ESG News from Leading Brands

Social Impact & Volunteering

How Can Pro Bono Service Cultivate Your Leaders?

Feb 27, 2017 4:05 PM ET

On February 8 and 9, Taproot Foundation's pro bono consultants, nonprofit leaders, corporate practitioners, and philanthropic peers joined us for our first ever Town Hall series focused on introducing our 2017 Campaigns . We asked our communities to weigh-in on how pro bono could be successfully used to address two critical topics: Cultivating Leaders through Pro Bono Service and Engaging Tech Talent in Pro Bono Service.

Energy

Commercial Energy Storage: Sustainability’s Low-Hanging Fruit

Feb 27, 2017 3:00 PM ET

It is easy to talk about sustainability, especially when the timeframes for achieving quantifiable results are comfortably far in the future. It’s much harder to actually implement feasible sustainability programs that will have a significant business impact. A survey of more than 3,000 executives by the MIT Sloan Management Review and the Boston Consulting Group found that while nearly 90 percent of respondents consider a sustainability strategy essential to remaining competitive, only 60 percent have such a strategy. And only 25 percent have developed a clear business case for sustainability.

Events, Media & Communications

The Authoritative Voice for Wall Streeters," Says It ... Barron's Tells Mainstream Investors It's a "New Era of Sustainable Investing" ...And that is, in the Trumpian Era, No Less...

Feb 27, 2017 2:45 PM ET

The Barron's weekly newspaper is the "hot read" for Wall Streeters - both institutional and retail investors alike eagerly absorb the news and opinions of the editors, writers, and columnists. "Did you see Barron's....?" is a familiar question in the investment community.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Whole Planet Foundation® Launches 2017 Prosperity Campaign

Feb 27, 2017 2:40 PM ET

Responsible Production & Consumption

Video: General Motors Turns Recycled Water Bottles into Car Parts, Air Filters and Coat Insulation

Feb 27, 2017 2:00 PM ET

Through its Do Your Part program, General Motors is turning recycled water bottles into car parts, air filters, and insulation for coats for the homeless. In this video, GM's global manager of waste reduction, John Bradburn, explains how the process works.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Palm Oil in the Spotlight: HSBC Stops Lending to Companies Involved in Deforestation

Feb 27, 2017 1:30 PM ET

HSBC recently pledged to cut ties with companies connected to deforestation for palm oil in major production zones. The decision followed a report from Greenpeace that highlighted HSBC’s connection with palm oil companies involved in the destruction of rainforests.

Diversity & Inclusion

Black Women and STEM: How Hidden Figures is Inspiring a New Generation

Feb 27, 2017 12:50 PM ET

On February 26th movie fans all over the world tuned into the 89th Academy Awards ceremony, better known as the Oscars, where the best films of 2016 were honored. La La Land has received a record 14 Oscar nominations, but it’s another film and its story that is gathering much critical acclaim and popular following.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Finding Forever Families for Children in Foster Care

Feb 27, 2017 11:00 AM ET

Children served by the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Program are up to 3 times more likely to get adopted.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Shire and SeriousFun: Our First Year Together

Feb 27, 2017 10:40 AM ET

In 2016, Shire announced its partnership with SeriousFun Children’s Network, a global community of 30 camps and programs around the world that provide transformative camp experiences to children living with serious illnesses and their families – totally free of charge.

Environment

Better Business, Better World

Feb 27, 2017 10:35 AM ET

Antea Group: The Early Years:

From the beginning, we believed that our work could make a difference, our intellect could solve challenges and our imagination could unlock possibilities. We opened our doors in 1986, just as environmental policy welcomed the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA), a piece of legislation that emphasized the cleanup expectations and transparency around toxic releases and hazardous waste sites. We only had three clients but that was enough. Read more about the Antea Group story at our website.

Green Infrastructure

Hawaii Convention Center's Green Efforts Help 2016 IUCN World Conservation Congress Achieve Coveted Sustainability Certification

Feb 27, 2017 10:30 AM ET

AEG’s Hawaii Convention Center (HCC) showcases sustainability in aiding 2016 IUCN World Conservation Congress achieve sustainability certification. The event was hosted for the first time in the United States at Hawaii’s premier meeting facility.

Diversity & Inclusion

Medtronic Encourages Young Women to Pursue Tech Careers

Feb 27, 2017 10:30 AM ET

Women are “woefully under-represented” in the science and technology professions, according to Sheri Henck, vice president of global supply chain at Medtronic. She urged the teenagers to pursue their interests in any STEM field. “There may be times when you’re the only female in the room. It can be scary. Embrace that as an opportunity. Use your voice. Speak up. You will be inspiring others who may not be as courageous.”

Diversity & Inclusion

Yum! Brands, KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell Expand Parental Time-Off Policy and Family Benefits for U.S. Corporate Employees

Feb 27, 2017 10:10 AM ET

Yum! Brands (NYSE: YUM) today announced an expanded parental time-off policy as part of the Company’s ongoing commitment to its people-first culture and investment in its employees. The expanded parental time-off policy offers birth mothers 18 weeks of fully paid time away from work, including six weeks of “baby bonding” time. In addition, the policy offers six weeks of fully paid “baby bonding” time away from work to fathers, partners, adoptive and foster parents.

Energy

First Tidal Energy Turbine with Lockheed Martin Technology Deployed Off Scotland Coast

Feb 27, 2017 9:45 AM ET

Atlantis Resources Limited has deployed the first AR1500 tidal energy turbine with new Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) technology off the coast of Scotland. The installation is the latest development in the MeyGen project designed to harness the motion of the tides to provide clean, sustainable, predictable power for up to 175,000 homes in Scotland.

Environment

CITGO Earth Keepers Program Plants Trees at Local Schools

Feb 27, 2017 9:30 AM ET

In January, representatives from the CITGO Earth Keepers recycling program planted trees at participating local schools to recognize students and teachers for recycling.

Innovation & Technology

HPE Video | How IoT Will Bring a More Connected Future

Feb 27, 2017 8:15 AM ET

Research, Reports & Publications

Walgreens Boots Alliance Publishes Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2016

Feb 27, 2017 8:00 AM ET

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. today released its annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report for fiscal 2016, highlighting the company’s ongoing support for people in its communities and workplaces, and overall progress toward its environmental and social goals.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Tetra Tech’s Deena Garland Highlighted in Woman Engineer Magazine

Feb 27, 2017 8:00 AM ET

Using engineering to address global water challenges through work and volunteer efforts

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Subaru Gives Back With Share the Love

Feb 27, 2017 8:00 AM ET

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Albertsons Cause Marketing Program Nominated for Halo Awards

Feb 27, 2017 5:45 AM ET

The Albertsons Cos. Foundation and the Entertainment Industry Foundation have received recognition in the 2017 Halo Awards for Hunger Is,their joint charitable program dedicated to ending childhood hunger in America.

Research, Reports & Publications

RBS Takes First Step on Journey Towards Fully Integrated Reporting: We Are Building a More Sustainable Bank

Feb 27, 2017 4:00 AM ET

“We are committed to running the bank as a more sustainable and responsible business, serving today’s customers in a way that also helps future generations, generating long term value for all of our stakeholders and society.” Ross McEwan, RBS CEO

Education

National Geographic Authors Uncover, Explore and Commemorate African American History

Feb 24, 2017 7:45 PM ET

In continued celebration of Black History Month, National Geographic recently released books by authors, Ann Bausum and Michael H. Cottman, who have each devoted their careers to discovery, research, exploration and impact. These authors tell the unvarnished truth about African American history during the slave trade (Cottman’s Shackles From The Deep) and the Civil Rights Movement (Bausum’s The March Against Fear). While Black History Month is coming to a close, these books and the authors' thoughts, below, remind us that black history is America’s history and celebrated every day.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

L’Oréal Transforms Self-Doubt Into Self-Worth

Feb 24, 2017 4:45 PM ET

This year, we have seen an undeniable shift in what companies communicate to consumers. An increasing number of brands are choosing to amplify their commitment to company values and promote diversity and acceptance. The beauty industry especially is dedicated to breaking stereotypes and creating inclusive campaigns that encourage consumers to fearlessly express their true selves, regardless of gender, race, or religion. This week, one of the biggest names in beauty took a stand and revealed their own plan to foster acceptance.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Keep America Beautiful Volunteer Spotlight: Rick and Sharon Hendry

Feb 24, 2017 4:45 PM ET

Rick Hendry of Brunswick, Georgia, claims, “Everyone has interest and a passion. No matter what your physical abilities are no matter how little time you have ... you can do something in line with your passion.” For Rick and his wife Sharon, their passions are recycling and community service. The couple retired to Brunswick four years ago and quickly jumped in to helping the community.

Environment

Old Wheels Get a New Life: Republic Services & Meridian Volunteers Save and Restore Bikes Destined For Landfill to Give to Families in Need

Feb 24, 2017 3:50 PM ET

In partnership with Republic Services of Boise, Ken Pierson-a local volunteer-has made a difference in the lives of dozens of Treasure Valley families by helping to repair and restore bicycles that have been diverted from the landfill to provide to families and children in need at the Boys and Girls Club and the Agency for New Americans.