ESG News from Leading Brands

Responsible Production & Consumption

The Sustainability Consortium Releases Landmark Report to Drive More Sustainable Consumer Products

Apr 21, 2016 6:00 PM ET

The Sustainability Consortium (TSC) announced today the release of its first Impact Report, marking a significant collaboration between leading multi-national corporations, civil society, and academia, combining science and metrics with practical guidance on implementation to accelerate the rise of more sustainable supply chains, and more sustainable consumer products.

Environment

With SunPower Every Day is Earth Day

Apr 21, 2016 5:45 PM ET

SunPower exists to help change the way our world is powered and leave the planet better off for future generations. That’s our purpose. It’s why we’re here. So when you choose SunPower, every day is Earth Day and not just because your home or business is making clean renewable energy using our solar panels.

Environment

U.S. Can Meet Paris Climate Goals (With or Without Supreme Court)

Apr 21, 2016 5:35 PM ET

As world leaders gather in New York on Friday to sign the Paris Agreement on climate change, some have expressed concern that as they implement their commitments, the U.S. Supreme Court has put on hold the Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan. Their concern is understandable, but it’s important to recognize: The federal government is not the primary force in the U.S. fight against climate change, and even if the court ultimately strikes down certain parts of the plan, the U.S. will meet and probably exceed its commitment to reduce emissions by 26 to 28 percent by 2025. Here’s why.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Italian Design, Carbon-Zero Style

Apr 21, 2016 5:30 PM ET

Watch this episode of Conscious Living as we visit a cutting-edge Italian textile firm that is creating a new design for sustainable manufacturing.

Environment

How & Why Businesses Are Offering Products That Can Be Differentiated By Carbon Footprint or Impact on Emissions Reduction

Apr 21, 2016 4:30 PM ET

Many companies offer products that can be differentiated by carbon footprint or impact on emissions reduction. Industries leading the way include utilities, industrial goods manufacturers and those supplying basic materials.

Environment

Earth Week Guest Post: Nature Provides Lessons on How to Collaborate for a Sustainable Future

Apr 21, 2016 3:55 PM ET

The effects of human-caused climate change are both predictable and unknown, but we do know that healthy ecosystems are more resilient to these effects. As individuals, we have an ethical responsibility to incrementally shift our behaviors to support ecosystem health; however, no one person can do this alone.

Health & Healthcare

Aramark Recognized for Commitment to Healthy Lifestyles

Apr 21, 2016 3:05 PM ET

Aramark (NYSE: ARMK), a global leader in food, facilities management and uniforms, is featured in a new Business Roundtable report highlighting the commitment of America’s CEOs to incorporate sustainability into their business practices—all in an effort to lead the way toward a more sustainable future.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Major Leagues Continue to Provide Funding to Help Lower Infant Mortality Rates in the Dominican Republic

Apr 21, 2016 2:40 PM ET

The Major League Baseball Players Trust has made it a priority to support programs in the Dominican Republic—a place so many major leaguers call home. Since 2003, the Players Trust has partnered with Medicines for Humanity (MFH), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing effective and transformative healthcare to children and pregnant women to prevent and reduce needless child deaths in the DR and around the world.

Health & Healthcare

Alcohol Awareness: Standard Drinks

Apr 21, 2016 2:30 PM ET

Energy

What Does a Forester in Oregon Have in Common With Aircraft Mechanics Students in Turkey?

Apr 21, 2016 2:30 PM ET

Dan Shoun, a Lake County, Oregon Commissioner, who spent 30-plus years with the USDA Forest Service, sees wood-based biofuel as a win-win model to curb wildfire risk, support communities and provide low-carbon fuel.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Lockheed Martin Ranks No. 8 on 100 Best Corporate Citizens List

Apr 21, 2016 2:15 PM ET

Lockheed Martin earns #8 ranking in CR Mag's 2016 100 Best Corporate Citizens List

Education

Fast Approaching: The Deadline For Registering for the Corporate Social Responsibility Certificate Program at Rutgers Institute for Ethical Leadership

Apr 21, 2016 2:15 PM ET

The first sessions of the new Corporate Social Responsibility Certificate program is just a week away -- there are a few remaining days for registration. The two-day program begins on Wednesday, April 27 and continues on Thurdsay, April 28 at Rutgers Business School in Newark, New Jersey.

Energy

Whirlpool Corporation has a 46-year Commitment to Sustainability

Apr 21, 2016 2:00 PM ET

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Why We Need Intelligent Disobedience in Corporate America

Apr 21, 2016 1:30 PM ET

Empowering employees to speak up when they see something that is wrong or when they are asked to do something that might cause harm is critical to the survival of all organizations. Each employee needs to internalize their own personal accountability for the actions they take under executive leadership.

Innovation & Technology

Four Ways to Measure Technology’s Do-Good Impact

Apr 21, 2016 1:30 PM ET

From smart home technology that helps decrease energy use to fitness trackers that encourage healthier lifestyles, most of us sense that technology has the potential to drive significant positive sustainability impacts across sectors.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Ingersoll Rand Plant Manager Honored by The Manufacturing Institute for Accomplishments in the Manufacturing Industry

Apr 21, 2016 1:30 PM ET

Marcy McClanahan, a plant manager with Ingersoll Rand, will be recognized as one of 130 recipients of The Manufacturing Institute’s 2016 Women in Manufacturing STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Award. The STEP Ahead Awards recognize women who demonstrate excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of manufacturing, from the factory-floor to the C-suite.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Getting It

Apr 21, 2016 1:00 PM ET

It can be difficult to understand the devastating impact cancer has on a person’s life unless you’ve been there. It can be hard to “get it” if you’ve never helped a loved one through treatment. Reliable information when you are faced with big life altering decisions, like cancer treatment, is imperative to making your personal plan to fight cancer.

Research, Reports & Publications

MetLife Foundation Makes Significant Progress Towards $200 Million, Five Year Commitment to Financial Inclusion

Apr 21, 2016 1:00 PM ET

NEW YORK, Thursday, April 21, 2016 /3BL Media/ – Today, MetLife Foundation released its 2015 Annual Report, highlighting its activities and showcasing a broad array of partners, grantees and activities.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

This Friday: Earthquakes and Flooding Relief Coordination Call and Webinar

Apr 21, 2016 1:00 PM ET

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center (CCC) will host a coordination webinar on Friday, April 22 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss relief efforts after the earthquakes in Japan and Ecuador and the flooding in Houston.

Health & Healthcare

Sodexo’s Commitment to Partnership for a Healthier America: Making Progress

Apr 21, 2016 12:15 PM ET

The Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) was established in 2010 to tackle the childhood obesity crisis by transforming the marketplace and our communities. PHA works with the private sector to make healthier choices easier for busy parents and families. The group ensures that commitments made are commitments kept, by working with unbiased third parties to monitor and publicly report on the progress its partners are making.

Social Impact & Volunteering

When I First Met My Child

Apr 21, 2016 12:10 PM ET

Families come in all shapes and sizes and not all families meet on the day a child is born. Did you know there are over 130,000 children waiting to be adopted from foster care in the U.S. and Canada? That is more than 130,000 children who just want a forever family, someone to help them with their homework and tuck them in at night.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

A Healthy Demand for Green Bonds Seems Sustainable

Apr 21, 2016 12:00 PM ET

The demand for green bonds is not just taking root, it is blossoming, says Mamadou-Abou Sarr, head of ESG, or environmental, social and governance investing, at Northern Trust Asset Management

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Final Days to Nominate Environmental Volunteers for California’s Cox Conserves Heroes Program

Apr 21, 2016 12:00 PM ET

Cox Communications, in partnership with The Trust for Public Land, is seeking nominations for environmental volunteers in Cox’s service areas in Orange County, San Diego and Santa Barbara. Nominations are being accepted at CoxConservesHeroes.com through 5 p.m. on April 27 for volunteers who are creating, preserving or enhancing outdoor spaces.

Environment

Every Day is Earth Day at National Geographic; Celebrate with #NatGeoEarthDay Photo Contest

Apr 21, 2016 12:00 PM ET

In honor of Earth Day, National Geographic is inspiring and empowering people around the world to make changes in their daily lives in support of a more sustainable planet. On television, Nat Geo WILD is dedicating its primetime slate on April 22 to shining a light on wildlife advocates, with new specials and some of the best documentaries from the channel's archive. Online, in addition to features and photo galleries on NationalGeographic.com, the company's Instagram brands will join forces for the first time ever to feature followers' nature photos through the #NatGeoEarthDay campaign.

Education

DRW College Prep Celebrates Their First Graduating Class

Apr 21, 2016 11:35 AM ET

DRW College Prep (DRWCP) officially opened its doors to 200 students in the Homan Square neighborhood of Chicago in August 2012. Four years later, the school and its 625 students celebrate a major milestone as their first class reaches graduation.