ECONOMY

Corporate Responsibility

Benefits Beyond Affordability: U.S. Universities Expand Free Tuition Programs

As freshman classes at colleges in the United States decline, a slew of schools are adding or expanding free tuition programs for the coming school year. Experts say the benefits of free tuition extend past making college more affordable.

Riya Anne Polcastro

January 24, 2025

Corporate Responsibility

Impact Professionals Share Their Predictions for Brand Purpose in 2025

Members of the Purpose Collaborative, a network of more than 40 social impact-focused firms, share their predictions for social impact, brand purpose and sustainability in 2025. While skepticism and political pushback present real hurdles, they identify key opportunities to connect with stakeholders.

Carol Cone and Kristin Kenney

January 16, 2025

Corporate Responsibility

DEI Has a Role to Play in the U.S. Manufacturing Sector

There's tremendous need for manufacturing workers in the United States. Leaders like Karla Trotman, the CEO of Pennsylvania-based Electro Soft, say diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are essential to addressing that need and the future of the sector at large.

Gary E. Frank

January 16, 2025

Finance

Brands Taking Stands

While Los Angeles Burns, Judge Says It's Illegal for Investors to Consider Climate Risk

Even as the wreckage of the California fires unfolds before our eyes, a string of worrying litigation aims to block private companies from measuring and managing climate risk.

Mary Mazzoni

January 15, 2025

Finance

How Philanthropists Can Help Keep the Climate Movement on Track

Philanthropy can have an outsized impact on pushing forward change. Despite uncertainty about the future of federal action on climate change, philanthropists continue to fund climate action, and public sentiment seems to be behind them.

Amy Brown

January 6, 2025

Finance

This Bank Was Founded to Combat Climate Change, and It’s Growing Fast

In 2021, Climate First Bank launched as an alternative to the large financial institutions pumping trillions of dollars into the fossil fuel industry. Now, it has more than $850 million in assets. CEO Ken LaRoe attributes the rapid growth to its mission to center people, the planet and profit.

Gary E. Frank

December 19, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Equipping Gen Z for Green Jobs in Building Operations

Green job postings are growing faster than the number of workers who have the skills to fill them. Recognizing that need, Autodesk and the job training nonprofit Stacks and Joules created a training program for green building operator careers that looks to recruit young people who are often overlooked in the field.

Amy Brown

December 17, 2024

Finance

Who Funded Over 200,000 Affordable Housing Units and Small Businesses Last Year?

Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) have leveraged billions of dollars for investment in communities that are underserved by mainstream financial institutions. They focus on offering affordable financial services, loans for entrepreneurs, investments in affordable housing, and backing for development projects that create jobs.

Gary E. Frank

December 13, 2024

Finance

These Behavioral Science Strategies Can Help Financial Providers Bridge the Racial Wealth Gap

Simple interventions based in behavioral science can help to close the racial wealth gap by establishing trust with underserved customers. In a series of experiments, Kahini Shah and Shaye-Ann Hopkins of Duke University aimed to see if interventions proven to work in healthcare could also help more people engage with financial products.

Kahini Shah and Shaye-Ann Hopkins

December 12, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Undermining Progress: Human Rights and the Low-Carbon Transition

Zero Waste Mining: Creating Opportunities From a Billion-Ton Problem

Mines produce an enormous amount of waste, some of which is highly toxic. But researchers and mine waste management companies say zero waste mining could become a reality, and it would be in the best economic interests of mining companies.

Andrew Kaminsky

December 10, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

As More Companies Disclose Their Impact on Nature, Transparency Can Drive Progress

Nature-related disclosures are becoming more common among companies in a variety of sectors around the world, but a new report shows there is still room — and need — for companies to better assess, disclose, and address their impacts on nature. Experts say continuing to increase transparency and reporting can drive necessary behavior change.

Amy Brown

December 9, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Why Companies Should Center Worker Voices in the Age of AI

The COVID-19 pandemic turned traditional business conventions on their head, and research shows sticking to equitable, employee-centered strategies as the workplace returns to normalcy strengthens companies' bottom lines. Businesses can learn from that experience as they look to integrate AI into daily work.

Riya Anne Polcastro

December 3, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Smarter Supply Chains: How AI and Bluetooth Stickers are Revolutionizing Logistics

The logistics-focused tech startup Wiliot wants to help products in supply chains "talk." Using Bluetooth stickers that collect data and artificial intelligence, businesses can get a detailed view of a product's journey and recommendations on how to improve their supply chains.

Abha Malpani Naismith

December 2, 2024

Finance

Brands Taking Stands

From Climate Finance to the 'Most Important Policy Documents' of the Century: An Update from COP29

At the United Nations' annual climate conference (COP29), delegates are challenged to adopt a new climate finance target and submit what one leader calls "the most important policy documents of this century."

Mary Mazzoni

November 20, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

When It Comes to Climate Action, the U.S. Construction Industry Is Still In

The construction industry provides a good example of the potential for U.S. businesses to continue making significant progress on climate action. Key stakeholders are working with innovators to tackle one of the most notorious global greenhouse gas emitters, the production of concrete.

Tina Casey

November 20, 2024

Finance

There's a Simple Solution for the Big Discrepancies in the World Bank’s Climate Finance Claims

An Oxfam International audit of the World Bank's climate financing found that the money the bank claims it disbursed could be off by as much as $41.3 billion. Experts say more detailed bookeeping could make all the difference.

Riya Anne Polcastro

November 12, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Sustainability Reporting: How Private Companies Can Leapfrog Their Listed Competitors

Private companies in the European Union might be tempted to put off sustainability reporting as an unnecessary burden for now, as it's not mandatory until 2026. But there are business benefits to starting early beyond effective compliance.

Sarah Walkley

November 7, 2024

Finance

Building Climate and Financial Resilience in Cities: A Dual Imperative

Climate change is challenging cities' financial resilience, and the impact is often overlooked. Sustainable Capital Advisors created a three-step framework to help them manage climate-related financial risks and seize opportunities for sustainable growth during a historic moment in climate funding. 

Trenton Allen and Matina Granieri

October 31, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Climate Resilience Takes Center Stage As Climate Impacts Intensify

Climate resilience — the ability to prepare for, recover from and adapt to the intensifying impacts of climate change — is gaining traction with governments and businesses, but to keep up with the escalating frequency and severity of extreme weather, the pace has to accelerate.

Joyce Coffee

October 25, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Why Incremental Change is Everything When It Comes to Sustainability for Fashion Brands

Sally Tarbit, director of the branding and communications agency The Team, shares three simple steps for fashion companies to start making a meaningful, sustainable difference.

Sally Tarbit

October 21, 2024

Alternative Economies

Renewables Are Expanding on Indigenous Lands, Co-Ownership Offers a Solution

Renewable energy co-ownership agreements between Indigenous communities and developers are on the rise. A new report looks at global examples to assess the benefits, gauge the risks, and provide guidance on how to ensure these partnerships can thrive.

Andrew Kaminsky

October 21, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Sustainability Communicators Warned to Avoid ‘Implied Benefits’ to Stay Clear of Greenwashing Allegations

The fundamentals of advertising and marketing that were taught in university classrooms for decades are flawed and could result in a lawsuit in today’s era of greenwashing, says veteran sustainability communications counselor Suzanne Shelton.

Dave Armon

October 18, 2024

Alternative Economies

Undermining Progress: Human Rights and the Low-Carbon Transition

How Co-Ownership Built a Strong Relationship Between an Indigenous Community and a Mining Company

Co-ownership could be a responsible mining solution to ensure communities can actually influence company decisions that affect them. Right now, it's very rare. But a partnership between the Tahltan Central Government and Skeena Resources shows it's possible.

Andrew Kaminsky

October 8, 2024

Finance

How Funding Open Source Data Can Help Save the Ocean and Mitigate Climate Change

Nonprofits are working together to provide the data and research needed to progress ocean protection efforts for free. These projects take a long time to complete, which tends to make them less attractive to funders. But philanthropists are catching on.

John Amos

October 7, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

6 Reasons Companies Greenhush (And Why You Shouldn’t)

Greenhushing, the practice of companies staying silent about their sustainability efforts and progress, has gained traction as a surefire tactic to avoid greenwashing accusations. But keeping mum could present just as much risk for both companies and the planet.

Julia Lyon

September 26, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Hollywood Shares Sustainability Communications Tips During Climate Week

In the growing field of sustainability communications, where getting it right can yield improved reputation and market share, those working for film studios and television networks are eager to mentor those outside the entertainment sector to think bigger.

Dave Armon

September 26, 2024

Finance

The Program Building Women's Economic Power Through Entrepreneurship

The Catalyzing Women’s Entrepreneurship program addresses the challenges women entrepreneurs face, particularly access to capital and training, to help raise their incomes and close economic opportunity gender gaps.

Rasha Rehman

September 24, 2024

Finance

Can a Global Forest Network Equip Carbon Markets to Work for Our Planet?

Unless satellites are calibrated by the same measurements in forests all over the world, carbon markets can't measure carbon with the accuracy the world needs. A coalition of scientists is working on a solution.

Joshua Tewksbury

September 17, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Older Employees Could Be the Answer to Tech's Workforce Problem

Despite layoffs at major tech companies attracting media attention, the demand for entry-level tech talent is steadily growing, and employers are coming up short. Challenging the perception that older employees will struggle to work with technology could help fill the gaps.

Gary E. Frank

September 12, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

These Companies Respect Their Employees' Right to Organize

The U.S. minimum wage hasn't increased in 15 years, and labor organizing is reaching new peaks across the nation, with more than 450,000 workers going on strike last year. Many companies oppose unionization by default, but not all employers take this approach.

Mary Mazzoni

September 4, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Support for California’s Climate Disclosure Rules Remains Strong Despite Push for Delay

The California State Legislature has until the end of the month to decide whether to delay a pair of climate disclosure bills that require companies to report greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related financial risks: SB 253 and 261. Experts and businesses say the delay is unnecessary.

Riya Anne Polcastro

August 27, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Corporate Climate Targets Are a Mess. Could Tracking 'Spheres of Influence' Help?

New research proposes a new, more expansive way to look at companies’ contribution to global net-zero.

Joseph Winters

August 23, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Harnessing AI for Corporate Sustainability Requires Precautions

Sustainability professionals are using artificial intelligence (AI) to help with tasks like improving energy efficiency and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, but others are concerned it will do more harm than good for their company's sustainability. There's a lot to consider, but with the right precautions, AI could be a benefit.

Riya Anne Polcastro

August 22, 2024

Finance

Brands Taking Stands

Two Years Later: What's the Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act?

It's been two years since the Inflation Reduction Act, which experts call the largest climate investment in United States history, was signed into law. New research points to the positive impact of the legislation, while public resources can help more individuals and small businesses benefit.

Tina Casey

August 21, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Companies Remain Committed to Net Zero, So How Can They Reach Their Goals?

About 90 percent of 200 of the world’s largest public companies are maintaining or accelerating their net zero commitments, according to a PwC survey. A few challenges are slowing progress toward these goals, but the obstacles are surmountable with the right plan in place.

Gary E. Frank

August 1, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

ESG: Illegal Collusion or Just Good Business Sense?

Some U.S. legislators moved to restrict companies from measuring and managing environmental, social and governance (ESG) risk, but research shows these policies are unpopular with voters and harming financial returns.

Mary Mazzoni

July 31, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

Companies Risk Losing Customers and Employees as They Move Away From DEI

Research shows that recent high-profile moves away from diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs don't align with public opinion on the matter, putting companies at risk of losing customers and employees.

Tina Casey

July 31, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Staples Wants Your Back-To-School Shopping Trip to Include Recycling

Most school supplies are difficult to recycle and can't be placed in curbside bins. This back-to-school season, Staples is making it easier to recycle mixed material items like backpacks, crayons and calculators by expanding its in-store recycling program.

Riya Anne Polcastro

July 26, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

Low Profile, High Impact: New Life for At-Risk Auto Plants

The U.S. Department of Energy just announced $1.7 billion in grants for 11 projects transforming derelict automotive plants into facilities capable of taking part in the electric vehicle supply chain.

Tina Casey

July 24, 2024

Finance

New Investment Fund Helps Social Impact Businesses in Underserved Communities Grow

Traditional financing options don't meet the needs of most small businesses. Momentus Capital is taking a new approach with a $171 million Equitable Prosperity Fund that offers funding to growing businesses in underserved communities without asking founders to give up equity or ownership.

Rasha Rehman

July 22, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

On-The-Job Training and Internships Help Close the Green Skills Gap at DSD Renewables

A shortage of employees with green skills, a variety of abilities needed to develop a sustainable economy, is limiting the growth of the renewable energy industry. DSD Renewables is leading on-the-job training and internship programs to increase the number of qualified candidates.

Riya Anne Polcastro

July 19, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

Seeing is Believing: What Project 2025 Means for Business

The 922-page document known as Project 2025 has existed online for months. So, why is everyone talking about it now, and what could it mean for business?

Tina Casey

July 17, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Ceres' New Guidance Shows Leaders How to Build a Climate Plan Step-By-Step

When it comes to building a climate transition plan, many companies don’t know where to start, are overwhelmed or fear they'll do it wrong. Ceres' new report walks through the different aspects of creating or evaluating a plan so companies can manage the risks and opportunities presented by climate change.

Andrew Kaminsky

July 15, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

Elections, Plastics, Gun Safety and More: Trending Brand Stories of 2024

As we pass the midway point of the year, we're taking a look back at some of the stories our readers clicked most from our weekly Brands Taking Stands newsletter, which covers the latest in corporate and consumer activism.

Mary Mazzoni

July 10, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

Pulling Back on DEI is Not That Simple

The retailer Tractor Supply recently dropped all diversity, equity and inclusion programs along with its decarbonization goals. The move may appease some critics, but it exposes the company to competition from other retailers that are seeking a share of the growing rural market.

Tina Casey

July 10, 2024

Finance

Undermining Progress: Human Rights and the Low-Carbon Transition

Closing the Loopholes Mining Giants Use to Avoid Taxes

To avoid paying higher tax rates, multinational mining companies use strategies like shifting profits from the country of extraction to a low-tax country, doing an injustice to the countries and communities relying on that tax revenue. Several organizations are working to close these loopholes.

Andrew Kaminsky

July 8, 2024

Alternative Economies

Brands Taking Stands

These Companies Embrace Independence With Employee Ownership

Employee-owned companies paid out more than $175 billion to their teams in 2021. As the U.S. lights up our fireworks and lets our flags fly for the 4th of July holiday, we're saluting just a few of the companies that took a chance on independence and reaped the rewards.

Mary Mazzoni

July 3, 2024

Alternative Economies

Could a New Approach to Linking Executive Pay and Climate Goals be a Game Changer?

Hewlett Packard Enterprise is linking executive pay to carbon emission reduction goals, particularly those outside of the company's direct operations. Its choice to have executives create their own plans and goals seems to be paying off.

Riya Anne Polcastro

July 2, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

Consumers Want To Hear More From Companies About Sustainability, Study Finds

Among U.S. consumers, 69% agree businesses should communicate more about sustainability and social impact, according to new research from TriplePundit. That includes 75% of Gen Z and 74% of millennials who want to hear more.

Mary Mazzoni

June 26, 2024

Finance

Mandatory Climate-Related Disclosures Usher in a New Era of Transparency

Seventy-six percent of employees and 71 percent of consumers think it’s important for companies to disclose their environmental impact, and more than two-thirds want businesses to disclose their climate-related risks, according to PwC’s 2024 Trust Survey.

Kevin O’Connell

June 21, 2024

Finance

iDE Tackles Poverty in Rural Communities with Women-Founded Startups

The international nonprofit brings together women in less developed countries with female venture capitalists to create income opportunities in rural communities and empower entrepreneurs to address local issues.

Rasha Rehman

June 11, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

Skyscrapers Can Make a Statement About Sustainable Design

The world's fixation on taller and taller buildings raises many questions about the misuse of materials and energy resources. But with new technologies, architects and developers can use skyscrapers to make a meaningful contribution to the energy transition.

Tina Casey

June 5, 2024

Finance

Brands Taking Stands

This CEO Wants to Turn Prison Risk Into a Universal Financial Metric

We've heard of fossil fuel-free investments, but what about prison-free portfolios? This type of values-based investing lens may soon be more common in the U.S. market thanks to a newly launched "decarceration index." 

Mary Mazzoni

May 29, 2024

Finance

Brands Taking Stands

What the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Really Means For Communities

With grant financing set to be delivered this summer, we're taking a closer look at how the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund will translate into a domino effect of green infrastructure in communities facing outsized impact from climate change and pollution.

Mary Mazzoni

May 22, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

Support for the Anti-ESG Movement Is Dwindling, But Uncertainty Looms Ahead of Election Day

With signs the news cycle — and the general public — are moving, can business leaders and financial professionals finally put the anti-ESG movement in the rear-view mirror?

Tina Casey

May 22, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

From Honest to Just: How Coca-Cola’s Fumble with Honest Tea Turned Into an Unexpected Gift

Seth Goldman, founder of the Honest Tea brand that was purchased (and then discontinued) by Coca-Cola, reflects on blessings in disguise and his new organic and Fair Trade tea line, Just Ice Tea.

Seth Goldman

May 22, 2024

Sponsored

Force for Good: Giving Back to Communities Nationwide

Building Love and Belonging into Employee Resource Groups

Many employees feel excluded at work. Employee resource groups (ERGs) can help, if they are truly grounded in inclusion principles and employee empowerment. The associate director of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging at Subaru of America explains how they work for the company.

Ashley Estes

May 22, 2024

Finance

Just Futures Offers Sustainable 401(k) Options for Nonprofit Workers

Nonprofit workers often have to rely on 401(k) retirement plans that invest their money in assets that don't align with their values. Just Futures gives them alternative investment options by screening companies for complicity in climate change, weapons manufacturing, employment discrimination, and more.

Nicole Froio

May 16, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

Anti-ESG Fever Shows Signs of Bending, Not Breaking (Yet)

The anti-ESG movement is still running strong, but some state legislators already have second thoughts as the consequences of anti-ESG laws come into view.

Tina Casey

May 1, 2024

Finance

The World Bank Can’t Move Forward Without a Thorough Investigation Into the Bridge Academies Cover-Up

The World Bank Group's spring meetings centered on its priority to become a bigger, faster bank with more money to do its work. But to maintain trust, the bank must ensure the investigation into child abuse at the Bridge International Academies it funded in Kenya is conducted transparently.

Stephanie Amoako

April 29, 2024

Finance

Turning Captured Carbon Into Valuable Products Can Benefit the Environment and Economy

Thanks to new technology, captured carbon dioxide can be transformed into valuable products for carbon-intensive industries in a way that creates jobs, supports local economies and mitigates climate change.

William Lese

April 18, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

Do Boycotts Work? Two Years On, Brand Exits From Russia Are Having an Impact

Hundreds of leading brands and other companies stopped doing business in Russia after its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Two years later, it's having a demonstrable impact on Russia's financial ability to wage war, but crucial government action is still missing.

Tina Casey

April 17, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

Third-Party Verification Labels Can Guide Sustainable Shopping, If Consumers Know About Them

Third-party verification labels can help consumers shop their values, but only if people know what these labels mean and why they should look for them on the products they buy.

Mary Mazzoni

April 17, 2024

Finance

Brands Taking Stands

'Awesome, Historic, Momentous.' U.S. EPA Distributes $20 Billion for Climate Justice: Now the Work Begins

"Important, groundbreaking and transformational" are just some of the ways advocates describe the EPA funding for clean technology investments in underserved communities. Now, the hard work begins.

Mary Mazzoni

April 10, 2024

Finance

Brands Taking Stands

The New U.S. 'Green Bank' is Part of a Great American Tradition

The green bank formula is rooted in public initiatives that transformed parts of the U.S. Southeast from deep poverty in the early 20th century to the economic powerhouse of today.

Tina Casey

April 10, 2024

Finance

Brands Taking Stands

People Want Their 401(k) Plans to Align With Their Values, Survey Finds

Most financial professionals likely assume a strong return is all everyday investors are looking for as they save for their retirement. But even in a tough economy, a growing segment of global investors are equally concerned about aligning their money with their personal values, according to new research. 

Mary Mazzoni

April 3, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

Beware the Silent Boycott, Lest It Get Loud

A silent boycott is taking shape against the high-profile automaker Tesla — offering an opportunity to explore why automakers that promote their environmental profile also need to attend to the social aspect of ESG (environmental, social and governance) principles.

Tina Casey

April 3, 2024

Sponsored

The One Home, One Planet U.S. Event Inspires Action for Ikea and Purpose-Driven Leaders

Ikea Sources Bright Sustainability Ideas From Stakeholders at the One Home, One Planet U.S. Event

Ikea recently brought leaders together to envision a better and more sustainable future, with an eye toward ideas the company can implement to improve impact on people and the planet.

Rasha Rehman

April 2, 2024

Finance

What Is Proxy Voting, And How Do I Do It?

If you own stock — even if you purchased a few shares on a mobile app years ago — you likely get emails every spring reminding you: "It's time to vote!" But many individual investors don't know what proxy voting is, why it matters or how to do it.

Mary Mazzoni

March 29, 2024

Alternative Economies

Is a 'No-Buy Month' as Challenging as It Sounds?

A challenge dubbed the "no-buy month" has gained traction on social media as a way to try out spending less and, more recently, reducing your environmental impact. But how realistic is it?

Riya Anne Polcastro

March 28, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

SEC Climate Disclosure Rule: Let the Lawsuits (and the Decarbonization) Begin

At least two lawsuits were already filed to block the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's climate disclosure rule that was published this month. Meanwhile, a $6 billion program to decarbonize energy-intensive industries is forging ahead regardless.

Tina Casey

March 27, 2024

Finance

Investors Are Pushing More Big Brands to Disclose and Reduce Plastic Use

Shareholder advocacy groups have already extracted plastics-related concessions from major companies ahead of proxy season — including the likes of Disney, Hormel and Choice Hotels.

Joseph Winters

March 25, 2024