Impact & Sustainability News From Leading Brands

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Barclays | Gamechangers: Alpha Exchange

Oct 27, 2017 8:40 AM ET

The New York Accelerator launches its latest programme next week, welcoming the next cohort of start-ups to its 13-week mentor-driven experience. The Accelerator, run in partnership between Barclays and Techstars, offers fintech entrepreneurs unprecedented access not only to a leading world bank, but also to Techstars mentor and investor relationships. The programme ends with ‘Demo Day’ – an opportunity to pitch to the influential tech community. Barclays also runs Accelerators in locations in London, Tel Aviv and Cape Town.

Environment

Environment and Sustainability: Drivers of Opportunity | Q&A With Karen Clarke-Whistler

Oct 27, 2017 8:10 AM ET

TheFutureEconomy.ca: What has changed in the corporate world in terms of sustainability over the last decades and how can Canada strike a balance between being resource based and developing our economy sustainably?

Media & Communications

A Look Into Fair Trade

Oct 26, 2017 8:30 PM ET

Fair Trade Certified works unlike any other ethical label by enabling direct economic benefit for farmers, workers, and fishermen. Find out more and follow us on social media to celebrate the power of Fair Trade.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Incorporating Inclusive Growth

Oct 26, 2017 6:45 PM ET

There's no shortage of opinion on how governments can reduce economic and social disparities, but what about the private sector? The long-held belief that focusing on the environment and society is at odds with making a profit is increasingly being challenged.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Aflac Named Outstanding Corporation by the Association of Fundraising Professionals in South Carolina

Oct 26, 2017 6:20 PM ET

Aflac, the leading provider of voluntary insurance sales at the worksite in the U.S., today announced that the Association of Fundraising Professionals in Central South Carolina named the company its Outstanding Corporation in honor of National Philanthropy Day, which it is celebrating today. Aflac was nominated for the award by Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

IFF Confirms Global Sustainability Leadership with EcoVadis “Gold” Status, CDP A Rating

Oct 26, 2017 5:15 PM ET

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (NYSE:IFF) (Euronext Paris:IFF), a leading innovator of sensory experiences that move the world, confirmed its global leadership position in corporate sustainability, earning a “Gold” status rating by EcoVadis and maintaining its leadership level by CDP.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Alliance Data Donates $1 Million to Nationwide Children's Hospital

Oct 26, 2017 5:05 PM ET

Alliance Data Systems Corporation (NYSE: ADS) today announced its Columbus, Ohio-based card services business, a premier provider of branded private label, co-brand and business credit programs, presented a $1 million gift to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, building on the company’s nearly two decades of support for the healthcare institution.

Events, Media & Communications

Community Investment Program Success Includes Measurement at the Design Stage

Oct 26, 2017 4:10 PM ET

Gabriela Polanco-Sorto, the Associate Director of Corporate Social Responsbility at LoyaltyOne, will share recent experience relaunching a community investment program specifically designed to engage employees at the Toronto conference Inside Out: A Transformative Approach to Community Investment. Her remarks will specifically address how thinking 'measurement' at the design stage enhanced overall program design.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Kelly Clarkson, Kelsea Ballerini, Hey Violet, Why Don’t We, Ayo & Teo, Jacob Sartorius and More Join Host Nick Cannon for Nickelodeon HALO Awards 2017, Concert Event Celebrating Kids Who Are Helping and Leading Others, Sunday, Nov. 26, at 7 P.M. (ET/PT)

Oct 26, 2017 3:55 PM ET

Some of music’s most popular stars—Kelly Clarkson, Kelsea Ballerini, Hey Violet, Why Don’t We, Ayo & Teo and Jacob Sartorius--are coming together for the Nickelodeon HALO Awards 2017, a one-of-a-kind concert special honoring four young leaders who are changing their communities and the world by “Helping and Leading Others” (HALO). Led by host, creator and executive producer Nick Cannon, the one-hour musical event will also feature Nick stars: JoJo Siwa (Lip Sync Battle Shorties), Lizzy Greene (Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn), Ricardo Hurtado (School of Rock), and Daniella Perkins and Owen Joyner (Knight Squad). The Nickelodeon HALO Awards 2017, held at New York’s Pier 36, will be simulcast Sunday, Nov. 26, at 7 p.m. (ET/PT), across Nickelodeon, TeenNick and Nicktoons.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Eight Sodexo-Operated College Dining Programs Named to Daily Meal’s Best Colleges for Food List

Oct 26, 2017 3:45 PM ET

The Daily Meal named eight Sodexo-operated dining programs to its list of Best Colleges for Food in 2017. Liberty University premiered on the list at number three and was praised for sourcing locally-grown produce and humanely-raised meat.

Research, Reports & Publications

Leading Study of 120 Global Companies Finds Corporate Social Investments Resilient and Growing, Despite Continued Unrest

Oct 26, 2017 3:30 PM ET

A global study from CECP: The CEO Force for Good found that businesses headquartered around the world continued to stand firm in their social investments, despite unrest and instability in their home countries and beyond.

Environment

Navigating EHS Challenges in an Industry Undergoing Rapid Change

Oct 26, 2017 3:30 PM ET

Antea Group has 25 years of experience working with manufactured industrial goods companies and original equipment suppliers to address EHS compliance and sustainability issues, regulatory demands, operational risks, worker safety, and more.

Health & Healthcare

CVS Health Introduces Safe Medication Disposal Inside CVS Pharmacy, Marking National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Oct 26, 2017 3:25 PM ET

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

International Entertainment Buyers Association Recognizes AEG Presents and Its Affiliated Divisions at 47th Annual Conference

Oct 26, 2017 3:00 PM ET

International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA), the leading trade organization for live entertainment industry professionals, concluded its 47th annual conference last week in Nashville with an awards ceremony honoring its industry professionals.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Arrow Electronics Spotlights the Tech Entrepreneur’s Journey at Denver Startup Week

Oct 26, 2017 3:00 PM ET

Arrow Electronics hosted “The Entrepreneur’s Journey” at General Assembly during this year’s Denver Startup Week 2017, offering an inside look at how two successful entrepreneurs overcame the challenges of developing and bringing smart, connected internet of things (IoT) products to market.

Research, Reports & Publications

Nonprofits Are Lacking the Resources They Need to Do Their Work. Pro Bono Can Help

Oct 26, 2017 2:20 PM ET

The Taproot Foundation recognizes that most organizations tackling social problems don’t have access to the marketing, design, technology, strategy, or planning resources they need to succeed. Nonprofits are understaffed, under-resourced, and need support. In the 2017 State of Pro Bono Service Survey, Taproot focused in on the challenges nonprofits experience each day, and in this report, identified how pro bono can be a high-impact resource in overcoming these common barriers.

Events, Media & Communications

Learn, Evolve and Lead with the GRI Reporters’ Summit and GreenBiz 18

Oct 26, 2017 2:15 PM ET

The GRI Reporters’ Summit North America is returning on February 2018: a week of practical solutions and networking with fellow sustainability professionals. You can now also sign up for GreenBiz 18 – a three-day conference addressing sustainability trends, challenges and opportunities within the context of business.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Cone Communications and Timberland Recognized as Holmes Report Global SABRE Awards Winner

Oct 26, 2017 2:05 PM ET

Cone Communications, a public relations and marketing agency, and its client Timberland, were recognized as a winner at this year’s Holmes Report Global SABRE Awards. The Global SABRE Awards recognize the 40 best public relations programs of the past year, from around the globe, selected from the winners of the Holmes Report SABRE regional competitions.

Energy

National Grid’s Dean Seavers Joins National Commission to Slash Transportation Energy Use by Half

Oct 26, 2017 1:20 PM ET

Dean Seavers, U.S. President of National Grid, will co-chair a national commission launched today by the Alliance to Save Energy that will develop recommendations to reduce energy use in the U.S. transportation sector by 50 percent by 2050 while meeting future mobility needs.

Diversity & Inclusion

An Ally at the Intersection

Oct 26, 2017 12:40 PM ET

Imagine a room with 4,000 people from every state and 40 other nations. It’s a giant room which intersects many ages, genders, races, abilities and ethnicities along with a diverse range of talents, experience and professions. In fact, they come from more than 250 employers including my own, Sodexo. You might wonder what makes this global business conference unique?

Education

Mobile Science Lab Visits Bedford’s Lane School

Oct 26, 2017 12:10 PM ET

The 22-feet-by-10-feet Curiosity Cube encourages students at a formative age to get excited about science, as well as taking them into an atypical setting outside the traditional classroom.

Environment

New Talks on Paris Climate Pact Are Set, and That’s Awkward for U.S.

Oct 26, 2017 12:10 PM ET

Mike Bloomberg says the debate over Trump's intentions should not be a distraction from the urgent business of addressing climate change. "We have to act for our children and grandchildren," Mike urges in this New York Times article.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Guest Post: Timberland Talks Responsible Materials at the Textile Exchange Sustainability Conference

Oct 26, 2017 12:00 PM ET

At Timberland, we strive to be Earthkeepers in everything we do. We work hard to make our products responsibly, to protect the outdoors, and to serve the communities around the globe where we live, work and explore. My role focuses on responsible product.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Adopted Siblings Make Big Impact on Family

Oct 26, 2017 12:00 PM ET

Education

Wonders of Water and Wildlife Offers Hands-On Conservation Opportunities for Girls

Oct 26, 2017 12:00 PM ET

As one of Duke Energy’s Water Resources Fund recipients, the Hornet’s Nest Council brought the Wonders of Water and Wildlife (WoWW) program to its campus in Iredell County, which serves the surrounding eight counties. The program is developing tomorrow’s leaders in water conservation by teaching girls how to improve water quality and quantity.