ESG News from Leading Brands

Events, Media & Communications

State Street CEO to Boards of Companies in Portfolio: Disclose More About the Impact of Climate Change on Your Business -- Be More Transparent...and More

Feb 13, 2017 12:45 PM ET

State Street Corp is one of the world's leading asset managers, with US$2.47 trillion in AUM. State Street Global Advisors CEO Ron O'Hanley in late-January sent a message to the boards of directors of public companies whose stock is in State Street portfolios: SSGA is increasing focus on climate change, safety, workplace diversity and various other ESG issues.

Energy

How Solar Energy Will Power the Future

Feb 13, 2017 12:00 PM ET

UPS recently announced plans to invest $18 million in solar power for eight facilities across the United States, part of the company’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and alternative energy sources. The Longitudes team sat down with UPS solar expert Bill Moir to discuss the investment and solar power’s potential for the future.

Responsible Production & Consumption

French Bill Would Require Businesses to Adopt Supply Chain Due Diligence Programs

Feb 13, 2017 12:00 PM ET

In November of last year, the French National Assembly implemented a draft bill that would require large French companies to adopt vigilance plans.

Health & Healthcare

How Companies are Redefining Wellness in 2017

Feb 13, 2017 12:00 PM ET

“Wellness” today is so much more than Fitbits, calorie counting and Soul Cycle – and companies are taking notice. Organizations are now embracing an all-encompassing definition of wellness—moving from just health benefits and workplace insurance policies to a broader mindset of how they can positively impact the psychical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing of employees, consumers and stakeholders.

Diversity & Inclusion

Celebrating Diversity and Achievements in STEM, Lockheed Martin Employees Honored at 31st Annual Black Engineer Awards Gala

Feb 13, 2017 11:25 AM ET

The men and women of Lockheed Martin congratulate 35 of their colleagues who were recognized at the annual Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) STEM Conference, held in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 9-11.

Green Infrastructure

Mohawk Group Video | Light Lab: A Beacon of Sustainability

Feb 13, 2017 11:25 AM ET

Social Impact & Volunteering

Meaningful Stakeholder Engagement

Feb 13, 2017 11:05 AM ET

Since 2003, 44% of LBG Canada companies have reduced community investment spending, yet many have sustained, even increased overall investment into the community. The secret? Read on to find out!

Environment

5 Companies Reaping the Benefits of EHS Audits

Feb 13, 2017 10:55 AM ET

Environment, health and safety (EHS) audits are incredible tools for assessing regulatory compliance, identifying risk and finding opportunities for process improvement. However, many EHS departments find audits daunting, requiring time, money and resources they may or may not have.

In our experience, EHS audits are one of the most valuable and cost-effective ways to ensure compliance, mitigate risk and propel EHS programs forward.

Over on the Antea Group blog, learn how companies in a variety of industries have benefited from EHS audits with the help of Antea Group and our global partners.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

General Mills is Committed to Supplier Diversity

Feb 13, 2017 10:30 AM ET

Every day, General Mills strives to live our purpose to serve the world by making food people love. General Mills is committed to establishing and growing successful business relationships with increasing numbers of qualified minority, women, LGBT and veteran-owned suppliers. Fulfilling this commitment is important to our increasingly diverse consumer base, the communities in which we operate, our shareholders, and ultimately, the success of our company.

Events, Media & Communications

CSRHub’s Cynthia Figge speaking at CSR 3.0

Feb 13, 2017 10:20 AM ET

Skytop Strategies will launch its second annual CSR Summit on March 9th in San Francisco.

Environment

GM’s Outreach Manager Believes Sustainability Stems from Collaboration

Feb 13, 2017 10:00 AM ET

Over Mary Alice Kurtz’s 34-year career at General Motors, she has channeled her education and background in mechanical engineering and facility operations into a new passion: sustainability.

Diversity & Inclusion

Peylina Chu Succeeds Tod Christenson as Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council’s Executive Director

Feb 13, 2017 9:30 AM ET

The Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council (HPRC) announced today that Peylina Chu has accepted the role of Executive Director. In this role, she will lead efforts related to strategic direction, tactical priorities, fiscal resources, and stakeholder engagement. “I am very excited and honored to assume this leadership role at HPRC,” says Peylina Chu, “Our efforts over the past six years are driving real change in the way that manufacturers, hospitals, and recyclers view healthcare plastics. As Executive Director, I look forward to continuing this collaborative work towards a society where healthcare plastics are safely and effectively collected, recycled and widely accepted as a valuable resource.”

Social Impact & Volunteering

CITGO Lemont Refinery Helps Local Marines Bring Christmas Joy to Local Kids

Feb 13, 2017 9:30 AM ET

Employees and contractors at the CITGO Lemont Refinery joined forces this past holiday season with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots drive. Collections bins were placed throughout the refinery and over 600 unwrapped toys were collected for needy children in Will and Grundy Counties.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

BAT Named as a Top Employer in Europe for Seventh Consecutive Year

Feb 13, 2017 9:30 AM ET

British American Tobacco has been recognised as a Top Employer in Europe for the seventh consecutive year.

Environment

Reporting for Results

Feb 13, 2017 8:30 AM ET

Earlier this year, I wrote about navigating the voluntary reporting landscape for Corporate Responsibility Magazine. As I stated then, it is an exciting time to be a sustainability practitioner, particularly in the energy industry. Working with a cross-functional team of subject matter experts to execute voluntary reporting isn’t a simple process, but by setting and tracking against the best average targets for its operations, NRG Energy is executing its vision and holding itself publicly accountable.

Diversity & Inclusion

Introducing the Corporate Racial Equity Advantage

Feb 13, 2017 8:30 AM ET

Introducing the Corporate Racial Equity Advantage, the first comprehensive tool to guide companies in assessing and actively promoting equity in every aspect of their business operations and strategy.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Sands Expo Convention Center and The Venetian Congress Center LEED Certification Helps Nevada Earn Ranking on ‘Top 10 States for LEED’ List

Feb 13, 2017 8:15 AM ET

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has announced their annual Top 10 States for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) list. The annual ranking highlights states throughout the United States that made significant strides in sustainable building design, construction and transformation over the past year. Nevada made the 2016 list with a total of 6,397,602 LEED-certified gross square footage.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Blackhawk Network Gift Card Sales At Whole Foods Market Generate $100,000+ For Whole Kids Foundation

Feb 13, 2017 8:05 AM ET

This past holiday season, Whole Foods Market collaborated with Blackhawk Network, a leading global stored value and payments provider, to introduce a selection of carefully curated gift cards from leading brands in stores throughout the U.S. Through an innovative program, a portion of sales from these cards generated more than $100,000 for Whole Kids Foundation over the holidays to further the nonprofit’s work improving children’s nutrition and wellness.

Education

Just an Hour of Coding Makes All the Difference for These Kids' Futures

Feb 13, 2017 7:55 AM ET

Diversity & Inclusion

Representation and Celebration: Bloomberg Recognizes Black History Month

Feb 13, 2017 4:50 AM ET

A diverse workforce and open culture are at the heart of our company and vital to our success. At Bloomberg, we recognize the positive impact African Americans have on our business and our world.

Events, Media & Communications

Announcing President of Costa Rica, Luis Guillermo Solís Rivera, as Our Newest Speaker at Our Women’s Empowerment Principles Forum!

Feb 10, 2017 2:30 PM ET

We’re honored to announce our newest speaker at this year’s Women’s Empowerment Principles Forum, President of Costa Rica, Luis Guillermo Solís Rivera. Join hundreds of leaders and innovators at this year’s Forum “Measuring Success, Making it Count: Business Investing in Women and Girls” on March 14-15 in New York City.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

GSK Creates a New Business Model with Innovative Marketing and Sales Practices

Feb 10, 2017 2:05 PM ET

The pharmaceutical company ranks first in both trust and customer value, according to a survey of 4,000 US healthcare professionals. Tom Idle reports…

Events, Media & Communications

Allie Kelly of The Ray to speak at SMPS Transportation Summit in Jacksonville, FL

Feb 10, 2017 1:00 PM ET

Allie Kelly, executive Director of The Ray will speak at the Society for Marketing Professionals Services North Florida's Transportation Summit. The focus of the summit is: Urban Connectivity: How Transportation Technologies are Changing Infrastructure.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Timberland Celebrates Dedicated Employees and Increase in Volunteerism

Feb 10, 2017 12:00 PM ET

For outdoor lifestyle brand Timberland, service permeates the company culture. Through the Path of Service™ program, Timberland provides full-time employees with up to 40 paid hours to perform community service each year.

Innovation & Technology

Take a Ride on The Ray

Feb 10, 2017 11:15 AM ET

The Ray is a proving ground for the evolving ideas and technologies that will transform the transportation infrastructure of the future, and it starts on 18 miles of West Georgia's I-85, and the land and communities surrounding it.