New Report Highlights Gains in Financial Inclusion, Led by India; Digitisation on the Rise

Wed, 11/02/2016 - 09:00

The 2016 Global Microscope on Financial Inclusion shows that essential policies for bringing financial services to low-income groups are now widespread in the developing world. Nine of the 12 financial inclusion indicators covered in the benchmarking index improved globally in 2016, building on gains which have been made during the last decade.

Water Utilities Are Lagging Other Utilities in the Smart Cities Effort

Fri, 10/28/2016 - 10:00

Across the U.S., smart city programs are moving beyond press releases, pilot programs and demonstrations. Municipalities are collaborating with industry and utilities to create roadmaps defining their approach to regional integrated smart infrastructure. Water utilities, however, are lagging in the planning process, and risk losing their seat at the table with electric and gas utility peer companies as the smart city programs advance.

HBR’s Top Performing CEOs List - Financial Results and Sustainability—A Complex Relationship

Wed, 10/26/2016 - 12:50

The Harvard Business Review (HBR) recently published its 2016 list of the world’s top 100 CEOs. As in the past, HBR’s staff looked at the financial and ESG (environment, social, governance) performance of the CEOs of 1,200 large companies. They used a measure of financial performance developed by a team of Harvard academics for 80% of their score. The remaining 20% came from averaging two overall measures of corporate sustainability performance, including CSRHub.

“Sustainability in Action” Video Series

Mon, 10/24/2016 - 13:05

Ingersoll Rand is committed to making the world a better place to live, through sustainability and energy efficiency. A new video series, “Sustainability in Action,” shines a light on the many ways in which the company uses creativity, engagement and works with customers to deliver on its global climate commitment.

Utilities Should Incorporate Asset Management into PPP Models

Fri, 10/14/2016 - 09:00

Water and wastewater utilities considering the use of public-private partnerships (PPP) often express concerns that such arrangements could lead to rate increases and diminished service. However, it is possible to provide ratepayer safeguards and allow reasonable returns on private investments under PPP models through the implementation of an asset management framework.

Holland America Line Makes Third $25,000 Donation in Honor of ‘Ks for Kids’

Mon, 10/17/2016 - 11:30

Holland America Line President Orlando Ashford presented a check for $25,000 to Seattle Children’s Hospital’s Uncompensated Care Fund Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016, at the Seattle Mariners’ home game at Safeco Field. The company made the donation as part of its partnership with the Seattle Mariners Major League Baseball team and the “K’s for Kids” program that debuted during the 2014 baseball season.

Costa Cruises Supports “Pink is Good” Project on Board its Ships

Thu, 10/13/2016 - 11:30

IBM SAFETY-NET: IBM Bolsters Social Services Sector With Technology Grants

Thu, 10/13/2016 - 09:05

IBM (NYSE: IBM) is kicking off an $18 million grant program to put no-cost cloud hosting, customizable software, and consulting services into the hands of not-for-profit social service agencies that qualify.

Sustainable Brands Releases Full Program for Annual New Metrics Conference

Fri, 10/07/2016 - 10:00

Sustainable Brands® recently announced the full program for New Metrics’16, scheduled for November 14-16 in Boston, MA.

Holland America Line Hosts Fundraiser and Survivor Luncheon for Komen Puget Sound Aboard ms Westerdam

Tue, 10/11/2016 - 11:30

Holland America Line hosted a fundraiser luncheon and survivor celebration for the Puget Sound affiliate of Susan G. Komen Puget Sound on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, onboard ms Westerdam at the Port of Seattle. Breast cancer survivor Juliet Disparte gave an inspiring speech about her journey from her diagnosis at the age of 27 to her current role in numerous cancer organizations.