ESG News from Leading Brands

Education

FIRST Robotics & NRG Energy: Supporting Women in STEM

May 15, 2017 3:30 PM ET

By supporting FIRST, we’re supporting #WomenInSTEM. 33% of the women in FIRST will major in engineering – and we’re confident this number will grow as the ladies of FIRST continue to take charge and excel. See them in action: nrg.com/FIRST

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark Inducted into Boys & Girls Clubs of America Hall of Fame

May 15, 2017 3:30 PM ET

Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director Tony Clark was among seven distinguished community leaders inducted into the Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Alumni Hall of Fame during a ceremony on Wednesday, May 10.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Points of Light Honors 6000th Recipient of the Daily Point of Light Award

May 15, 2017 3:15 PM ET

Today, Points of Light honors Kylee McGrane, founder of A Moment of Magic, with the 6000th Daily Point of Light Award. The award was established in 1989 by President George H.W. Bush to celebrate the power of individuals to create change and improve the world. To this day, it is signed by the President and is presented by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service.

Health & Healthcare

Using “Big Data” in Healthcare FM: A Growing Trend

May 15, 2017 2:50 PM ET

“Big Data,” the phenomenon every industry and professional is hailing as the next great innovation-driver, has its origins in part in the healthcare industry. In today’s fast-paced environment, Big Data is likely to play an increasing role in helping hospitals stay ahead of the curve in the ever-changing healthcare industry.

Events, Media & Communications

Carla Harris, One of Essence Magazine’s “Top 50 Women Who Are Shaping the World,” to Speak at MGM Resorts Foundation’s WLC 2017

May 15, 2017 2:15 PM ET

Harris is the managing director and senior client advisor at financial services giant Morgan Stanley. The author of the book “Expect to Win: Proven Strategies for Success from a Wall Street Vet,” she is considered to be among the most influential women in the financial services sector. Harris plans to share with conference attendees some of the valuable lessons learned during her 20-plus year career on Wall Street.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

MGM Resorts International Named Among Nation's 2017 Top Companies for Diversity by Diversity Inc

May 15, 2017 2:05 PM ET

For the twelfth consecutive year, MGM Resorts International has been recognized as a Top Company for Diversity by DiversityInc, one of the nation’s leading sources on workplace diversity management. The company is ranked 3rd on “The Top Ten Regional Companies” list for diversity best practices.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Timberland Showcases Responsibly Made Products at Organic Trade Association Pop-Up

May 15, 2017 2:00 PM ET

Global outdoor lifestyle brand Timberland recently joined organic fiber brands MetaWear and Synergy, along with 21 other companies to sponsor the Organic Trade Association’s two day “Live Organic from Farm to Home” pop-up event in Manhattan. The event was designed to educate consumers on the importance of organic materials, while showcasing the latest in organic products for the closet and home, from organic cotton t-shirts and wool sweaters to organic mattresses.

Education

Culinary Students Learn Latest Technology at SCE’s Foodservice Tech Center

May 15, 2017 2:00 PM ET

Adelina Montoya, 18, has always loved to cook. As a sophomore at Bonita High School in La Verne, she was part of a team that won “best entrée” in a cooking competition and her passion was solidified.

Events, Media & Communications

Bloomberg Announces Global Business Forum to Convene Government and Business Leaders on the Future of the Global Economy

May 15, 2017 1:35 PM ET

Bloomberg today announced the Global Business Forum, a gathering in New York of global business and government leaders to discuss plans for growth and opportunity around the world.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Final Days to Nominate Volunteers for Seattle’s 6th Annual Cox Conserves Heroes Awards Program

May 15, 2017 1:30 PM ET

KIRO 7, in partnership with The Trust for Public Land, is accepting nominations for Seattle’s 2017 Cox Conserves Heroes program to honor local environmental volunteers.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Maven, One of the Fastest-Growing Mobility Brands in North America, Expands New York City Operations

May 15, 2017 12:30 PM ET

A year and a half after launching as a curated residential service in New York City, Maven has evolved into one of the fastest-growing mobility brands in North America. Leveraging its seamless and dynamic mobility platform, Maven offers unique car-sharing services geared toward both consumers and businesses. Maven has rolled out in 17 cities across North America and its members have covered more than 125 million miles.

Research, Reports & Publications

Caterpillar Highlights Commitment to “Building Better” and Making Sustainable Progress Possible Around the World

May 15, 2017 12:05 PM ET

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) published its Sustainability Report today, highlighting the company’s focus for more than 90 years on building better – better lives, better communities and, ultimately, a better world.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Walmart's Fight Hunger Spark Change is Featured on Daytime TV

May 15, 2017 12:00 PM ET

Responsible Production & Consumption

GM Works to Set Sustainable Natural Rubber Tires into Motion

May 15, 2017 11:50 AM ET

Transforming the global rubber and tire supply chain to create lasting, environmentally sound sustainable rubber production requires a collaborative approach. Through an industry-first commitment to sourcing sustainable natural rubber in its tires, General Motors is helping drive the industry toward net-zero deforestation and uphold human and labor rights.

Energy

Microgrids Can Significantly Lower Operating Costs for Water Utilities

May 15, 2017 11:00 AM ET

Energy is one of the most significant operating costs for a water or wastewater utility. Microgrid implementation at certain water or wastewater utility sites can produce sustainable energy that provides significant long-term cost savings. A new white paper outlines these benefits, water utility microgrid design considerations and ideal facility criteria for utilities to get the most out of this innovative energy management solution.

Sustainable Development Goals

UN Global Compact Bulletin (May 2017)

May 15, 2017 10:45 AM ET

Social Impact & Volunteering

De Beers Group Employees Have a Good Hair Day

May 15, 2017 10:00 AM ET

Employee volunteers at De Beers’ Venetia mine in South Africa have raised cash for the fight against cancer by having their hair sprayed or shaved.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Barclays is Helping Unleash the Green Economy in Asia

May 15, 2017 9:35 AM ET

Barclays partnership with Unreasonable Group, ‘Unreasonable Impact’, is launching its global work in Singapore, rapidly scaling up selected entrepreneurs and helping them to create thousands of new jobs while addressing key environmental issues.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Carnival Corporation Recognized for Leadership in Environmental Excellence

May 15, 2017 9:30 AM ET

All three Carnival Corporation brands that regularly visit the Port of Seattle –Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises – received maritime awards for their innovative and successful efforts in the area of environmental stewardship.

Research, Reports & Publications

Infographic | How Does Lockheed Martin Add Value to Society?

May 15, 2017 9:25 AM ET

As a global defense and aerospace company, our products and technological solutions enable our customers to protect and facilitate resilient and thriving societies. To meet the demands of our government and commercial customers, we deliver innovative, scalable solutions to the world’s most complex problems. Addressing global challenges, today and in the future, is our opportunity to provide value. Follow the connections between a global megatrend, a selection of our generation-after-next technologies and services and the sustainability value we offer.

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

The Circular Economy Advantage on Bechtel Projects

May 15, 2017 9:15 AM ET

A defining characteristic of the remarkable industrial development experienced over the last 100 years has been a ‘make-use-dispose’ approach to resource utilization in industrial processes. While this ‘linear economy’ approach has resulted in enormous advances for societies, it also has created an unsustainable demand for and use of resources and materials. With global population expected to swell to an estimated 9 billion by 2050, the intelligent use of limited resources in production and consumption has become a subject of socio-political, environmental, and economic discussion.

Health & Healthcare

Workplace Workouts: Stepping Off the Corporate Treadmill, and Onto a Real One

May 15, 2017 9:05 AM ET

Awareness of the benefits of workplace exercise has spiked in recent years as studies have found that long periods of sitting can be detrimental to people’s health.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

How Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Recruiters Find Homes for Children in Foster Care

May 15, 2017 9:05 AM ET

When you get familiar with the world of adoption, you form an appreciation for how complex it is. How many hurdles there are. And what kind of impact that has on real children, and real families.

Unfortunately, there is this idea floating around that children in foster care are simply “unadoptable.” To this idea, we say: no way. Not a chance.

Environment

Xylem Watermark & Project 24 : Run - Siem Reap Province, Cambodia

May 15, 2017 9:00 AM ET

Located about 60 kilometers to the west of Siem Reap is Run Village, which is home to 110 families and has a total population of 521 community members. The village has a primary school, Hun Sen Run Primary, which enrolls 229 students and employs 7 teachers. This village faces economic and food security challenges as their livelihoods depend solely on rice planting, causing some villagers to migrate to Siem Reap to find work as laborers in the construction sector.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Kzoo Awarded $100k Grant for Bronson Park Renovations

May 15, 2017 9:00 AM ET

The city of Kalamazoo is getting a $100,000 grant from the Consumer Energy Foundation for renovations to Bronson Park. The Kalamazoo Department of Parks and Recreations made the announcement Tuesday in a news release. The donation brings the Bronson Park 21st Century campaign past the halfway mark of its $21 million goal and will go towards the installment of an information kiosk for visitors, the release said.