ESG News from Leading Brands

Research, Reports & Publications

New Report Finds That Closing the Racial Wealth Gap Would Lead to a $24 Billion Boost to Long Island’s Economy

Apr 24, 2017 10:30 AM ET

PolicyLink today launched An Equity Profile of Long Island, a new report that shows how persistent segregation and racial disparities in wealth, housing, educational attainment and many other areas is costing Long Island billions of dollars in potential economic growth each year. A detailed policy brief accompanying the Equity Profile was also released providing a series of recommendations designed to close the racial wealth divide which would result in a major boost to Long Island’s economy. The profile and accompanying policy brief were produced by PolicyLink and the Program for Environmental and Regional Equity (PERE) at the University of Southern California, with lead funding and support from Citi Community Development.

Environment

CSX and the Arbor Day Foundation Work Together to Plant the Future

Apr 24, 2017 10:30 AM ET

Responsible Production & Consumption

Earth Week Guest Post: Homelessness is Not a Defining Characteristic

Apr 24, 2017 10:05 AM ET

Erika George, director of Development for The Empowerment Plan in Detroit, Mich., explains why homelessness is not a defining characteristic and shares how we can improve the lives of homeless individuals through partnerships and opportunities.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Bacardi Awards Employees for Remarkable Sustainability Efforts

Apr 24, 2017 10:05 AM ET

In celebration of Earth Month, family-owned Bacardi honors employee-led environmental sustainability-related initiatives in its 3rd Annual Bacardi Limited Good Spirited Awards program. Employees received recognition for their outstanding environmental achievements within five different award categories celebrating the implementation of sustainability improvements, brand innovation or activity, employees championing green initiatives, and external partnerships delivering upon the Bacardi vision to a balanced impact on the environment.

Health & Healthcare

Evolving Our Graduated Approach to Intellectual Property

Apr 24, 2017 10:00 AM ET

“Every day in the lab, we do our part to advance the next treatment for cancer. But too many innovative medicines are out-of-reach for those suffering in the poorest parts of the world. I’m deeply moved to know that my friends in developing countries will likely have better access to our innovative medicines because of GSK’s flexible approach to patents.” (Mili, Ph.D., Investigator)

Education

#NationalWeekoftheYoungChild: James M. Cox Foundation Supports Early Childhood Education

Apr 24, 2017 10:00 AM ET

April 24 - It’s the National Week of the Young Child, and one of the most important things we can do as a society is prepare children for success. The James M. Cox Foundation has a focus on early childhood education and is supporting initiatives and models in Georgia that can provide a national impact.

Media & Communications

Hiring? Most Likely the Newbies Will Be Millennials -- Is Your Workplace Ready -- Is Your Company a Sustainability Standout?

Apr 24, 2017 10:00 AM ET

The Millennial Generation -- that's men and women born in the years 1982 to 2004 (according to researchers Neil Howe and William Strauss). This generation's members are ages 17 to 35, and now said to be outnumbering the previously dominant cohort of the Baby Boomers in the workplace (BBers were born 1946-1964, some 77 million in all).

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Learn How SEFCU is Making an Impact

Apr 24, 2017 10:00 AM ET

Watch this video to learn how SEFCU, a top 50 credit union in the United States, uses GIFTS Online, Blackbaud Outcomes and AngelPoints to realize the full picture of the impact its grantmaking and employee engagement is making to create a better world for its members, employees, and stakeholders.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Entry-Level Retention Makes a Billion Dollar Difference for Business and Society

Apr 24, 2017 9:45 AM ET

While the pressure to find and keep talent is felt by employers large and small, FSG’s research over the past year identified a number of companies that are creating business and social value by investing in their entry-level talent.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Home is the Key to a Brighter Future for Baylee and her Family

Apr 24, 2017 9:40 AM ET

Before partnering with Habitat for Humanity Metro Denver, in Colorado, Tanya couldn’t see foresee her daughters’ future. Now she can. She doesn’t know the details, but she does know this: “Their future is bright.”

Environment

7 Activities to Enjoy this Spring at Consumers Energy River Hydros

Apr 24, 2017 9:25 AM ET

In the heart of the morel capital of Michigan, the land owned by Consumers Energy around Hodenpyl Dam near Mesick is open for those looking to harvest the tasty mushrooms that appear in Michigan only in the spring. “Our hydro properties offer an abundance of recreational opportunities in the spring,” said Rich Castle, Consumers Energy’s natural resource administrator for hydro operations.

Green Infrastructure

Making Buildings More Energy Smart | HP Labs Develops New Sensors and Software

Apr 24, 2017 9:05 AM ET

Commercial and residential buildings together account for 40 percent of all US energy consumption. That alone is a major incentive to make both more energy efficient, suggests HP Labs researcher Rongliang Zhou.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Unreasonable Impact: The Most Responsible Fabric on the Planet: Q&A With Thread

Apr 24, 2017 9:05 AM ET

Thread is bringing transparency and fair treatment back into apparel by producing fabrics transformed from plastic bottles found in the streets of some of the poorest communities on the planet.

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

Strengthening Supply Chains to Nourish a More Urban World

Apr 24, 2017 9:05 AM ET

As urban centers rapidly expand, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, smallholder farmers are and will continue to be on the frontlines of global food security. With the right tools and training we know these farmers are incredibly resilient.

Environment

Xylem Watermark & Project 24 : Guaduas Puerto Bogotá, Colombia

Apr 24, 2017 9:00 AM ET

Puerto Bogotá Village, located near the regions of Cundinamarca and Tolima, is home to nearly 4,000 people who earn a living through trade, raising livestock, and fishing. The Magdalena River, which is the principal river of Colombia, is used by the local community for fishing, and sometimes, for consumption.

Research, Reports & Publications

Calor Publishes 2016 Sustainability Review

Apr 24, 2017 9:00 AM ET

Calor Gas Ltd – Britain’s leading supplier of bulk and bottled LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) has today published its 2016 Sustainability Review.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

De Beers Celebrates Wildlife Conservation Accolade

Apr 24, 2017 9:00 AM ET

A De Beers Group company has been given a major conservation award for its approach to biodiversity and social responsibility.

Environment

Recycling Stormwater to Protect our Beaches

Apr 24, 2017 9:00 AM ET

Tetra Tech is using advanced water quality modeling tools to help increase drought resiliency in Santa Monica.

Energy

Beyond Renewables: Bright Solutions that Make Reaching Your Energy Goals a Breeze

Apr 24, 2017 8:50 AM ET

Decision makers from business, industry and government today are seeking integrated energy solutions — solutions which assure both a secure and affordable energy supply to meet today's and tomorrow's needs, and effective management of energy and overall operational costs. At GlobalCon this week, we’re sharing how companies can meet these goals in an era where renewables seem to be the go-to solution for many.

Environment

Bristol-Myers Squibb Celebrates Earth Day [Video]

Apr 23, 2017 8:00 PM ET

Social Impact & Volunteering

National Rebuilding Month: Volunteers

Apr 22, 2017 11:10 AM ET

Thanks to nearly 43,000 volunteers, Rebuilding Together completed over 1,900 home and community projects during National Rebuilding Month in 2016. Be a part of the impact this year!

Sustainable Development Goals

#EarthDay: Corporate Conservation is More Than a Box to Be Checked -- It's Expected in Business

Apr 22, 2017 11:00 AM ET

Businesses can create value and demonstrate leadership to customers and employees by developing and deploying a conservation strategy that considers how its operations affect the social, cultural and economic environment.

Environment

Hunting for Energy Savings

Apr 22, 2017 11:00 AM ET

“Our R&D Places Program and energy hunts have improved the efficiency and reliability of our sites and led to substantial reductions in carbon emissions, water consumption and utility costs. For me, it’s humbling and meaningful to help GSK be a good steward of our precious natural resources.” (Nick, Global Lead Energy & Sustainability)

Environment

Creating Bricks and Benches Out of Medical Waste

Apr 22, 2017 10:00 AM ET

“At GSK, we think differently about waste and see it as a potential resource. Our medical lab waste at our Upper Providence R&D site is upcycled into park benches and bricks. And our scientists not only help people do more, feel better, and live longer—they also provide a place to relax!” (Asali, Service Owner, Lab Services and Waste Management)

Environment

Kate Wylie, Global Sustainability Director at Mars, on Forests: "The Lungs of the Earth"

Apr 22, 2017 9:45 AM ET

Kate Wylie, Global Sustainability Director at Mars, Incorporated, explains why Mars cares about deforestation.