ESG News from Leading Brands

Environment

Beautiful Places Across South Carolina Will Benefit from Nearly $500,000 from Duke Energy

Nov 13, 2017 4:00 PM ET

The Duke Energy Foundation is investing nearly $500,000 in 14 South Carolina environmental nonprofit organizations. The grants will fund environmental projects, wildlife conservation efforts and environmental educational programs across the Duke Energy service territory in the state.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Voya Financial is Partnering with Special Olympics to Help Athletes Achieve their Goals Beyond Sport

Nov 13, 2017 3:05 PM ET

Voya Financial, Inc. (NYSE: VOYA) today announced the launch of Invest in Something Special, the newest component of the company's broader effort to support the special needs community. The weeklong Invest in Something Special effort runs through Nov. 19, and will share the near-term goals and lifetime aspirations of Special Olympics athletes to raise awareness of their contributions to the community and amplify their voice on social media. Voya has pledged to donate up to $500,000 to be shared among Special Olympics Programs across the country based on likes, shares and comments for each athlete's #InvestInSomethingSpecial story.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Salesforce.org, From Corporate Philanthropy to Social Enterprise

Nov 13, 2017 3:00 PM ET

Environment

As U.S. Sheds Role as Climate Change Leader, Who Will Fill the Void?

Nov 13, 2017 2:55 PM ET

When President Trump announced in June that the United States would withdraw from the Paris agreement, America officially ceded its global leadership on climate change.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

First Annual Stephen R. Kellert Biophilic Design Award Goes to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital

Nov 13, 2017 2:20 PM ET

The International Living Future Institute (ILFI), in partnership with Interface, honored the late scholar and Yale University social ecologist Stephen R. Kellert’s legacy with the first ever, Biophilic Design Award at the Greenbuild Expo in Boston. The award was presented to CPG Consultants Pte Ltd, Senior Vice President Ong Chin-Po, Jerry and Alexandra Health System, Director Donald Wai Wing Tai for Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in Singapore, in recognition of the innovative and extensive use of biophilic design to engage all of the senses to promote healing and wellbeing.

Environment

Keep America Beautiful Partnership With Zephyrhills® Brand Natural Spring Water Increases Access to On-The-Go Recycling Across Florida

Nov 13, 2017 1:30 PM ET

In advance of America Recycles Day, Keep America Beautiful and Zephyrhills® Brand 100% Natural Spring Water are honoring four Florida communities that have increased their on-the-go recycling rates. This effort was enabled by a grant from Zephyrhills® that funded 220 recycling bins to increase access to recycling on beaches and at other public recreation locations along Florida’s waterways.

Media & Communications

All Together Now -- Industries, Sectors & Professional Groups See Collective Efforts as the Way Forward for Managing Sustainability Issues

Nov 13, 2017 1:15 PM ET

There is encouraging news as corporate executives, managers and a range of professionals get together to address the risks and opportunities inherent in sustainability matters that could affect a particular industry, sector or profession. And, how with collective industry effort these challenges might be addressed.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

The Vanguard Group Adoption Policies Benefit Employees Looking to Grow Their Family

Nov 13, 2017 1:00 PM ET

Each year the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption ranks the nation’s Top 100 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces. Throughout November, National Adoption Month, we are sharing the adoption stories from our top adoption-friendly partners. This year The Vanguard Group was 18th on the list and shared one employee’s adoption journey. Mark Stevens and his wife were able to adopt twice because of the Vanugard adoption policies.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Whirlpool Corporation Named to 2017 Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index

Nov 13, 2017 1:00 PM ET

Whirlpool Corporation, the number one major appliance manufacturer in the world, has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and natural resource efficiency with its inclusion on the 2017 Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index. Whirlpool Corporation has made numerous strides in sustainability since opening a corporate office for environmental control in 1970.

Health & Healthcare

Join Our Quest for an Alzheimer’s Cure

Nov 13, 2017 12:50 PM ET

Alzheimer’s disease is an overwhelming degenerative condition for individuals and the family members who care for them. Yet there is hope in the promise of new research. Donors can help bring that promise to fruition by supporting innovative, high-quality scientific research through BrightFocus Foundation’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research program.

Events, Media & Communications

WEBINAR: How to Accelerate and Scale Your Renewable Energy Plan

Nov 13, 2017 12:30 PM ET

Are you interested in how companies are scaling their clean energy use? General Motors’ global manager of renewable energy, Rob Threlkeld, and Lily Donge, principal of the Rocky Mountain Institute’s Business Renewable Center, will lead a free GreenBiz webinar on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 1 p.m. eastern.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Astellas USA Foundation Grant Supports Free Physicals During Special Olympics Illinois’ 19th Annual MedFest

Nov 13, 2017 12:25 PM ET

For those living with intellectual disabilities, subtle stigma and discrimination can compromise the quality of health care they receive. To address this issue, Astellas USA Foundation provided a grant and recruited Astellas volunteers to support SO Illinois’ 19th annual Chicago MedFest on November 7.

Environment

Kimberly-Clark Asks You to Pause When You Flush This World Toilet Day

Nov 13, 2017 12:05 PM ET

Globally, 1 in 3 people don’t have access to a clean and safe toilet according to the World Health Organization. This Sunday, on World Toilet Day, we are encouraging people to pause while they flush and consider how the lack of basic sanitation facilities profoundly affects peoples’ lives.

Energy

Business Leaders Applaud Progress on Regional Approach to Cut Transportation Emissions

Nov 13, 2017 11:50 AM ET

As global leaders meet in Bonn to discuss efforts to tackle climate change, 7 states and the District of Columbia announced a regional stakeholder process in pursuit of policies to reduce emissions in the transportation sector. These states have decided to embark on an extended process over the coming year which could substantially transform the region’s transportation sector.

Research, Reports & Publications

New Report Finds Clean Energy Investment Trends Are Improving Investment Returns

Nov 13, 2017 11:50 AM ET

As investors converge in Bonn, Germany this week for the 23rd session of the Conference of the Parties, or COP23, to showcase how they are taking action to reduce the nation’s carbon footprint, a new report released today by the sustainability nonprofit organization Ceres and the Clean Energy Venture Fund (CEVF) finds that the accelerating trends in the clean energy technology investment market over the last seven years are expected to improve investment returns into the foreseeable future.

Energy

National Grid and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to Collaborate on Transmission Grid Modernization and Energy Storage Research

Nov 13, 2017 11:30 AM ET

National Grid, a leading US transmission company, and the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have entered into an agreement to work together on research in the areas of transmission grid modernization and energy storage technologies.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Business Value of Pro Bono: Innovate and Adapt

Nov 13, 2017 11:30 AM ET

Pro bono service is a powerful way to drive social change. Yet, many corporate employees looking to bring pro bono service to their company struggle to get buy-in from leadership and other key stakeholders. Although these stakeholders may understand the social value of pro bono, they don't always see the business value.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Over 7,800 Hours Volunteered by Xylem Employees During Global Month of Service

Nov 13, 2017 11:30 AM ET

To commemorate its anniversary in October, Xylem, a leading global water technology company dedicated to solving the world’s most challenging water issues, held its second annual Global Month of Service. Embracing the goals of Xylem’s corporate citizenship program, Xylem Watermark, employees around the world came together to provide and protect safe water resources for communities in need and to educate people about water issues. Throughout the month, Xylem employees volunteered more than 7,800 hours by participating in nearly 100 events in 28 countries.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Secret to Aging Well

Nov 13, 2017 11:25 AM ET

I just turned 60. It’s an interesting age. Passed the years of fearing the “F’s” (The Big 40 & 50), I have found this birthday easy to embrace. I’m more confident and knowledgeable and less insecure about the march of time across my limbs. I am ready to grow with age, not fight it. Part of this is maturity, part anticipation of senior discounts and part from the insights I benefit from in my line of work.

Environment

Hotel Industry Teams up With World Wildlife Fund and The Rockefeller Foundation to Reduce Food Waste

Nov 13, 2017 11:10 AM ET

Today, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), with support from The Rockefeller Foundation, unveil results from a set of projects demonstrating innovative strategies aimed at reducing food waste in the hotel industry. Based on the results, WWF, AHLA, and The Rockefeller Foundation are releasing a toolkit with strategies to help hotel properties and brands meet measurable, time-bound goals to reduce food waste.

Innovation & Technology

Internet Essentials: Military and Veterans

Nov 13, 2017 11:05 AM ET

Josh Delano is the father of two school age daughters, a Navy veteran, and a full-time student in the Electrical Engineering Department at Fresno State. He is also a part of the more than 4 million low-income Americans that have benefitted from the Internet Essentials program since 2011. Josh qualifies for Internet Essentials because his girls participate in the National School Lunch Program. Being a present father to his two daughters, and working on the challenge of clean and renewable energy are Josh’s two passions in life. Having Internet Essentials means he no longer needs to sacrifice time with his girls in order to achieve his goals.

Environment

Recovering Value from Exploration & Production Waste

Nov 13, 2017 11:00 AM ET

There’s a Renaissance in Texas’ Permian Basin. Not a renaissance of art or literature, but of oil. In the past year, the number of active drill rigs operating in the local area has tripled. More exploration and production (E&P) = more solids and liquid-based muds, or byproducts from the E&P processes that must be managed responsibly. The renaissance is great for business. But, it’s also good for the environment.

Innovation & Technology

Hey COP23: Bitcoin Miners Exploding CO2 Emissions!

Nov 13, 2017 10:45 AM ET

New Scientist reports Bitcoin miners conspicuous consumption of (mostly fossil-based) electricity at 23.07 terawatts annually, see "Bitcoin Energy Bill Matches Ecuador's!" “Thus, COP23’s newest challenge is from the growing speculative bubble of Bitcoin and the rush to additional cryptocurrencies.

Sustainable Development Goals

Bechtel CASE STUDY & PODCAST: Rethinking Construction, Workforce Development, and Local Economic Development

Nov 13, 2017 10:25 AM ET

As part of Bechtel’s commitment to contribute 100 ideas to support the United Nation’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this case study examines how large-scale construction projects can be transformative by shifting from local content programs to long-term economic development. This change enables governments to organize business partnerships more strategically, broaden local participation, and promote systemic change across national workforce policies and programs.

Education

Hormel Foods Announces 2017 Hormel Heroes Scholarship Recipients

Nov 13, 2017 10:15 AM ET

Hormel Foods Corporation today announced the recipients of its $10,000 2017 Hormel Heroes Scholarships. The Hormel Heroes Scholarship Program was created by Hormel Foods to support female students with military backgrounds pursuing careers in culinary arts or a foodservice management related program, and is administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).