A Cisco Networking Academy Success Story

SOURCE:Cisco Systems Inc.

DESCRIPTION:

When a young girl in South Africa discovered her passion for technology, she found a way out of poverty for herself and her family. Ntombozuko (Soso) Luningo guides a new generation of students toward economic empowerment and self-reliance with the Cisco-sponsored Learnership program using the Cisco Networking Academy curriculum.

IT Training Center Awakens a Passion for Technology

Born in an impoverished village, Soso found her way to an IT center, learned technology and discovered a world of opportunity. Today, she is an IT expert, inspiring teacher and mother, living in a Johannesburg suburb.

“When you grow up in a township and go to school there,” explains Alfie Hamid, Cisco Corporate Affairs Regional Lead, “you generally do not have access to 21st century schooling, and, with your financial situation, you cannot afford university, your only opportunity is for menial labor and the poverty spiral continues.”

Classes at a training center built by the Nelson Mandela Foundation awakened Soso’s passion for technology. CIDA City Campus provided the opportunity for a college education, and a path to a better life. By 2007, Soso had earned a bachelor’s degree and a Cisco CCNA certification at CIDA.

After graduation, Soso became the youngest IT technician and only woman on the IT staff at Queens Casino in Queenstown. Within 3 months, she was promoted to Network Administrator and team manager, providing IT training to her co-workers. With her salary, Soso built a new home for her parents in the village where she grew up. Then, she gave up her private sector job to become a Cisco Networking Academy instructor at CIDA ICT Academy.

Building a Successful Academy Program

Students who enroll in Soso’s classes face the same challenges she did, coming from disadvantaged backgrounds with few resources to invest in themselves or their education. Soso shows them a path to a prosperous, fulfilling future, one she traveled herself.

When she thought the Cisco CCNA Security curriculum could be a competitive differentiator for CIDA and a next step for her students, she took the course on her own time and convinced the director to adopt the curriculum. Her students have achieved a 100% pass rate on the certification exam. Soso also led the charge to make the CIDA ICT Academy a Regional Cisco Networking Academy by recruiting 6 new academies to offer the Cisco IT Essentials course.

Sustaining a Successful Career in IT

In 2014, Soso became a mother and an instructor with the Learnership program at CTU Training Solutions where she can have a powerful impact on the next generation.

She has found a way to balance teaching and family responsibilities with the demands of her new job. “It’s easy for me to juggle between family and work life because they keep locking horns,” she said. “I treat the new CTU students the way I'm treating the new member of my family. I keep in mind that I need to help them get used to my way of teaching while I get used to their ways of learning. I'm hoping to take these students, especially the girls, to even greater heights than CTU and Cisco is hoping for.”

When asked what she would say to young men and women who are considering a IT career, she doesn’t hesitate... “You can do it, go ahead.”

Tweet me:.@CiscoNetAcad Success Story: #IT Paves a Pathway Out of #Poverty in #SouthAfrica http://bit.ly/2tmDqoZ #WomenInTech @CiscoCSR

KEYWORDS: Education, Digital Literacy, Women In Tech, cisco networking academy, cisco csr, South Africa

C-suite leaders from Facebook, Yahoo, Microsoft and Google will meet at the first ever Responsible Business Summit West in November to champion the delivery of social impact by looking at stakeholder engagement, leveraging data & technology and more

SOURCE:Ethical Corporation

DESCRIPTION:

LONDON, July 20, 2017 /3BL Media/ - The Responsible Business Summit is returning to the US in 2017 to tackle some of the top societal and business-critical issues faced on the West Coast and will launch for the first time in San Francisco on November 14-15.

Taking place on November 14-15 in San Francisco, this will be a landmark event as it marks the first time the Ethical Corporation’s globally renowned flagship Responsible Business Summit Series is held on the West Coast of the US.

The two-day forum will host over 200 CEOs and senior business executives looking to balance growth with positive social impact. The Summit will look to address the enormous complexity that has arisen from an increasing expectation on companies to inspire social change despite continuing pressure from stakeholders to meet financial targets.

“Businesses, now maybe more than ever before, are expected to address the increasing social issues faced both in the US and around the world. After months of research of professionals up and down the West-Coast we’ve identified the key challenges and opportunities that businesses are tackling. I look forward to hearing how these leading companies are looking to address these issues, and the business benefits they’re realising as a result,” explain Liam Dowd, managing director at Ethical Corporation.

With keynotes from impact visionaries at Eastman, Net Impact and Global Impact followed by three dedicated tracks on making the business case for social impact, influencing the business on social purpose and engaging external stakeholders, the Responsible Business Summit West will confront every aspect of delivering social purpose and will seek to overcome the many challenges that face businesses today. Some of the key issues tackled will include;

1. Realising the business case – generate solutions that meet business needs whilst strengthening purpose by looking at the evidence
2. Unlocking the potential of technology – see how technology can be utilized to boost social impact
3. Getting stakeholders on board - appreciate that strengthening social purpose can be used to engage customers and attract the right investors

Particularly, pioneers from Microsoft and Google will be unpicking the use of technology in delivering social impact and bolstering purpose in a dedicated keynote. As well, the influential non-profit Net Impact will be leading an innovative session on how to leverage social purpose strategy as a recruitment tool as well as to involve and inspire the workforce.

For more information on one of America’s leading CSR conferences visit the official event website here http://events.ethicalcorp.com/rbs-west/index.php or contact Krina Amin, Head of Strategy at Ethical Corp at krina.amin@ethicalcorp.com or call +44 (0) 207 375 7508 #RBSWEST

Tweet me:@Ethical_Corp renowned Responsible Business Summit will be held for the first time in San Francisco, see more here http://bit.ly/2vgrHIO

KEYWORDS: Events, Media & Communications, Diversity & Inclusion, Ethical Corporation

SOURCE:Republic Services

DESCRIPTION:

ELYRIA, Ohio, July 21, 2017 /3BL Media/ – Republic Services of Northern Ohio announced the addition of 25 compressed natural gas (CNG) powered trucks to its fleet. The new CNG-powered trucks are replacing older, diesel-powered trucks, and help to reduce unwanted noise and air emissions in the communities they serve. The expansion includes a new CNG fueling station and highly advanced maintenance facility, which will enable more efficient operations and service for customers throughout Lorain, Cuyahoga and Medina counties.

“Everything we do is for our customers – from providing outstanding service to ensuring environmental responsibility in every facet of our operations,” said David Vossmer, general manager of Republic Services. “We know that our customers care about the environment, and they rely on us to help them realize a cleaner, safer and healthier future for their community. We are proud to make this investment in our local operations, and do our part to preserve the natural beauty of northern Ohio for future generations.”

As part of the local CNG-fleet expansion, Republic added a new CNG fueling station that enables drivers and technicians to refuel vehicles overnight. In addition, Republic built a new, highly advanced maintenance facility where technicians can leverage the Company’s standardized maintenance practices and supply chain innovation to ensure a more durable fleet and achieve greater environmental efficiencies.

Republic Services of northern Ohio employs approximately 340 people who serve over 190,000 residential customers, and more than 13,000 commercial and industrial customers. In addition to its total fleet of 195 collection vehicles, Republic operates a recycling center, transfer station and landfill in the area.

Known as the Blue Planet™ sustainability initiative, Republic is defining its approach to sustainability through decreased vehicle emissions, innovative landfill technologies, use of renewable energy, community engagement, and employee growth opportunities. This includes saving approximately 26 million gallons of diesel fuel annually from CNG-fleet operations nationwide. To learn more about the Republic’s sustainability leadership, go to: https://www.republicservices.com/sustainability.

About Republic Services
Republic Services, Inc. is an industry leader in U.S. recycling and non-hazardous solid waste. Through its subsidiaries, Republic’s collection companies, recycling centers, transfer stations and landfills focus on providing effective solutions to make proper waste disposal effortless for its 14 million customers. We’ll handle it from here.™, the brand’s promise, lets customers know they can count on Republic to provide a superior experience while fostering a sustainable Blue Planet™ for future generations to enjoy a cleaner, safer and healthier world.

For more information, visit the Republic Services website at RepublicServices.com. “Like” Republic on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RepublicServices and follow on Twitter @RepublicService.

Media
Jennifer Eldridge
480-718-0119
Media@RepublicServices.com

Tweet me:.@RepublicService added 25 #CNG collection trucks in Northern Ohio http://bit.ly/2uKeKuS #sustainability #emissions

KEYWORDS: Environment, Energy, Republic Services, cng, Compressed Natural Gas, vehicles, waste collection, Recycling, sustainability

SOURCE:Whole Foods Market Foundations

DESCRIPTION:

Whole Planet Foundation welcomes nuun hydration as a new member of the $10,000 Fund and as a sponsor of this year’s Virtual 10K Run, which aims to raise funds for microlending projects in 69 countries. “Our mission at nuun is simple in that ‘we inspire everyone to move more,’” says Kevin Rutherford, CEO (Chief Eternal Optimist) at nuun hydration. “The team at nuun is thrilled to partner with the positive change agents at Whole Planet Foundation, getting more people moving in the Virtual 10K Run, while giving back to help lift entrepreneurs out of poverty.”  Visit Whole Planet Foundation’s blog for hydration tips from nuun and a chance to receive a limited edition nuun x WPF water bottle with your Virtual 10K registration and t-shirt purchase. Watch the awesome make your water count with nuun video here. 

Find the nuun hydration tips blog here

Find the nuun make your water count video here

Tweet me:.@nuunhydration runs with @WholePlanet Foundation to fund microcredit loans for the world’s poor http://bit.ly/2tNB9lN

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, whole planet foundation, nuun hydration

SOURCE:Keep America Beautiful

DESCRIPTION:

Chelsea Yates, an ambitious 11-year-old, has jump-started a movement to remind people that littering around public storm drains negatively effects the environment -- namely, marine life -- by posting notices on roadside storm drains in Brunswick, Georgia.

Chelsea, a Girl Scout Troop 30105 member, was paired up with the City of Brunswick by Keep Golden Isles Beautiful Executive Director Lea King-Badyna to help prevent litter from entering stormwater drains. Keep Golden Isles Beautiful, a Keep America Beautiful affiliate, matches environmentally-minded Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts with advancement projects that promote a cleaner community.

Continue reading here.

Tweet me:#FF @kabtweet Affiliate Stories: @KeepGIBeautiful @GirlScouts #volunteer prevents runoff #litter. #DoBeautifulThings http://bit.ly/2tmJ0HC

Contact Info:

Mike Rosen
Keep America Beautiful
+1 (203) 659-3008
mrosen@kab.org
http://www.twitter.com/kabtweet
http://www.facebook.com/keepamericabeautiful
http://www.instagram.com/keepamericabeautiful
http://www.youtube.com/kabnetwork

Larry Kaufman
Keep America Beautiful
+1 (203) 659-3014
lkaufman@kab.org

KEYWORDS: Social Impact & Volunteering, Environment, Keep America Beautiful, Keep Golden Isles Beautiful, Chelsea Yates, Girl Scouts, litter prevention, volunteerism

SOURCE:Aramark

DESCRIPTION:

Aramark, Citi Field's food and beverage provider, and the New York Mets have been recognized by the New York City Department of Sanitation with a "Certificate of Amazing Participation" for their continuous support and exemplary commitment to their organics program.  

“We are honored to be recognized alongside the Mets, our longtime partner, for our responsible food management practices at Citi Field that promote a sustainable environment,” said Carl Mittleman, President, Aramark’s Sports and Entertainment division. “As an industry leader, we are committed to and take great pride in championing innovative solutions that impact the communities we serve and inspire others to make a difference.”

“The New York Mets together with Aramark are thrilled to be doing our part in reducing the incredible amount of waste that currently goes to landfills every day. It takes strong teamwork to improve our environment and we, along with our fans, are proud to step up and encourage others to join us," said the Mets organization .

Food scraps and other organic waste make up more than one-third of all commercial waste. Diverting this material from landfills means it can be used as a natural soil amendment through composting or clean, renewable energy through anaerobic digestion. Keeping food scraps and other organic waste out of landfills also reduces the emissions of methane gas, a harmful greenhouse gas and major contributor to climate change.  

About Aramark's Waste Minimization Efforts

Across Aramark operations, we’ve implemented practices that decrease the impact – and the cost – of waste, as part of our Green Thread , our environmental sustainability platform. Starting with what we purchase, and continuing through to how we dispose of waste, we work hard every day to reduce our environmental footprint.

As a global food service company, we're proud to be recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champion for our commitment to reduce food loss and waste in our operations by 50 percent by 2030.  

Our approach to managing food waste is aligned with the EPA’s food recovery hierarchy, and with our “behind the scenes” food management programs, we make sure we are ordering accurate amounts of food, preparing and serving it in a way that limits waste, and tracking our progress.

Sometimes unique circumstances, like an event cancelled at the last minute, or an unexpected snow storm that closes dining facilities, causes us to make other plans. In those cases, we implement our food donation program to provide safe, unserved food to hunger relief agencies in our communities. 

We partner with our clients to create robust recycling and composting programs to keep waste out of landfills. We also offer them solutions that help reduce waste at the source – like reusable to-go food and beverage containers, and “trayless” dining programs, which are proven to cut down on the amount waste created. 

Tweet me:.@Aramark, NY Mets Recognized for Food Waste Minimization Efforts http://bit.ly/2u96C3M

KEYWORDS: Awards, Ratings & Rankings, Sustainability Awards, Aramark, Citi Field, Waste, waste minimization, composting, Food Waste, environment, sustainability, environmental sustainability, New York Mets, Baseball

SOURCE:KeyBank

DESCRIPTION:

CLEVELAND, July 21, 2017 /3BL Media/ -- KeyBank’s Community Development Lending & Investment (CDLI) team provided a total of $11.8 million in financing for the construction of Meriwether Place Apartments, an affordable housing development, located in Vancouver, WA. Key provided a $5.8 million construction loan and $6 million in LIHTC equity.

Meriwether Place will feature 30 studio units, with 23 set aside for individuals experiencing permanent homelessness, or households that are at high risk for homelessness. Fifteen units will be restricted for tenants earning at or below 30% AMI, with the other 15 units being designated for tenants earning at or below 50% AMI.

Individual units include a fully-equipped kitchen consisting of a dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, and range. Other property amenities include: a community room, leasing facilities, common laundry facilities, a pea patch area with raised planting beds and an adjacent community patio area. Additionally, the property will also include 6,300 square feet of commercial space located on the ground floor, designed to provide mental health and other services to residents. 

The project received permanent financing from Washington Community Reinvestment Association.

Aubre Dickson and Beth Palmer of Key’s CDLI group arranged the financing.

About Key Community Development Lending and Investment

KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment (CDLI) helps fulfill Key’s purpose to help clients and communities thrive by financing projects that stabilize and revitalize communities. Experts in complex tax credit lending and investing, Key is one of a handful of affordable housing lenders in the country with a platform that brings together balance sheet, equity, and permanent loan offerings. CDLI has a substantial investment and loan portfolio worth more than $2 billion, 90% of which is Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects. For its ability to lend to, invest in, and serve its communities –especially low-to-moderate income communities – KeyBank has earned eight consecutive “Outstanding” ratings on the Community Reinvestment Act exam, from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

About KeyCorp

KeyCorp's roots trace back 190 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $135.8 billion at June 30, 2017. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, insurance, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of more than 1,200 branches and more than 1,500 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

Press Contact:  Laura Mimura laura.mimura@key.com, 216.471.2883

###

KEYWORDS: Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment, Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, keybank, affordable housing, Corporate Social Responsibility

Aimed at engaging with the academic community to encourage and support advanced engineering research

SOURCE:Qualcomm

DESCRIPTION:

Tweet me:Six @Qualcomm #Innovation Fellowship winners receive funding to develop their ideas http://bit.ly/2uQbw9f #education

KEYWORDS: Innovation & Technology, Awards, Ratings & Rankings, Qualcomm, Qualcomm Innovation Fellowship, India, research and development

By Tony Wittkowski

SOURCE:Whirlpool Corporation

DESCRIPTION:

BENTON HARBOR — Instead of just volunteering, more than two dozen Whirlpool Corp. workers took part in a team-building exercise Tuesday that simultaneously solved a few kinks for a nonprofit organization.

In an effort to put their training to the test, workers from Whirlpool’s North American Region International Logistics team spent half the day at the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency’s warehouse in downtown Benton Harbor to evaluate the boxing-cycle process.

Click here to read the full story >>>

Tweet me:Whirlpool Corporation workers give back, problem solve for nonprofit organization @WhirlpoolCorp http://bit.ly/2tOBvJ4

KEYWORDS: Responsible Business & Employee Engagement, Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, whirlpool, team, logistics, SMCAA, problem, nonprofit, Box, process, North American Region, Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency, Solve

Royals star shines bright for Big Brothers Big Sisters

SOURCE:Major League Baseball Players Trust

DESCRIPTION:

World Series champion, All-Star Game MVP, three-time Gold Glove Award winner and 2017 World Baseball Classic champion — first baseman Eric Hosmer has developed an impressive baseball resume since joining the Kansas City Royals in 2011.

But in addition to making a big difference for the Royals in recent years, the 27-year-old has also made a positive and significant impact in the Kansas City community.

Hosmer has been heavily involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City (BBBSKC) since 2011. He was originally introduced to the organization — whose goal is to match “children facing adversity in one-to-one, life-changing friendships with adult volunteers,” according to the official website – by fellow Kansas City sports star Eric Berry of the Kansas City Chiefs.

It was the way his older brother, Mike Jr., treated him as a kid, however, that convinced him to become even more involved with BBBSKC.

“I just realized how good I had it growing up,” Hosmer told reporters. “There was always someone there, when Pops was at work, to go outside and play catch or just to guide me around throughout the day. This is an organization I’ve been with a long time and they’ve been great with us.”

“I think I just learned from how he treated me and how he accepted me as a friend: not like I was the annoying little younger guy,” Hosmer said in an interview in June 2016.

Hosmer has worked closely with the organization to find new ways to inspire others to get involved. In 2012, Hosmer spoke at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City to help recruit Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Big Couples through a program called “Step Up to the Plate with Eric Hosmer.”

In 2015, Hosmer started “Step Up Big with Eric Hosmer,” where he pledged to donate funds for every double he hit that season. In 2016, after pledging to donate $1,169.08 per double, he raised over $30,000 for BBBSKC.

Continue reading on PlayersTrust.org.

Tweet me:#MLBPlayers #GoingToBat - @TheRealHos35 @Royals goes all out for @BBBSKC http://bit.ly/2uQDL7v

KEYWORDS: Social Impact & Volunteering, Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Kansas City Royals, Eric Hosmer, Major League Baseball, MLB, Major League Baseball Players Association, MLBPA, Major League Baseball Players Trust, Players Trust, Big Brothers Big Sisters

A conversation with Boeing's Dana Hullinger

SOURCE:Boeing

DESCRIPTION:

**This is the seventh article in a series focusing on The Boeing Company's environmental performance and progress in 2016. Visit www.boeing.com/environment for more information.**

As a supply chain leader for Boeing’s Defense, Space & Security business unit, Dana Hullinger helps drive the effort to improve performance and use data analytics to gain new insights into Boeing’s complex and diverse network of suppliers.

Supplier performance metrics include a wide range of environmental issues. Dana discusses some of the sustainability challenges and opportunities throughout the supply chain.

Can you describe Boeing’s supply chain?

More than 13,000 active suppliers account for more than $60 billion in goods and services to build Boeing products. We have suppliers in every state in the U.S. and 48 countries.

What are the main environmental and sustainability issues in supply chain activity?

They vary by region, but the issues fall into broad categories of social justice and environmental stewardship. One of the most talked about global social justice issues is conflict minerals, which refers to specific minerals mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo and its surrounding countries. The mining is done with coerced labor under often harsh and unsafe conditions, and their sales are used to finance armed conflicts in the region. The minerals, including tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold, are widely used in electronics and consumer products.

The U.S. and other nations have regulations against the use of products made with conflict raw materials. Boeing is a leader in working with government agencies and industry groups on ensuring compliance throughout the supply chain.

Other human rights issues involve human trafficking and the use of child labor in manufacturing in many parts of the world. Boeing trains its employees to be aware of conditions situations that could indicate a lack of supplier compliance with laws protecting human rights.

For the environment, there is growing regulation of hazardous chemicals and greenhouse gas emissions in products and manufacturing in the European Union and other regions. Energy and water conservation also are important sustainability issues.

How does Boeing address these and other global environmental issues?

We require our suppliers to comply with all global, national and local laws that protect human rights, guard against human exploitation and protect the environment. Period. It’s in the terms and conditions of their contract and it is a basic requirement to do business with Boeing. That means we need to be diligent to ensure the supply chain remains aligned with our principles and our practices, especially as we enter new markets around the world.

On key environmental issues, Boeing works closely with governments, suppliers and partners on setting industrywide standards. We are a founding member of the International Aerospace Environmental Group and the Defense Industry Initiative on Business Ethics and Conduct, which promotes a culture of ethical conduct throughout the military supply chain.

As I mentioned earlier, we are providing more awareness training to Boeing employees, reaching out to our suppliers, and continuing to provide leadership on industry and advisory groups.

And we listen. Every year, we meet with investor groups who hold shares in Boeing and have strong interest in the social justice and environmental stewardship practices of our company and our supply chain. They want to be sure we are aligned with shareholder interests and expectations and are demonstrating progress.

Why is it important for Boeing to have a global environmental strategy?

We are the world’s largest aerospace company and social responsibility comes along with that. Our customers, shareholders, employees and communities we serve expect Boeing to be a good environmental steward and corporate citizen, and that includes our suppliers.

It’s also a major interest to our future workforce. I speak with a lot of college students in undergraduate and graduate supply chain programs, and I am likely to get more questions about the environment, social justice and conflict minerals than almost any other topic. I think it is a way for people to connect the supply chain profession with a larger, more global social purpose.

Some people may look at a complex supplier network and wonder, “Is it possible to make a difference?”

A supply chain that is large and complex doesn’t mean “no,” and the cost can’t be a reason for not getting it done. We have to find economically efficient and effective solutions to build a more sustainable future. It’s what propels us forward. So we won’t give up.

Tweet me:One @Boeing supply chain leader looks for "economically efficient and effective solutions" for a sustainable future. http://bit.ly/2sIF9Ye

KEYWORDS: Supply Chain & the Circular Economy, Research, Reports & Publications, Boeing, csr, esg, environment report, supply chain

SOURCE:University of Michigan: Erb Institute | Business for Sustainability

DESCRIPTION:

Erb Faculty Director, Joe Arvai was published in Environmental Science & Technology

In an effort to reduce “carbon pollution” as well as prepare the U.S. for the impacts of climate change, President Obama’s Climate Action Plan called for changes to be made to the nation’s energy system. This call to action, put the energy industry at the heart of a national effort to meaningfully address the national and global risks posed by climate change. In addition to focusing on alternative portfolios of different fuels and power-generation technologies, researchers and advisory panels have urged that changes to the nation’s energy system be based on a decision-making framework that both incorporates stakeholders and accounts for real-world resource, supply and demand constraints. But, to date, research and development on such a framework has proven elusive.

Research led by the Erb Institute’s Joe Árvai focused on the development and testing of a potential decision support framework that combines elements from structured decision-making with energy portfolio analysis; these are methods that have been used independently to elicit preferences in complex decision contexts. This hybrid framework aimed to (1) provide necessary background information to both planners at energy utilities and consumers regarding the development of coupled climate-energy strategies; (2) account for peopel’s values and objectives; (3) allow for the construction of bespoke energy portfolios bounded by real-world supply and demand constraints; and (4) provide a more rigorous basis for addressing tradeoffs. Results show that this framework was user-friendly, led to significant increases in users’ knowledge about energy systems and, importantly, led to more internally consistent decisions. Such a framework may serve as a suitable template for supporting decisions about energy transitions in both the private and public sectors, in the United States and abroad.

Read more here

KEYWORDS: Research, Reports & Publications, Energy, university of michigan, Erb Institute, sustainability, Joe Arvai, energy portfolio, decision-making

SOURCE:ReportAlert

DESCRIPTION:

“We believe sustainable practices create value for our shareholders and opportunities to continuously improve business performance. We are proud of the progress made and excited to continue building a sustainable enterprise that makes a positive difference for our stakeholders and the world around us.” John B. Hess, Chief Executive Officer, Hess Corporation.
 
Hess’ sustainability strategy is driven by its unwavering commitment to protect the health and safety of its people, safeguard the environment, and contribute to the sustainability of the communities where it operates, while delivering long-term value to its shareholders.

Hess Corporation’s 20th annual sustainability report has achieved the G4 Core level for sustainability reporting under the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) methodology. GRI is an independent organization that provides the world’s most widely recognized sustainability reporting and disclosure standards. The report has been third-party assured by ERM Certification and Verification Services.

Hess’ 2016 Sustainability Report describes the company’s progress against its 2020 sustainability goals in five strategic key areas.

Key achievements in 2016 include:

• Safety and Health: Improved employee total recordable incident rate by 58 percent and reduced process safety events by 36 percent compared to 2015.
   
• Community and Social Performance: Invested nearly $20 million in social programs, with more than $16 million directed toward education.
   
• How We Operate: Implemented enhanced Environment, Health and Safety standards and initiated detailed reviews of integrity risk at producing assets as part of ongoing asset integrity management process.
   
• Climate Change and Energy: Reduced flaring and greenhouse gas emission intensities by 29 percent and 20 percent, respectively, versus a 2014 baseline. Recognized on the prestigious CDP Global Climate List as a leader in addressing climate change-related risks and opportunities.
   
• Environment: Reduced total freshwater use by approximately 16 percent compared to 2015.

Hess has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America for the seventh consecutive year, the Corporate Responsibility magazine’s list of 100 Best Corporate Citizens for the 10th consecutive year, and the Global 100 Most Sustainable Companies by Corporate Knights for the third consecutive year.

About Hess 
Hess Corporation is a leading global independent energy company engaged in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas. Hess is committed to helping meet the world’s growing energy needs in a safe, environmentally responsible, socially sensitive and profitable way.
 
More information on Hess Corporation is available at http://www.hess.com.

Contacts:

Investors:
Jay Wilson
212-536-8940

Media:
Lorrie Hecker
212-536-8250

Read the Report

Tweet me:.@HessCorporation's 20th #Sustainability #Report shows continued progress in 5 strategic areas http://bit.ly/2tO2TH1 via @ReportAlert

KEYWORDS: Research, Reports & Publications, Energy, Hess Corporation, ReportAlert, sustainability, Sustainability Report, climate change

Strategic Investor Initiative and CEO Investor Forum in Journal of Applied Corporate Finance

SOURCE:CECP

DESCRIPTION:

CECP’s Strategic Investor Initiative is a collaboration that leverages CECP’s CEO network to fundamentally change the conversation between CEOs, boards of directors, and investors, from a focus on short-term profits to “long-termism”--the creation of multi-year strategies that include financial and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. 

In a paper published earlier this month in the Spring 2017 Journal of Applied Corporate Finance, Tim Youmans, Research Director, Strategic Investor Initiative, CECP, and Brian Tomlinson, Senior Research Advisor, Strategic Investor Initiative, CECP, detail how the existing structure of corporate shareholder communications encourages “short-termism,” or the narrow focus on immediate profit at the expense of long-term security. The paper summarizes the substantial evidence that corporate management, boards, and investors are concerned about the failure of quarterly earnings framework to adequately address the importance of long-term value creation. 

But how do we remedy this ingrained culture of report and repeat? Earlier this year, CECP hosted the inaugural CEO Investor Forum, which welcomed presentations from CEOs of five large public U.S. companies and the CFO of IBM to hundreds of buy-side investors on their long-run plans and visions for the future of their respective companies. CECP firmly believes the format and the substance of the discussions can create a more effective dialogue between companies and their investors. The goal is to spark the movement of trillions of dollars of capital to reward corporations that can demonstrate their company’s ability to achieve their long-term vision for future performance excellence by leveraging the risks and opportunities presented by ESG factors.  

What’s next for SII? On September 19, 2017, in New York City, CECP will host the second CEO-Investor Forum, along with a third in February 2018 and a fourth April 2018, with the aim of bringing about the broad adoption of long-term plans as a mainstream element in corporate-shareholder communications. For more information, visit cecp.co/sii.

Tweet me:.@CECPTweets' Strategic Investor Initiative publishes in #JACF, "short-termism is not working" http://bit.ly/2vTawxe

KEYWORDS: Research, Reports & Publications, Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment, CEO, #ESG, corporate finance, financial, CFO, Stock Market, CECP

SOURCE:Bloomberg

DESCRIPTION:

This week, Bloomberg Philanthropies and Harvard University convened the inaugural class of the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. A first-of-its-kind collaboration, Bloomberg Philanthropies has brought together Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and its business school to help mayors become even stronger leaders. We spoke with Bloomberg Philanthropies CEO Patti Harris, Harvard Business School Dean Nitin Nohria, and Harvard Kennedy School Dean Douglas Elmendorf about how the initiative got started and why it matters.

Why is it so important to have a leadership development program for mayors and how will this initiative help support the skills mayors already bring to the job?

Patti Harris: Over the years, through our work with cities across the globe, we’ve heard time and again that mayors wish they had easier access to the latest information, tools, and techniques to help them achieve their greatest ambitions for their cities. We’ve also learned that they value learning with and from fellow mayors above all else. That’s why we worked with Harvard to create the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, to give mayors access to high-quality executive coaching and training – like that offered to their CEO peers in the business world. It is truly a unique effort!

Nitin Nohria: Mayors all bring their unique perspectives and skills to the job. But it is hard to imagine how anyone can ever be fully prepared for all that it takes to be an effective mayor. Inevitably, mayors will have to grow into these jobs. And they can benefit from learning from each other, from a structured educational experience, and from research that can inform their thinking. This is where the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative hopes to play a role and make a contribution.

Douglas Elmendorf: An increasing number of people are moving to cities, so the decisions made by mayors and their staff affect more people every day. Making sure that mayors have the tools necessary to diagnose, face, and solve problems through leadership becomes more important by the hour. The job of mayor is extremely demanding – expectations are high and because mayors are close to the community they serve, mayors are held accountable immediately if they don’t meet expectations. Mayors rarely have the opportunity to reflect, step back, and further develop their skills to become an even better leader. Thanks to Mike Bloomberg’s vision, they now have that opportunity.

To read the full story, click here. 

Tweet me:Bloomberg Philanthropies & Harvard launch first-ever leadership program for mayors & city leaders @bloombergdotorg http://bit.ly/2tTViqw

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Education, philanthropy, Bloomberg, bloombergdotorg, Mike Bloomberg, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative

SOURCE:3BL Media, LLC

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Cotton represents nearly half the fiber used to make clothes and other textiles worldwide. But the economically valuable fiber is also a water-hungry crop to produce. It can take between two to five thousand gallons of water to produce two pounds of cotton—about equal to a tee shirt and a pair of jeans. And then there is the heavy use of chemicals to protect the vulnerable plant from insects, weeds, and disease. How could this widely grown and useful fiber be grown more sustainably?

Target and the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space think answers could come from outer space. They have announced a one million dollar-prize for scientists and researchers who can find ways to use the space station to make cotton farming more sustainable. NASA said that it will make “on-orbit access to the station available to advance cotton sustainability solutions.” These may include “projects in plant biology, water technology, or remote-sensing technologies.” Today’s farm producers already use GPS and big data, so looking go the stars for earthly sustainability solutions doesn’t seem so far-fetched.

I’m John Howell for 3BL Media.

Video Source: Making Cotton More Sustainable —Solutions from Outer Space? 

Tweet me:Have an idea for growing cotton in space? You could win $1M! http://bit.ly/2vTLLBo #CSRminute via @3BLMedia #socinn #tech

KEYWORDS: Innovation & Technology, Awards, Ratings & Rankings, CSR Minute, cotton, Target, Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, 3bl Media

SOURCE:Wells Fargo & Company

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I am thankful and in awe of Wells Fargo’s corporate giving program and their bold commitment to environmental education.

Wells Fargo has an incredible philanthropic arm with an admirable 2020 Environmental Goal to provide $65 million in contributions to foster resilient communities, clean technology and innovation, and environmental education. As part of this goal, Wells Fargo has made a very generous $2MM donation to my non-profit organization. This donation will equip our team to reach its 2020 impact goal to build 1000 Learning Gardens in schools across 10 American cities. 

We’ve already built 400 Learning Gardens reaching 200,000 kids; and with this support from Wells Fargo, and donations from many others, we can continue to build more outdoor Learning Garden classrooms to connect hundreds of thousands of children to fresh, healthy food.

With Learning Gardens in schools — primarily in underserved areas of our nation — we can connect kids to real food, the natural world, and teach them about a key environmental issue of our time: from where their food comes.

The $2MM donation from Wells Fargo is the largest, philanthropic corporate donation our organization has received to date. I am of course both thankful and in awe of Wells Fargo’s corporate giving program and their bold commitment to environmental education.

I believe that trust is the currency of our generation. Without trust, we all lose. By donating to worthy causes and impactful organizations, Wells Fargo is making significant investments in its communities. Wells Fargo is both building trust and doubling down on a belief that we must cultivate citizens of tomorrow to improve the health of our communities.

Every company in America should aspire to follow in Wells Fargo’s footsteps for their clear vision to make a difference in the communities it serves.

Since 2005, Wells Fargo has integrated sustainability initiatives into its culture, funding innovative organizations that foster environmental literacy and a new generation of sustainability leaders. Through its environmental education grant-making, Wells Fargo promotes scalable community outreach and education programs, targeting low to moderate-income communities and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives. The bank’s larger environmental commitment also focuses on improving its own operational efficiency, financing renewable energy projects, and advancing clean technologies.

What are your 2020 philanthropic goals? How can your company further its community giving and investments? How can we all pursue an America where everyone — no matter the financial situation — has access to real food?

Tweet me:Why More Companies Should have a 2020 Philanthropic Goal like @WellsFargo #corporategiving #realfood. http://bit.ly/2tuWod5

KEYWORDS: Environment, Education, Wells Fargo & Company

SOURCE:TriplePundit

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In the run up to the COMMIT!Forum, CR Magazine spoke with Brian Lakamp, Founder and CEO at Totem Power. Totem’s smart hub combines modern communications, advanced energy, and distributed intelligence into a single, powerful platform for modern campuses, retail centers, commercial facilities, cities and more. We spoke with him about being a practitioner in the clean energy space.

CRMag: As a practitioner, how does telling the Corporate Responsibility (CR) story feel different from everyday sales & marketing?

Brian Lakamp: Totem is the first smart city platform that is dedicated to telling its CR story through its core offering. Totem was founded to grow and connect responsible and resilient communities– and that is at the heart of the company. Corporations are missing out on massive opportunities to leverage their CR and sustainability investments beyond their PR and company messaging. By installing Totem into their campuses or parking lots, corporations can breed awareness and engagement with corporate sustainability commitments across customers and employees in ways that that haven’t been available previously. By bringing clean energy into the conversation, these actors will be recognized for translating their efforts into tangible, long-term impacts for their key constituents.

CRMag: How has your understanding of CR’s value proposition — both within your company or sector and as a general matter — evolved over time?

BL: It is increasingly clear that corporations need to re-evaluate the longevity and impact of their corporate sustainability initiatives. By increasing investment in renewables, companies can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels that pollute the communities they serve. They can magnify that impact and celebrate their investments in people and the planet with “PDR” – public displays of responsibility. We think it’s essential to showcase these corporate investments in places that create broad awareness and ultimately drive energy literacy.

The market is transforming because companies, citizens and cities are voicing their commitment to live more sustainably. Now, more than ever, the opportunity presents to invest in infrastructure that fosters smarter energy, communications and transportation to accommodate our increasingly connected world.

CR Mag: How do you convey CR’s value proposition to your many different stakeholders? (I break it down by audiences: employees, customers, shareholders, regulators and other influencers.)

BL: Totem delivers modern services in a form that also drives broader impact. It’s about levered value that accrues across multiple stakeholders , including:

· Corporations: Totem’s design allows corporations to install visually stunning infrastructure into their parking lots and corporate campuses. Totem delivers critical services and simultaneously showcases corporate social responsibility by making it a tangible and interactive part of the built environment. The impactful and experiential nature of Totem makes it a powerful tool for CR.

· Employees: Corporations will retain and motivate employees by offering modern services such as EV charging, wireless coverage and more. With Totem, corporations have a means to deliver those services and powerfully convey corporate ethos around sustainability.

· Customers: Customer experience is one of the most important aspects of running a business. Totem provides corporations a new and differentiated tool to drive value for customers. Totems deliver critical services for the modern facility, while also providing proof-points to reinforce CR. Not only are customers more likely to enjoy the spaces they frequent, but they are more likely to identify with companies that stand for something they believe in.

· Shareholders: In the end, the value to employees and customers shows up in corporate ROI. Totem’s ability to ultimately drive accelerated outcomes and differentiated market positioning for companies is music to shareholders.

CRMag: What is your CSR/sustainability corporate strategy for 2017 and beyond?

BL: Our corporate mission is to enable integration of renewable energy sources into facilities and the larger grid at scale via distributed energy storage. We’re driving beyond just renewable offsets, toward 100% self-consumption of the renewable energy sources we subscribe to. That’s a clear goal for ourselves and for our partners as well.

We’re also focused on incorporating materials and processes that minimize our footprint. That means constantly driving to minimize shipping (local manufacturing), lower impact materials (better battery chemistries, structural elements), and strategies for end-of-life reuse. We’re early in our journey, and excited by how far we think we’ll be able to push things.

CRMag: What is your “Game-changer” message, program, philosophy or take away for our audience

BL: Totem is making renewable energy and smart transportation accessible and visible. Totem is based on the belief that advancement of clean energy, next generation services and responsible practices will be accelerated by bringing smart utility out of the shadows.
Today, too many of the biggest advances in the way we power and connect facilities are hidden on rooftops or behind buildings. Totem is designed to activate both the capabilities and the conversation. The company’s impact will be measured not only by looking at energy savings and the transition of renewable energy, but also by the level of engagement from the community.

Join us at the COMMIT!Forum to speak to practitioners like Brian.

Tweet me:See how Totem #Energy celebrates "PDR - public displays of responsibility" http://bit.ly/2v15KBx via @TriplePundit #CommitForum

KEYWORDS: Energy, Energy Efficiency, triplepundit, Totem Energy

By Heather Black

SOURCE:Whirlpool Corporation

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St. Joseph, MI - Dozens of new boats launched in the St. Joseph River Thursday. It's part of the 2nd annual "Rock the Boat" event in St. Joe. 

Some of the boats were made of duct tape and cardboard. Around 29 boats competed in the race. Many of them were teams from Whirlpool.

Originally published by WSBT-TV

Click here to read the full story >>>

Tweet me:Whirlpool Corporation hosts 2nd annual "Rock the Boat" race to raise funds for United Way @WhirlpoolCorp @UnitedWay http://bit.ly/2v15ra7

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Fundraising, whirlpool, fundraiser, United Way, Rock the Boat, Annual, Race, St. Joseph River, boat, community

VolunteerMatch Dons Their Stripes for Discovery’s Project C.A.T.!

SOURCE:VolunteerMatch

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Have you noticed something different about VolunteerMatch’s site and social media lately? We’re donning our stripes to support Discovery’s Project C.A.T.! 

By Tess Srebro

One aspect of volunteerism I love is the endless possibilities. There’s a virtually unlimited amount of ways for us to get involved. Don’t want to leave your house, or want to help a cause far away? Virtual volunteering is your answer. Want to build your resume while helping a good cause? Try a volunteer opportunity that draws on your specialized skills. Don’t have a ton of time in one stretch? You might consider microvolunteering.

We can also find ways to volunteer for the things we’re personally passionate about. For me, I’ve loved cats since before I could speak. I’ve volunteered at cat shelters and adoption events. So, when I heard that VolunteerMatch had the opportunity to get involved with Discovery’s Project C.A.T., I jumped at the chance to be a part of the initiative.

If you didn’t already know, tiger populations are dwindling. We’ve lost 96% of wild tigers in the last century. Yep, you read that right. 96%. A century ago, there were 100,000 tigers on the planet. Today, there are less than 4,000. Discovery is helping to bring them back by supporting World Wildlife Fund’s vital work to protect these endangered big cats and their habitats. Their goal? To double the amount of wild tigers by 2022.

Where does volunteering come in? Well, you may have noticed that VolunteerMatch’s homepage and social media pages look a little different today.

In the days leading up to Global Tiger Day on July 29, 2017, we’re focusing in on tigers and tiger-related causes to show you how many ways there are to save our planet’s wildlife in your community. Check out these numbers of volunteer opportunities currently active on our site*:

Throughout the week, we’ll also share tiger-saving info and inspiration on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Follow us there, as well as the hashtags #ProjectCAT and #ProtectTigers.

Celebrate Global Tiger Day and beyond by getting familiar with Discovery’s Project C.A.T.. Then, find a way to earn your stripes by volunteering for these incredible cats or related causes. Get started by clicking on any of the links in the chart above.

Have a tiger-saving tip to add? Share it with us in the comments section below.

P.S. Felines and wildlife aren’t your cups of tea? Browse 29 different cause areas — from advocacy and human rights to education and literacy — to volunteer for on VolunteerMatch.org.

*As of Friday July 21, 2017.

Tweet me:.@VolunteerMatch Dons Their Stripes for @Discovery’s #ProjectCAT! http://bit.ly/2vCxMjV #ProtectTigers #GlobalTigerDay

KEYWORDS: Environment, Events, Media & Communications, Volunteering, #globaltigerday, Partnerships, VolunteerMatch