ESG News from Leading Brands

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Uber Partner to Provide a Reliable Alternative to Help People Get Home Safely

Jun 30, 2016 4:30 PM ET

In 1986, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) introduced a new phrase into the general lexicon – the designated driver. Thirty years later, it is a phrase that continues to be used today to describe a non-drinking driver who drives someone who has been drinking.

Innovation & Technology

Sodexo’s Maximo System Leads Global Asset Management

Jun 30, 2016 4:30 PM ET

From small businesses to large conglomerates with facilities across the globe, the daunting task of protecting a building’s infrastructure through quality facilities management looms large over institutions. Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Life Services, has implemented an Asset Management Framework— a set of documents, systems and processes that addresses an organization’s asset management responsibilities— to use with facilities management clients. Sodexo’s Asset Management Framework is designed to meet rigorous ISO:55000 requirements—the international standard in facilities asset management.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Aramark and American Heart Association Teach Philadelphia Moms Healthy Shopping Tips as part of Educational Series on Living a Healthy Lifestyle

Jun 30, 2016 4:30 PM ET

Local moms from Episcopal Community Services in Philadelphia recently visited a grocery store in their neighborhood to participate in a healthy eating class hosted by Aramark and the American Heart Association.

Innovation & Technology

The Role of Technology in Corporate Giving

Jun 30, 2016 4:15 PM ET

Now, more than ever before, technology is helping companies focus more time on strategy and measuring their return on investment in social and business objectives.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation Announce $250,000 Towards West Virginia Flood Relief Efforts

Jun 30, 2016 4:10 PM ET

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have made a commitment to provide support through cash and in-kind donations of $250,000 to organizations helping with relief efforts for those affected by the floods in West Virginia. Working closely with the Salvation Army, American Red Cross and Team Rubicon, coordination efforts are being made with elected officials and governmental entities across the region to meet the needs of those affected by the overwhelming flooding in the West Virginia region this week.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Aramark Names David Stevens 2016 Volunteer of the Year for Extraordinary Volunteer Commitment in Charlotte, NC

Jun 30, 2016 4:00 PM ET

David Stevens, Manager of Capital Planning for Aramark’s Healthcare Technologies division, has been honored as the company’s 2016 Volunteer of the Year, in recognition of his commitment to volunteer service and leadership in his community.

Diversity & Inclusion

PHOTO: National Grid Employees ‘Stand Down’ for Veterans

Jun 30, 2016 4:00 PM ET

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Guest Blog: The Real Superheroes

Jun 30, 2016 3:00 PM ET

I have been a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiter for more than four years and have come to crave the adrenaline rush of getting a new child on my caseload, to start learning about this child and the excitement of feeling like I may have just found the family for a child (I have been known to run down the hallway of my office a time or two in celebration).

Diversity & Inclusion

Innovations in Flight Family Day & Aviation Display at National Air and Space Museum Fuels Kids’ Interest in Aviation

Jun 30, 2016 2:30 PM ET

Diversity & Inclusion

The Inclusion Imperative: Using Pro Bono Service to Advance Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Goals

Jun 30, 2016 2:00 PM ET

Innovation & Technology

For Global Organizations, a Single Solution for Asset Management

Jun 30, 2016 1:45 PM ET

ISO:55000 sounds like the name for the latest addition to the Star Trek fleet, but it’s actually the international gold standard in facilities asset management. This sounds a lot less exciting, unless, like me, you are focused on improving the Quality of Life for clients and customers in their buildings through an improved Asset Management Framework (AMF). For me, ISO:55000 certification is not only exciting, it’s the pinnacle of achievement!

Responsible Production & Consumption

Modern Day Slavery Breakdown: Laws in Place to Mitigate Slavery In the Supply Chain

Jun 30, 2016 1:30 PM ET

Energy

Five Cities That Are Leading the Way on Solar Power

Jun 30, 2016 1:30 PM ET

Solar power is rapidly expanding in the U.S. — by 2015, there was enough solar capacity to power 5.4 million American homes. And the nation’s major cities are leading the revolution to power their metropolises with clean energy and sustainable lifestyles.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Major Leaguers Bestow $100,000 Grant from the Players Trust to Our Military Kids

Jun 30, 2016 1:15 PM ET

The Major League Baseball Players Trust today announced it has awarded a $100,000 grant to the nonprofit Our Military Kids, to assist with the organization’s efforts to provide the children of military personnel with opportunities to fulfill their dreams and aspirations.

Events, Media & Communications

Corporate CEO Weighs In on Sustainability With Advice for His Peers, NGOs, Government

Jun 30, 2016 12:30 PM ET

It’s good to hear from corporate CEOs on sustainability issues, and especially relevant when a CEO offers advice to his peers based on his own experience and values. Mads Nipper, Group President & CEO of the Illinois-based Grundfus Pump Corporation, attended the UN Global Compact meeting in New York City and offered his perspective on the influential Huffington Post platform.

Environment

Getting Clean Water From the Unlikeliest of Places

Jun 30, 2016 12:05 PM ET

For cities like Singapore that are experiencing explosive population growth amid a climate that continues to be impacted by global warming, turning to innovative methods like water treatment and desalination may help meet the high demand for the natural resource.

Environment

Nashville Students Learn About Landfills with Republic Services

Jun 30, 2016 12:05 PM ET

Middle Point Landfill in Nashville, TN recently hosted 25 students from Christiana Middle School to discuss how the landfill works, how the trucks work, and to learn more about recycling. The youth group received Frisbees and balls made of recycled material.

Environment

Whirlpool Corporation Meets New Sustainability Standard in Dryers

Jun 30, 2016 12:00 PM ET

Select Whirlpool Corporation clothes dryers are being certified by the Association for Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) as meeting the new AHAM sustainability standards announced today.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Timberland Kicks Off Five-Year Urban Greening Commitment with Restoration Project in New York

Jun 30, 2016 12:00 PM ET

Last week, global outdoor lifestyle brand Timberland helped transform a community garden in New York as part of the brand’s commitment to urban greening. More than 100 volunteers pulled on their boots in partnership with local non-profit GrowNYC, to restore the United We Stand Garden—a 32,000 sq. foot garden in the Mott Haven neighborhood of South Bronx.

Education

Harvard University Faculty Mentor David Mooney on Luck in Mentorship

Jun 30, 2016 12:00 PM ET

Any Amgen Scholar would be fortunate to land in David Mooney’s cell and tissue engineering lab at Harvard University. In the past year alone, his team of 40 scientists -- 10 of them undergraduates -- has packaged cancer vaccines into new scaffold-like materials. They’ve made elastic gels on which bone stem cells stand a better chance of survival. And they have developed strands of nanomaterials that can deliver drug “refills” to existing drug-eluting implants.

Diversity & Inclusion

Chief Human Resources Officer Monique Herena on How BNY Mellon’s People Create Change for Clients and Communities

Jun 30, 2016 12:00 PM ET

BNY Mellon’s employees are integral to its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment. They drive outcomes for clients and provide time and resources to foster positive change in their communities, delivering on the firm’s responsible business priorities.

Innovation & Technology

One Safe Drop: Africaqua Harnesses Innovation for Accessible Clean Water in Kenya

Jun 30, 2016 11:35 AM ET

AfricAqua, a social enterprise focused on innovative solutions for delivering clean water to low-income communities, joined the Business Call to Action (BCtA) with a commitment to provide 20,000 Kenyans with access to safe drinking water through 100 Watershop water outlets.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Holland America Line Hosts American Cancer Society’s ‘A Toast to Life’ Fundraiser Luncheon on Board ms Amsterdam in Seattle

Jun 30, 2016 11:30 AM ET

At a recent fundraising luncheon for Seattle’s American Cancer Society chapter aboard ms Amsterdam, Holland America Line President Orlando Ashford spoke about his company’s commitment to raising money that will save lives and help end cancer. The cruise line hosted the fundraiser Sunday, June 12, at the Port of Seattle as a launch event for Hope Gala, an ASC black-tie celebration, live auction and exclusive dining experience to be held in September featuring Seattle chefs and local vintners.

Environment

LG Electronics Gas Clothes Dryers First In World To Meet New Sustainability Standard

Jun 30, 2016 11:05 AM ET

Gas clothes dryers from LG Electronics are the first in the world to meet the requirements of CSA verification for industry’s new Sustainability Standard for Household Clothes Dryers. Building on their ENERGY STAR® certification, more LG gas and electric dryers than any other brand, a total of 32 LG models, achieved the scores required to meet the new environmental standard, according to CSA Group, which verified the units following extensive testing and data analysis.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

U.S. Conference of Mayors, Wells Fargo Announce 2016 CommunityWINS Grants

Jun 30, 2016 10:30 AM ET

The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) and Wells Fargo today announced Mayors Charlie Hales of Portland, Ore.; Setti Warren of Newton, Mass.; and Steve Williams of Huntington, W. Va. are recognized with top honors on behalf of nonprofits in their cities with the 2016 CommunityWINS® Grant Program funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation.