ESG News from Leading Brands

Environment

Consumers Energy Teams Up for Clean Up

Apr 25, 2017 10:00 AM ET

With Earth Day on April 22, Consumers Energy employees showed their commitment to “leaving it better than they found it,” with volunteers fanning out across Michigan to tackle community projects.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Michael Bloomberg's Net Worth Is $47B, How Will He Use It?

Apr 25, 2017 10:00 AM ET

The media mogul says most of his fortune will go to his foundation – viewing personal philanthropy not as a threat to democracy, but a way to get things done

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Helping Patients in Need

Apr 25, 2017 10:00 AM ET

“Circumstances can change quickly and sometimes you can find yourself needing help to afford healthcare treatments, including prescriptions or immunizations. The last thing patients need during this stressful time is to navigate a complicated and bureaucratic system. Over the last year, we simplified the GSK Patient Assistance Program and consolidated information under one website so patients can more easily navigate our programs, determine eligibility and access their treatments at no cost.” (Emily, Sr. Director, Public Policy and Patient Assistance)

Environment

Scotiabank Making Eco-Friendly Vehicles more Accessible for Customers in Mexico

Apr 25, 2017 9:45 AM ET

With a population of over 21 million people (and growing), more people than ever rely on cars to move around Mexico City. Due to limited public transportation and jobs spread throughout the city, Mexico’s capital is now the most congested city in the world according to Tom Tom’s 2016 Traffic Index. This congestion is causing great havoc in the city.

Education

JetBlue’s Free Book Vending Machines Visit Detroit and D.C.

Apr 25, 2017 9:05 AM ET

In 2011, JetBlue established the Soar with Reading program. Our goal? To encourage kids’ imaginations to take flight through reading, and to provide books to those most in need.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

On World Autism Day, Northern Trust's Chicago Office Participated in the "Light It Up Blue" Campaign

Apr 25, 2017 9:05 AM ET

On World Autism Day, April 2nd, our Chicago office participated in the "Light It Up Blue" campaign by shining blue lights in honor of the millions of individuals and families affected by autism.

Sustainable Development Goals

The Indonesia Sustainable Ecosystems Advanced Project | Enhancing Marine Biodiversity Conservation and Fisheries Management Efforts

Apr 25, 2017 9:00 AM ET

The Indonesia Sustainable Ecosystems Advanced (SEA) Project supports the Government of Indonesia to improve the management of fisheries and marine resources and to conserve biological diversity.

Events, Media & Communications

Watch: Together We Can End Malaria for Good - New Videos from Novartis Mark World Malaria Day

Apr 25, 2017 9:00 AM ET

The fight against malaria continues to advance, led by the hard work of countless people. On World Malaria Day, meet some of the faces behind the Novartis Malaria Initiative and listen to their stories.

Research, Reports & Publications

80+ CEOs, Governmental and Business Leaders Quantify Social Impact at RBSEU

Apr 25, 2017 9:00 AM ET

With a 170% rise in attendance, the 16th Annual Responsible Business Summit Europe is shaping to be the largest and most influential gathering of 500+ in Business Responsibility. 2017 is bringing the leading businesses, CEOs and governmental personnel to debate how to quantify social impact.

Environment

Bridging the Climate Divide

Apr 25, 2017 9:00 AM ET

Humans have evolved over millennia to respond to threats that are immediate and urgent. But we’re not inherently wired to deal with existential planetary crises such as climate change. Yet this is the task we face. The science is challenging enough – in recent blogs, we’ve looked at some of the important findings of the past decade that require us to rethink conventional carbon footprinting, policymaking, and mitigation approaches. We’ve also pointed out ways that companies are generating business value from their corporate climate mitigation and offset activities. Compound that with layers of psychological obstacles, and the task becomes even more daunting. Talking about the weather may be a conversation starter, but talking about climate change - not so much. What are these barriers?

Diversity & Inclusion

Q&A with Marsha Jones, PNC Financial Services Chief Diversity Officer

Apr 25, 2017 8:30 AM ET

What are the greatest challenges facing corporate diversity and inclusion? How do you and your team plan to address these challenges and seize these opportunities at PNC?

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

The Specter of Malaria That Resists Treatment, New Photo Essay from Novartis

Apr 25, 2017 5:00 AM ET

The fight against malaria continues to advance, led by the hard work of countless people who head out every day to their communities with a firm belief that they can make a difference. On World Malaria Day, a new photo essay from Novartis presents a collection of scenes on the ground.

Research, Reports & Publications

Olam International Combines Financial and Sustainability Reporting to Highlight Importance of Creating Holistic Value

Apr 25, 2017 5:00 AM ET

Olam International has merged its Annual Report with its Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Report for the first time, reflecting the interdependence of economic, social and environmental performance for the global agri-business and the importance of creating value across all three fronts.

Environment

Tech Leaders to Come Together To Discuss Global EHS Challenges and Opportunities

Apr 24, 2017 11:35 PM ET

EHSxTech, April 25, 2017 - a workshop where the brightest EHS minds in tech meet for a day of collaboration, best practice sharing and insight gathering on the complex challenges of managing EHS across global operations. EHSxTech, presented by Antea Group and hosted by Salesforce, will feature special presentations from Microsoft, Autodesk, and Salesforce.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Corporate Volunteering Grows as Key Driver of Workplace Culture

Apr 24, 2017 6:30 PM ET

In recognition of National Volunteer Week taking place April 23-29, Benevity shares that Spark, its market leading cloud solution for workplace giving, grantmaking and volunteering was used by enterprise clients to achieve record growth in volunteering, helping to drive employee engagement and skills development, while making a positive social impact in their local communities. Together, Benevity clients continue to experience triple digit year-over-year increases in corporate volunteer hours as they leverage Spark’s easy-to-use, mobile-friendly volunteer sign-up, time tracking and rewards capabilities to give time and expertise to causes that matter to them.

Events, Media & Communications

Last Chance to Participate in Nationwide Workplace Giving, CSR, Corporate Philanthropy Study

Apr 24, 2017 6:30 PM ET

Snapshot 2017, the latest in America’s Charities’ research series on employee giving and engagement trends, closes this Sunday, April 30. If you are interested in participating in this year’s groundbreaking research and advancing the field of employee giving and engagement, CSR, and corporate philanthropy, the time to act is now!

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

A Surround Sound Approach to Sustainable Fashion: Four Years After the Rana Plaza Factory Collapse

Apr 24, 2017 6:15 PM ET

Today marks the beginning of Fashion Revolution Week remembering the Rana Plaza factory collapse, which many deem the deadliest disaster in the history of the garment industry. The tragedy, which took place on April 24, 2013, brought the fashion industry’s supply chain issues to light and sparked a global conversation between companies, consumers and workers.

Social Impact & Volunteering

National Rebuilding Month: Rebuilding Day

Apr 24, 2017 6:10 PM ET

National Rebuilding Month will culminate on National Rebuilding Day, Saturday April, 29 and will engage volunteers in a concerted effort to complete repairs on homes, nonprofit facilities and community spaces to bring immediate, transformational change to communities across America on the same day.

Education

Five Elementary School Students Remain in 2017 Sodexo Future Chefs Challenge

Apr 24, 2017 5:55 PM ET

Sodexo, the world leader in Quality of Life Services and student nutrition partner to nearly 500 school districts throughout the U.S., today announces the five student finalists in the 2017 Sodexo Future Chefs Challenge. This year, elementary school students from Sodexo-served school districts across the United States were tasked with creating healthy comfort food options that children or adults will enjoy. Beginning today, the public is invited to view student video submissions and vote for their favorite recipe on Sodexo Insights. Voting closes midnight on April 30th.

Environment

Performance in Watershed Context: Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable Collaborates with the CEO Water Mandate

Apr 24, 2017 5:45 PM ET

The Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER) is proud to have been profiled in “Exploring the Case for Corporate Context-Based Water Targets.” This collaborative discussion paper details a new approach for setting corporate water metrics and targets. The paper was jointly authored by CDP, the CEO Water Mandate, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), World Resources Institute (WRI), and WWF.

Social Impact & Volunteering

NFL Safety Michael Thomas Follows Lifelong Commitment to Give Back and Create Change

Apr 24, 2017 5:35 PM ET

"I volunteer because I want to see real change in our communities," said Michael Thomas, safety for the Miami Dolphins. Dedicated to giving back, he was one of the first NFL players to participate in the First Step Program – an initiative led by Daily Point of Light Award honoree Scott Van Duzer that gives kids and teens the opportunity to engage with community leaders on a regular basis, coming together for casual pick-up games, mentoring and small group discussions on community issues.

Research, Reports & Publications

Create, Grow, Sustain: Delivering Shared Success

Apr 24, 2017 5:30 PM ET

In the Business Roundtable’s recent annual report – titled “Create, Grow, Sustain: Delivering Shared Success” – Michael W. Lamach, chairman and chief executive officer of Ingersoll Rand, offered insight into the company’s approach to sustainability and the ways in which collaboration is used to build and share success. In the report he says:

Environment

Bloomberg 35: Restoring and Preserving Our Environment for Future Generations

Apr 24, 2017 5:20 PM ET

Events, Media & Communications

Taproot Foundation Convenes Technology Experts and Corporate Social Responsibility Leaders from Across Nation for 6th Annual U.S. Pro Bono Summit, April 26 & 27, New York City

Apr 24, 2017 4:05 PM ET

The Taproot Foundation convenes its 6th annual U.S. Pro Bono Summit on April 26 and 27 in New York City. This cross-sector gathering brings together leaders in the corporate, nonprofit and government sectors who are committed to expanding the use and impact of pro bono programming.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

True Zero’s Hydrogen Filling Station Network Deployment Wins Edison Award

Apr 24, 2017 4:00 PM ET

True Zero’s Hydrogen Filling Station Network Deployment Wins Silver Edison Award