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GM Zeros in on an All-Electric Future

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SOURCE:General Motors

DESCRIPTION:

GM summarizes its vision in six words: zero crashes, zero emissions, zero congestion. In a recent LinkedIn post, Mary Barra states, “our generation has the ambition, the talent and the technology to realize the safer, better and more sustainable world we want.”

GM backed up its zero-emissions commitment by announcing it will introduce two electric vehicles in the next 18 months – the first of at least 20 new EVs by 2023.

“General Motors believes in an all-electric future,” said Mark Reuss, GM executive vice president of Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain.

Reuss acknowledges that although this future won’t happen overnight, the company will use a customer-centric approach to help drive increased use and customer demand for EVs.

The effort requires a two-pronged approach to electrification — battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric technology. GM recently used fuel cell technology and two electric motors on an emissions-free heavy-duty truck concept called the Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure, which could serve as a delivery vehicle or ambulance.

With its zero-zero-zero vision, GM sees a future where it can help save lives, enable children to inherit a healthier planet and give customers time back typically spent in traffic. This is the future GM is driving, with Mary at the wheel, to move humanity forward.

Tweet me:.@GM zeroes in on an all-electric future http://bit.ly/2xSff7f

KEYWORDS: Innovation & Technology, Energy, General Motors, Mary Barra, zero crashes, zero emissions, zero congestion

 


Join Canadian and International Peers in Toronto at Inside Out: A Transformative Approach to Community Investment, November 2-3, 2017

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SOURCE:SiMPACT Strategy Group

DESCRIPTION:

TORONTO, October 4, 2017 /3BL Media/ - Join Canadian and International peers in Toronto, Canada at Inside Out: A Transformative Approach to Community Investment. Inside Out is a future-looking conference designed to advance the practice of how companies invest in community.

Diversity and inclusion, employee wellness and employee engagement are increasingly recognized as business priorities. Companies create business value when they address these strategically and effectively. Community investment is becoming recognized as a tool to address these important issues. 

Inside Out is designed for practitioners seeking to engage with colleagues, sharing real-world examples of how companies are beginning to position community investment as an effective approach to creating value by prioritizing diversity, inclusion and employee wellness, and to deepen employee engagement.

"Inside Out has been designed for companies seeking to impact communities. We will explore how looking inside uncovers a tremendous resource able to impact community in meaningful ways," says Stephanie Robertson, CEO & Founder of SiMPACT Strategy Group and Facilitator of London Benchmarking Group (LBG) Canada. "Leveraging employees in a meaningful and strategic way will address business priorities that include enriching corporate culture through diversity, increasing employee wellness and employee engagement. This approach then encourages companies to look outside the organization, for opportunities to have greater community impact. In this way, community investment can create tangible and significant ROI."

Looking Inside Out raises a fundamental question, 'if diversity and inclusion is a corporate priority, what is holding us back?' to Amy Hanen, Assistant Vice President, Diversity & Inclusion at TD Bank Group, and Helen Kennedy, Executive Director of Egale Canada.

Community investment has a role to play in addressing vital corporate priorities. Join Canadian and international peers to turn your thinking Inside Out

For more information, please call Arundel Gibson at (416) 642-5461, or visit: https://www.lbg-canada.ca/news/conference/.

Register for Inside Out: A Transformative Approach to Community Investment, please visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/inside-out-a-transformative-approach-to-community-investment-tickets-36789460266

About the Co-Organizers

LBG Canada is a network of professionals guiding community investment, CSR and social engagement strategies on behalf of many leading companies. Each year, the LBG Canada network assembles for the purpose of advancing the practice of community investment through information sharing, peer-led discussion and data analysis. For more information about LBG Canada, please visit: www.lbg-canada.ca.

This year, the LBG Canada community investment conference is presented in partnership with Realized Worth, a global consulting firm offering design and implementation support for employee volunteering programs. Now, Realized Worth offers an online learning platform that focusses on empowering the leadership of employees to grow and scale programs through training and certification. For more information about Realized Worth, please visit: https://www.rlzdwrth.com/who-we-are.

About the Venue

Inside Out will be hosted by LoyaltyOne, within the new, state-of-the-art Globe and Mail Centre in Toronto.

Located in the emerging hub of urban activity and corporate head offices on King Street east of Sherbourne Street, the 500,000 square foot, 17 storey office tower targeting LEED Gold was designed by award-winning Toronto architectual firm, Diamond Schmitt Architects. The Globe and Mail Centre is within walking distance of the Distillery District, St. Lawrence Market, Toronto's Waterfront, Union Station and other modes of transportation. Just minutes from the downtown core, The Globe and Mail Centre offers elegant spaces with panoramic city and lake views. 

Tweet me:Join #LBGCanada & @realizedworth at Inside Out, a #conference designed to advance practice of #communityinvestment http://bit.ly/2yLE4zl

KEYWORDS: Events, Media & Communications, Realized Worth, LBG Canada, Community Investment, employee volunteering, Transformation, diversity, inclusion, employee wellness, Employee Engagement, Simpact strategy group

Costa Cruises and Shakira's Foundation Pies Descalzos to Build School in Colombia

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Building Happiness With Costa Cruises and Fundacion Pies Descalzos

SOURCE:Carnival Corporation & plc

DESCRIPTION:

Costa Cruises and Shakira's Foundation Pies Descalzos partner on a new campaign called  “Building Happiness” for the construction of a school in Colombia. It will help over 1300 families and children in Colombia by providing access to quality education.

Tweet me:Costa Cruises and Shakira's Foundation Pies Descalzos to Build School in Colombia @CarnivalPLC http://bit.ly/2gaicWL

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Education, Costa Cruises, Shakira, Fundacion Pies Descalzos, Colombia, Building Happiness

Topher White: Connecting the Rainforest

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SOURCE:Sea Change Radio

DESCRIPTION:

Do you have a drawer somewhere filled with old cellphones collecting dust? Wouldn’t it be great if there were a way to put those phones to good use? This week’s guest on Sea Change Radio, Topher White, is making a difference using those dormant phones. His organization, Rainforest Connection up-cycles defunct phones with solar charging technology and then places them strategically in rainforests all over the world to monitor human activity like poaching and deforestation. After listening to how Rainforest Connection is making use of old phones, you may find yourself digging around that drawer to see what you’ve got to send them.

Tweet me:This wk's @SeaChangeRadio - "Topher White: Connecting The Rainforest" http://www.cchange.net/2017/10/03/topher/

KEYWORDS: Environment, Innovation & Technology, sea change radio, Topher White, Rainforest Connection, Deforestation

National Grid Thanks Customers, Communities, and Employees for Commitment to Energy Efficiency

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Energy Efficiency Day is October 5, 2017

SOURCE:National Grid

DESCRIPTION:

Throughout the Northeast, National Grid is saving energy in your neighborhood.

National Grid is here to help make your home or business better. Every year, we work with homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes to find energy saving solutions for houses, apartments, and offices. 

Learn More About National Grid's Energy Saving Programs

 
 

About National Grid

National Grid (LSE: NG; NYSE: NGG) is an electricity and natural gas delivery company that connects nearly 7 million customers to vital energy sources through its networks in New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It is the largest distributor of natural gas in the Northeast. National Grid also operates the systems that deliver gas and electricity across Great Britain.

Through its U.S. Connect21 strategy, National Grid is transforming its electricity and natural gas networks to support the 21st century digital economy with smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy solutions. Connect21 is vital to our communities' long-term economic and environmental health and aligns with regulatory initiatives in New York (REV: Reforming the Energy Vision) and Massachusetts (Grid Modernization).

For more information please visit our website: www.nationalgridus.com, or our Connecting website. You can also follow us on Twitter, watch us on You Tube, like us on Facebook and find our photos on Instagram.

Tweet me:#EEDay2017 @NationalGridPR thanks customers communities employees for commitment to #EnergyEfficiency http://bit.ly/2g4tjR0 @nationalgridus

KEYWORDS: Energy, energy efficiency day 2017, National Grid, energy efficiency, sustainability, energy programs

Corporate Responsibility Practitioner Roundup: Whirlpool Corporation

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SOURCE:TriplePundit

SUMMARY:

While in Detroit for Sustainable Brands, CR Magazine spoke with Ron Voglewede, Global Sustainability Director, Whirlpool Corporation. Ron is also on the Board of Directors at the Alliance for Water Efficiency.

DESCRIPTION:

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

Ron Voglewede: It gives us an ability to talk about the why, not just the what. It is truly a forum to bring to life our continued focus on delivering on what matters and to show our continued progress and building better lives and communities, in addition to products that deliver a better quality of life for people around the globe.

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

RV: At Whirlpool Corporation, we believe in an authentic approach to everything we do. Over the years, we’ve improved the robustness of our data acquisition and transparency, all while building trust with consumers. We have a consumer-centric view of sustainability – mainly, how do our products improve quality of life for someone in their home, and how do we employ a more holistic life cycle process? We are focusing on building an approach on positive impacts in both product creation and operational procedure.

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

RV: We think the message is the same to all in a sense. Because the consumer is at the center, we are looking to build uncompromised solutions for people that don’t sacrifice performance, time or effort, while lowering our footprints both in plants and operations, as well as our products in use. More specifically, we are going to do the same in our factories as what we want to provide for people in their homes. Getting that value equation across to regulators and others is key to creating an environment that both welcomes and promotes that goal.

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

RV: We’re looking to redefine better living. Sustainability is the future, and we think it really is a value and growth driver.  We can support the growth of our business while still giving consumers and communities products that positively impact the environment, are at a manageable cost to them, and truly enhance their lives. Our plan is to continue to deliver on the tremendous gains we have made in reducing the resources, material, and impact our products make, while increasing their performance, features, and innovation. Our strategy, therefore, is an enabler for our company’s overall mission and strategy. We think in the future the house will work for you vs. you working for your house.

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

RV: Whirlpool believes in purposeful innovation – giving consumers products that will truly improve their lives. Whether it’s the Scan-to-Cook technology or the Zera Food Recycler from WLabs of Whirlpool Corporation, our innovation incubator, Whirlpool Corporation isn’t just talking the talk – we’re walking the walk. We’ve taken an authentic approach to sustainability that began with grassroots goals, and built upon how we’re going to impact communities, products, and consumers in their homes. Our innovation and sustainability approach, at their core, both attempt to understand how we solve the needs of people in their homes and lives, while making their impact on their communities and therefore the planet, less.

Image credit: Whirlpool Corporation website

Tweet me:"@WhirlpoolCorp ‏believes in purposeful #innovation" - @RonVoglewede | http://bit.ly/2z0mlV0 via @triplepundit #CSR

KEYWORDS: Responsible Production & Consumption, Innovation & Technology, whirlpool, triplepundit, Ron Voglewede

Ellen DeGeneres Announces Wells Fargo’s Additional Funding for Puerto Rico

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After a previous $200,000 donation, Wells Fargo is donating an additional $250,000 to support relief efforts in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria.

SOURCE:Wells Fargo & Company

DESCRIPTION:

Ellen DeGeneres announced on the Sept. 29 episode of her television show that Wells Fargo will donate $250,000 to support relief efforts in Puerto Rico. The funding will help immediate and long-term recovery efforts in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria hit the island as a Category 4 storm on Sept. 20. Habitat for Humanity® of Puerto Rico is the primary beneficiary of the funding.

“(Singer) Ricky Martin was here yesterday to help raise money for hurricane relief in Puerto Rico, and our friends at Wells Fargo saw that and did something incredible,” DeGeneres said on the show. “They’re donating $250,000 to our Hurricane Maria relief fund. So thank you so much.”

This is in addition to Wells Fargo’s $200,000 donation to the American Red Cross on Sept. 20 to help emergency responders provide supplies to Puerto Rico, support shelter efforts for those affected by the storm, and help people in the region rebuild the homes, businesses, and schools that were destroyed.

“The devastation wrought upon nearly 3.5 million United States citizens in Puerto Rico is heartbreaking,” said Jon Campbell, head of Corporate Responsibility and Community Relations for Wells Fargo. “Needs on the island seem to be growing by the day, and in response we have grown Wells Fargo’s commitment to help.”

We're going to keep working’

Martin, who is from Puerto Rico, appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Sept. 28 and asked viewers to help support the island’s recovery. Visit Wells Fargo Stories to watch a selfie video of singer Ricky Martin thanking Wells Fargo for its donation to Hurricane Maria relief efforts in Puerto Rico.

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Ellen Degeneres Show, Wells Fargo, Puerto Rico, ricky martin, hurricane

Celebrate Main Streets This Weekend!

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By Timothy J. McClimon, President, American Express Foundation

SOURCE:American Express

DESCRIPTION:

American Express has long advocated for historic preservation and small businesses, engaging the public in activities that help commercial corridors thrive.

To bring these two passions together, we recently announced the launch of Partners in Preservation: Main Streets (PIP), a national community-based partnership between American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, in collaboration with Main Street America, to raise awareness of the importance of preserving historic places and their role in sustaining local communities.

According to a recent Morning Consult study1, Americans consider main streets to be a significant driver of local economies:

  • Four-in-five (84 percent) say main streets are important to the neighborhood’s economic success;
  • Two-thirds seek out historic Main Street districts when traveling (63 percent) or shopping and dining (71 percent); and
  • Among those in leadership positions at small businesses2, two-thirds say that main streets play a factor in their companies’ success (65 percent).

To further connect consumers and businesses with the main streets they love, we will host a PIP Open House Weekend between October 7 and 9, sponsored by our long-time co-brand partner Delta Air Lines. Participating main streets will host events featuring family-friendly activities ranging from block parties and live music, to walking tours and art exhibits. The public will also have the opportunity to learn about PIP, the districts’ histories, and the importance of Main Street restoration efforts.

We hope you and your family will opt to visit your Main Street this weekend. Most importantly, we encourage you to get online and vote daily for your favorite through October 31 at VoteYourMainStreet.org, to unlock $2 million of historic preservation funding.

By supporting local businesses and protecting your Main Street’s past, you can help secure its future.

For more information please visit VoteYourMainStreet.org/OpenHouse and be sure to share your PIP Open House Weekend experiences on social media using #VoteYourMainStreet.

If you have a question or comment, please follow me on Twitter at @timmcclimon and start a conversation there. Thanks for reading and sharing this blog posting with friends and colleagues.


1 Morning Consult conducted an online survey of 2,201 adults from September 12-15, 2017. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of +/- 2%. 

2 At the manager-level or above at a business with fewer than 500 employees.

Tweet me:By supporting local businesses and protecting your Main Street’s past, you can help secure its future. http://amex.co/2xkLd7P

Contact Info:

Jocelyn F. Seidenfeld
American Express
+1 (212) 640-0555
Jocelyn.f.seidenfeld@aexp.com

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Community Development


Timberland Volunteers Leave Their Footprint in the Community for the Company’s 20th Annual Serv-a-Palooza

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SOURCE:Timberland

DESCRIPTION:

While the name Serv-a-Palooza may conjure thoughts of the mid-to-late 1990s, global outdoor lifestyle brand Timberland’s enthusiasm for its annual day of service is as current as ever. Over 350 employees of Timberland’s Stratham, New Hampshire headquarters and guests pulled on their boots on September 14 to serve at seven community projects aimed to make nearby communities a little brighter. The company’s seven projects benefitted nonprofit organizations based in New Hampshire.  Each of the seven projects was planned, managed and led by employees.

“Serv-a-Palooza isn’t just an event for our employees, it’s an experience created by employee leaders and volunteers in partnership with community organizations,” said Jason Blades, community service manager. “On one day, we serve one community, as one team, and our combined impact is significant. Serv-a-Palooza truly is Timberland at our best, bringing our values to life while benefiting people and organizations in need in our own backyard.”  

In addition to the New Hampshire projects, over 1,200 employees are participating in Serv-a-Palooza events in 19 countries around the globe this fall.

Serv-a-Palooza is just one of the ways Timberland encourages its employees to use their up to 40 community service hours provided each year through the company’s award winning Path of Service™ program. This year, the company celebrates the 25th anniversary of this global program.  Since the Path of Service™ program began in 1992, employees have served more than one million hours worldwide.

Click through the photo slideshow to see how Timberland employees left their footprint through service, and learn more about Timberland’s commitment to community by visiting https://www.timberland.com/responsibility/community.html.

Tweet me:.@Timberland volunteers leave their footprint in the community for the company’s 20th annual Serv-a-Palooza http://bit.ly/2y2VoBU

KEYWORDS: Responsible Business & Employee Engagement, Social Impact & Volunteering, Timberland

     

How Diversity Leads to Better Technology

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SOURCE:Scotiabank

SUMMARY:

The following story is part of Scotiabank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)Impact series. The series will highlight various initiatives at the Bank in relation to Scotiabank’s CSR priorities and commitments.

This year in Mexico, Scotiabank ranked #1 for percent of women in leadership positions and ranked #3 as the most attractive employer for women, in a study by Expansion magazine. Fuencis Gomez, VP of Digital Banking cites the Bank’s culture of “talking more about talent than gender” as a factor of why she joined Scotiabank Mexico. By ensuring women are recruited, trained and provided opportunities to thrive within the organization, Scotiabank is creating a #BetterFuture where employees are empowered and engaged.

DESCRIPTION:

October 5, 2017 /3BL Media/ - Our world is changing more quickly than ever through the advent of digital technology. Fuencis Gómez, Vice President of Digital Banking at Scotiabank Mexico, remembers the beginning of her digital journey. “I had the opportunity to experience the first stages of e-commerce in the travel industry in 1997. Twenty years later, we see that those first technology players are now the leaders in travel.”

Banking’s digital transformation

As the head of Scotiabank Mexico’s Digital Factory, Fuencis is excited to be leading the Bank’s shift towards a digital future: “Banking’s digital transformation goes much further than the travel or even product retail sectors. Banking uses much more data, more complex algorithms, and even artificial intelligence in new ways. It’s a new frontier for digital.”

However, Fuencis cites Scotiabank Mexico’s boundary-pushing digital innovations as only part of the reason for why she chose to join the Bank: “During the summer of 2016, three different banks in Mexico asked me to join their digital team.

“I decided to join Scotiabank Mexico not just because of its digital strategy, but most importantly because of its culture — and diversity is a big part of that.”

Scotiabank Diversity and Inclusion: More about talent than gender

Just as Scotiabank Mexico is working to adapt to digital ways of banking, the Bank is also adapting to the future by including more women like Fuencis in the ranks of leadership and management. The Bank has established a set of seven “catalyst initiatives” that ensure that women are recruited, trained, and provided opportunities to thrive within the organization.

These initiatives are moving the Bank in a positive direction. A recent study by Expansion magazine found that Scotiabank Mexico ranked #1 in the country for percent of women in leadership positions. The study also found that Scotiabank Mexico ranked as the third most attractive employer for women in Mexico, stating that the company culture “talked more about talent than gender.”

Fuencis can attest to the truth of these findings about Scotiabank Mexico: “It’s a very true statement that Scotiabank Mexico talks more about talent than gender. I do not see myself as a woman in my position or on a daily basis — I am a well-prepared professional giving the best of my talent to my company.”

Better understand our customers

Diversity at Scotiabank Mexico is an essential part of how the Bank upholds its core belief: that every customer has the right to become better off. Fuencis explains the importance of building teams that reflect the Bank’s diverse customer base in her digital work: “We have the opportunity to look at current processes and improve or create them digitally, making them easier, more human. That always starts with an understanding of the customer as a person, and how to ensure that their dealings with the Bank are simple and appropriate, suited to their lifestyle.”

“Diversity on our teams helps us better understand our diverse customers — people of different walks of life, their diverse needs and what they really want from our products. With this understanding we can serve them in a more appropriate way, enabling them to become better off and ultimately to improve their quality of life.”

Read how Scotiabank is addressing the issues that matter most to our stakeholders

Tweet me:.@ScotiabankViews is adapting to the future by including more women in the ranks of leadership and management http://bit.ly/2xVQAP6

KEYWORDS: Diversity & Inclusion, Women, Scotiabank, Technology

New Study Reaffirms Newmont Tailings Responsibly Managed at Buyat Bay in Indonesia

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SOURCE:Newmont Mining Corporation

DESCRIPTION:

A recently published report, coordinated by the Government of Indonesia’s Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education, concluded that Newmont’s former Mesel gold mine in North Sulawesi, Indonesia – which ceased production in 2004 – responsibly managed tailings disposal at the operation.

Monitoring conducted as part of a 10-year post-closure program by environmental toxicologist Keith Bentley and medical specialist and Director of the Eijkman Institute, Amin Soebrandrio – members of the Independent Scientific Panel (ISP) – found that the local communities from the region consuming fish and other marine seafood had not been adversely impacted from submarine tailing disposal. Levels of arsenic and mercury were at natural levels and below the Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) food standard (for arsenic) and FAO/WHO Codex 1991 (for mercury), further demonstrating that the fish are safe for human consumption. Tailings are the residual materials from mined and crushed ore after valuable minerals have been recovered.

Newmont’s now reclaimed Mesel mine was in operation from 1996 to 2004. After production ceased, some non-governmental organizations and community members expressed that the mine’s subsea placement of detoxified tailings had adversely impacted public health and the local marine environment, including the fishing industry and marine tourism. Multiple independent studies, including by the World Health Organization, have demonstrated that Newmont’s responsible tailings management and mine closure has left Buyat Bay in a stable environmental state and that residents of Ratatotok remain safe to continue consuming fish harvested from the bay. In fact, the former mine site is now designated a botanical garden, the first of its kind in Indonesia, and the bay is a highly regarded recreational diving destination.

To prevent contamination, Mesel detoxified its tailings before safely disposing of them in a designated subsea location. The process involved residual cyanide removal and using ferrous sulphate and sodium sulphide precipitation to remove naturally occurring arsenic and mercury from the liquid fraction of the tailings. The remaining tailing material (slurry) was then deposited via pipeline onto the subsea floor at Buyat Bay in a 1.3-square-kilometer embayment at a depth of 82 meters, nearly one kilometer from the Ratatotok shoreline. The tailings management process – as is the case at other Newmont operations – was engineered to safely store tailing materials.

Following Mesel’s closure in 2004, Newmont and the Government of Indonesia established an independent panel of scientists, the ISP, to conduct a 10-year post-closure study to monitor fish tissue, marine ecology, and physical and chemical oceanography. Completed in 2016, the program demonstrated that Mesel’s subsea tailings placement activities were a major success in sustainable mining: arsenic and mercury levels in biota were consistently below their respective standards, and fish sources were healthy and abundant.

Now, 13 years after Mesel’s closure, fish and other marine seafood remain safe and are essential pillars of the local diet, while fishing and marine tourism continue to contribute to the local economy.

To learn more about Newmont’s mine closure and reclamation efforts, please visit Beyond the Mine.

Tweet me:Study confirms @Newmont tailings were managed responsibly in #Indonesia. #WaterManagement #EnvironmentalHealth http://bit.ly/2y3Lhgb

KEYWORDS: Environment, Life Below Water, Newmont, Indonesia, Mining

VMware Global Impact Report: Annual Progress Update

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SOURCE:VMware

DESCRIPTION:

VMware has a reputation for tackling big challenges boldly. Nowhere is this more evident than in our journey to leave ahead a better future, particularly when it comes to the environment and society. In 2016, we presented our first ever Global Impact Report, “Force for Good,” which details 15 ambitious aspirations and goals we have set out to reach by 2020.

One year later, we are excited to share highlights of our progress. By leveraging the power of people, products and operations, VMware is driving big, positive change. It’s an effort we embrace as a technology leader and as a company of global citizens 20,000+ strong.

This year’s Global Impact Report Update reflects the strides VMware is making across three pillars of impact: Product, Planet and People. The report also includes VMware’s  annual disclosure of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance and confirms our commitment to transparency and good governance.

We invite you to look through the report to discover some interesting highlights, including:

OUR PRODUCTS – VMware virtualization technology enables customers to minimize their carbon footprint – avoiding over 76 million metric tons of CO2e from entering the atmosphere in the last year alone. In addition, a new independent study from IDC concluded that infrastructure avoidance–related savings can quickly go north of 20-25% when customers proportionately complement their vSphere installations with vSAN and NSX.

OUR BUSINESS OPERATIONS – 72% of VMware’s global operations are now powered by renewable energy.

OUR PEOPLE – Our most recent pay equity data analysis, conducted by a third party, shows that at VMware, women earn 99% of their male counterparts’ salary globally and racial and ethnic minority employees earn 100% of their white counterparts in the U.S.

If you have any questions or feedback about this report, please connect with the VMware Sustainability Team: GIR_Sustainability@vmware.com

 

Tweet me:72% of @VMware's global operations powered by #renewableenergy http://bit.ly/2y3s3Yb #sustainability

KEYWORDS: Research, Reports & Publications, Energy, VMware, sustainability, Global Impact, Corporate Social Responsibility

TD and Bloomberg BNA Bring Industry Leaders Together to Discuss Transition to Low-Carbon Economy

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SOURCE:TD Bank Group

DESCRIPTION:

TD Bank Group and Bloomberg BNA recently launched a two-year program, the TD-Bloomberg Sustainable Dialogues, that will host a series of dialogues to bring together industry leaders to talk about what it will take to meet 2030 targets and transition to a low-carbon economy. The series kicked off at the Bloomberg Sustainable Business Summit in Toronto on September 27, 2017, with over 20 speakers at the event from industry, government and not-for-profit. The summit was a uniquely Canadian conversation exploring key topics, such as:

-What will it take for Canada to meet its Paris Agreement?

-How is Canada managing the supply, distribution and market demands of energy as we transition away from fossil fuels towards low and carbon-free energy sources?

-In what ways will Canada address its infrastructure needs with green technologies and sustainable development?

-How can industry and government partner to respond to climate change?

Through open dialogues and increased transparency, all sectors of society will continue to address these issues and explore practical solutions to help drive – and accelerate – the transition towards a prosperous low-carbon economy.

To learn more about TD's green initiatives and sustainability commitments, click here.

KEYWORDS: Environment, Climate Action, low carbon economy, bloomberg bna, TD Bank, TD-Bloomberg Sustainable Dialogues

Hunger Is, a Joint Charitable Initiative of the Albertsons Companies Foundation and the Entertainment Industry Foundation, Announces the $30K in 30 Days Project To Support Charities That Share Stories About the Impact Of Hunger Is Funding

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SOURCE:Albertsons Companies

DESCRIPTION:

Originally published on PRNewsire

Hunger Is, a joint charitable initiative of the Albertsons Companies Foundation and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), announced today the $30K in 30 Days Project to award an additional $30,000 to organizations that are helping to eradicate childhood hunger in their communities by sharing compelling stories through the power of social media. The $30K in 30 Days Project coincides with the Hunger Is "Hungry for More" campaign currently taking place in more than 2,300 Albertsons Companies grocery stores across the U.S., where customers can make a donation to support local hunger relief programs.

"In the age of instantaneous communications, we know that people connect with true, heartfelt stories about how people are working to make our neighborhoods and communities better places to live," said Christy Duncan Anderson, Executive Director of the Albertsons Companies Foundation. "Our in-store "Hunger for More" campaign is making a difference by providing healthy breakfasts to children in need, and we know that sharing these stories can transform a cause into a greater movement."

Continue reading about Hunger Ishere

Tweet me:#HungerIs announces $30K in 30 days project to support charities that share stories on impact of @HungerIs funding http://bit.ly/2y4mA36

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Fundraising, Hunger Is, Albertsons Companies Foundation

Corporate Responsibility Practitioner Roundup: Whirlpool Corporation

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By Corporate Responsibility Magazine

SOURCE:Whirlpool Corporation

DESCRIPTION:

While in Detroit for Sustainable Brands, CR Magazine spoke with Ron Voglewede, Global Sustainability Director, Whirlpool Corporation. Ron is also on the Board of Directors at the Alliance for Water Efficiency.

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

Ron Voglewede: It gives us an ability to talk about the why, not just the what. It is truly a forum to bring to life our continued focus on delivering on what matters and to show our continued progress and building better lives and communities, in addition to products that deliver a better quality of life for people around the globe.

Click here to read the full story

Tweet me:CR Magazine spoke with @WhirlpoolCorp Global Sustainability Director Ron Voglewede about corporate responsibility http://bit.ly/2gdNZGg

KEYWORDS: Responsible Business & Employee Engagement, Corporate Social Responsibility, whirlpool corporation, Ron Voglewede, global sustainability director, Alliance for Water Efficiency, Corporate Responsibility, sustainability, Scan-to-Cook, Zera Food Recycler, WLabs


Giving Adapted to Economic Times

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SOURCE:SiMPACT Strategy Group

DESCRIPTION:

Over the past two years, Cenovus has intentionally supported organizations and causes that have experienced increased demand during the downturn - focusing on basic needs, mental health and vulnerable populations with more philanthropically-motivated donations.

When the price of oil was around the $100 mark, the community investment team at Cenovus was carefully investing millions of dollars in three strategic areas that aligned with both the integrated oil company's focus areas (learning, safety and well-bring, and sustainable communities) and their business values.

And then, in 2014, the price of oil plummeted to $27.

Alberta was thrown into a brutal recession. Tens of thousands of people lost their jobs across the province. The community investment team at Cenovus - itself drastically reduced in both number of employees and budget - started looking more at refocusing their strategy on what people in the community needed to survive.

In 2016, they committed nearly $300,000 to 25 organizations including food banks, breakfast, lunch and nutrition programs, and community kitchens. Over $340,000 was invested into eight organizations providing mental health services across Alberta.

"We weren't caught up with 'this has to be part of our long-term strategy'," says Vicki Reid, Cenovus Director of Community Affairs.

While the community investment strategy adapted with the economic circumstances, the Cenovus team stayed true to its values. One of the team's first principles was to honour existing agreements and continue open and honest communications with community partners. The team also developed exit strategies for agreements that were due to end and looked for other ways to support organizations.

Staff giving/volunteering activities were encouraged through matching programs, and non-monetary donations like office space, computers and kitchen equipment.

"In the same way we adapt our business to the current economic conditions, we also respond to our communities' changing and evolving needs. The challenging economic times for the oil and gas industry mean our communities have an increased need for support since they're also feeling the impact."

"People have appreciated our honesty and understood this shift in focus," says Reid.

"They've also appreciated that we are still looking at other ways we can support their work beyond just financial contributions."

The community investment team at Cenovus, which have been part of the LBG Canada network since 2011, sees business benefit and community benefit on a spectrum. "Sometimes it's on the other side more heavily and sometimes it's on the other side more heavily," says Reid. "And sometimes there is a sweet spot where they are perfectly balanced."

Tweet me:#LBGCanada company @cenovus spotlight: Giving Adapted to Economic Times. http://bit.ly/2ghYubJ #CIMatters

KEYWORDS: Responsible Business & Employee Engagement, Corporate Social Responsibility, LBG Canada, Cenovus Energy, Community Investment

Kimberly-Clark Named to Working Mother’s “100 Best Companies”

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SOURCE:Kimberly-Clark Corporation

DESCRIPTION:

Kimberly-Clark is proud to join Working Mother magazine’s “100 Best Companies” for 2017, which recognizes companies for leadership in creating progressive programs to help employees balance work and family. The magazine cited Kimberly-Clark’s support for flexible work arrangements, paid leave and child care programs, and advancement opportunities for women.

“As a working mom, I am proud to work for a company that enables people to build strong careers while caring for their families,” said Rose Van Himbergen, Commodity Manager at Kimberly-Clark. “Kimberly-Clark’s unique culture helps employees be their best and achieve their goals in their personal and professional lives.”

Working Mother recognized Van Himbergen as a Working Mother of the Year for her efforts leading the Parents Interactive Network, one of Kimberly-Clark’s employee resource groups, which assists parents and guardians in their efforts to balance work-home life, enhance their careers, and add value to the business. 

Inclusion in Working Mother's "100 Best Companies" list is the latest in a series of honors the company has received. Earlier this year, Kimberly-Clark was ranked #1 in the consumer packaged goods category on Forbes' 2017 list of America's Best Large Employers.

 

Read more in Working Mother magazine: http://www.workingmother.com/kimberly-clark  

Tweet me:.@KCCorp named top 100 Best Company by @_workingmother_ for #leadership in work-life balance http://bit.ly/2yN5kxu #careers

KEYWORDS: Awards, Ratings & Rankings, Great Place to Work, Kimberly-Clark, Working Mother Magazine, working mother of the year, Corporate Social Responsibility, maternity leave, Child care

Jim Pisani: National Service Is a National Treasure

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SOURCE:Timberland

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Congress is back from its August recess and will debate budget appropriations for fiscal year 2018 in the coming months. Thankfully, both the Senate and House Appropriations committees have approved maintaining funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency that runs AmeriCorps and Senior Corps, and funds other national service programs. At Timberland, we believe strongly in the power of service, and we applaud this bipartisan support for national service. We hope this support continues to benefit national service program participants and the communities they serve.

To continue reading this article on The Union Leader, click here

Tweet me:.@Timberland Global Brand President Jim Pisani - National Service is a National Treasure @UnionLeader

KEYWORDS: Social Impact & Volunteering, Environment, Timberland, The Union Leader

Keep Genesee County Beautiful Brings Brand New Playground to Flint

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SOURCE:Keep America Beautiful

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The landscape at Flint, Michigan's Sarvis Park recently changed for the better to include a brand new playscape, thanks to the work of Keep America Beautiful Affiliate Keep Genesee County Beautiful, its loyal volunteers, and many community organizations.

Keep Genesee County Beautiful (KGCB) Adopt a Park Program and the Sarvis Park Adopters, Reviving Our City’s Communities, Lowe's Heroes volunteers of Burton, Michigan, and volunteers from Central Michigan University gathered to lead the installation of the new playground and park restoration on Sept. 29-30. The more than 300 volunteers participated in what was the largest park cleanup/playground build KGCB has ever conducted.

Continue reading here.

Tweet me:#FF @kabtweet Affiliate Stories: @kgcbeautiful, @Lowes build #Flint playground, refresh park! #DoSomethingBeautiful http://bit.ly/2xWOJJQ

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, Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Keep America Beautiful, Keep Genesee County Beautiful, Lowe's, Lowe's Heroes, Lowe's Community Partners grants, Sarver Park, Keep Genesee County Beautiful Adopt A Park Program

   

Ingersoll Rand to Host Thousands of Future Skilled Workers at Its Facilities Around the World to Celebrate Manufacturing Day

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SOURCE:Ingersoll Rand

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DAVIDSON, N.C., October 6, 2017 /3BL Media/ - Ingersoll Rand (NYSE: IR), a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments, will participate in Manufacturing Day at its facilities around the world. During a month-long schedule of events, Ingersoll Rand is inviting students to tour their facilities and learn about career opportunities in modern manufacturing.

The company and its family of brands – Club Car®, Ingersoll Rand®Thermo King® and Trane®– is committed to engaging the next generation of skilled workers in the opportunities and benefits that come with a career in manufacturing.

“The future of the manufacturing industry relies on the ability of tomorrow’s workforce to address global trends like climate change and exponential technologies that impact the way we live, work and move,” said Michael W. Lamach, chairman and CEO of Ingersoll Rand. “By showing the next generation of manufacturers the importance of thinking bigger and acting bolder to solve these global challenges, we are doing the right thing for our communities, our environment and the future of manufacturing.” 

Ingersoll Rand sites around the United States are participating, including Hastings, Nebraska; La Crosse, Wisconsin; Fort Smith, Arkansas; St. Paul, Minnesota; Trenton, New Jersey; Vidalia, Georgia; Augusta, Georgia; Mocksville, North Carolina; and Davidson, North Carolina. Internationally, participating facilities can be found in Galway, Ireland, and Vignate, Italy. Students will learn about the manufacturing process, pathways to manufacturing leadership and how sustainability is integral to the future of the manufacturing industry.

“Over the next decade, modern manufacturing will generate 3.5 million job openings. Through Manufacturing Day, the CreatorsWanted.org campaign and other critical programming, the NAM and The Manufacturing Institute have remained at the forefront of developing workforce solutions to help meet this need and close the skills gap that threatens to leave 2 million manufacturing jobs unfilled by 2025,” said Manufacturing Institute Executive Director Carolyn Lee. “Giving our young people and their parents the chance to see firsthand the promise of a career in modern manufacturing can turn the tide and combat the myths that harm the perception of manufacturing careers in America.”

Ingersoll Rand’s Manufacturing Day celebrations launched on Oct. 2, 2017 and extend throughout the month of October. High school, trade school and university students interested in visiting a facility near them are encouraged to reach out to local leadership to schedule a visit or Shannon Bennett at 704-655-5782 or Shannon.Bennett@irco.com to learn more about participating sites.

Ingersoll Rand Climate Commitment
Ingersoll Rand made a commitment to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its products and operations by 2030. The company’s Climate Commitment pledges to:

  • Cut the refrigerant GHG footprint of its products by 50 percent by 2020 and incorporate lower global warming potential (GWP) alternatives across its portfolio by 2030;
  • Invest $500 million in product-related research and development over the next five years to fund the long-term reduction of GHG emissions; and
  • Reduce company operations-related GHG emissions by 35 percent by 2020.

To date, the commitment has supported the avoidance of approximately 6.7 million metric tons of CO2e globally, which is the equivalent of avoiding annual CO2 emissions from energy used in more than 700,000 homes. To support the commitment, Ingersoll Rand launched EcoWise™, a portfolio of products designed to lower environmental impact with next-generation, low-global warming potential refrigerants and high efficiency operation. By 2030, the company expects to reduce its carbon footprint by 50 million metric tons.

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About Ingersoll Rand
Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR) advances the quality of life by creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments. Our people and our family of brands—including Club Car®, Ingersoll Rand®, Thermo King® and Trane®—work together to enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and buildings; transport and protect food and perishables; and increase industrial productivity and efficiency. We are a $13 billion global business committed to a world of sustainable progress and enduring results. 

Tweet me:Ingersoll Rand to Host Thousands of Future Workers at Facilities around the World to Celebrate Manufacturing Day http://bit.ly/2xVq5tg

KEYWORDS: Innovation & Technology, Manufacturing, Ingersoll Rand, Manufacturing Day, climate commitment

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