Impact & Sustainability News From Leading Brands

Social Impact & Volunteering

Timberland Transforms Philadelphia Green Space in Second Year of its Urban Greening Commitment

Nov 14, 2017 1:30 PM ET

Recently, over 100 volunteers from Timberland and its partners from Journeys, KicksUSA and Urban Outfitters, as well as local Philadelphia photo-blogger Conrad Benner of StreetsDept.com, came together to help transform a section of an abandoned railway in Philadelphia into a new city green space, that will open to the public in Spring 2018.

Environment

In the Face of Climate Change: The Challenges of Sustainability Leadership

Nov 14, 2017 1:15 PM ET

Energy

GM Shares Blueprint for Accelerating and Scaling Corporate Renewable Energy Plans

Nov 14, 2017 1:05 PM ET

General Motors has created a downloadable blueprint for accelerating and scaling a corporate renewable energy plan, intended to help companies of all sizes and industries create efficiencies, gain internal support and drive progress.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Aflac Holiday Duck Wears His Heart on His Chest This Holiday Season

Nov 14, 2017 1:00 PM ET

Aflac, the leader in voluntary insurance sales at the worksite in the United States and a committed corporate ally in raising funds and awareness for childhood cancer, today introduced its 2017 Aflac Holiday Duck. Along with Macy's, which will once again provide space in its stores to sell the collectors’ item, Aflac will donate all net proceeds from sales of the Aflac Holiday Duck to The Aflac Foundation Inc. to help children with cancer across the county. The popular gift is available at participating Macy's stores across the nation and online at Aflac.com/HolidayDuck.

Green Infrastructure

First Electric Highway in U.S. Unveiled Near Ports of L.A. and Long Beach

Nov 14, 2017 12:40 PM ET

On Nov. 8, the country’s first electrified highway, or eHighway, was demonstrated by the South Coast Air Quality Management District and Siemens. The demonstration of big rig trucks hauling freight took place on a mile-long stretch of Alameda Street near the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Southern California Edison is providing engineering support for the project and analyzing how the system integrates into the grid.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Employee Recognition and Post-Workplace Giving Campaign Follow Up

Nov 14, 2017 11:30 AM ET

As the year comes to an end, you are likely wrapping-up your employee giving program activities. But what exactly does wrapping up your program entail?

Environment

National Grid’s Statement in Response to Regional Transportation & Climate Initiative

Nov 14, 2017 11:15 AM ET

A regional focus on reducing emissions in the transportation sector is the right thing to do for our economy and our environment. Just as we’ve supported energy efficiency programs and the expansion of renewables to lower emissions in the power sector, National Grid is ready to support our customers and communities in this next step in the clean energy transition.

Health & Healthcare

Engaging Hearts and Minds in Our People – Safe Enough for Our Families

Nov 14, 2017 11:10 AM ET

n our 2016 Sustainability Report, “Safe Enough for Our Families” is the phrase that captures one of our core values, guides our efforts and and supports the safety and health of our people at work, at home and in their communities. Working safely remains the top priority at Goldcorp –it is one of our core values, along with , responsibility and productivity, which are upheld by every employee. Todd White, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, shares his thoughts on our sustainability and safety performance in 2016.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Scotiabank Supports World Diabetes Day

Nov 14, 2017 11:10 AM ET

“We are committed to helping young people become better off and are thrilled to partner with The Bahamas Diabetic Association to raise awareness as diabetes is prevalent among our population, impacting adults and children,” said Nakera Symonette, Senior Manager, Marketing, Scotiabank.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

For Sixth Consecutive Year, Human Rights Campaign Names MGM Resorts International One of the “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality”

Nov 14, 2017 11:00 AM ET

A prominent benchmarking organization has rated MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) as among the nation’s leading companies for workplace equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) employees. Based on the company’s policies and practices relating to LGBTQ employees, the Human Rights Campaign announced that for the sixth consecutive year, MGM Resorts has earned a perfect score on the 2018 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), an annual Human Rights Campaign (HRC) survey that evaluates major companies for their non-discrimination and benefits policies and practices with respect to LGBTQ employees.

Sustainable Development Goals

3 Best Practices to Remember When Choosing a Sustainability Framework

Nov 14, 2017 11:00 AM ET

As early trading and bartering have grown into a booming, trillion dollar world economy over the last several hundred years, so has the need for companies to reevaluate how they are participating in this economy.

Research, Reports & Publications

The Sustainability of Additive Manufacturing at Solar Turbines

Nov 14, 2017 11:00 AM ET

Click here to read about how Solar Turbines has used Additive Manufacturing to produce and repair production components in-house.
Replacing conventional casting with these technologies allows Solar Turbines to develop and test components more quickly, produce components less expensively and repair components that would otherwise be scrapped.

Sustainable Development Goals

LG V30 and V30+ Achieve EPEAT Mobile Phone Registry Listing for Sustainability Excellence

Nov 14, 2017 11:00 AM ET

LG Electronics’ latest flagship smartphones, the highly acclaimed LG V30 and V30+, have met the requirements for EPEAT, the leading global ecolabel for the IT sector. The EPEAT mobile phone category is based on the ANSI-accredited UL 110 Standard for Sustainability for Mobile Phones.

Environment

Oil Spill Response Planning: the Inside Scoop on What’s Next and What to Do About It

Nov 14, 2017 10:45 AM ET

Antea Group reports on US states’ regulations requiring railroads to write oil spill response plans (OSRPs) when transporting oil or other flammables

Social Impact & Volunteering

Whole Cities Foundation Awards 44 Community First Grants to Increase Healthy Food Access in Local Communities Across the U.S.

Nov 14, 2017 10:20 AM ET

Today, Whole Cities Foundation, an independent nonprofit foundation established by Whole Foods Market, announced 44 new Community First Grant recipients. Now in its second year, the Community First Grant Program aims to support partnerships between Whole Foods Market Team Members and locally led, fresh food access projects.

Sustainable Development Goals

VIDEO | A Social Innovation Project In 5 European Countries, Committing to Tackle Fuel Poverty

Nov 14, 2017 10:10 AM ET

In mid-June 2017, the Schneider Electric Foundation, under the aegis of the Fondation de France, and Ashoka, launched a new Call for Projects, in partnership with Enel, to select the 15 most innovative organizations that offer creative and systems-changing solutions to tackle fuel poverty and promote energy sustainability in Europe. Fuel poverty is a major issue in Europe, whereby tens of millions of people struggle every day to ensure adequate heating, light, and cooking power in their dwelling at an affordable price. This severely affects their health and wellbeing and ultimately has a negative impact on society.

Green Infrastructure

London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE to Bring Roman Temple of Mithras to Life in New Cultural Experience for the Capital

Nov 14, 2017 10:05 AM ET

The Roman Temple of Mithras, dating from the third century, nearly 1,800 years ago, will be revealed in a unique reconstruction on the site of its original discovery in the heart of the City of London. London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE is a free new cultural destination created as part of the development of Bloomberg’s new European headquarters. It opens to the public on Tuesday, 14 November 2017.

Sustainable Development Goals

Taking a Holistic Approach

Nov 14, 2017 10:00 AM ET

Tomorrow is #AmericaRecyclesDay! Cox Enterprises' Senior Director of Energy Procurement and Waste Deiversion Robert Fairey shares insights on the company's approach to waste management.

Sustainable Development Goals

If We Can’t Align Investment With the SDGs We Won’t Achieve Them

Nov 14, 2017 10:00 AM ET

"If we ever hope to achieve the SDGs, we must align capital with sustainable business practices. And to do this, we have to translate ESG disclosures into investment-grade data." Read the whole article on by the Chief Executive of GRI Tim Mohin.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

The Southern Poverty Law Center: Seeking Justice in 2017 and Beyond

Nov 14, 2017 9:50 AM ET

For nearly five decades, the Southern Poverty Law Center has been fighting hate and seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of society. In the early 1970s, the fledgling nonprofit in Montgomery, Alabama, used newly passed civil rights laws to dismantle remnants of Jim Crow in the Deep South. In the ensuing years, the SPLC shut down some of the nation’s most violent white supremacist groups by winning crushing, multimillion-dollar jury verdicts on behalf of their victims.

Education

Curiosity Cube Educates and Entertains Students

Nov 14, 2017 9:45 AM ET

Last week, 150 fourth graders at North Intermediate Middle School experienced a unique way to learn about science when the Curiosity Cube visited their school. The Curio­sity Cube is a mobile technology and science lab sponsored by Millipore Sigma, a global life science company with offices in the local area. Millipore Sigma uses the lab in an effort to spark student interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Comment, Like or Share Stories Between November 13-19 and Voya Will Donate $1 to Special Olympics – up to $500,000!

Nov 14, 2017 9:35 AM ET

Voya Financial is donating $1 to Special Olympics International for every ”comment,” “like” and “share” — up to $500,000. The Invest In Something Special effort runs through Nov. 19, 2017 and is part of Voya’s broader effort to support the special needs community.

Innovation & Technology

Arrow Electronics SAM Car Achieves New Speed Record in Veterans Day Demonstration at Nellis Air Force Base

Nov 14, 2017 9:30 AM ET

The Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: ARW) SAM car, driven by quadriplegic racing legend Sam Schmidt, established a new record top speed of 190 mph on Saturday during a Veterans Day demonstration at Aviation Nation, the annual airshow hosted by the U.S. Air Force at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.

Environment

Domtar Sustainability: Developing Our Talent

Nov 14, 2017 9:15 AM ET

A diverse and skilled workforce is critical to meeting the ever-changing expectations of our customers.

A significant portion of our colleagues are, or soon will be, eligible for retirement, an issue many manufacturers face as baby boomers get older. It is sometimes called the “silver tsunami.” We are equipping the next generation of our workforce with the skills and experience needed to succeed.

Diversity & Inclusion

Commercial Real Estate Firms Are Helping Veterans Find Jobs In The Industry

Nov 14, 2017 9:00 AM ET

CBRE, the world’s largest commercial brokerage based on 2016 revenue, launched CBRE Military in 2006. The program works in tandem with a handful of organizations to locate current and veteran service members, identify their strengths and interests and connect them with potential employers. The brokerage has 1,800 veterans on staff out of 75,000 employees globally.