Category: News

Siemens Foundation and Northern Trust to Invest $10M in Community Development Financial Institutions to Support Racial and Social Equity in Underserved Communities

Stuart Mitchell

The Siemens Foundation and Northern Trust have announced a commitment of $10 million to two Community Development Financial Institutions Funds (CDFI) to support racial and social equity in underserved communities. CDFIs provide low-income, low-wealth, and other disadvantaged people with the capital they need for meaningful economic opportunity and development. The Siemens Foundation partnered with Northern Trust to identify the CDFIs selected and facilitate the investments. The Enterprise Community Loan Fund (ECLF) and Primary Care Development Corporation (PCDC) will provide capital, support and advocacy in the real estate and health care…

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Duke Energy Establishes Relationship with Optus Bank to Support Minority-Owned Businesses

Stuart Mitchell

Duke Energy has announced it has deposited $5 million into Optus Bank, a Black-owned bank based in South Carolina, furthering the company’s support for diverse and minority-owned businesses, individuals and low income communities. The transaction was completed at the end of 2020. One of approximately 20 banks designated as Black or African American owned in the U.S., Optus Bank will use the money Duke Energy deposited to provide other minority-owned businesses and underserved communities equal access to capital loans and financial services. “This is so much more than a deposit…

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New Catalyst Report Shows Committed Companies are Advancing More Women to Leadership Roles

Stuart Mitchell

The Catalyst CEO Champions For Change represent more than 70 high-profile CEOs, whose companies represent more than 10 million employees and over $3 trillion in revenue globally. These leaders have boldly pledged to advance more women, particularly women of color, into senior leadership positions. In 2019, Champion companies outpaced their global peers in advancing women at every level—from managers to board members. One particular bright spot is board representation. Women at our Champion companies held 31.6% of board seats, compared to the 26% of board seats held by women at…

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Three GRI Standards Come Into Effect for Sustainability Reports in 2021

Stuart Mitchell

Companies disclosing their impacts through the world’s most widely used sustainability reporting standards are to adhere to three new and updated standards, for reports they publish from this year onward. In 2018, two revised GRI Standards launched – for occupational health and safety, and water and effluents. In December 2019, the first global standard for tax transparency published. Effective from 1 January, companies identifying any of these topics as material are now to apply the new Standards.   GRI 207: Tax 2019 Responding to the information needs of investors, civil…

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National Grid Joins Low-Carbon Resources Initiative Aimed at Enabling Affordable Net Zero Path

Stuart Mitchell

National Grid has joined the Low-Carbon Resources Initiative (LCRI), a five-year initiative to develop and demonstrate key clean energy technologies and decarbonization solutions. These include clean hydrogen, bioenergy, and renewable natural gas, all potential pathways to a decarbonized future.  “The Low-Carbon Resources Initiative directly aligns with National Grid’s ambition to reach net zero by 2050,” said Badar Khan, President of National Grid, US. “If we are going to reach net zero, we need to pick up speed on developing and adopting zero carbon energy technologies. We are particularly excited about…

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