Responsible Production & Consumption

SWA the Latest to Take Stand Against Plastic Straws

Jan 30, 2018 4:40 PM ET

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has announced that it will be phasing out plastic straws across all its operations, and will be urging its members to do the same, following in the footsteps of Bacardi, Pernod Ricard and Diageo.

Bacardi was among the first to call time on plastic straws and stirrers, banning their use across its events in 2016 in an effort to reduce waste as part of its ‘Good Spirited’ campaign.

Health & Healthcare

Asbury Communities Awards a 10-year Integrated Facilities Management and Dining Service Contract Extension to Sodexo, a Strategic Partner Supporting Growth, Innovation and Service Delivery

Jan 30, 2018 4:30 PM ET

Asbury Communities, Inc., and Sodexo are pleased to announce the continuation of a successful 10-year partnership through the award of a 10-year contract extension that is focused on driving new growth, innovation and service delivery in the senior living industry. With a commitment to continually improve the quality of life for residents and care providers, Sodexo has worked with Asbury Communities to identify and implement solutions that support Asbury’s mission to “do all the good we can by providing exceptional lifestyle opportunities to those we serve.”

Sustainable Development Goals

Webinar: Activating the SDGs Into Business Operations

Jan 30, 2018 4:30 PM ET

"Increasingly businesses are realising that small sustainable impacts are no longer enough. To meet the SDGs requires a wholesale shift in thinking and operations across both business and industry," says Candy Telani Anton, Head of Strategy Europe at Ethical Corporation. But how can companies go about integrating the SDGs into their own business operations?

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Duke Energy Named to Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity

Jan 30, 2018 4:00 PM ET

Duke Energy is proud to be named to Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity, one of only eight utilities to make the list. We serve increasingly diverse communities in an increasingly complex world. That is why diversity and inclusion are central to both our work today and our vision for the future. At Duke Energy, we are firmly committed to providing an inclusive environment where we value and respect everyone, listen to a variety of perspectives and enable employees to reach their full potential. This work environment not only helps us attract and retain the talented employees we need, but it also helps us become a better company and better corporate citizens.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Northern Trust Included in Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index

Jan 30, 2018 4:00 PM ET

Northern Trust announced today that it is one of 104 companies included in Bloomberg’s first sector-neutral Gender-Equality Index (GEI).

For inclusion in the index, Northern Trust submitted a survey created by Bloomberg in partnership with third-party groups including Catalyst, Women’s Word Banking, Working Mother Media, National Women’s Law Center, and National Partnership for Women & Families. Those included on this year’s index scored at or above Bloomberg’s global threshold to reflect disclosure and the achievement or adoption of best-in-class statistics and policies.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

The Letter That We’ve Been Waiting For

Jan 30, 2018 3:45 PM ET

You’ve read it, right? The Larry Fink, Blackrock’s CEO, open letter to CEOs. The letter that says what we all believe. If you haven’t, read it now. Go ahead. I’ll wait. It is that important.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Manufacturing Institute, Ingersoll Rand Promote Women in Manufacturing

Jan 30, 2018 3:00 PM ET

The Manufacturing Institute and Ingersoll Rand plc (NYSE:IR), a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments, brought together 200 women in manufacturing for a two-day event, STEP Forward: Charlotte, packed with leadership development sessions, networking, and roundtable discussions.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

In Michigan, Walk for Warmth Combines Corporate and Grassroots Action to Help With Winter Heating Costs

Jan 30, 2018 2:30 PM ET

As within much of the U.S., economic prospects have improved across Michigan. But a recent report concluded that the poverty rate actually increased in about half of the state’s communities over the past decade. And with winter now blanketing Michigan, where daily low temperatures often fall under 20°F, this time is a reminder of how some of the state’s residents struggle paying off those expensive winter heating bills.

Events, Media & Communications

Final Week for Shared Value Leadership Summit Speaker Applications

Jan 30, 2018 1:30 PM ET

It's the final week to submit proposals for the 2018 Shared Value Leadership Summit's popular Storytellers speaking opportunities and the NEW for 2018, Solutions Salons. Each year Summit attendees join over 400 leaders from companies, nonprofits, and governments to start innovating the real business solutions that our world urgently needs.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

PYXERA Global Opens Shanghai Office

Jan 30, 2018 12:30 PM ET

PYXERA Global celebrated the opening of its first China office in a signing ceremony this January. The ceremony marked the formal issuance of PYXERA Global’s registration with the Shanghai Public Security Bureau, the final step in establishing the organization under the Shanghai Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

Education

Opportunity for Transformation, Innovation, and Diversity: Thoughts on the Amgen Scholars Program

Jan 30, 2018 12:15 PM ET

For Cammi Valdez, undergraduate research was a pivotal moment in her life. It was her first exposure to thinking critically about a single question and the first time she could delve into thinking about creating something novel. Now program manager for the Harvard University Amgen Scholars Program, Valdez loves seeing that transformation occur for students participating in the undergraduate research experience.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Vote for Humana in the Corporate Citizenship Film Festival

Jan 30, 2018 12:00 PM ET

In Broward County, more than 281,000 individuals struggle with food insecurity. We’re working with Bold Goal partner Feeding South Florida to combat food insecurity by providing greater access to fresh, nutritious food, helping Broward County become a healthier community. Want more people to know about Humana’s work to fight food insecurity? Help us get this Bold Goal video a finalist spot in the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship Film Festival.

Events, Media & Communications

Bringing “Truth to Power” on Climate Change Through Partnerships

Jan 30, 2018 11:40 AM ET

Environment

Which Tree? Where? Why? Farmers in India Can Now Choose From 25 Species of Trees Based on Their Usefulness for Timber, Fruit, Fuel, Fodder, Building and Medicine

Jan 30, 2018 11:15 AM ET

While India has a world-first national policy for agroforestry, aka trees on farms, farmers in different agro-climatic zones need help with which trees to grow. A new book is now here to help. “With multiple research initiatives underway, a lot of scientific knowledge on different species of agroforestry has been generated. Promising Agroforestry Tree Species in India is an assemblage of useful knowledge,” said Trilochan Mohapatra, secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and director-general of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

Innovation & Technology

How Data Science Can Be Applied to Solve Public Interest Problems Without Losing Its Soul

Jan 30, 2018 11:10 AM ET

Data science has had a tremendous impact in the private sector and is increasingly being applied in the public sector. The Data for Good Exchange (D4GX) is an annual conference centered on these novel problems and applications. This article describes the history of the conference and introduces a selection of the best papers from the 2017 conference that focus on human services.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

VIDEO: Feeding Better Futures Seeks Young Innovators

Jan 30, 2018 11:00 AM ET

The global population is rising, and our current food system simply isn't equipped to handle it. We're solving the food accessibility problems of today and tomorrow with help and ideas from amazing young people — like you.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Guest Post: Timberland Shares Best Practices and Lessons Learned at Corporate Service Council Meeting in Atlanta

Jan 30, 2018 11:00 AM ET

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend and participate in the 2018 Points of Light Corporate Service Council (CSC) Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. Those of us who arrived on Sunday January 14th were invited to the Annual Martin Luther King Sunday Supper, which encourages corporate and civic leaders to break bread and barriers by having open conversations about topics currently affecting their community.

Green Infrastructure

From Davos to Hong Kong: Sustainable Transportation Systems Around the World

Jan 30, 2018 10:45 AM ET

As business leaders and heads of state congregate at Davos for the 2018 World Economic Forum to explore solutions to the world’s biggest challenges, they will come across an innovative new way to get around town—public bus transportation.

The TOSA bus, developed by ABB, a Swiss technology company, isn’t just any bus; it’s an electric bus that can recharge its batteries in as little as 20 seconds by linking up to overhead flash-charging points as it makes stops along its route.

The TOSA bus is the latest in new public transportation initiatives in several cities worldwide that are incorporating sustainable technologies to deal with rapid population growth, climate change, and aging infrastructure.

Environment

New Management Standards for Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals Expected by July 2018

Jan 30, 2018 10:30 AM ET

Read Antea Group’s summary of the EPA’s proposed final rule for hazardous waste pharmaceuticals in July 2018 and find out how we can assist you.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

The Trap of #Workfomo

Jan 30, 2018 10:10 AM ET

One thing I spend a lot of time thinking about is the future. That’s one big part of my job, and I default to it because it’s the part that I like the most. I’ve also found success in that space. The details of how it all gets done are important. I can wade through them when forced, but ask anyone who knows me and they can probably mimic a face I’d make when you start talking about details. However, this year I was especially keen on seeing us really dig deeper into the details. Somewhere between late November and early January, I landed on what was going to be my “stand” for 2018, double down.

Health & Healthcare

The Soul of Sustainability and the Opioid Epidemic

Jan 30, 2018 10:00 AM ET

Where to find the soul of sustainability and why it is critical to being empathetic and compassionate in your work. The opioid epidemic requires all hands on deck regardless of your race, income, or profession.

Social Impact & Volunteering

KeyBank Offers Free Tax Preparation Services at Nine Super Refund Saturday Events on February 3

Jan 30, 2018 10:00 AM ET

KeyBank will host its annual Super Refund Saturday event on February 3, 2018, partnering with organizations in nine communities to provide free tax season and post-tax season support. For 13 years on Super Refund Saturday, KeyBank employees have worked alongside volunteers from community organizations to provide free tax preparation services to those who need it most, helping low- to moderate-income individuals and families determine their eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

Media & Communications

AT&T HELLO LAB Mentorship Program Premieres 5 Short Films on DIRECTV NOW

Jan 30, 2018 9:30 AM ET

January is National Mentoring Month, a month dedicated to promoting and encouraging youth mentoring across the country. We know that when mentors connect to young people, both are changed for the better. In fact, more than one in three students at risk of not graduating from high school grow up without an adult mentor in their life.

Environment

As Environmentalists Warn About Water Scarcity, Pepsico Is Saving Water and Money

Jan 30, 2018 9:00 AM ET

PepsiCo produces many types of beverages — including Gatorade — as well as several kinds of chips like Cheetos, Ruffles and Tostitos. At a massive Gatorade facility in the city of Tolleson, Arizona, which is just outside of Phoenix, bottling lines fill up 600 containers per minute. “We’re doing grape, we’re doing fruit punch, we’re doing lemon-lime,” says Tim Carey, who directs sustainability programs for PepsiCo Beverages in North America. Carey says the company started investing in water efficiency four years ago in water-scarce Arizona. Since then, they’ve seen a 24 percent improvement at the facility.

Education

Investing in Young People: A Winning Idea: Promoting Financial Literacy

Jan 30, 2018 8:35 AM ET