ESG News from Leading Brands

Social Impact & Volunteering

Whole Kids Foundation® Raises $3.9 Million for Children’s Nutrition

Nov 27, 2018 10:00 AM ET

Whole Kids Foundation announced today $3.9 million was raised through its annual Growing Healthy Kids campaign in all Whole Foods Market locations to fund K-12 school programs in the U.S., Canada and the U.K., geared towards improving children’s nutrition and wellness.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

VIDEO | Subaru of America Partners With Make-A-Wish to Create the “Becoming a Hero” Campaign for the 2018 Share the Love® Event

Nov 27, 2018 10:00 AM ET

When we grant wishes, we give hope. In this heartfelt commercial, we witness a little boy experience his wish of becoming a firefighter. As the firefighters arrive and pick him up over their shoulders, his parents soak in this moment of hope.

Media & Communications

The State of Sustainable / ESG Investment in 2018: The State of Corporate Sustainability Reporting & How We Got Here

Nov 27, 2018 10:00 AM ET

This issue we bring you two important Top Stories that capture the state of sustainable investing from varying points-of-view. We selected these for their value to both corporate managers and investment professionals.

Sustainable Development Goals

IBM Releases Report on the UN SDGs

Nov 27, 2018 10:00 AM ET

IBM is leveraging its technology, expertise and commitment to global service and sustainability to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Bloomberg - Uncovering Value in the Evolving Sustainability Space: in Conversation With CSRHub

Nov 27, 2018 9:55 AM ET

When CSRHub was founded ten years ago, sustainability wasn’t considered a key part of corporate or investment strategy. However, the company’s core team believed that corporate social responsibility (CSR) was a strong indicator of value and a tool for stakeholders to reliably measure it would soon become a necessity.

Diversity & Inclusion

Between None and Many, There’s a Bridge

Nov 27, 2018 9:35 AM ET

When we are surrounded by difference, we are better. We know diversity amongst board members, leaders, and teams has impact at scale. California recently became the first state to require public companies to have women on their board. At Cisco, we were co-founded by a woman and have had women on our board for more than 22 years. Currently, we have three women serving on our board. Today, these extraordinary women – Carol Bartz, Michele Burns and Kristina Johnson – were named to WomenInc.’s 2018 list of the Most Influential Corporate Directors. On behalf of all of us at Cisco, congratulations and thank you for your leadership!

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Hormel Foods Announces Record Year of Giving

Nov 27, 2018 9:05 AM ET

Hormel Foods Corporation today announced the company donated more than $15 million in cash and product donations in 2018 — a company record.

“At Hormel Foods, our team members around the world are inspired to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of Hormel Foods. “I’m extremely proud that we had a record year of giving. The tremendous impact we have made in fighting food insecurity around the world and supporting education and our local communities is incredibly gratifying for all our team members.”

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Join CIT In Donating One Million Meals

Nov 27, 2018 9:00 AM ET

CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT) today announced a new campaign in partnership with Feeding America® inviting individuals to join in donating one million meals[1] to people in need. Participants can help direct the donation by choosing to support Feeding America’s Back Pack Program, Mobile Pantry Program or Senior Grocery Program.

Events, Media & Communications

Pro Bono Perspectives Giving Tuesday Special! Episode 10: Kathleen LaValle, Dallas CASA

Nov 27, 2018 8:20 AM ET

We are thrilled to welcome Kathleen LaValle, President and CEO of Dallas CASA to Pro Bono Perspectives for a special #GivingTuesday episode. Dallas CASA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to recruiting, training and supervising community volunteers who advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children under the protective care of the state, so they will have safe, permanent homes where they can thrive.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Bringing Sustainability to the Classroom: Gildan’s “Young Sustainability Leaders” Program to Help Raise a Generation of Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs

Nov 27, 2018 8:00 AM ET

Starting in the fall of 2018, Gildan launches its “Young Sustainability Leaders” program to inspire and empower students to be the next generation of social and environmental entrepreneurs. Gildan is proud to support organizations that are promoting the knowledge, tools and motivation to spark the powerful impact youth can have in creating a better future.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

University Dining Teams Partner to Give Back and Address Hunger on College Campuses

Nov 27, 2018 8:00 AM ET

Every holiday season, Sodexo dining teams across more than 650 university locations extend their service spirit to students in need. Here are six great examples of partnerships with students, faculty and University leadership that are making an impact beyond the classroom.

Sustainable Development Goals

Freeport-McMoRan’s El Abra Operation in Chile Offers Career Training for Indigenous Youth

Nov 27, 2018 6:55 AM ET

Twenty young people from indigenous communities in Antofagasta are being trained in Dry Area Maintenance Operations through a course sponsored by Minera El Abra, a subsidiary of Freeport-McMoRan.

Environment

Reducing Fresh Water Use at Red Lake Gold Mines

Nov 27, 2018 6:05 AM ET

Goldcorp’s Towards Zero Water (H2Zero) Strategy targets dramatic reductions in our use of fresh water and increased water recycling rates at every one of our operations. An immediate goal is to reduce all forms of “high-calorie water” extraction which we define as the extraction of water not necessary due to dewatering or the inadvertent capture or precipitation by our existing facilities. Ultimately, we will attempt to eliminate the use of “high-calorie water” entirely at our operations.

Research, Reports & Publications

Plastics White Paper - Complimentary

Nov 27, 2018 5:00 AM ET

Tackling plastic waste and pollution is the cause celebre in 2018 and will only surge for 2019. Businesses are under enormous societal and impending regulatory pressure to find viable solutions to reduce, eliminate and reuse plastics.

Health & Healthcare

When the Shopkeeper Measures Blood Pressure: Novartis Foundation and Partners Prove Effectiveness of Community-based Approach to Tackling Hypertension

Nov 27, 2018 2:45 AM ET

Today, the Novartis Foundation and partners announced the results of an innovative approach to hypertension management in Ghana. The community-based hypertension improvement project (ComHIP) tested a new model to detect, diagnose and treat hypertension earlier by placing screening points in local shops and businesses and strengthening existing facilities.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Costa Cruises Food Donation Project Now Active Also in Barcelona

Nov 26, 2018 4:45 PM ET

Those dishes prepared on board a ship that have not been served to guests now have a new life. Banc dels Aliments of Barcelona and Costa Cruises start a collaboration agreement whereby these dishes will be distributed, thanks to the Banc dels Aliments, between NGOs in the Barcelona area to help the people in need.

Education

Creating a STEM-Strong St. Louis

Nov 26, 2018 4:30 PM ET

Science, technology, engineering and math is everywhere around us, from the complex to the simple. Take your smartphone, for example. This device wouldn’t be possible without the brainpower of engineers. Additionally, improved treatments and cures for diseases are possible because of scientists and medical professionals who have a deep understanding of the human body, but you can find STEM in something as simple as a water fountain.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

AIDA Cruises Receives the Innovation Award of German Gas Industry

Nov 26, 2018 3:50 PM ET

On the evening of November 22, 2018, the associations of the gas industry presented the German Gas Industry Innovation Award for the 20th time in Berlin. AIDA Cruises was honored in the category Mobility & Transport for building the world’s first LNG cruise ship, AIDAnova, as part of its “Green Cruising” concept.

Sustainable Development Goals

UN Global Compact Launches New Report on Human Rights as the Foundation of Sustainable Business

Nov 26, 2018 3:00 PM ET

In celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations Global Compact has released a new report — Human Rights: The Foundation of Sustainable Business — showcasing opportunities for businesses of all sizes and sectors to strengthen and scale up their efforts on human rights.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Passion vs. Purpose in Leadership: Which Do You Need Most?

Nov 26, 2018 2:45 PM ET

“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.” Oprah Winfrey

Diversity & Inclusion

The Key to Life in a Small Town: Collaboration and Inclusion

Nov 26, 2018 2:30 PM ET

Research, Reports & Publications

Caterpillar's Hurricane Response

Nov 26, 2018 2:00 PM ET

Harvey, Irma, Jose and Maria became household names in 2017 during a hurricane season that brought historic floods and caused immeasurable damage.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

VH1 Save The Music Helps Viacom Employees Celebrate #GivingTuesday

Nov 26, 2018 1:45 PM ET

Nearly 5 million children lack access to musical instruments across the U.S.. On, Tuesday, November 27th VH1 Save The Music and Viacom are partnering to help change that in honor of #GivingTuesday -- a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration.

Environment

How the Airline Industry Is Cleaning Up Its Climate Act

Nov 26, 2018 1:35 PM ET

For most flights, the industry is beginning to turn to new fuels. In September, JetBlue made its first flight using a renewable blend fuel. Though chemically identical to regular jet fuel, 15.5% of it came from used cooking oil from restaurants, which otherwise would have been wasted. Next year, the airline will begin buying around 33 million gallons of biofuel a year, or about 20% of the fuel it uses annually at JFK.

Innovation & Technology

TIME Magazine Honors Innovative My Special Aflac Duck™

Nov 26, 2018 1:15 PM ET

Aflac, the leader in voluntary insurance sales at the worksite in the United States and a committed leader in seeking a cure for childhood cancer, today announced that its innovative “smart” robot My Special Aflac Duck™ has been named to TIME Magazine’s list of the 50 Best Inventions for 2018. My Special Aflac Duck, designed by Sproutel, is a social robot that uses medical play, lifelike movement, and emotions to engage and help comfort kids during their cancer care. Earlier this year, My Special Aflac Duck was named Best in Show and received the coveted Tech for Good Award at the Consumer Electronics Show.