ESG News from Leading Brands

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

VH1 Save The Music Delivers Latest Keys+Kids Piano Grant in Atlanta

Jan 24, 2019 9:45 AM ET

Together with Zaytoven, Audiomack, and Zay Area Foundation, we delivered our first Keys + Kids Piano Grant in Atlanta, GA to Benjamin E. Mays High School. Principal, Mr. Richard Fowler, opened the assembly by talking about how it is the job of educators to ignite a passion into students and that the new instruments will encourage them to pursue music. Dr. Sara Womack of Atlanta Public Schools spoke about the importance of music education, followed by Jason Johnson of Audiomack who emphasized the company’s commitment to making sure students have the tools to grow and hopefully populate the streaming service’s platform one day. Chiho Feindler, Save The Music’s Senior Director of Programs & Policy, then led the audience in a countdown to unveil the brand-new piano!

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Baltimore Humane Society & Safeway Supermarkets Partner to Help Federal Workers

Jan 24, 2019 9:30 AM ET

Baltimore Humane Society and Safeway have partnered to help federal employees during the government shutdown. To help employees without paychecks who are struggling to make ends meet. Baltimore Humane Society through its Bmore Kind Pet Food Bank, will be distributing dog and cat food donated by Safeway.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Mars CEO Grant Reid on reinvention, future-proofing and the importance of purpose

Jan 24, 2019 9:30 AM ET

From ever-evolving consumer tastes to environmental challenges, it’s clear the world is changing rapidly – and businesses must adapt in order to keep up. Want to hear more? Follow this link to Mars CEO Grant Reid’s interview with Bloomberg Businessweek.

Energy

A New Blueprint for Renewable Energy Aggregation

Jan 24, 2019 9:15 AM ET

Watch this video on how Bloomberg, Cox Enterprises, Gap Inc., Salesforce and Workday closed an all-new renewable energy aggregation deal with guidance from LevelTen Energy. This is the first example of companies aggregating similar, relatively small amounts of renewable energy demand to collaboratively enter into a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA), collectively acting as the anchor tenant for a large offsite renewable energy project.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

At Davos, P&G's Marc Pritchard says Consumers Expect Brands to be a Force for Good

Jan 24, 2019 9:05 AM ET

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Comerica Named One Of America's Most JUST Companies In 2018 By Forbes And JUST Capital

Jan 24, 2019 9:05 AM ET

Comerica was named one of America's Most JUST Companies in 2018, according to Forbes and JUST Capital, a nonprofit that ranks the largest publicly-traded corporations in the United States on the issues Americans care about most. Comerica was included on this year's list for outperforming its peers on issues like fair pay and good benefits, customer treatment and privacy, beneficial products, environmental impact, job creation, community support in the U.S. and abroad, as well as ethical leadership and long-term financial growth.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Smithfield Foods Donates More Than 30,000 Pounds of Protein to Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana

Jan 24, 2019 9:05 AM ET

On January 23rd, Smithfield Foods, Inc. and Kroger joined forces to donate more than 30,000 pounds of protein to Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana. Smithfield’s contribution was part of the company’s 2019 Helping Hungry Homes® donation tour.

Energy

Consumers Energy Dedicates First Ever Solar, Battery Storage Systems on Grand Rapids’ West Side

Jan 24, 2019 8:45 AM ET

Consumers Energy today dedicated Michigan’s first ever rooftop solar array and battery storage system in a vibrant and growing area of Grand Rapids.

Diversity & Inclusion

First Look: Why eBay Renovated Its HQ with Breastfeeding Rooms and Gender-Neutral Bathrooms

Jan 24, 2019 8:30 AM ET

eBay gives the Business Journal a sneak peek at the renovations it's made at its headquarters as it aims to hire and retain top talent in Silicon Valley's extremely competitive labor market.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

For the 8th Consecutive Year, Schneider Electric Is Proud to Be Recognized by the CDP Climate Change a List for Spearheading Corporate Action Against Climate Change

Jan 24, 2019 8:05 AM ET

Schneider Electric has been highlighted as a global leader on corporate climate action for the 8th consecutive year by environmental impact non-profit CDP, achieving a place on the CDP Climate Change A List.

Education

Arrow Electronics Expands Access to Agriculture Technology in Rural Schools

Jan 24, 2019 7:30 AM ET

Now in its fourth year of sponsorship, Arrow Electronics is celebrating the National Western Stock Show by expanding access to agricultural technology in rural schools. The company is sponsoring a new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program at Eads High School in Eastern Colorado that aims to improve livestock management.

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

UPS Packaging Design and Testing Enables Launch of First-of-its-Kind Reusable Consumer Packaging Solution

Jan 24, 2019 5:45 AM ET

Engineers at UPS worked with TerraCycle to design and test a first-of-its-kind reusable tote for consumer goods to replace single-use cardboard boxes. The new Loop™ tote is bringing the circular economy to your doorstep.

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

Supply Chain Integrity - Introducing Farm to Yarn, Traceable Organic Cotton With Social and Environmental Benefits

Jan 24, 2019 4:00 AM ET

Volcom, in partnership with the social enterprise CottonConnect, is launching Farm to Yarn – a socially conscious raw materials initiative in India that features certified organic cotton that’s traceable back to the program’s farmers and that provides social and professional education programs for the farmers and the women in the farming villages of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, where the cotton was sourced.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Aligning Business Needs & Community Impact | LBG Canada Company Spotlight - Cenovus

Jan 23, 2019 6:35 PM ET

As we begin 2019, LBG Canada spotlights the Cenovus Decision Making Criteria. A tool created to assist a geographically dispersed community investment team with decision-making consistency by clearly outlining and identifying characteristics of a community investment opportunity to ensure both community and business impact.

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

Sappi Continues to Procure 100% Sustainable Fiber

Jan 23, 2019 4:30 PM ET

The following offers a view of our annual performance in important areas of environmental and social responsibility. We monitor key metrics for fiber, emissions, energy usage and the impact of our operations on air, water and solid waste. We use this data to set improvement goals for our operations and interactions with key stakeholders.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Freeport-McMoRan Named Best Corporate Citizen by Forbes

Jan 23, 2019 2:15 PM ET

Congratulations to Freeport-McMoRan for being named to the 2019 Just 100: America's Best Corporate Citizens by Forbes! Freeport-McMoRan is the industry leader in the Basic Resources sector, and is first overall in the Community Treatment category. This is the third consecutive year Freeport-McMoRan has made the list, which is now in its third year.

Sustainable Development Goals

The UN Global Compact Calls Upon Business and Governments to Take Action to Finance the Sustainable Development Goals

Jan 23, 2019 2:15 PM ET

The United Nations Global Compact today issued a call to action to finance the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to address the financing gap, estimated at US$ 2.5 trillion annually.

Research, Reports & Publications

Shutdown’s Economic Impact Is a Forceful Reminder of Why Government Matters

Jan 23, 2019 1:30 PM ET

As the United States endures the longest shutdown in its history, Americans are getting a taste of life without government. The absence of some services are clearly visible, such as a buildup of trash at national parks or longer lines at airport security checkpoints. Others, like those felt primarily by businesses, are less noticeable but arguably more important, such as an inability to get a small business loan or limited service from the IRS, Securities and Exchange Commission and other key agencies.

Innovation & Technology

Ensuring Business Innovation While Protecting Data Privacy: A Balancing Act

Jan 23, 2019 1:30 PM ET

How are companies managing the balance between digital innovation and protecting the privacy of data? Digital technologies enhance convenience, efficiency and economic growth. At the same time, they require complex networking environments and use detailed data about individuals that can make protecting their privacy harder.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

More Than 55 Million Plates Filled

Jan 23, 2019 1:00 PM ET

The 2018 Wells Fargo Holiday Food Bank secured more than 55.7 million meals* during the holidays.

Feeding America® joined Wells Fargo’s 2018 effort to fight against hunger in this, the program’s second year. From Nov. 13 to Dec. 31, 2018, Wells Fargo branches doubled as food banks, accepting donations of nonperishable food and money for local food banks throughout the nation. It also offered opportunities for participants to donate through a mobile food bank — which popped up in nine cities from California to New York — and, in response to customer requests, it enabled monetary contributions at its ATMs and online. Visit Wells Fargo Stories to watch the video: https://stories.wf.com/55-million-plates-filled

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

SC Johnson Backs Anti-Human Trafficking Film

Jan 23, 2019 1:00 PM ET

SC Johnson is expanding upon its long-standing zero-tolerance policy for human trafficking and slavery by sponsoring a new film that offers an unflinching portrait of this devastating global issue.

SC Johnson will support the London release, and promotion of “Love Sonia,” which is set for limited theatrical release in the United Kingdom on January 25. The film was directed by Tabrez Noorani (a line producer on the 2008 Best Picture winner “Slumdog Millionaire”), and produced by David Womark, an Academy Award-nominated producer for “Life of Pi.” By supporting “Love Sonia” from production to release, SC Johnson hopes to shine a brighter light on human trafficking and the 25 million victims of it around the globe.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Give Back to Your Community in 2019: Become a Taproot Foundation Pro Bono Volunteer

Jan 23, 2019 12:15 PM ET

Make a difference by donating your time and professional skills to nonprofits in need of your expertise. Get started by joining Taproot’s free webinar on Tuesday, January 29 for future marketing, tech, HR, finance, and strategy volunteers.

Events, Media & Communications

Speaker Proposals Now Being Accepted for 2019 3BL Forum: Brands Taking Stands

Jan 23, 2019 12:15 PM ET

Presenter proposals are now being accepted for 3BL Forum, the annual gathering of purpose-driven corporate leaders eager to accelerate sustainable business through collaboration and learning. The event will be held at MGM National Harbor, just outside Washington, D.C., Oct. 29-30.

Diversity & Inclusion

FedEx Provides Free Admission to National Center for Civil and Human Rights Super Bowl Saturday in Atlanta

Jan 23, 2019 12:05 PM ET

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights will host a FedEx Free Day, Saturday February 2, providing free admission to all visitors courtesy of presenting sponsor FedEx.

Environment

BIER Member Spotlight: Kim Marotta

Jan 23, 2019 12:00 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.