Impact & Sustainability News From Leading Brands

Innovation & Technology

For Global Organizations, a Single Solution for Asset Management

Jun 30, 2016 1:45 PM ET

ISO:55000 sounds like the name for the latest addition to the Star Trek fleet, but it’s actually the international gold standard in facilities asset management. This sounds a lot less exciting, unless, like me, you are focused on improving the Quality of Life for clients and customers in their buildings through an improved Asset Management Framework (AMF). For me, ISO:55000 certification is not only exciting, it’s the pinnacle of achievement!

Energy

Five Cities That Are Leading the Way on Solar Power

Jun 30, 2016 1:30 PM ET

Solar power is rapidly expanding in the U.S. — by 2015, there was enough solar capacity to power 5.4 million American homes. And the nation’s major cities are leading the revolution to power their metropolises with clean energy and sustainable lifestyles.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Modern Day Slavery Breakdown: Laws in Place to Mitigate Slavery In the Supply Chain

Jun 30, 2016 1:30 PM ET

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Major Leaguers Bestow $100,000 Grant from the Players Trust to Our Military Kids

Jun 30, 2016 1:15 PM ET

The Major League Baseball Players Trust today announced it has awarded a $100,000 grant to the nonprofit Our Military Kids, to assist with the organization’s efforts to provide the children of military personnel with opportunities to fulfill their dreams and aspirations.

Events, Media & Communications

Corporate CEO Weighs In on Sustainability With Advice for His Peers, NGOs, Government

Jun 30, 2016 12:30 PM ET

It’s good to hear from corporate CEOs on sustainability issues, and especially relevant when a CEO offers advice to his peers based on his own experience and values. Mads Nipper, Group President & CEO of the Illinois-based Grundfus Pump Corporation, attended the UN Global Compact meeting in New York City and offered his perspective on the influential Huffington Post platform.

Environment

Nashville Students Learn About Landfills with Republic Services

Jun 30, 2016 12:05 PM ET

Middle Point Landfill in Nashville, TN recently hosted 25 students from Christiana Middle School to discuss how the landfill works, how the trucks work, and to learn more about recycling. The youth group received Frisbees and balls made of recycled material.

Environment

Getting Clean Water From the Unlikeliest of Places

Jun 30, 2016 12:05 PM ET

For cities like Singapore that are experiencing explosive population growth amid a climate that continues to be impacted by global warming, turning to innovative methods like water treatment and desalination may help meet the high demand for the natural resource.

Diversity & Inclusion

Chief Human Resources Officer Monique Herena on How BNY Mellon’s People Create Change for Clients and Communities

Jun 30, 2016 12:00 PM ET

BNY Mellon’s employees are integral to its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment. They drive outcomes for clients and provide time and resources to foster positive change in their communities, delivering on the firm’s responsible business priorities.

Education

Harvard University Faculty Mentor David Mooney on Luck in Mentorship

Jun 30, 2016 12:00 PM ET

Any Amgen Scholar would be fortunate to land in David Mooney’s cell and tissue engineering lab at Harvard University. In the past year alone, his team of 40 scientists -- 10 of them undergraduates -- has packaged cancer vaccines into new scaffold-like materials. They’ve made elastic gels on which bone stem cells stand a better chance of survival. And they have developed strands of nanomaterials that can deliver drug “refills” to existing drug-eluting implants.

Environment

Whirlpool Corporation Meets New Sustainability Standard in Dryers

Jun 30, 2016 12:00 PM ET

Select Whirlpool Corporation clothes dryers are being certified by the Association for Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) as meeting the new AHAM sustainability standards announced today.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Timberland Kicks Off Five-Year Urban Greening Commitment with Restoration Project in New York

Jun 30, 2016 12:00 PM ET

Last week, global outdoor lifestyle brand Timberland helped transform a community garden in New York as part of the brand’s commitment to urban greening. More than 100 volunteers pulled on their boots in partnership with local non-profit GrowNYC, to restore the United We Stand Garden—a 32,000 sq. foot garden in the Mott Haven neighborhood of South Bronx.

Innovation & Technology

One Safe Drop: Africaqua Harnesses Innovation for Accessible Clean Water in Kenya

Jun 30, 2016 11:35 AM ET

AfricAqua, a social enterprise focused on innovative solutions for delivering clean water to low-income communities, joined the Business Call to Action (BCtA) with a commitment to provide 20,000 Kenyans with access to safe drinking water through 100 Watershop water outlets.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Holland America Line Hosts American Cancer Society’s ‘A Toast to Life’ Fundraiser Luncheon on Board ms Amsterdam in Seattle

Jun 30, 2016 11:30 AM ET

At a recent fundraising luncheon for Seattle’s American Cancer Society chapter aboard ms Amsterdam, Holland America Line President Orlando Ashford spoke about his company’s commitment to raising money that will save lives and help end cancer. The cruise line hosted the fundraiser Sunday, June 12, at the Port of Seattle as a launch event for Hope Gala, an ASC black-tie celebration, live auction and exclusive dining experience to be held in September featuring Seattle chefs and local vintners.

Environment

LG Electronics Gas Clothes Dryers First In World To Meet New Sustainability Standard

Jun 30, 2016 11:05 AM ET

Gas clothes dryers from LG Electronics are the first in the world to meet the requirements of CSA verification for industry’s new Sustainability Standard for Household Clothes Dryers. Building on their ENERGY STAR® certification, more LG gas and electric dryers than any other brand, a total of 32 LG models, achieved the scores required to meet the new environmental standard, according to CSA Group, which verified the units following extensive testing and data analysis.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

U.S. Conference of Mayors, Wells Fargo Announce 2016 CommunityWINS Grants

Jun 30, 2016 10:30 AM ET

The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) and Wells Fargo today announced Mayors Charlie Hales of Portland, Ore.; Setti Warren of Newton, Mass.; and Steve Williams of Huntington, W. Va. are recognized with top honors on behalf of nonprofits in their cities with the 2016 CommunityWINS® Grant Program funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation.

Health & Healthcare

Intro to Industrial Hygiene

Jun 30, 2016 10:20 AM ET

Let's take a peek behind the curtain of one of our practitioner specialties--industrial hygiene. Read on for an interview with one of Antea Group's experienced pros.

What is Industrial Hygiene?

Industrial hygiene is a science and art devoted to the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, prevention, and control of those environmental factors or stresses arising in or from the workplace which may cause sickness, impaired health and well-being, or significant discomfort among workers or among citizens of the community.

Environment

Meet the New Food System Game-Changers

Jun 30, 2016 10:00 AM ET

Winners announced for 2016 Biomimicry Global Design Challenge

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Deloitte Recognized as One of the Most Community-Minded Private-Sector Organizations in the Country by Points of Light

Jun 30, 2016 9:50 AM ET

Deloitte was recognized as one of the most community-minded private-sector organizations in the nation as a part of the Civic 50, a Points of Light initiative that sets the standard for corporate civic engagement and helps create a roadmap for private-sector organizations seeking to best use their time, talent and resources to help improve the quality of life in the communities where they do business.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Wells Fargo Commits $5 Million to Boost Seattle-King County Homeownership

Jun 30, 2016 9:45 AM ET

Social Impact & Volunteering

Jump-Start a Skills-Based Volunteer Program in 3 Easy Steps

Jun 30, 2016 9:30 AM ET

Imagine increasing employee engagement, helping employees develop their skills, and providing real community impact. Skills-based volunteering is one component of a successful employee volunteer program that you can jump-start in three easy steps: 1.) Look Within Your Company, 2.) Find Connections, and 3.) Learn & Scale.

Research, Reports & Publications

One Country, Every Community: BCBS Companies Work Together to Make an Impact

Jun 30, 2016 9:00 AM ET

When it comes to improving the health of local communities, one size fits none. The health challenges faced by people in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, are distinctly different than those faced by residents of Boise, Idaho. The obstacles to healthier living in Trenton, New Jersey, can’t be grouped with the issues facing communities in Honolulu, Hawaii. But one thing is true across every community in the United States: there is a locally-based Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) company working to make a positive impact on the health of all residents.

Social Impact & Volunteering

CITGO Lemont Refinery Celebrates 90th Anniversary with Breakfast for Community Partners

Jun 30, 2016 9:00 AM ET

Last week, over 75 leaders of local community organizations gathered at the CITGO Lemont Refinery for a special breakfast in celebration of the refinery's commitment to Fueling Good for over 90 years.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Ideas that Matter: Empowering Today’s Dreams to be Tomorrow’s Reality

Jun 30, 2016 9:00 AM ET

Have you heard of Sappi’s Ideas that Matter competition? More than a decade ago, Sappi established the grant program to recognize and support designers who use their skills and expertise to solve communications problems for a wide range of charitable activities. Since 1999, Sappi has funded over 500 nonprofit projects, contributing over US$12million worldwide to causes that enhance our lives and our planet.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Ideas that Matter: Empowering Today’s Dreams to be Tomorrow’s Reality

Jun 30, 2016 9:00 AM ET

Have you heard of Sappi’s Ideas that Matter competition? More than a decade ago, Sappi established the grant program to recognize and support designers who use their skills and expertise to solve communications problems for a wide range of charitable activities. Since 1999, Sappi has funded over 500 nonprofit projects, contributing over US$12million worldwide to causes that enhance our lives and our planet.

Research, Reports & Publications

Cigna Releases Third Annual Corporate Responsibility Report

Jun 30, 2016 9:00 AM ET

With the release today of its 2015 Cigna Connects Corporate Responsibility (CR) Report, global health service company Cigna (NYSE:CI) offers an up-close look at the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies and priorities.