Quantcast
Channel: ESG News and Media
Viewing all 28387 articles
Browse latest View live

CVS Caremark to Participate in White House Effort to Hire Veterans and Military Spouses

0
0

Company commits to hiring veterans and military spouses as part of expanded "Joining Forces" initiative

SOURCE:CVS Caremark

DESCRIPTION:

WOONSOCKET, R.I.April 30, 2013 /3BL Media/ -- CVS Caremark (NYSE: CVS) was among several national companies represented at an event hosted today by President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, as part of the Joining Forces initiative. During the event, the Administration asked companies participating in the Joining Forces initiative to hire and train 435,000 veterans and military spouses over the next five years, after nearly tripling its original goal of hiring 100,000 veterans and military spouses by the end of 2013. 

As a pharmacy innovation company, CVS Caremark has been a strong supporter of hiring veterans and has been recognized for its work to hire and train veterans, guard and reserve members and military spouses. As part of Joining Forces, CVS Caremark is committing to hire veterans and military spouses for 25 percent of its new hires in logistics and distribution centers over the next four years.

"With millions of service members transitioning out of the military over the next several years, CVS Caremark is poised and ready to hire and train qualified veterans and military spouses," stated Larry J. Merlo, President and CEO of CVS Caremark. "We recognize and appreciate the values, experience and skills service members have, and know hiring veterans and military spouses not only strengthens our business, it also enhances our existing workforce." 

David Casey, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer for CVS Caremark and a former United States Marine, and Alfredo Ruiz, a Supervisor in CVS Caremark's Vero Beach, FL, Distribution Center and a retired U.S. Army soldier, attended today's announcement on behalf of the company. 
 
CVS Caremark was recently recognized by DiversityInc as one of the Top 10 Companies for Veterans. The company also received the Pro Patria Award from the Rhode Island Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The Pro Patria Award is presented to one small, one large and one public sector employer in each state that has demonstrated the greatest support to Guard and Reserve employees through their leadership and practices. Rhode Island ESGR also nominated CVS Caremark for a Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their outstanding support of employees serving in the Guard or Reserve. 

Earlier this year, CVS Caremark signed the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve's (ESGR) Statement of Support on behalf of the company, reiterating the company's support for servicemen and women and their families.

About CVS Caremark
CVS Caremark is dedicated to helping people on their path to better health as the largest integrated pharmacy company in the United States. Through the company's more than 7,400 CVS/pharmacy stores; its leading pharmacy benefit manager serving more than 60 million plan members; and its retail health clinic system, the largest in the nation with more than 600 MinuteClinic locations, it is a market leader in mail order, retail and specialty pharmacy, retail clinics, and Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans.  As a pharmacy innovation company with an unmatched breadth of capabilities, CVS Caremark continually strives to improve health and lower costs by developing new approaches such as its unique Pharmacy Advisor program that helps people with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, obtain and stay on their medications.  Find more information about how CVS Caremark is reinventing pharmacy for better health at info.cvscaremark.com.

Contact:
Jeffrey Ventura
Corporate Communications 
(401) 770-1990
Jeffrey.Ventura@cvscaremark.com

Amy Lanctot
Corporate Communications
(401) 770-2931
Amy.Lanctot@cvscaremark.com

Tweet me:.@CVSCaremarkFYI to participate in @WhiteHouse Effort to hire #veterans and military spouses http://3bl.me/y24xdc

KEYWORDS: cvs, cvs caremark, White House, Veterans, military spouses, employment opportunities, joining forces


Hot On The Carbon Trail: Bill Baue & James Leaton

0
0

SOURCE:Sea Change Radio

DESCRIPTION:

 

The Carbon Tracker Initiative and the Carbon Disclosure Project are two ongoing, vital efforts to help us better understand how much fossil fuels and greenhouse gasses companies are emitting. First, host Alex Wise speaks to Sea Change Radio co-founder Bill Baue who explains how the projects work and what needs to happen to act on the findings of these organizations. Next, we hear from the Research Director of the Carbon Tracker InitiativeJames Leaton, to discuss the methodology, impact and real-world application of his team's work.

Tweet me:This wk on @SeaChangeRadio - Tracking Carbon with James Leaton of @CarbonBubble & sustainability architect @BBaue http://is.gd/5m86Y1 #CDP

KEYWORDS: Energy, alex wise, Bill Baue, Bill McKibben, Carbon Disclosure Project, carbon tracker initiative, james leaton, rolling stone, sea change radio

General Motors is First Automaker to Join Growing Group of Businesses Calling for U.S. Policy Action on Climate Change

0
0

At Ceres Conference, seven more businesses, including GM, sign BICEP’s ‘Climate Declaration,’ asserting that policy action on climate change presents an American economic opportunity

SOURCE:Ceres

DESCRIPTION:

SAN FRANCISCO, May 1, 2013 /3BL Media/ - Seven more U.S. businesses, including iconic U.S. automaker General Motors, have signed the Climate Declaration, a statement from Ceres and its BICEP (Business for Innovative Climate & Energy Policy) coalition that urges federal policymakers to take action on climate change, asserting that a bold response to the climate challenge is “one of America’s greatest economic opportunities of the 21st century.”

The new signatories of the Climate Declaration were announced today during the annual Ceres Conference in San Francisco and include Autodesk Inc., Burton Snowboards, Eastern Bank,General Motors Co., LUSH, Method Products, Inc. and Novelis. Originally endorsed by 33 businesses and launched in April 2013, the Climate Declaration has now been signed by a total 40 leading businesses that collectively provide approximately 550,000 U.S. jobs and generate a combined annual revenue of approximately $611 billion.

Most notably, the Declaration has earned the support of General Motors, one of the world’s largest automakers and a Ceres network company for more than two decades.

“Everywhere you look there are opportunities to seize the high ground on climate and energy,” said Michael J. Robinson, GMvice president of sustainability and global regulatory affairs. “Indeed, our leaders have been presented with an historic opportunity to create a national energy policy from a position of strength and abundance, while also emphasizing the importance of energy efficiency and renewables. Every day our 200,000-plus GM employees around the world are working to improve the sustainability of our vehicles and the plants that build them. We believe our efforts are making a difference, and clear policies will help drive carbon emissions even lower.”

“Since we launched the Climate Declaration just a few weeks ago, the response from the business community has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Mindy Lubber, president of Ceres. “Companies see climate change as a material issue, and they know that without policy action, even their most ambitious internal carbon-cutting achievements will not be enough. We need smart policy to get solutions to scale and ensure that the technologies and strategies that help us to tackle climate change are developed here in the United States.”

Over the course of an ongoing campaign organized by Ceres and BICEP, other leading businesses, as well as individuals, will be encouraged to sign the Declaration at www.climatedeclaration.us and join the call to action.

Reporters interested in attending the Ceres Conference are encouraged to review the full conference agenda and asked to contact Peyton Fleming, 617-733-6660, fleming@ceres.org. Follow Ceres on Twitter at @CeresNews and the conference via the hashtag #Ceres13.

About Ceres
Ceres is an advocate for sustainability leadership.  Ceres mobilizes a powerful coalition of investors, companies and public interest groups to accelerate and expand the adoption of sustainable business practices and solutions to build a healthy global economy. Ceres also directs the Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR), a network of 100 institutional investors with collective assets totaling more than $11 trillion. For more information, visit http://www.ceres.org

BICEP (Business for Innovative Climate & Energy Policy), a project of Ceres, is an advocacy coalition of businesses committed to working with policy makers to pass meaningful energy and climate legislation enabling a rapid transition to a low-carbon, 21st century economy – an economy that will create new jobs and stimulate economic growth while stabilizing our planet’s fragile climate. BICEP is a project of Ceres. For more information and a list of member companies visit: http://www.ceres.org/bicep.

Tweet me:GM, Autodesk Inc., Burton Snowboards, Eastern Bank, LUSH, Method Products, Inc. and Novelis sign #climatedeclaration http://3bl.me/xmhw8m

Contact Info:

Brian Bowen
Ceres
+1 (617) 257-6626
bowen@ceres.org

KEYWORDS: Business & Trade, CERES, Autodesk Inc., burton snowboards, Eastern Bank, General Motors Co., LUSH, Method Products, Inc., Novelis, Climate Declaration, BICEP

Veterans Put Their Skills to Use at Cisco

0
0

SOURCE:Cisco Systems Inc.

DESCRIPTION:

A group of veterans describes their experiences in transitioning from active military service to the Cisco workplace.

Read the article on Huffington Post ImpactX: From Combat Fatigues To Cyber Networks: Veterans For Hire

Tweet me:VIDEO: #veterans put their skills to work @CiscoSystems http://3bl.me/y8r67m #csr

KEYWORDS: military, Veterans, IT Jobs, john chambers, white house it training and certification program, Armed Forces, Cisco, Cisco John Chambers, Cisco Ceo John Chambers, impactx, Military-Job-Prospects, Veterans Jobs, Veterans Jobs Training, Veterans Transition, veterans unemployment, Veterans-Employment, Impact News

Sappi Fine Paper North America Celebrates Opening of Cumberland Mills Fishway

0
0

Thanks to Sappi and local partners, fish will now be able to pass through Cumberland Mills for the first time in 150 years

SOURCE:Sappi Fine Paper North America

DESCRIPTION:

BOSTON, May 1, 2013 /3BL Media/ – Sappi Fine Paper North America announced today the successful completion of its fishway project installed in Westbrook, ME, enabling natural fish passage through a portion of the Presumpscot River for the first time in more than 150 years. As a result of significant collaborative efforts and teamwork, Sappi was able to complete the fishway on time, within budget, and most importantly, safely.

“Sappi’s history is rooted in the Westbrook community, and we are honored to have successfully completed this major achievement toward restoring fish to the waterway,” said Donna Cassese, managing director, Westbrook Mill, Sappi Fine Paper North America. “We are dedicated to ensuring the long-term revitalization of the river’s use. As a major employer in the Westbrook community, we look forward to embarking on future opportunities with the City in line with this commitment.”

Since embarking on the Cumberland Mills fishway project in 2011, Sappi and local partners, including Reed&Reed and Bancroft Contracting Corporation, have worked to safely construct fish passage that would meet the standards set by the Maine Department of Marine Resources. Designed to establish timely and effective fish passage specifically for fish species such as blue-black herring, alewives, shad and other native species; the capacity of the new fishway is anticipated to  enable  up to 200,000 river herring and 20,000 shad to pass up the river annually.

Major items associated with the Fishway Project includes the:

  • Construction of a denil fishway
  • Installation of new automated flashboards to allow pond level control
  • Building of a barrier dam
  • Construction of a pedestrian bridge to facilitate effectiveness monitoring and allow for maintenance access

Over the course of the project, Sappi and its team also reconstructed the 150-year-old deep river gate structure in the east channel, which will eliminate excess water flow, thereby helping direct fish into the west channel where the fishway is located.

To celebrate the fishway completion, Sappi will host an opening ceremony on May 1, 2013 at its Westbrook mill, followed by a tour of the newly constructed fish passage facilities. For more information on the event or for media to RSVP to attend, please refer to contacts listed below.

“On behalf of the City of Westbrook, I wish to congratulate Sappi Fine Paper North America on the successful effort to create fish passage at Cumberland Mills,” says Mayor Colleen Hilton. “We look forward to working closely with Sappi and other stakeholders to continue such success stories in the Westbrook community in the years ahead.”

This announcement is a continuation of the work Sappi is conducting throughout the Westbrook community to ensure effective and safe fish passage, as well as contribute to the overall vitality of the region.

 

For further information:
Joanna Rieke
Manager, Corporate Communications
Sappi Fine Paper North America
joanna.rieke@sappi.com

Shannon McLoughlin
Associate
Burson-Marsteller
shannon.mcloughlin@bm.com

Tweet me:Celebrating our newly finished Cumberland Mills Fishway, @SappiNA hosts an official opening in Westbrook today! http://3bl.me/2d6k8x

KEYWORDS: Environment, Conservation, Environmental Policy, Finance & Investment, Sappi Fine Paper North America, Cumberland Mills Fishway, native fish species, fish passage, 150 years, opening, complete, Project, Presumpscot River, Westbrook Mill

Brainstorming a Greener Future with Fortune

0
0

Ken Powell speaks with Marc Gunther at Fortune Brainstorm Green

SOURCE:General Mills

DESCRIPTION:

General Mills Chairman and CEO Ken Powell took the stage at Fortune Brainstorm Green in Laguna Nigel, Calif., Tuesday to talk about the role General Mills and other responsible food companies play in sustainably managing and growing the global food supply.

Ken spoke one-on-one with sustainability journalist and conference moderator Marc Gunther. Ken described General Mills’ approach to responsibility as “Holistic Value Creation” – a model to create value for the business, its suppliers and the community.

“When we talk about holistic value creation, we’re thinking about what we can do along the entire supply chain to benefit everybody who’s involved, both for economic benefits and for sustainability benefits,” Ken said.

Read the full story on the Taste of General Mills blog.

Tweet me:General Mills CEO Ken Powell - Brainstorming a greener future with Fortune http://3bl.me/kg8fvg

KEYWORDS: Business & Trade, Environment, Events, Conferences & Webinars, Food & Farming, People, Social Action & Community Engagement, General Mills, ken powell, Fortune Brainstorm Green, sustainability, Marc Gunther, Holistic Value Creation, corporate social reponsibility

Verizon Launches Green Energy Project to Power 19 Company Facilities Across the Country

0
0

Fuel Cells, Solar Systems Expected to Generate More Than 70 Million Kilowatt Hours of Electricity -- Enough to Power More Than 6,000 Single-Family Houses Annually and Eliminate More Than 10,000 Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide

SOURCE:Verizon

DESCRIPTION:

NEW YORK, May 1, 2013 /3BL Media/  – Verizon announced that it will invest $100 million in a solar and fuel-cell energy project that will help power 19 of its facilities in seven states across the country.  When completed next year, the project will enable Verizon to annually generate more than 70 million kilowatt hours of its own green energy -- enough to power more than 6,000 single-family homes a year -- while eliminating more than 10,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide -- enough to offset the annual CO2 emissions from more than 1 million gallons of gas.

[See video of how fuel cells work at http://vz.to/ZZnW30. See photos of solar panels and fuel cells at: http://vz.to/185WpEA.]

The fuel cell and solar products will be installed at a variety of Verizon buildings, including corporate offices, call centers, data centers and central offices.  This is the company’s latest move toward reaching its goal of cutting its carbon intensity -- carbon emissions produced per terabyte of data flowing through its networks -- in half by 2020.

“This is a natural evolution of our sustainability efforts and of our use of alternative energy to power a variety of our facilities,” said James Gowen, Verizon’s chief sustainability officer.  These projects will reduce our carbon footprint, relieve demand on the electrical grid and enhance the resiliency of our proven service continuity -- even during outages.”

Verizon will work with ClearEdge Power, a manufacturer of scalable, distributed power systems, to install PureCell® Model 400 fuel cell systems at Verizon sites in California, New Jersey and New York. The systems will generate more than 60 million kilowatt hours of electricity and result in a carbon reduction of approximately 6,000 metric tons per year.   The installation work, ClearEdge’s largest single-user project to date, will begin soon and continue throughout the year.

“We are delighted that Verizon has recognized the value our products and experience can bring to their business operations,” said David B. Wright, ClearEdge Power president and CEO.  “This is a very exciting partnership for ClearEdge Power, and we are thrilled to be working with Verizon to help them reach their ambitious sustainability goals.”

Verizon has also signed a multiyear agreement with SunPower Corp. and is negotiating the deployment of high-efficiency rooftop- and ground-mounted solar photovoltaic systems as well as solar parking canopies at Verizon facilities in California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Arizona and North Carolina. The systems, which will generate approximately 8 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually, are expected to be completed this year and to reduce Verizon’s annual carbon footprint by more than 5,000 metric tons of CO2.

“Verizon and SunPower share a commitment to quality and reliability, and SunPower looks forward to working together to meet Verizon’s long-term renewable energy goals,” said Howard Wenger, SunPower president, regions. “With SunPower’s energy services and high-efficiency systems, Verizon will benefit from clean, solar power generation and cost savings at their facilities.”

A History of Sustainability

An early adopter of fuel cell technologies, Verizon currently operates one of the largest fuel cell sites of its kind that helps power an environmentally friendly call-switching center and office building in Garden City, N.Y.  Verizon also uses 26 solar-assisted cell sites in remote areas in the western United States to help power the portion of the nation’s largest and most reliable wireless network serving those areas.

ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year

Verizon has long been focused on energy efficiency and instituting sustainable real estate practices. Last month its efforts were recognized once again when Verizon was named an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for its operation of 128 ENERGY STAR-certified Verizon Wireless stores.  In addition, more than 130 Verizon Wireless retail stores nationwide have earned the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification through 2012.

For more information about how Verizon is growing its business by applying innovative technologies to solve important social issues, visit http://responsibility.verizon.com/.

About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America’s most reliable wireless network, with nearly 99 million retail connections nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America’s most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers in more than 150 countries, including all of the Fortune 500.  A Dow 30 company with nearly $116 billion in 2012 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of 181,900.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

About ClearEdge Power
ClearEdge Power provides clean, dependable power systems that scale from 5kW to multiple megawatts. As the most experienced fuel cell producer, ClearEdge Power is transforming power generation with innovative solutions that help customers reduce electricity bills, improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. For more information, please visit www.clearedgepower.com.  

About SunPower
SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWR) designs, manufactures and delivers the highest efficiency, highest reliability solar panels and systems available today. Residential, business, government and utility customers rely on the company’s quarter century of experience and guaranteed performance to provide maximum return on investment throughout the life of the solar system. Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., SunPower has offices in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. For more information, visit www.sunpowercorp.com.

####

Media Contacts:

Ingrid Ekstrom, 510-260-8368
Jennifer Sager, 860-727-2485

 

Tweet me:.@Verizon invests $100 million in a solar and fuel-cell #energy project. http://3bl.me/g59kzg

KEYWORDS: Verizon, fuel cells, solar systems, Green Energy, ClearEdge Power, electricity

2013 Ceres Conference - An Interview with Mindy Lubber, President of Ceres

0
0

SOURCE:Ceres

DESCRIPTION:

May 1, 2013 /3BL Media/ - Mindy Lubber, President of Ceres sat down for an interview at the 2013 Ceres Conference, taking place May 1st and 2nd in San Francisco, CA. 

Ceres is an advocate for sustainability leadership. Ceres mobilizes a powerful coalition of investors, companies and public interest groups to accelerate and expand the adoption of sustainable business practices and solutions to build a healthy global economy. Ceres also directs the Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR), a network of 100 institutional investors with collective assets totaling more than $10 trillion.

For more information, visit http://www.ceres.org/

 

Contact:

Brian Sant

sant@ceres.org

(617) 247-0700 ext. 123

Tweet me:Interview w/ @MindyLubber of Ceres at #Ceres13 by http://3bl.me/hrf29r #CSR @3blmedia @ceresnews

KEYWORDS: 3bl Media, Corporate Social Responsibility, csr, Corporate Citizenship, Leadership, sustainability, CERES, Carbon, Economy, mindy lubber


Sanofi Pasteur Provides Substantial Financial Support to East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania

0
0

Donation to fund instrumentation and scholarships for

SOURCE:Sanofi

DESCRIPTION:

East Stroudsburg, PA, May 1, 2013 /3BL Media/ – Today, Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, announced a significant contribution to East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania (ESU) -- a long-standing community partner for the company. The $300,000 donation was presented by Frank Epifano, vice president, North America & Global Finance, Commercial Operations, Sanofi Pasteur.

The donation, provided to the East Stroudsburg University Foundation, will be used in part toward the purchase of state-of-the-art scientific instrumentation. Such tools will increase modernization of the university’s curricula, enhance student laboratory competencies relevant to current employers, and strengthen the university’s ability to attract students and retain faculty. Funding will also support scholarships for non-traditional students who transfer from area community colleges into ESU’s science and technology programs

“On behalf of ESU, I extend my thanks to Sanofi Pasteur for their commitment to stewardship, particularly in these difficult economic times for institutions of higher education. We are very proud to partner with such a community-minded organization,” said Marcia G. Welsh, Ph.D., president, ESU.

Added Welsh, “Sanofi Pasteur’s generosity is paramount to continued student success on many levels.  Building solid relationships such as this allows the work of our students to transcend the classroom and provides exceptional internships, scholarly research opportunities, and potential career endeavors that add significant value to an ESU education. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur for many years – and many generations of students – to come.

“There are many reasons Sanofi Pasteur considers ESU a key strategic community partner,” said Epifano. “First, from a recruitment standpoint, historically there have been more graduates of ESU among Sanofi Pasteur's Swiftwater employee base than of any other university.Additionally, through the Center for Research and Economic Development and related programs such as the 2013 Economic Outlook Summit, ESU has taken a leadership role in driving the economic vitality of Monroe County -- a role it shares in part with Sanofi Pasteur.

Sanofi Pasteur and ESU have a long history of working together on local initiatives related to science, technology, and economic development. Sanofi Pasteur supplied significant funding for the construction of ESU’s Warren and Sandra Hoeffner Science & Technology Center, which houses various science and biotechnology departments. In addition to financial support, Sanofi Pasteur has provided in-kind donations of lab equipment, and through the years Sanofi Pasteur employees have served as members of various ESU boards and served as adjunct professors. 

Today’s $300,000 donation to ESU marks just one example of Sanofi Pasteur’s steadfast commitment to Community Relations and local philanthropy. The company and its employees have exceeded $1 million in local philanthropic giving for each of the past three years, aiding the efforts of hundreds of non-profit organizations. Sanofi Pasteur also sponsors and spearheads both the Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser and Lackawanna County Community Fundraiser, which have collectively raised $1.5 million to benefit Northeastern Pennsylvania non-profit organizations. The company and its employees also support the local community through annual clothing and boot drives for hundreds of Monroe County Head Start children. Based on these and other contributions Sanofi Pasteur is currently a finalist for Pennsylvania’s first-ever Governor’s Community Impact Award. 

Two non-traditional student applicants will be selected for the Sanofi Pasteur/ESU scholarship program in summer 2013. To learn more about the criteria for the science and technology scholarship program, or to apply, contact Angela Beers, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, ESU Foundation, at 570-422-3179 or abeers@esufoundation.org.

About Sanofi
Sanofi, a global and diversified healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients’ needs. Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and the new Genzyme. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).

Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, provides more than 1 billion doses of vaccine each year, making it possible to immunize more than 500 million people across the globe. A world leader in the vaccine industry, Sanofi Pasteur offers the broadest range of vaccines protecting against 20 infectious diseases. The company's heritage, to create vaccines that protect life, dates back more than a century. Sanofi Pasteur is the largest company entirely dedicated to vaccines. Every day, the company invests more than EUR 1 million in research and development. For more information, please visit: www.sanofipasteur.com or www.sanofipasteur.us.

Tweet me:http://3bl.me/d6fr5v @SanofiPasteur Provides Substantial Financial Support to East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania

KEYWORDS: Sanofi, Sanofi Pasteur, University of Pennsylvania, east stroudsburg, Education, state-of-the-art scientific instrumentation, stewardship

Phil Angelides, a Leader in Shareholder Activism and Green Investment, Wins the Joan Bavaria Award

0
0

SOURCE:Ceres

DESCRIPTION:

SAN FRANCISCO, May 1, 2013 /3BL Media/ – Phil Angelides has been awarded the fifth-annual Joan Bavaria Award for Building Sustainability into the Capital Markets. The announcement was made today, the first day of the annual Ceres Conference, which is running May 1-2 at The Fairmont in San Francisco, CA.

Angelides is currently President of Riverview Capital Investments, a real estate investment firm which focuses on clean energy projects and sustainable urban development. From 1999 to 2007, he served as California’s State Treasurer. During his eight years in elected office, Angelides called for a renewed push in shareholder activism and launched the Green Wave Initiative, encouraging investment in green technologies and urging companies to address the financial risks of climate change and reduce their energy consumption.

The Bavaria Award is presented by Ceres and Trillium Asset Management each year to honor an inspiring leader working to move capital markets toward a system that balances economic prosperity with social and environmental concerns. The award honors Joan Bavaria, a pioneer of social investing who founded Ceres and Trillium Asset Management. Joan Bavaria passed away in 2008.

“Phil’s actions were bold and transformational, given that at the time, no other state pension fund had taken steps to incorporate environmental impact into their investments.” said Trillium’s CEO Matt Patsky.

“Phil Angelides has worked tirelessly to push investors and the business community toward a sustainable economy. As California State Treasurer, he helped spur investments that increased returns, created jobs and addressed the financial risks caused by the changing environment,” said Mindy Lubber, president of Ceres and director of the Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR). “Phil embodies the spirit of the Joan Bavaria Award and we are honored to acknowledge his contribution to the sustainable investing community.”

Angelides also served as Chairman of the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission, a bipartisan panel charged with conducting the nation’s official inquiry into the causes of the financial and economic crisis and presenting findings and recommendations to the President and Congress.  Since 2007, Angelides has served as Chairman of the Apollo Alliance, a national coalition of business, labor, environmental and community leaders committed to creating green jobs and building a clean energy economy.

A founding member of the Ceres-led Investor Network on Climate Risk, Mr. Angelides served on the INCR Steering Committee and was a motivating force behind the first Investor Summit on Climate Risk at the United Nations in New York. Over the course of his career, he has helped mobilize financial leaders to act on climate and sustainability issues.

“The enduring strength of our economy and society is inextricably tied to our willingness to embrace investments and business practices that create sustainable enterprises, broaden economic opportunity, and protect our environment,” said Mr. Angelides. “ I am deeply honored to receive the Joan Bavaria Award and remain committed to supporting the critical efforts needed to confront the enormous economic and environmental risks posed by climate change.”

About Ceres

Ceres is an advocate for sustainability leadership. Ceres mobilizes a powerful coalition of investors, companies and public interest groups to accelerate and expand the adoption of sustainable business practices and solutions to build a healthy global economy. Ceres also directs the Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR), a network of more than100 institutional investors with collective assets totaling more than $11 trillion. For more information, visit http://www.ceres.org

About Trillium Asset Management
With a history spanning three decades, Trillium is the oldest independent investment advisor focused exclusively on sustainable and responsible investing. Trillium manages over $1 billion in assets for clients including high net worth individuals, foundations, endowments, religious institutions, and other non-profits. To learn more about Trillium, please visit http://trilliuminvest.com.

Tweet me:Phil Angelides, leader in shareholder activism and green investment, wins Joan Bavaria Award http://bit.ly/18qsy78 #ceres13

Contact Info:

Peyton Fleming
Ceres
+1 (617) 733-6660
fleming@ceres.org

KEYWORDS: CERES, Joan Bavaria, Phil Angelides, California's State Treasurer, Trillium Asset Management, Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission, Investor Network on Climate Risk

Ecolab Aims at New Sustainability Targets

0
0

SOURCE:Justmeans

DESCRIPTION:

Ecolab, a global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies, has announced a new five-year plan make its operations more sustainable. Based on the company's 2012 metrics Ecolab will work to achieve a five percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, a 10 percent reduction in water use and wastewater discharge, and a 10 percent reduction in solid waste. These targets are per million dollars in sales.

Since Ecolab merged with Nalco Company 2011, the combined company has strengthened its ecological footprint by combining their respective expertise and reach. Ecolab achieved a 19 percent reduction in U.S. GHG emissions from the 2006 baseline, attaining 95 percent of its stated goal within 83 percent of the time frame. The company also reduced waste by 20 percent between 2009 and 2012, against a target of 18 percent. In 2007, Nalco set a target of reducing its total energy use 10 percent globally by the end of 2012, and achieved 84 percent of its goal within 80 percent of the planned time frame.

"Sustainability is core to our purpose of making the world cleaner, safer and healthier," said Douglas M. Baker, Jr., Ecolab chairman and chief executive officer. "Through our total impact approach, we consider the economic, social and environmental impacts of our products and services to deliver sustainable results for our customers and improve our own operations."

Click here to continue reading and comment 

Antonio Pasolini is a Corporate Social Responsibility writer for Justmeans, Antonio Pasolini is a journalist based in Brazil who writes about alternative energy, green living and sustainability. He also edits Energyrefuge.com, a top web destination for news and comment on renewable energy and Elpis.org, a recycled paper bag/magazine distributed from health food stores in London, formerly his hometown for over a decade. He is also a happy herbivore.

 

 

Tweet me:.@Ecolab aims at new #sustainability targets http://3bl.me/ax7cr4 @energyrefuge @Justmeans

KEYWORDS: Ecolab, sustainability, Technology

Skype Enables Unique Learning Experiences Beyond the Classroom: Sri Lanka

0
0

SOURCE:Skype

DESCRIPTION:

04/30/2013 in Social Good 

Education professionals around the world are exploring the use of Skype as a platform to connect their classroom and share their learning experiences with teachers across the globe. Skype in the classroom is a free global community that invites teachers to collaborate on classroom projects through the use of Skype, to share skills and inspiration around specific teaching needs.

To facilitate global collaboration, a group of teachers from a rural school in southern Sri Lanka joined a virtual classroom exchange programme via Skype in the classroom that will enable students from other parts of the world to experience the wonders of a tropical rain forest.

Located on the edge of a rain forest, Rambuka eVillage School organises frequent trips into the rain forest to allow students to learn and gain experiences beyond the classroom. During the expeditions, students have the opportunity to conduct experiments and explore the wide range of flora and fauna that the rain forest offers.

The teachers at Rambuka eVillage School initiated the “Visit a Rain Forest in Sri Lanka” Skype lesson to share their unique learning experiences, which are especially beneficial to those students situated in urban areas and cities.

“More teachers around the world are starting to leverage Skype technology to expose their students to new environments and provide a more interactive means of learning. These interactive learning sessions have a direct benefit for Rambuka eVillage School, too, as their students are given the opportunity to practice and improve their use of English when they converse during the Skype discussions,” said Andy Schmidt, Head of Social Good, Skype.

The “Visit a Rain Forest in Sri Lanka” Skype lesson was greeted with enthusiasm by teachers from around the world — more than 70 teachers have expressed their interest to participate since the interactive lessons went live in October 2012.

“Most of my students are city dwellers, aged between 11 and 15. The rain forest is something so different and unfamiliar from their usual environment, and they would be very interested to learn more about it,” commented Ana Luz, a teacher from Argentina.

Republished with permission from the Microsoft Asia Citizenship Blog.

 

Tweet me:Beyond the Classroom: Students to Travel to Sri Lankan Rainforest, via @SkypeClassroom #edtech http://3bl.me/y6v6k9

KEYWORDS: Skype, Skype in the classroom, video calling, Group video calling, Rainforest, sri lanka, Teachers, Technology

 

Guest Post: The White House Blip: Would Ethical Standards be Helpful?

0
0

SOURCE:3BL Media, LLC

DESCRIPTION:

CELESA HORVATH

This morning, an Associated Press Twitter account was hacked, and a false tweet reported explosions in the White House that injured Barack Obama. There’s been no better illustration of the potential impact of social media on the economy than this:

In just two minutes, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 145 points!

Once AP stated its account had been hacked and the White House confirmed there was no incident, markets quickly recovered.  Nevertheless, the ‘blip’ stands as a great example of how significant the influence of social media has become.

It also represents another facet of social media use in respect of which comprehensive ethical standards may be warranted.  Although ethical standards are unlikely to be followed by hackers, such standards may assist legitimate social media users to adopt responsible use policies that will protect against inappropriate responses to unconfirmed or suspect information disseminated via social media.  From the early media coverage of the Twitter hacking incident this morning, it is apparent that some traders responded in a knee-jerk manner, while others waited.

How might general ethical standards or company-specific social media policies for the financial sector be useful in such instances?  Perhaps by providing criteria to guide traders in evaluating the legitimacy of information obtained through social media, encouraging responsible communication with stakeholders (e.g., clients), and supporting decision-making in the face of the ethical dilemma of whether to intentionally gain from someone else’s mistake.

 

For more on the Twitter hacking story that prompted this post:

Click here for coverage in the Wall Street Journal.

Click here for coverage in the Telegraph.

Click here for coverage in the Globe and Mail.

For related reading on social media standards, here‘s a great paper on the need for an “ethical compass” for crisis mapping: it was published early last year in Global Brief.

Click here to read more from this author 

Celesa Horvath is a consultant, with some 20 years of experience in environmental assessment, regulatory affairs, corporate responsibility, and sustainability. She's been involved in projects across Canada and internationally, including China and the Middle East, for clients in the energy, mining, infrastructure, transportation, and government sectors, providing both strategic advice and practical implementation support. 

This post orignally appeared on Making Sense of Resposibility. Distributed with permission of author. 

 

Tweet me:.@celesahorvath asks "Would ethical standards be helpful?" http://3bl.me/tq62fc #socmedia

KEYWORDS: White House, AP, Barack Obama, Social Media, Celesa Horvath, Ethics

Congressional Watchdog to Speak at Global Conflict Minerals Symposium

0
0

SOURCE:Source Intelligence®

DESCRIPTION:

Godwin Agbara of the Government Accountability Office just announced as another speaker at the Global Conflict Minerals Symposium coinciding with the 1-year anniversary of the Dodd-Frank Section 1502 Conflict Minerals Final Rule.  The independent, nonpartisan agency that works for Congress is charged with investigating how well federal government programs and policies are meeting their objectives.

This invitation-only event will provide senior corporate and compliance executives, regulatory officials from across the globe, leading academia and NGO officers with a forum to share their practical experience, insights, and vision for achieving conflict free sourcing practices globally with the implementation of effective regulations.

If you would like to recommend a speaker (including yourself) or suggest a topic for discussion to our diverse cross-section of speakers including Government, Private Industry, Academia and Non-governmental organizations, please submit a PROPOSE A ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION TOPIC.

KEYWORDS: Energy, Environment, Events, Conferences & Webinars, People, Social Action & Community Engagement, Technology. Innovation & Solutions, Corporate Social Responsibility, Conflict Minerals, compliance, supply chain, Conflict Minerals Compliance Solutions, Corporate Ethics

2013 Ceres Conference - An Interview with Mark Tulay, Program Manager at GISR

0
0

SOURCE:Ceres

DESCRIPTION:

May 2, 2013 /3BL Media/ - Mark Tulay, Program Manager at GISR sat down for an interview at the 2013 Ceres Conference, taking place May 1st and 2nd in San Francisco, CA. 

Ceres is an advocate for sustainability leadership. Ceres mobilizes a powerful coalition of investors, companies and public interest groups to accelerate and expand the adoption of sustainable business practices and solutions to build a healthy global economy. Ceres also directs the Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR), a network of 100 institutional investors with collective assets totaling more than $10 trillion.

For more information, visit http://www.ceres.org/

 

Contact:

Brian Sant

sant@ceres.org

(617) 247-0700 ext. 123

Tweet me:Interview w/ @MarkTulayESG of @GISRnews at #Ceres13 http://3bl.me/km96a6 #CSR @3blmedia @ceresnews

KEYWORDS: 3bl Media, Corporate Social Responsibility, csr, Corporate Citizenship, Leadership, sustainability, CERES, Carbon, Economy, Mark Tulay, GISR


Miami LAC FedEx Team Members Make an Impact with Walk Now for Autism Speaks

0
0

SOURCE:FedEx Corporation

DESCRIPTION:

By Lori Walton

On April 7th, 25 FedEx Latin America & Caribbean Division (LAC) team members with their family and friends participated in the Miami Walk Now for Autism Speaks, which included a total of $9,000 contributed by FedEx (including team member donations) toward funding vital autism research. This is the 2nd year FedEx LAC team members have participated in the Miami Walk Now for Autism Speaks, which attracts 25,000 participants annually and is the nation's largest grassroots autism walk program to raise funds for autism research and increase awareness about the increasing prevalence of autism. 

Beyond FedEx’s two FedEx team members who were the team captains for FedEx’s involvement at the walk, Cesci Oropeza and Andres Rey, have a deeper connection to autism through family members living with autism. In their own words, they share the significance of being involved with Autism Speaks and the impact on their families…

Tweet me:Miami LAC @FedExCares team members make an impact with Walk Now for @AutismSpeaks http://3bl.me/tvky2x

KEYWORDS: Autism Speaks, walk now, FedEx, Latin America, Caribbean, Miami, miami walk now, autism research, asperger syndrome

  

SC Johnson Honored for Setting a New Standard for Global Corporate Leadership

0
0

Company Receives Visionary Award for Leadership and Governance of a Private Company

SOURCE:SC Johnson

DESCRIPTION:

RACINE, Wis., May 2, 2013 /3BL Media/ – Last evening, SC Johnson, the 127-year-old family company, received the Visionary Award for Leadership and Governance award from the WomenCorporateDirectors (WCD) – the only global membership organization and community of women corporate directors. On behalf of more than 1,400 members serving across 1,550 boards in 43 chapters around the world, WCD recognized high-performing companies and CEOs who have excelled in leadership over the past year with its “Visionary Awards.”

“It’s such an honor to be recognized by WomenCorporateDirectors for our efforts to grow and develop a culture that is diverse, respectful and inclusive,” said Fisk Johnson, Chairman and CEO of SC Johnson. “With the best people of all backgrounds, doing their best work, we’re able to focus on making life better for families and the communities around us.”

Criteria to be considered for a WCD Visionary Award for Leadership and Governance of a Private Company include significant CEO contributions that demonstrate innovation, creativity and engagement in the community, as well as good governance systems and processes. As a recipient, SC Johnson was recognized as setting a new standard for global leadership that is propelling the company forward as a top driver of change.

“SC Johnson exemplifies the power that diversity lends to the success of an enterprise – and displays a real commitment to diversity from their boardroom to the people working across their organization,” says Susan Stautberg, Co-Founder and Global Co-Chair of WomenCorporateDirectors. “Through their leadership in innovation, good governance practices and engagement with the community, SC Johnson is a true role model for companies – especially family businesses and private companies – around the world.”

The awards were presented at the 2013 Visionary Awards Dinner in New York City. The event was part of WCD’s invitation-only Global Institute, which attracted 250 board members and CEOs from all over the world, to discuss and launch major governance and diversity initiatives. For more information about the WCD 2013 Visionary Awards, please contact Davia Temin or Suzanne Oaks of Temin and Company at 212-588-8788 or news@temin.co

About WomenCorporateDirectors

WomenCorporateDirectors (WCD) is the only global membership organization and community of women corporate directors, comprised of more than 1,800 members serving on over 2,600 boards in more than 50 chapters around the world. In 2012, WCD launched the Global Nominating Commission, a high-level task force of select corporate board nominating committee chairs and members from around the world, as well as CEOs, focused on proactively building diverse boards and candidate slates. Each year, WCD conducts a Global Board Survey in conjunction with Heidrick & Struggles and researchers from the Harvard Business School. Heidrick & Struggles and KPMG are Global Founding Partners of WCD.

WCD has 52 global chapters, located in Arizona, Atlanta, Beijing, Boston, Brazil, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Colombia, Dallas/Fort Worth, Delhi, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Gulf Co-operative Council, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Houston, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, London, Los Angeles/Orange County, Malaysia, Melbourne, Mexico, Milan, Minnesota, Morocco, Mumbai, Netherlands, New York, New Zealand, Nigeria, Northern California, Peru, Philadelphia, Philippines, Rome, San Diego, Seattle, Shanghai, Singapore, South Africa, South Florida, Switzerland, Sydney, Tennessee, Toronto, and Washington DC. For more information, visit www.womencorporatedirectors.com.

About SC Johnson

SC Johnson is a family company dedicated to innovative, high-quality products, excellence in the workplace and a long-term commitment to the environment and the communities in which it operates. Based in the USA, the company is one of the world's leading manufacturers of household cleaning products and products for home storage, air care, pest control and shoe care. It markets such well-known brands as GLADE®, KIWI®, OFF!®, PLEDGE®, RAID®, SCRUBBING BUBBLES®, SHOUT®, WINDEX® and ZIPLOC® in the U.S. and beyond, with brands marketed outside the U.S. including AUTAN®, TANA®, BAMA®, BAYGON®, BRISE®, KABIKILLER®, KLEAR®, MR. MUSCLE®, and RIDSECT®. The 127-year-old company, that generates $9 billion in sales, employs nearly 13,000 people globally and sells products in virtually every country around the world.

 

 

###

Tweet me: SC Johnson received Visionary Award for #Leadership & Governance award from #WomenCorporateDirectors (WCD) http://3bl.me/z42szf

KEYWORDS: SC Johnson, Visionary Award, Leadership, governance, WomenCorporateDirectors, WCD, corporate leadership

2013 Ceres Conference - An Interview with Craig Metrick, Principal at Mercer

0
0

SOURCE:Ceres

DESCRIPTION:

May 2, 2013 /3BL Media/ - Craig Metrick, Principal at Mercer sat down for an interview at the 2013 Ceres Conference, taking place May 1st and 2nd in San Francisco, CA. 

Ceres is an advocate for sustainability leadership. Ceres mobilizes a powerful coalition of investors, companies and public interest groups to accelerate and expand the adoption of sustainable business practices and solutions to build a healthy global economy. Ceres also directs the Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR), a network of 100 institutional investors with collective assets totaling more than $10 trillion.

For more information, visit http://www.ceres.org/

 

Contact:

Brian Sant

sant@ceres.org

(617) 247-0700 ext. 123

Tweet me:Interview w/ Craig Metrick of @MercerInsights at #Ceres13 http://3bl.me/zv4bff #CSR @3blmedia @ceresnews

KEYWORDS: 3bl Media, Corporate Social Responsibility, csr, Corporate Citizenship, Leadership, sustainability, CERES, Carbon, Economy, Craig Metrick, Mercer

2013 Ceres Conference - An Interview with Allen White, Founder & Co-Chair of GISR

0
0

SOURCE:Ceres

DESCRIPTION:

May 2, 2013 /3BL Media/ - Allen White, Founder & Co-Chair of GISR sat down for an interview at the 2013 Ceres Conference, taking place May 1st and 2nd in San Francisco, CA. 

Ceres is an advocate for sustainability leadership. Ceres mobilizes a powerful coalition of investors, companies and public interest groups to accelerate and expand the adoption of sustainable business practices and solutions to build a healthy global economy. Ceres also directs the Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR), a network of 100 institutional investors with collective assets totaling more than $10 trillion.

For more information, visit http://www.ceres.org/

 

Contact:

Brian Sant

sant@ceres.org

(617) 247-0700 ext. 123

Tweet me:Interview w/ Allen White of @GISRnews & @TellusInstitute at #Ceres13 http://3bl.me/dahfgf #CSR @3blmedia @ceresnews

KEYWORDS: 3bl Media, Corporate Social Responsibility, csr, Corporate Citizenship, Leadership, sustainability, CERES, Carbon, Economy, Allen White, GISR, Tellus Institute

Huntington Park Redesign Includes Tie-in to Riverfront Park

0
0

SOURCE:Avista Utilities

DESCRIPTION:

By  The Spokesman-Review

The gate to Huntington Park is often closed, even when the park is open.

It’s just one of the access problems to a park that’s mainly a series of steps offering dramatic views of lower Spokane Falls and the spillway of the Monroe Street Dam.

Avista Corp., which owns the location, hopes to make Huntington Park more welcoming with a street-level plaza, crosswalk, landscaping and sidewalk.

“Right now you get the feeling that you don’t know if you really belong,” said Speed Fitzhugh, Avista’s Spokane River license manager.

Click here to read more about how Avista plans to make Huntington Park more welcoming on Spokesman.com

*This article first appeared on The Spokesman-Review

Tweet me:Learn about @AvistaUtilities involvement in the Huntington Park redesign http://3bl.me/2zdvap via @SpokesmanReview #csr

KEYWORDS: Environment, Community, Positive Change, Social Development, Huntington Park, The Spokesman Review, Avista Utilities, csr, Riverfront Park

Viewing all 28387 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images