Impact & Sustainability News From Leading Brands

Research, Reports & Publications

How to Deliver Business Quantifiable Impacts - Complimentary Report

Nov 28, 2017 4:30 AM ET

We have recently published a 28-page report with experts from the likes of Unilever, Dell, Heineken, ebay, Mastercard, WBCSD, IKEA, Vodafone and Siemens on how they’re driving quantified social impact through their business.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Celebrating Somerville, MA’s Performance in the National Grid Community Initiative of 2016

Nov 27, 2017 4:05 PM ET

Watch the video: Somerville, MA’s performance in the National Grid Community Initiative of 2016, completing 750 Home Energy Assessments.

Energy

Cool Effect Rolls Out Its Holiday Gift Packs

Nov 27, 2017 3:15 PM ET

With Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah just around the corner, crowdfunding platform Cool Effect is rolling out a new set of holiday gift packs for the eco-conscious consumer. The six innovative concepts aren’t just designed to make gift-buyers feel good about their choices, though. They send that all-important message to recipients that Mother Earth should be on all of their gift lists as well. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that all gifts purchased with Cool Effect are tax-deductible!

Social Impact & Volunteering

GM Employees Help Texas and Puerto Rico Recover

Nov 27, 2017 1:30 PM ET

When Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico a little over a month ago, GM engineers mobilized to help the U.S. island territory. Hundreds of GM employees donated more than 12 tons of goods including batteries, solar cellphone chargers and lights, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, bottled water, baby formula and canned foods.

Energy

Unwrap Some Energy Savings This Holiday Season

Nov 27, 2017 1:15 PM ET

Don’t let holiday shopping sap your energy this year. While this season can increase costs and bring on stress, you can reduce those worries with a few simple steps. Think about these six energy-saving gifts and ideas that can keep on giving throughout the year.

Diversity & Inclusion

Innovators @ Qualcomm: Kim Koro

Nov 27, 2017 1:00 PM ET

Social Impact & Volunteering

Giving Tuesday Twitter Chat: #GivingSkills to Build Nonprofit Capacity

Nov 27, 2017 12:15 PM ET

In honor of Giving Tuesday, Common Impact is hosting a Twitter chat on Tuesday, November 28th to reflect on a year in review through the lens of skills-based volunteering (SBV). In light of everything that happened over the past year, we will explore ways in which nonprofits and corporations are working together to building nonprofit capacity and enhance the social sector’s ability to meet their missions.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Erb Institute | Business for Sustainability Faculty Member, Andy Hoffman Quoted in PRI.org on Mars Billion Dollar Investment in Sustainability

Nov 27, 2017 12:10 PM ET

In the US, and throughout the globe for that matter, the private sector is increasingly being looked to as a source of leadership for combating climate change. And many companies are stepping up, especially with the lack of leadership coming from Washington.

Health & Healthcare

New Public-Private Partnership Promises Shared Value for Better Nutrition and Livelihoods in Nigeria

Nov 27, 2017 11:45 AM ET

In Kaduna State, Nigeria, as in many parts of the developing world, post-harvest losses due to high levels of mycotoxins, such as aflatoxin, and other contaminants have plagued staple crops such as maize and soybean, making it much harder for small-holder farmers to earn a decent income. These mycotoxins also threaten the health and lives of humans and animals.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

From Noble Poverty to My Brand of Joy

Nov 27, 2017 11:45 AM ET

The first 40 years I lived a life of noble poverty. When I heard the term “noble poverty,” I had a visceral reaction in my heart and my gut. I felt deeply understood. I experienced a relief of having named a condition I had lived with since I was a child.

Innovation & Technology

Empowering Local Innovators to Solve Today’s Global Health Challenges

Nov 27, 2017 11:15 AM ET

A $3 birthing kit created by an entrepreneur in India. A mHealth tool that enables health workers to accurately and rapidly diagnose common illnesses in rural Liberia. A chain of primary health clinics in rural Kenya that employ a community-ownership model. These are just a few of the unique healthcare approaches being supported by the Pfizer Foundation through its Global Health Innovations Grants (GHIG) program.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

#SeizetheSeason and Give Back this Holiday with PayPal

Nov 27, 2017 11:05 AM ET

#GivingTuesday is just a week away on November 28th and we are gearing up for an exciting holiday season. We’re delighted to once again partner with 92nd Street Y, founders of this global day of giving, to rally people to celebrate the day, and to give generously to causes close to their heart.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

KeyBank Provides $8.3 Million in Total Financing for Affordable Housing in Cincinnati

Nov 27, 2017 11:00 AM ET

KeyBank Community Development Lending & Investment (CDLI) has provided a total of $8.3 million in 9% LIHTC financing to The Model Group, Inc. and Over-the-Rhine Community Housing, Inc. (OTRH) for the acquisition and renovation of Morgan Apartments, a 48-unit scattered site, affordable multifamily housing project in Cincinnati, OH. KeyBank arranged a $7.8 million construction loan and a $450,000 permanent loan, using the FHLB of Cincinnati’s Community Investment Program (CIP).

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Hanes’ National Sock Drive Marks Eighth Year, Celebrates #GivingTuesday by Donating 225,000 Pairs of Socks to Help The Homeless

Nov 27, 2017 10:50 AM ET

America’s No. 1 apparel label has donated 225,000 pairs of socks and 18,000 pairs of underwear to organizations fighting homelessness across the United States as part of its eighth national sock drive. Since the program began in 2009, the brand has provided more than 2 million pairs of socks to help people experiencing homelessness.

Environment

AIDA Cruises Starts LNG Operation in Mediterranean Ports

Nov 27, 2017 10:30 AM ET

Following the first successful tests, AIDA Cruises begins gradually over the coming weeks with the regular operations for supplying AIDAperla with low-emission liquefied natural gas (LNG) while docked at the ports of Barcelona (Spain), Marseille (France) and Civitavecchia (Italy). The company is also currently in discussion with authorities in Palma de Mallorca (Spain).

Social Impact & Volunteering

Impact at Work: Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina

Nov 27, 2017 10:15 AM ET

This month, we’re highlighting a project with a talented team from Fidelity Investments and its nonprofit partner, Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina (RTF), whose mission is to support and partner with local universities, create jobs, and lift up all the citizens of North Carolina by providing a positive economic and social impact. RTF manages the Research Triangle Park (RTP), the nation’s largest business park, and creates economic development by attracting and retaining over 200 innovative companies, driving business, university, and government collaboration, and by offering knowledge-based programming and incubation spaces such as The Frontier – a co-working space for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits.

Environment

WBCSD Presents: A Short Film About the Importance of Natural Capital

Nov 27, 2017 10:15 AM ET

Don't get caught short-sighted. Watch this short film from the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) to learn about how important it is to value your company’s relationship with nature. You’ll also see how some businesses are already leading the way.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Scotiabank: CSR in London, Sleep Out for Centrepoint

Nov 27, 2017 10:05 AM ET

In mid-November, over 30 Scotiabankers from the London, United Kingdom office took on the challenge of swapping their beds for sleeping bags for one night to raise money and awareness for homeless young people through Centrepoint’s annual Sleep Out.

Education

255 Schools Advance in Samsung’s $2 Million* National STEAM Contest

Nov 27, 2017 10:00 AM ET

Samsung Electronics America, Inc. today announced the 255 state finalists in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest – a nationwide competition that challenges students to creatively use STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) skills to address real-world issues and inspire change in their local communities. Each year, the program sheds light on societal and environmental problems that affect students in their everyday lives, and empowers them to voice their concerns proactively and unite with their classmates to find a resolution.

Diversity & Inclusion

CBRE UK Diversity & Inclusion

Nov 27, 2017 10:00 AM ET

CBRE’s Diversity & Inclusion mission is to provide a work environment that attracts, develops and celebrates the professional success of every individual.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

How Are Retailers Contributing to the Economy?

Nov 27, 2017 9:55 AM ET

Good business has been defined in recent years as companies proactively being responsible and held accountable to their actions. No longer is it enough to develop safe products, recycle, and make charitable donations as the bedrock of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

We’re Inspired

Nov 27, 2017 9:45 AM ET

Inspiration. Tricky to define, but you know it when you see it. And make no mistake…you see a lot of it at Hormel Foods.

The company’s newly coined purpose statement – Inspired People. Inspired Food.™ – is all about it, and with good reason. Helping workers feel inspired and free to tap into their inspiration is serious business for the global food company. So is understanding that people are unique and thus, inspired in myriad ways.

Diversity & Inclusion

Northern Trust Gets a New Leader

Nov 27, 2017 9:35 AM ET

Shundrawn Thomas, the new president of Northern Trust Asset Management, is the first person of color in 128 years in the senior management group at the bank and will help diversity efforts.

"I don't consider myself special per se, but I do know that I have some unique opportunities to have a positive impact."

Education

For the First Time, Technology in the Classroom is Accessible in Nigeria, with the Help of Schneider Electric and Solar Power

Nov 27, 2017 9:10 AM ET

Today, about 1.1 billion people in the world live without electricity. Another billion have unreliable power and 2.8 billion people use coal, wood, charcoal or animal waste for cooking and cleaning. Today, Schneider Electric is transforming the lives of millions of people in Nigeria by partnering with Microsoft and the Lagos State Electricity Board to provide sustainable solar power to over 200 schools and clinics.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Comcast NBCUniversal Named Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality

Nov 27, 2017 9:00 AM ET

Diversity and inclusion are a top priority at Comcast NBCUniversal, and the company is committed to creating a culture of inclusion for our LGBTQ employees. OUT, Comcast NBCUniversal’s LGBTQ-focused Employee Resource Group (ERG), engages people at all levels of the organization, empowering employees to drive exceptional business results while supporting an inclusive, collaborative company culture. The group has grown to over 4,000 members across more than 20 chapters. OUT@NBCUniversal, founded in 1986, was one of the nation’s first LGBTQ-focused ERGs.