Impact & Sustainability News From Leading Brands

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Viacom President and CEO Bob Bakish Signs Open Letter From Leaders of American Industry Defending Dreamers

Sep 7, 2017 6:00 PM ET

On August 31, Viacom President and CEO Bob Bakish joined President Barack Obama, dozens of university presidents, and a multitude of CEOs from major American tech and media companies in signing an open letter to the government leaders expressing their concerns about the devastating effects changing the immigration policy would have on the Dreamers living productive and happy lives in America, as well as the severe consequences it would have for the economy.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Gildan Activewear Added to Dow Jones Sustainability Index 2017

Sep 7, 2017 6:00 PM ET

Gildan announced today that the Company has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World Index) for the fifth consecutive year and the DJSI North American Index for the second consecutive year. Gildan remains the only North American company in the Textiles, Apparel and Luxury Goods industry group listed in the DJSI World Index.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Abbott Only U.S.-based Company Recognized for Leading Its Industry in Sustainability

Sep 7, 2017 5:15 PM ET

For the fifth consecutive year, Abbott has been named the leading company in its industry by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), one of the most prestigious global benchmarks for corporate sustainability and responsibility. As the Industry Group Leader in Health Care Equipment & Services, Abbott is the only U.S.-based company of the 24 recognized by DJSI for leading their respective global industry groups.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Duke Energy Named to Top Sustainability Index for 12th Straight Year

Sep 7, 2017 5:15 PM ET

Continuing to build on a smarter and more sustainable energy future, Duke Energy today was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for North America for the 12th consecutive year.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

TD Only Canadian Bank listed on the DJSI World Index

Sep 7, 2017 4:45 PM ET

For the fourth consecutive year, TD Bank Group was listed in the DJSI World Index. From a global pool of 212 banks, TD was the only Canadian bank to be included in the short list of 28 banks. The DJSI benchmarks the sustainability performance of leading companies based on environmental, social and economic performance.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Microwaves Are Latest Whirlpool Corporation Appliances to Meet AHAM Sustainability Standards

Sep 7, 2017 4:20 PM ET

Whirlpool Corporation announced that three Whirlpool brand microwaves now meet AHAM Sustainability Standards. The microwaves are the latest in the company's line of appliances that have received AHAM certification.

Events, Media & Communications

Sustainable Brands Releases Program Details for New Metrics ‘17 Conference

Sep 7, 2017 4:00 PM ET

Sustainable Brands® recently unveiled program details and speaker lineup for New Metrics '17, scheduled for November 13 -15 in Philadelphia, PA. Gathering together over 350 business executives, sustainability strategists and financial leaders from across the globe, New Metrics focuses on cutting-edge ideas and tools for quantifying previously-ignored risks, costs and revenue potential associated with sustainability impacts.

Health & Healthcare

The UPS Foundation, American Red Cross and Cyphy Works Launch Disaster Relief Drone Pilot Program

Sep 7, 2017 3:15 PM ET

The UPS Foundation, the American Red Cross and drone manufacturer CyPhy Works, Inc., today announced a partnership to launch a drone pilot program, marking the first time the American Red Cross will test using a tethered drone to assess damage after a major natural disaster in the United States.

Education

Back to School: The ABC’s of Changes to School Meals

Sep 7, 2017 3:15 PM ET

With over 30 million students eating at least one meal at school each day, schools not only offer an opportunity for children to enjoy nourishing food but also a chance to learn healthy eating habits and important social skills. Meals served through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program are required to be healthy and nutritious, and they got even healthier in 2012 when new guidelines were implemented as part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, requiring cafeterias limit calories, sodium and unhealthy fats, and offer more whole grains, fruits and vegetables in every meal.

Social Impact & Volunteering

SCE Volunteers Cook Up Electric Bucket Truck Made of Food Cans

Sep 7, 2017 2:20 PM ET

When Southern California Edison engineer Martin Barriga heard the company was seeking volunteers to design and build an entry for this year’s Canstruction charity event in Orange County, he was one of the first with his hand up.

Research, Reports & Publications

Caterpillar Takes Pride in Its Governance & Ethics

Sep 7, 2017 2:00 PM ET

Caterpillar’s Code of Conduct – Our Values in Action – defines what Caterpillar stands for and what we believe in, documenting uncompromisingly high ethical standards for our company.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Three Awards for AIDA - The Deutscher Kreuzfahrtpreis (German Cruise Line Award) 2018 for Environmental Commitment, Favorite Ship, and the Atlantic Alliance Award

Sep 7, 2017 2:00 PM ET

On September 5, 2017, AIDA Cruises received the “German Cruise Line Award” three times at Seatrade Europe in Hamburg, the leading exhibition for the cruise industry. AIDA won in the categories Environmental Commitment and Favorite Ship. The award presented by the port association Atlantic Alliance also went to AIDA Cruises for its year-round operation of AIDAprima in the Atlantic west-coast region.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Learning to Love Again

Sep 7, 2017 2:00 PM ET

Responsible Production & Consumption

Northeastern Tropical Pacific Purse Seine Tuna Fishery Earns Prestigious MSC Certification

Sep 7, 2017 1:30 PM ET

SCS Global Services (SCS) congratulates the Northeastern Tropical Pacific Purse Seine Tuna Fishery operated by the Pacific Alliance for Sustainable Tuna (the Alliance) for achieving certification under the internationally recognized Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) wild-capture fishery standard. Operating in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean (ETPO), the Alliance represents four leading, vertically-integrated companies involved in the capture and processing of yellowfin and skipjack tuna. SCS, accredited to conduct independent fishery reviews since MSC’s inception in the late 1990s, conducted the certification assessment.

Research, Reports & Publications

Hormel Foods Surpasses Water Reduction Goal and Has Record Year of Giving

Sep 7, 2017 1:25 PM ET

Hormel Foods has launched its 11th annual corporate responsibility report. The report is available online at https://csr.hormelfoods.com/ and includes information related to the company’s corporate responsibility performance in fiscal 2016.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Gearing up for #GivingTuesday? Let Taproot Foundation Help.

Sep 7, 2017 1:10 PM ET

Is your nonprofit gearing up for #GivingTuesday? We get it, planning and executing a successful crowdfunding campaign for the holiday season can be daunting. That’s why Taproot and Bre DiGiammarino of Indiegogo have teamed up to bring you a free webinar that will teach you how to harness the expertise of marketing, graphic design, videography, and communications professionals who want to volunteer to help your cause.

Environment

Have Your Say on GRI Standard 303: Water - Now Under Review

Sep 7, 2017 12:35 PM ET

GRI 303: Water, used by organizations to report on impacts related to water, is one of the first GRI Standards to be updated. The revised draft Standard is now available for public consultation through 9 October 2017. Read about the proposed changes here and have your say!

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Ingersoll Rand Selected for the 2017 Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America Indices for Seventh Consecutive Year

Sep 7, 2017 12:05 PM ET

For the seventh consecutive year, Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR), a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments, has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America Indices. Continued placement on this index series showcases the company’s position as an economic, environmental and social leader among peer companies.

Research, Reports & Publications

Tetra Pak Index 2017 "Connected Consumers"

Sep 7, 2017 12:00 PM ET

The 10th edition of the Tetra Pak Index, published in collaboration with General Assembly, focuses on the fast-moving, information-saturated world of the connected consumer.This in-depth free global study explores how food and beverage brands can leverage social media and digital channels to cultivate engaging content, that will to initiate and deepen consumer relationships; and harness the power of advocates to amplify positive messages.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

HanesBrands Sends Underwear and Activewear to Assist Hurricane Harvey Victims

Sep 7, 2017 11:50 AM ET

Hanes partnered with nonprofit charity Delivering Good and North Carolina-based transportation company Glen Raven Logistics to get the more than 1 million items of underwear, socks, intimate apparel, T-shirts, and activewear fleece valued at more than $2 million to flooding victims in the aftermath of the late August 2017 storm. The company also donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross to assist storm victims.

Innovation & Technology

#TechstarsATL: Get to Know Landing Lion

Sep 7, 2017 11:20 AM ET

Techstars Atlanta is presented in partnership with Cox Enterprises and is part of a worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed. Applications for the 2017 program’s 10 coveted spots came from 41 countries around the globe.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

UPS Recognized on Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for Fifth Consecutive Year

Sep 7, 2017 11:20 AM ET

UPS (NYSE: UPS) made the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) for the fifth consecutive year and the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index for the 13th straight year.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Gender Equality Through Data Equality, A Conversation with Alison Holder, Director of Equal Measures 2030

Sep 7, 2017 11:15 AM ET

In this episode of the Champions for Social Good Podcast, Jamie Serino speaks with Alison Holder, Director of Equal Measures 2030 about harnessing gender data for gender equality. Alison explains that the biggest challenge the initiative faces is the lack of data that exists and the unfortunate gaps in gender data. Whether it has been through poor data or biased data, Equal Measures 2030 plans to change that, thus providing a framework for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Health & Healthcare

In the Fight Against Rare Diseases, Every Day is the Opportunity to Win

Sep 7, 2017 11:10 AM ET

A majority of rare diseases are usually present from birth, associated with lifelong suffering and a shorter lifespan, and do not have a treatment option. At Shire, we have long believed we have a unique responsibility to champion underserved patient communities.

Education

Thinking about an MBA? Erb Institute | Business for Sustainability Offers Dual-degree Program

Sep 7, 2017 11:05 AM ET

The Erb Institute is a partnership between the Ross School of Business and the School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) at the University of Michigan. The goal of the partnership is to create a socially and environmentally sustainable world through the power of business. We do that through research, teaching and business engagement—all focused on preparing and supporting bold business leaders who can adeptly transform companies, industries and entire economies for systemic sustainability.