ECONOMY

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

Climate Action and the Case for Voter Engagement

Now that communities in many parts of the U.S. are feeling the impacts of climate change firsthand, voting rights supporters have a new opportunity to engage voters and encourage them to choose leadership on climate action.

Tina Casey

March 20, 2024

Finance

Brands Taking Stands

Clean Technology Investment Continues to Set Records, Despite Some Blips

High-profile setbacks in the U.S. wind industry and lower-than-expected electric vehicle sales colored the headlines last fall, but it's clear that these were minor hitches in an otherwise strong year for cleantech investment. 

Tina Casey

March 13, 2024

Finance

How 1,200 Refugees in Ethiopia Are Becoming Business Owners

The Delivering Resilient Enterprises and Market Systems (DREAMS) program provides seed funding, business training and support to help refugees in Uganda and Ethiopia start their own businesses.

Gary E. Frank

March 12, 2024

Finance

The SEC Climate Disclosure Rule is Public: Here’s What Companies Need To Do Now

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) finalized its long-awaited climate disclosure rule this week. Joe Sczurko of the leading consultancy WSP USA shares five ways company leadership can prepare now.

Joe Sczurko

March 8, 2024

Finance

The Investment Tech Helping Financial Institutions on the Front Lines of Economic Justice

CNote is an investment technology platform connecting investors with community development financial institutions (CDFIs) that provide services to underserved communities. 

Michelle Erdenesanaa

March 7, 2024

Finance

Brands Taking Stands

Do Your Investments Support the U.S. Prison System? It Will Soon Be Easier to Find Out

When most people think about companies profiting from the U.S. criminal justice system, private prisons are likely the first thing that comes to mind, but that's only the tip of the iceberg.

Mary Mazzoni

March 6, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Why Corporate Sustainability Goals Fail (And What Leaders Can Do About It)

New research pinpoints exactly what's keeping business leaders from reaching their sustainability goals. We spoke with Robert G. Eccles, founding chairman of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and co-author of the report, to learn more.

Mary Riddle

March 5, 2024

Sponsored

Why Smart Leaders Care What Consumers Think About Brand ESG

The Sustainability Advantage: How Brands Can Boost Revenue By Empowering Consumers

Mike Johnston, data product leader at the research technology firm Glow, which recently released the Size Of Prize report in partnership with TriplePundit, makes the case that businesses are squandering potential profits by not fully embracing sustainability.

Mike Johnston

February 29, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

Sustainable Brands Are Worth $44 Billion to U.S. Consumers, New Study Finds

About a quarter of U.S. consumers stopped doing business with a brand in 2023 because of its social or environmental behavior. And that's only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the value of sustainability for brands, new TriplePundit research shows.

Mary Mazzoni

February 28, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Ikea Proves Increased Revenue and Sustainability Go Hand-In-Hand

The largest Ikea franchisee, Ingka Group, reduced its supply chain emissions by 24 percent while simultaneously increasing its revenue by 31 percent. We asked the chief sustainability officer how they did it.

Mary Riddle

February 22, 2024

Finance

Brands Taking Stands

The U.S. EPA is Set to Distribute $27 Billion to Underserved Communities. Will It Reach Them?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set to distribute up to $27 billion through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund in March. But will it really reach the low-income communities it's intended for?

Mary Mazzoni

February 21, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

DEI is Building Up and Branching Out

Human resources departments are confronted by a wide range of choices when evaluating DEI programs and the impact they have on employees and the company. A combination of data and human insights can point leaders in the right direction.

Tina Casey

February 21, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

This Tool Helps Brands Measure the Impact of Their Investments in Black Communities

Many brands will mark Black History Month by announcing new investments aimed at supporting Black communities. But how will they measure the results? This tool can help, but few financial companies actually use it. 

Mary Mazzoni

February 7, 2024

Sponsored

Force for Good: Giving Back to Communities Nationwide

Bridging the Gap Between Donations and Meaningful Connections

Subaru has donated millions of dollars to local and national nonprofits across the U.S., and its community commitment manager says one lesson stands out most: Businesses cannot make a genuine impact on behalf of a community without building a meaningful connection first.

Nick Saraceni

February 6, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Greenhushing at Work: Why 70% of Companies Are Hiding Their Climate Goals

More companies are staying mum about their progress, a practice known as "greenhushing." But despite pushback against environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles in the U.S., American companies remain far more vocal than their global peers, new research shows.

Kate Yoder

January 26, 2024

Finance

Brands Taking Stands

ESG Investing Will Have A Good Year In 2024, Despite Turmoil In The U.S.

Critics have raised plenty of opposition to investments made through the lens of environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, but most of that energy has gone to waste. The only clear losers appear to be the very people that anti-ESG legislation ostensibly aims to protect.

Tina Casey

January 24, 2024

Sponsored

Carbon and Beyond: The ESG and Sustainability Trends Shaping Business Today

With Harmonized Sustainability Reporting Requirements On the Horizon, Companies Must Prepare Now or Be Left Scrambling

Global sustainability reporting is finally on the brink of unifying around a set of disclosures. This is great news for business leaders who are choking on the alphabet soup of sustainability reporting standards, but preparing to meet the new requirements is still a challenge.

Amy Brown

January 16, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

What CEOs Are Saying About AI Heading Into 2024

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has organizations grappling to keep pace. The training and employment consultancy nonprofit Per Scholas surveyed C-suite leaders to get a sense of what's on their minds when it comes to AI and how they plan to upskill for 2024 and beyond.

Abha Malpani Naismith

January 9, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

Undermining Progress: Human Rights and the Low-Carbon Transition

What Happened in Panama? How Transparency Measures Can Fight Corruption in Mining

In November, thousands of Panamanians took the streets to protest a copper mining contract. Their story is one of many unfolding around the world, in which corporate and government corruption make way for mining projects that harm the public good. Measures like the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative can help.

Andrew Kaminsky

January 8, 2024

Corporate Responsibility

How Estée Lauder Blew Past Its Supplier Diversity Goals

For companies that are falling short of their supplier diversity goals, it can be illuminating to look at how a business like Estée Lauder Companies — which owns brands like Estée Lauder, Aveda, Clinique and Smashbox — approached the challenge, exceeded its goals and continues to raise the bar.

Amy Brown

December 14, 2023

Finance

The $17 Billion Price Tag on Sustainability in the Financial Sector

A record number of customers are switching financial providers because of sustainability, to the tune of $17 billion last year. Find out how much money companies in other sectors are leaving on the table in our Size of Prize report.

Mary Mazzoni

December 13, 2023

Finance

Entrepreneurs of Color Are Less Likely to Turn a Profit. Understanding Why Could Boost the Economy.

In the U.S., entrepreneurs of color are significantly less likely to end their business profitably. Many end up losing money. This is not only devastating for business owners, but it also contributes to the racial wealth gap.

Amy Brown

December 8, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

Less Talking, More Doing: This $700M Climate Laboratory Shows ESG is Alive and Well

The New York Climate Exchange is a powerful example of how businesses can take meaningful action on climate change, regardless of political headwinds.

Tina Casey

December 6, 2023

Finance

Undermining Progress: Human Rights and the Low-Carbon Transition

The Role of Development Banks in Mining Projects, and How Communities Can Hold Them Accountable

Development banks can offer an avenue for communities impacted by mining projects to seek justice. We take a closer look as part of "Undermining Progress," a solutions journalism series focused on human rights and environmental concerns tied to mining for the low-carbon energy transition.

Andrew Kaminsky

December 4, 2023

Sponsored

Impact Through Action: Integrating ESG into a Business

Companies Can Do More to Help Everyday People Reduce Emissions

The first Global Stocktake report warns time is rapidly running out to limit global heating. The report called on countries to empower behavior changes like sustainable diets and decreased food waste to drive impact, and companies can do more to inspire their customers to get involved.

Ellen Jackowski

November 30, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Empowering Consumers for a Sustainable Future: Overcoming Barriers and Building Trust

Through transparency, affordability and a commitment to sustainability, businesses can engender the trust of consumers and empower them to make conscious choices for a better future.

Liu Wei

November 27, 2023

Alternative Economies

Embracing Planetary Boundaries is the Secret to Business Success

From rolling rivers to honeybees, the ecosystem services nature provides are crucial to business success, but many businesses fail to account for them. By doing business with planetary boundaries in mind, companies can fortify their economic resilience and outpace their peers.

Marcial Vargas-Gonzalez

November 22, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

REI Brings the Outdoors Into New Building Design

Outdoor recreation retailer REI used its mission to "get folks outside" as a guiding factor to address worker well-being and environmental impact when designing its new distribution center in Lebanon, Tennessee.

Riya Anne Polcastro

November 16, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

How Businesses Can Protect Human Rights as They Transition to Clean Energy

Despite their best intentions, many companies still encounter human rights risks within the renewable energy market. As they look to improve supplier visibility and third-party risk management, these five considerations can help guide the way.

Dean Alms

November 9, 2023

Finance

Brands Taking Stands

Inflation Reduction Act Sparks a Clean Energy Boom in the U.S.

The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 set off a flood of multi-megawatt commercial clean energy projects, with provisions to support energy-efficiency improvements among small business, too.

Tina Casey

October 25, 2023

Sponsored

Carbon and Beyond: The ESG and Sustainability Trends Shaping Business Today

Climate Change: How Collaboration Can Transform Ambition Into Action

Everyone can see and feel the effects of climate change, so the need to prioritize pledges like reaching net-zero is imperative. Businesses can leverage collaboration with a wide variety of stakeholders to achieve better and faster results, and those that do are finding success.

Terry E. Cohen

October 24, 2023

Alternative Economies

We Thought These Things Would Create a More Equitable Economy: What Happened?

From the sharing economy and the rise of stakeholder capitalism, to the push toward degrowth led by movements like Occupy Wall Street, we had a lot of ideas for how to improve the economy in the 2010s.

Mary Mazzoni

October 20, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Want a Better Company Culture? Make More Space for DEI

Making the time for DEI within the regular workday is one of the most effective solutions to truly change company culture, experts say.

Amy Brown

October 19, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Transparency, Accountability, Commitment: Three Non-Negotiables for Responsible Business

Executives are faced with a tremendous obligation — to employees, communities and shareholders — and an unparalleled opportunity. These essential philosophies can help chart the path forward.

Torod B. Neptune

October 12, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Evidence-Based Pathways for Business to Support the SDGs

The Global Private-Sector Stocktake takes a first-of-its-kind look at business impact on the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, with tangible action items and resources that companies can consider to drive progress on the road to 2030.

Mary Riddle

October 5, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Innovating Across the Aisle Solves Social Issues

America Forward is helping social entrepreneurs and policymakers find common ground and shape legislation that encourages innovative, effective and equitable solutions.

Gary E. Frank

September 25, 2023

Finance

Climate-Smart Agriculture Starved for Cash Despite Outsized Impact on Global Warming

Food production generates a third of greenhouse gas emissions, but spending to reengineer farming practices has yet to reach the levels needed to slow global warming, experts said at the Concordia Summit in New York City this week.

Dave Armon

September 21, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

California's Climate Risk Disclosure Rules Are the Talk of Climate Week

World leaders, business executives and activists are back in New York City for Climate Week and the United Nations General Assembly — and everybody's talking about California. 

Mary Mazzoni

September 20, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Moving Beyond Targets: The Time is Now for Climate Transition Action Plans

Climate transition action plans have emerged as a leading framework for companies to reduce climate-related risks and maximize opportunities.

Steven Clarke

September 18, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

The Chocolate Industry Has A Lot of Problems. Could Direct Sourcing Help Brands Solve Them?

Some chocolate companies are returning to the field and finding ways to source cacao directly, with real benefits for farmers.

Nithin Coca

September 14, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

U.S. Construction Industry Steps Up the Pace on ESG, Without Saying 'ESG'

The U.S. construction industry provides a good example of how bottom-line interests continue to support ESG, regardless of what words are used. 

Tina Casey

September 13, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

We Asked Americans What They Think About the Term “ESG.” Their Answers Were Eye-Opening

Despite the pushback, new research finds that most Americans prefer the term "ESG" to describe corporate commitments to society and the environment.

Carol Cone

September 12, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Could Boost Climate Action

Due to their holistic approach to leadership and understanding of climate risks, women in entrepreneurial positions have a key role to play in climate resiliency and adaptation, says Lizz Welch, CEO of the nonprofit International Development Enterprises (iDE).

Riya Anne Polcastro

September 11, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

ESG at a Crossroads: Down, But Not Out

With the 2023 proxy season in the rear-view mirror, financial analysts noted a sharp decline in shareholder support for ESG (environmental, social and governance) proposals. However, anti-ESG proposals also failed to stick, and signs of an ESG resurgence are already beginning to emerge.

Tina Casey

September 6, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

This Solar Company Tackles Climate Change with Second-Chance Hiring

When a professor teaching at a state prison heard about the huge barriers to employment his students face when re-entering society, he left his teaching position to start a solar company focused on second-chance hiring.

Michelle Erdenesanaa

September 1, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

Despite Pushback, Evidence Suggests the Global Sanctions Against Russia Are Working

Countries around the world moved to sanction Russia after it invaded Ukraine, while thousands of businesses exited the country. Is it having an impact?

Tina Casey

August 30, 2023

Finance

Loan Program Rewards Regenerative Agriculture, Sets Example for Other Lenders

The new Regenerative Agricultural Financing loan program is rewarding farmers who protect the topsoil and use fertilizers responsibly. And its success — coupled with farmers' enthusiasm — points to a promising new path for both lenders and borrowers that could potentially be replicated in other industries.

Riya Anne Polcastro

August 24, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

SAP Leverages Its Massive Network to Uplift Diverse Startup Founders

While the company doesn't fund startups directly, its SAP.iO Foundries initiative arguably offers something even better. The program gives startups an opportunity to integrate within SAP’s technology ecosystem and develop relationships with the company’s vast network of customers, partners and employees. 

Mary Mazzoni

August 23, 2023

Finance

Singapore Leads Green Finance and Helps Other Countries Follow Suit

To meet global climate goals, the developing and emerging economies most vulnerable to climate change will need to see massive increases in clean energy investment. Singapore is leveraging green finance plans to help itself and the rest of Southeast Asia meet their climate change commitments.

Michelle Erdenesanaa

August 22, 2023

Sponsored

Board Ready: Governance for Responsible Leadership in ESG

HP Puts a Big Bet On Sustainable Impact As a Competitive Edge

HP was one of the first in the tech industry to publicly report how its sustainability investments directly resulted in more sales.

Amy Brown

August 21, 2023

Finance

Brands Taking Stands

Busting Myths About ESG and Sustainable Investing

"Anti-ESG" rhetoric on political campaign trails and cable news breeds misinformation and creates misunderstanding about the use of environmental, social and governance factors in business. This week we're breaking down some of the most common myths we see out there about ESG and what it means for businesses and investors.

Mary Mazzoni

August 16, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

Skilled Trades Are in Demand: So, Why Aren't More Young People Getting Into Them?

The $50 million Lowe's Foundation Gable Grants program, launched in March, aims to channel 50,000 people into skilled building trades over the next five years with two-year grants for workforce training programs.

Mary Mazzoni

August 9, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

Inflation Reduction Act Sparks Clean Energy Manufacturing Boom, But Where are the Workers?

The Inflation Reduction Act created nearly 150,000 new clean energy jobs in just a year, according to estimates. Many of those jobs are in manufacturing, but a looming shortage of skilled factory workers presents a challenge. To stay ahead, companies must embrace (and appeal to) an increasingly diverse workforce.

Tina Casey

August 9, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Uzbekistan’s Journey to Better Cotton Production Continues

Uzbekistan's cotton sector has a dark history with forced labor. After decades of international, corporate and citizen pressure to reform its labor laws, the country has made real progress — and a new partnership with the Better Cotton Initiative continues to advance its cotton farming practices.

Michelle Erdenesanaa

August 8, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

There is No Singular Solution for DEI Cuts: So, Now What?

Budget cuts and layoffs hit diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs hard. But future repercussions will likely bring regret when companies that focused on immediate cuts to the bottom line instead of valuing diverse, inclusive environments suffer less creativity, innovation and ability to attract and retain top talent. So, what can be done?

Riya Anne Polcastro

August 7, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

How Employers Can Help Workers Transition to Their True Selves

Transitioning in the workplace comes with a whole host of challenges. For those who do so, a supportive environment is key, and employers and allies alike can help ease the process by creating a safe environment. 

Riya Anne Polcastro

July 27, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

What to Expect From the SEC’s Climate Disclosure Rule

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is expected to release its long-awaited climate disclosure rule this fall, and businesses are preparing for change. Emily Pierce, chief global policy officer at the carbon accounting firm Persefoni and a former SEC lawyer involved in developing the proposed rule, shares what to expect.

Mary Riddle

July 25, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

Companies That Stay in Russia Ignore Warning Signs at Their Own Risk

Hundreds of global businesses quickly cut ties with Russia after it invaded Ukraine last year. Now, some of those that stayed are beginning to risk the consequences of inaction. Their experience underscores the importance of consistent corporate values in the face of threats to global stability.

Tina Casey

July 19, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

How Supporting Gender Equality in the Workplace Supports Us All

Women and people who identify beyond the gender binary are systematically denied agency in the workplace — as in, the opportunity to make decisions, take purposeful action and pursue goals. Understanding this challenge better can help employers take action.

Leslie Abbey and Miriam Warren

July 17, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

This Free Audi Program Gives Auto Technicians the Skills to Work on Electric Vehicles

To meet the growing demand for automotive technicians who can work on electric vehicles, the Audi Education Partnership uses virtual and in-person training to quickly provide students with the necessary skills. Not only is the program free, but students actually get paid while they learn.

Phil Covington

July 11, 2023

Finance

Red and Blue States Are Hit Equally By Climate, Labor Woes, Says Investment Banker

Amid climate change denial and cries of “go woke, go broke” from the extreme right, at least one large U.S. investment bank has identified bipartisan support for sustainability investments that are likely to yield big returns without political drama. 

Dave Armon

July 7, 2023

Sponsored

What the World Can Learn From New Zealand About Sustainable Agriculture

Learning from New Zealand's Animal Welfare System: How a Farmer-Led Approach Pushes Industry Commitments Forward

Dr. Will Halliday, senior advisor for biosecurity and animal welfare at the farmer-owned industry organization Beef + Lamb New Zealand, talks about the importance of prioritizing animal welfare and the factors that drive New Zealand's world-leading system.

Rasha Rehman

July 6, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Workplace Weight Discrimination is an Overlooked, Critical Aspect of DEI

Weight discrimination is a common but under-identified aspect of workplace inequity that is finally getting some attention as organizations look to embrace a more holistic definition of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Addressing the problem isn’t just the right thing to do, experts say — it is a fundamental aspect of social justice.

Amy Brown

July 3, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

How Companies Can Break Down Barriers and Empower LGBTQ+ Employees

The workplace isn't always the most welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ employees, but companies have the power to do something about it. We spoke with two out and proud leaders about their insights and advice for organizations looking to make their cultures and workplaces more inclusive.

Mary Mazzoni

June 28, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands

Renewable Energy Investing Gathers Steam as Anti-ESG Movement Falters

Renewable energy crossed partisan boundaries decades ago when red and blue states shared in the hydropower boom of the mid-20th century. More recently, some state officials have tried to push the clean power genie back in the bottle, but investors just can’t resist the opportunities.

Tina Casey

June 28, 2023

Finance

This Company Wants to Rebuild Trust in Carbon Offsets

Despite skepticism, Aspiration argues carbon offsets are a necessary part of the path to net-zero and trust in the carbon credit market can be rebuilt with patience, global standards and learning from the past.

Amy Brown

June 22, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Why Are Corporate Climate Disclosures Important, and How Can Investors Put the Pressure On?

The annual Non-Disclosure Campaign engages investors to request climate disclosures from top companies. We sat down with Sebastian O’Connor, an associate director at CDP whose team runs the Non-Disclosure Campaign, to learn more about why corporate disclosures matter and what stakeholders can do.

Mary Riddle

June 20, 2023

Sponsored

Board Ready: Governance for Responsible Leadership in ESG

A Net-Zero Value Chain is the Next Frontier in Ørsted’s ESG Journey

Ørsted moved from fossil fuels to renewable energy in 2010 and has since gone from being one of the most coal-dependent companies in Europe to transitioning its portfolio almost entirely to renewables. The story of how that happened is curious and informative.

Amy Brown

June 15, 2023

Sponsored

Building a Better Tomorrow, Today

Americans Are Facing a Gap in Racial and Generational Wealth. Northwestern Mutual is Working to Help Close It.

From investing in communities of color and ensuring programs and processes are equitable for clients and employees alike, companies like leading financial services company Northwestern Mutual are working to drive sustainable change on the racial wealth gap.

3p Editors

June 14, 2023

Finance

Brands Taking Stands

What Are Anti-ESG Funds, and Should Sustainable Investors Be Worried?

We've read plenty about the burgeoning "anti-ESG" movement, led primarily by a small set of right-wing politicians and pundits. But have you heard of "anti-ESG" investment funds? Yes, such an animal exists, and a Morningstar analysis published last week offers a closer look.

Mary Mazzoni

June 14, 2023

Corporate Responsibility

Why It Makes Sense for Companies to Scale Back Unrealistic Net-Zero Targets

With growing evidence that nearly all companies will miss their net-zero targets unless they double emissions-reduction rates, some companies are biting the bullet and revising their targets. But is that necessarily a bad thing?

Amy Brown

June 9, 2023

Finance

The Carrot or the Stick: Which Inspires Business to Be More Sustainable?

TriplePundit spoke with Dr. Steven Cohen, a professor of public affairs at Columbia University and author of the new book "Environmentally Sustainable Growth," about how the profit motive can catalyze forward motion on sustainability where shame and guilt have failed.

Riya Anne Polcastro

May 25, 2023