Impact & Sustainability News From Leading Brands

Research, Reports & Publications

Communicating about Climate Change with Corporate Leaders and Stakeholders

Nov 11, 2016 10:00 AM ET

Within the corporate sector, climate change represents an unfolding market shift, one that is driven by policy but also by pressures from a variety of market constituents such as consumers, suppliers, buyers, insurance companies, banks, and others. The shift takes place in both mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation to the physical effects of a changing climate.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Liability Assessment of a Refined Products Pipeline

Nov 11, 2016 9:45 AM ET

Antea Group was contracted by the client to quantify environmental liabilities associated with the acquisition of a 760-mile refined products pipeline system. Assets that were evaluated included nine impacted sites that were either terminal properties, block valves, or historic pipeline release locations.

Energy

Regulators Examining Whether Performance-Based Incentives Could Be the Key to a Modernized Grid

Nov 11, 2016 9:00 AM ET

Utility regulators in some U.S. states are considering the adoption of performance-based regulation to replace the traditional cost of service regulation. Under this model, the utility’s revenues would not be based on the total costs of providing service, but rather on a broad economic measure such as the Consumer Price Index in conjunction with a set of specific performance metrics related to the utility’s operations.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Daimler Is Building the Future

Nov 11, 2016 9:00 AM ET

In future, Kamenz will be further developed into a competence center for battery production. From the middle of 2018, the factory will make the lithium ion batteries for all electrified vehicles of Mercedes-Benz and smart, ranging from the plug-in hybrid to the all-electric models. In addition, the Kamenz factory will also produce batteries for the stationary Mercedes-Benz energy storage unit as well as for 48-volt systems.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Ideas that Matter 2016 | The Pain Project: Creating Tools for Shared Decision-Making

Nov 11, 2016 9:00 AM ET

Another winner of this year’s Ideas that Matter grant is The Center for Design in the Public Interest (DiPi) at the University of California, Davis.

Environment

Ceres and the PRI Join Forces to Tackle Tropical Deforestation

Nov 11, 2016 8:40 AM ET

Ceres and the PRI announced today a new partnership to tackle widespread, global deforestation driven by escalating production of beef, soy and timber, focusing initially on South America. Through a new, joint investor group, the two organizations will support global institutional investors pressing food and timber companies to eliminate deforestation and other related concerns, including forced labor and land rights disputes from their supply chains.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

8 EnviroThings You Don’t Have to Worry About in Vegas

Nov 11, 2016 8:30 AM ET

I recently got a “back of house” tour of the huge Las Vegas Sands Corp. (LVS) property on the Strip, thanks to Jenny Yu-Mattson, Executive Director of Global Sustainability.

Research, Reports & Publications

Art Therapy for Veterans, Military Service Members, and Their Families

Nov 11, 2016 8:30 AM ET

Art therapy helps Veterans and military service members. The evidence is building, and the public is taking notice. The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) dedicates this special report to America’s Veterans, and highlights the ways in which art therapy is improving their lives.

Environment

The Case for Open Space

Nov 11, 2016 8:10 AM ET

Attitudes toward open space are changing as a growing body of evidence points toward the economic, social and environmental benefits that it can bring to development projects; the success of the King’s Cross redevelopment including Granary Square and the Camley Street nature reserve are a case in point.

Research, Reports & Publications

NRG's Vision and the Journey Ahead

Nov 11, 2016 8:05 AM ET

While this is NRG’s sixth sustainability report, it is my first as CEO. So, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the profound impact that our industry and our company can have on people’s lives and the central role that sustainability plays in allowing us to achieve that in a meaningful way.

Diversity & Inclusion

Are Your CSR Goals Aligned with Your Hiring Practices? [Webinar]

Nov 11, 2016 8:00 AM ET

At the core of corporate social responsibility (CSR) exists the belief that companies should practice ethical behavior. One indication of ethical behavior is a commitment to diversity. As part of their CSR, companies should ensure that underrepresented groups have not only a voice, but the opportunity to thrive — both in their companies and within their respective communities.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Wells Fargo’s Support of Military Servicemembers and Veterans Passes $70 Million

Nov 11, 2016 8:00 AM ET

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) has donated more than $70 million over four years in support of military servicemembers, veterans and their families through housing initiatives, career transition programs, financial education, foundation donations, and event sponsorships. 2016 highlights include grants to improve homeless veteran housing, strategic support for veteran-founded startup companies, hiring veterans for internships within Wells Fargo Securities, and support for nonprofit programs that improve the lives of veterans with disabilities.

Innovation & Technology

Real Skills You’ll Need for A.I. and Machine Learning

Nov 11, 2016 6:55 AM ET

Ever since research scientists coined the term ‘artificial intelligence’ more than sixty years ago, the idea of a self-thinking computer has occupied a special place in the public consciousness. But now companies seem to have come around to the idea that, with enough technology and talent, A.I. can become an actual product.

Events, Media & Communications

Disclosing Climate-Related Financial Risk

Nov 11, 2016 5:30 AM ET

On Monday, October 31, 2016 the Global Energy Center hosted a conversation on the necessity of financial disclosures for public and private interests. In light of increasing regulation from climate change legislation, investors are demanding risk disclosures in order to make rational decisions about where to target stakeholder and taxpayer money. Mary Schapiro, Secretariat of the G-20 Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures

Innovation & Technology

Michael Bloomberg’s Plan to get Cities Ready for Self-Driving Cars

Nov 11, 2016 4:40 AM ET

Self-driving cars are coming. Whether it's Tesla's Model 3or Uber's automated ride-hailing service, many cities will probably start seeing these vehicles on the road in just a few years.

Education

Reflections on Nat Geo Photo Camp: Shenandoah Students from Baltimore's Refugee Youth Project Learn to Tell Their Story Through Photography

Nov 10, 2016 8:00 PM ET

I first learned about National Geographic's Photo Camp when I was compiling footage for a year-end impact video for the Society. I began asking around and discovered that a Photo Camp was going to take place with youth from Baltimore in Shenandoah National Park and would involve Nat Geo photographers John Stanmeyer and Amy Toensing. Little did I know that this simple footage search would turn into one of the most profound experiences of my life.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Marvin Miller Man of the Year Curtis Granderson Racks Up Meals for the Hungry

Nov 10, 2016 6:00 PM ET

Curtis Granderson, who this week was presented with the Marvin Miller Man of the Year by his peers as part of the 25th annual Players Choice Awards, had no sooner left the MLB Network studio from which the awards show was broadcast before returning to his mission of ending food insecurity in impoverished neighborhoods.

Health & Healthcare

Bloomberg Philanthropies to Donate Additional $25 Million to End Polio

Nov 10, 2016 3:35 PM ET

Michael R. Bloomberg announced today a $25 million donation through Bloomberg Philanthropies to end polio globally. The donation, Bloomberg’s second contribution to polio eradication, will support the work of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) – a partnership spearheaded by the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Rotary International, as well as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Sodexo Engages Supply Chain in Support of Local Communities and Local Economies

Nov 10, 2016 3:20 PM ET

Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Life Services, helps communities succeed by focusing on the sustainability of its supply chain from farm to fork. The global facilities management and food services provider, which operates locally within each community to purchase food and produce from thousands of local suppliers, farms, bakeries and dairy farms announced today that it spent more than $600 million on local sourcing during FY 2015 in North America, to include $36 million procuring goods from over 1,400 local farmers and co-ops.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

MGM Resorts International Teams with American Airlines and USO for 2016 Salute to the Troops Event

Nov 10, 2016 2:00 PM ET

In celebration of America’s military service members, MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) will for the sixth consecutive year host “A Salute to the Troops” honoring more than 70 wounded warriors and their guests over Veterans Day weekend. In its eighth year, the five-day American Airlines and the USO (United Service Organizations) event will be an extended weekend of relaxation, entertainment and sightseeing for our nation’s veterans traveling from the Washington, D.C., area.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Faces of Olive Garden | Ashley Nocks

Nov 10, 2016 1:55 PM ET

At Olive Garden, our team members serve as the faces of our brand and ambassadors of our core values. They make an impression on every guest who walks through our front doors, delivering great food, an engaging atmosphere and unmatched service. We are strong and successful because of our people, each with diverse talents and backgrounds, who respect each other and enjoy working side by side to serve our guests and communities.

Education

Tips to Identifying Risk in Your Supply Chain

Nov 10, 2016 1:50 PM ET

Modern day slavery affects 21 million people worldwide and accounts for over $150 billion annually in illegal profits. Research suggests that modern day slavery affects almost every supply chain in the world. From mattress suppliers in the UK to textile factories in Uzbekistan, modern day slavery is present in any tier of the supply chain and can be very challenging to identify. There are practical steps that compliance professionals can take to better identify risk in their supply chains:

Events, Media & Communications

Source Intelligence Working with CFSI for More Ethical Sourcing Solutions

Nov 10, 2016 12:50 PM ET

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Continuity of Service Maintained at University of North Carolina at Pembroke throughout Hurricane Matthew

Nov 10, 2016 12:30 PM ET

Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Life services, proved its ability to continue service when Hurricane Matthew unexpectedly struck The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) last month. Even through the worst of the natural disaster, Sodexo’s team worked with the university to maintain service, feeding hundreds of students, staff and additional emergency personnel.

Environment

Investing in Our Water Future

Nov 10, 2016 12:00 PM ET

Collaboration between a variety of research partners and the water industry is a crucial factor in helping to advance the sustainability and efficiency of the water sector. Investment in research and development (R&D) is necessary in order to find workable, sustainable solutions to global water challenges and ensure the preservation of water, a precious and finite resource.