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Ten to Watch: Joy Wolfram, Ph.D.

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SOURCE:Amgen Foundation

DESCRIPTION:

Postdoctoral Fellow at the Houston Methodist Research Institute

Education: University of Helsinki, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences

2009 Amgen Scholar

“Scientific breakthroughs have two components: crazy ideas and people with the courage to pursue them.”

Joy Wolfram is a postdoctoral fellow at the Houston Methodist Research Institute where she is working on drug delivery systems to directly target cancers. Her involvement in collaborative research between the U.S., China and European countries has led her to publish more than 30 scientific papers and be the recipient of over 20 academic awards. Joy finds inspiration in developing treatments that could benefit patients and hopes to soon run her own lab.

More from Joy Wolfram, Ph.D.:

“My vision of the future of science is dominated by multidisciplinary teams, digitalization and automation, and I am excited to be part of a generation that is the architect of this transformation.

My work involves approaching cancer treatment from a multidisciplinary perspective. One of the key themes in my research is using physics to understand cancer. I have developed drug delivery systems that can navigate through the body. For drugs to reach cancer cells, we need to address multiple obstacles including biological components (e.g. the blood vessel wall and cell membrane) and physics-based phenomena, such as fluid dynamics, pressure gradients and microenvironmental stiffness. My vision is to impact the future of cancer treatment by developing strategies to overcome these obstacles.

Cancer patients are the inspiration behind my research. Patients that have exhausted all their options frequently reach out to us in the hopes of finding a cure. Although clinical translation is an arduous process, the prospect of potentially providing new treatments for cancer patients acts as a catalyst that fuels my work and highlights the importance and urgency of our mission.

It was through the Amgen Scholars Program that my passion for cancer research was ignited. During the three months I spent at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, I took part in a project involving a newly discovered protein that increases cancer cell migration. This fascinating research led me to envision the practical applications of my work, fueling my desire to pursue translational cancer research.”

To learn more about the Amgen Scholars Program, please visit AmgenScholars.com and check out the #AmgenScholars hashtag on Twitter. Follow @AmgenFoundation to stay up to date with all STEM-related news from the Amgen Foundation.

Tweet me:“Scientific breakthroughs have two components: crazy ideas & people with the courage to pursue them.” #AmgenScholars http://bit.ly/2eynrRe

KEYWORDS: Education, Amgen Scholars, Amgen Scholars Program, Amgen Foundation, Joy Wolfram, Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Helsinki, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute


Tork Xpressnap® Comparison Video: Better Hygiene for Customers

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A smaller footprint for the environment

SOURCE:SCA

DESCRIPTION:

Tork Xpressnap® is North America’s best-selling line of napkin dispensing systems because it reduces napkin usage by at least 25%—Guaranteed!* That means fewer refills and lower labor costs. Better hygiene for customers.

A smaller footprint for the environment. And thanks to the One Napkin, Every Time™ dispensing system, patrons touch and take only the napkins they use.

Watch on Youtube

Tweet me:Tork Xpressnap® napkin dispensing systems reduces napkin usage by at least 25% http://bit.ly/2ifjn9N #sustainability

KEYWORDS: Health, Better hygiene, Tork Xpressnap®, sustainability, Reduce Paper

Program Incentivizes Recycling with Free Coffee and Yoga

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SOURCE:Cone Communications

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Although the concept of recycling is nothing new to Americans, the U.S. recycling rate still hovers around 34 percent. And even with numerous campaigns to encourage Americans to recycle – from clearer labels to efforts to make recycling hip – the issue still plagues companies and consumers alike. Yet, according to the 2014 Cone Communications Recycling in the Home Survey, the top motivator to get people to the bin is through earning rewards, money or incentives. Now, one initiative in the Netherlands does just that – incentivizing individuals to recycle by providing free cups of coffee or discounts on yoga classes.

WASTED, a pilot program running in Amsterdam's Noord district, is tapping into consumers' top motivation to recycle: incentives. The project centers on the WASTED Rewards System, giving away WASTED Coins in exchange for bags of recyclables. Participants earn rewards by attaching a unique QR code to each bag, and when the bag makes it to the recycling center, coins are sent out in return. The coins can be used at participating stores around the Noord district and exchanged for items like a free coffee, discounted acupuncture treatments or wine with purchase of a dinner.

Click here to read more.

Tweet me:Program Incentivizes Recycling with Free Coffee and Yoga http://bit.ly/2he30IQ via @Cone #susty #recycling #recycle

KEYWORDS: Environment & Climate Change, Recycling, Cone Communications, Americans, recycling efforts, 2014 Cone Communications Recycling in the Home Survey, wasted, WASTED Rewards System

Building Codes: The Right Tool for Achieving our Climate Goals?

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In a recent webinar, Building Codes Assistant Project (BCAP) President Maureen Guttman questioned whether building codes are effective when it comes to successfully reaching our energy efficiency and climate goals.

SOURCE:Green Builder Media

DESCRIPTION:

Building codes are a unique and complex animal, and their development is driven by a diverse spectrum of vested interests.  The recent 2018 code hearings exemplified how motley agendas could at least temporarily align to craft a middle-ground solution for a tough issue (namely, building envelope performance tradeoffs for onsite power production), setting an important precedent for cooperation, but certainly not realizing the gains that many sustainability professionals were hoping for.

There were many issues under deliberation throughout the 2018 code development cycle, and as usual, energy efficiency measures played a starring role in the heated discussion.  As Maureen Guttman, President of energy efficiency advocacy group Building Codes Assistant Project (BCAP), reported in a recent webinar with Green Builder Media, “The 2015 and 2018 code cycles were interesting for energy efficiency advocates.  Previously, we had realized large increases in efficiency requirements in the 2009 and 2012 code cycles, which had an unforeseen result—many professionals suffered from “energy code fatigue”, claiming that the enhanced requirements were too hard to implement.  This resulted in flat-lined code enhancements in the 2015 and 2018 cycles.”

This “energy code fatigue” certainly contributed to the hottest debate that raged during the 2018 code development process over RE-173, a proposal focused on compliance requirements and the potential to trade off onsite renewable energy generation for reduced building envelope performance.

In an unprecedented move, a coalition of vested interests, ranging from production builders to environmental groups, convened prior to the code hearings to develop a satisfactory compromise. 

The big builders, many of whom either make money off of the installation and sale of solar systems/leases to homeowners or at least get the installation essentially for free, were in favor of the solar tradeoffs to reduce the amount of money they had to spend on building envelope systems. 

Energy efficiency proponents took a hardline against decreased building performance, which would have meant rolling back years of hard-fought efficiency gains. 

Ultimately, both sides offered concessions, and together, they developed a modified version of RE-173, which increases ERI values (from 51 to 57) and requires that, if renewable energy is generated onsite, the building envelope must meet 2015 energy code requirements. 

“No one was thrilled but everyone was satisfied,” said Guttman, “and renewables are now addressed in the energy code, which is an overall win for everyone.”

Given the net sum of the gains and losses of the 2018 code development process, Guttman concluded that homeowners and environment were the decisive losers.  “The current code simply isn’t changing fast enough to get us anywhere near to our climate goals,” she asserts.  “Codes are developed and adopted mainly with the bottom line in mind, not sustainability.  To get to net zero, we need to move away from a state by state adoption and get to a national code development process.  If we can’t do this, then we need to start exploring other tools and drivers.”

Building codes are the minimum standard—the floor, so to speak, not the ceiling.  Guttman believes that they are no longer an adequate tool, and she encourages us to consider other public policy drivers that are being implemented in forward-thinking cities like San Francisco, Austin, and New York, such as renewable energy mandates, commissioning, and energy disclosure for homes and buildings. 

Want to engage in a meaningful dialogue about effective tools that we can use to achieve our climate goals?  Join us at the Sustainability Symposium 2017: Ready for Anything on January 9 in Orlando as we explore intelligent solutions for a resilient future. 

There is still time to register, but space is limited and filling up quickly, so click here to reserve your space today!

Questions?  Write to me at sara.gutterman@greenbuildermedia.com.

For more information about green building and sustainable living, visit Green Builder Media at www.greenbuildermedia.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter for regular updates and breaking news.

Tweet me:Building Codes: The Right Tool for Achieving our Climate Goals? via @SaraGBM http://bit.ly/2hyndH7

KEYWORDS: Green Building, Environment & Climate Change, Green Builder Media, climate goals, Building Codes Assistant Project

 

Scotiabank Recognized as an Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist

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SOURCE:Scotiabank

DESCRIPTION:

Scotiabank was honoured to have been recognized at the Association of Fundraising Professionals Ottawa Philanthropy Awards as an Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist on November 17. At Scotiabank, we believe in helping create a better life for people in the communities we serve.

Tweet me:.@ScotiabankViews recognized as an Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist http://bit.ly/2hp5rH3 #CSR

KEYWORDS: Awards & Recognition, Association of Fundraising Professionals Ottawa Philanthropy Awards, Scotiabank, Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist

Reducing Empty Miles Through Coyote

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How Coyote Logistics helps us replace empty miles with efficient trips

SOURCE:UPS

DESCRIPTION:

An empty mile is distance traveled by a vehicle with no cargo on board. In 2015, UPS acquired a Chicago based logistics company, Coyote Logistics, that specializes in filling empty miles.

Tweet me:From point A to point B @UPS reduces empty miles with the help of Coyote Logistics. http://bit.ly/2iaG9zN

KEYWORDS: Business & Trade, Environment & Climate Change, UPS, supply chain, logistics, Coyote Logistics

The Hospital Of The Future May Be A Tiny, High-Tech Medical Kit

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A Star Trek-Inspired Medical Device Gives Us A Glimpse Of Medicine’s Future

SOURCE:Qualcomm

DESCRIPTION:

By Claire Maldarelli

In so many ways, the gadgets seen in Star Trek remind us that the show is science fiction—a fantasy world inspired by the one we live in. And at times, the show can act as a glimpse into the future. The medical tricorder—that all-in-one portable device that can accurately diagnose anything—sits somewhere in the middle of that spectrum. Medical tech has gotten smaller and more accurate, but we've yet to design a handheld diagnostic panacea. That could change soon.

Continue reading on Popular Science

Tweet me:Star Trek-Inspired Tricorder of @Qualcomm's @XPRIZE Competition gives glimpse into medical future: http://bit.ly/2gYDWmT via @PopSci

KEYWORDS: Health, Events, Conferences & Webinars, Contest, Qualcomm, Qualcomm Tricorder XPRIZE Competition, tricorder, tech crunch

Technology Companies, China Pledge to Stop Human Rights Abuses in Cobalt Mining

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SOURCE:Source Intelligence®

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Weeks after an investigative news article detailed the extent of child labor and forced labor being used to mine cobalt – a critical ingredient in widely used batteries for cars and electronic equipment – major technology companies and industry groups are launching initiatives to stop the practice.

Current statistics show that more than half of the world’s cobalt is mined from the Congo.  Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International have highlighted concerns that many of these African mines use child labor and forced labor conditions. The Washington Post’s investigative article on artisanal cobalt mining provided one of the most in-depth stories of the life-threatening conditions that miners face to earn two to three dollars a day.

Cobalt is a key metal used in lithium-ion batteries, which power cell phones, electric vehicles, laptop computers and a range of other electronic equipment. Companies have become increasingly aware of the human rights controversies associated with cobalt production and are realizing the need to investigate the source of cobalt in their supply chains.

As a result, leading automotive and electronics companies have announced various efforts to trace the source of cobalt in recent weeks:

  • Apple, HP, Samsung SDI and Sony have joined the Responsible Cobalt Initiative.
  • The Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition (EICC), whose members include Apple, Dell,  Lenovo, Samsung, Foxconn, Honda and Ford Motors, have recently revealed the “Responsible Raw Materials Initiative.”

The Responsible Cobalt Initiative, created by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce for Metals, Minerals and Chemicals Importers and Exporters, is aimed at promoting cooperation with the government of the Congo. Its members have pledged to follow Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines for mining in supply chains, which calls for companies to track how cobalt is being extracted, transported, manufactured and sold. Any abuses uncovered in the process would require immediate correction. 

This latest initiative from China comes after the country announced a 2014 memorandum of understanding with the OECD, China’s first major effort to promote responsible sourcing.

The EICC’s “Responsible Raw Materials Initiative” aims to expand scrutiny of its members’ supply chains beyond conflict minerals— tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold (3TG). A working group will first identify and prioritize the social and environmental impacts of raw material extraction and processing, then work on driving initiatives that make “meaningful improvements in the mining sector.”  The list of companies pledging to support this initiative is expected to grow.

The working group will be co-sponsored by EICC and the Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative (CFSI). Source Intelligence recently became the first vendor member of the CFSI and is contributing its expertise and ethical sourcing knowledge to the organization.  Source Intelligence maintains the largest data base of conflict-free smelters and smelter aliases – both considered a key gateway and validation point for responsibly mined minerals. 

Significant effort is needed to trace cobalt and conflict minerals to determine whether human rights abuses are present in any supply chain. Source Intelligence recently announced a partnership with SGS to further strengthen its ability to validate and collect data within international supply chains. SGS is the world’s leading provider of product testing, inspection, verification and certification services. To learn more about Source Intelligence’s end-to-end compliance solutions, the world’s largest supplier database and an easy-to-use reporting platform for all of your compliance needs, click here.  

Tweet me:#Cobaltmining human rights abuses drive @Apple @Sony & others to join Responsible #Cobalt Initiative http://bit.ly/2hkXSzK

KEYWORDS: Ethical Production & Consumption, Business & Trade, cobalt, Forced labor, Child labor, Human Rights, cobalt mining, electronic, Source Intelligence


Your Kitchen, A Year Older: 4 Ways Food Companies Will Evolve in 2017

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Nestlé USA CEO shares what food companies need to prioritize in 2017 and how Nestlé plans to lead the way

SOURCE:Nestlé in the U.S.

DESCRIPTION:

Some things about food never change―it can bring people together to share a meal, satisfy cravings and nourish our bodies and souls. Other things, like the enormous popularity of gelatin salads in the 1930s, have their moment at the table and depart into culinary obscurity.

Today, we’re on the cusp of a changing food system. We’ll need to feed more people around the world than ever before. At the same time, we’re finding more personalized and customized nutrition options for unique health needs and tastes, along with addressing broadly shifting consumer preferences.

At Nestlé, both here in the U.S. and around the world, we’re on a mission to continuously improve the high quality food we serve. Our ability to innovate has kept us in business for 150 years, and will be critical as we step into our next 150 years and beyond. As we look to 2017, food companies like ours must meet diverse nutrition needs and ever-evolving consumer preferences. We’re working to reduce salt, sugar and saturated fats without sacrificing the taste or quality our consumers know and expect. Meanwhile, we’re simplifying more of our ingredients and shortening ingredient lists. We will continue to raise the bar on food safety and invest in local communities as part of our commitment to improve nutrition, health and wellness.

Read 4 Ways Food Companies Will Evolve in 2017

Tweet me:.@NestleUSA on a mission to continuously improve the high quality food served http://bit.ly/2hl3vxI via Nestlé USA CEO Paul Grimwood

KEYWORDS: Business & Trade, Nestle, food, creating shared value, kitchens, Innovation

MPs from 34 Countries Write to Stock Exchanges Asking Them to Make Firms Reveal Climate Change Risks

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The campaign follows comments by Bank of England governor Mark Carney

SOURCE:Bloomberg

DESCRIPTION:

An international alliance of over 100 MPs from 34 different countries have written to the world’s stock exchanges calling on them to factor in the financial risks of climate change.

Mark Carney said today that investors “currently don’t have the information to respond to these developments”.

Click here to read more.

Tweet me:MPs from 34 countries write to stock exchanges asking them to make firms reveal climate change risks http://bit.ly/2gGqzGO #tcfdrecs

KEYWORDS: Finance & Socially Responsible Investment, Business & Trade, PGGM, tcfd, tcfdrecs, Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, Mark Carney, esg, risks, trillion, Financial Stability Board, G20, group of 20, FSB, Bloomberg, Michael Bloomberg

Sealed Air Corporation Donates to Toys for Tots

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SOURCE:Sealed Air

DESCRIPTION:

Charlotte, NC, December 28, 2016 /3BL Media/ – Sealed Air Corporation (NYSE: SEE) has collected over 1,100 toys this holiday season for donation to the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots Program. Sixteen Sealed Air locations across the U.S. donated to this annual toy drive as a way to give back to children in the local communities in which they live and work. The company is a 2016 National Corporate Donor to Toys for Tots. 

For nearly 70 years, Toys for Tots has been the U.S. Marine Corps’ premier community action program. The Toys for Tots message of hope for the future has motivated youngsters to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens. Toys for Tots not only benefits children, but also has a positive impact on communities, on businesses – large and small, on the Marine Corps and on the nation.

"We are very pleased to welcome Sealed Air back as a national corporate donor of the Marine Toys for Tots Campaign," said retired Marine Colonel Ted Silvester, Vice President of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “With their generous support, we will be able to fulfill the Christmas holiday dreams of many less fortunate children, who otherwise might have been forgotten." 

“We are pleased to be able to partner again this year with The United States Marine Corp Reserve for their signature program to give less fortunate children a special gift for the holidays,” said James Whaley, Vice President, Global Corporate Communications for Sealed Air and Chairman of the Sealed Air Veterans Network.  “At Sealed Air, we are committed to benefitting the societies in which we live and work. The enthusiastic participation and donations given by Sealed Air employees shows how committed they are to the communities where they live and work.”  

About Toys for Tots

Toys for Tots, a 69 year national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness and hope to disadvantaged children during each Christmas holiday season.  The toys, books and other gifts collected and distributed by the Marines offer these children recognition, confidence and a positive memory for a lifetime. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community. Last year the Marine Corps fulfilled the holiday hopes and dreams of 6.8 million less fortunate children in 782 communities nationwide. Since 1947 over 237 million children have been assisted. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.

About Sealed Air

Sealed Air Corporation creates a world that feels, tastes and works better. In 2015, the Company generated revenue of approximately $7.0 billion by helping our customers achieve their sustainability goals in the face of today's biggest social and environmental challenges. Our portfolio of widely recognized brands, including Cryovac® brand food packaging solutions, Bubble Wrap® brand cushioning and Diversey®cleaning and hygiene solutions, enables a safer and less wasteful food supply chain, protects valuable goods shipped around the world, and improves health through clean environments. Sealed Air has approximately 23,000 employees who serve customers in 169 countries. To learn more, visit www.sealedair.com.

Tweet me:.@sealed_air donates to Toys for Tots http://bit.ly/2iE40Iq a way to give back to children in the local communities #CSR

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, sealed air corporation, Toys for Tots, csr, Donations, Children, community

  

Employee Giving is Alive and Thriving

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SOURCE:America's Charities

DESCRIPTION:

On December 22, the Nonprofit Quarterly published an article announcing that “another workplace giving campaign loses steam” in reference to the federal government’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) – the largest workplace giving campaign in the country. The articles points to several potential contributing factors such as the rise of donor advised funds, the increasing influence of millennials in the workplace and perhaps that workplace giving has outlived its effectiveness.

Our experience at America’s Charities has been quite the opposite. In fact, like one of the article commenters, our employee giving clients continue to see growing returns with their programs. Employee giving programs are changing– not dying. Organizations that embrace these changes while continuing to practice tried-and-true methods will continue to grow the impact they deliver to nonprofits and as a result communities across the planet. For example, the article correctly points to the proliferation of technology and its impact on fundraising. It’s true that the vast majority of growing workplace programs are leveraging technology. We at America’s Charities embrace that trend with our partner Causecast to offer solutions that speak to what employees expect – from social media integration to crowdfunding.

While technology continues to grow and other trends shape employee giving programs (like the increased importance of volunteer programs), the basics continue to matter. Employee giving programs that don’t embrace that typically experience declining results. The three simple steps are: Motivate, Ask and Thank.

The first step is to motivate employees to participate. The primary ingredient of this step is inspiration and effective storytelling. Successful programs communicate the impact of an employee and his/her contribution. Our Guide to Exceptional Storytelling can be found at https://www.charities.org/Exceptional-Storytelling-Made-Easy.

The second step is to simply ask. The number one reason someone donates is because he or she is asked. And effective programs ask in many ways – leveraging all communication channels as well as face-to-face. Perhaps this is a contributing factor to the decline in the CFC, as one commenter noted a decrease in the people involved in the program, hence less visibility.  Some have also suggested that millennials may not be motivated by employee giving programs.  Our experience doesn’t support that, as one organization we worked with increased its employee giving participation from 21% to 51% and increased funds raised seven times. Their workforce is 85% millennials – so yes, millennials can and do engage with employee giving programs.

Lastly, it’s important to thank and effectively steward employee donors. They need to know their engagement makes a difference. Engage your nonprofit partners in this step to really show that employees’ contributions are appreciated and valued. Our Employee Donor Cultivation Toolkit has best practices and examples of this donor engagement cycle: https://www.charities.org/Employee-Donor-Cultivation-Toolkit-for-Nonprofits

In closing, I want to highlight the observations of another commenter on the article. It was noted that the campaign is not yet complete and final results won’t be known until January or February – and that it is expected that the campaign will actually increase over the prior year.  As noted, the CFC has introduced changes to the program, including technology, that we hope will contribute to reviving this incredibly valuable program to the nonprofit community – and most importantly, to those they serve.

Tweet me:Employee giving and #engagement programs are changing, not dying.: http://bit.ly/2hkMuUm

Contact Info:

Lindsay J.K. Nichols
America's Charities
+1 (703) 674-5359
marcom@charities.org

KEYWORDS: Volunteerism & Community Engagement, Philanthropy, workplace giving, Employee Engagement, csr, America's Charities

On The Ground In Africa

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SOURCE:Old Mutual

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As a long-term investor and responsible steward of the assets it manages on behalf of its customers, Old Mutual Africa is on course to becoming the leading responsible investor on the continent, where it has offices in Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Old Mutual Africa’s Responsible Investment Committee spearheads this initiative, ensuring that we continue to incorporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations in the assets in which we invest. Marjorie Mayida shares some of the learnings along her ESG journey into the African investment landscape.

Jonathan: Describe your role and what you’re most passionate about in your position.

Marjorie: I am the chair of the committee, which is a platform where responsible investment representatives from Namibia, Malawi, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa can share their experience and discuss their challenges. In this role it is my responsibility to support my colleagues in embedding responsible investment (RI) into the DNA of our investments across selected Old Mutual Africa businesses.

In addition, I am the responsible investment ambassador for the Zimbabwean business, and thus play an active role in developing Old Mutual Zimbabwe's responsible investment initiatives and building these out in the broader Zimbabwean business arena.

We do this by spearheading responsible investment thought leadership in the country as part of our commitment to making a positive contribution to the Zimbabwean economy.

This is important for us, as we believe that Old Mutual should be the voice of change in influencing the way in which investments are made. Part of this is ensuring that people become aware of the materiality of ESG factors in the investment process. 

Jonathan: What do you think it means to be a responsible investor?

Marjorie: It means ensuring not only the creation of sustainable businesses and economic systems through good corporate citizenship, but the generation of long-term, superior, risk-adjusted returns by seriously considering ESG factors, when we invest and engage with the management of investee companies.

Jonathan: Why is responsible investment so important, and particularly for Africa?

Marjorie: The global investment themes have been evolving and the 2007-2008 global financial meltdown brought to the fore the increasing demands from both institutional and individual investors to play a more active role in how companies are managed. The importance of responsible investment in Africa can never be overemphasised, as it presents an overarching framework for the future of a healthy investment environment in Africa. Africa is part of the set of emerging frontier economies with huge growth potential and is a major destination for capital flows from developed nations.

As a leading African business and asset manager, if we are to harness and leverage the potential capital flows into the African continent, Old Mutual Africa needs to epitomise responsible investment, thereby boosting our influence on Africa’s corporate governance frameworks and our impact on our society as a whole.

Jonathan: Is there a business case for responsible investment?

Marjorie: Yes, definitely. Contemporary research on the impact of responsible investment on performance indicates that companies that incorporate ESG thinking into their operational and strategic plans, are operationally efficient, and are able to attract debt and equity funding more effectively than companies that don’t. When it comes to adding alpha (excess performance ahead of a benchmark or the market), companies that are committed to embedding responsible investment in their businesses tend to be winners, and thus attract more foreign capital. So responsible investment is an important strategy for African businesses. Our colleagues in South Africa have developed an ESG indexation product that is based on their responsible investment thesis. They use a best-in-class approach and select the best 50% in each sector based on their ESG screening. Their research illustrates and endorses the outperformance of the ESG index relative to the market index.

Jonathan: What are some of the key regulatory drivers and governance codes that drive responsible investment in Africa?

Marjorie: Each country must comply with its own laws. For example in Zimbabwe, the Companies Act guides the conduct of and relations between companies and their stakeholders. However, the Act is porous when it comes to a number of the softer ESG issues, as it was enacted in 1951 and times have changed since then. For listed companies, the Act is assisted by the Listing Rules, which largely promote governance aspects for all listed companies. The Act is currently under review and improvements are expected. A positive milestone in Zimbabwe’s responsible investment space was achieved in April 2015 when the country launched its own National Code on Corporate Governance, which provides the framework for corporate conduct for both public and private sectors. Governance drivers are also being developed in Kenya, such as the Code of Corporate Governance Practices for Issuers of Securities to the Public. However, despite this step in the right direction, there is still a lot that needs to be done to bolster the responsible investment initiative throughout Africa. A number of our local companies also subscribe to the King III Code on Corporate Governance in South Africa and, as a member of the Old Mutual Group, we have adopted the corporate Responsible Investment Standard.

Jonathan: What are some of the initiatives of the committee?

Marjorie: During 2016, the committee stepped up its efforts to increase awareness of responsible investment across all the African business units, and we have launched proxy voting policies for Malawi, Kenya and Zimbabwe. The committee will also be responsible for embedding ESG issues in the valuation models for analysts and in ensuring that all Old Mutual Africa countries speak with the same voice when it comes to responsible investment. Engagement with companies on ESG issues has been in full swing in 2016, as we continue to pioneer responsible investment in Africa. Efforts will also be made to improve and increase the ESG research of listed companies, and increase ESG capacity building.

Jonathan: Is ESG research limited in African markets?

Marjorie: Yes, unfortunately coverage is still limited in Africa. However, we are not letting that slow our momentum and we are working closely with MSCI to deepen ESG research in the markets in which we operate. Over and above this, we are encouraging Old Mutual Africa countries to develop their own internal ESG ratings on their investee companies as a stopgap measure. This will complement the research that will later come through from MSCI. We strongly believe that this is the course of action we should take, as it is in firm support of our responsible business agenda for 2016 and beyond. Jonathan: How will this change the way that Old Mutual Africa does business?

Marjorie: Responsible investment practices will place us on an equal footing with how business is conducted in developed nations, as these are the same issues that investors and businesses in first-world countries are grappling with. In addition, these initiatives will greatly increase the human face of all our investments and enhance our competitive edge across the African continent. I strongly believe that responsible investment is the way of the future, and ensuring that we deliver on the long-term goals of our customers in a sustainable and responsible way.

Tweet me:Marjorie Mayida shares w/ @OldMutualSA what she learned on ESG journey into the African investment landscape. http://bit.ly/2hkH6kf

KEYWORDS: Finance & Socially Responsible Investment, Sustainable Investment, africa, old mutual, Old Mutual Africa’s Responsible Investment Committee, Marjorie Mayida

Ecocentricity Blog: Let's Play Another Game

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SOURCE:Ray C. Anderson Foundation

SUMMARY:

Here’s the game. I will give you a quote, and then I will challenge you with the impossible task of guessing who said it. It could be Justin Bieber. It could be Kim Jong-un. Who knows?!?!

DESCRIPTION:

It’s been over a year now. 15 months to be exact, and I find that remarkable. I mean, who would have thought that (a) I could come up with enough material to write weekly blog posts this entire time and (b) my random, confusing, and at times whimsical posts would still have an audience? You all are far too kind.

One of the challenges in writing this blog is making sure that I don’t recycle any material (which is probably the only time I will advocate against recycling). To that end, I keep a spreadsheet with a quick description of each blog post I’ve ever written, so that I can look back and make sure I’m coming up with new content. It’s proven valuable, as I’ve come close plagiarizing myself multiple times.

But today, I am breaking my rule. I am going to reuse the same premise I used one year ago in a blog titled “Let’s Play a Game.” I’m fairly confident you don’t remember it (heck, I wrote the thing and still needed my handy spreadsheet to spark my memory), so I think this will work.

Here’s the game. I will give you a quote, and then I will challenge you with the impossible task of guessing who said it. It could be Justin Bieber. It could be Kim Jong-un. Who knows?!?!

Read more.

Tweet me:"...It falls to scientists, who work free of political, economic or ideological interests..." http://bit.ly/2hLEzjY

Contact Info:

Valerie Bennett
Ray C. Anderson Foundation
+1 (770) 317-5858
valerie@raycandersonfoundation.org

KEYWORDS: Environment & Climate Change, Pope Francis, #Ecocentricity, John A. Lanier, climate change, Ray C. Anderson Foundation

10, 9, 8…. Countdown the Top 10 Blog Posts of 2016!

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SOURCE:VolunteerMatch

DESCRIPTION:

A year can seem like a long time, especially when you’re in the ever-evolving world of corporate social responsibility and volunteerism.

But before we start making our New Year’s resolutions and list of goals for 2017, let’s take a moment to look back. This top-ten list contains the most popular posts of 2016 published on our blog Volunteering is CSR, determined by number of views. My New Year’s prediction? That you’ll find some knowledge and tips in this list to carry you into 2017!

  1. 5 Reasons to Redefine CSR and Remove that Icky ‘Required Reading’ Feeling
  1. How to Increase Your Employee Volunteer Rates through Word of Mouth
  1. Three Tips to Drive Volunteerism in Your Company
  1. Want Real Impact from Your CSR Program? Listen to Your Community!
  1. Metrics for Success: Evaluating Your Employee Volunteer Program
  1. Employee Engagement: A Darn Good Reason to Volunteer
  1. 5 Ideas to Encourage Your Employees to Volunteer
  1. How the Top-Rated Public University in the World Volunteers
  1. Corporate Volunteering Does Not Increase Employee Engagement

And the most popular post of 2016?

  1. 4 Employee Engagement Benefits of Corporate Volunteer Programs

Happy New Year from your friends at Solutions by VolunteerMatch!

Tweet me:10, 9, 8…. Countdown the Top 10 Blog Posts of 2016! http://bit.ly/2i2sebN via @VM_Solutions

KEYWORDS: Media & Communications, Education, Employee Engagement, employee volunteering, VolunteerMatch


Aflac Survey Shows the Growing Importance of Corporate Social Responsibility for Consumers and Investors

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SOURCE:Aflac

DESCRIPTION:

Watch the video here

Billionaire Warren Buffet famously said that “It takes 20 years to build a reputation, and five minutes to ruin it.  If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.” As we begin approach the promise of a new year, Mr. Buffet’s words provide a reminder for businesses and consumers about the importance of a strong reputation.

Stephen Hahn-Griffiths Vice President, Managing Director US & Canada Reputation Institute and Catherine Blades, Sr. VP of AFLAC  discuss corporate social responsibility (CSR) and reputation to examine why it really does pay to practice CSR. Recently, Aflac commissioned a unique scientific study on the topic of corporate social responsibility, asking more than 1,400 consumers and investors about their views on corporate integrity, philanthropy and how it might influence their decisions.

SOME SURPRISING RESULTS OF THE CSR STUDY, INCLUDE:

  •  75% of consumers are likely to take some negative action toward irresponsible companies
  •  A company seen as not responsible stands to lose as much as 39% of its potential consumer base
  •  1 in 4 consumers will tell their friends and family to avoid a company that is seen as not responsible
  •  81% of consumers are more likely to purchase products from a company active in philanthropic efforts year-round, rather than just in times of need

For more information, go to www.Aflac.com/ACSR.

Tweet me:.@Aflac #CSR case study finds 81% consumers likely to purchase products from responsible companies http://bit.ly/2hoQPpz

KEYWORDS: Business & Trade, socially responsible company, Aflac, philanthropic efforts, Consumers, Corporate Social Responsibility

A Year in CSR: The Top 10 Trends of 2016

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SOURCE:Cone Communications

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As we take stock on the past 365 days, there’s no doubt that 2016 has been a turbulent time for business and society. From the ballooning refugee crisis to unexpected political outcomes from all corners of the globe, the world is a different place than just 12 months ago.

Yet with this instability has come progress and awakening. Many organizations took the opportunity to redefine what “responsibility” looks like – beyond just material issues or products and services – to what a company’s larger role in society could be. We saw moments in time grow into movements, employees roll up their sleeves on sustainability, and technology play a leading role in communicating to consumers.  As the year draws to a close, our firm, Cone Communications, evaluated a years’-worth of corporate social responsibility (CSR) trends to bring you the top 10 trends of 2016.

To see all the trends, visit Triple Pundit here.

Tweet me:2016 was an awakening year for #CSR. Check out @Cone's round-up of this year's stand-out CSR trends http://bit.ly/2hoxUvc

KEYWORDS: Business & Trade, Corporate Social Responsibility, Cone Communications, trends, sustainability

A Proven Case: Championing Diversity Enables Innovation

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SOURCE:Scotiabank

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The importance of innovation in business is undisputed. Tapping into diversity as a driver of innovation is a newer concept — but it is already proving its worth. Dubie Cunningham, vice-president of innovation at the Digital Factory at Scotiabank, shares why and how diversity has been a key driver of success.

By Shelley White

DESCRIPTION:

Diversity in the workplace isn’t just a good idea, says Dubie Cunningham. It’s a crucial part of being a successful business in the digital age.

As vice president of innovation at the Digital Factory at Scotiabank, Dubie’s mandate is to help accelerate the Bank’s digital strategy and reimagine the customer experience in an era where technology has become ubiquitous. Advances in FinTechs (financial technology) in areas like mobile payments, wearables, and artificial intelligence are promising to change the way the world does their banking.

Click here to continue reading

 

Tweet me:#Diversity key driver of success, Dubie Cunningham, VP at Scotiabank discusses: http://bit.ly/2hkldl3 @ScotiabankViews

KEYWORDS: Diversity & Human Resources, CHAMPIONING DIVERSITY ENABLES INNOVATION, Scotiabank, women in business

Land Conservation, Wildlife Habitat to Benefit from Nearly $1.4 Million from Duke Energy

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SOURCE:Duke Energy

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Contributions are part of new 30-year license for the Keowee-Toxaway Hydroelectric project.

DESCRIPTION:

CHARLOTTE, N.C., December 28, 2016 /3BL Media/ -- Duke Energy will invest nearly $1.4 million to help protect wildlife habitat and land conservation efforts in South Carolina for many years to come.

The company will provide:

  • $618,000 to the Oconee County Conservation Bank to support regional land conservation and habitat preservation efforts.
  • $762,000 to the Foothills Conservancy Program to administer the Keowee-Toxaway Habitat Enhancement Program (KTHEP). KTHEP funds support projects that create, enhance and protect fish and wildlife habitats along the shores of Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee, as well as in their watersheds.

In addition to providing power to the region, Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee have provided sanctuary for wildlife and helped drive the economy through tourism for many decades.

These contributions are a result of the Keowee-Toxaway Relicensing Agreement Duke Energy entered into with 16 other stakeholder organizations during the Keowee-Toxaway Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission relicensing process.    

"Our board is proud to accept this gift from Duke Energy to help further the worthwhile purposes of the Oconee County Conservation Bank (OCCB), including the conservation of natural resources, wildlife habitat, clean air and clean water," said Shea Airey, chair, Oconee County Conservation Board.

The new 30-year license for the Keowee-Toxaway Hydroelectric project, which took effect Sept. 1, 2016, represents a culmination of nearly a decade of collaboration among governmental and community stakeholders.

Other benefits of the license include improvements to existing public recreational areas on Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee, and conservation of approximately 2,900 acres of property adjoining the lakes to preserve and protect ecologically and culturally significant resources.

"Receipt of the new operating license allows us to move forward with the plan developed during the relicensing stakeholder process. These contributions are key elements of that plan and we are pleased to invest in efforts that will help protect and enhance the natural environment in this region for generations to come," saidSteve Jester, Duke Energy's vice president of water strategy, hydro licensing and lake services. "These investments also benefit citizens and millions of visitors who travel to the area each year."

The Keowee-Toxaway Hydroelectric Project begins with Lake Jocassee in North Carolina and South Carolina. It flows into Lake Keowee, then downstream to the Army Corps of Engineers' Lake Hartwell Project.

The project is made up of two reservoirs with two powerhouses, spans approximately 25 river miles and encompasses approximately 480 miles of shoreline.

About Duke Energy Carolinas
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is an S&P 100 Stock Index company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com

The Duke Energy News Center serves as a multimedia resource for journalists and features news releases, helpful links, photos and videos. Hosted by Duke Energy, illumination is an online destination for stories about remarkable people, innovations, and community and environmental topics. It also offers glimpses into the past and insights into the future of energy.

Follow Duke Energy on TwitterLinkedInInstagram and Facebook.

Media Contact: Kim Crawford
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

Tweet me:.@DukeEnergy to invest $1.4M in South Carolina #conservation efforts http://bit.ly/2iF6CWt

KEYWORDS: Environment & Climate Change, Energy, Duke Energy, Wildlife, South Carolina, Corporate Social Responsibility, Oconee County Conservation Bank, Foothills Conservancy Program, Lake Keowee, Lake Jocassee, Keowee-Toxaway Hydroelectric Project

Climate Disclosure Framework Creates a Better Environment for Investors

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By Stephanie Leaist

SOURCE:Bloomberg

DESCRIPTION:

Stephanie Leaist is a member of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, and managing director, Head of Sustainable Investing at Canada Pension Plan Investment Board

A year ago there was an air of optimism around the Paris Agreement to limit global warming. Driven by a sense of urgency, encouraging action has since been taken by policy makers, regulators, companies and investors, including the Financial Stability Board-led Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). While progress has been made, in many ways, we’ve just begun.

Climate change poses an unprecedented challenge for investors. Its effects are pervasive and dynamic. The changing planet creates physical risks, such as water scarcity, biodiversity and extreme weather. Human reactions must also be considered, including technological innovation and carbon-emission regulations.

Click here to continue reading.

Tweet me:Climate disclosure framework creates a better environment for investors http://bit.ly/2hLtIdr

KEYWORDS: Finance & Socially Responsible Investment, Business & Trade, tcfd, tcfdrecs, Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, esg, G20, group of 20, FSB, Bloomberg, Michael Bloomberg, CPPIB

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