Impact & Sustainability News From Leading Brands

Green Infrastructure

Corporate Sustainability Unfolding

Jun 29, 2017 9:40 AM ET

Tam Nguyen is the global head of sustainability for Bechtel corporation, an international engineering and construction company. He directs the overall formulation and implementation of Bechtel’s sustainability strategy and integration process across the enterprise and into major projects. He also leads corporate initiatives, stakeholder and policy planning on a range of global issues, including climate change, human rights, and economic development.

Events, Media & Communications

Webinar: The Core Elements of an Engaging CSR Strategy with Samantha Mesrobian of Scotiabank and Guusje Bendeler of thinkPARALLAX

Jun 29, 2017 9:30 AM ET

Discover how Canada’s largest international bank, Scotiabank, refreshed their approach to CSR communications and how it changed the way they engage with their stakeholders. In this one hour webinar Samantha Mesrobian, Director Corporate Social Responsibility at Scotiabank, and Guusje Bendeler, thinkPARALLAX Co-Founder and Chief Strategy and Creative, will discuss the launch of Scotiabank’s new CSR strategy — Better Future, Better Off — followed by a live question-and-answer session.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Challenge Accepted: Team Viacom Once Again Races Through J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge

Jun 29, 2017 9:15 AM ET

J.P. Morgan has hosted the Corporate Challenge almost annually since 1977, when 200 runners showed up. Viacom has participated for many years. Entry fees benefit the Central Park Conservancy, a public-private partnership that manages the park’s 843 acres.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

New Recommendations To Improve Climate-Related Financial Disclosures

Jun 29, 2017 9:00 AM ET

New recommendations released today by the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, or TCFD, will play a critical role in improving climate-related financial disclosures, providing investors with the important information they need to make better short-term and long-term investment decisions, Ceres CEO and President Mindy Lubber said in a statement today.

Research, Reports & Publications

Heathrow Publishes Its 2016 Sustainability Performance Report

Jun 29, 2017 5:00 AM ET

Heathrow’s latest Sustainability Performance Report demonstrates continued progress on a range of sustainability issues.

Environment

Progressing Economic Growth and Environmental Conservation

Jun 28, 2017 8:10 PM ET

In 2016, Newmont, the State of Nevada and the U.S. Department of the Interior established the Conservation Framework Agreement, a mutually agreed upon framework governing Newmont’s management of more than 1.5 million acres of sagebrush habitat in Nevada.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Points of Light Civic Accelerator Invests $100,000 in Two Startups Advancing Economic Mobility for Underserved Populations

Jun 28, 2017 7:10 PM ET

The Points of Light Civic Accelerator announced today that it will invest $50,000 each in SpringFour (Chicago) and The Virtual Scholarship Center (Atlanta) – one for-profit and one nonprofit startup. Both ventures are focused on financial well-being and economic mobility to help more individuals and families succeed.

Environment

AEG Releases 2017 Sustainability Report

Jun 28, 2017 7:00 PM ET

Furthering its industry leadership in sustainability, today at the Green Sports Alliance Summit, AEG, the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company, released its sixth annual sustainability report, a comprehensive publication that details the company’s global efforts toward reducing its environmental footprint.

Environment

5 Energy Efficiency, Emission Reduction Milestones | 10 Years of BIER

Jun 28, 2017 6:45 PM ET

As stakeholder expectations evolve and sustainability awareness grows, the beverage sector is facing increasing pressure to be more productive while also consuming less energy.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Three Quality of Lifehacks for a More Sustainable Diet

Jun 28, 2017 6:10 PM ET

Shrinking your food footprint isn’t as daunting as it may seem. By eating in a more sustainable way, you can lower your environmental impact, protect ecosystems and contribute to food security not just for us, but for future generations, according to The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Conejo Valley, California High Schoolers are on the Run for Local Kids

Jun 28, 2017 5:25 PM ET

On Thursday, June 15, Westlake held its second annual “Action Run,” a 5K race at Conejo Creek Park to support youth from Area Housing of Ventura Country, a housing facility for low-income families that in addition to less expensive rent also provides activities and educational programs for their children.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

More Than A Mayor: Who Is Business Mogul Michael Bloomberg?

Jun 28, 2017 5:15 PM ET

Mike, as he prefers to be called, has just been named one of the 2017 Highest Rated CEOs according to employee reviews on Glassdoor. With a 95% CEO approval rating, Bloomberg has harnessed the power and passion of nearly 19,000 employees in 192 locations around the world. What’s his secret to success? An innovative (and politics-free) company culture, combined with some of the best opportunities that an organization can offer.

Environment

Four Tips to Stay Safe and Be More Environmentally Responsible this Fourth of July

Jun 28, 2017 4:30 PM ET

The summer is in full swing, and this July 4th weekend, Republic Services encourages you to incorporate safety and environmental responsibility into your festivities with these practical tips.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Timberland Employees Make a Difference Around the World with Earth Day Service Projects

Jun 28, 2017 4:30 PM ET

Environment

Seven Audacious Ideas to Reverse Global Warming

Jun 28, 2017 4:00 PM ET

How do we solve a problem like climate change? In the new book Drawdown, a team of over 200 scholars, scientists, policymakers, business leaders, and activists propose 100 practical solutions.

Media & Communications

Corporate Sustainability Disclosure – On the Rise But Does the Disclosure Address What Investors Seeking?

Jun 28, 2017 4:00 PM ET

The good news is that more public company managements are involved in, and approving, broader disclosure on sustainability information. There are widely-accepted frameworks in place to help boards and managements better understand the needs and desires of stakeholders -- especially providers of capital (asset owners, managers, analysts) seeking meaningful data and accompanying narrative to explain the progress being made (or lack thereof) in ESG performance.

Environment

Why Use Big Data to Measure CSR?

Jun 28, 2017 2:00 PM ET

In the past several posts, we have defined Big Data, shown the problems we hope it will address, and described how CSRHub has implemented a Big Data approach to creating corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability ratings. It is time now to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the “Big Data” approach.

Research, Reports & Publications

Curious About the Impact of Skilled Volunteerism?

Jun 28, 2017 2:00 PM ET

Each year, the Taproot Foundation conducts a nonprofit survey to get a pulse on the field of skilled volunteerism. Insights from last year’s survey found 95% of nonprofits reporting that pro bono service improved their organization’s effectiveness.

Diversity & Inclusion

Creating a Shared Society: A Spotlight on the Irish International Immigrant Center

Jun 28, 2017 2:00 PM ET

This quarter, we’re highlighting the work of the Irish International Immigrant Center (IIIC), Boston’s Welcome Center for immigrant families, and who are working towards a shared society where all are welcomed and valued, and enjoy equal opportunities and protections. IIIC assists immigrant and refugee families from around the world as they integrate into American society. They do so by providing legal, wellness and education services, advocating for systemic change, and facilitating cross-cultural community building.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Points of Light Recognizes CVS Health as One of the 50 Most Community-Minded Companies in the United States

Jun 28, 2017 2:00 PM ET

CVS Health [NYSE:CVS] today was recognized by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, as one of the fifty most community-minded companies in the United States. The Civic 50 provides a national standard for superior corporate citizenship and showcases how companies can use their time, skills and other resources to improve the quality of life in the communities where they do business.

Innovation & Technology

How Qualcomm Drone Technology is Improving Lives for Farmers in Brazil

Jun 28, 2017 2:00 PM ET

See how Wireless Reach uses Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ Flight drone technology to improve agricultural yields, reduce environmental impact and improve the economy for farmers in Brazil. Chad Sweet, Senior Director of Engineering at Qualcomm, weighs in on the benefits of this new category of IoT.

Research, Reports & Publications

Nonprofits - Make Your Voice Heard in the Taproot Foundation’s Annual Survey

Jun 28, 2017 1:45 PM ET

Do you work in the social sector at a nonprofit or social change organization? The Taproot Foundation wants to hear from you!

Environment

Clean Drinking Water More Important to Americans than Clean Air, According to New Study

Jun 28, 2017 1:05 PM ET

The study found that two in three Americans (66 percent) believe their own community’s clean drinking water is at risk, while 59 percent say a major overhaul of U.S. water infrastructure is needed to avoid that possibility. City-dwellers are especially likely to fear their community’s clean drinking water is at risk (70 percent versus 63 percent in rural areas). There is almost universal agreement (96 percent) that if the United States does not proactively invest in the country’s water infrastructure system now, it will end up costing more in the long run.

Research, Reports & Publications

Sustainability at UPS: The Road Ahead

Jun 28, 2017 1:00 PM ET

UPS has been helping people and businesses move goods by focusing on the road ahead — both literally and figuratively. Our success reflects relentless attention to emerging trends, innovative ideas and transformative technologies that enable global commerce, growth and sustainable solutions.

Innovation & Technology

Why All Digital Roads Lead to Rome

Jun 28, 2017 1:00 PM ET

Our very own Matt Lasmanis (US VP, IT) shares how the rapid increase in velocity, accessibility, and volume of information is reshaping society and our expectations.