Impact & Sustainability News From Leading Brands

Research, Reports & Publications

Companies Make Progress Gauging Climate Risk, but Not Enough

Jun 7, 2019 11:05 AM ET

Companies too often make the mistake of thinking climate change is a long-term issue, but it’s actually affecting decisions today, according to a report by a global commission set to evaluate transparency into financial climate risks and opportunities.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Siblings on a Mission to Reduce Food Waste Earn $50,000

Jun 7, 2019 11:00 AM ET

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Subaru Kicks Off Platform With Renewed TerraCycle Partnership

Jun 7, 2019 10:40 AM ET

Subaru of America, Inc. just announced its ongoing partnership with TerraCycle to help divert hard-to-recycle waste from landfills and incinerators through the automaker's environmentally-focused philanthropic platform, “Subaru Loves the Earth.”

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

IOC Receives Delivery of Zero-Emission Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles from Toyota

Jun 7, 2019 10:20 AM ET

The eight Mirai passenger cars – otherwise known as fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) – were unveiled on the eve of World Environment Day at Olympic House - the IOC’s new sustainability-driven headquarters which will be inaugurated on 23 June 2019. Toyota, a Worldwide Olympic Partner, was represented at the handover event in Lausanne by Matt Harrison, Executive Vice President, Sales at Toyota Motor Europe, who was welcomed by Timo Lumme, Managing Director of IOC Television and Marketing Services, and Marie Sallois-Dembreville, the IOC’s Director for Sustainability.

Events, Media & Communications

Exploring the Third Track at the Reporting 3.0 Conference: The Sherpas

Jun 7, 2019 10:00 AM ET

Following up on the previous two releases (here on The Village track, and here on The Journey track), this release focuses on laying out the third track, The Sherpas, at the 6th International Reporting 3.0 Conference. The Sherpas track, so-named in honor of our Advocation Partners (APs) who act as "mountain guides" in support of necessary transformation, showcases the work of r3.0 Advocation Partners. Participants from high-impact organizations in all of these Programs will share their experiences, particularly elaborating on specific pilot implementations of transformational practices, programs, and policies.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Breaking Barriers in STEM with National Grid

Jun 7, 2019 10:00 AM ET

Girls Inc. of Worcester is one of six Girls Inc. affiliates that participates in Girls Inc. and National Grid’s innovative STEM partnership. Since 2011, National Grid has generously provided funding to support impactful STEM programming and experiences to thousands of girls in the Northeast. To hear more about the direct impact National Grid’s support has on Girls Inc. girls, we spoke to Brenda Nikas-Hayes, the Director of Eureka! STEM & Leadership program at Girls Inc. of Worcester. Brenda shared how her team is preparing girls to pursue STEM education and careers!

Research, Reports & Publications

Water Utilities Urged to Exploit Data, Use Less Guesswork

Jun 7, 2019 10:00 AM ET

In the water industry, data is driving the discussion. To understand what this means requires a story about motor oil.

For decades, car manufacturers recommended that vehicles have their engine oil changed at least every 3,000 miles without fail. This was never proven practical, given that such decisions should be based on individual driving style, the conditions and climate – even the type of oil used. But these real-world conditions don't tend to factor into the carmaker's original guidelines.

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

Essity Invests in Wheat Straw Technology to Improve Circularity of Tissue Products

Jun 7, 2019 9:00 AM ET

Did you know that almost 50% of wheat straw goes to waste? Find out how Essity is using wheat straw to improve the circularity of tissue products. Find out how wheat straw is revolutionizing the sustainable production of tissue products.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Why Sustainability Makes Business Sense

Jun 7, 2019 9:00 AM ET

For a company like Philip Morris International to have a conversation about sustainability may seem almost inappropriate to some people. How can a tobacco company—which sells products that are harmful to the health of its consumers—talk in a credible way about sustainability? It’s a fair question. Sustainability needs to start with taking a hard look at the impact a company’s products have on consumers and society, and it’s no secret that cigarettes are harmful.

Research, Reports & Publications

Walmart on Track to Reduce 1 Billion Metric Tons of Emissions From Global Supply Chains by 2030

Jun 7, 2019 9:00 AM ET

In May, Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) issued its inaugural Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, which details the company’s goals, progress and achievements for fiscal year 2019 toward its commitment to activate climate change initiatives, enhance sustainability in supply chains and increase economic opportunity for associates.

Events, Media & Communications

Kathy Najimy, Samantha Harris, Others Join Lineup for 2019 Points of Light Conference

Jun 6, 2019 6:00 PM ET

Points of Light has announced additional speakers and entertainers who will join the opening plenary lineup at the 2019 Points of Light Conference, taking place June 18-20 in St. Paul.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Draper James and VSP Eyes of Hope Commit Nearly $4 Million to Fund Eye Care and Eyewear in Support of Young Women

Jun 6, 2019 5:30 PM ET

When was your last eye exam? If you’re a woman, there’s a one-in-four chance it was more than two years ago, but it’s not something to be overlooked: More women than men are at risk for vision loss from eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration To help ensure more women have access to critical eye care, Draper James, the Southern-inspired lifestyle brand founded by Reese Witherspoon, announced today a partnership with VSP Eyes of Hope, which helps increase vision care access to those disadvantaged by income, distance and disaster.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

PayPal #77 on JUST Capital Culture of Health Top 100 list

Jun 6, 2019 4:55 PM ET

PayPal has been recognized on JUST Capital’s Top 100 U.S. Companies Supporting Healthy Communities and Families. Ranking at #77, PayPal is committed to investing in healthier workers and communities by paying a living wage, providing good benefits, fostering strong community relationships and minimizing pollution.

Environment

Olay To Become the First Mass Retail Skincare Brand to Test Refillable Packaging

Jun 6, 2019 2:10 PM ET

Announced by Marc Pritchard, Chief Brand Officer of P&G, and Virginie Helias, Chief Sustainability Officer of P&G, at the 2019 Sustainable Brands Conference on June 5 in Detroit, Olay will pilot a new way of shopping for skincare that could dramatically reduce the amount of plastic used in the beauty category.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

CECP Identifies Three Vital Audiences Companies Must Engage to Drive Long-Term Growth

Jun 6, 2019 1:30 PM ET

CEOs from institutional investor firms BlackRock and State Street released their annual guidance to companies on practices they “believe will drive sustainable, long-term growth, and profitability.” These letters were issued amidst widespread cynicism, both socially and economically, while anxious chatter continues about the role of business, capitalism, and strategic time horizons.

Environment

BIER Member Spotlight: Jamal Booker

Jun 6, 2019 1:00 PM ET

The Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER) highlights their members' beverage industry sustainability insights and ideas in their BIER Member Spotlight series on a monthly basis. These spotlights include their answers to questions about their company's sustainability achievements and strategy, practical insights from BIER, interesting facts, and more.

Research, Reports & Publications

2019 TCFD Status Report: Key Takeaways

Jun 6, 2019 1:00 PM ET

To better understand current climate-related financial disclosure practices and how they have evolved, the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD or Task Force) reviewed—using artificial intelligence technology—reports for over 1,000 large companies in multiple sectors and regions over a three-year period. In addition, the Task Force conducted a survey on companies’ efforts to implement the TCFD recommendations as well as users’ views on the usefulness of climate-related financial disclosures for decision-making.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

PT Freeport Indonesia, a Freeport-McMoRan Company, provides Flood Relief Rescue and Medical Services

Jun 6, 2019 12:50 PM ET

When a flash-flood hit Sentani, Indonesia, on March 16, 2019, PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) was ready to help.

Within 24 hours, PTFI had mobilized resources to provide food, water, and critically needed rescue and medical services. Within 48 hours, the company had sent five emergency preparedness teams and two medical personnel to Sentani.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Flint Hills Resources’ Support for Ducks Unlimited Surpasses $1M Contributed, 250,000 Acres Conserved

Jun 6, 2019 12:00 PM ET

After more than 30 years of collaboration, Flint Hills Resources was recently recognized for reaching a significant milestone in its relationship with nonprofit Ducks Unlimited, surpassing $1 million in contributions to support habitat conservation initiatives for waterfowl and other wildlife. A significant amount of support has gone toward helping the Living Lakes Initiative in Minnesota and Iowa to enhance and preserve more than 1,900 acres of shallow lakes habitat, 800 acres of wetland and upland habitat, and acquire and restore an additional 700 acres of land for public use.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

ESPN Announces the 2019 Sports Humanitarian Award Nominees and Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award Honorees

Jun 6, 2019 11:50 AM ET

The fifth annual Sports Humanitarian Awards presented by ESPN and sponsored by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company will be held on Tuesday, July 9, at L.A. LIVE’s The Novo and will be hosted — for the first time — by Grammy Award winner, singer and songwriter Ciara. The Sports Humanitarian Awards are a celebration of the impact made by athletes, teams and sports industry professionals who use the power of sports to make a difference throughout the world. The evening will feature a special performance by acclaimed multi-platinum pop singer and songwriter Andy Grammer. Highlights of the evening will be showcased during a one-hour program on ESPN, July 18, at 7 p.m. ET.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

People, Planet, Prosper

Jun 6, 2019 11:30 AM ET

Joseph Stiglitz, the renowned Nobel laureate economist, had a column in the New York Times recently titled, “Progressive Capitalism is Not an Oxymoron,” summing up his new book, “People, Power and Profits: Progressive Capitalism for an Age of Discontent.”

Diversity & Inclusion

FCA US and FIAT Brand Lead the Motor City Pride Parade

Jun 6, 2019 11:20 AM ET

Detroit will again show off the colors of the rainbow this weekend (June 8-9), celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) culture at Motor City Pride, an annual two-day festival and parade that is the largest LGBTQ gathering in Michigan.

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

MilliporeSigma Expects Extra Cost of Sustainability to 'Wash out Over Time'

Jun 6, 2019 11:00 AM ET

Business-to-business (B2B) companies should be considering the sustainability of their packaging as much as consumer goods companies, according to pharma firm Merck, KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.

Media & Communications

NASDAQ Exchange Publishes the “ESG Reporting Guide” for Corporate Managements and Boards

Jun 6, 2019 11:00 AM ET

There is encouraging news for sustainability professionals coming from the world of stock exchanges this month. The NASDAQ Exchange just published its guide for listed companies – as well for privately-owned firms as perhaps future IPOs for NASDAQ listing – for companies’ public ESG reporting. This is the “ESG Reporting Guide – A Voluntary Support Program for Companies”.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Wells Fargo Donates $235,000 to Mississippi Nonprofits for Community Revitalization Efforts

Jun 6, 2019 11:00 AM ET

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) today announced $235,000 in donations to four local nonprofits that will help revitalize Mississippi neighborhoods through the Wells Fargo NeighborhoodLIFT® program.