ESG News from Leading Brands

Health & Healthcare

Africa Has a New Health Challenge, and We Need a Plan to Fight It

May 12, 2016 7:00 AM ET

While the headlines might focus on Ebola or yellow fever, Africa is slowly winning the fight against infectious diseases. They will remain a challenge for decades to come, but the real threat of the future is expected to come from elsewhere: non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. We must find creative new ways to tackle these health challenges, which will call for us to pool resources and expertise from all those involved in the delivery of healthcare.

Research, Reports & Publications

Coca-Cola Enterprises Releases 11th Annual Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Report

May 12, 2016 5:00 AM ET

Coca-Cola Enterprises (NYSE/ Euronext Paris: CCE) has today launched its 11th annual Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CRS) report, providing an opportunity to reflect on CCE’s 10-year sustainability journey.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Electronic Payments Allow Charities to Focus on the Things That Matter

May 11, 2016 8:30 PM ET

When was the last time you sent someone a letter in the mail? Has it been a while? By contrast, when did you send your last email just by pushing a button? Technology and its ability to automate routine tasks is not only changing our lives, but also transforming the way we support meaningful causes. Writing a check is like writing a letter when there’s email. It’s wildly less efficient than using electronic payments. The global movement toward electronic payments is far more than just a “flavor of the day.” According to the latest survey done by the AFP (Association of Finance Professionals), 80% of North American companies are transitioning their B2B payments from paper checks to electronic payments, and several large countries have already ceased using checks completely.

Education

CTU and AT&T 2016 V4 Hackathon Winners Celebrate

May 11, 2016 8:25 PM ET

Team Babble won the US$10,000 grand prize at the CTU and AT&T* 2016 V4 Hackathon. The team created the winning mobile app during the 24-hour development contest.

Education

JetBlue Celebrates Launch of Service to Nashville With A Day of Surprises at Cane Ridge Elementary School

May 11, 2016 7:00 PM ET

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

National Grid Congratulates Boston for Ranking as Nation’s Top Start-Up Community

May 11, 2016 6:30 PM ET

The Innovation That Matters 2016 report, released today by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Chamber’s FreeEnterprise.com, and 1776, builds out a one-of-a-kind index comparing key statistics in 25 cities to show how well they are turning capital into successful tech industries.

Diversity & Inclusion

Bliss Dance: A Message of Women Empowerment

May 11, 2016 5:30 PM ET

She is a breathtaking, 40-foot-tall sculpture at The Park, indeed, but also a powerful statement about female strength. Learn about the story and message behind Bliss Dance at www.mgmthink.com.

Environment

Geophysicist Ole Kaven on Man-Made Earthquakes

May 11, 2016 4:10 PM ET

Apparently things are moving and shaking in Oklahoma, literally. In the past 8 years earthquakes in the “Sooner State” have increased from 2 a year to 2 a day. Is the expansion of gas and oil exploration during that same period of time a mere coincidence?

Social Impact & Volunteering

My First Comcast Cares Day

May 11, 2016 3:30 PM ET

Research, Reports & Publications

GM Strengthens Business, Communities Through Mobility

May 11, 2016 3:00 PM ET

The rules of vehicle use and ownership are changing rapidly, according to GM’s latest Sustainability Report (gmsustainability.com) released Tuesday. Connectivity, car-sharing, alternative propulsion and autonomous vehicles are key elements toward a future of safer, cleaner and more efficient mobility options for customers.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Honda Canada Foundations Raises $200,000 For Alberta Fire Relief and Recovery

May 11, 2016 3:00 PM ET

The Honda Canada Foundation along with Honda Canada Dealers combined to raise $200,000 to aid in the relief and recovery for those affected by the devastating wildfires in Alberta, Canada

Innovation & Technology

A One-Stop-Shop for Grants & Employee Engagement Isn’t What Corporate Philanthropy Needs

May 11, 2016 2:20 PM ET

There is an argument being made by many in the industry that corporate grants and employee engagement should be fully integrated and from one vendor.

Innovation & Technology

From Weapon of War to Beacon of Hope

May 11, 2016 1:30 PM ET

Roads were the biggest problem. So what if you could get around roads altogether?

The people at Zipline have backgrounds in building reliable robotics systems. They’ve seen first-hand how technology can make the impossible, possible. They knew there had to be a better way to deliver medical care to a region where lives depend on finding a better solution.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Overcoming the Housing Shortage for Mexico’s Poor Families Living in Rural Communities

May 11, 2016 1:15 PM ET

Innovation & Technology

How 5 Atlanta-based Companies are Leveraging Local Startups to Foster Innovation

May 11, 2016 1:00 PM ET

Five Atlanta-based companies are shrinking the gap between startup entrepreneurs and established businesses.

Environment

Xylem: Let's Solve Water

May 11, 2016 1:00 PM ET

The demand for water will increase 5 times by 2050 but the amount of fresh drinkable water on Earth always stays the same. Xylem finds ways to efficiently save, protect and control water. It's what we do every day.

Research, Reports & Publications

Sustainability Report Outlines GM’s Efforts to Strengthen Business, Communities through Mobility

May 11, 2016 12:45 PM ET

The 2015 Sustainability Report, Accelerating Ahead, uncovers how GM is sustainably moving the world through connectivity, car-sharing, alternative propulsion and autonomous vehicles.

Environment

3 Steps on the Path to More Sustainable Palm Oil

May 11, 2016 12:40 PM ET

Palm oil is a versatile ingredient, found in many household and food products, including from General Mills.

Events, Media & Communications

Laura Asiala of PYXERA Global Will Give a TEDx Talk in Traverse City, Michigan

May 11, 2016 12:00 PM ET

Listen, learn, link, and prepare to leave in order to be an effective leader and global citizen. Laura Asiala, Vice President of Client Relations and Public Affairs at PYXERA Global will give an inspirational TEDx talk May 11 in Traverse City, Michigan entitled The Five Habits of Effective Global Citizens, drawing on these five principles.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Prudential’s Lata Reddy receives Salute to the Policy Makers Award from Executive Women of New Jersey

May 11, 2016 11:35 AM ET

Lata Reddy, vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility and president of The Prudential Foundation, was honored on Thursday, May 5 at the Executive Women of New Jersey’s “Salute to the Policy Makers” award dinner. The award recognized the contributions of 38 of the most accomplished and influential women leaders who live and/or work in New Jersey.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

KeyBank Reaffirms Commitment to Western New York with Grants of More Than $1.7 Million to Lift Low- to Moderate-Income Communities

May 11, 2016 11:30 AM ET

KeyBank today reaffirmed its commitment to helping communities thrive in Western New York with several major philanthropic announcements for Buffalo. KeyCorp Chairman and CEO Beth Mooney said today’s announcements are further examples of KeyBank’s investment in New York as part of the pending merger with First Niagara Financial Group.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Climbing the Mountain of Food Waste

May 11, 2016 11:00 AM ET

For the past five weeks, I’ve been pointing out the scary side of food waste. But guess what folks? We can do this!

Research, Reports & Publications

At K-C Argentina, Sustainable Management is Based on Innovation, Quality and Service to Communities

May 11, 2016 10:30 AM ET

K-C Argentina has published its Sustainability Report which provides an overview of its economic, social and environmental performance from January to December 2015.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Boise City Enjoys the Benefits of Investing in Safety and Compressed Natural Gas

May 11, 2016 10:15 AM ET

Republic Services of Idaho recently presented the City of Boise with a check for $117,000 to launch the City’s first electric vehicle fleet. During the presentation, David Bedford was also recognized as NWRA’s National Driver of the Year (Industrial LOB).

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Seven Creative Ways to Convey the Value of EHS to Tech Execs

May 11, 2016 10:05 AM ET

More than one environment, health, and safety (EHS) manager – when frustrated about their tech companies' wavering focus on EHS – has warned executives that they might go to jail for insufficient attention to regulations. This "stick" approach may be needed on occasion, but today the strategic and creative "carrot" approaches to garnering full-company commitment to safe and responsible behaviors are winning out.