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VIDEO | Barclays Citizenship Awards: The Water Challenge Team

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SOURCE:Barclays

DESCRIPTION:

The Water Challenge team produced one of the most widely read Barclays research reports of 2017, highlighting how the energy industry can help protect water resources. The report, The Water Challenge, Preserving a Global Resource, was published in partnership with Columbia University. The report analyses financial and technical solutions the energy industry can use to lower water-related costs and improve its fresh-water footprint, featuring case studies of companies improving outcomes as a result of these innovative solutions and partnerships. 

Read the Water Challenge Report here.

Barclays Citizenship Awards

Citizenship can take many different forms – from supporting entrepreneurs to helping young people develop their employment skills. The annual Barclays Citizenship Awards recognise those colleagues who make that difference and create opportunities to rise.

In 2018, we received over 550 nominations for the Citizenship Awards, celebrating the vast and outstanding Citizenship work of our employees and their contributions, not just to our customers and clients, but in helping to find ways in which to drive economic, environmental and social prosperity.

To see other Citizenship Award videos, click here.

Follow us on Twitter at @Barclays_cship.

Tweet me:WATCH the @Barclays #Water Challenge team & @Columbia work together to find solutions to the global #watercrisis ‏http://bit.ly/2tvCbF1 @Barclays_cship #SDGs SDG6

KEYWORDS: Barclays, barclays citizenship awards, Columbia University, fresh water, clean water, NYSE:BCS


Taking Pride in One's Food

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SOURCE:Whirlpool Corporation

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Whirlpool Corp. is no stranger to bringing guest chefs to its Southwest Michigan campuses.

But with June being National Pride Month, the Benton Harbor-based appliance maker convinced The Hearty Boys for a couple days this week.

Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh – who are known for their moniker as The Hearty Boys – are trend-setting Chicago caterers and original winners of “Food Network Star.”

Read More

Tweet me:With June being National Pride Month, the Whirlpool Corporation convinced The Hearty Boys to come in as guest chefs for a couple days. http://bit.ly/2Mpq589

KEYWORDS: whirlpool corporation, hearty boys, steve mcdonagh, dan smith, NYSE:WHR, National Pride Month

Sustainable by Design: GM’s Global Design Center Turns Waste into Works of Art

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SOURCE:General Motors

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At General Motors, we see waste as simply a resource out of place, and we strive to keep materials in use for as long as possible.

That’s true at our industry-leading 142 landfill-free sites around the world, and it is a driving force behind our goal to become a zero-waste manufacturer.

It’s also a good source of inspiration at our Global Design Center in Warren, Michigan, where more than 100 clay vehicle models are built each year.

When building and stripping clay vehicle models, the extended design team carefully collects and cleans the clay removed in the process. In one hour, six team members can completely strip one midsize vehicle model of salvageable clay, preventing potentially harmful chemicals and gases from reaching landfills.

Using metal detecting wands, the team meticulously cleans the recovered clay of any metal pins and processes the material in a pug mill recycling machine. In 2017 alone, the team recycled more than 13 thousand pounds of clay.

“Clay recycling is not only good for the environment, it’s great for bottom line as well,” said Sam Vitale, director, Creative Digital & Clay Sculpting. “We’ve saved the company nearly $1 million in just three years by reusing instead of purchasing new clay.”

When material doesn’t have a clear reuse, the design team draws on its collective creativity. As part of Earth Day, this year Design Center artists chose to repurpose waste materials into artwork for a design competition.

For months, unwanted and discarded items were collected at General Motors’ Global Technical Center campus, where the Design Center is located. Materials such as leather, wood, high-density foam, metal, frames, plumbing parts, mesh, caster, chain, supplier samples and more were offered to the artists on a first-come, first-grab basis.

“Project Greenway,” as it came to be known, was one of the most engaging art competitions in the Design Center Gallery’s installments.

From sculptures of robots to earrings, purses and paintings, found items were given a second chance.

“Viewing the ‘Project Greenway’ art in the Design Center Gallery was inspirational — it was impressive to see how unwanted items were turned into unique pieces of art,” said Dane Parker, vice president, Sustainable Workplaces. “These types of projects highlight the amazing creativity, capability and commitment of our GM team members.”

To further benefit our communities, proceeds from the sale of the one-of-a-kind works of art were donated to each artist’s charity of choice.

Other examples of the circular economy at work at General Motors include:

  • Plastic caps and shipping aids from the Fort Wayne, Texas facility are mixed with other materials to make radiator shrouds for the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups built at the plant.
  • Test tires from our Proving Ground in Milford, Michigan are shredded and used to manufacture air and water baffles for a variety of vehicles.
  • Scrap aluminum shavings from machining our transmission casings are melted down and used to create more casings.
  • Coats for the homeless were reinforced with insulation created from used water bottles as part of the “Do Your Part” project.
  • 2,000 of our shipping crates are home to plantings in 33 different urban gardens.

Tweet me:Design teams at #GM make #circulareconomy everyday business by turning waste into art https://bit.ly/2Ms58JJ

KEYWORDS: General Motors, design, Clay, circular economy, art, models, Recycling, NYSE:GM

     

Innovative Technologies Driving Sustainability at UPS

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SOURCE:ReportAlert

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UPS’s 16th annual Sustainability Report, published today, highlights the company’s sustainability challenges and accomplishments during 2017, including progress toward its 2020 and 2025 goals in support of the environment, global workforce, and communities around the world. The report also showcases investments in cutting-edge technologies that are advancing UPS’s integrated network to new levels of efficiency and creating tangible sustainability benefits.

UPS’s 2017 sustainability highlights include:

  • Incorporating virtual reality technology into safety training, which enables employees to practice defensive driving techniques in real-world scenarios.
  • Adding 1,192 vehicles to the UPS “rolling laboratory,” a specialized fleet of approximately 9,100 vehicles worldwide (as of April 2018), spanning a range of technologies including electric, hybrid electric, hydraulic hybrid, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), propane, and electrically-assisted bicycles.
  • Accelerating investments in fleet electrification by pre-ordering 125 of Tesla’s fully electric Semi trucks; piloting smart-grid vehicle charging technology at our Central London center; and collaborating with Workhorse Group to deploy electric vehicles comparable in acquisition cost to conventional gasoline- or diesel-powered trucks – removing a barrier to large-scale adoption.
  • Collaborating with cities to develop new package delivery solutions, including a “depot-to-door” pilot in London that uses an electrically assisted trailer to deliver packages from a central location; introducing an “Eco Hub” solution - a mini distribution center from which deliveries are made by foot or eBike – in Dublin; and piloting eBikes in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
  • Expanding the partnership between The UPS Foundation; Zipline, a drone technology startup; and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance to use drones to deliver urgently needed medical supplies to remote areas in Rwanda.
  • Collaborating with the American Red Cross, and drone manufacturer CyPhy Works, Inc., to test the use of drone technology in assessing damage in the wake of disasters.

UPS’s 2017 Sustainability Progress Report and GRI Content Index are available at ups.com/sustainability. The UPS GRI Content Index has been prepared in accordance with the GRI Standards: Comprehensive option.

About UPS
UPS (NYSE: UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including the transportation of packages and freight; the facilitation of international trade, and the deployment of advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. UPS is committed to operating more sustainably – for customers, the environment and the communities we serve around the world. Learn more about our efforts at ups.com/sustainability. Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. The company can be found on the Web at ups.com® or pressroom.ups.com and its corporate blog can be found at Longitudes.ups.com. To get UPS news direct, follow @UPS_News on Twitter.

Media Contact:
Jennifer Garner
404-828-8475

Read the Report

Tweet me:.@UPS' 16th annual sustainability report showcases investments in cutting-edge technologies that are advancing efficiency and creating tangible #sustainability benefits http://bit.ly/2KlQTWe #innovation

KEYWORDS: UPS, ReportAlert, sustainability, NYSE:UPS, Sustainability Report

Using Artificial Intelligence, Booz Allen Interns Develop Smart Tech Solutions

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SOURCE:Booz Allen Hamilton

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How often do you ask Alexa or Siri a question? Grab an Uber or Lyft ride? Every day, we’re harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI). AI-enabled apps increasingly perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. The AI-powered revolution is here. And it’s transforming the way we think, work, and live.

At Booz Allen, four teams of Summer Games interns in Washington, DC are using AI to help tackle tough client challenges in new and exciting ways. They’re using digital data, natural language processing, deep learning, and algorithms to develop smart tech solutions for stubborn problems in farming, supply chains, forecasting, and emergency response.

Learn more about the teams’ work in their own words:

Harnessing AI to Streamline Supply Chain Efficiency (COBOTS)

“Our team is exploring how collaborative robots—or ‘COBOTS’—can increase efficiencies and reduce costs within the supply chain at a defense agency,” says intern Sean DiCarolis. “We’re researching the benefits, risks, and social implications of COBOTS in agency warehouses, which could eliminate supply chain uncertainty and allow for more streamlined operations management,” Sean explains. “Collaboration is the heart of the eventual COBOT tech warehouse solution. The result: Bolstering the agency’s support to armed forces. “The agency can continue to provide disaster relief to countries in need, support allied agencies and governments, and improve its supply chain.”

Forecasting the Demand for Perishable Goods—with Deep Learning (Team DIVERS)

From grocery stores to defense agencies, organizations must ensure their locations are adequately stocked. “To avoid shortages, many keep excess food, medicine, and chemicals. These eventually spoil—meaning money down the drain. Current forecasting models fall short, relying on internal, ever-fluctuating variables, or demand from previous years,” says intern Patrick Millican. “Using deep learning to sift through data and track trends, our team is focused on external factors—including weather and climate and taxation changes—to better predict demand—sometimes before it changes. Thanks to 9 years of daily sales data from a Chicago-based supermarket chain, we’re writing a program using Google’s open source software library TensorFlow to extrapolate relationships between variables and weekly grocery demand. Our proof of concept can help government and industry recoup savings and quickly respond to disasters requiring food and perishables.”

Combining Deep Learning and Smart Vision Devices for Real-Time Emergency Response

Q: How can deep learning technologies coupled with smart vision devices help first responders, security, and law enforcement in the field? A: More powerful and real-time calculations. “Our team is developing a real-time, early-warning system for emergencies,” says intern Joel Tigges. “We’re using computer vision devices like Amazon Web Services’ deep learning video camera DeepLens. Unlike conventional video, DeepLens detects and deciphers body movement, facial recognition, and object detection. Real-time calculations and object detection means the ability to easily locate and rescue victims. Our early-warning system could easily expand to a broad range of applications for natural disasters, emergencies, and public safety situations, including active shooter events, fires, and school security.”

Applying Big Data to Feed the World with Precision Agriculture (MLPAD)

Family-run farms feed more than 2 billion people worldwide Increasing yields for farmers promotes economic development—and quality of life—for billions. “Working with the nonprofit Precision Agriculture for Development (PAD), our team combines data analytics, machine learning and deep learning to help family-run farms in India become more efficient,” says intern Daniel Rashid. “PAD connects with more than 345,000 users across six countries via mobile phones, providing data-driven agricultural advice. Our team works with data from farmers in Gujrat, India, whose cumin and cotton yields increased substantially. The nonprofit wants to better understand how the mobile-delivered advice helped: Which PAD service drove increased yields? Who had the greatest increase? How can this information make expansion more efficient? In just 2 years, PAD saw tremendous results. Applying big data could mean the nonprofit has even greater impact.”

Learn more about how Booz Allen’s Summer Games interns are empowered to change the world.

Tweet me:.@BoozAllen interns are using #AI to develop smart tech solutions in this year’s Summer Games http://bit.ly/2Mp9DoA

KEYWORDS: Booz Allen, Intern, Internships, summer games, Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  

Wells Fargo Contributes $250,000 for Bay Area Affordable Housing, Revitalization Efforts

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Local NeighborhoodLIFT grants, down payment assistance will help create about 280 homeowners

SOURCE:Wells Fargo & Company

DESCRIPTION:

SAN FRANCISCO, June 26, 2018 /3BL Media/– Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) today announced a total of $250,000 in donations for three local nonprofits to support affordable housing and youth and family programs in the East Bay Area.

“These efforts are part of our ongoing commitment to building strong communities,” said Stephen Hitchcock, Wells Fargo Diablo Bay Region Bank President. “Whether it’s strengthening families and helping position our youth for success or helping make homeownership more affordable and sustainable, we are devoted to making a positive change and are very excited about what we will accomplish together.”

The Wells Fargo grants are intended to support neighborhood revitalization efforts through the Wells Fargo NeighborhoodLIFT® program from the Wells Fargo Foundation.

Wells Fargo NeighborhoodLIFT program local initiative grants will be awarded to the following Bay Area nonprofits:

  • Success through Self Academy will receive $80,000 through local initiatives to support a Youth Mentoring and Food Literacy Program designed to curtail risk factors for Pittsburg K-12, inner-city youth through mentorship and to decrease childhood obesity risk through the youth food literacy curriculum in partnership with 100 Black Men and the University of California–Davis. The academy helps children reach their full potential by establishing frequent and direct communication among parents, teachers and students. It is the largest provider of afterschool services in East Contra Costa County and serves more than 1,600 young people daily at 14 locations within the city of Pittsburg, California.
     
  • Hamilton Families will receive $85,000 in support of a long-term approach to build families’ financial stability and strengthen socioemotional skills in formerly homeless children. Hamilton Families offers a comprehensive suite of programs at sites in San Francisco and Oakland that work to end family homelessness whenever possible, by providing shelter and stability for families in crisis, returning families to permanent housing, and supporting the well-being of all family members to ensure long term stability and well-being. In 2016–17, Hamilton Families served 512 families in all programs.
     
  • Richmond Community Foundation will receive $85,000 to support the Richmond Housing Renovation Program, which aims to renovate and sell 40 blighted and abandoned properties to low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers over the five years of the pilot program. Richmond has approximately 800 such properties, and the city’s Code Enforcement Department manages about 250 of them at any given time. The Richmond Community Foundation acquires, renovates, and sells homes throughout the city using an innovative financial tool called a social impact bond. The foundation’s SparkPoint Contra Costa initiative ensures that there is a ready pool of first-time buyers to purchase the homes. SparkPoint Contra Costa operates financial education centers that help individuals and families.

About 280 homeowners assisted in the San Francisco Bay Area

The NeighborhoodLIFT program local initiative grants are part of an effort expanded to the San Francisco Bay Area in November 2017 with a $9.725 million commitment by Wells Fargo to boost local homeownership and revitalize neighborhoods. The NeighborhoodLIFT program has assisted 224 homeowners in the area by offering homebuyer education plus $30,000 down payment assistance grants, and another 56 homebuyers are on the path to becoming homeowners through the program in collaboration with NeighborWorks® America and its network member, Community Housing Development Corporation.

Since February 2012, LIFT programs have helped create more than 17,600 homeowners in 60 communities. A video about the NeighborhoodLIFT program is posted on Wells Fargo Stories.

About Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.9 trillion in assets. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through 8,200 locations, 13,000 ATMs, the internet (wellsfargo.com) and mobile banking, and has offices in 42 countries and territories to support customers who conduct business in the global economy. With approximately 265,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 25 on Fortune’s 2017 rankings of America’s largest corporations. News, insights and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories.

Tweet me:.@WellsFargo #NeighborhoodLIFT program donates $250K for #BayArea affordable housing, youth and family initiatives http://bit.ly/2trwUza

Contact Info:

Andrea Beasley
Wells Fargo
+1 (415) 310-8184
Andrea.Beasley@wellsfargo.com
@AndreaBeasleyWF

Edith Robles
Wells Fargo
+1 (415) 537-8421
edith.r.robles@wellsfargo.com
@EdithRoblesWF

KEYWORDS: Youth, NeighborhoodLIFT, affordable housing, Wells Fargo & Company, NYSE:WFC

Whirlpool EMEA Pledges to Adopt Components of Appliances Made of 100 Percent Recycled Plastics by 2025

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SOURCE:Whirlpool Corporation

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Whirlpool EMEA announced that it has successfully responded to the EU Commission invitation to come forward with voluntary pledges on reducing plastics waste and boosting the uptake of recycled plastics. The EU initiative is included in the wider Plastics Strategy, adopted by the European Commission in January 2018, aiming at promoting a more circular economy and protecting the environment from plastic pollution whilst fostering growth and innovation. The objective is to ensure that by 2025 ten million tonnes of recycled plastics find their way into new products on the EU market.

Read More

Tweet me:Whirlpool EMEA announced that it has successfully responded to the EU Commission invitation to come forward with voluntary pledges on reducing plastics waste and boosting the uptake of recycled plastics. http://bit.ly/2IuIsWT

KEYWORDS: whirlpool corporation, plastics, NYSE:WHR, Recycling

Sappi's Jennifer Miller Reflects on Community Engagement as Key to Success


Spencer Wise: There’s No Business Like Shoe Business

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SOURCE:Sea Change Radio

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Take a look at the shoes you’re wearing right now. You’ve probably logged more than a few miles in them already. But what kind of journey did they take before they ended up on your feet? This week on Sea Change Radio, we speak to Spencer Wise, an author whose debut novel, The Emperor of Shoes, is set in an international shoe-manufacturing enterprise. We discuss the labor conditions of the Chinese shoe factories Wise visited, explore the environmentally treacherous practices of leather tanning, and talk about how over generations a small family business moved into the modern global economy.

Tweet me:This wk's @SeaChangeRadio - "Spencer Wise: There’s No Business Like Shoe Business." An in-depth discussion about Chinese shoe manufacturing with Spencer Wise whose debut novel is titled "The Emperor of Shoes": http://www.cchange.net/2018/06/26/spencer/

KEYWORDS: sea change radio, The Emperor of Shoes, shoe-manufacturing, China

New Circular Fashion, Less Resources, More Sustainable Materials

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C&A Sustainability: Strong Performance Towards 2020 Goals

SOURCE:ReportAlert

DESCRIPTION:

Global fashion retailer C&A reports strong performance towards its 2020 sustainability goals. In its new ‘2017 Global Sustainability Report’, the company announces its achievements and commitments with focus on its products, its supply chain and employees.

Our progress in 2017 is a direct result of how sustainability is embedded into our commercial organisations. Sustainability is an important part of how we design and source our clothing by ensuring that it has been sourced and made in a way that respects people, animals and the environment,” says Jeffrey Hogue, C&A’s Global Chief Sustainability Officer.

Sourcing more sustainable materials: C&A world’s leading buyer of organic cotton

Given the impacts of raw material production, C&A has committed to source two thirds of its materials from more sustainable sources by 2020.  Currently, over 65% of the cotton C&A sources is either certified organic cotton or sourced as Better Cotton, up from 53% in 2016. C&A remains the world’s leading volume buyer of certified organic cotton.* Over 44% of the raw materials used in the company’s current collections – such as cotton, viscose and polyester – are sourced more sustainably.

In Europe and China, C&A has taken the bold step of committing to source 100% of its man-made cellulosic fibres from suppliers who have practices in place to prevent ancient or endangered forest products entering their supply chain. The company also recently introduced its first recycled nylon products: lingerie certified to the Global Recycled Standard.

Towards circular fashion: Over 1.3 Mio. pieces of C2C certified TM apparel brought to market

C&A has brought to market so far over 1.3 million pieces of Cradle to Cradle (C2C) CertifiedTM apparel globally, maintaining the most sustainable fashion collection currently on the market at this scale. “The Cradle to Cradle certification program provides the vision for our circular economy strategy.  Through the sourcing of Cradle to Cradle GOLD CertifiedTM garments we are offering the first collections in the industry that are produced at high social standards and with 100% safe and non-toxic materials, 100% renewable energy, 100% recycled water, and where each garment is designed for it’s next life,” says Hogue.

This year Ethical Corporation has awarded C&A’s innovative Cradle to Cradle GOLD CertifiedTM T-shirts with the ‘Sustainable Innovation of the Year’ award. C&A had developed these innovative T-shirts in cooperation with Fashion for Good. C&A and its corporate foundation are founding partners of Fashion for Good, which supports circular economy approaches and new technologies from innovative start-ups to accelerate the transition to a more sustaining fashion industry.

Reduced environmental impact: clarity on carbon and water footprint

C&A is one of the very few fashion retailers to disclose its entire greenhouse gas and water footprint. In 2017, C&A has reduced its carbon footprint by 15% and water footprint by 14%. C&A announced the aim to further reduce water in raw material production. C&A has also committed to creating ‘Science Based Targets’ to reduce the impact on climate change.

Increasing supply chain transparency: Map shows details of over 2,000 supplier factories

C&A’s supply chain encompasses more than 1 million people, employed through 757 global suppliers, who run more than 2,000 production units at tier-1 and tier-2** supplier level. C&A took the first step to increase supply chain transparency already in its 2015 report with the disclosure of names and addresses of its suppliers' tier-1 factories and added the tier-2 factories last year. Through a web-based tool, every C&A customer can easily identify the factories where C&A merchandise is manufactured.

Bringing Sustainability closer to consumers: C&A’s #WearTheChange campaign

To help its customers to make better informed purchasing decisions when it comes to the sustainability aspects of their clothes, C&A launched in its stores around the globe and online ‘#WearTheChange’, a global, multi-channel sustainability communications campaign. All products advertised under #WearTheChange are produced and sourced in a way that is more sustainable than conventional methods.

C&A Foundation: changing the apparel industry

The launch of the 2017 Global Sustainability Report coincides with the release of C&A Foundation’s 2017 Annual Report. In this year’s report, the foundation shares both highlights from its work in 2017, but also lessons from its grant-making.  Creating change at the scale and speed required is difficult and complex and demands new kinds of collaboration.  This is why the C&A Foundation Annual Report openly shares lessons learned from successes and failures in the hope of encouraging more organisations – particularly corporate foundations – to support the initiatives needed to create systemic change in the apparel industry.

Together, the two reports paint a picture of how C&A and C&A Foundation work shoulder to shoulder to make fashion sustainable and responsible, pushing the industry to become a force for good.

Online report now available in English. German and Portuguese available as of mid July 

The list of C&A’s suppliers’ factories can be accessed online at http://sustainability.c-and-a.com/sustainable-supply/. The company’s full 2017 Sustainability report is available at www.c-a.com/sustainability-report. The C&A Foundation Annual Report can be found at www.candafoundation.org/ar2017.

* Textile Exchange 2017 Organic Cotton Market Report

** Tier-1 factories are cut and sew production units and tier-2 factories provide printing, laundry, and embroidery services. Several of these tier-1 and tier-2 factories are fully vertically integrated and therefore also run tier-3 production such as fabric mills, spinning mills and dye houses.

Notes to the editor:

About C&A

With nearly 1,900 stores in 21 countries worldwide and around 51,000 employees, C&A is a leading fashion retail business. C&A welcomes and provides millions of visitors each day with good quality fashion at affordable prices for their entire family. C&A is an enterprise of COFRA Holding AG with a presence in Europe, Brazil, Mexico and China. For more information, see www.c-a.com.

Follow us

For further information or interviews, please contact
C&A Europe
Jens Völmicke
Phone: +49 211 9872 5264

Read the Report

Tweet me:.@ca_europe has reduced its carbon footprint, increased #supplychain transparency and introduced a #sustainability communications campaign #WearTheChange http://bit.ly/2KnO9Lh Learn more in their 2017 Global Sustainability Report

KEYWORDS: c&a, ReportAlert, sustainability, sustainable materials, wear the change

  

Laying the Foundations for a Greener Energy Future

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SOURCE:CLP Group

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On a viewing platform high above the Yangjiang Nuclear Power Station, CLP Chairman Sir Michael Kadoorie looked out on a spectacular panoramic view of the gigantic complex sprawling below him.

Armies of construction workers busily installed the last two generating units of the six-unit plant, which will throw out 6,516MW of power when the station goes into full operation next year, providing clean energy across Mainland China’s Guangdong province.

The visit was Sir Michael’s first to Yangjiang after CLP completed its investment in the project last year – the company’s second foray into nuclear power after the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station. The investment underscores CLP’s confidence in the key role nuclear power plays in China’s decarbonisation journey and its transition to a low-carbon economy.

Projects like Yangjiang are unfolding across Mainland China. The country now has 38 nuclear power reactors in operation and around 20 more under construction.

While visiting the station in May 2018, Sir Michael and other senior CLP executives observed how a 2.5-kilometer long breakwater along the edge of the station will serve as a first line of defence in the event of disasters like tsunamis. Later, Sir Michael put on a safety outfit and visited one of the control rooms where he listened attentively to engineers explaining how the advanced nuclear reactor housed next door in a huge containment dome generates pollution-free electricity.

In his father’s footsteps

Sir Michael is no stranger to nuclear power stations and their technology. In 1985, he accompanied his father, Lord Kadoorie, to Beijing for the signing of the joint venture agreement for Daya Bay, which pioneered the use of nuclear power for commercial use in Mainland China. Today, the power station meets around a quarter of Hong Kong’s energy demand, making a significant contribution to the city’s cleaner air and emissions reduction efforts.

Lord Kadoorie’s visionary initiative at Daya Bay was Mainland China’s first large-scale commercial nuclear power project and its biggest single foreign investment project at the time. The joint venture also marked the start of the decades-long partnership between CLP and CGN from Daya Bay to Yangjiang.

That partnership was celebrated during Sir Michael’s visit to Yangjiang, where he and his delegation were hosted by Chairman of China General Nuclear Power Corporation Mr He Yu and where the two sides renewed the Strategic Partnership Agreement which was first forged in 2007.

A greener future

Sir Michael says: “Standing here in Yangjiang brings back memories of 1985 when I accompanied my late father to Beijing to witness the signing of the Daya Bay joint venture agreement. Our participation in Yangjiang reflects strongly on the commitment of my family to this partnership, which enables us to explore further opportunities and promote closer ties between Hong Kong and Mainland China.”

As he looked out over the bustling new power plant and the South China Sea, sparkling in the brilliant May sunshine, Sir Michael could reflect on a project that symbolises not only a pioneering partnership stretching back 30 years but also hopes of a brighter, greener future for generations to come.

To learn more about CLP’s connection with society, please check out the latest issue of CLP.CONNECT.

Tweet me:As China continues its decarbonisation journey, #CLPGroup has expanded its non-carbon emitting portfolio by investing in a nuclear power project in Guangdong province. Chairman Sir Michael Kadoorie has recently visited the Yangjiang plant. http://bit.ly/2lyFVlC #CLPsustainability

KEYWORDS: CLP Group, China, CGN, nuclear, MICHAEL KADOORIE, Daya Bay

   

Duke Energy Receives Highest Honor From the U.S. Department of Defense for Its Support of National Guard and Reserve Employees

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SOURCE:Duke Energy

DESCRIPTION:

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 27, 2018 /3BL Media/ -- Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) has announced that it has received the 2018 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest honor the U.S. Department of Defense gives to companies for their outstanding support for employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

The award is presented annually by the Secretary of Defense, and Duke Energy was one of only 15 companies nationwide to be selected out of more than 2,300 nominations.

"We're extremely proud to support the men and women who serve our country, protect our freedom and who make our company great," said Duke Energy Chairman, President and CEO Lynn Good. "Our colleagues who serve in the National Guard and Reserve sacrifice so much for our country, and it's critical that we give them the support they need back home so they can focus on their mission while they're away."

Sam Johnson, a Duke Energy project manager in Charlotte and a major in the Marine Corps Reserve, nominated Duke Energy for the award because of the ongoing support he receives when he is called up for duty and training drills. Sam recently returned from two weeks in the Mojave Desert where he trained with his artillery unit.

"I know that Duke Energy actively cares for me and my fellow reservists," said Johnson. "My management understands the commitment I have to our country and genuinely cares about the welfare of my family and me. They ensure I have the tools and support I need while I'm away and ease my transition back to work when I return from duty."

Jonathan Butler, a Duke Energy work control center operator and an Army reservist who was deployed for 18 months to support Operation Iraqi Freedom, recalls the overwhelming support he received from his colleagues, including several care packages that were sent to his unit.

"I'm starting my 18th year of service. I will say from talking to some of my former soldiers that I was in the best possible situation with a company that fully supports the National Guard and Reserve soldiers," said Butler. "Not many of them experienced the same type of financial and moral support that I had. I'm grateful to my company for that experience."   

Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Pipkin, a National Guard operations officer and 21-year Duke Energy employee, says he long ago recognized that the company benefits and co-worker support he received from Duke Energy far exceeded those received by others in his National Guard unit.

"When I was being deployed for Operation Noble Eagle, I looked around and there were 200 soldiers leaving that day," said Pipkin. "I saw less than five employers there seeing us off, and my company was one of them. To me, that says it all."

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense office whose mission is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by advocating relevant initiatives, recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of applicable laws and resolving conflict between employers and service members.

Highlights of Duke Energy's commitment to supporting its military veterans and employees who actively serve in the National Guard and Reserve:

  • Duke Energy employs more than 2,000 military veterans, from engineers who operate the nuclear fleet to lineworkers who connect customers to the grid.
  • Duke Energy plans to increase the number of hours of annual military leave with full pay for National Guard and Reserve members from 80 to 120 hours beginning Jan. 1, 2019.
  • Over the past year, Duke Energy's military recruiting team has attended more than 30 military-related events nationwide.
  • Together We Stand, a 450-member veteran-focused employee resource group, mentors new hires and helps veterans adjust to civilian life at Duke Energy.
  • Duke Energy actively participates in Enable America, a nonprofit funded in part by the Duke Energy Foundation that provides training and job placement assistance for disabled veterans.

Only 250 companies have received the Freedom Award since its inception in 1996. Duke Energy will receive the award during a formal ceremony held at the Pentagon on Aug. 24, 2018.   

To learn more about how to transition from the military and start a career with Duke Energy, visit www.duke-energy.com/our-company/careers/military-programs.

Duke Energy
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) is one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S., with approximately 29,000 employees and a generating capacity of 49,500 megawatts. The company is transforming its customers' experience, modernizing its energy grid, generating cleaner energy and expanding its natural gas infrastructure to create a smarter energy future for the people and communities it serves.

The company's Electric Utilities and Infrastructure unit serves approximately 7.6 million retail electric customers in six states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Its Gas Utilities and Infrastructure unit distributes natural gas to approximately 1.6 million customers in five states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Its Commercial Renewables unit operates a growing renewable energy portfolio across the U.S.

A Fortune 125 company, Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2018 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' 2018 "America's Best Employers" list.

More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center includes news releases, fact sheets, photos, videos and other materials. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on TwitterLinkedInInstagram and Facebook.

24-hour media line: 800.559.3853

Tweet me:.@DukeEnergy one of 15 recipients of the 2018 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award for #veterans and #military employees http://bit.ly/2N5Hi7R #NationalGuard #ArmyReserve

KEYWORDS: Duke Energy, National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve, Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, Enable America

Arrow Electronics’ Corporate Social Responsibility Program Supported Over 8.3 Million People in 62 Countries on Six Continents

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SOURCE:Arrow Electronics

DESCRIPTION:

Arrow Electronics’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) program guides today’s innovators to a better tomorrow. The company helps transform ideas into real and influential achievements that support people and the communities in which Arrow works. In 2017, Arrow and CSR partner organizations:

  • Supported over 8.3 million people in 62 countries on six continents.
  • Developed an e-textiles curriculum for 10,000 students across the U.S.
  • Impacted 185 charitable organizations in North America through employee engagement.
  • Launched a second Arrow DigiTruck in Kenya to support thousands.
  • Reached the milestone of 600,000 refurbished IT assets donated.

The company’s view of CSR goes beyond traditional corporate philanthropy and community relations. It’s a business strategy creating competitive advantages that strengthen Arrow’s reputation as an industry leader.

Tapping technology to benefit humanity, all of Arrow’s work reinforces Five Years Out thinking –  the tangible future of new technologies, new materials, new ideas and new electronics that help customers, partners and employees merge what’s possible with what’s practical.

To learn more about Arrow’s CSR program and to download the 2017 CSR & Sustainability Report, please visit: https://www.fiveyearsout.com/corporate/corporate-social-responsibility

About Arrow Electronics

Arrow Electronics guides innovation forward for over 150,000 of the world’s leading manufacturers of technology used in homes, business and daily life. With 2017 sales of $26.6 billion, Arrow aggregates electronics and enterprise computing solutions for customers and suppliers in industrial and commercial markets. The company maintains a network of more than 345 locations serving over 80 countries. Learn more at FiveYearsOut.com.

Tweet me:In 2017, @ArrowGlobal supported over 8.3 million people around the world via its #CSR program: http://bit.ly/2Kq604o #FiveYearsOut

KEYWORDS: Arrow Electronics, Five Years Out

Keeping Siblings Together Through Foster Care Adoption

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SOURCE:Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

DESCRIPTION:

Ty came to the Vogt family as a toddler. A few months later, his baby sister Mya joined him. The Vogt family knew they wanted to keep the siblings together. After 743 and 570 days in foster care, they were both adopted!

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption has one mission: to dramatically increase the number of adoptions from foster care. The Foundation gives grants to local adoption agencies that hire professionally training adoption recruiters who focus solely on older youth, sibling groups and children with special needs. These are the children who are most at risk of aging out of care without being adopted.

Learn more about our mission and support us by visiting davethomasfoundation.org

Tweet me:.@DTFA focuses on finding homes for sibling groups in #fostercare http://bit.ly/2tKpXZh #adoption #foreverfamily

KEYWORDS: Dave Thomas, foster care, adoption, Recruiter, forever family, Wendy’s

amfori Builds Stronger Worldwide Support for Open and Sustainable Trade

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SOURCE:ReportAlert

DESCRIPTION:

Launching today its first annual report (2017-2018) under the name of amfori, the leading global business association for open and sustainable trade showcases a year of landmark achievements, rooted in its new Vision 2030 Strategy for inspiring action around the world. This sends an encouraging message to all who want to use trade for good in the world.

In times of anti-trade rhetoric and protectionism, amfori reports the strongest ever increase in its membership and geographical outreach: with 270 new members since this time last year, the association now boasts a membership consisting of more than 2,200 retailers, importers, brands and associationsacross 44 countries on 4 continents, representing a combined turnover of €1.6 trillion. amfori’s top five growth countries were USA, Canada, Australia, UK and Spain, with the notable example of the USA, where membership grew 1,650%. This shows that companies are more committed than ever to trading sustainably. It also demonstrates their trust in amfori as the association to support them in preparing for the challenges of the future.

“Building our future” is the theme of amfori’s Annual Report 2017-2018. It covers a year in which the association celebrated its 40th anniversary, unveiled a new name and branding, inspired by ancient trade, and deployed its bold Vision 2030 strategy for setting the pace and scale of trade with purpose through leadership, collaboration and excellence. Delivering on the strategy, amfori introduced a new governance structure, extended its membership offering and expanded upon its global network to bring its members closer to the operations of their business partners in supply chains that stretch across the world.

The report also details how amfori embedded the UN Sustainable Development Goals within its activities and reinforced its three products that contribute to them – amfori BSCI, amfori BEPI and amfori Advocacy. During the reporting period:

  • amfori BSCI– the association’s social compliance service - was strengthened with the launch of its own Audit Integrity Programme, raising the bar for audit quality, the development of the Country Due Diligence Tool for mapping and managing risks in specific countries and the addition of a Responsible Recruitment Module for empowering business partners across the world to implement good practices.
  • amfori BEPI - the service for improving environmental performance in global supply chains - provided support to producers for getting started by developing multilingual how-to-guides in 11 environmental areas and boosting training activities, recording yet another year of a double digit growth.
  • amfori Advocacy confirmed its reputation as the voice of global, open and sustainable trade, both at international and local level. amfori Advocacy contributed to, amongst other things, the re-instatement of the GSP+ status of Sri Lanka, organised a European stakeholder forum on trade with the participation of the European Commissioner Cecilia Malmström and presented the business case for gender equality at the UN headquarters in Geneva.

New and strengthened partnerships at international and local level enriched amfori services in the reporting period, the key among them with Swiss non-profit, myclimate, for mitigating carbon emissions in the supply chain, the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals Programme (ZDHC), the German Partnership for Sustainable Textiles, the Chinese Belt and Road Industrial and Commercial Alliance (BRICA) and the EU Chamber of Commerce in China. In co-operation with the Thai Ministry of Commerce amfori launched a 12 month capacity building project for responsible recruitment practices supporting due diligence by small companies in global supply chains.

To match its ambition for inspiring action across the world and serve its growing global membership, in 2017-2018 amfori established its first office in Latin America, based in Argentina, opened one in Bangladesh and added to local teams in India and Greater China. A dedicated local networks report 2017-2018 presents the activities managed by amfori local representatives.

To access the full amfori annual report, click here.

For further information:
Virginia Mercouri, Media Relations Manager
Tel: + 32 (0)2 739 48 22, Mobile: + 32 489 095 044, e-mail: Virginia.Mercouri@amfori.org 

About amfori TwitterLinkedInYouTubeFlickr

amfori is the leading global business association for open and sustainable trade. We enable retailers, importers, brands and associations to enhance human prosperity, use natural resources responsibly and drive open trade globally. We call this Trade with Purpose.

Read the Report

Tweet me:.@amfori_intl launches 1st annual report, details how they embedded the #SDGs within their activities and have continued to increase their membership showing companies are more committed than ever to trading #sustainably http://bit.ly/2lDVIzw

KEYWORDS: Amfori, ReportAlert, Sustainable Trade


Brands Taking Stands | Businesses Square Off Against Government Policy

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SOURCE:3BL Forum

DESCRIPTION:

THE BIG STORY

Business Speaks Out—Again—on Immigration Policy

One of the hottest of hot button political-social issues got pushed, hard, last week. The separation of children from immigrants seeking asylum in the U.S. blew up into a major conflict zone in the larger culture wars that shows no signs of quieting down anytime soon. As before, following the issue of the “Muslim ban” immigration executive order issued in early 2017, business squared off against government policy in a high volume debate over values.
 
The tech industry took the lead. CEOs of Google, Facebook, Apple, Microsoft, Uber, Airbnb, Tesla, Cisco, and Reddit, among others, issued statements decrying the separation of families. With their workforces including mission-minded millennials and many immigrants, tech companies are particularly sensitive to issues of values (or the perceived lack of them) in public policy.
 
The administration’s “no tolerance” policy puts “something fundamental at stake: whether our nation’s policies will reflect values or run in direct contradiction to them,” Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia, in a statement typical of many.
 
Several business leaders evoked “values,” “standards,” and “ethics” in their statements. “A moral imperative,” said Lloyd Blankfein, chief executive of Goldman Sachs, calling for a halt to the policy.
 
Tech companies also face internal pushback from their own employees about accepting government contracts with terms that trouble employees. For example, Microsoft management received a request signed by more than 300 employees demanding that the company end its contract with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. “We believe that Microsoft must take an ethical stand, and put children and families above profits,” said the open letter, addressed to the chief executive, Satya Nadella. The company replied by pointing out that the $19.4 million dollar deal was not related to the “zero tolerance” policy but focused on basic data management.

Amazon employees protested that company’s sale of facial recognition technology to law enforcement agencies. And earlier this year, Google employees halted an AI project with the Pentagon to improve the accuracy of drones. The company has published a statement of “AI principles,” the first of which is “be socially beneficial.” Just now, more than 650 Salesforce employees have signed a petition asking their employer to end a contract with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).  

Several airlines joined in protesting the separation policy. American, Frontier, United, and Alaska Airlines said they would not cooperate with the administration’s “zero tolerance” policy by not transporting children taken from their parents. United CEO Oscar Munoz said: "Our company’s shared purpose is to connect people and unite the world. This policy and its impact on thousands of children is in deep conflict with that mission and we want no part of it."

Where will this increasing practice of brands taking stands go? As of this writing, the firestorm over immigration policies continues to rage, and will probably burn hot through this fall’s mid-term elections, so it is guaranteed to drive controversy and comment. What is certain is that pressure from customers, consumers, and the general public will require that companies to stake out positions on such social issues of great public importance. Speaking of the broader trend of companies looking beyond profits to their responsibilities towards other stakeholders, Airbnb’s Gebbia told FT: “I think maybe that’s becoming an expectation of companies in the 21st century.” 

I’d argue that it’s more than a trend—it’s a movement, and a large and growing one at that. A company’s statement of principles is becoming an important element of its reputation—and its market cap, as the investment sector is becoming aware of the practice. Look for as much focus on values as on valuation by public companies as the general public demands socially responsible behaviors from the companies they patronize and invest in.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Business Picks Up Where Government Leaves Off

Two iconic companies, one a legacy business and the other a tech industry newcomer, have taken up projects that used to be the purview of government. Ford has announced that it would fund the restoration of the once splendid but long abandoned Detroit train station. Once restored, the historic building would be the centerpiece of a new urban campus that will focus on the developing businesses that use self-driving cars, like ride-hailing services and delivery companies. And Space X, the rocket company of Tesla’s founder and CEO Elon Musk, has won a $130 million contract for an Air Force launch mission. Public transportation hubs and space vehicles used to be funded and managed by governments—city, state and national. With tight budgets and lacking leadership, the previous governmental “owners” of such large, public projects have been overtaken by private innovative industry.

Amazon, JPMorgan Chase and Berkshire Hathaway Choose CEO for Innovative Health Policy Initiative

A joint venture to reform health care practices has announced its first CEO, Dr. Atul Gawande, a noted medical personality. Gawande is a Harvard professor, active surgeon, and a staff writer for The New Yorker. The initiative by JPMorgan Chase, Amazon, and Berkshire Hathaway is aimed at lowering medical costs for the companies’ 1.2 million employees. While limited to their workforce, the partnership’s stated intention is to build out an example of a better system as an example for the larger US health care system, since government seems unable to produce one. “This work will take time but must be done,” Dr. Gawande said. “The system is broken, and better is possible.”

Women Score Record Gains in Board Seats in 2018

Corporate board seats are being filled by women at an increasing rate this year. In the first five months of 2018, new women board directors made up 31 percent—248 positions— of the total appointments made at 3,000 of the largest publicly traded companies, according to ISS Analytics. That puts this year on track to be a record for new female board members. Drivers include shareholder pressure. Large investors such as State Street Global Advisors and BlackRock are pushing companies to diversify their boards. Many investors point to correlations that several studies by McKinsey & Co. and other consulting firms and business schools have drawn between greater diversity and enhanced financial returns as reasons for demanding greater female representation on boards, reports WSJ.

C-SUITE COMMENTS

“Companies tend to steer clear of political issues that are not material to their business, but there comes a point in time when businesses need to take a stand with their communication and action.” — James Walker, VP, Ruder Finn

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Mark Shamley has been named Vice President, Global Social Impact, Tupperware Brands. He was previously president and CEO of the Association of Corporate Contributions Professionals. Shamley also served as Director, Global Corporate Citizenship, for Tupperware 2000-2006.

Want to receive this newsletter by email? Sign up here.

Continue the important conversations on corporate responsibility long after 3BL Forum with the Brands Taking Stands newsletter. Written by veteran journalist, John Howell, this newsletter is published every Wednesday morning.

Tweet me:Find out which businesses squared off against government #immigrationpolicy and why in the latest #BrandsTakingStands #newsletter http://bit.ly/2Mscm0l @3BLMedia #CSuite #thoughtleadership

KEYWORDS: immigration, 3bl Media, 3BL Forum, Brands Taking Stands

FCA Supports Education Through Inspired Teachers

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SOURCE:FCA US LLC

DESCRIPTION:

The future belongs to children: it is constantly being written and presents so many possibilities. Children dream of doing great things and a quality education can help them achieve their dreams by teaching them that they are capable of anything.  

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles launched the Rota do Saber program in Brazil with the aim to improve public education in schools by creating a network of collaboration between private companies and local governments.

Click here to learn more about this innovative program.

Tweet me:.@FiatChrysler_NA Supports Education Through Inspired Teachers http://bit.ly/2MkvAVW

KEYWORDS: FCA, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Rota do Saber, Brazil, Children, community, NYSE:FCAU

Collaborating Toward the Good Life: A Conversation with Keurig Green Mountain’s Monique Oxender

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

SUMMARY:

Erb Institute student, Lauren Baum sat down with Monique Oxender, CSO Keurig Green Mountain (and Erb Institute almuna) ahead of the Sustainable Brands Conference in Vancouver earlier this month to talk about collaboration, the circular economy and supply chain and what this means in terms of delivering the Good Life.

DESCRIPTION:

A self-proclaimed “complexity junkie,” Monique Oxender, Keurig Green Mountain’s Chief Sustainability Officer, doesn’t bat an eye at tackling big, complicated issues. From the future of coffee to the recyclability of Keurig’s pods, Oxender and her team have provided innovative solutions to complex issues across the value chain — all while embodying Keurig’s signature focus on collaboration.

Now, with a finger on the pulse of current trends and an eye toward the future, Oxender is leading the charge on circular economy thinking at Keurig, while focusing on building collaborations and pre-competitive partnerships that will help Keurig Green Mountain and its many stakeholders live the Good Life.

In anticipation of Oxender’s panel discussions at SB’18 Vancouver, we caught up with her to hear about the exciting value chain partnership and circular economy work brewing at Keurig Green Mountain.

How do you think about the interplay between collaboration and circular economy? What does that look like for Keurig Green Mountain?

The only way that you can make the circular economy a reality is to have all players within the value chain involved, ranging from design and concept all the way through to consumer and then end-of-use processors or new use manufacturers.

There’s a huge tie between circular economy and collaboration, and we’ve looked all across the value chain and identified who the key players, key influencers and innovators are in that space and then tried to match that with what we bring to the table to create new partnerships or join existing partnerships where we can both contribute and learn.

The theme of SB’18 Vancouver is the concept of the Good Life — incorporating principles of transparency and purpose into businesses. Why is collaboration important to Keurig’s own pursuit of the Good Life?

I think “good” is 100 percent defined and influenced by those surrounding you. It’s much less useful for any individual or organization to define “good” in a vacuum than it is to define it in terms of all those you impact and all those who impact you. When I think about defining what’s good for our company, for our consumers and for our stakeholders, you have to look at today and at the future. You need to look at where the company wants to go and needs to go in order to define what that path is going forward.

Before coming to Keurig, I had the opportunity to work at Ford for a long time. Ford had a futurist on staff, which I thought was amazing. What an incredible resource! We don’t have a futurist on staff at Keurig, so we all have to be a little bit of futurists ourselves, not only to watch what’s going on and the trends today, but also to anticipate those trends going forward. As much as we can’t define “good” in a vacuum, we also can’t define it in a static way. It’s constantly being redefined as we move into the future.

How has Keurig partnered with others to deliver on the Good Life?

When we think about partnerships, we have solutions for today and solutions for tomorrow. We have two solid examples of partnerships — investments, really — that we’ve made today so that we can deliver on this Good Life in the future. On the supply chain side in coffee, we collaborate with and support World Coffee Research. They are one of the few organizations working for the good of the coffee farmer, with open-source research and an open-source knowledge base. They’ve put technology directly into the hands of the farmer to be better able to handle and prepare for climate change impacts. That’s been a fabulous collaboration.

On the other end of the spectrum, there’s the question of what happens on the other side of the product as it’s leaving the consumer’s hand. There’s a picture of waste management today that looks very different from what it’s going to look like in the future. There’s a great need for investment in that space as well, anticipating both consumer and manufacturing trends. So, we’re investing in the Closed Loop Fund, to look at infrastructure investments for today and innovation for tomorrow.

Those are great examples that showcase how Keurig is working to deliver the Good LIfe on either end of the value chain. What about the space in between — at the employee level, for example?

There’s an important space in the middle with our own people and operations. Celebrating day-to-day and quarterly wins internally has been incredibly powerful to help our employees see the impact of what their individual actions are contributing to.

One of the ways we bring it to life for them is employee source trips, taking anywhere from 60 to 70 employees a year to coffee-growing regions around the world. This helps them make that connection with the fundamental purpose of their roles. Through these trips, they’re able to understand the bigger picture of the lives they’re touching around the world. This is one of the most powerful tools we have for bringing the Good Life to bear for us.

Why and how did Keurig get involved with circular economy thinking? What is the end goal?

I think that before “circular economy” was a term, we had projects that related to the concept, but they were just that: projects. Over the last five to six years, we’ve pulled back the curtain on recycling and asked, what’s really happening today, how is it happening, and what are the challenges, limitations and opportunities here?

These questions are what led to the deep thinking and decision to operate in different ways within our company. Doing this led us down the path of seeing the entire value for the whole recycling and waste disposal industry and understanding the drivers — both behavioral and economic.

If you don’t understand the economics of material flows, you’re really just doing projects. Asking the right questions helped us understand what it meant to think about our business in terms of circular economy and how to help embed circularity for the materials that we’re using today, as well as for the materials we’d like to use in the future.

What attracts you to this work? What keeps you motivated?

I’m a complexity junkie. That’s what I loved about working at Ford. I did supply chain work at Ford, where the supply chain is massive and there is tons of complexity. That’s what attracted me to Keurig as well. At Keurig, it was an opportunity to work in the agricultural space and also on the manufacturing side, both from a food manufacturing and appliance manufacturing point of view. There are lots of different moving pieces! I love the multiple facets and trying to put those puzzle pieces together in terms of strategies and solutions that move the bar.

Speaking of moving the bar, what other companies and brands are doing a good job of incorporating the Good Life principles into their business practices? What companies do you admire?

I want to give a callout to all the B2B companies in this space. A lot of times, I think we just keep circulating the same brand names and the same Fortune 50 companies. But the reality is, more and more B2B companies are wanting to get ahead.

I look at our own supply chain and the collaboration between Falcon, a coffee importer; and Great Lakes Coffee, a coffee exporter out of Uganda, who together have done such a fabulous job at driving for transparency and purpose — the Good Life — in their work in that supply chain for coffee, a space where there was not a lot of transparency. I feel like we don’t give enough airtime or credit to these amazing B2B companies for the incredible work that they’re doing and the inspiration they provide.

This article was originally shared on the Sustainable Brands website on June 5, 2018.

Tweet me:READ: How does @Keurig use collaboration to implement #innovative #supplychain solutions? http://bit.ly/2ltxuIs @erbinstitute #circulareconomy

KEYWORDS: Monique Oxender, Keurig, green mountain, university of michigan, Erb Institute, sustainable brands, Innovation, SB’18 Vancouver, supply chain

 

IFF Launches New Environmental Goals With Ambitious Science-Based Targets

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SOURCE:International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.

DESCRIPTION:

NEW YORK, June 27, 2018 /3BL Media/ - International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (NYSE:IFF) (Euronext Paris:IFF), a leading innovator of sensory experiences that move the world, today launched new environmental goals focused on emission reductions, zero waste to landfill and water stewardship. The initiatives are known collectively as “EcoEffective+.”

“After surpassing three of our four 2020 environmental targets, I am proud to say that EcoEffective+ will take us to 2025 and beyond,” said Andreas Fibig, IFF Chairman and CEO. “We developed these goals by reviewing what is essential to IFF, our stakeholders, and most importantly, the planet.” Mr. Fibig continued, “We have an unyielding commitment to the Earth and I believe that excellent environmental stewardship is both good business and absolutely the right thing to do.”

The EcoEffective+ goals focus on the following areas:

Emission Reductions

  • The Company set an industry-leading emissions target, approved by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi). The SBTi independently assesses and approves companies’ targets to help determine a pathway for reducing companies’ emissions in line with the Paris Climate Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
  • By 2025, IFF will strive to reduce absolute GHG emissions by 30% and encourage suppliers to set their own science-based reduction targets and report annual emissions. 1
  • The Company will strive to procure 75% of its electricity portfolio from renewable sources as part of its pledge to RE100 by 2025.

Zero Waste to Landfill

  • In line with its sustainability strategy rooted in circular economy principles, IFF is committed to eliminating the concept of waste in its operations.
  • In 2017, the Company achieved the industry’s first GreenCircle Zero Waste to Landfill certification at its South Brunswick, NJ, USA facility.
  • Looking ahead, IFF will seek to achieve Zero Waste to Landfill status at all major manufacturing facilities by 2025. 2

Water Stewardship

  • Since 2010, the Company has reduced its water use intensity by approximately 68%, surpassing its 2020 target of 50%.
  • IFF will further reduce its fresh water consumption by using recycled water for more than half of its non-product operations. In addition, it will drive multi-stakeholder collaboration for water stewardship in targeted communities where they source & operate.
  • Andreas Fibig signed the CEO Water Mandate confirming IFF’s commitment to advance water stewardship in partnership with the United Nations, governments, peers, civil society, and others.

“Based on our success in achieving our previous targets, I’m confident that our Green Teams around the world are well-equipped to take on this new challenge,” said Francisco Fortanet, IFF EVP Operations. “EcoEffective+ is the next step for IFF to further embed sustainability principles, not only at the operational level but at the core of our organization.”

For more information on sustainability at IFF, visit iff.com/sustain.

1For the science-based target above, emissions include both Scope 1 and 2 emissions from a 2015 baseline and IFF’s targeted suppliers reflect 70% of IFF’s supply chain emissions.

2A major facility is defined as a site that generates over 100 metric tons of waste annually.

Consistent with best practices and applicable reporting framework guidelines, the Company’s targets and baselines are based on current operations and may be adjusted to reflect material changes to the business, including the acquisition of Frutarom.

# # #

Meet IFF

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (NYSE:IFF) (Euronext Paris: IFF) is a leading innovator of sensorial experiences that move the world. At the heart of our company, we are fueled by a sense of discovery, constantly asking “what if?”. That passion for exploration drives us to co-create unique products that consumers taste, smell, or feel in fine fragrances and beauty, detergents and household goods, as well as beloved foods and beverages. Our 7,300 team members globally take advantage of leading consumer insights, research and development, creative expertise, and customer intimacy to develop differentiated offerings for consumer products. Learn more at www.iff.com, Twitter , Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
Michael DeVeau, 212-708-7164
VP, Corporate Strategy, Investor Relations & Communications
Michael.DeVeau@iff.com

Tweet me:IFF proudly launched new environmental goals focused on waste emissions, zero waste to landfill and water stewardship, known collectively as EcoEffective+. http://bit.ly/2IwoUBu

KEYWORDS: NYSE:IFF, International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., IFF, Science-Based Targets, experence green zero waste, water, emission reductions, sustainability

JetBlue’s Soar with Reading Initiative to Provide 100,000 Free Books to Children in San Francisco and Oakland Area Book Deserts

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SOURCE:JetBlue Airways

SUMMARY:

-- JetBlue Invites Customers, Crewmembers and the Local Community to #BookWithUs by Voting for an Additional JetBlue City to Win $25,000 Worth of Books and a Reading Room Makeover for a Local Community Organization --

-- Soar with Reading Welcomes Celebrity Ambassadors, TV Personalities and Dancers/Choreographers Stephen "tWitch" Boss and Allison Holker, Along With ‘Fun Jungle’ Series Author Stu Gibbs --

DESCRIPTION:

NEW YORK, June 27, 2018 /3BL Media/ – JetBlue (Nasdaq: JBLU) today launched its eighth annual Soar with Reading initiative, which provides free books to children who need them most. This summer, Soar with Reading lands in San Francisco and Oakland, Calif. This award-winning literacy initiative tackles the issue of “book deserts,” areas with limited access to age-appropriate books. Since 2011, JetBlue has donated nearly $3 million worth of books to children in areas of need.

JetBlue and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing are bringing books to children in the Bay Area through five custom vending machines which will distribute 100,000 books starting today through August 31, 2018, free of charge. To commemorate this year’s initiative, San Francisco Mayor Mark Farrell and Supervisor Jane Kim recognized June 27, 2018 as “Soar with Reading Day.”

The vending machines, powered by Innovative Vending Solutions, will be restocked every two weeks with new titles. Children and families are welcome to visit the book vending machines as often as they would like and can take as many books as they’d like. Local partner organizations include B Magic, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco, San Francisco Public Library, Mission Neighborhood Centers, Oakland Public Library and City of Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development, with vending machines located at:

  • San Francisco Public Library Main Branch| 100 Larkin St., San Francisco, CA 94102
  • Bayview/Linda Brooks-Burton Branch Library| 5075 Third St., San Francisco, CA 94124
  • Columbia Park Clubhouse| 450 Guerrero St., San Francisco, CA 94110
  • East Oakland Sports Center| 9161 Edes Ave., Oakland, CA 94603
  • Willie Keyes Recreation Center| 3131 Union St., Oakland, CA 94608

“I am pleased that JetBlue is bringing their innovative Soar with Reading program to San Francisco this summer to foster our children’s love of reading and help their imaginations take flight,” said San Francisco Mayor Mark Farrell. “Our residents spoke, as San Francisco beat out three other metropolises in a national online voting competition to receive this honor. Access to books is key to learning, and that is what Soar with Reading is helping to provide. The vending machines will provide free books all summer-long, and I encourage all San Francisco families to take advantage of this exciting program.”

“Oakland is proud to partner with JetBlue’s Soar with Reading Initiative to bring free books to all our residents and young readers. Children who once had limited access to age-appropriate books now have a free program designed to give them equitable access to books to read, learn, and expand their intellectual horizon,” said Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf.

This is the fourth year JetBlue has funded this innovative book vending machine program as part of its Soar with Reading initiative. The vending machines will include books in English, Spanish and Chinese (at select locations, upon request) to provide parents from a range of backgrounds the opportunity to read aloud and along with their children. Research shows that greater adult support for reading enhances children’s opportunities to learn.

“Soar with Reading encourages a life-long love of reading in children and allows families to build new traditions around reading,” said Icema Gibbs, director of corporate social responsibility, JetBlue. “Children can start their personal libraries by visiting the vending machines and collecting new books throughout the summer. Providing access to books opens children’s imaginations and empowers them to envision new places.”

“We are excited to partner with JetBlue to bring 100,000 free books to children in the Bay Area this summer through the Soar with Reading program,” said Jon Anderson, president and publisher of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. “The vending machines are filled with award-winning and bestselling titles by authors such as Jason Reynolds, Hena Khan, Stu Gibbs and Elena Delle Donne, and we hope these books will appeal to a diverse group of readers and serve as a foundation for building personal libraries in homes across San Francisco.”

#BookWithUs

This summer, JetBlue invites customers, crewmembers and the community to #BookWithUs and take their city’s reading adventures to new heights by voting for their favorite JetBlue city to win $25,000 in children’s books. This winning city will also receive a “reading room makeover” for a local community organization decorated by celebrity interior designer Tyler Wisler. Additionally, three runner-up cities will receive $5,000 worth of books. Voting is open at SoarwithReading.com.

Soar with Reading Ambassadors

To celebrate the this year’s Soar with Reading initiative, TV personalities and dancers/choreographers Stephen "tWitch" Boss and Allison Holker, along with author of the “Fun Jungle” series - Stu Gibbs, joined JetBlue, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, and officials from San Francisco and Oakland, Calif. on June 27, 2018 at an event at the San Francisco Public Library Main Branch to reveal the book vending machines. Onsite young residents were able to select their first free books. tWitch, Allison Holker, Stu Gibbs and other Simon& Schuster authors will support the program throughout the summer by encouraging customers and community members to #BookWithUs for another JetBlue city to win $25,000 in children’s books.

JetBlue For Good - Soar with Reading is a signature program of JetBlue For Good®, the airline’s platform for social impact and corporate responsibility. As the program continues to grow, JetBlue is working to ensure that the books in the vending machines represent the communities where the machines will be placed. The selection of books in the machines will be changed out every two weeks so kids can come back and grab new books all summer long.

The SoarwithReading.com experience includes an experiential website which offers free downloadable resources for families, interactive reading lists, games, advice for keeping kids engaged in reading all summer long and more. Passport booklets filled with activities will also be distributed at JetBlue terminals across the U.S. and throughout the Caribbean and Latin America in July and August to encourage summer reading.

Giving back is part of JetBlue’s DNA and is core to its mission of inspiring humanity. Centered around volunteerism and service, JetBlue For Good focuses on the areas that are most important to the airline’s customers and crewmembers - community, youth/education and the environment. Combining JetBlue’s corporate efforts with its customers’ and crewmembers’ passions, the common theme is Good – JetBlue For Good. Join the #JetBlueForGood conversation on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, check for regular updates and get involved.

About JetBlue

JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline®, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood, Los Angeles (Long Beach), Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue carries more than 40 million customers a year to 102 cities in the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America with an average of 1,000 daily flights. For more information please visit www.jetblue.com.

About Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing

Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, one of the leading children’s book publishers in the world, comprises the following imprints: Aladdin, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Beach Lane Books, Libros para niños, Little Simon®, Margaret K. McElderry Books, Paula Wiseman Books, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Simon Pulse, and Simon Spotlight®. While maintaining an extensive award-winning backlist, the division continues to publish acclaimed and bestselling books for children of all ages. Simon & Schuster publishes numerous Caldecott, Newbery, and National Book Award winners. For more information about Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.

About Innovative Vending Solution

Innovative Vending Solutions specializes in non-traditional vending and automated retail systems.  IVS has been marketing and providing its systems to major brands, marketing agencies, sports franchises, non-profits and individuals since 2008.  Their machines are custom manufactured, configured, and tested to meet the specific needs of each of their clients, whether a regional brand or a fortune 500 company.  IVS machines are equipped with cutting edge, user-friendly technology and can be customized to fit any location, brand or event.  For more information, visit www.innovativevendingsolutions.com

Tweet me:.@JetBlue’s Soar with Reading initiative to provide 100,000 free books to children in #SanFrancisco and #Oakland area book deserts http://bit.ly/2tHYjMt

Contact Info:

JetBlue Corporate Communications
+1 (718) 709-3089
corpcomm@jetblue.com

Lisa Moraleda
Director of Publicity, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing
+1 (212) 698-7087
lisa.moraleda@simonandschuster.com

KEYWORDS: NASDAQ:JBLU, Jetblue, soar with reading, Simon & Schuster, san francisco, Oakland, Book deserts, book vending machines, B Magic, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco, San Francisco Public Library, Mission Neighborhood Centers, Oakland Public Library, City of Oakland Parks Recreation & Youth Development

  

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