ESG News from Leading Brands

Energy

Is California the New Hub for Electric Transportation?

Feb 19, 2019 8:00 AM ET

With a growing number of companies like Tesla and electric bus manufacturer Proterra headquartered in California, it’s worth exploring whether the state is becoming a hub for electric transportation.

Research, Reports & Publications

Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation-Supported Research Examines Residential Outdoor Water Use

Feb 19, 2019 8:00 AM ET

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation was one of several funders to support a two-year long Landscape Transformation study conducted by the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE). AWE’s study was the most expansive and diverse assessment to date of outdoor water efficiency programs implemented by water providers throughout North America.

Research, Reports & Publications

RBS Publishes 2018 Integrated Strategic Report

Feb 19, 2019 8:00 AM ET

“We are building a more sustainable bank; a more responsible company, doing business in a more sustainable way. We consider the long-term impacts of our actions in our decision making, and we are proud that our enterprise and financial education programmes show the difference we’re making for our customers and communities. Continuing to live by our values and providing, simple, safe and more customer focused banking will help us to build trust for the long term.”

Diversity & Inclusion

Let’s Protect The Dreamers

Feb 19, 2019 7:30 AM ET

On February 11, 2019, our CEO, Hans Vestberg, along with over 100 other CEOs representing nearly every sector of the American economy urged Congress to pass a permanent, bipartisan solution this year to protect the Dreamers.

Sustainable Development Goals

Deputy Executive Secretary, UN Climate Change Joins Ethical Corporation’s Responsible Business Summit Europe

Feb 19, 2019 5:10 AM ET

Ovais Sarmad joins CEOs and business leaders from all over the world to discuss how to lead the sustainable future through innovation, collaboration and investment at Ethical Corporation’s Responsible Business Summit June 10-12

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Fortune Ranks Comcast NBCUniversal #3 on 'Best Big Companies to Work For' List

Feb 18, 2019 12:30 PM ET

Comcast NBCUniversal was named one of the 2019 FORTUNE “Best Big Companies to Work For,” ranking #3 on the inaugural list, according to global research and consulting firm Great Place to Work and Fortune. It’s an honor to be on this list, alongside many other impressive companies. This recognition is a reflection of all of our fantastic employees around the world. From a range of professions, including engineering and software design to create products our customers love; to news, entertainment, film, and theme park production – our employees bring their passion and commitment to work every day, building an inclusive environment where all ideas can be shared and heard.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Aflac and CMN Hospitals Named a 2019 Halo Awards Finalist

Feb 18, 2019 11:45 AM ET

Engage For Good’s Halo Awards are North America’s highest honor for corporate social initiatives and cause marketing and showcase successful consumer engagement and employee engagement efforts. This prestigious CSR, cause marketing and corporate social impact award focuses on initiatives where brand purpose and social impact intersect to help build a better world and the bottom line.

This year, Aflac and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals are proud to be named a finalist in the Best Health Initiative for My Special Aflac Duck.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

75% of Schneider Electric Employees Are Covered by the Group’s New Global Family Leave Policy

Feb 18, 2019 10:30 AM ET

At Schneider Electric, we believe ‘Great People Make Schneider Electric a Great Company'. Our Diversity and Inclusion ambition is to provide equal opportunities to everyone everywhere and to ensure all employees feel uniquely valued and safe to contribute their best. What defines family, life and work for our people is changing everyday. We need policies to address the diverse needs of all our employees, no matter who they are, where they live, and how they manage their unique life and work.

Environment

Consumers Energy Foundation Calls for Planet Awards Applications Supporting Michigan’s Natural Resources with $500,000

Feb 18, 2019 10:20 AM ET

The Consumers Energy Foundation is strengthening its commitment to Michigan’s environment by announcing new plans to provide $500,000 to nonprofits for projects aiming to preserve, restore and protect Michigan’s natural resources.

The first Planet Awards will provide as much as $250,000 to two or more Michigan nonprofits aiming to make a positive impact on the state’s land, water, or air.

Innovation & Technology

These Employees Invented a Device That Could Save Lives

Feb 18, 2019 10:00 AM ET

Rick Freeman left work thinking about a conversation he had with his co-worker Brandon Garrison about how to improve a safety process at Allen Steam Station. The next day, he came back to work with an idea that could save lives in factories and power plants nationwide.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

European Commission Is Planning to Update the Non-Binding Guidelines on Non-financial Reporting

Feb 18, 2019 9:15 AM ET

The Technical Expert Group on Sustainable Finance set up by the European Commission in July 2018 has published its first report on companies' disclosure of climate-related information in January 2019.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Ingersoll Rand Receives United Way “Spirit of North Carolina Award” for Citizenship Efforts in Central Carolina

Feb 18, 2019 9:00 AM ET

Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR), a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments, received the “Spirit of North Carolina” award in recognition of its excellence in conducting a United Way campaign, philanthropic culture and community partnership. The award honors Ingersoll Rand’s 2018 campaign that included a donation of $1.4 million to the United Way of Central Carolinas and employee volunteerism to address the most critical community needs- hunger, housing and shelter.

Diversity & Inclusion

GMAAN and Cadillac Discover 'The Power of Reinvention'

Feb 18, 2019 9:00 AM ET

The General Motors African Ancestry Network, in partnership with Cadillac, discovered “The Power of Reinvention” during its 13th annual Black History Month Program. This year’s theme acknowledged the power of the organization’s collective history born out of diverse experiences to bring together GM employees and the community.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

How These Dogs Are Trained to Save Lives in an Avalanche

Feb 18, 2019 8:30 AM ET

Thomson named the puppy Skadi after the Nordic goddess of winter as a nod to the blizzard. Today, they are one of five teams attending the WBR school thanks to a scholarship from Subaru, a partner of the National Ski Patrol, a non-profit founded in 1938 that has more than 30,000 ski patrollers working to keeping people safe on mountains across the country.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

ASCSC Community Foundation Hosts Pop-Up Prom Dress Giveaway for 300 High School Students at Dignity Health Sports Park

Feb 16, 2019 11:00 AM ET

Environment

Going Green for a More Sustainable Business and Future

Feb 15, 2019 3:30 PM ET

A focus on the environment not only supports Symantec’s business objectives—it also contributes to the urgent action needed to combat global climate change and other environmental challenges. We launched the “Going Green in 2018” campaign to encourage employees to take part in our environmental sustainability efforts, while also learning about opportunities for individual actions.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Jackson Charitable Foundation and Discovery Education Announce “Cha-Ching™ Money Smart Kids!” Elementary School Contest Winner

Feb 15, 2019 2:50 PM ET

Jackson Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit with the mission to advance financial knowledge on a national scale, and Discovery Education, the leading provider of digital curriculum resources, digital content, and professional development for K-12 classrooms, today announced Larry Miller Intermediate School in New Concord, Ohio as the $10,000 grand prize winner of the Cha-Ching Money Smart Kids! Contest.

Innovation & Technology

Human Rights Must be Front and Center for Artificial Intelligence, IoT, and Privacy

Feb 15, 2019 2:30 PM ET

Artificial intelligence and the internet of things have the potential to drive unprecedented productivity, reduce pollution, and improve human health. With the rollout of advanced, high speed wireless connectivity known as 5G in the next few years, the number of connected devices will explode: 28.5 billion devices are expected to be networked by 2022 growing to 300 billion connected devices and things by 2030.

Diversity & Inclusion

PNC Joins the Business Coalition for the Equality Act

Feb 15, 2019 12:30 PM ET

PNC has joined the Business Coalition for the Equality Act, a group of leading U.S. employers that support the Equality Act, federal legislation that would provide the same basic protections to members of the LGBTQ+ community as are provided to other protected groups under federal law.

Diversity & Inclusion

When You Realize, It’s Not Just You. – Shedding Light on Gender and Navigating Academia

Feb 15, 2019 12:05 PM ET

Or how two professors are bringing awareness and a voice to gender issues in higher education: Erb Staffer Carolyn Kwant talks with Sara Soderstrom, Asst. Professor, University of Michigan and Maria Farkas, Asst. Professor, Department of Management, Imperial College Business School.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Finance for Vulnerable Populations: Why Blockchain Might Be a Force for Good

Feb 15, 2019 12:00 PM ET

As is usually the case with disruptive new technology, blockchain comes with a lot of hype. While its best-known application, bitcoin, divides opinion and makes banks and governments nervous, the technology may have great potential to advance social good.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Duke Energy Earns EEI's ‘Emergency Recovery Award’ for Power Restoration Efforts in Carolinas After Hurricane Florence

Feb 15, 2019 11:25 AM ET

Duke Energy has received the Edison Electric Institute’s (EEI) “Emergency Recovery Award” for the company’s outstanding power restoration efforts after Hurricane Florence hit North Carolina and South Carolina in September 2018.

Diversity & Inclusion

Northern Trust Walk 'N Talk Encourages Employees to Meet Coworkers

Feb 15, 2019 11:10 AM ET

Health & Healthcare

Futurebuild Does Well Announcing New Strategic Partner for 2019

Feb 15, 2019 10:50 AM ET

Futurebuild is solidifying its commitment to putting well-being at the heart of buildings and communities by announcing the International WELL Building Institute™ (IWBI™) as a strategic partner for 2019. With IWBI as a strategic partner of Futurebuild and headline partner of the new-for-2019 Interiors Hub, the importance of designing for health and well-being will be central to the agenda, showcasing the latest research, case studies and practical design guidance.

Research, Reports & Publications

Schneider Sustainability Impact 2018-2020 Has Exceeded Its Target Score of 5/10 for 2018, Achieving 6.10/10

Feb 15, 2019 10:30 AM ET

For the fourth year, Schneider Electric, the leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, announces its financial and non-financial results together for the fourth quarter of 2018. Each quarter, Schneider Electric publishes 21 indicators from the Schneider Sustainability Impact, measuring progress towards its ambitious sustainability commitments for 2018 to 2020, in line with the COP 21 and United Nations objectives. With a total score of 6.10 out of 10 at end-December 2018, the Group has exceeded its Schneider Sustainability Impact target of 5 out of 10 for the end of 2018.