When Hurricane Irma made landfall in the Florida Keys in 2017, many beaches were diminished by high winds and ocean activity. But when Irma struck Virginia Key, a barrier island in Miami, a dune replanted there by the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science — and more than 3,000 volunteers — kept out the surge.

The World Environment Center (WEC) is pleased to announce that its 35th annual Gold Medal for International Corporate Achievement in Sustainable Development will be awarded to Ingersoll Rand (NYSE: IR), a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ingersoll Rand, Michael W. Lamach, will accept the Gold Medal Award on Thursday, May 16, 2019, during the Gold Medal Presentation Ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Schneider Electric today released the 2019 Corporate Energy & Sustainability Progress Report, a look at the global trends, barriers and opportunities impacting enterprise energy and carbon-management programs. Although corporate teams responsible for these efforts still struggle with funding and data, the report reveals that a majority of large companies have set public-facing sustainability targets — goals that are driving the adoption of innovative strategies and technologies, and shifting perceptions of the value of conservation and climate action.

It’s been nearly 25 years since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandated that all food and beverage packaging carry the Nutrition Facts panel. These labels, now found on over 700,000 products, provide the consumer with information like serving sizes, calories per serving, ingredients and nutritional content.

“By driving our business to achieve positive economic, social and environmental impact, Abbott is delivering life-changing technologies, creating value in communities worldwide and achieving sustainable growth.” – Miles D. White, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Abbott, a global healthcare leader, strives to help people live their best lives through life-changing technology – but also focuses on making this important work sustainable for the future. With leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines, the company serves people in more than 160 countries and employs 103,000 people.

SCE has been educating business customers on energy-efficient equipment for 25 years. The Foodservice Technology Center was set up to test the energy efficiency of commercial electric kitchen appliances ranging from the pizza ovens to fryers, induction cooktops and soft-serve yogurt machines.

The NFL teamed with Arrow Electronics to host a live competition between five companies pitching innovative products and concepts aimed to enhance player health and safety. Additionally, four individuals were provided an opportunity to propose rule changes geared to reduce injuries on punt plays based on data.

A rising tide of companies around the world are waking up to the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change and other environmental issues, according to a new report from Trucost, part of S&P Global, and GreenBiz Group.

This month, Bloomberg released the 2019 Gender-Equality Index (GEI), which includes 230 companies across industries that are committed to transparency in gender reporting and promoting equality. In my role as the head of the Index, I have had the opportunity to connect with business leaders from many of these organizations and gain a stronger insight into why companies report gender data and the value in participating. Below are a few highlights from my conversations with CEOs across the globe on the impact the Bloomberg GEI has had on their organizations.

United Way Greater Toronto announced a $15-million investment from Scotiabank to help ensure that young people in the GTA have the opportunities and resources they need to have a bright future. The funds – the largest corporate commitment in United Way Greater Toronto's history – will be invested in a network of agencies across Peel, Toronto and York that support more than 245,000 young people and their families, each year.