ESG News from Leading Brands

Responsible Production & Consumption

Tianjin Citizens Suffering In The Aftermath of Explosion

Aug 28, 2015 7:00 AM ET

Citizens of the port city of Tianjin are growing more concerned in the aftermath of the chemical warehouse explosion that left over 100 people dead. As the investigation into the causes behind the explosions continue to unfold, it is becoming apparent that the warehouse in question was one of many that violated safety regulations. According to satellite images and a probe into public records, many buildings across China store toxic chemicals too close residential areas and majors roads.

Health & Healthcare

Novartis Continues Commitment to go the Last Mile in Effort to Eliminate Leprosy

Aug 28, 2015 2:15 AM ET

Novartis has renewed its pledge with the World Health Organization (WHO) to work to end leprosy by extending its donation of multidrug therapy (MDT) medicines to treat leprosy through the year 2020. This five-year agreement includes treatments worth more than USD 40 million and up to USD 2.5 million to support the WHO in handling the donation and logistics. Overall it is expected that the program will reach an estimated 1.3 million patients during the next five years. This is part of the company’s commitment in 2012 to the London Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases.

Research, Reports & Publications

Learn About Grupo Financiero Banorte’s Social Performance in its 2014 Annual Report

Aug 27, 2015 7:00 PM ET

“It is important to Grupo Financiero Banorte to listen to and maintain an open dialogue with its stakeholders,” stated Mayra Hernández, Executive Director of Social Responsibility. That is why we seek a positive impact with each one of our decisions, decisions that we have transformed into various actions and initiatives in response to social issues relevant to our stakeholders.

Research, Reports & Publications

Small to Medium Sized Enterprises. Why Dealing With Compliance Is Harder

Aug 27, 2015 6:55 PM ET

Intuitively, companies often are on a growth plan to exceed their expectations for the year. This often comes when ant sized organization/enterprise has a desire to expand into global markets and have a broader reach to its potential consumers.

Research, Reports & Publications

Conoce el desempeño social de Grupo Financiero Banorte en su Informe Anual 2014

Aug 27, 2015 6:50 PM ET

Para Grupo Financiero Banorte es de suma importancia escuchar y mantener un diálogo abierto con sus grupos de interés dijo Mayra Hernández, Directora Ejecutiva de Responsabilidad Social. Por ello buscamos impactar de manera positiva con cada una de nuestras decisiones, mismas que hemos transformado en diversas acciones e iniciativas, en respuesta a los temas sociales relevantes para nuestros grupos de interés.

Education

T. Rowe Price: Kids Who Get An Allowance Are More Money Savvy Than Those Who Do Not

Aug 27, 2015 4:30 PM ET

T. Rowe Price's Parents, Kids & Money survey revealed that kids who get an allowance are more money savvy than those who do not. The single biggest factor associated with financially knowledgeable kids, however, is whether their parents talk to them about money matters. Money lessons can be most powerful when parents combine conversations with experiences.

Environment

7 Upgrades For Your Sustainable Living Space

Aug 27, 2015 4:25 PM ET

With the kids heading back to school it may be time to make some footprint-reducing home improvements before the winter months settle in. Whether you’re painting a bedroom, installing landscaping, or building a brand new wing, make sure you take sustainable principles, including the ones below, into account.

Innovation & Technology

Investing in a Cleaner Future

Aug 27, 2015 3:45 PM ET

Finding solutions to some of the tough environmental issues facing the aerospace industry isn’t easy or fast. But Jill Seebergh and a team of engineers and scientists in Boeing’s Chemical Technology Group aren’t daunted by the long lead times in research and development.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Biomimicry--A Growing Movement in the Marketplace

Aug 27, 2015 3:00 PM ET

Biomimicry is a hot topic...providing breakthrough, sustainable solutions at a time when our world desperately needs them.

Research, Reports & Publications

Grupo Financiero Banorte is at the Forefront by Incorporating the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) model into its 2014 Annual Report

Aug 27, 2015 1:30 PM ET

The trend of integrated reporting emerges on a global scale in response to a growing number of regulations required by firms, a more comprehensive breakdown of various non-financial indicators, as well as a higher level of transparency in the handling of information. As a result, nowadays, intangible indicators such as human resources, intellectual and natural capital, begin to have considerable relevance in the valuation of companies.

Education

Grassroots Sustainability Education for Children in Mexico

Aug 27, 2015 1:30 PM ET

A large ceiba tree shades the center courtyard of the Ceiba Pentandra Park in Mérida, Mexico. The Mayans called the ceiba tree Yaaxché, and believed that it connected the underworld, the earthly realm, and the skies. Today, the site of this particular ceiba connects children to the unique environmental heritage of the state of Yucatán, as well as to a sense of sustainability awareness.

Research, Reports & Publications

Grupo Financiero Banorte se pone a la vanguardia al incorporar en su Informe Anual 2014 el modelo propuesto por The International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC)

Aug 27, 2015 1:30 PM ET

La tendencia de reporteo integrado, surge a nivel mundial en respuesta a que cada vez un mayor número de legislaciones requieren, por parte de las empresas, un desglose más exhaustivo de varios indicadores extra financieros, así como un nivel superior de transparencia en el manejo de la información. Como resultado, en la actualidad diversos indicadores intangibles como lo son el capital humano, el capital intelectual y el capital natural, empiezan a cobrar considerable relevancia en la valuación de las compañías.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Republic Presents Community Grant

Aug 27, 2015 12:40 PM ET

Events, Media & Communications

SustainabilityHQ.com Weekly Highlights August 25, 2015

Aug 27, 2015 11:00 AM ET

There is spirited debate in the corporate community and among capital market players: Is global warming occurring...what are the causes (if so)...and can anything be done by the private sector and governments to mitigate the effects if our planet is heating up? The Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) was careful in reminding corporate boards a few years ago to pay closer attention to downside "risk," and upside opportunities related to climate change. In specific terms, "global warming" was not included in the staff interpretation to corporate issuers.

Social Impact & Volunteering

DLA Piper: Building a Case for Better Child Protection

Aug 27, 2015 11:00 AM ET

Bangladesh has a child population of 65m and more than a million are homeless. Very young street children can be placed in jails without protection or representation. Children can encounter justice systems as victims, witnesses, or because they are in conflict with the law. If held in detention, children can suffer violations of their rights - they are often detained with adult prisoners – and may be exposed to torture, physical and emotional abuse.

Education

Photos: Novartis 12th Annual International BioCamp

Aug 27, 2015 10:45 AM ET

Today, Novartis announced the winners of its twelfth annual International Biotechnology Leadership Camp (BioCamp), a three-day seminar bringing biotechnology and business experts together with 70 selected students from leading international universities in 24 countries and territories, originating from 31 different nations.

Innovation & Technology

STEM Education: Closing the Gap in Leadership for Women

Aug 27, 2015 10:15 AM ET

According to the Pew Research Center Americans widely believe that men have a better shot at leadership positions in business and politics, even as majorities say that men and women make equally good leaders. There is little consensus, however, on why women remain underrepresented in these fields.

Education

Novartis Announces Winners of its 12th Annual International Biotechnology Leadership Camp (BioCamp)

Aug 27, 2015 10:00 AM ET

Novartis announced the winners of its twelfth annual International Biotechnology Leadership Camp (BioCamp), a three-day seminar bringing biotechnology and business experts together with 70 selected students from leading international universities in 24 countries and territories, originating from 31 different nations.

Social Impact & Volunteering

CITGO Donation Funds New Playground for New Orleans Children

Aug 27, 2015 9:00 AM ET

Today, New Orleans children are receiving a new playground in Eastshore Park as part of a donation from CITGO Petroleum Corporation to KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit dedicated to bringing balanced and active play into the daily lives of all kids. Nearly 100 volunteers from the New Orleans community and the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORDC) are gathering to construct this playground – taking part in equipment assembly, painting, carpentry, gardening and more – two days before the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Impact of Fair Trade Fishing: Every Purchase Matters

Aug 27, 2015 6:00 AM ET

Have you ever wondered how your purchasing decisions impact the livelihoods of other people and regions? Buying fair trade certified products takes the guesswork out of it. Thanks to strict standards developed by leading industry experts, your purchase of Fair Trade CertifiedTM tuna helps to empower fishing communities while also protecting fragile ecosystems.

Research, Reports & Publications

Da a conocer GFNorte su Informe Anual 2014: Transformamos Capital en Valor

Aug 26, 2015 7:35 PM ET

En su Informe Anual 2014, GFNorte presenta los resultados obtenidos gracias a su desempeño económico, social y ambiental. En él dedica una sección especial a los principales capitales que lo fortalecen: Financiero, Intelectual, Humano, Social y Natural, así como a los avances logrados en cada uno de ellos.

Research, Reports & Publications

GFNorte Unveils its Annual Report 2014: Transforming Capital Into Value

Aug 26, 2015 7:35 PM ET

In the 2014 Annual Report GFNorte presents the results obtained as a result of its economic, social and environmental performance. A special section is dedicated to capitals that is the strength of the institution: Financial, Intellectual, Human, Social and Natural as well as to the progress made in each of them.

Social Impact & Volunteering

The CSR Scoop - 8/26/2015

Aug 26, 2015 5:45 PM ET

We are going back to our roots this week and talking about our raison d’être: skills-based volunteering. Common Impact has been in this line of work for fifteen years and in that time we’ve seen a true evolution in corporations’ and nonprofits’ understanding of pro bono work.

Energy

GM Canada’s First Renewable Energy Project Uses Canal Water to Keep Cool

Aug 26, 2015 5:40 PM ET

General Motors’ St. Catharines Powertrain plant is harnessing the pure energy of water to cool processes in its operations. Its new micro-hydro system marks GM Canada’s first use of renewable energy.

Diversity & Inclusion

National Grid Re-invests Energy for Veterans

Aug 26, 2015 4:00 PM ET