ESG News from Leading Brands

Responsible Production & Consumption

Albertsons Companies Builds on Commitment to Source Sustainable Palm Oil

Jan 27, 2016 7:00 AM ET

Palm oil is one of the most widely used vegetable oils, accounting for ~65% of all vegetable oil traded internationally. It can be found in thousands of products, from food items like baked goods and ice cream to personal care products such as cosmetics, shampoos and detergents. Palm oil is derived from the fruit of oil palm trees which are found in tropical regions such as Indonesia and Malaysia. However, oil palm plantations can also have adverse environmental impact such as destruction of tropical forests to plant oil palm trees, and social impacts that affect the health and well-being of the local people if not properly managed. This is why Albertsons Companies has made it a priority to source from suppliers that use certified sustainably sourced palm oil for its Own Brand products.

Events, Media & Communications

Conflict Minerals Compliance in 2016: How to Approach Reporting Year Three

Jan 26, 2016 7:05 PM ET

Whether you are just getting started or would like to make improvements to your existing conflict minerals program, this webinar will provide guidance for year three of conflict minerals compliance and reporting.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Boeing Provides $15K Grant to Alabama Sustainable Energy Group

Jan 26, 2016 4:00 PM ET

An educational program of the Alabama Center for Sustainable Energy has received a major boost from the Boeing Company.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Cruise Lines Adopt Environmentally Friendly Practices

Jan 26, 2016 4:00 PM ET

The cruise industry produces nearly one billion tons of sewage every year, apart from consuming several million tons of fuel.

Environment

MacGillivray Freeman Film's "National Parks Adventure 3D" Narrated by Academy Award® Winner, Robert Redford Commemorates the U.S. National Park Service's 100-Year Anniversary on the Giant Screen Opening at the California Science Center on February 12

Jan 26, 2016 3:55 PM ET

MacGillivray Freeman Film's National Parks Adventuretakes audiences on the ultimate off-trail adventure into the nation's awe-inspiring great outdoors and untamed wilderness when it arrives at the California Science Center on February 12, 2016.

Events, Media & Communications

Marvel Joins Forces with Wounded Warrior Project for VENOM: SPACE KNIGHT Storyline

Jan 26, 2016 3:10 PM ET

This spring, a special Marvel Comics storyline will delve into the trials, perseverance, and eventual triumph of wounded veterans aided and informed by one of the leading non-profit organizations dedicated to these wounded service members – Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP).

Social Impact & Volunteering

Major Leaguers, Action Team Captains Assist Troubled Veterans and their Families

Jan 26, 2016 3:00 PM ET

Forty-five Action Team Captains from Southern California joined Major Leaguers Trevor Plouffe (Twins), Rob Rasmussen (Angels) and Chad Smith (Rangers) in a project intended to help normalize the lives of troubled veterans and their families.

Responsible Production & Consumption

EU Conflict Minerals: Are We There Yet?

Jan 26, 2016 2:00 PM ET

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act was one of the most groundbreaking pieces of legislation to go through in recent years. Section 1502 states that all SEC publicly traded companies must go through a mandatory due diligence process to confirm their manufacturing materials are sourced, conflict free.

Diversity & Inclusion

Wynn Resorts Supports Employees’ Path to Citizenship

Jan 26, 2016 1:50 PM ET

Thousands of workers representing various races and cultures make up the Wynn Family. To aid those seeking citizenship, Wynn offers citizenship classes to employees.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Steps India Must Take to Achieve Financial Inclusion

Jan 26, 2016 1:35 PM ET

India’s financial inclusion campaign has been in the spotlight, winning an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records for the number of bank accounts opened in the shortest period of time (over 18 million accounts in the campaign’s first week).

Events, Media & Communications

MGM Resorts Foundation’s Women’s Leadership Conference Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Jan 26, 2016 1:00 PM ET

The MGM Resorts Foundation today announced that registration is open for the 10th Annual Women’s Leadership Conference. Hosted by MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM), the conference is Aug. 8-9, 2016, at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Stakeholder to Shareholder Alchemy: CSR Management as a Catalyst for Change

Jan 26, 2016 12:30 PM ET

Corporate Social Responsibility is bringing communities and corporations together in ways that will change the future. As boardrooms around the world begin to feels its presence, CSR continues to present a whole host of opportunities and challenges for businesses.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Walmart, Coca-Cola, Nestlé and PepsiCo Come Together to Provide Flint, Mich., Public Schools with Water for Students Through the End of the Year

Jan 26, 2016 11:55 AM ET

Walmart today announced support for the Flint, Mich., community through donations, education and online services. Walmart, Coca-Cola, Nestlé and PepsiCo will collectively donate water to meet the daily needs of over 10,000 school children for the balance of the calendar year. That translates to 176 truckloads, or up to 6.5 million bottles of water, to help with relief efforts for those affected by the water crisis in Flint.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Financial Stability Board Announces Industry-Led Task Force On Climate-Related Disclosure

Jan 26, 2016 11:35 AM ET

It is time to stop pretending that hitherto different worlds for investors and markets are not coming together. They are, and they might just make for better business, and a safer world for everyone, including investors.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Why a Balanced Motivational Style Will Elevate Employee Performance

Jan 26, 2016 11:30 AM ET

The source of an employee’s motivation can have a profound effect on the work they produce. One factor for motivation may be compensation.

Environment

Celebrating Green Performance

Jan 26, 2016 11:15 AM ET

On the corporate level, we continue to track our environmental performance and progress using industry benchmarks like the Carbon Disclosure Project and the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Creating a GreenQuest culture across our company has proven to yield new innovations and measurable improvements time and time again.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Sanofi - From Drugs Production to Fight Against Counterfeit Medicines

Jan 26, 2016 10:35 AM ET

In Tours, France, the production site of Sanofi is hosting the Central Anti-Counterfeit Laboratory. We meet with Nathalie Tallet, head of the laboratory, and Pascal Bourin, Site Director Sanofi Tours.

Environment

Reflections on Laudato Si - Continued

Jan 26, 2016 10:30 AM ET

It’s why building the circular economy is so important. When you design for disassembly, eliminate the concept of waste and optimize the utility of our limited raw materials, as nature so beautifully does, you offer hope of a future where the needs of all people can be met without threatening the biosphere. You offer a chance for growth without squeezing the planet dry.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

CSX Earns Spot on CDP’s Supplier A List

Jan 26, 2016 10:30 AM ET

As CSX continues to maximize its role as the most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly way to move goods over land, the company announced today that it achieved a position on the CDP Supplier A List for 2015.

Responsible Production & Consumption

H&M Among the Most Sustainable Companies According to the Global 100 Index

Jan 26, 2016 10:00 AM ET

Recently the 2016 iteration of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World (Global 100) index was released during the World Economic Forum in Davos. H&M is included in the list for the sixth consecutive year and ranked number 20 overall.

Events, Media & Communications

Rebuilding Together Names Caroline Blakely as President and CEO; Sherry Chris as Board Chair

Jan 26, 2016 10:00 AM ET

The national board of directors of Rebuilding Together today announced that Caroline Blakely has joined the organization as President and CEO. Blakely will be responsible for the overall management of Rebuilding Together, a national nonprofit that transforms the lives of low-income homeowners by improving the safety and health of their homes and revitalizes communities. Sherry Chris, who is President and CEO of Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, was elected chair of the national board of directors.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Avista Operations Manager Receives Patriot Award

Jan 26, 2016 10:00 AM ET

Recently, one of Avista’s Operations Managers received an award for providing exceptional support for employees who serve in the military. This recognition speaks to Avista’s company-wide commitment to supporting military service and the organization’s culture and environment that is based on integrity and respect.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Does the Paper Trail Speak French? Oui!

Jan 26, 2016 9:55 AM ET

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Named Nation’s First Newspaper Facility to Achieve Zero Waste by U.S. Zero Waste Business Council

Jan 26, 2016 9:30 AM ET

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) announced today that it has been awarded the GOLD level certification from the U.S. Zero Waste Business Council (USZWBC) for successfully diverting nearly 99 percent of its waste from landfill, incineration and the environment.

Energy

National Grid Helps Quad/Graphics Boost Productivity While Reducing Energy Usage, Costs

Jan 26, 2016 9:20 AM ET