Impact & Sustainability News From Leading Brands

Energy

CLP’s Veltoor Plant in India Gains World’s First Solar Project Certification from DNV GL

Aug 29, 2018 9:30 AM ET

CLP Holdings Limited is pleased to announce Veltoor Solar Farm in India has received from DNV GL, a global quality assurance and risk management company, the world’s first project certificate for photovoltaic power plants in a recognition of its high standards for safety and technical compliance.

Events, Media & Communications

End of Summer Discount on 3BL Forum: Brands Taking Stands™

Aug 29, 2018 9:05 AM ET

3BL Forum is the pivotal event in fall 2018 to examine the Brands Taking Stands movement from the perspective of executives from CR, Sustainability, HR, Marketing, Communications, Human Resources, Foundation, Investor Relations and the C-suite.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

West Michigan Employers Named to 'Inclusion Index'

Aug 29, 2018 9:00 AM ET

A group of West Michigan employers have been cited in a list of organizations doing “high-quality diversity and inclusion work.”

Diversity Best Practices, a division of New York-based Working Mother Media, released its second-annual “Inclusion Index,” and three West Michigan-based employers made the list, as well as two other Michigan-based employers.

Research, Reports & Publications

The New Energy Economy

Aug 29, 2018 9:00 AM ET

The energy ecosystem is changing, driven by the advent of distributed clean energy, increased competition from new technologies and service providers, the evolving expectations of customers, and new opportunities for serving those customers. As the traditional business model changes, utilities are seeking new opportunities for revenue as they establish themselves as the “Preferred Energy Partner.” But getting there is another story, requiring a comprehensive category of innovative products and services that will define the future of revenue generation in the energy space.

Media & Communications

Gluten Intolerance Group Adds SCS Global Services as an Accredited Certifier for Gluten-Free Certification Organization

Aug 29, 2018 9:00 AM ET

The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) has accredited SCS Global Services (SCS), an internationally recognized third-party certification body, to provide Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) services to food and beverage companies. GFCO, an industry program of GIG, helps manufacturers earn consumer confidence in their products and manufacturing facilities—keys to being successful in the expanding gluten-free market. The announcement highlights the global growth in the demand for certified gluten-free products, which is projected to reach $6.2 billion this year.

Environment

Cotton for Cattle: Recycling Organic Waste Into Feed Stock

Aug 29, 2018 9:00 AM ET

Gildan recycles almost all of the organic waste from its yarn spinning operations into bales or briquettes used as feedstock for local cattle. The cotton waste gets recycled into nutritious food for cows. Click here to learn more.

Research, Reports & Publications

Republic Services® Achieves Initial Sustainability Goals

Aug 28, 2018 5:25 PM ET

Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) today released its 2017 Sustainability Report, demonstrating the Company’s commitment to providing regular reporting on its sustainability initiatives and progress. The report details the Company’s sustainability strategy and achievement of its time-bound goals set in 2014.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Erb Faculty, Andrew Hoffman Honored With Distinguished Scholar Award at Academy of Management

Aug 28, 2018 4:50 PM ET

Each year, the Academy of Management recognizes four outstanding individuals, who have made significant contributions to the field of management through their service, research, innovative teaching methods, breakthrough developments, and more over the course of their career. The 2018 Career Achievement Awards were presented at the 78th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Builds Are Underway in Support of Habitat for Humanity

Aug 28, 2018 3:05 PM ET

Avery Dennison believes in supporting the communities where our employees live and work. We look for local needs and opportunities for our employees to volunteer time and resources to making their communities stronger. Across the United States, there is an ongoing need for safe, affordable housing.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Tomorrow Is the Last Day to Nominate Your Company for the 2019 WEC Gold Medal Award for Sustainability

Aug 28, 2018 2:30 PM ET

Nominations are being accepted for the World Environment Center’s (WEC) 2019 Gold Medal for International Corporate Achievement in Sustainable Development. The Gold Medal Award is presented annually to a global company that demonstrates deep, organization-wide commitment to sustainability in its business practice and beyond.

Education

Unlocking the Passion and Potential of the World’s Youth

Aug 28, 2018 2:25 PM ET

Through our Youth Learning program, Dell is working with nonprofit partners worldwide to give underserved youth better access to technology and education. Going beyond access, we’re also creating a culture of inclusion, wherein science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning is seen as being for everyone — boys and girls, rich and poor. And we’re teaching youth of all backgrounds how to be persistent and work though challenging problems.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

The Lasting Impact of Comcast Cares Day in Santa Rosa

Aug 28, 2018 2:10 PM ET

Last year’s wildfires were devastating for our area. As one of the most destructive wildfires in state history, they destroyed at least 8,400 homes and buildings and killed 22 people. In our district, about 800 students and 90 staff members lost their homes. The fires also destroyed one of our elementary schools and a high school farm.

When faced with unimaginable tragedy, this community came together, and we truly felt the support that came in from around the world. Comcast NBCUniversal, with over 500 employees in the local area, was intimately aware of the devastation and jumped in to help.

Research, Reports & Publications

Duke Energy Releases Updated Environmental, Social and Governance Reporting Template for Investors

Aug 28, 2018 2:05 PM ET

Duke Energy, a recognized leader in transparent environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting, is participating in an innovative industrywide approach to better communicate progress on ESG and sustainability issues.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Book Excerpt—The Challenge for Business and Society: From Risk to Reward

Aug 28, 2018 2:00 PM ET

Stan Litow’s new book, The Challenge for Business and Society: From Risk to Reward published by John Wiley & Sons, presents a fact-based assessment of the role that corporations have played in society both historically and currently and perhaps most important, offers a road map for a more promising future.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Las Vegas Sands Teams up to Build Wellness Kits for Community Preparedness

Aug 28, 2018 1:40 PM ET

Las Vegas Sands is collaborating with social enterprise Clean the World and humanitarian organization American Red Cross for a property-wide hygiene and comfort kit build to support disaster and social relief efforts. This will be the company’s first build with American Red Cross and its fifth annual effort to build a total of 80,000 hygiene kits worldwide that will improve the health and well-being of populations in need with Clean the World.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Always Be Prepared: How to Plan Your Disaster Relief Strategy

Aug 28, 2018 1:20 PM ET

When news of natural disasters pop up in people’s news feeds, they feel compelled to give immediately and will often approach their CSR leaders with hundreds of “what are we doing about this?” questions—unless you have a plan. Download our practical guide to help create a solid disaster relief strategy, so you’re ready to respond quickly and confidently the next time disaster strikes.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Quick Consult: Getting Past the Myth of "Not Enough Time"

Aug 28, 2018 1:05 PM ET

One of the most common concerns companies share when thinking about developing a pro bono program is that their employees are strapped for time. What they find, though, is that smart pro bono program design can go a long way to address this concern.

Education

TCS Partners with Discovery Education for Innovation Student Challenge

Aug 28, 2018 1:00 PM ET

Tata Consultancy Services and Discovery Education today announced the launch of the TCS Discovery Education Ignite Innovation Student Challenge. The brand-new competition gives young innovators an amazing chance to win $10,000, receive virtual mentorship from a TCS technology expert and bring a winning idea to life.

Innovation & Technology

The Unanticipated Benefits of California’s Water Policies

Aug 28, 2018 1:00 PM ET

Just as California's climate policies have driven innovation in energy efficiency, renewable energy and battery storage – creating 500,000 new jobs – many of the state’s recently enacted bills are beginning to drive innovation in water technology. State policymakers should take note.

Environment

eBay | Supporting World Elephant Day

Aug 28, 2018 12:50 PM ET

In celebration of World Elephant Day, August 12th, eBay is raising awareness and support for actions that help conserve elephants by eliminating illegal trade in ivory and elephant-related products. Unfortunately, poachers kill about 20,000 elephants every single year for their tusks, which are then traded illegally both on and off line throughout the world.

Innovation & Technology

Creating Smarter, Healthier Cities

Aug 28, 2018 12:40 PM ET

Air pollution kills 4.5 million people a year and costs the world $225 billion a year in economic damages. Recent studies show that air pollution varies as much as eight times within one city block. The good news is we are on the cusp of generating widespread hyperlocal insights into air pollution. Understanding for the first time at a local, personal level where pollution is, where it comes from, and its impacts could shine a spotlight on the problem and increase the urgency and motivation for action.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

A Deeper Look at CECP's Investing in Society: People

Aug 28, 2018 12:25 PM ET

Investing in Society, CECP’s recently launched compendium of data, research, and case studies illustrates innovations in corporate efforts to solve the world’s most pressing problems. Divided into five sections – Priorities, Performance, People, Planet, and Policies – the collection of insights offers a far-reaching assessment of what leading companies are doing in each of the five focus areas.

In the People section, CECP asks, “How can large corporations maximize societal impact and outcomes through employee engagement and purpose?”

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Hallmark's Elizabeth Bordenave Utilizes Skills-Based Volunteering for Nonprofits

Aug 28, 2018 12:25 PM ET

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

The 25 Most Generous Philanthropists in America Today

Aug 28, 2018 12:15 PM ET

America's wealthiest people donated $14.7 billion in 2017 to causes, alma maters, foundations, and charities — more than doubling the amount given away in 2016. For 18 years, The Chronicle of Philanthropy has published an annual round up of the top-50 philanthropists in America by calculating their yearly donations. In 2017, the individuals and couples on the list donated a median of $97 million, doubling the giving amount from the first list published in 2000.

Environment

HP Works to Reduce the Environmental Impact of Its Worldwide Operations

Aug 28, 2018 12:00 PM ET

In early 2018, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that independent analyses conducted by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) show that 2017 was the second warmest year on record globally.
That warming trend has continued, as the latest research by NOAA predicts that 2018 is on pace to be the fourth hottest year on record – with only 2015, 2016, and 2017 being warmer.