ESG News from Leading Brands

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

The International Living Future Institute is Now Accepting Applications for the Stephen R. Kellert Biophilic Design Award

Jun 1, 2017 5:30 PM ET

The International Living Future Institute (ILFI) is now accepting submissions for the Stephen R. Kellert Biophilic Design Award that acknowledges Stephen Kellert's legacy as a pioneer in articulating and applying Biophilic Design principles to the built environment.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Pentair and Urban Organics Open Second Commercial-Scale, Indoor Aquaponics Farm in St. Paul, Minn.

Jun 1, 2017 5:05 PM ET

Pentair, a global leader in sustainable water solutions, and aquaponics farming innovator Urban Organics, are opening a new, 87,000-square-foot indoor aquaponics farm in St. Paul, Minn.

Environment

Statement from Keep America Beautiful Concerning Decision by United States to Withdraw from Paris Climate Agreement

Jun 1, 2017 5:00 PM ET

Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s iconic community improvement nonprofit organization, believes that meaningful, lasting change is best achieved when NGOs and social service organizations, businesses, government, academia and individuals — reflecting the strength and diversity of our nation and the world — join together to take responsibility with collective action.

Today’s decision to withdraw the United States from the historic Paris Climate Agreement adds an even greater sense of urgency to our work to help create a country where every community is a clean, green and beautiful place to live, work and play.

Education

Powerful Partnership: How Technology is Expanding Access to Quality Biology Education

Jun 1, 2017 5:00 PM ET

Over the past 25 years, the Amgen Foundation has worked to strengthen science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, particularly biology education, around the world. We have a long-standing history of reaching students through hands-on science programs such as the Amgen Biotech Experience and the Amgen Scholars Program, which have reached more than 500,000 students worldwide.

Education

6 Steps for African American Families to Build Wealth

Jun 1, 2017 4:00 PM ET

The stats are troubling. According to a Pew Research Center analysis a few years ago, wealth of white households was 13 times greater than the wealth of black households.

Health & Healthcare

GOJO Blog: Easy and Simple Tips to Help You Stay Healthy This Summer

Jun 1, 2017 3:35 PM ET

Summer is a time for hands-on fun. And no matter if we are at a park or in our own backyards, there is an increase in the likelihood of us spreading germs from one person to another. In fact, it has been reported that up to 80% of infections are transmitted by the hands.1 The practice of good hand hygiene, which includes handwashing and using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, like PURELL® Advanced Hand Sanitizer, when soap and water are not available, is one of the best preventive measures we can all take to reduce the spread of germs that can cause illness.

Sustainable Development Goals

Big Minnesota Companies Among Paris Pact Supporters

Jun 1, 2017 3:25 PM ET

If President Trump withdraws the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement, he will be moving against the wishes of some of Minnesota’s biggest companies. “We would be incredibly disappointed if the U.S. decides to withdraw from the agreement to which our country had committed,” Cargill CEO David MacLennan said Wednesday in a statement to the Star Tribune.

Diversity & Inclusion

An Inclusive Workplace is Good for Business

Jun 1, 2017 2:20 PM ET

We can see diversity everywhere: in life experience, education, cultural background, gender and sexual identity. In the workplace, celebrating diversity means acknowledging the many identities that make an employee unique. To accept these unique identities, we first have to understand them. Understanding is a key step in creating an inclusive environment where employees feel acknowledged and valued.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

No Barriers Youth, Wells Fargo Select 20 Teachers for Global Impact Challenge

Jun 1, 2017 2:00 PM ET

No Barriers Youth and Wells Fargo announced the selection of 20 middle and high school educators to serve as ambassadors for the Global Impact Challenge, a diversity and inclusion competition designed to spark the best ideas from students for building a world free of barriers, stereotypes and discrimination.

Research, Reports & Publications

General Motors 2016 Sustainability Report: Progress in Pictures

Jun 1, 2017 1:40 PM ET

General Motors just launched its 2016 sustainability report. Scroll through the photo gallery to learn about GM's sustainability approach, aspirations and progress.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Making Packaging Do More for the Environment: Trends to Watch for in Food and Beverage Packaging

Jun 1, 2017 1:30 PM ET

The food and beverage industry is evolving rapidly, as are available packaging options. Innovation and adaptation have become a top priority as companies strive to provide greater product value and meet consumers’ evolving demands for packaging that is convenient to use, fit for purpose, and environmentally friendly. Some of the expected packaging trends and innovation we can expect to see in 2017 are described below.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Writing a Code for Success on Comcast Cares Day

Jun 1, 2017 1:15 PM ET

At Comcast NBCUniversal, we look to give back to our communities year round and in so many ways, including sharing the excitement and enthusiasm of how technology can strengthen communities and empower people to build better futures.

Innovation & Technology

History Colorado Center Showcases Arrow Electronics’ SAM Car

Jun 1, 2017 1:00 PM ET

Innovation & Technology

Helping Reebok Grow a Plant-Based Shoe

Jun 1, 2017 12:45 PM ET

At the heart of a circular economy is the reengineering of conventional linear production models so that value creation is decoupled from the consumption – then disposal - of finite resources. What was once considered waste becomes the feedstock for new processes. One way to drive this shift toward circularity is by designing renewable materials that can displace the use of sensitive or fossil-based resources.

Research, Reports & Publications

Highlights from GM’s Latest Sustainability Report

Jun 1, 2017 12:45 PM ET

General Motors’ sustainability approach enables the company to serve its customers and shareholders, increase operational efficiency, mitigate risk and improve the communities where it does business. GM summarizes its impact in its annual sustainability report at gmsustainability.com.

Diversity & Inclusion

Northern Trust Manila, Philippines Employees Participated in “Brigada Eskwela”

Jun 1, 2017 12:40 PM ET

Our employees cleaned and repainted the classrooms. They also cleaned the garden of Benigno Aquino Elementary School at BASECO Port Area Manila.

Diversity & Inclusion

Enjoying the Career Journey While Keeping an Eye on the Summit

Jun 1, 2017 12:10 PM ET

In 2006 Sophia Danenberg, a corporate EHS leader and recreational mountaineer, became the first African-American to reach the summit of Mount Everest. We spoke with her about how her experiences in the mountains have influenced her career path and how she approaches her work.

Diversity & Inclusion

Nonprofit Group Pairs Veterans with Mentors in Big Companies

Jun 1, 2017 11:05 AM ET

Events, Media & Communications

Deirdre White, CEO at PYXERA Global, Discussed the Intersection of Sustainability and Business at the World Environment Center Roundtable

Jun 1, 2017 10:20 AM ET

The U.S Department of State and World Environment Center Roundtable hosted several leaders in sustainable business strategy, in Washington, DC, May 31. The Innovation and Best Practices in Clean Production and Greener Value Chains roundtable will include Deirdre White, CEO, PYXERA Global.

Health & Healthcare

Subaru and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Spreading Warmth to Cancer Patients Across the Country

Jun 1, 2017 10:15 AM ET

For the second year in a row, Subaru of America and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) will spread love, hope and warmth to cancer patients and their families in communities across the country.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Q&A With Karen Larrimer, Head of PNC Retail Banking & Chief Customer Officer

Jun 1, 2017 10:05 AM ET

At PNC, we want to create a seamless experience for our customers so that each new product or service we create is faster and easier to use.

Innovation & Technology

Visa and IBM Collaborate to Bring Payments to the Internet of Things

Jun 1, 2017 10:00 AM ET

Visa and IBM have collaborated to allow businesses to introduce secure payment experiences throughout the Internet of Things (IoT), making cars, appliances and many other connected devices potential points of sale.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Morgan Stanley Launches 24-Hours of Continuous Volunteer Activities Worldwide to Help in the Fight Against Childhood Hunger

Jun 1, 2017 10:00 AM ET

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) today announced the launch of “Feeding Kids Around the Clock,” 24-hours of continuous employee volunteer activities dedicated to raising awareness of childhood hunger. Giving back to its communities is a core value for Morgan Stanley, and for more than 40 years, the Firm has been committed to helping children get a healthy start to life.

Sustainable Development Goals

Collaborating for a Sustainable Future

Jun 1, 2017 10:00 AM ET

The swaths of land that stretch across the southeastern United States are privately held by individual landowners, posing a unique challenge to environmentally-minded companies set on increasing the number of certifed lands.

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

Fair Trade USA Calls on Shoppers to Choose Fair Trade Seafood This World Oceans Day

Jun 1, 2017 10:00 AM ET

In honor of World Oceans Day, Fair Trade USA, the leading certifier of Fair Trade products in North America, launches a campaign to raise awareness of issues in the seafood industry.