, 2016 12:30 PM ET

The CBRE UK Charitable Trust has appointed a new board of trustees to support its charitable work. CBRE’s Guy Gregory, Head of Client Care (UK & EMEA), will chair the foundation. Other trustees include Angela Seddon, a Senior Director in the north west Building Consultancy team, Ashley Sweetland, Director of Internal Communications and Corporate Responsibility, Emma Warren, an Associate Director in the Planning team, based in Manchester, Miles Skinner, an Associate Director in London Capital Markets and chairman of CBRE’s ‘Junior Board’ and Rachel Lee, Director of Procurement for Global Workplace Solutions (Local Facilities Management).

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

A Very Sweet Success

Sep 15, 2016 12:25 PM ET

Events, Media & Communications

Carlsberg Group Marks Global Beer Responsibility Day with Activities Across the World

Sep 15, 2016 12:00 PM ET

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Kent State University Introduces First Certified Gluten-Free Dining Hall on a College Campus

Sep 15, 2016 11:55 AM ET

Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Life Services, today announced the introduction of the first certified gluten-free dining hall on a college campus. In partnership with Kent State University (KSU), Sodexo, the world’s largest employer of registered dietitians, helped design and will manage day to day operations of the dining hall which serves approximately 800 students every day.

Environment

Keep America Beautiful Opens Application Period for 2016 Coca-Cola Public Space Recycling Bin Grant Program

Sep 15, 2016 11:45 AM ET

National nonprofit Keep America Beautiful and The Coca-Cola Foundation today announced the opening of the application period for the 2016 Coca-Cola Public Space Recycling Bin Grant Program.

Education

How T. Rowe Price Works to Build Financial Capability in Communities

Sep 15, 2016 11:30 AM ET

In 2015, the firm’s Money Confident Kids® program reached 1.5 million people through its financial education websites, online games, apps, exhibits, programs with Scholastic and Junior Achievement, and sponsored events. Here is how the program works.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Bridging the Nonprofit Leadership Gap

Sep 15, 2016 11:00 AM ET

Most of us in and around the social sector have been exposed to the capacity gap that nonprofits confront. On average, nonprofits spend less – often far less – than 10% of their budget on the critical investments that make organizations run and grow, such as business planning, technology, and leadership development.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Video: Mateo's Dream Came True Thanks to Rafa Márquez and Nesquik

Sep 15, 2016 11:00 AM ET

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Murray Sayce Appointed Chair of the New AccountAbility Principles Working Group

Sep 15, 2016 11:00 AM ET

The AA1000 Steering Committee is pleased to announce that Mr. Murray Sayce, Principal, Ramboll-Environ, has been appointed as Chair of the new AccountAbility Principles (AA1000AP) Working Group. The new AA1000AP Working Group will develop the latest revision to the AccountAbility Principles, which are the guiding principles of the AA1000 series of standards. The AA1000 series are widely applied tools for integrating and embedding sustainability and accountability into the governance and performance of organisations.

Health & Healthcare

At a Juncture in Malaria Eradication

Sep 15, 2016 10:35 AM ET

We are at a juncture in malaria eradication. If we can sustain the extraordinary efforts of the past 15 years and continue to invest much needed resources, we stand a chance of reaching a malaria-free world within our generation. The upcoming fifth Replenishment Conference of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Canada represents an important milestone in the fight against malaria and also gives us a fantastic opportunity to take stock of successes and focus on the work ahead.

Environment

5 Tips for Managing EHS Compliance Across Global Tech Company Operations

Sep 15, 2016 10:35 AM ET

Environment, health and safety (EHS) professionals know their job isn’t simply achieving compliance, but rather sustaining compliance in an ever-changing regulatory environment. But staying on top of changing regulations and requirements is difficult at best.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

8 Winners Selected For @GoParks Expedition Contest to Yosemite and San Francisco Bay Area National Parks

Sep 15, 2016 10:30 AM ET

Eight diverse social media influencers – unique in geographic locations, interests, and backgrounds – have won an unforgettable national park adventure during the National Park Service Centennial year, thanks to the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks.

Innovation & Technology

Scotiabank to Support Entrepreneurship and Business Design Initiatives at U of T's Rotman School of Management

Sep 15, 2016 10:25 AM ET

Responsible Production & Consumption

Top 5 Lessons on How to Engage Sustainable Suppliers

Sep 15, 2016 10:20 AM ET

For corporations, the age of “random acts of greenness” is over. Progressive companies integrate sustainability into their everyday, core business models and throughout their value chains. It means being accountable for your entire value chain — but engaging sustainable suppliers has proven to be a challenge for many companies.

Environment

Sappi’s Commitment to Sustainable Forestry is Bar None

Sep 15, 2016 10:00 AM ET

Responsible manufacturing begins with responsible procure­ment. For the wood products industry, it is paramount that our natural resources are used sustainably.

Innovation & Technology

Venture Atlanta and Techstars Atlanta Partner to Connect Investors with Innovative Startups

Sep 15, 2016 10:00 AM ET

Venture Atlanta announced today that Techstars Atlanta, presented in partnership with Cox Enterprises, will be a headline sponsor of its 2016 conference and will provide added value for investors attending the event.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Headline Cases Bring Opportunities to Partner with Customers for Safer Water Systems

Sep 15, 2016 10:00 AM ET

High-profile events impacting water supply and distribution networks in the U.S. have dramatically raised the awareness of operational challenges. At the same time, these events demonstrate an opportunity to change decades-long funding trends that have left many water systems struggling to adequately finance upgrades and repairs.

Social Impact & Volunteering

From Hungry to Feeding the Hungry

Sep 15, 2016 9:45 AM ET

Shaneka Jimerson of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is on a mission to teach children how to cook to survive. She was once hungry and now feeds thousands through the Darden Foundation Community Kitchen.