CSRwire Press Releases, Events and Reports

MGM Resorts International Ranks in Top 100 for MBA Students

06.19.2013 - 12:51PM

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) has been cited as one of the top 100 companies for Masters of Business Administration students by Universum Global, the Employer Brand Research Firm. MGM Resorts ranked 86th, the only integrated casino resort company to rank, in its first appearance on the list that was announced on June 6th via CNN Money.

“We’re pleased that our focus on being an employer of choice as a leading entertainment and hospitality company that provides a spectrum of dynamic career paths, is recognized by the next generation of employee and business leaders,” said Jim Murren, Chairman & CEO of MGM Resorts International.

“The top attributes attracting MBA students to MGM Resorts are its market success, opportunities for international travel/relocation, and leadership opportunities,” said Kortney Kutsop, Senior Account Director at Universum. “With leadership as one of the key MBA preferences overall, MGM’s perceived employer value proposition is well aligned with what MBA students are looking for in an employer.”

The 2013 rankings of the IDEAL™ MBA Employers are based on a survey of nearly 4,000 MBA students, and reveal which employers have the most effective employer brand.

“We’re focused on a guest-centric service environment that offers an astonishing array of experiences and memories for our guests and customers,” said Corey Sanders, Chief Operating Officer of MGM Resorts. “Creating an environment in which employees are engaged, entertained and inspired to see, meet and exceed the needs of our guests and teammates, is job number one. We’re pleased that this focus is being seen and recognized,” Sanders continued.

Business college undergraduate students also rank MGM Resorts among their most admired employers, according to Universum’s survey of nearly 66,000 students. In its debut on the list, MGM Resorts was No. 40, making it the only integrated resort and only Nevada-based company to rank in the top 100.

About Universum
A global research and advisory firm, Universum helps top employers excel in recruitment and retention by ensuring improvements to their employer brand. Universum partners with over 1,200 clients, Fortune 500 companies; and works with 1,500 universities worldwide to conduct research on the career and employer preferences of top talent. On an annual basis, the company surveys nearly half a million students and professionals worldwide. This is the 25th annual edition of the IDEAL Employer Rankings.

About MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating destination resort brands including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. The Company also owns 51% of MGM China Holdings Limited, which owns the MGM Macau resort and casino and is in the process of developing a gaming resort in Cotai, and 50% of CityCenter in Las Vegas, which features ARIA resort and casino. For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at www.mgmresorts.com.

CSX Launches 2012 CSX Corporate Social Responsibility Report and Microsite

06.19.2013 - 10:58AM

CSX Corporation (NYSE:CSX) released its 2012 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report detailing the company’s environmental, social, governance and financial performance. The full report is accessible at the company’s microsite, www.CSXCSR.com, which highlights CSX’s sustainability and corporate citizenship efforts in action.

“At CSX, we are committed to the relentless pursuit of excellence,” said Michael J. Ward, chairman, president and chief executive officer. “Operating a sustainable, transparent company is an important element of this commitment, and our CSR report demonstrates how we put these values into practice. It’s also evidence that CSX’s environmental stewardship and employee and community engagement work in tandem with our continued strong financial and operational performance.”

The CSR report measures CSX’s environmental performance and documents the company’s commitment to managing its environmental footprint. Key environmental achievements in 2012 include:

Progressing toward the company’s goal to reduce GHG emissions intensity between 6 and 8 percent from 2011 levels by 2020;
Continuing to invest in technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions from locomotives;
Training nearly 30,000 employees in environmental stewardship programs.

The report also discusses CSX’s role as an employer and corporate citizen. In 2012, CSX continued to support local communities where it operates and strengthen a diverse, engaged workforce through these accomplishments:

Achieved exceptional safety results, including the fewest ever employee injuries toward the goal of zero injuries;
Hired approximately 2,400 employees, 26 percent of which were military veterans;
Provided more than $14 million in corporate giving to communities;
Logged more than 26,000 hours of employee volunteer time, an increase of more than 6,000 hours over the previous year;
Partnered with numerous national and local organizations, including City Year, Future Farmers of America, National Safe Place, Dignity U Wear, Alliance for Community Trees and The Nature Conservancy, as well as public-private partnerships, like the innovative, ongoing High Line project in New York City.

Detailed in the report is CSX’s continued focus on fostering profitable, responsible growth, delivering strong financial performance for its shareholders. CSX made capital investments of $2.3 billion in 2012, including investments related to public-private partnerships, in its network to ensure the company’s ability to continue delivering excellent customer service. CSX plans to make capital investments of $2.3 billion in 2013 as well. The report also provides an insightful look at CSX’s business markets, including a detailed review of the diverse portfolio of products transported over its network.

“CSX’s CSR report is both a comprehensive review of the past year and our guide for the future,” Ward added. “Our goal is to use this report to engage further in important conversations with our stakeholders about how CSX can continue to be a leader in sustainability in 2013 and beyond.”

CSX’s 2012 CSR report was prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G3.1 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines, and is self-declared to be a GRI Application Level B report. GRI is a globally recognized reporting framework for environmental, social and governance performance. The content and direction of the report was informed, in part, by the issues and concerns raised during the company’s ongoing engagement with employees, customers, investors, community and NGO partners, regulators and suppliers.

About CSX
CSX (NYSE:CSX), based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For more than 185 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and small farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/CSX).

With Help from Rival Pundits, Points of Light and JPMorgan Chase Announce National Effort to Unite Unlikely Allies in Service to 'One America'

06.19.2013 - 10:34AM

At the largest convening of volunteer, national service, and civic leaders in the world, Points of Light and JPMorgan Chase will today announce the launch of a year-long, nationwide campaign to bring together rivals in politics, entertainment, and sports with the goal of inspiring millions to unite in service to their communities.

The first unlikely pairings to be introduced at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service (June 19-22, Washington, D.C. Convention Center) include conservative talk show host Bill O’Reilly and liberal pundit and political strategist Donna Brazile, along with Karl Rove, former adviser to President George W. Bush, and David Plouffe, former adviser to President Obama.

Rival marching bands from Eastern and Duke Ellington High Schools, both in Washington, D.C., will be on hand to perform.

“What really matters to our nation’s future is not what divides us, but what brings us together,” said Peter Scher, executive vice president and head of corporate responsibility at JPMorgan Chase. “And we know we are stronger when we are together as one nation—as One America.”

The One America campaign will include celebrity videos, crowdsourcing and online voting to suggest and encourage potential rivals to come together to serve; local service events and dialogues in towns and cities across the country; a social media campaign; and suggested ways volunteers can make a difference in improving education, fighting hunger and protecting the environment.

“Acts of service can indeed cross boundaries, bring together the most unlikely allies, and build stronger communities,” said Michelle Nunn, CEO of Points of Light, the largest organization in the world dedicated to volunteer service. “Recognizing that people in communities are tackling tough challenges every day, One America will showcase volunteer ideas that are working, and present them in a way that others can then implement in their own communities.”

Periodic challenges will award prizes for contests that may range from best video of local rivals serving, to most innovative volunteer project idea addressing childhood hunger, to most compelling One America moment.

Points of Light’s more than 200 on-the-ground action centers across the country will also be engaged in local events and will help people find meaningful opportunities to volunteer.

JPMorgan Chase will host the first official One America tour event in Columbus, Ohio in July, 2013. Other cities on the tour will include Chicago, New York, Miami, Houston, Atlanta, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.

To sign up for regular updates or suggest unlikely allies that you’d like to see unite in service, please go to www.one-america.org.

Watch rivals set aside differences, come together for #volunteering in @PointsofLight’s #1America campaign w/@chasegiving. Join in at www.one-america.org.

About Points of Light
Points of Light—the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service—mobilizes millions of people to take action that is changing the world. Through affiliates in 250 cities and partnerships with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 4 million volunteers in 30 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. For more information, go to www.pointsoflight.org.

About JPMorgan Chase
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.4 trillion and operations in more than 60 countries. The firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers, small business and commercial banking, financial transaction processing, asset management and private equity. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, JPMorgan Chase & Co. serves millions of consumers in the United States and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients under its J.P. Morgan and Chase brands. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com.

Time Warner Cable Celebrates Internet Safety Month Through New Campaign with Common Sense Media

06.19.2013 - 10:15AM

In recognition of National Internet Safety Month, Time Warner Cable today unveiled a new campaign to help parents teach their children to safely use the Internet and other technologies. Held in partnership with Common Sense Media, the campaign includes the availability of the new Digital Passport™ mobile app and supporting materials that help parents address key issues that their children face online, including safety and security, cyber bullying, privacy, responsible cell phone use and respecting creative work.

Time Warner Cable has committed $1 million of in-kind donations to promote the campaign through Public Service Announcements in markets it serves around the country. The company also launched a new website, www.Websafety.twc.com, where families can learn more about Internet safety.

“We are proud to partner with Common Sense Media to help families teach their kids fun yet invaluable lessons about how to safely use technologies such as the Internet,” said Glenn Britt, CEO of Time Warner Cable. “Children can be more exposed to the digital world when out of school, so this summer is an opportune time for parents to use Digital Passport and our new website to talk to their kids about this important issue. June is Internet Safety Month and Time Warner Cable wants our customers, and everyone, to be safe online.”

“Media and technology offer a world of possibilities – but there are potential pitfalls, too,” said James P. Steyer, CEO and founder, Common Sense Media. “Preparing our kids to use these tools responsibly will be crucial to their success in the 21^st century. We applaud Time Warner Cable for their leadership on this issue and thank them for making online safety and digital citizenship a top priority – not just during Internet Safety Month or even during the campaign this summer, but throughout the year.”

With Time Warner Cable’s support, Common Sense Media is making the new consumer-facing Digital Passport mobile app for Android and iOS operating systems available for free to the public through August 31, 2013. Designed for kids ages 8-12, the Digital Passport app features engaging games and videos to teach children the basics of being safe and responsible in the digital world. Users collect badges as they advance through topic areas at their own pace to ultimately earn their Digital Passport. The new app builds on a successful educator-facing, web-based version of Digital Passport launched by Common Sense Media in August 2012, which is based on lessons from the nonprofit organization’s pioneering, free K-12 Digital Literacy and Citizenship curriculum.

To encourage families to have a healthy conversation regarding Internet usage, Time Warner Cable’s new Internet safety campaign also includes a Family Media Agreement where parents and children can track their progress. Additional educational tools will be added to www.Websafety.twc.com throughout the summer.

The Digital Passport mobile app is available on Google Play at bit.ly/10tZyNT and on iTunes at bit.ly/19NyuMH. For the educator version, visit www.digitalpassport.org.

About Time Warner Cable
Time Warner Cable Inc. (NYSE: TWC) is among the largest providers of video, high-speed data and voice services in the United States, connecting more than 15 million customers to entertainment, information and each other. Time Warner Cable Business Class offers data, video and voice services to businesses of all sizes, cell tower backhaul services to wireless carriers and enterprise-class, cloud-enabled hosting, managed applications and services. Time Warner Cable Media, the advertising arm of Time Warner Cable, offers national, regional and local companies innovative advertising solutions. More information about the services of Time Warner Cable is available at www.twc.com, www.twcbc.com and www.twcmedia.com.

About Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology. We exist because our kids are growing up in a culture that profoundly impacts their physical, social, and emotional well-being. We provide families with the advice and media reviews they need in order to make the best choices for their children. Through our education programs and policy efforts, Common Sense Media empowers parents, educators, and young people to become knowledgeable and responsible digital citizens. For more information, go to: www.commonsense.org.

Newell Rubbermaid Employees Building Homes Around The World With Habitat For Humanity in New $1 Million Partnership

06.19.2013 - 08:05AM

Today, Newell Rubbermaid (NYSE: NWL) employees around the world are building homes in partnership with low-income families to start a two-year, $1 million partnership with Habitat for Humanity International. To celebrate, Newell Rubbermaid will hold its first-ever Global Day of Service encompassing 73 volunteer sites in 21 countries, as 1,200 employees come together to share their time and talents to improve the communities where they live and work.

“We are deeply grateful for Newell Rubbermaid’s commitment to our mission to create safe, decent, affordable housing with low-income families,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “We are honored to be their first global nonprofit partner, and we are excited about their plans to involve employees and provide resources for our work. Together we will be able to help more families around the world live in decent homes they can afford.”

“Through our brands and our people, Newell Rubbermaid has long been committed to enriching the lives of the consumers and the communities we serve,” said Michael Polk, President and Chief Executive Officer of Newell Rubbermaid. “This is a day our employees can all be proud as we take a step back from our daily routine to share our passion for our brands and bring them to life through this new partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Collectively, when we each give a little we can help our communities gain a lot.”

Newell Rubbermaid’s two-year, $1 million commitment to Habitat includes cash and gifts-in-kind from its portfolio of brands, including Irwin®, Rubbermaid® and Rubbermaid Commercial Products®. The company also will launch a cause marketing campaign benefiting Habitat beginning later this year.

Global Day of Service projects will take place around the world, including at more than 40 volunteer sites in the United States, as well as locations in Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Australia, demonstrating the company’s commitment to helping improve the communities it serves. Newell Rubbermaid employees will donate their time and talents to bring the company’s purpose of helping people flourish where they live, learn, work and play to life, working alongside families to build, paint, landscape and weatherize homes as part of Habitat’s A Brush with Kindness program. They also will volunteer at Habitat ReStore resale outlets and participate in other local service projects.

Throughout the Global Day of Service, Newell Rubbermaid employees will share experiences as they volunteer with Habitat to improve their communities. To see real-time updates of employee volunteers in action globally via photos, videos and posts – from Melbourne to Shanghai, to Geneva, Sao Paulo and Atlanta – visit www.newellrubbermaid.com, like Newell Rubbermaid on Facebook and follow the company on Twitter @nwlrubbermaid or by searching #NewellVolunteers.

About Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit Christian housing organization that seeks to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 600,000 families by welcoming people of all races, religions and nationalities to construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit www.habitat.org, or follow us at www.facebook.com/habitat or at www.twitter.com/habitat_org or join Habitat’s blog community at www.habitat.org/blog.

About Newell Rubbermaid
Newell Rubbermaid Inc., an S&P 500 company, is a global marketer of consumer and commercial products with 2012 sales of approximately $5.6 billion and a strong portfolio of leading brands, including Sharpie®, Paper Mate®, Rubbermaid Commercial Products®, Irwin®, Lenox®, Parker®, Waterman®, Rubbermaid®, Levolor®, Calphalon®, Goody®, Graco®, Aprica® and Dymo®. As part of the company’s Growth Game Plan, Newell Rubbermaid is making sharper portfolio choices and investing in new marketing and innovation to accelerate performance.

This press release and additional information about Newell Rubbermaid are available on the company’s Web site, www.newellrubbermaid.com.

Bitdefender Global Charity Drive to Protect Hundreds of Millions of the Most Vulnerable

06.18.2013 - 03:24PM

(Marketwired) - Bitdefender, the Romanian creator of the world's #1 antivirus software solutions, has launched a global charity drive to protect the world's most vulnerable from the dangers of malware in alliance with global non-profit TechSoup.

Bitdefender is offering free protection to some 600,000 charities around the world that help hundreds of millions of disadvantaged people and tackle issues ranging from homelessness to special education, from child abuse to environmental degradation, malnourishment, diseases and more.

The drive, which is offering charities the iron clad protection of 11 products including Bitdefender Internet Security, Client Security and Management Server, Small Office Security and Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac, is being coordinated by TechSoup, the non-profit that connects donors to charities worldwide.

"Bitdefender's charity will protect the people who need it most," said Christopher Worman, Director of Program Development at TechSoup. "These charities deal regularly with sensitive information on the world's most vulnerable people – people who have already been victimized or disadvantaged. Bitdefender can make sure this info is dealt with safely."

According to TechSoup, some 52 percent of the entire world's population benefits in some way from the charities offered protection by Bitdefender. The global philanthropy drive is the first by a Romanian company. Other IT companies undertaking similar drives with TechSoup include Microsoft, Cisco, Flickr, Shopify and others.

"We hope to achieve two of our company's main goals with this charity drive," said Catalin Cosoi, Bitdefender's Chief Security Strategist. "We will fulfill our aim to protect the segment of the population that most needs our protection, and we will set an example for other companies in Romania and eastern Europe in the hopes of triggering a wave of global philanthropy from the region. Eastern Europe has progressed greatly in the past couple of decades, and it's time to pay it back."

More information on the program is available at www.techsoup.org. For a list of Bitdefender's charitable offerings, see www.techsoup.org/bitdefender.

About Bitdefender®
Bitdefender is the creator of one of the world's fastest and most effective lines of internationally certified internet security software. The company is an industry pioneer, introducing and developing award-winning protection since 2001. Today, Bitdefender technology secures the digital experience of around 400 million home and corporate users across the globe.

Recently, Bitdefender won a series of important awards and accolades in the global security industry, including "Product of the Year" by AV-Comparatives, "Best Repair 2012" by AV-Test, and "Editor's Choice" by PC Mag, that confirmed the antivirus software's leadership status among security products. More information about Bitdefender's products is available from the company's security press room. Additionally, Bitdefender publishes the HOTforSecurity blog, where readers can find stories from the underworld of internet fraud, scams, malicious software – and gossip.

Barrick 2012 Responsibility Report Now Available

06.18.2013 - 02:00PM

Barrick Gold Corporation has published its 2012 Responsibility Report, "Responsible Mining." Each year, this report provides an in-depth overview of Barrick’s corporate responsibility performance across a number of areas that are important to sustaining Barrick’s license to operate.

“This report looks back on our progress over the past year and at what lies ahead for Barrick,” says Peter Sinclair, Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility. “It reflects emerging corporate responsibility trends, summarizing how we are managing our social and environmental impacts to deliver benefits to our host communities. In a year marked by significant change, we recognize that our commitment to responsible mining practices is even more critical to the long-term success of our business.”

Several changes have been made to this year’s report, and chief among these is a greater focus on issues that are of material importance to both Barrick and its stakeholders. The result is a shorter and more focused report, summarizing Barrick’s performance in managing 12 specific issues, including energy use, climate change, water management, community engagement and security, human rights, supply chain management and employee safety.

Highlights from the 2012 Report include:

COMMUNITY

Implemented grievance mechanisms and social obligations registers across all operating sites, as part of efforts to drive a more disciplined and professional approach to community engagement and ensure communities have a tool to voice their concerns.
Significant economic contribution to the 11 countries and numerous communities where Barrick operates. In 2012, this contribution totalled $13.7 billion, including $9.1 billion for local and regional goods and services, $2.2 billion in taxes and royalties, and $2.4 billion in wages and benefits.
$6.4 billion of the company’s total economic contribution went to developing and emerging countries in 2012, providing positive economic opportunities to these countries and host communities.
Invested $54.4 million in community development initiatives and programs to improve health, education, infrastructure and quality of life. This figure included $5.3 million on scholarships/bursaries for more than 2,500 students.
Over the past five years, Barrick has contributed nearly $20 million for scholarships, helping more than 15,500 students around the world improve their access to education at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.

HUMAN RIGHTS

Continuing progress on implementing the global human rights compliance program, consistent with the company’s emphasis on respecting human rights in all locations. Advances in 2012 include human rights-related training of more than 10,000 employees, strengthened due diligence in hiring practices and human rights assessments at key sites and projects.

SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT

Continued success in workplace safety: A downward trend in the total reportable injury frequency rate, for the 12th straight year, representing an 83 percent improvement in safety performance since 2001.
Implementation of 30 new energy efficiency projects, including a solar power pilot project at our Veladero mine in Argentina. Barrick now has over 140 energy efficiency projects in place across its operations.
19.4 percent of Barrick’s electrical power, both self-generated and purchased, was sourced from renewables in 2012. In 2013, Barrick is continuing its efforts to use more renewable energy and improve energy efficiency.
Innovation in water management, including water recycling and zero discharge programs and the use of non-potable water sources. For example, 36 percent of water used in 2012 was derived from saline or brackish sources and 70 percent of the company’s operations are zero discharge sites with all water recycled and reused.

RESPONSIBLE SUPPLY CHAIN

Enhanced supply chain management, including a refreshed Supplier Code of Ethics and adoption of Trace International’s TRAC system to improve respect for human rights and transparency across our supply chain.

EXTERNAL RECOGNITION

For the fifth consecutive year, Barrick was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. Barrick was also ranked among the top companies in the world by the NASDAQ Global Sustainability Index. In Canada, Barrick was named a Carbon Disclosure Leader and, more recently, Corporate Knights Magazine included Barrick in its Global 100 listing of the world’s most sustainable companies. In early June, Barrick was ranked fourth in a listing of Canada’s Top 50 Corporate Citizens by Corporate Knights.

EXTERNAL ASSURANCE

Barrick reports according to the Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) Sustainable Reporting Guidelines, using GRI-3 at application Level A+. Since 2008, Barrick's annual Responsibility Report has been externally assured. The report includes a referenced index for the UN Global Compact and the International Council on Mining and Metals Sustainable Development Principles.

About Barrick Gold Corporation
Barrick is the gold industry leader. Based in Toronto, the company operates mines and advanced exploration and development projects on four continents. Shares are traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol ABX.

To learn more about Barrick’s commitment to responsible mining, visit www.barrickbeyondborders.com. You can also follow Barrick on Twitter and Barrick on Facebook.

GOJO Raises Awareness of Public Health Risk Due to Refillable Bulk Soap Dispensers

06.18.2013 - 01:13PM

(Marketwired) - GOJO Industries is raising awareness of the potential human health risks from refillable bulk soap dispenser contamination that can be avoided. Driven by a commitment to advance social well-being, GOJO is working to change the industry by educating against the use of refillable bulk soap dispensers and recommends the sealed systems that many facilities are moving towards as a solution.

Refillable bulk soap dispensers require that soap is poured into an open reservoir. Because the reservoir is open, bacteria can contaminate the soap leading to a bacterial biofilm on the inside of the dispenser. This can lead to bacterial contamination of new soap added to the dispenser.

Three published articles including the March 2011 edition of the Journal of Environmental Health reveal that 25 percent of public bulk soap dispensers are contaminated by unsafe levels of bacteria.¹ A follow up study in Applied and Environmental Microbiology released in May 2011, reports handwashing with soap from these dispensers can increase disease-causing bacteria on hands.² This study concludes hands can carry over 25 times more bacteria after washing with contaminated soap than before washing, and bacteria left on hands can be transferred to surfaces.

The most recent study published in the January 2012 issue of Biofouling, reveals that biofilms grow in refillable bulk soap dispensers, causing recontamination even after cleaning with bleach.³ The study suggests avoiding recontamination by replacing refillable bulk dispensers with sealed refill systems.

The JEH study was conducted by Dr. Charles P. Gerba and colleagues from the University of Arizona. The AEM study was conducted by scientists from GOJO, BioScience Laboratories in Bozeman, Mont., and the University of Arizona. The Biofouling study was conducted by scientists from the Center for Biofilm Engineering at Montana State University and GOJO.

"The sanitary sealed systems have many advantages," said Dave Shumaker, GOJO microbiologist. "The soap refills are sanitary sealed at the manufacturer and easily snap into place inside the dispenser. Empty refills snap right out and are ready to be recycled. New soap is never refilled or exposed to the environment, unlike refillable bulk soap. This helps to prevent contamination of germs in the air or from fingers of the person doing the refilling."

Nicole Koharik, global sustainability marketing director, said GOJO sealed refill systems align social and environmental considerations.

"Sealed systems are consistent with the social well-being practice of promoting human health and the environmental practice of reducing waste through recycling. Sealed-refill systems are an example of how social and environmental factors can mesh," she said. "People sometimes assume reusing is more sustainable, but as the studies revealed, reuse can introduce human health risks. GOJO® SANITARY SEALED™ refills are safer and more sustainable than bulk soap dispensers."

About GOJO
GOJO Industries, Inc., inventors of PURELL® Instant Hand Sanitizer, distributes PURELL hand sanitizer in consumer and away-from-home markets throughout the world. In addition, GOJO manufactures and distributes a full line of products under GOJO® and PROVON® brand names. GOJO has a 64-year history of leadership in improving well-being through hand hygiene and healthy skin. GOJO has products and programs to kill germs on hands and solve skin care-related problems in a variety of markets, including healthcare, foodservice, food processing, manufacturing, automotive, education, government and military. GOJO is a privately held corporation headquartered in Akron, Ohio, with offices in the United Kingdom, France, Australasia, Japan and Brazil. Visit GOJO at gojo.com.

Image with caption: "No More Bulk Infographic (GOJO Industries)." Image available at: www.GOJO.com/NoMoreBulkSoap.

¹ Chattman, M, Maxwell, S., Gerba, C. Occurrence of Heterotrophic and Coliform Bacteria in Liquid Hand Soaps From Bulk Refillable Dispensers in Public Facilities. Journal of Environmental Health 2011.

² Zapka, C., Campbell, E., Maxwell, S., Gerba, C., Dolan, M., Arbogast, J., Macinga, D., Bacteria Hand Contamination and Transfer after Use of Contaminated Bulk-Soap-Refillable Dispensers. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 2011; 77:9 2898-2904.

³ Lorenz, L., Ramsay, B., Goeres, D., Fields, M., Zapka, C., Macinga, D., Evaluation and remediation of bulk soap dispensers for biofilm, Biofouling 2012; 28:1: 99-109.

Mars, Incorporated Joins BICEP and Signs Climate Declaration to Promote Climate-Focused Policies

06.18.2013 - 09:40AM

BICEP (Business for Innovative Climate & Energy Policy) today announced that Mars, Incorporated has joined Ceres’ BICEP coalition to advocate for innovative climate and clean energy policies. In addition, Mars has signed BICEP's Climate Declaration, which calls upon federal policymakers to seize the American economic opportunity of addressing climate change and has been endorsed by General Motors Co., Intel and others.

Based in McLean, Virginia, Mars has net sales of more than $33 billion and is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of petcare products, chocolate, gum, confections, food, coffees and teas, spanning iconic global brands that include M&M’S®, Snickers®, Pedigree®, Whiskas®, Royal Canin®, Orbit®, Extra®, Uncle Ben’s® and many more.

The food industry leader joins BICEP at a critical moment, as United States agriculture faces mounting threats from climate change and extreme weather. Ongoing drought has tripled federal crop insurance losses over the past three years, to $16 billion in payouts in 2012. By joining BICEP, Mars will advocate not only for policies that shore up domestic agricultural supply chains, but also those that will enable cleaner, more efficient energy use and generate solutions for the threats of climate change.

“Mars is committed to reducing and eventually eliminating our greenhouse gas emissions, in absolute terms, because this is the right thing to do. Climate change has implications for the production of agricultural ingredients from corn to cocoa, and addressing it requires changes to the way we source materials and manufacture our products,” said Brad Figel, vice president of public affairs, Mars North America. “Therefore it is imperative we continue to improve sustainability in our approach to business, as well as the way we create policy, which is why it is important for us to make our voice heard through BICEP in encouraging policymakers to take action now.”

BICEP, a project of Ceres, was launched in 2008 with a core group of five companies, including Starbucks, Nike and Levi Strauss. & Co. With the addition of Mars, Inc., BICEP has since expanded to include twenty-four leading companies representing the personal products, sports and real estate sectors such as Seventh Generation, the North Face and KB Home. BICEP members have been vocal proponents of renewable energy, greener transportation and stricter pollution controls on power plants.

“Mars is an American icon of industry that understands the critical importance of its environmental commitments. We are proud to welcome Mars as the newest member of BICEP and encourage the company to share its policy convictions with Washington, where they will make an even greater impact,” said Mindy Lubber, president of Ceres, which directs BICEP. “Mars is a powerful voice in the climate debate and we hope policymakers will take note when business leaders speak out with a sense of urgency on climate change.”

A full list of BICEP members is available at www.ceres.org/bicep.

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 www.ceres.org.

About BICEP
BICEP (Business for Innovative Climate & Energy Policy) 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, visit www.ceres.org/bicep.

About Mars, Incorporated
In 1911, Frank C. Mars made the first Mars candies in his Tacoma, Washington kitchen and established Mars’ first roots as a confectionery company. In the 1920s, Forrest E. Mars, Sr. joined his father in business and together they launched the MILKY WAY® bar. In 1932, Forrest, Sr. moved to the United Kingdom with a dream of building a business based on the objective of creating a “mutuality of benefits for all stakeholders” – this objective serves as the foundation of Mars, Incorporated today. Based in McLean, Virginia, Mars has net sales of more than $33 billion, six business segments including Petcare, Chocolate, Wrigley, Food, Drinks, Symbioscience, and more than 72,000 Associates worldwide that are putting its Principles into action to make a difference for people and the planet through its performance. For more information, please visit www.mars.com. Follow us: facebook.com/mars, twitter.com/marsglobal, youtube.com/mars.

AT&T Saves $151 Million Through Cutting-Edge Energy Efficiency Efforts Over Three Years

06.18.2013 - 09:39AM

(Marketwired) - How much money can more than 14,300 energy-reducing projects save a company? In its 2012 Sustainability Report, AT&T reports those projects saved the company more than $151 million in annualized energy savings since 2010 and nearly 1.3 billion kilowatt hours (kWh), equivalent to the electricity use of 136,340 homes in one year. (TWEET THIS). In the report, AT&T reveals that it has also rolled out its energy score card programto 1,000 retail stores, achieved 11 megawatts of capacity of alternative energy and joined Rocky Mountain Institute's Portfolio Energy RetroFit Challenge – aimed at scaling energy efficiency.

These are a few of the milestones from one topic covered in the 2012 report, which highlights the diverse impact of AT&T's sustainability work across the company and in communities. For the first time, the report is shaped by compelling personal narratives from employees, and video testimonials from organizations that share AT&T's passion to improve communities. Their voices tell the stories of changes catalyzed by AT&T's investment in education, commitment to conserving our water supply and developing technology enabling more efficient transportation systems, as just a few examples.

Cheryl Henderson is an AT&T employee and an Army veteran who in this video talks about how she juggled work as a manager in AT&T services while serving our nation during the Hurricane Katrina aftermath. Namrita Kapur with the Environmental Defense Fund talks about an approaching water crisis and how critical it is for companies, such as AT&T, to more efficiently manage water usage. Brent Wilkes with the League of United American Citizens (LULAC) discusses the importance of a diverse workforce in a company's future success. View nine additional videos that speak to the impact of AT&T's sustainability efforts HERE.

"With the help of our employees and organizations that share our vision, AT&T's sustainability commitment is growing in ways imagined and unimagined," said Charlene Lake, Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President, Public Affairs. "This year's report tells our sustainability story through the voices of people who work hard to address critical issues such as Texting While Driving, the high school dropout crisis, resource strain related to energy and water use, and diversity and inclusion. We are encouraged by our progress in 2012, and will continue our commitment to improving our world and empowering our customers to do the same."

Other highlights from this year's report include:

Invested more than $43.6 million toward the planned $250 million commitment over five years to AT&T Aspire.
Continued commitment to the 100,000 Jobs Mission, hiring nearly 1,000 veterans.
Reached more than 1.3 million pledges through the "It Can Wait" no texting while driving campaign.
Introduced Aspire Mentoring Academy, with the goal of providing 1 million hours of mentoring by our employees through the end of 2016.
Deployed our 7,000th alternative fuel vehicle and announced that 10 percent of our corporate fleet of more than 71,000 vehicles is now comprised of alternative fuel models.
Began collaboration with Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) to determine best practices on reducing water use in facility cooling processes.

AT&T is committed to integrating sustainable business practices across its business and was recently ranked #1 on Corporate Responsibility Magazine's 13th Annual 100 Best Corporate Citizens List. AT&T was also included in the 2012 Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index. Visit www.att.com/csr to learn more about sustainability at AT&T.

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's largest 4G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at www.att.com/aboutus or follow our news on @ATT, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/att and YouTube at www.youtube.com/att.

IKEA to More-than-Double Size of Colorado's Largest Single-Use Rooftop Commercial Array on Denver-area Store in Centennial, CO

06.18.2013 - 09:00AM

IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today announced plans to increase the solar array atop its Denver-area store that opened two years ago in Centennial, CO. Installation of panels on the roof’s remaining space can begin in July, with completion expected by Fall. Already the state’s largest single-use rooftop array on a commercial building, the project will become Colorado’s largest rooftop array of any use.

The 83,700-square-foot solar addition will consist of a 623-kW system, built with 2,492 panels, and will produce 961,000 kWh of electricity annually for the store. Including the existing system, IKEA Centennial’s total 1,121-kW solar installation of 4,704 panels soon will generate 1,701,000 kWh of clean electricity yearly, the equivalent of reducing 1,200 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂), eliminating the emissions of 250 cars or powering 180 homes (calculating clean energy equivalents at www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html).

For the development, design and installation of the Centennial store’s customized solar power system, IKEA contracted with REC Solar, Inc., a national leader in solar electric system design and installation with more than 10,000 systems built across the U.S.

Last month, IKEA achieved its goal of completing solar installations atop nearly 90 percent of its U.S. buildings (39 out of 44 locations), with a generation goal of 38 MW. IKEA owns and operates each of its solar PV energy systems – as opposed to a solar lease or PPA (power purchase agreement) – and globally has allocated $1.8 billion to invest in renewable energy through 2015. This investment reinforces the long-term commitment to sustainability and confidence in photovoltaic (PV) technology that IKEA has. Consistent with the company’s goal of being energy independent by 2020, IKEA has installed more than 250,000 solar panels on buildings across the world and owns/operates approximately 110 wind turbines in Europe.

“We are thrilled at the opportunity to double the amount of solar energy generated and used by this store,” said John Ellis, IKEA Centennial store manager. “This is another example of the IKEA commitment to create a more sustainable life for communities where we operate.”

IKEA, drawing from its Swedish heritage and respect of nature, believes it can be a good business while doing good business and aims to minimize impacts on the environment. Globally, IKEA evaluates locations regularly for conservation opportunities, integrates innovative materials into product design, works to maintain sustainable resources, and flat-packs goods for efficient distribution. Specific U.S. sustainable efforts include: recycling waste material; incorporating energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems, recycled construction materials, skylights in warehouse areas, and water-conserving restrooms. Operationally, IKEA eliminate plastic bags from the check-out process, phased-out the sale of incandescent bulbs, facilitates recycling of customers’ compact fluorescent bulbs, and by 2016 will sell and use only L.E.D. IKEA has installed electric vehicle charging stations at nine stores in the Western U.S.

Located on 13.5 acres along Interstate 25, north of County Line Road, the 415,000-square-foot IKEA Centennial opened July 2011 as the first U.S. IKEA store with a geothermal heating and cooling system. In addition to 10,000 exclusively designed items, IKEA Centennial presents 50 different room-settings, three model home interiors, a supervised children’s play area, and a 550-seat restaurant. Other family-friendly features include a ‘Children’s IKEA’ area in the showroom, baby-care rooms, play areas throughout the store, and preferred parking. With geothermal and doubled solar, the store mostly will be utilizing its own renewable energy.

Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 340 IKEA stores in 41 countries, including 38 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information, see IKEA-USA.com, facebook.com/IKEAUSA, @DesignByIKEA and pinterest.com/IKEAUSA.

POLL: Almost Half of Small Business Owners Say Access to Credit Still a Problem; Large Majorities Support More Innovation in Lending

06.17.2013 - 12:03PM

Almost half (47%) of small business owners say that access to credit is currently a problem for their business, according a new national poll released today by the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC). At the same time, large majorities want more innovation in credit delivery.

“It's a serious problem for the economy that almost half of very small businesses still face a credit crunch five years after the financial crisis,” said Richard Eidlin, Director for Public Policy for ASBC. “The poll points to two obvious solutions to the access to credit problem: more well-regulated, financial services innovation and more competitive opportunities for local lenders.”

The scientific sample of owners of small businesses contained 38% businesses with two to four employees, 24% with five to nine employees, 18% with 10 to 19 employees and 20% with 20 to 99 employees. The poll found that 90% support allowing community banks, cooperatives, and credit unions to compete more actively with commercial banks. And it found that 57% support encouraging banks, venture capitalists and other investors to broaden their criteria to include the social and environmental benefits a company creates when deciding what companies and projects to fund. These are among the many innovative solutions currently being proposed by ASBC and others.

“Thanks to Congress passing the JOBS Act last year an innovative capital access idea—crowdfunding—is coming,” said Frank Knapp, Jr, president and CEO of the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce. Knapp is heading up ASBC's efforts to promote investment crowdfunding through a super portal for all ASBC partner organizations. “Investment crowdfunding portals will empower everyday citizens to grow their communities by infusing small amounts of capital into locally-owned businesses,” said Knapp.

According to Claudia Viek CEO of CAMEO (California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity), “Job growth comes heavily from new business formation at the level of the smallest companies, so-called micro-enterprises. These companies are among the hardest hit by the continuing credit squeeze.”

ASBC's poll also found that contrary to expectations, small business owners think the federal government needs to do more to strengthen the banking system. Seventy-nine percent said that the government has done a fair or poor job of making sure the banking system is solvent and adequately protected from future banking crises, bailouts, and shortages of credit. And 60% believe that the problem of “too-big-to-fail” banks taking on excessive credit risks needs more attention from the government.

The poll included 47% Republican, 14% Independent and 27% Democratic small business owners.

Poll results reported here represent findings from a scientific national phone survey of owners of small businesses (with 2 to 99 employees), commissioned by the American Sustainable Business Council and conducted by Lake Research Partners. The nationwide live phone survey was conducted between March 14-25, 2013. It has a margin of error of +/- 4.4%.

To view the full survey results, visit: bit.ly/ASBC_Credit_Poll_Report2013.

The American Sustainable Business Council and its member organizations represent more than 165,000 businesses nationwide, and more than 300,000 entrepreneurs, executives, managers, and investors. The council includes chambers of commerce, trade associations, and groups representing small business, investors, microenterprise, social enterprise, green and sustainable business, local living economy, and women and minority business leaders. ASBC informs and engages policy makers and the public about the need and opportunities for building a vibrant and sustainable economy. www.asbcouncil.org | @ASBCouncil

GeSI Partners with EcoVadis to Launch a New Online Platform to Drive Sustainability in ICT Industry Supply Chains

06.17.2013 - 12:00PM

This week the European Commission will release the Guidance for the Information and Communication Technologies ("ICT") Sector on Implementing The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This is a paramount step in advancing Human Rights practices throughout the ICT industry. This Communication is the last of a series of initiatives and regulations launched in Europe and North America to tackle environmental, human rights and ethical issues in the supply chain.

GeSI recognized that sustainability in the ICT industry supply Chain has become a strategic issue for its members in Europe, in the Americas and Asia, and therefore, decided to launch a new initiative in this area, the Electronic Tool for Accountable Supply Chains (E-TASC). This tool facilitates support and drives accountability in the area of human rights and other sustainability standards throughout the supply chain. This will lead to a more effective and transparent management of ICT Supply chains and will allow companies to better report to their different stakeholders. Furthermore, E-TASC will illustrate results on real social and environmental improvements across the Supply Chain and consequently on increasing value for the companies.

EcoVadis will administer E-TASC by combining a cloud based platform and data validation services. This will allow the ICT industry to effectively implement a common approach in monitoring suppliers Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices. Suppliers to the ICT industry will be able to use E-TASC to avoid duplication of questionnaires and audits, and share easy to understand scorecards and reliable ratings with their customers.

The ICT industry relies on a pool of common suppliers. By establishing E-TASC powered by EcoVadis as the industry standard, the approach to assessing sustainability practices will drive maturity of CSR practices throughout the ICT value chain.

"Since the 1st version of E-TASC in 2007, GeSI fosters collaborative and innovative approaches to sustainability," declared Luis Neves, Chairman of GeSI. "The EcoVadis platform will allow us to provide an easier to use collaboration platform, but also reliable ratings to ensure that Sustainability performance can be integrated into procurement decisions."

EcoVadis Managing Director and co-founder Pierre-François Thaler adds: "GeSI has been one of the pioneers of industry collaborative sustainability initiatives and we are very proud to collaborate with GeSI as a leading Industry Association to improve the environmental and social conditions of their complex supply chains."

E-TASC is now being implemented amongst GeSI member companies and other ICT companies. Leading ICT companies such as Alcatel-Lucent, Atos, Belgacom, Bouygues, Telecom Deutsche Telekom, O2, SFR, Swisscom, Telefonica, and Vodafone along with thousands of their suppliers are already deploying the EcoVadis platform.

E-TASC powered by EcoVadis will allow the ICT industry to access reliable data and easy to use scorecards, covering 21 environmental and social criteria, adapted to the specific regulations and CSR challenges of over 150 purchasing categories, which will cover suppliers in in more than a 95 countries. www.e-tasc.com

About Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI): GeSI is a strategic partnership of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector and organizations committed to creating and promoting technologies and practices that foster economic, environmental and social sustainability. GeSI has 36 members representing leading companies and associations from the ICT sector. GeSI also partners with two UN organizations – the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) – as well as a range of international stakeholders committed to ICT sustainability objectives. www.gesi.org

About EcoVadis: EcoVadis aims at improving environmental and social practices of companies by leveraging the influence of global supply chains. EcoVadis operates the 1st online collaborative network enabling companies to manage the Sustainability performance of their suppliers, across 150 sectors and 95 countries. EcoVadis reliable ratings and easy to use monitoring tools allow companies to manage risks and drive eco-innovations in their global supply chains. www.ecovadis.com

REMINDER: Deutsche Bank and Cisco to Host a Conference Call on What Is Network Function Virtualization (NfV) and How Does It Apply to Mobility?

06.17.2013 - 08:31AM

(Marketwired) - Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) – Have you heard of the term Network Function Virtualization (NfV)? How is it different to Software Defined Networking (SDN)? If you want to understand what NfV is, and how it applies to Mobility, Cisco will host a conference call with Deutsche Bank to discuss these market trends on Tuesday, June 18th.

The webcast will be hosted by Kelly Ahuja, SVP and GM, Mobility Business Group. Interested parties can view this event on Cisco's Investor Relations website at investor.cisco.com.

No previously unannounced issues will be discussed in this webcast.

Date: Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Time: 8:30 am PT / 11:30 am ET
Speaker: Kelly Ahuja, SVP and GM, Mobility Business Group

About Cisco
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in IT that helps companies seize the opportunities of tomorrow by proving that amazing things can happen when you connect the previously unconnected. For ongoing news, please go to thenetwork.cisco.com.

Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco's trademarks can be found at www.cisco.com/go/trademarks. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company.

RSS Feed for Cisco: newsroom.cisco.com/rss-feeds.

1-800-GOT-JUNK? Helps Give The New York Botanical Garden's Lawns A Sustainable Renovation with Funding from CBS EcoMedia's EcoAd

06.15.2013 - 01:00PM

The newly renovated and replanted lawns across The New York Botanical Garden look just as green and lush as the lawns they replace, but they’re expected to be far greener when it comes to needing less water and less fertilizer and their ability to reduce runoff waste. The new, sustainable substitute lawn was made possible thanks to funding from 1-800-GOT-JUNK?’s EcoAd advertising through CBS EcoMedia.

Brian Sullivan, the Vice President of Landscape, Outdoor Collections and Gardens, for The New York Botanical Garden hosted a dedication of the new lawns and gratefully recognized 1-800-GOT-JUNK?’s financial support during today’s Father’s Day Weekend Garden Party event, thanking CBS EcoMedia for making the funding possible. Cameron Robinson, General Manager, of 1-800-GOT-JUNK?’s New York City Franchise was joined by fellow1-800-GOT-JUNK? franchisees from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to admire some of the new lawns which are part of the Garden’s 250-acre property.

“As stewards of this cherished National Historic Landmark site, the horticulture staff at The New York Botanical Garden is committed to identifying and implementing sustainable solutions for the way we care for the Garden’s landscape and living collections,” said Brian Sullivan. “We are grateful for the support from 1-800-GOT-JUNK? and CBS EcoMedia, making it possible for us to continue caring for our lawns in safe, environmentally friendly ways. In addition to looking beautiful for our visitors, we can also educate them on how, through a few changes, they can use resources, such as water and fertilizer, in a more efficient way.”

Through a process of old turf removal – with haul-away services donated by 1-800-GOT-JUNK? – followed by soil aeration and the introduction of more drought resistant varieties of seed, the Garden was able to transform a water-thirsty and fertilizer-dependent lawn into a more environmentally sustainable model for visitors. This project is part of the Garden’s overall strategy of employing and promoting sustainable gardening practices and making information available to home gardeners in the New York Tri-State area through weekly demonstrations and tips offered by horticulture experts at the Home Gardening Center.

“A big part of our mission at 1-800-GOT-JUNK? is our involvement in the local community and making the world a greener place,” said Robinson, as he helped man the junk hauler’s booth on Father’s Day Weekend. “So we were really excited when EcoMedia brought us the opportunity to work with the New York Botanical Garden and help them make this beautiful oasis of tranquility even greener and more sustainable. We’ve been blown away with what a perfect getaway this botanic garden is from the New York minute – especially now when our stress levels are so high.”

The Garden’s more than 800,000 annual visitors come from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds and live in all five boroughs of New York City, Westchester County, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The New York Botanical Garden has a dedicated membership base of nearly 30,000 households who visit on average more than five times per year and spend three hours per visit.

“The New York Botanical Garden is one of the Tri-State area's treasures – a glorious living museum of plants, as well as a world-class center for scientific research in the areas of conservation and biodiversity,” said Paul Polizzotto, Founder and President of CBS EcoMedia. “Especially in light of the financial impact caused by superstorm Sandy, we’re pleased and proud to be able to support the efforts of The NYBG through our EcoAd Program. The demonstration project sponsored by 1-800-GOT-JUNK? will educate homeowners about ways in which they can make their own lawns more sustainable. It's a perfect example of the kinds of tangible, meaningful, quality of life improvements EcoMedia brings to communities nationwide, through the public-private partnerships at the heart of our EcoAd, WellnessAd and EducationAd Programs."

About The New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden is a museum of plants located at Bronx River Parkway (Exit 7W) and Fordham Road. It is easy to reach by Metro-North Railroad or subway. The Garden is open year-round, Tuesday through Sunday and Monday federal holidays, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The best way to enjoy the Garden is with the All-Garden Pass, which includes admission to the grounds as well as to seasonal gardens, exhibitions, and attractions such as the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, Rock Garden, and Tram Tour. Grounds admission is free all day on Wednesdays and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturdays. For ticket pricing and more information, please check our website www.nybg.org or call 718.817.8700.

The New York Botanical Garden is located on property owned in full by the City of New York, and its operation is made possible in part by public funds provided through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. A portion of the Garden’s general operating funds is provided by The New York City Council and The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The Bronx Borough President and Bronx elected representatives in the City Council and State Legislature provide leadership funding.

About 1-800-GOT-JUNK?
1-800-GOT-JUNK? is pioneering an industry that is helping residents and businesses remove junk and regain space. Whether it’s a pile of household junk in the garage or a warehouse full of office furnishings, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? removes it for you, making the ordinary business of junk removal exceptional. We are passionate about recycling and donating to charity. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? was founded in 1989 and now operates throughout North America and Australia. Please visit us at 1800gotjunk.com.

About CBS EcoMedia Inc.
At EcoMedia, we’re propelled by the desire to create positive social change; that’s been our mission since we founded the company in 2002. In 2008, after successfully partnering with CBS on a wide range of environmental projects, EcoMedia became the newest addition to the CBS Corporation portfolio, exponentially scaling our reach across television, radio, interactive, publishing and outdoor media.

Through our patent-pending EcoAd, WellnessAd and EducationAd programs, an innovative twist on traditional advertising, advertisers are able to support much-needed local projects which in turn creates jobs, saves taxpayer money and improves the quality of life in communities nationwide. In the process, we’re fundamentally altering the advertising landscape, elevating the ordinary, traditional commercial – and media, in general – into a catalyst for tangible, quantifiable social change. Please visit ecomedia.cbs.com to learn more.

By participating in EcoMedia’s EcoAd, WellnessAd and EducationAd advertising programs, EcoMedia’s advertisers agree to provide funding for projects we believe will have a beneficial effect upon the environment, health and/or education within local communities. EcoMedia’s advertising programs are not certification programs nor are the EcoAd, WellnessAd or EducationAd logos seals of approval. EcoMedia does not in any way certify, endorse or make any representations about EcoMedia program advertisers, their products or services.

Wildlife Works Voted Best Project Developer in Forestry

06.14.2013 - 12:22PM

Wildlife Works Carbon llc, was voted best project developer in the forestry category of Environmental Finance and Carbon Finance Magazine’s Voluntary Carbon Market Rankings 2013. The first prize honor was decided through a vote of more than 700 members of the voluntary carbon trade.

The industry rankings recognized the pioneering achievements of Wildlife Works’ REDD+ projects in Kenya and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) where Wildlife Works currently manages the protection of 1.2M acres of threatened forest that generates 5M tonnes of REDD+ carbon credits on behalf of landowners and 150K people from the local communities.

REDD+, an acronym for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation, is an essential climate change mitigation strategy envisioned by the United Nations designed to help stop the destruction of the world’s forests. The “+” represents economic alternatives that provide numerous benefits to local communities who are engaged to participate in protecting their forest for an initial period of 30 years.

According to Mike Korchinsky, Founder and CEO Wildlife Works, “We attribute our success in this year’s rankings by focusing on doing the right thing—no matter how challenging—to ensure REDD+ remains true to its promise to make standing forests more valuable alive than dead for the benefit of forest communities, forest governments and for the planet.”

Korchinsky went on to say, “The way to protect threatened forests is through community engagement where local people receive multiple benefits through conservation-related jobs.”

Each year, 7B tonnes of C02 are released into the atmosphere as 35M acres of forest are destroyed due to slash and burn agriculture, legal and illegal logging and charcoal production. Deforestation accounts for approximately 20% of all greenhouse gas emissions that are causing global warming. Climate scientists broadly agree that the environment cannot be stabilized without protecting threatened forests.

Protecting threatened forests under a REDD+ program generates offsets or carbon credits that when sold, pay for the cost to leave a forest standing instead of going up in smoke. These REDD+ offsets can be used by companies to counterbalance their unavoidable emissions.

Notable corporations who reduce unavoidable emissions through support of Wildlife Works REDD+ projects include; Microsoft, Allianz, UPS, La Poste, Kering (Gucci, YSL, PUMA...) Barclay’s Bank, BNP Paribas and Marks & Spencer.

Proceeds from the sale of Wildlife Works REDD+ carbon credits are shared with landowners and the local community. “We have established a sustainable and scalable business model that delivers unprecedented environmental and social benefits to seriously impoverished parts of Africa and the world that are in need of the transformational change that Wildlife Works REDD+ projects can bring,” said Korchinsky.

In addition to winning first place in the forestry category, Wildlife Works won second place for Best Project Developer in the overall category that included developers in renewable energy, energy efficiency, forestry and health.

About Wildlife Works
Wildlife Works, headquartered in Mill Valley, CA, is the Voluntary Carbon Market's leading REDD+ project development and management company and the first company in the world to develop a REDD+ project that achieved the core objectives of REDD+ envisioned by the United Nations and did so under the carbon market’s most rigorous third-party verifications for REDD+. Wildlife Works is currently developing a portfolio of high quality REDD+ projects to mitigate 25M tonnes of CO2 emissions annually with projects in Africa, Central America, South America and Asia. For more information, visit: www.wildlifeworks.com.

Ashoka Supports "The B Team," Co-founded by Sir Richard Branson to Kick-Start a Plan B for Business

06.14.2013 - 10:45AM

The B Team, founded by Sir Richard Branson and Jochen Zeitz, yesterday revealed its starting line-up of business leaders and the first three Challenges they will address to deliver a new way of doing business that prioritizes people and planet alongside profit – a "Plan B" for business all over the world. Thousands of people tuned in to a live broadcast of the announcement; Ashoka participated on-line from its global office in the US and with representatives at the event in London.

Ashoka will join a global community of partners, advisors and supporters that the B Team is assembling to deliver ideas and action for businesses the world over.

A full list of the initial B Leaders and details on the first three Challenges can be found at www.bteam.org.

During the live online broadcast to similar gatherings in more than sixty cities around the world, the newly announced B Leaders also issued a joint Declaration (bteam.org/about/declaration), acknowledging key global problems such as growing inequality, unemployment and the unsustainable use of natural resources. The group committed to accelerating a movement of leaders around the world driven by a better way of doing business.

Bill Drayton, CEO of Ashoka, said “Ashoka is delighted to support the B team. Richard Branson and his partners recognize that the game is no longer efficiency in repetition. Now value comes from contributing to change – and success depends on what percentage of your organization or society are changemakers, at what level of changemaking skill, and how fluidly and openly they work together as a team of teams. That’s exactly what Ashoka’s goal, an ‘everyone a changemaker’ world, requires.”

Details on the Charter can also be found at www.bteam.org, where the global public is invited to add their own statement to the Charter.

The B Team will be holding a series of community events over the coming months. Input from stakeholders participating in today’s global digital gathering will contribute to The B Team’s plans for their first three Challenges and the formation of a comprehensive “Plan B” for business. The B Team is also encouraging the general public to submit their views on a new charter for better business at www.bteam.org.

About ASHOKA
Ashoka is the largest network of social entrepreneurs worldwide, with nearly 3,000 Ashoka Fellows in 70 countries putting their system changing ideas into practice on a global scale. Founded by Bill Drayton in 1980, Ashoka has provided start-up financing, professional support services, and connections to a global network across the business and social sectors, and a platform for people dedicated to changing the world. Ashoka launched the field of social entrepreneurship and has activated multi-sector partners across the world who increasingly look to entrepreneurial talent and new ideas to solve social problems.

Ashoka Fellows remain the core of our community, and their insights show us how the world is moving and what is needed next. Ashoka's mission has evolved beyond catalyzing individual entrepreneurs to enabling an "everyone a changemaker" world. This means equipping more people – including young people – with the skillset and a connection to purpose so that they can contribute ideas and effectively solve problems at whatever scale is needed in their family, community, city, workplace, field, industry, country. This evolution comes from the urgent realization that the pace of change is accelerating in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Our strategic initiatives focus on setting in motion the people, resources and ecosystems that will bring about a social revolution where everyone contributes to change for the good of all. Working in partnership with private, philanthropic and citizen sector players we are achieving large-scale social innovation that is grounded in decades of entrepreneurial experience.

L'Oréal USA Employees Give Back to Local Communities Across the Country

06.14.2013 - 10:27AM

Today marks the fifth nationwide day of service for L’Oréal USA with over 3,000 employees giving back to the communities in which they live and work. From North Little Rock, Arkansas to Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, L’Oréal USA employees around the country will engage in a variety of volunteer projects including children’s education, resume building with unemployed adults, environmental revitalization, arts and crafts with seniors, food preparation and serving those who are homebound, among many other projects. In total, over 12,000 hours of community service will be donated in a single day.

“As a company, we believe in the power of volunteerism,” said Rebecca Caruso, EVP Corporate Communications & External Affairs. “Every day, our employees work to make the world a better and more beautiful place. Volunteer Day gives all of us the opportunity to share our talents and time with the local communities in which we live and work.”

Globally, L’Oréal celebrates its Volunteer Day during the month of June with over 20,000 volunteers around the world. This year, 60 countries will host days of service including China, France, Brazil and South Africa. The program was started by the New York office of L’Oréal USA in 2006 and rolled out to all locations in the U.S. and globally in 2009.

L’Oréal has been recognized by many leading organizations and rating agencies for its ethical standards of behavior and its commitment to operating a sustainable business which provides for the triple bottom line – economic growth, environmental respect and social responsibility. This year L’Oréal USA employees can be followed on Twitter and Instagram during the day where they will be sharing their volunteer experiences using #LOrealGivesBack.

L'ORÉAL USA
L'Oréal USA, headquartered in New York City, is the largest subsidiary of the L'Oréal Group, the world’s leading beauty company. In addition to corporate headquarters in New York City, L'Oréal USA has Research and Innovation and Manufacturing and Distribution facilities across seven other states including Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, New Jersey Ohio, Texas and Washington. The company’s portfolio of leading brands includes Lancôme, Giorgio Armani Beauty, Yves Saint Laurent Beauté, Viktor & Rolf, Diesel, Cacharel, L'Oréal Paris, Garnier, Vichy, La Roche-Posay, L'Oréal Professionnel, Kérastase and Shu Uemura Art of Hair. The U.S. is the base for product development, international marketing and advertising of L'Oréal’s thirteen American brands: Maybelline New York, Soft-Sheen.Carson, Kiehl’s Since 1851, Ralph Lauren Fragrances, Essie Cosmetics, Redken 5th Avenue NYC, Matrix, Mizani, Pureology, SkinCeuticals, Dermablend, Clarisonic and Urban Decay. For more information on our brands visit www.loreal.com or follow us on Facebook at L'Oréal USA - Corporate Facebook Page and Twitter @LOrealUSACorp.

Time Warner Cable and 826 National Expand Youth Program to Inspire Interest in STEM through Creative Writing

06.13.2013 - 11:00AM

Today, Time Warner Cable's philanthropic initiative, Connect a Million Minds (CAMM), in partnership with 826 National, announced an expansion of its science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and Creative Writing program onstage at the 2013 Clinton Global Initiative America (CGI America). The expanded Commitment to Action will result in the publication of a book – a compilation of lesson plans fusing STEM and creative writing - launching in fall 2014 for use in various afterschool settings. The book will be informed by a series of workshops taking place over the next year that incorporate hands on science learning into 826 National’s proven creative writing model.

“Cross disciplinary thinking is essential when it comes to innovation,” said Gerald Richards, CEO of 826 National. “Science and creative writing may sound like an unlikely pairing. By fusing the two topics, we are seeing a new sense of enthusiasm in students. We’re excited to expand and build more workshops with Time Warner Cable to make science relevant, accessible and fun.”

Starting this summer at 826LA, 826NYC, Operation Breakthrough (Kansas City) and the Flushing YMCA (NYC), students ranging in ages from eight to 12 will participate in workshops like “The Science of Superheroes” and the “STEM of the Zombie Apocalypse” that aim to make science relevant and exciting. The program’s hands-on activities, designed for outside-the-classroom learning, will build off one another to employ different skill sets, from creative exploration to hypothesis-building skills.

“Time Warner Cable is proud to continue our partnership with 826 National and expand our commitment to fuse STEM and creative writing, which are essential skills for innovation,” said Glenn Britt, CEO of Time Warner Cable. “Connect a Million Minds encourages young people to get excited about science, and this unique program will foster creativity in scientific thought.”

The STEM and Creative Writing program is part of Time Warner Cable’s philanthropic initiative, Connect a Million Minds. This five-year, $100 million initiative seeks to motivate students to develop the STEM skills they need to become the problem solvers of tomorrow.

“There are great opportunity, demand and need for high quality curriculum in the afterschool space,” said Jodi Grant, Executive Director of the Afterschool Alliance, a non-profit working to ensure that all children have access to quality, affordable afterschool programs. “Time Warner Cable and 826 National’s unique partnership will result in a compelling resource that can be used in afterschool programs across the country. Together, they will help kids dispel common science myths with hands-on activities and writing prompts that make science and math engaging and fun.”

Tessie Topol, Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility at Time Warner Cable, will announce the expansion of the STEM and Creative Writing Commitment to Action at CGI America’s Opening Plenary Session today at 10:00AM CST in Chicago, IL.

Visit Time Warner Cable’s corporate blog Untangled to view video and photos from last summer’s STEM and creative writing workshops: http://bit.ly/194Sur8.

About Connect a Million Minds
Time Warner Cable’s (TWC) Connect a Million Minds (CAMM) is a five-year, $100 million philanthropic initiative to address America’s declining proficiency in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Using its media assets, TWC creates awareness of the issue and inspires students to develop the STEM skills they need to become the problem solvers of tomorrow. Program highlights include: original PSAs that challenge public perceptions of STEM; a unique website where the public can pledge to connect young people with the wonders of science; “The Connectory”, an online resource for parents to find informal STEM learning opportunities in their communities; grants to non-profit organizations that bring after-school STEM learning to students; TWC employees, over 50,000 strong, who volunteer their time at events like science fairs and robotics competitions. National partners include CSAS (Coalition for Science After School) and FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). Local TWC markets are activating CAMM across the country with community-specific programs and partnerships. To find out more and to take the CAMM pledge, visit www.connectamillionminds.com.

About Time Warner Cable
Time Warner Cable Inc. (NYSE: TWC) is among the largest providers of video, high-speed data and phone services in the United States, connecting more than 15 million customers to entertainment, information and each other. Time Warner Cable Business Class offers data, video and phone services to businesses of all sizes, cell tower backhaul services to wireless carriers, and through its NaviSite subsidiary, enterprise-class hosting, managed application, messaging and cloud services. Time Warner Cable Media, the advertising arm of Time Warner Cable, offers national, regional and local companies innovative advertising solutions. More information about the services of Time Warner Cable is available at www.timewarnercable.com, www.twcbc.com, www.navisite.com and www.twcmedia.com.

About 826 National
826 National is a nonprofit organization that ensures the success of its network of eight writing and tutoring centers, which each year assist nearly 30,000 young people. Our mission is based on the understanding that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention, and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success. 826 centers (located in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, Ann Arbor/Detroit, Washington DC and Seattle) offer a variety of inventive workshops and publishing programs that provide under-resourced students, ages 6-18, with opportunities to explore their creativity and improve their writing skills. We also aim to help teachers get their classes excited about writing. More information about 826 National can be found at www.826national.org.

About CGI America
The Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), an initiative of the Clinton Foundation, convenes global leaders to create and implement innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. Established in June 2011 by President Bill Clinton, the Clinton Global Initiative America (CGI America) addresses economic recovery in the United States. CGI America brings together leaders in business, government, and civil society to generate and implement commitments to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, foster innovation, and support workforce development in the United States. Since its first meeting, CGI America participants have made more than 200 commitments valued at $13.4 billion when fully funded and implemented. To learn more, visit www.clintonglobalinitiative.org.

June 19th: SEC ESG Internal Control System Liabiltities for the C-Suite, Board, & External Auditor; the Materiality/Sustainability Evolution; Groundbreaking Developments at UN Global Compact & Sustainable Stock Exchange Initiative

06.13.2013 - 08:30AM

You are invited to attend the exciting Global ESG Regulatory Academy™ Spring 2013 Webinar Series live education—JUNE 19, 2013, 2:00-3:30pm ET.

INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION: Click here.

All Registrants, whether or not you attend the live Webinars, will receive the archived Webinar recordings and the Webinar presentation slides to view at your leisure.

The archived Webinar recordings and presentation slides are now available for the first 3 Webinars in the Spring 2013 Webinar Series. See the Registration page.

SPRING 2013 TOPICS include:

SEC ESG Reporting and the Widespread Noncompliance Problem: Root Causes, Consequences, Solutions, and Noncompliance liabilities for the C-Suite, Board, Auditor, and Asset Manager.
What You Need to Know About Internal Control Systems: SEC Requirements and Liabilities Triggered by ESG Issues for the C-Suite, the Board, the External Auditor, and the Asset Manager.
Common SEC ESG Disclosure Omissions, including toxic chemicals and hydraulic fracturing.
Current State of ESG Regulatory Reporting and ESG Voluntary Reporting around the world.
Latest reporting trends and new developments under the GRI Framework, including the G4 Guidelines.
The Materiality Evolution: A profile of recent developments and future challenges in materiality and sustainability.
Current ESG practices and perspectives of institutional investors and other market leaders.
First-ever instruction and practical guidance on how to integrate ESG regulatory and voluntary reporting, to streamline the process and cut compliance costs.
Groundbreaking developments at the UN Global Compact and the UN Sustainable Stock Exchange Initiative.

SEE PROGRAM AGENDA for full information.

SPRING 2013 SPEAKERS include:

Linda Lowson, Esq., CEO and Chief Counsel, Global ESG Regulatory Academy™.
Hank Boerner, Chairman, Governance & Accountability Institute.
Louis Coppola, SVP and Partner, Governance & Accountability Institute.
Brian Rice, Portfolio Manager and Sustainability Risk Management Team Leader, CalSTRS.
Sanford Lewis, Esq., Counsel, Investor Environmental Health Network.
Ted Grant, Director and Global Head of Research, AccountAbility.
Marcy Murninghan, PhD., Senior Research Fellow, Accountability.
Danielle Chesebrough, Manager of Investor Engagement, UN Global Compact.

3 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND:

Exclusive, Authoritative Source and Venue for this Invaluable Global ESG Regulatory and Reporting Education: This must-have knowledge and practical guidance is not available anywhere else. CSR Insight™ conducted an exhaustive, independent 5-year, US$5.5 million Global ESG Regulatory and Reporting Research Program on the major global ESG regulatory and voluntary reporting regimes, including comprehensive drill-down legal, regulatory, accounting, and capital market analyses. This is the future of financial reporting, affecting every global capital market participant.
Gain Essential Knowledge to Avoid Serious Liabilities: Whether you are a C-Suite, Board, Finance, Legal, Audit, Risk,Compliance, Strategy, Sustainability, Analyst, Researcher, Asset Manager, or Asset Owner executive, you need this knowledge and you need it now, to fulfill your job responsibilities and avoid serious liabilities and risks of which you may be unaware. The current widespread SEC corporate noncompliance on ESG issues creates significant liabilities for thousands of market participants. ESG regulatory reporting represents a whole new world of requirements and liabilities that is here to stay.
Receive Important Guidance at a Nominal Cost to Fulfill Internal and External Stakeholder Expectations: You will reap the benefits of our 5-year Global ESG Regulatory Research Program—quickly, conveniently and at a nominal cost, including sophisticated technical analyses of both voluntary and regulatory ESG reporting frameworks, translated into simple laymen guidance on understanding, managing, and streamlining these two reporting worlds for maximum benefit and at lowest cost. ESG reporting is now a strategic imperative. Be proactive, not reactive, and you will reap the professional and financial rewards.

Webinars have limited capacity; early registration is recommended. Webinars feature a live Q&A session.

Our archived 2012 WEBINAR SERIES is now available for a limited time at a 50% discount: SEC ESG Compliance: Where the Rubber Meets the Road. This Webinar Series provides the first-ever in-depth explanation and analysis of SEC ESG Requirements, Liabilities, and Risks for the C-Suite, the Board, the External Auditor, and the Asset Manager. You will receive the archived Webinar recordings and the presentation slides. Don't miss it while it is still available!

FOR REGISTRATION, SPEAKER AND SPONSOR QUERIES:

Contact Linda Lowson, Esq., HERE.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THIS UNIQUE, EXCITING, MUST-HAVE EDUCATION!

MEDIA PARTNERS:

John Paul Selects to Present Award at LOHAS Forum for Sustainable Excellence

06.13.2013 - 08:04AM

John Paul Selects will be participating in this year's LOHAS forum on June 20th, 2013 as a partner and a presenter of the “Excellence in Sustainability Award.” LOHAS and John Paul Selects' missions are very similar in that they focus on educating and building communities around a central theme of healthy and sustainable lifestyles, for both individuals and societies. Named after our co-founder, humanitarian and entrepreneur, John Paul DeJoria, John Paul Selects scouts the world for the best up-and-coming eco-conscious brands and entrepreneurs. Every brand affiliated with John Paul Selects is carefully vetted and tested by our team to ensure the quality of their products, and the sustainability of their production.

A highlight of the event will be Jonathan Kendrick, one of the founders of John Paul Selects, will be presenting the “Sustainable Excellence Award.” John Paul Selects will choose the winner, awarding the company who meets the most criteria based on the sustainable benchmarks that are set for each of the brands that are sold on the site. All John Paul Selects brands are tagged with eco icons to indicate the value that each product places on sustainability, social causes, and the way they make this world a better place. The nominees for the Excellence in Sustainability Award are: Lotus Wei / Chocolate Wei, Acure Organics, Gaia Herbs, Organic India Tea, Chico Bags and Sweet Riot.

In addition to presenting, Jonathan Kendrick will also be a panel participant on June 19th, 2013 in an investor pitch session, exemplifying his entrepreneurial spirit. “Raising Capital Fishbowl Pitch” will be dedicated to sharing experiences and lessons learned, while breaking down the ‘game film’ of a pitch. Companies will present their businesses to investors, who will then provide feedback while the audience observes. A following Q&A between the audience and both the presenter companies and investors will be facilitated.

LOHAS is the ideal partner for John Paul Selects, as we both believe in educating that small changes do make a powerful impact. Sustainability is a way of life and we all have to start somewhere – we want people to understand and feel that taking action is better than doing nothing. The more we educate consumers as to what products are made of, where and how they are produced, and what sustainable impact they have, the closer we get to building communities around the theme of healthy and sustainable lifestyles.

BATH FITTER's EducationAd Advertising Funds 26 Fisher House Scholarships for Military Children in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh

06.12.2013 - 02:30PM

26 sons and daughters of active, retired, or deceased service members are receiving $1,500 scholarships thanks to BATH FITTER and their EducationAd advertising through CBS EcoMedia. Each of the students are from the Philadelphia or Pittsburgh areas and will be getting vital funding for their payment of college tuition, books, lab fees and other related college expenses.

Today at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Barbara Sannino, Defense Commissary Agency Zone Manager, John Zoubra, Defense Commissary Agency Store Director, Donna Chew, Defense Commissary Agency Store Administrator, were joined by Bernard Cote and Janet Cote, Scholarship Managers for the Scholarships for Military Children Program, James D. Weiskopf, Vice President, Fisher House Foundation and Paul Polizzotto, President and Founder of CBS EcoMedia Inc. as they hosted one of the eight different celebration ceremonies for the recipients of the 2013 Fisher House scholarships made possible by BATH FITTERS. Scholarship recipients Daniel Carney, Kathryn Foley, Elizabeth Hager, and Chantel Smith attended the ceremony at the Joint Base. In addition to the student recipients, their parents, teachers, high school principals and high school guidance counselors are also expected to attend the ceremonies.

Of the 26 Fisher House scholarships being funded by BATH FITTER, 18 are going to students from the Philadelphia area and eight are being awarded to students from the Pittsburgh area. In addition to the McGuire Air Force Base scholarship ceremony, other Fisher House scholarship recipients will be celebrated at ceremonies at C.E. Kelly SF Commissary, Carlisle Barracks, Tobyhanna Army Depot Commissary, Dover AFB Commissary, Lakehurst NAES Commissary, Aberdeen Proving Ground Commissary and Picatinny Aresenal Commissary.

The Scholarships for Military Children Program, now in its 13th year, was created in recognition of the contributions of military families to the readiness of the fighting force and to celebrate the role of the commissary in the military family community. Nearly 7,500 students, all sons or daughters of commissary patrons, have shared $11,326,000 in scholarship grants. Each year the Fisher House scholarship program provides over $1 million to military children.

“Fisher House Foundation, together with Scholarship Managers, are honored to administer the Scholarships for Military Children Program,” said Foundation vice president Jim Weiskopf. “The young men and women selected to receive these merit based scholarship grants are most deserving. They are truly the best of the best. They will be our nation’s future leaders.”

“BATH FITTER is proud to support the sons and daughters of our Philadelphia and Pittsburgh area military veterans who give so much to protect our freedom,” said Andrew Zahn, Public Relations Manager, BATH FITTER. “Fisher House does a tremendous job caring for the families of those who serve and these Scholarships for Military Children are another great way to give our men and women in uniform some additional peace of mind about their kids’ higher education. We are excited to partner with CBS EcoMedia to use our advertising to help make a difference for the communities we care so deeply for.”

“It’s not just enlisted men and women who serve our country with courage, honor and dedication. The children of military families also sacrifice – but all too often, their contributions to our nation’s freedom and security go unheeded,” said Paul Polizzotto, Founder and President of CBS EcoMedia. “Today, through the awarding of 26 Fisher House Scholarships, BATH FITTER and EcoMedia are delighted to recognize the academic achievements – and selfless service – of these very deserving children of military families. Thanks to the generous financial support provided by BATH FITTER through our EducationAd program, these inspirational young people will have the resources they need to continue their educations. It is a privilege to help them achieve their goals and dreams; at EcoMedia, it’s our goal to fund, through our EducationAd, WellnessAd and EcoAd programs, a wide range of worthwhile projects like this one, which bring quality of life improvements to communities across the country.”

About BATH FITTER
BATH FITTER is one of North America's leading acrylic bathtub, shower enclosure and tub-to-shower conversion companies. Our bathtub refinishing products are custom molded to fit over existing fixtures for quick and clean bathroom renovations that last a lifetime. Best of all, we can complete the installation in just one day without compromising quality.

We have state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Springfield, Tennessee, and Montreal, Quebec, where we design our bathtub liner and shower liner molds and accessories made of top-quality acrylic material for bathroom remodeling projects. Our finished goods are shipped directly to our retail locations via our fleet of specially equipped tractor-trailers, ensuring safe and on-time deliveries.

We regularly train all of our personnel on bathroom remodeling trends, and also provide marketing and business support to our franchises to uphold BATH FITTER standards. Additionally, we make it a priority to stay on top of the latest consumer trends in bathroom design and bathroom renovations to consistently meet the ever-changing needs of our customers. Our highly qualified technicians work diligently to ensure your complete satisfaction. Please visit www.bathfitter.com to learn more.

About Fisher House Foundation
Fisher House Foundation is best known for the network of comfort homes built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. The Fisher Houses are 5,000 to 16,800 square-foot homes, donated to the military and Department of Veterans Affairs, where families can stay while a loved one is receiving treatment. Additionally, the Foundation ensures that families of service men and women wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan are not burdened with unnecessary expense during a time of crisis. Located in close proximity to the medical center or hospital it serves, each Fisher House consists of between 7 and 21 suites, with private bedrooms and baths.

Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, spacious dining room and an inviting living room with a library and toys for children. Fisher House Foundation ensures that there is no fee to stay in a Fisher House. Since inception, the program has saved military and veteran families an estimated $200 million in out of pocket costs for lodging and transportation.

Fisher House Foundation operates the Hero Miles Program, using donated frequent flyer miles to bring family members to the bedside of injured service members. To date, Hero Miles has provided more than 35,000 airline tickets to our military and their families. The Foundation also manages a grant program that supports other military charities and scholarship funds for military children, spouses and children of fallen and disabled veterans. Please visit www.fisherhouse.org to learn more.

About CBS EcoMedia, Inc.
At EcoMedia, we're propelled by the desire to create positive social change; that's been our mission since we founded the company in 2002. In 2008, after successfully partnering with CBS on a wide range of environmental projects, EcoMedia became the newest addition to the CBS Corporation portfolio, exponentially scaling our reach across television, radio, interactive, publishing and outdoor media.

U.S. Investor Group Joins Global Investors in Tackling Climate Change in Hong Kong

06.12.2013 - 10:36AM

Amid growing concern that climate change is already having substantial global economic impacts that are certain to grow, a coalition of institutional investors, including the Boston-based Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR), will meet in Hong Kong June 13-14 to identify the financial and investment risks associated with climate change and the opportunities for investing in a low carbon future. The Global Investor Forum on Climate Change is being convened by the Global Investor Coalition on Climate Change (GIC), whose members collectively manage more than $20 trillion of assets.

Investors and policymakers participating in the two-day gathering include UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, former U.S. Vice President and Chairman of Generation Investment Al Gore, and senior investment executives of many of the world’s largest pension funds and other institutional investors.

The Forum comes on the heels of a new International Energy Agency report stating that global temperatures are currently on track to rise between 3.6 °C and 5.3 °C, a change that would have dramatic adverse effects on every sector of the global economy, from agriculture to automobiles.

“The GIC Forum is an extraordinary gathering that signals the urgency major capital market players attach to climate change and its far-reaching economic impacts,” said Christopher Davis, director of Investor Programs at Ceres, a nonprofit group that coordinates the Investor Network on Climate Risk, (INCR), one of four investor networks that comprises the GIC.

Davis, who is representing INCR in Hong Kong, said a key goal of the forum is to engage Asian investors on climate change as a key investment risk and opportunity. The forum will also focus on sharing best practices on integrating climate concerns into investment practices and on encouraging investors to engage with their portfolio companies about their own climate strategies.

"Investors also have a major role to play in directing capital towards climate change solutions such as clean energy, efficient technologies and resilient infrastructure," Davis said.

In addition to INCR, the Global Investor Coalition includes the Europe-based Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change, the Australia/New Zealand-based Investor Group on Climate Change, and the Asia Investor Group on Climate Change. GIC’s goal is to reduce climate risks to investors and the global economy by encouraging strong carbon-reducing government policies that will galvanize increased low carbon investments.

“When $20 trillion dollars in capital speaks, companies and governments tend to listen,” Davis said. “GIC’s investor members have a critical role to play in moving governments and businesses to take the action necessary to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, and to accelerate the necessary transition to a low carbon economy.”

“To date, governmental efforts to address climate change have been inadequate,” Davis added. “The implications for the global economy are enormous and that’s why major institutional investors are committed to take action. But it will take clear market signals from policy makers, such as limits or taxes on greenhouse gas emissions, to ensure the flow of investment capital towards climate solutions is adequate to meet the challenge. The Global Forum on Climate Change is an important step forward in advancing investor engagement on this critical issue.”

About Ceres
Ceres is a Boston-based nonprofit organization mobilizing company and investor leadership on climate change and other sustainability challenges. Ceres coordinates the Investor Network on Climate Risk, a network of more than 100 institutional investors with collective assets totaling more than $11 trillion.

AT&T Becomes Largest Wireless Carrier to Join U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay Transport Partnership Program

06.12.2013 - 10:19AM

(Marketwired) - Ask almost any business: Delivering products and services to customers involves a tangle of both challenges and opportunities. The supply chain extends across geographies and business sectors. Driving efficiency throughout the supply chain is crucial for any successful business. The supply chain is also an area where companies extend their efforts to curb or limit their environmental impacts on both the global and local communities in which they operate. Against that backdrop, AT&T was recognized for its efforts to address the impact of its supply chain by becoming the largest wireless carrier to join the SmartWay Transport Partnership program in the shipping category (see www.epa.gov/smartway/partnership/index.htm). The program is a collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and freight and transport divisions of companies representing the manufacturing, retail, freight, and logistics sectors to voluntarily improve fuel-efficiency and curb emissions.

"SmartWay is helping U.S. businesses slash fuel costs, saving $8.1 billion to date. As one of the largest telecommunications companies, we're excited about AT&T's participation in the SmartWay Transport Partnership program and hope it serves as an example for more within the industry," said Christopher Grundler, EPA's Director of the Office of Transportation and Air Quality.

AT&T's involvement in the SmartWay Transport Partnership program requires the company to benchmark and measure progress in transport emissions management. This will help the company further integrate energy efficiency, air quality, and climate change initiatives into the transportation decision-making process. The program will also provide support to identify potential additional carbon reductions and cost savings opportunities in AT&T's distribution network.

"We know we need to continue identifying savings and emissions reductions from our transportation and distribution networks," said Shannon Carroll, a Senior Manager with AT&T's Supply Chain Sustainability team. "Participating in the EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership program will help us identify additional steps we can take in order to keep seeing results."

The SmartWay Transport Partnership program continues the ongoing collaborative efforts of AT&T in resource efficiency and emissions reduction described in the AT&T 2011 Sustainability Report. In addition to the SmartWay Transport Partnership program, AT&T works with external groups, such as the Environmental Defense Fund and Rocky Mountain Institute to investigate highly-scalable sustainability projects.

Visit www.att.com/csr to learn more about AT&T's sustainability initiatives.

© 2013 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. 4G not available everywhere. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.

Social Impact Exchange 2013 Conference on Scaling Impact

06.12.2013 - 10:01AM

The 2013 Conference on Scaling Impact is for foundation officers, philanthropists, corporate executives, trustees, and wealth managers and philanthropy advisors interested in learning about innovative methods to support high-impact nonprofits in education, youth development, poverty alleviation, health and impact investing.

The conference includes presentations from foundation CEOs and nonprofit leaders, as well as knowledge sessions and peer networking opportunities.

Hear how cross-sector collaboration is taking social impact to new levels.

Attend sessions about scaling initiatives that are revitalizing U.S. cities, the effects of networks on aggregating capital and spreading innovations, and more.

See the agenda and register at www.scalingconference2013.org.

GreenBiz Group, The Sustainability Consortium and ASU Global Institute of Sustainability Partner on Weeklong Sustainability Solutions Festival

06.12.2013 - 09:15AM

GreenBiz Group, The Sustainability Consortium, and the Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives, a program of the Global Institute of Sustainability at Arizona State University, will be coming together for the Sustainability Solutions Festival, a unique and powerful partnership among three leadership institutions.

The three entities have agreed to align interests and audiences as part of the weeklong series of events to be held in Phoenix, February 15-22, 2014. The week will include the 2014 GreenBiz Forum, sustainability-focused innovation fairs, a green “Un-gala” and meetings and workshops for the board and network of The Sustainability Consortium and other events.

“This three-way partnership takes the GreenBiz Forum to a new level, leveraging the leadership and networks of three great organizations,” says GreenBiz Group CEO Eric Faurot. “It will allow all of us to tap into one another’s deep expertise, high-level relationships and talent to create a world-class event that features high-quality content and a rich, dynamic experience.”

“As our network grows globally, we are excited to continue to collaborate with great groups like GreenBiz and our partners at GIOS to bring together some of the best companies, civil society organizations and universities working on sustainability today,” said Kara Hurst, CEO of The Sustainability Consortium.

The GreenBiz Forum, now in its sixth year, is centered around the publication of the “State of Green Business Report,” an annual assessment of global sustainable business metrics and trends. The Forum brings together thought leaders and sustainability executives to define the trends, challenges, and opportunities in sustainable business today.

Participants in the GreenBiz Forum and TSC members will be registered to attend the “Green Carpet Un-Gala” on the evening of February 19, hosted by ASU’s Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives. The Un-gala will be an unconventional celebration of sustainability solutions and champions.

“This week will bring together brilliant minds, best practices and emerging ideas to collectively advance sustainability. We are thrilled to partner with GreenBiz Group and the Sustainability Consortium on the first annual Sustainability Solutions Festival,” said Patti Reiter, Director of the Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives.

ABOUT GREENBIZ GROUP
GreenBiz Group’s mission is to define and accelerate the business of sustainability. It does this through a wide range of products and services, including its acclaimed website GreenBiz.com and daily e-newsletter GreenBuzz; webcasts on topics of importance to sustainability and energy executives; research reports, such as the annual State of Green Business; the GreenBiz Executive Network, a membership-based, peer-to-peer learning forum for sustainability executives from Fortune 1000 companies; and conferences such as the GreenBiz Forum and VERGE. For more information, visit GreenBiz.com.

ABOUT THE SUSTAINABILITY CONSORTIUM
The Sustainability Consortium is an organization of diverse global participants that work collaboratively to build a scientific foundation that drives innovation to improve consumer product sustainability. TSC develops transparent methodologies, tools, and strategies to drive a new generation of products and supply networks that address environmental, social, and economic imperatives. The Sustainability Consortium advocates for a credible, scalable, and transparent process and system. The organization boasts over 90 members from all corners of business employing over 57 million people and whose combined revenues total over $1.5 trillion. TSC is jointly administered by Arizona State University and University of Arkansas, with additional operations at Wageningen University in The Netherlands and has recently launched an office in China. For more information, visit www.sustainabilityconsortium.org.

ABOUT THE ROB AND MELANI WALTON SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS INITIATIVES
The Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives are the result of a $27.5 million investment in Arizona State University’s Global Institute of Sustainability by the Walton Family Foundation. Within the Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives, diverse teams of faculty, students, entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators collaborate to deliver sustainability solutions, accelerate global impact, and inspire future leaders through eight distinct initiatives. For more information visit sustainabilitysolutions.asu.edu.

ABOUT THE GLOBAL INSTITUTE OF SUSTAINABILITY
The Global Institute of Sustainability is the hub of Arizona State University’s sustainability initiatives. The Institute advances research, education, and business practices for an urbanizing world. Its School of Sustainability, the first comprehensive program of its kind in the U.S., offers transdisciplinary degree programs to create practical solutions for environmental, economic, and social challenges. For more information, visit sustainability.asu.edu.

Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility 2013

06.10.2013 - 10:00AM

The Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR) is the largest annual conference on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the region. It was launched in 2002 by the AIM-Ramon V. del Rosario, Sr. Center for Corporate Social Responsibility, one of the first research centers in Asia concentrating on corporate responsibility issues.

The AFCSR is composed of about 30 sessions, attended by 300 to 500 delegates, and supported by 50-plus partners and sponsors. The conference features the integration of:

plenary sessions addressed by keynote speakers;
breakout sessions focusing on specific dynamics, learnings, and best practices of companies;
an expo showcasing specific company CSR programs, and
optional field visits to innovative CSR program sites in and around the city.

Following 11 successful conference runs in six of Southeast Asia’s major cities—Manila, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City and Singapore—the AFCSR continues to be at the forefront of CSR development in Asia.

This 2013, Bali in Indonesia will host the 12th AFCSR on September 23 & 24, Monday & Tuesday at the Grand Hyatt - Nusa Dua with the theme, CSR and the Challenge of Inclusive Growth: The Role of Social Innovation in Creating Lasting Impact.

Harvard Executive Program on Improving Social Program Effectiveness

06.10.2013 - 09:09AM

At a time when the need is greatest and the resources are scarcest, leaders of social programs want to be able to accomplish even more and demonstrate the results. With that in mind, evidence-based practice is high on the leadership agenda.

Using Evidence to Improve Social Program Effectiveness, one of the newest Executive Education program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, addresses the challenge that managers face in identifying useful strategies, will enable participants to better able to discover, assess and present different types of evidence that will increase the effectiveness of the social programs that your organization undertakes, and support your efforts to obtain and/or sustain funding.

Led by renowned Harvard faculty, this one-week program brings together a diverse group of accomplished peers, including leaders in government, corporate and nonprofit organizations from around the world to consider a wide range of types of evaluation methods. Applications are now being accepted.

2012 participants discuss their experience in the program.

You can learn more about the program and apply online at www.hks.harvard.edu/ee/ue.

How To Manage and Message Your Mission

06.06.2013 - 01:26PM

IO's workshop on Managing and Messaging Your Mission brings together leading practitioners from the CSR, Sustainability and Civil Society sectors and mashes them together with marketers, app developers and expert managers to share insights, best practices and cool new tools and techniques for breaking through to core stakeholders.

IO's principals, Steve Rochlin and Stephen Jordan, will talk about the future of Stakeholder Relationship Management, and its applications for:

Getting buy in from senior management
Getting buy in from employees
How SRM will become an increasingly indispensable tool for business success
Innovative ways to reach hard to reach constituencies
Alliances and coalition building

Why Attend?

For the great speakers
Because you want to hear the latest thinking on SRM
You want answers to specific management and messaging challenges
You are interested in edutainment, gamification, social market research, and other ways to monetize social objectives and reach hard to reach audiences

Plenary Sessions – hear from renowned speakers and panelists and participate in the group discussion

Luncheon Work Sessions – Self select to sit with peers and experts on social impact investing and other topics like:

Win-Win Marketing Solutions
Apps, Comic Books, Youtube Videos and Other Non-Traditional Media
Facilitating Strange Bedfellow Dialogues
Developing Stakeholder Engagement Strategies

New Webinar: Sustainability Communications - Understanding GRI G4

06.04.2013 - 08:02AM

Date: June 26, 2013 (Wednesday)
Language: English
Cost: No Charge

The objectives of this one hour complimentary webinar are to outline and explain the key changes to the GRI framework for sustainability reporting found in the latest version (G4) published in May 2013 and to consider the implications for organizations using these guidelines.

AGENDA

What is GRI G4? – A basic outline
What motivates companies to use GRI and in particular the new G4 version?
What are the big changes?
How can companies make sure they are in a position to use GRI G4?

TARGET AUDIENCE

This complimentary webinar is aimed at social responsibility and sustainability practitioners at strategic and operational levels – especially those involved directly in sustainability reporting and communications. It will be of particular value to corporate communications professionals working in investor relations, company secretaries, corporate affairs and internal communications. Those involved in designing and writing sustainability reports based on the GRI framework will benefit from this latest insight.

For more information, visit our Sustainability Communications – Understanding GRI G4 Webinar website.

Kohl's Department Stores 2012 Corporate Social Responsibility Report

05.31.2013 - 08:00AM

Retail Sustainability Conference: Leave Your Mark on Retail Sustainability

05.30.2013 - 04:53PM

It's not every job that allows you to make a difference in your company, your community, and your industry.

Working toward a more sustainable company -- and industry -- is one of them. Join others engaged in the same journey at the Retail Sustainability Conference 2013. Industry leaders will challenge and inspire you. Hear keynote speaker Mike Ward, president of IKEA USA, share his vision to use sustainability to drive innovation, transform the business, shape investments and unleash new opportunities.

Breakout session tracks will include:

Environmental Compliance: regulatory trends, recycling best practices, contracting to reduce risk, compliance management systems, lifecycle product management, and reverse logistics
Merchandising and Sourcing: conflict minerals, private brands, and social responsibility
Real Estate and Facilities: resource management, landlord engagement, waste reduction, and big data analysis
Marketing and Communications: understanding and engaging the consumer

GNP Company™ Releases 2012 Farm to Fork Report

05.29.2013 - 08:00AM

Lockheed Martin 2012 Sustainability Report

05.28.2013 - 01:00PM

Walmart 2013 Global Responsibility Report

05.28.2013 - 08:00AM

Harvard Business School (HBS) Executive Education offers Corporate Social Responsibility Program

05.27.2013 - 11:50AM

Corporate Social Responsibility: Strategies to Create Business and Social Value will take place from September 25-28, 2013 on the HBS Campus.

Participants will learn to align CSR with business strategy by defining priorities, integrating social responsibility into business structure and managing risk.

To learn more and apply, visit here.

2013 Conference on Volunteering and Service

05.24.2013 - 12:56PM

The National Conference on Volunteering and Service is pleased to announce that the 2013 Conference will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Make plans to join us June 19 - 22, 2013.

At a time when so much divides us, service is common ground. It is a uniting force that can pull us together in common cause and in pursuit of the ideals upon which this nation was founded and toward which citizens continue to strive. Washington is a wonderful place to explore what it means to be a citizen and how we can create change.

The Conference on Volunteering and Service is on point with the evolving civic landscape. There is no better time to bring together the brightest and most cutting-edge entrepreneurs for social change.

Unilever Sustainable Living Plan Progress Report 2012

05.24.2013 - 08:00AM

The 2012 Andersen Corporate Report on Sustainability

05.22.2013 - 08:00AM

CVS Caremark 2012 Corporate Social Responsibility Report

05.17.2013 - 08:00AM

Johnson Controls 2012 Business and Sustainability Report

05.14.2013 - 01:15PM

How a Culture of Innovation Drives Sustainability at BASF (Free Livestream)

05.14.2013 - 09:42AM

A rare opportunity to hear directly from the VP of Innovation and Technology at a company that has successfully turned sustainability into a profit engine. Learn how the world’s leading chemical company focuses its innovation machine to solve some of society’s most pressing needs. Hear the story of a company that deeply understands how it’s not only the science of chemistry that it uses to solve problems, but perhaps even more so, it’s the chemistry among people.

DATE: Wednesday, June 12, 2013 (registration closes June 9th)
TIME: 4:30-7:30 PM EST (snacks & networking from 6:30-7:30)
LOCATION: Bennett Jones, 1st Can. Place, 100 King St. W. (King & Bay), 34th Floor, Toronto
FREE LIVE WEBCAST & TWITTERCHAT #tssschat from 5:00-6:30 PM EST
(Tickets for both the live event and the webcast must be purchased in advance)

Aman Singh (Editorial Director, CSRwire) will be our Twitterchat facilitator.

Capitalism 2.0 Strategic Advisor Michael Townsend (Founder and CEO Earthshine Solutions) will co-host our Twitterchat from London, UK.

Sign up for our LIVE FREE WEBCAST today.

To learn more about this event, click here.

Our Guest Speaker
Dr. Volker Schaedler is Vice President of Innovation & Technology for BASF in North America. His responsibilities include multiple research groups in polymer and materials science, analytical chemistry, liason with universities, government labs and other external partners, and innovation management.

Since joining BASF in 1998 Volker Schaedler has been in charge of a variety of R&D programs within corporate research and product development in the area of functional polymers for coatings and paper. In 2003 Volker created BASF’s research laboratory at Strasbourg University in collaboration with Prof. Jean-Marie Lehn as head of the institute (ISIS), enabling long term innovation through a unique collaboration model between academia and industry. Volker came to the US in 2007 to set up BASF’s first corporate polymer research group in Wyandotte, Michigan. Volker is a chemist by training and holds a PhD in Polymer Science from the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz, Germany.

About TSSS
The Toronto Sustainability Speaker Series (TSSS) is widely recognized as Canada’s premiere forum for dialogue and problem solving among sustainability professionals. Each year over 1000 sustainability change agents attend TSSS events to exchange ideas, to network and to be inspired by leading companies that have integrated sustainability into their business practices. To learn more, click here.

Innovating for Sustainability

05.13.2013 - 09:42AM

Challenged by mounting pressure to act with greater transparency, businesses across the globe are struggling to balance the demands of shareholders with the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns of society. To help companies align financial reporting and ESG performance, Harvard Business School Executive Education offers Innovating for Sustainability.

Learn more by visiting our website.

Contact Information:

Jim Aisner
Email: jaisner@hbs.edu
Phone: +1-617-495-6157
Twitter: @HBSExecEd

Centrica's 2012 Corporate Responsibility Performance Report

05.08.2013 - 06:00AM

Giving the World Reasons to Smile - Colgate Sustainability Report 2012

05.07.2013 - 08:00AM

BBB Forum on Corporate Responsibility VI

05.06.2013 - 10:59AM

At the sixth BBB Forum, thought leaders will present insights about how corporate responsibility priorities and practices are changing in response to evolving business needs and public pressures. Register now to:

Hear the latest thinking about the evolving corporate responsibility scene
Learn how a corporate journey through changing expectations benefited the business
Get insights about trends and megatrends that are shaping business opportunities
Discover key features of shareholder-sponsored proposals on environmental and social issues
Explore new ideas about goal-setting and social impact assessment
And more...

Speakers will include:

Kim Jeffery, Chairman, Nestle Waters North America
Mike Lawrence, Chief Reputation Officer and Executive Vice President, Cone Communications
Diana Glassman, Head of Environmental Affairs, TD Bank, U.S.
Christopher T. Lloyd, Executive Director, Public Policy and Corporate Responsibility, Verizon Communications
Louise Raymond, Vice President, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, The McGraw-Hill Companies
David Vidal, Senior Fellow, The Conference Board Initiative on Sustainability
Kellie Huennekens, Assistant Director, Corporate Governance Center, Ernst & Young, LLP
Laura Gitman, Managing Director, Advisory Services, BSR

Cost:

BBB Accredited Businesses and National Partners, Event Supporters, and Charities – $90 Early Bird Rate until May 10, $95 after that

Non BBB-Accredited, Others – $160, Early Bird Rate until May 10, $165 after that.

Major Sponsors: Ernst & Young LLP Popular Community Bank

Benefactor Sponsor: NYSE Euronext

Friend Sponsor: Goodwill Industries of Greater New York, and Northern New Jersey

Media Supporter: Corporate Responsibility Magazine

Event Supporters: Advertising Self-Regulatory Council, American Sustainable Business Council, BSR, Council of Better Business Bureaus, CSRHub, CSRwire, Ethics and Compliance Officer Association, Forum for the Future, Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc., Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, Net Impact NYC, NYCharities.org, New York Society of Association Executives, and Sustainability Practice Network, and The Robert Zicklin Center for Corporate Integrity

Cancellation Policy: If you register, need to cancel, and wish to request a refund, please notify us in writing by email to hlayland@newyork.bbb.org no later than 5:00 PM on Wednesday, May 29, 2013.

We regret that we will not be able to and likewise, cannot re-apply registration fees for this event to other purposes. You may send a substitute attendee in your place if necessary; we ask that you give us advance notice of the change if at all possible, to ensure a smooth event check-in process for your attendee. Thank you!

Leading for Sustainability Workshop with Peter Senge & Darcy Winslow

05.04.2013 - 06:00AM

Collaboration is the human face of systemic change. Join Peter Senge and Darcy Winslow for this 3-day leadership workshop and learn how to successfully and collaboratively make sustainability a core value in your organization, supply chain and community. The overall focus of this workshop is joint capacity building in service of developing new capabilities for generative partnerships and collaboration for systemic change.

Leading for Sustainability offers less lecture time, and more time for hands-on development of your leadership skills. You will strengthen your systems thinking skills so you can switch from reactive problem solving to initiating and creating new futures.

CSRwire subscribers get a special $300 discount. Use Promo Code 'CSRW300'.

Register for this event.

Peter Senge

Founding Chair of SoL, Senior Lecturer at MIT and author of The Fifth Discipline, the Art and Practices of the Learning Organization and The Necessary Revolution: How Individuals and Organization Are Working Together To Create a Sustainable World.

Darcy Winslow
Managing Partner and founding member of the Academy for Systemic Change. Former Senior Executive at Nike, most notably starting the Sustainable Business Strategies in 1999.

General Mills 2013 Global Responsibility Report

05.03.2013 - 09:00AM

A Conversation on Employee Engagement, Volunteerism & Shareholder Value: What's The Link?

05.01.2013 - 08:32AM

Chances are, if you have more than 100 employees, you either have a volunteerism program or have one in the works. Chances also are – especially if you already have a program in place – that you want to report on all the incredible work being done by your employees for recognition, competitive value and transparency.

But how do you do that in a way that isn’t interpreted as self-promotional or submerged into a sea of metrics without context? And how do you keep everything from social media and engagement to tracking and reporting requirements straight?

Join CSRwire's Editorial Director Aman Singh in conversation with Melanie Michaud, Philips' Senior Manager for Internal Communications – Corporate Responsibility, Daniel Korschun, Drexel University's Assistant Professor of Marketing and Fellow at the Center for Corporate Reputation Management at the LeBow College of Business, and Profits for Purpose's Jason Burns on the increasing – and important – role of measuring, tracking and connecting engagement data with business performance, bottom line results and brand value.

Among the topics we will discuss:

What does leading research say about the connection between employee engagement and shareholder value?
How does a CSR strategy led strategically across functions affect business performance?
How are companies like Phillips connecting the dots between volunteerism, engagement, retention and business growth?
How can companies collect, manage, measure and report on their employee engagement data from one platform to ensure they're communicating effectively and being transparent with their metrics?
What is the role of leadership buy in and engagement beyond pursuing their favorites causes?

Date: May 9, 2013
Time: 2:00pm EST
Venue: GoToWebinar
Twitter: #engageROI

I'll join @CSRwire & @Profits4Purpose 2discuss the link b/n #EmployeeEngagement & shareholder value 05/09 http://bit.ly/engageROI #engageROI

And remember to come armed with questions, perspective and insights!

Public Private Partnerships Forum: The ‘HOW’ behind cross-sector collaboration

04.29.2013 - 10:00AM

On Tuesday evening, May 7^th 2013 IMA International will host a forum for 30-50 public and private sector professionals in New York City, who will discuss how to establish and sustain cross – sector partnerships.

Panel Speakers Include:

Tom Sessions – Care International
Paula Pagniez – Swiss Re
William Kennedy – UN Office for Partnerships
Camilla Nestor – Grameen Foundation

Speakers will share cases to highlight the main challenges they faced at each stage of the partnership cycle, and the practical actions they took to progress through.

Places are limited and there is high demand.

For an invite: Email Linzi.moore@imainternational.com with details of your organization, role, and why you are interested. Venue to be revealed on registration.

GSK's 2012 Corporate Responsibility Report

04.29.2013 - 08:00AM

Greyston Bakery Announces 2012 Annual Benefit Report

04.26.2013 - 08:00AM

SGS Corporate Sustainability Report 2012

04.24.2013 - 08:00AM

Nestlé in Society: Creating Shared Value and meeting our commitments

04.22.2013 - 08:00AM

Clean Energy Private Equity & Venture Capital Conference

04.19.2013 - 12:36PM

CEPEC is an international clean energy and cleantech conference for private equity and venture capital partners. Its agenda is to have proven industry leaders, explain the financial aspects and business cases, surrounding the most interesting investments which they have been involved with and committed capital to. Panelists follow a unique case study format, akin to a 2-day MBA Master class. While the conference offers business critical information, genuine co-investment opportunities and decision level networking to existing 'green' investors, CEPEC is equally suited to new and would be professional investors considering entering the sector.

The overriding purpose of CEPEC is to help professionals make better investment decisions based on the experiences of others and issues of the day. Panelist on the agenda reflect the type of delegates coming to CEPEC.

Verizon 2012 Annual Report

04.19.2013 - 08:00AM

Sharing a Vision and Zeroing in on Waste: Live Chat with P&G and The Guardian

04.19.2013 - 08:00AM

Join P&G's global sustainability leaders and Jo Confino of The Guardian for a unique exchange with the world’s largest consumer packaged goods company.

The conversation will dive into P&G’s work, partnerships, and commitments and challenges to responsibly meet the needs of its customers. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions in a live forum during the chat. From aiming to save a life every hour with safe drinking water packets to accomplishing zero-waste and 45 manufacturing sites and inspiring families to switch to cold water washing for every load of laundry, the people at P&G are focused on finding ways to improve its environmental profile while leveraging its global scale to make a tangible difference for people everywhere.

Please register online to join the Live Chat on Monday, April 22, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST.

The Conference Board Summit on Sustainability

04.18.2013 - 08:11AM

The Conference Board Summit on Sustainability brings together sustainability experts, practitioners, and institutional investors share the latest perspectives on how corporations are transforming their global operations by integrating sustainability into a long term return-on-investment strategy.

Businesses, foundations, universities, governments and consumers are actively seeking solutions for an increasing number sustainability concerns, creating a new “sustainability market.” In this environment, corporations benefit by promoting innovative technologies, resource-efficient business processes, and new methods and partnerships for research and development.

The Conference Board Sustainability Summit examines four critical themes. The first two focus on the people who drive sustainability: Investors and Stakeholders. The second two themes focus on tools used for sustainability: Technology and R&D. All comes together with targeted discussion on the new touch points of sustainability, including innovation, technology, eliminating waste, dramatic energy efficiency, water supply, and a reinvented workforce.

Why Attend?

Learn how investors view non-financial factors as value drivers
Hear experts in energy, water supply, human capital and other sustainability practices discuss the environmental and social impact of their operations on local/regional stakeholders
Understand technological advances that solve sustainability problems and reshape how companies organize and create value
Apply innovations from R&D strategic partnerships between companies, universities, governments and foundations

The 2013 Conference Features Two Pre-Conference Seminars – bring home some specific tools on how you can benefit from the new sustainability mindset

Plenary Sessions – hear from renowned keynote speakers and panelists as well comments and questions from the full audience

Four Tracks – tailor your conference to your own expertise or interests. Choose from tracks on:

Shareholder/Corporate Governance
Stakeholders
Techhnology
Research & Development

A Pre-Conference Survey – determine what your peers view as the main touch points of the new Sustainability Regime. These will be revisited throughout the conference to see how they fit in with the discussion as it unfolds

Interactive Sessions – Creatively collaborate with fellow attendees during the Design your Own Smart City group exercise designed for executives in charge of corporate sustainability, environmental health & safety, supply chain, purchasing and procurement, resource management, investment and financial firms, sustainability consulting firms, and government entities/agencies.

Royal Bank of Scotland 2012 Sustainability Report

04.17.2013 - 10:00AM

Moss Adams Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2012

04.17.2013 - 08:00AM

SAP's Integrated Report 2012

04.15.2013 - 08:00AM

Materiality, Sustainability Disclosure & ESG Performance: A Live Conversation With SASB

04.12.2013 - 05:30PM

Today, sustainability reporting lacks comparability, rigor, and implications for inclusion in financial valuation and therefore, can’t be tied to performance in a way that is actionable by management or investors.

Despite GRI's continued popularity -- and high expectations from the upcoming G4 guidelines -- and the International Integrated Reporting Committee's [IIRC] work on shifting reporting toward an integrated format, there remains a critical need for standards that help companies address, and investors analyze, the most material environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues in their industry.

But what is materiality? And how do you deduce fair share of resources in a way that neither of the environment, social or governance metrics are getting siloed? Further, can any one organization lead us toward a sector-specific standardized approach that allows analysts, investors, consumers, employees and all other stakeholders understand and credibly compare corporate apples to apples?

The Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) was publicly launched in October 2012 to "advance the concepts of industry-specific performance indicators and integrated reporting for the benefit of U.S. publicly listed corporations, their investors, and the general public."

The organization was borne out of the idea that "integrated reporting and industry performance indicators are concepts that are mutually reinforcing and the essential next step in responsible, complete, and comparable disclosure."

Now, six months in, what is the SASB upto? How did it codify the Materiality Map and how are the Industry Groups it set up working?

And what are the key differences between SASB's mandate and that of the GRI and the IIRC? Can we expect SASB to make sustainability standards as clear and enforcable as accounting standards by the Fair Accounting Standards Board [FASB]?

Join CSRwire's Editorial Director Aman Singh in conversation with SASB's Associate Director of Education Marisa Mackey and Associate Director of Stakeholder Engagement Katie Schmitz Eulitt for a webinar to discuss all these questions and more.

Learn about SASB’s work to develop industry-specific sustainability accounting standards and how these standards will affect your industry and organization. Consider this a great opportunity to have your questions answered about the future of ESG disclosure and learn how to become involved in the standards-setting process.

Date: April 18, 2013

Time: 12:00pm EST

Registration: Register here and send out the following tweet:

I will join @sasb_org + @CSRwire on 04/18 to discuss #ESG #disclosure, #materiality & #sustainability standards! http://bit.ly/sasbcsrwire

Hashtag: #SASBCSRwire

About SASB

Sustainability Accounting Standards Board™ (SASB)™ is an independent 501(c)3 organization that establishes and maintains industry-tailored key performance indicators for use in disclosing material sustainability issues for the benefit of investors, corporations and the public. For more information about SASB, visit www.sasb.org, or follow us on YouTube, Twitter or LinkedIn.

About CSRwire

CSRwire is a digital media platform and the leading global source of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability news. Founded in 1999 to advance the movement towards a more economically just and environmentally sustainable society and away from single bottom line capitalism, CSRwire has paved the way for new standards of corporate citizenship, earning the international respect of thought leaders, business leaders, academics, philanthropists, activists and the media community. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

LOHAS Conference

04.12.2013 - 05:07PM

The LOHAS Business Conference provides a cross section of executives like no other, and is known for fantastic networking with decision makers who are interested in LOHAS business. Countless deals and successful relationships have manifested as a direct result of participating in the LOHAS Business Conference.

Symantec Corporation's 2012 Corporate Responsibility Report

04.12.2013 - 01:37PM

Sustainability Base Camp for Media Executives

04.11.2013 - 01:41PM

The Essential Sustainability Program for the Media Industry: What you need to know next.

The daylong program addresses the unique need for media industry executives to understand the fundamentals of sustainability and the business case for integrating CSR principles and practices into business operations.

Participants will benefit from a confidential, peer learning experience guided by seasoned sustainability experts and media executives. They will leave with practical knowledge of how best to leverage competitive advantage within the rapidly evolving sustainability marketplace. Key topics include global trends; standards and protocols; financial market drivers; risks and opportunities; and sustainable supply chains including a featured Case Study presented by Lyn Brown, VP Marketing and Corporate Responsibility for Catalyst Paper Corporation, one of the largest global paper supply companies.

During lunch, Lou Nowikas, director of real estate and facilities planning, Hearst Corporation will provide a special presentation on the LEED Platinum Hearst Tower.

Cocktail reception and GRI Findings Report presentation to follow.

Register Now!
CSRwire members receive a special discount – enter CSRWIRE for a 20% discount.

VERGE Boston

04.10.2013 - 01:34PM

GreenBiz is bringing their international VERGE conference series to Boston, May 13-14, and is offering CSRwire members a special discount.

VERGE conferences have traveled the globe with events in Shanghai, London, Washington DC, and San Francisco. VERGE Boston will bring together the emerging ecosystem of companies, products, and services at the convergence of energy, information, building and transportation technologies. It’s a great opportunity to get out of your silo and see what happens when people, technologies, and ideas converge.

VERGE conferences feature thought leaders from a wide variety of sectors, and include fresh perspectives on the innovative ideas, business opportunities and enabling technologies shaping our future. It's a big picture focus, targeting executives and senior management with opportunities to learn and discuss real world challenges and what the future holds within the VERGE domains: M2M/Internet of Things, Data: Big; Open and Shared; Smarter Supply Chains; Next-Gen Buildings; Future Cities; Intelligent Transportation; New Energy Systems.

The fantastic lineup of speakers includes: Kathrin Winkler, Vice President, Corporate Sustainability, EMC Corporation; Mary Fisher, Carbon Master, Stonyfield; Douglas Gensler, Principal and Managing Director, Gensler; Heather Henriksen, Director of the Office for Sustainability, Harvard University; Cheryl Martin, Deputy Director for Commercialization, ARPA-E, U.S. Department of Energy; Jason Jay, Director, Sustainable Business and Society, MIT; Brian Swett, Chief of Environment and Energy, City of Boston; Victoria Mills, Managing Director, Corporate Partnerships Program, EDF.

Visit the event program for even more speakers.

CSRwire members recieve a special discount! Use our 10% off priority discount code (VBOSCSRwire) when you register here: www.greenbiz.com/events/verge/2013/05/boston.

Growing the Impact Economy Summit, Harvard University, May 23-24

04.09.2013 - 05:30PM

A special leadership gathering of impact investors, government officials, social entrepreneurs, scholars, and economic developers to explore the role of for-benefit enterprise in accelerating job creation, promoting economic and community development, and enhancing regional competitiveness.

"I am pleased to see that such a diverse group of our nation's brightest minds will be meeting at Harvard to discuss innovative approaches to revitalizing our economy. It will take leadership from many sectors to continue to grow an economy that creates quality jobs, promotes shared prosperity, and builds strong, sustainable communities. These are issues I have worked on for years, and I look forward to the valuable ideas and recommendations that will be generated at the summit."

Larry H. Summers, Summit Advisory Council
President Emeritus, Harvard University; Director, Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business & Government, Harvard Kennedy School; 71st U.S. Secretary of the Treasury

About the Summit

During this time of mounting fiscal challenges and a sluggish and fragile economic recovery, there is a growing sector of “hybrid” or “for-benefit” enterprises that can create quality jobs and promote economic growth, contribute to the tax base, drive new resources to the nonprofit sector, and tackle a wide range of social and environmental issues that would otherwise fall on the shoulders of government and nonprofits. These enterprises are drivers of an “impact economy”—one that promotes social, environmental, and economic value creation.

To grow the impact economy and effectively harness its potential, there is a need for a more coherent and comprehensive national approach to developing the for-benefit sector. Economic development policies and programs, which are currently focused primarily on growing for-profit firms, need to be expanded to also support for-benefit enterprise development.

This invitation-only summit will bring together a mix of perspectives and participants involved in developing and supporting for-benefit economic models. Delegates will engage in thoughtful, off-the-record discussions about advancing regional and national economic development strategies for accelerating the growth of the impact economy. This will be a participant-driven, outcome-oriented gathering intended to serve as a springboard for action. Informed by advance research, and supported by innovative session design and a team of expert facilitators and reporters, delegates will have the opportunity to develop roadmaps for action and find new possibilities for collaboration and partnership. $25,000 in seed grants will be awarded to the most promising initiatives that emerge from the gathering.

Visit the summit website for the most up-to-date agenda and list of speakers.

"This gathering is timely. Especially in the past few years, leaders of the millennial generation have been passing up more traditional careers to pursue socially responsible work. If we can combine this younger generation's propensity for service with our nation’s inherent entrepreneurial spirit, the results could be game changing. We need the brightest leaders across multiple sectors to come together to rethink our model for prosperity."

David Gergen, Summit Advisory Council
Professor of Public Service and Director of the Center for Public Leadership, Harvard Kennedy School; Senior Political Analyst, CNN

Registration

To optimize its impact, this Summit is designed to be an intimate, action-oriented leadership gathering of practitioners and thought leaders in the field. Participation is by invitation only. We have set aside a block of delegate slots for individuals who should be in the room but have not been identified by our process. Please share your wisdom with us by nominating sector leaders you believe would bring an important perspective to—and would benefit from—this gathering. Please feel free to self-nominate. Click here to nominate a delegate.

Health Care Service Corporation Issues 2012 Social Responsibility Report

04.08.2013 - 08:00AM

New Webinar Series on the Future of Integrated Reporting: The Way Forward for ESG Voluntary Reporting and ESG Regulatory Reporting

04.05.2013 - 05:40PM

Our most exciting Webinar Series ever will provide keen insights and practical guidance on the latest developments in ESG voluntary and regulatory reporting, and will address, for the first time, how to harmonize and integrate these two distinct ESG reporting worlds, which have disparities that are undermining global capital markets. Registration fee discounts of 40% are available for a limited time.

Speakers include:

Pietro Bertazzi, Senior Manager for Policy and Government Affairs, GRI
Hank Boerner, Chairman, Governance & Accountability Institute
Brian Rice, Portfolio Manager, Sustainability Risk Management Team Leader, CalSTRS
Sanford Lewis, Counsel, Investor Environmental Health Network
Christine Rhodes, Climate Change and Sustainability Services, Ernst & Young LLP
Linda Lowson, Esq., CEO, Global ESG Regulatory Academy™

3 Reasons Why You Should Attend:

Exclusive, Authoritative Source and Venue for this Global ESG Regulatory and Reporting Education: This must-have knowledge and practical guidance is not available anywhere else. CSR Insight™ is the only organization worldwide that has conducted a five-year Research Program which included comprehensive, drill-down legal, accounting, and technical analyses of all major global ESG voluntary and regulatory reporting regimes. This is the future of financial reporting, affecting every global capital market participant.
Gain Essential Knowledge to Avoid Serious Liabilities: Whether you are a C-Suite, Board, Finance, Legal, Audit, Risk, Compliance, Strategy, Sustainability, Analyst, Researcher, Asset Manager, or Asset Owner executive, you need this knowledge and you need it now, to fulfill your job responsibilities and avoid serious liabilities and risks of which you may be unaware. ESG reporting is now a strategic imperative. Be proactive, not reactive, and you will reap the professional and financial rewards.
Receive Important Guidance at a Nominal Cost to Fulfill Internal and External Stakeholder Expectations: You will reap the benefits of a five-year, $5.5 million Global ESG Regulatory and Reporting Research Program, quickly, conveniently, and at a nominal cost, including sophisticated technical analyses of both voluntary and regulatory ESG reporting frameworks, translated into simple laymen guidance on understanding, managing, and streamlining these two reporting worlds for maximum benefit and at lowest cost.

Webinars have limited capacity. Early registration is recommended.

Webinars will feature a live Q&A session. All Registrants will receive the archived Webinar recordings and the Webinar presentation handout materials, even if you cannot attend the live Webinars. Don't miss this unique, exciting, and important education!

Also, if you missed our Fall 2012 Webinar Series, it is now available for a limited time at a 40% discount: SEC ESG Compliance: Where the Rubber Meets the Road

This Series provides an in-depth explanation and the first-ever analysis of SEC ESG Requirements, Liabilities, and Risks for the C-Suite, the Board, the External Auditor, and the Asset Manager.

For Speaker, Sponsor, and Registration Queries: Contact Linda Lowson, Esq. at inquiry@globalregulatoryacademy.com.

4th Zermatt Summit - Business & NGOs: Building partnerships of winners

04.04.2013 - 09:36AM

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my great pleasure to invite you to join a select group of economic, business and political decision makers and participate in the fourth edition of the Zermatt Summit, 20-21 June 2013.

Our theme for this year is Business & NGOs: Building partnerships of winners.

The Zermatt Summit was created in 2010 as a platform to promote a constructive, action-oriented dialogue between civil society and business. It is our conviction that it is through this kind of dialogue and through a better interaction between civil society, business and governments that we will be able to achieve a more inclusive globalization.

I am looking forward to the pleasure of welcoming you personally to the Zermatt Summit in June. In the meantime, should you have any questions, feel free to contact Ms Jacqui Manini (jacqui.manini@zermattsummit.org) or Mr Stephane Barbot-Maire (sbm@smadja.ch). Both will be pleased to assist you.

Yours sincerely,

Christopher Wasserman, President

For more information and early bird registration, visit www.zermattsummit.org.

View the program here, http://bit.ly/10cuf7i.

Sustainable Cosmetics Summit

04.02.2013 - 11:15AM

The fourth North American edition of the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit will take place in New York City on 16-18 May 2013.

Focal themes of this new edition are novel green ingredients, marketing developments and consumer behavior. For the first time, a summit will look at ways of reducing the environmental footprint of cosmetic products by using green ingredients and encouraging sustainable consumption. With many cosmetic companies preoccupied with ecological impacts, the sustainability initiatives session discusses ways of improving the social footprint of personal care products. How can cosmetic and ingredient firms make a social difference by their products?The summit ends with an interactive workshop that tackles the technical issues associated with using green cosmetic ingredients.

Organized by Organic Monitor, the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit is a series of international summits that focuses on the leading issues the beauty industry faces concerning sustainability and ecological products.

The aim of the summit is to encourage sustainability in the beauty industry by bringing together key stake-holders and debate these major issues in a high-level forum.

More info on: www.sustainablecosmeticssummit.com
Email: info@sustainablecosmeticssummit.com
Tel: (44) 20 8567 0788 Fax: (44) 20 8567 7164

Rockwell Automation Releases 2012 Corporate Sustainability Report

03.06.2013 - 09:00AM

The Role of Business in Health and Wellness Innovation: BCLC's fifth report in "The Role of Business" series

01.25.2013 - 10:07AM

Ansvars Redovisning: Djurgården Fotbolls CSR-redovisning [Djurgården Football CSR Report]

01.24.2013 - 08:24AM

CSRwire United Nations Global Compact 2012 Communication on Progress

01.09.2013 - 09:20AM