Tag: 3BL

GRI in North America is excited to announce open opportunities for individuals in the region to contribute to the continued success of the world’s most widely used standards for sustainability reporting – the GRI Standards.

Open Call for Members to Join the Global Sustainability Standards Board

An open call is extended to individuals of high integrity with relevant professional experience to apply for membership on the Global Sustainability Standards Board, which is responsible for developing and issuing the GRI Standards. The GSSB works exclusively in the public interest according to the vision and mission of GRI and includes a wide range of expertise and international representation, providing multi-stakeholder perspectives on sustainability reporting.

While all applications will be considered, there are specific vacancies for members with a focus on business and investment institutions. All appointments are on a voluntary basis for a three-year term, starting from 1 January 2024. Find out more about the remit, expectations, responsibilities, constituencies, and time commitment, as well as details of the nomination and selection process, and how to apply.

The nomination period for applications is open until November 3rd, 2023 (05.59 pm EST).

Open Call for Members to Join the Stakeholder Council

The Stakeholder Council is the formal stakeholder forum within the GRI governance structure and advises the Board on strategic issues. The Council’s key governance functions include supporting the Supervisory Board and Management Board with regard to elevating sustainability reporting practices worldwide to a level equivalent to financial reporting in terms of comparability, verifiability, timeliness and generally accepted practices; and promoting international harmonization, to enhance effective decision-making. The members represent core constituencies in GRI’s network: Business, Civil Society Organization, Investment Institution, Labor, and Mediating Institution. Stakeholders interested in participating are encouraged to submit their interest here.

The call for nominations to the Stakeholder Council is open until October 25th, 2023.

Economic Impact Working Group Recruitment Underway

On September 19th GRI announced the commencement of the recruitment of working group members interested in participating in the revision of the Economic Impact Standard. Stakeholders from all constituencies with experience in assessing the impact of organizations on the economy as well as in sustainability reporting are welcome to participate in this opportunity.

The project will be implemented in three phases, and the recruitment is focused on convening technical experts who would like to join our Project Working Group for Phase 1 (GRI 201: Economic Performance) and 2 (GRI 205: Anti-corruption; GRI 206: Anti-competitive Behavior and GRI 415: Public Policy) of the Topic Standard Project for Economic Impact.

If you would like to be considered for a place in the working group, please send your resume and a completed application form to: economicimpact@globalreporting.org. Information on the project can be found on the project webpage.

Nominations for the Working Group are being accepted until October 19th, 2023.

Gen Blog | Community

By Kim Allman, Head of Corporate Responsibility and Public Policy

Erin Gallegos is no stranger to social impact. She supported English education in a rural village in Thailand as a Peace Corps Volunteer and then led part of an anti-corruption education project supported by the United Nations Development Program. She joined AVG, which is now part of the Gen family of consumer Cyber Safety brands, in 2016 in an internal communications role and before she began her current role as Corporate Responsibility Manager at Gen, based in the Czech Republic, she led programs that focused on equity and inclusion, employee engagement, and philanthropy at the former Avast Foundation.

I recently spoke with Erin about social impact at Gen in the Czech Republic.

KA: I want to start by asking what drew you towards and has kept you working in corporate responsibility?

EG: Well, I’m interested in systems and communities. Our field is constantly evolving, which is also very compelling. Today, there’s a greater focus on how companies can both do well and do good, and that increases the potential to make a positive impact in partnership with the communities and NGOs tackling challenging societal problems day in and day out.

KA: How does social impact typically manifest for employees in the Czech Republic? 

EG: While people have individual preferences and interests, our Czech employees are united in two things: they care about community impact and efficiency, and they rightfully challenge our team to make sure we’re working in ways that create meaningful impact.

People seem especially keen on volunteering. I’m always pleasantly surprised to learn that many of my colleagues volunteer their time outside of work or make recurring donations to nonprofits they care about. I’m focusing on connecting what resonates with them with what we offer as a company to make a bigger impact.

KA: Are there any social impact highlights from the Czech Republic sites you’d like to mention? 

EG: Recently, a few of our employees participated in summer camps and summer IT schools for kids organized by our strategic partner, Czechitas. They acted as judges at student competitions and taught lectures, as well. I’m consistently impressed with how many of our employees work directly in the community to share their knowledge.

KA: I’m curious if there are unique perspectives you’ve gained or things you’ve learned by working in social impact in the Czech Republic specifically. 

EG: I’m still learning about this sector overall and in the Czech Republic specifically. I have experienced two large-scale social upheavals while living here—COVID and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In both, what I observed in Czech society at large, as well as in the Gen community, was the immediate sense of solidarity. People see a need, and no one has to ask them to fill it. They just act.

KA: Finally, when you look back at your work in social impact, are there projects you’re especially proud of, or moments that still stick with you? 

EG: I’m always proud of the work that centers on young people. We have numerous Cyber Safety education programs that help prepare youth for the challenges and opportunities of a fully connected future – partnerships with Discovery Education, World Association of Girl Guides and Girls Scouts, Save the Children India and more. I’m also proud of our work with Global Fund for Children and Moonshot Platform to support young people who are making change.

We’re excited to have Erin on the Gen Corporate Responsibility Team and welcome her as a new contributor to the Gen Impact Blog. Check back on the blog soon for her insights leading product donation and for the new targeted product donation pilot program she is running in partnership with TechSoup.

Dr. Charles Owubah leads Action Against Hunger USA’s executive team in providing leadership and strategic direction.

Leaders are often called on to respond to urgent needs, from issues arising in day-to-day operations to emergencies ranging from the Covid-19 pandemic to natural disasters. While it’s undeniably vital work, we must do more to recognize and prioritize prevention.

What: Prevention As A Paradigm

Preventative measures can have a truly transformative impact by addressing social challenges before they become crises. By investing in prevention, we can reduce suffering, increase well-being and create sustainable change.

Read more here: The Power Of Prevention (forbes.com).

STEYR® Traktoren, a brand of CNH Industrial, demonstrated its intent to bring Konzept technologies to market by unveiling the Hybrid Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) tractor at a recent press event in Austria in September, making strides since the concept’s first introduction at Agrictechnica 2019.

Based on the STEYR 6175 Impuls CVT platform, the Hybrid CVT incorporates many of the features shown previously on the Konzept tractor and on the Hybrid Drivetrain Konzept. However, while they were development concepts, the Hybrid CVT is a fully-operational tractor that is close to production-ready.

With the STEYR Hybrid CVT tractor, key principles of the STEYR Konzept and Hybrid Drivetrain Konzept are drawn together into a close to production-ready machine. The machine allows for higher power in a lighter package and for 41 percent faster maneuvering at low engine speeds and a 15 percent reduction in fuel use.

Additionally, the Hybrid CVT introduces electric drive, which brings benefits for operators, owners, and the environment alike. With E-Steering, E-Boost, supercapacitor technology, E-Torque Vectoring, E-Torque Filling, E-Braking, and E-Eco Mode – the machine facilitates greater turning and traction efficiency, encourages more precise workrates/output, allows for effective energy storage, and is an innovative, environmentally conscious farming option. Electric tractors are essential to a sustainable future for farming.

“It was always our intention to move progressively from concept to reality with the Konzept innovations we have developed, and with the STEYR Hybrid CVT I think we have made clear our intention to break new ground with innovative technology and integration on a tractor that will provide customers with greater efficiency, productivity and driving experience,” says Christian Huber, Managing Director CNH Austria and Vice President Global Tractor Product Management.

This new innovative piece of machinery demonstrates not only CNH Industrial’s commitment to technological innovation, but to the environment for future generations of farmers.

With COP 28 around the corner, and following the publication of the first set of standards from the International Sustainability Standards Board and the final European Sustainability Reporting Standards, the focus on ESG has intensified. On October 11th, join the Financial Times and Workiva for a free webinar exploring the evolution of stakeholder demands and the regulatory landscape, how companies are reorganizing internally to meet compliance requirements, and more.

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Originally published in Enbridge’s 2022 Sustainability Report

As part of a longstanding partnership, Enbridge is helping a conservation organization and research team explore artificial reefs’ potential to sequester carbon 

How did you first get involved with RGV (Rio Grande Valley) Reef?

It started with my love of fishing in the Rio Grande Valley; that’s how I first got involved in conservation in this area. The reef initiative began in 2017, when we created a 1,650-acre artificial reef to help boost biodiversity in the Gulf. A $250,000 Enbridge Fueling Futures grant was vital to our ability to create this enormous structure, which includes intentionally sunken vessels and a huge number of cinderblocks. (In other words, there was heavy lifting.) That grant was the beginning of what’s turned out to be a very strong partnership. Over the past six years, RGV Reef has attracted millions of fish to the area—and even drawn some endangered sea turtles.

What’s the current focus of the work around RGV Reef? 

Researchers from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), led by Dr. Richard Kline, are carrying out a marine study to learn even more about the difference this structure is making ecologically. This is the largest artificial reef in Texas, and the idea is to understand two very important potential impacts of the reef structure: how this resource, and resources like it, restores and enhances biodiversity, and the potential for the organisms that make up this biodiversity to trap carbon. Quantifying the number of species on and around the reef structure will tell us just how successful this structure is from a biodiversity standpoint. Further, the world’s oceans store more carbon than any other area on Earth, but until now, artificial reefs and the carbon sequestration potential of the encrusting organisms attracted to them have not been extensively studied.

How is the research being conducted? 

The UTRGV team is using a range of approaches. They take physical samples and also use multiple sonar-based measurements to quantify the biomass at the site. Ultimately, the idea is to develop a precise estimate of its weight—and how much of that weight is composed of stored carbon. The work involves a lot of advanced equipment and analysis, so it takes resources. We’re grateful that Enbridge has stayed right by our side in this latest phase of the project, providing an additional $250,000 Enbridge Fueling Futures grant. The fact that Pete Sheffield, Enbridge’s Chief Sustainability Officer, joined us at the research kickoff event says a lot about the Company’s engagement with the work we’re doing.

Why is the work important? What are its implications? 

Quantifying the success of the RGV Reef from a biodiversity standpoint is critical to supporting further development of the reef in an area of the Gulf that has seen a significant drop in various species of fish over the years. Quantifying the biodiversity success of this structure will also inform other artificial reef efforts around the world. Further, if the research reveals that marine habitats seeded by humans can be effective in sequestering carbon, those findings may point to an important strategy for reducing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Because the project is examining distinct segments of RGV Reef, which includes various shapes and structures across roughly 2.5 square miles of the Gulf floor, it may also yield insights for people in other coastal areas seeking to construct future artificial reefs. The study may tell us which configurations are most supportive of marine life. Any nation that has a coastline may be able to build artificial reefs that could help in the climate battle, while at the same time restoring precious habitat and bringing back fish and other marine habitats around the world. That’s why this research is so important.

We’re pleased to continue our partnership with Friends of RGV Reef, supporting work that is enhancing biodiversity and marine life in the Gulf while at the same time exploring the possible climate benefits associated with the reef.

Pete Sheffield, Chief Sustainability Officer and Vice President, External Affairs U.S., Enbridge

Learn more: 
Friends of RGV Reef
Offshore carbon capture study in Texas

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Read the full MetLife 2022 Sustainability Report

Our Approach

As one of the world’s leading financial services companies, MetLife plays an important role in communities. All MetLife regions, lines of business and colleagues contribute to community engagement and outreach, including through volunteerism and pro bono work. Throughout the company, executives and senior leaders engage in and encourage community work via organizational volunteer goals. MetLife Foundation helps connect MetLife colleagues with nonprofits and opportunities to make a difference.

Priorities

MetLife’s 2030 DEI Commitments include pledges of 800,000 employee volunteer hours with a focus on supporting historically marginalized individuals and their families, and $150 million from MetLife Foundation to support underserved and underrepresented communities. To advance these commitments, MetLife Foundation launched a multi-pronged strategy to drive inclusive economic mobility by addressing the needs of such communities around the world. MetLife Foundation grants align with the UN SDGs and across three strategic giving portfolios:

ECONOMIC INCLUSIONInvests in efforts that support upskilling and reskilling of young people and adults to be competitive in a digital and new economy and earn family-sustaining wages. FINANCIAL HEALTHSupports efforts focused on building financial resiliency through the enablement of budget management, savings, access to credit and public/ private benefits. RESILIENT COMMUNITIESInvests in efforts that open up access to physical and mental well-being resources and help build a more resilient planet. 

FINANCIAL HEALTH

Inclusive Fintech 50 (IF50) is a global competition that identifies early-stage fintechs driving financial inclusion and resilience. Since 2019, the IF50 competition has attracted 1,343 eligible applicants, who are addressing limitations in financial services delivery for low-income and underserved customers. These emerging fintechs operate in over 237 countries, reach over 338 million customers, and have raised over $3.4 billion. 

Village Capital1 —ADAPT: Social Innovation for a More Resilient Future ADAPT identifies startups that help communities and individuals respond to global challenges impacted by climate change, healthcare, wellness and economic mobility and that provide solutions that fundamentally shape and strengthen social resilience. 

Women’s World Banking (WWB) brings gender intentionality to expand financial and economic inclusion in India through training and support for 5,000 women agents who will provide access to financial services to an estimated 2 million rural lowincome women. It also opens access to affordable credit to nano- and micro-entrepreneur women. 

Aspen Institute Financial Security Program’s Benefits21 convenes experts from the public and private sectors to close benefit gaps and to reimagine benefits in the U.S. for the 21st-century workforce. The impact of the initiative produces tools and insights, convenes policymakers and financial security leaders, and promotes policy innovation toward modern benefits for all workers. 

Economic Inclusion

Generation: You Employed MetLife Foundation is partnering with global employment nonprofit Generation to improve inclusion in entry-level tech sector roles through original research that will deepen our understanding of barriers to entry in tech hiring and provide practical steps that employers, policymakers and others can take to increase equity in the tech hiring process.

NPower is a national nonprofit working to create pathways to economic prosperity by launching educational training and support programs leading to digital careers for military veterans and young adults from underserved communities. The organization provides tech skills training to 2,100+ young people and military veterans annually, and 81% of program graduates are placed in high-quality jobs or continue their education. 

RESILIENT COMMUNITIES

ASHOKA Through promoting public awareness and institutional change, Ashoka aims to create a new narrative on aging populations focused on “new longevity”—a concept of becoming a lifelong contributor by leading healthy and purposeful lives as we age.

Vision To Learn delivers mobile vision clinics to screen 800,000 K-12 students and will provide glasses to over 170,000 students over the next two school years. Glasses are custom made and fit for the students within about three weeks of the exam and warrantied for one year. 

1. An accelerator program supported by MetLife Foundation to identify early-stage innovative solutions for financial health.

Taco Bell Blog

National Hispanic/Latin Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15, is dedicated to showcasing the brilliant Hispanic/Latin culture. These grand celebrations include art exhibitions, music performances, parades, street fairs and more!

The observation started on September 15, 1968 as a weeklong celebration and expanded in 1988 to a monthlong commemoration. But why September 15? This date is the anniversary of the independence days shared by Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, also falling close to Mexico and Chile’s independence days on September 16 and September 18.

To honor this momentous month, we’re spotlighting members of the Hispanic/Latin community and their inspiring career and life journeys.

David P. (he/him/his) – Manager, Global Operations

David, manager of global operations, has been with Yum! Brands since 1989… you could say he has seen it all. David currently leads the implementation of critical operations projects and programs that facilitate the growth of Taco Bell around the world. However, he first got his start with chicken, not tacos!

“Born in Mexico, I first moved to United States as a toddler, but returned home six years later to complete elementary and middle school in my native country. I relocated to the U.S. again at age 15 where I joined KFC the following year as a cook, hand-breading and frying the Original Recipe chicken.”

Over the next couple of years, David held a series of roles including cashier, shift lead, assistant manager and restaurant GM at KFC. He then transferred to the Taco Bell Restaurant Support Center in 1999, supporting the service desk and working in data and project management, which led him to his current position. It wasn’t long before Taco Bell became a second home to him.

“For many long-term employees like me, working at Taco Bell can become a part of our identity. We often develop a sense of pride and loyalty toward the company due to the experiences, skills, and friendships we have gained over time,” said David.

Alongside building close relationships and embracing the fiery spirit of Taco Bell, David has seen an upward career trajectory amongst peers and his own journey.

“Taco Bell offers various opportunities for career growth and skill development. Some employees start from entry-level positions and work their way up the ladder, eventually becoming managers or even franchise owners.”

He’s been a proud part of the growth process, but it’s not come short of some obstacles.

“As a Hispanic/Latin individual, I have faced stereotypes and challenges, but focusing on my own strengths, accomplishments, and expertise to challenge these preconceptions has helped me overcome them.”

These instances have made David’s connection to his heritage even stronger. To him, Hispanic/Latin Heritage Month celebrates the rich cultural diversity, contributions, and achievements of Hispanic and Latin Americans. Amongst the vibrant events, gatherings and affairs, Hispanic/Latin Heritage Month serves as a valuable time for reflection and appreciation of the culture and its notable impact on various aspects of society. Over the years, David has seen this awareness come to life through Taco Bell’s involvement within the community.

“Taco Bell’s initiatives of highlighting our community and culture has taken a bigger stage than before. I am very excited and honored to share that I’m a founding member of Live Más LUCHA, Taco Bell’s first-ever Hispanic Business Employee Resource Group (BERG) which launched in 2020. At Taco Bell Corp., L.U.C.H.A. stands for Latinx United through Community, Heritage and Achievement. The group strives to create a community for Hispanic/Latin employees and allies to continue amplifying equity, inclusion and belonging for ALL. From celebrating Hispanic/Latin Heritage Month, to incorporating Latino music in brand updates and even partnering with the OC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Taco Bell has, and continues to support initiatives that aim to uplift and empower this community.”

But this is just the beginning. When he looks to the future of Taco Bell’s engagement with the Hispanic/Latin community, he feels it can be done by developing initiatives focused on hiring, retaining, and promoting Hispanic/Latin employees, continuing the creation of culturally relevant campaigns, and collaborating with Hispanic/Latin owned businesses to promote economic development within the community. It is no doubt that David has accumulated a lot of knowledge about the professional world. So, here’s his take on how future generations can navigate their careers:

Embrace your heritage and cultural identity: “Your Hispanic/Latin background is an asset that can contribute to your success and foster unique perspectives. Being proud of your roots will set you apart and make you more valuable as you navigate your career.”Seek mentorship: “Mentors can provide guidance and help you navigate opportunities. Having a mentor who understands the specific challenges faced by Hispanic/Latin professionals can be especially valuable.”Be proactive in your professional development: “Take charge of your career by seeking growth opportunities. Whether it is through pursuing higher education or attending conferences, demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.”

As part of his legacy, David hopes to continue sharing these wisdoms with everyone.

“I want to continue to break down barriers by accomplishing significant achievements despite the challenges and systemic obstacles faced by the Hispanic/Latin community. More importantly, I want to encourage individuals from underrepresented communities to pursue their dreams, education, and personal growth, by serving as a role model and mentor.”

Check out more people stories!

FedEx supports multiple nonprofits, including the American Red Cross, Direct Relief, Heart to Heart International, The Salvation Army, Team Rubicon, and World Central Kitchen, that work to help communities recover from natural disasters. By providing charitable donations and in-kind shipping, FedEx continuously helps these organizations deliver critical aid, like medical supplies and meals, to those who need it most.

Through our company’s Delivering for Good program, we work with global disaster relief nonprofit organizations year-round to respond when catastrophes impact communities around the world.

Recently, FedEx and nonprofit organizations it supports have been on the front lines, delivering essentials to help those impacted by the wildfires in Hawaii. Internally, FedEx operations team members had to strategize logistics solutions quickly, given the inability to ship palletized freight into Maui due to equipment restraints.

When disasters strike, many organizations ship large amounts of relief via freight. It’s the easiest way to serve the impacted community quickly and efficiently. FedEx Senior Managers Cindy Fujii and Jessie Moniz of Hawaii implemented a work-around to meet the needs of our supported humanitarian organizations and more importantly, those impacted in Hawaii. Many of the large freight shipments were sent to FedEx Honolulu Heavyweight location (HNLRT) whereby that team led by Senior Customer Service Agent Roy Bodnar coordinated the movement back to the ramp to move directly to Maui. This was a collaborative effort between Honolulu Heavyweight department, the Honolulu Ramp, and Maui operations. Honolulu Ramp Agents coordinating with Maui Manager Talikavili (Tali) Eteaki ensured the shipments were prioritized. Ramp Agents – Edison Kiyota, Karlene Saleapaga, Kaena Kong, and Darius Tellez led the way for both AM and PM operations. All shipments were tracked, monitored and communications updated by a team of control room agents led by Cheyanne Garcia.

To complete the circle, Jessie and Cindy were in constant contact to oversee and coordinate each facet to ensure FedEx accomplished getting critical aid to the people of Maui. This included moving a forklift from HNL to OGG to maneuver all skidded freight. The HNL managers that assisted with this were Robert Loftus, Francis Hewlett, Jamie Mattos and Paige Salave’a.

“The thing I heard most from our employees was “what can we do to help”,” said Jessie Moniz, FedEx Senior Manager Station Operations.

To date, FedEx has moved 57 shipments of cooking supplies for World Central Kitchen, eight pallets of hygiene kits for Heart to Heart International, multiple shipments of power banks for Direct Relief, four pallets of cooking supplies for Operation BBQ Relief, and several shipments of communication equipment on behalf of American Red Cross. More information on FedEx Hawaii relief efforts is available here.

Originally published in International Paper’s 2022 Sustainability Report

Engaging with key stakeholders on the development of a robust GHG emissions accounting framework for land use is foundational to our commitment to reduce operational and value chain GHG emissions. In 2022, International Paper was an active member of the Review Group for the GHG Protocol Land Sector and Removals Guidance development. We also initiated a pilot implementation of the Guidance — which will be finalized in 2023 — and we actively provided feedback to the revision process through our participation in the WBCSD Forest Solutions Group.

We further engaged with the World Wildlife Fund in the development of the SBTi Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) target-setting guidance. This guidance provides the world’s first standard method for companies in landintensive sectors to set science-based targets that include land-based emission reductions and removals. The GHG Protocol Land Sector and Removals Guidance will underpin the forest sector’s FLAG target-setting methodology

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of planet-friendly packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of North America’s largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what’s next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2022 were $21.2 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting InternationalPaper.com.

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