Impact & Sustainability News From Leading Brands

Environment

National Grid Northeast 80x50 Pathway: THE PATHWAY TO 2030

Aug 7, 2018 8:05 AM ET

Innovation & Technology

America’s Charities and Pinkaloo Unveil New Employee Giving and Engagement Solution

Aug 6, 2018 7:55 PM ET

America’s Charities, which inspires employees and organizations to support causes they care about, today unveiled a new employee giving solution in partnership with Pinkaloo, a Baltimore-based technology company that uses data and technology to power growth in philanthropic giving all across the planet. The new America’s Charities’ Modern Giving Solution is designed to help employers grow their workplace giving programs and social impact while giving employees exactly what they want – a way to donate to charities and causes that matter to them whenever, however, and wherever they want.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

From Royal Inspiration to Royal Recognition

Aug 6, 2018 5:30 PM ET

Symantec’s Volunteer of the Quarter initiative highlights and rewards those employees who dedicate their time and talents to address societal and environmental issues. Today we highlight our Volunteer of the Quarter Nick Coates, Principal ITSM Solutions Engineer, Production Engineering, in our Reading UK office.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Changing the Mindset from Old Power to New Power in the Arts

Aug 6, 2018 5:20 PM ET

It would be difficult to think of a field that is more old-power than the arts.

Closely connected with this old-power/new-power dynamic is the way that technology has been embraced in these organizations (or not). Traditional performing arts institutions are lagging behind other kinds of groups when it comes to embracing interactive technology in their performances, particularly methods that empower their audiences.

We tried a new-power approach to philanthropy at American Express with our Partners in Preservation program, which we sponsor with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

After 11 years, this partnership has awarded nearly $20 million in preservation funding to 250 diverse historic sites in 20 National Parks, fourteen different cities, and 12 Main Street communities.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Nestlé Employees Across the U.S. Team Up with Feeding America® to Fight Hunger

Aug 6, 2018 5:15 PM ET

Nestlé today marks its third annual Nestlé Cares day of service, an effort that unites its eight operating companies in 47 states to make a difference through more than 150 events nationwide. This year, Nestlé will expand its work with Feeding America®, the largest domestic hunger-relief organization in the U.S., to support local food banks and non-profit organizations that provide nutritious foods to families in need. Today’s day of service is part of an exciting week at Nestlé. On July 31, the company hosted a neighborhood celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony in Rosslyn, Virginia to mark the grand opening of its new U.S. headquarters.

Energy

Working Together for a More Stable Grid—Here’s What You Can Do

Aug 6, 2018 5:05 PM ET

As energy demand and temperatures continues to rise, both commercial and residential customers have the opportunity to work with their energy partner on solutions that help keep the grid stable for everyone. Here are some direct ways you can act on behalf of your home or organization to ensure power consumption stays low.

Diversity & Inclusion

T. Rowe Price Showed Support for Pride 2018

Aug 6, 2018 5:00 PM ET

At T. Rowe Price, we all work together to create an inclusive company culture. And as part of that effort, we support LGBT+ pride both in and outside the office. This year, at a number of our locations around the world, we celebrated Pride month with rainbow flags and record numbers of asssociates participating in Pride parades. While Pride is celebrated once a year, as a firm, we celebrate diversity year-round by creating an environment where all associates feel welcome to bring their full selves to work.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship

Aug 6, 2018 4:15 PM ET

With employees looking for more than just perks and a paycheck, there’s a massive opportunity to harness their desire to do more good while embedding more purpose into your culture. Download this guide to learn how your CSR and employee engagement programs can support your people's passion for a healthier planet!

Education

Encouraging Science-minded Girls With Project Scientist

Aug 6, 2018 4:15 PM ET

Although women fill nearly half of all jobs in the U.S., they hold less than 25% of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) jobs, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. A nonprofit camp in Charlotte is working to close this gender gap with help from local companies like Duke Energy.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Helping Kraft Heinz Enhance Food Safety, Sustainability and Savings

Aug 6, 2018 3:30 PM ET

For Kraft Heinz, one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world, food safety is paramount. That’s why their central California plant looked to Ecolab to help ensure consistent cleaning on every level — microbiological, physical and chemical. The aim was two-fold: boost safety and drive more efficient use of resources.

Energy

VIDEO | Mohawk Group Leaves Positive Handprints Through Community Centered Solar Energy Initiative

Aug 6, 2018 2:15 PM ET

As part of Mohawk Group’s ongoing commitment to leave more handprints than footprints, we joined Groundswell, Elevate Energy and other partners in south Chicago for the unveiling of a new smartflower™ solar system.

Sustainable Development Goals

HP: 3D Printing Can Cut IT's Supply Chain Carbon Footprint

Aug 6, 2018 2:05 PM ET

Speaking at the company's annual Sustainability Summit in London yesterday, HP's UK MD, George Brasher, explained how the environmental benefits of "short run printing" could play a part in countering the carbon footprint of businesses' supply chains.

Environment

4 Tips for Growing a Beautiful Garden and Protecting Pollinators

Aug 6, 2018 1:30 PM ET

Following are four easy-to-follow tips developed with the Pollinator Stewardship Council that you can use in your garden.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Sappi to Fund Research on Artificial Intelligence and Bringing Carbon Emissions to Net Zero in the Paper and Pulp Industry as One of the Founding Partners of the Prince of Wales Global Sustainability Fellowship Programme

Aug 6, 2018 1:00 PM ET

Sappi Limited, a leading global producer of dissolving wood pulp, speciality and packaging papers, graphic (printing and writing) paper and biomaterials, is pleased to announce its support as one of the founding partners of The Prince of Wales Global Sustainability Fellowship Programme.

Green Infrastructure

Michigan Utilities Look to Lower Rates Through EV Time of Use Charging

Aug 6, 2018 11:40 AM ET

Michigan is moving ahead of other Midwest states as its two largest utilities propose a combined $20.5 million investment in electric vehicle infrastructure.

Environment

Smithfield Foods Sponsors Scholarships for North America’s Largest Environmental Education Program

Aug 6, 2018 11:25 AM ET

Smithfield Foods, Inc., announced its donation of scholarship awards for the National Conservation Foundation’s (NCF) 2018 International Envirothon Competition where 250 high school students compete in teams to demonstrate their environmental knowledge and problem-solving skills.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Timberland Supports NH Food Bank With Onsite Victory Garden

Aug 6, 2018 11:05 AM ET

This spring, Timberland employees kicked off their 11th annual Victory Garden season at the brand’s global headquarters in Stratham, NH. Each year, dozens of employee volunteers pull on their boots and slip on their gardening gloves to plant, weed, water and harvest the many vegetables and fruits grown just outside the building’s front entrance.

Education

Whole Kids Foundation Funds 30 New Bee Grants for Schools & Non-Profits with Inaugural Give Bees a Chance Fundraising Campaign

Aug 6, 2018 10:50 AM ET

Whole Kids Foundation announced today that it raised more than $60,000 to fund 30 new educational bee programs through the first Give Bees a Chance campaign during June’s National Pollinator Month. Grant recipients cover 23 states, providing educational opportunities around science, ecology, nutrition and agriculture for 15,574 students.

Health & Healthcare

BCtA Podcast Series | Healthcare for the Underserved: Inclusive Business Innovation

Aug 6, 2018 10:35 AM ET

Healthcare for the Underserved: Inclusive Business Innovation is a three-part podcast series exploring how Inclusive Businesses are developing innovative solutions to provide healthcare to underserved and unserved communities.

Media & Communications

Voices Carry: The Hidden Heroes of the Civil Rights Movement

Aug 6, 2018 10:05 AM ET

As a global media and technology leader, we embrace the opportunity to educate our audiences and inspire conversations about issues that matter. Our resources and reach also allow us to dig deeper and unearth personal stories that add context and meaning to our understanding of the world. With Voices of the Civil Rights Movement, we’re carrying these stories forward for everyone to hear.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

America's Best Employers for Women 2018

Aug 6, 2018 10:05 AM ET

The nation’s top employers for women know that cultivating a culture that’s beneficial to women is an ongoing process. Even Hallmark—where 83% of employees, 40% of senior managers and 75% of board members are women—must work at it every day.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

It’s Never Too Late to Be Adoption Friendly

Aug 6, 2018 10:00 AM ET

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption believes that no matter how families are formed, new parents need time to bond with their children. Through the Foundation’s Adoption-Friendly Workplace program, organizations can find resources to implement adoption-friendly policies.

Innovation & Technology

New Tools for Fundraising and More: iCause Access

Aug 6, 2018 10:00 AM ET

iCause is proud to introduce a new tool specifically designed for nonprofit organizations. iCause Access acts as an organization profile that leverages easy interaction with constituents as well as improving the promotion of fundraisers.

Energy

Grad Student Helps Blue Shield of California Cross the Finish Line on Solar Project

Aug 6, 2018 9:35 AM ET

Local officials and Blue Shield of California employees gathered in El Dorado Hills as CEO Paul Markovich cut the ribbon on the healthcare company’s newest solar power installation. I’m always excited to see companies breaking ground on clean energy projects, but I’m particularly thrilled about this one. That’s because three years ago, I met Radhika Lalit – the grad student who laid the foundation for this project.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Responsible Business Alliance Signs Agreement to Support Bali Process Efforts on Modern Slavery

Aug 6, 2018 9:30 AM ET

The Bali Process Government and Business Forum (Bali Process) Secretariat (Walk Free Foundation) and the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to collaborate on anti-slavery efforts through the Bali Process.