Environmental, Social & Governance Briefs

2/3 of CEOs believe that digital transformation is a significant enabler for their sustainability strategy and they actively seek opportunities from digitization to improve sustainability performance and to discover more sustainable business models. The application of digital trans-formation and innovation for new more sustainable business models finds wide acceptance among company leaders. Now is the right time to develop proposals for new products and services and new revenue models.

It’s impossible to avoid the furor surrounding cryptocurrencies these days. Looking beyond the price fluctuations of crypto markets, examining the blockchain infrastructure that supports the currencies is a fascinating exercise. The use of blockchain in companies has some interesting implications for citizenship and philanthropy. Blockchain could add a level of transparency and authenticity to corporate practices and resulting communications that could help to rebuild trust in business.

Corporate sustainability reporting—the disclosure of environmental, Social, and governance (ESG) practices—continues to transition from an exercise in transparency to a more targeted and strategic mechanism for companies to engage with stakeholders. Recent analysis by The Conference Board captures trends in the disclosure of environmental and social practices by large public companies around the world.

In its 2018 Trends to Watch report, MSCI says “investors will increasingly seek to invest in talent quality,” even to the point of evaluating companies by “sifting out winners and losers in the race for human capital.” The focus on human capital is driven by the growth in artificial intelligence—with many routinized tasks becoming automated, people will be required to use “higher level cognitive, creative and social skills in their evolving role.”

EY Community Impact provides an immersive volunteer experience that delivers EY services to nonprofits that otherwise could not afford them. During one- to three-month assignments, Community Impact “Residents” share the best of EY’s knowledge and experience to strengthen our communities, while building leadership skills that strengthen their own careers.

Following a largely successful 2017, emerging markets could very well continue making strong economic progress in 2018. This year, it’s evident the growth of many developing economies will hinge on six main factors.

We are pleased to announce that the Giving in Numbers 2018 survey, conducted by CECP in association with The Conference Board, is now open. The annual survey is the industry-leading tool for corporate societal engagement professionals. The survey closes on March 30, 2018.

America’s Charities’ 2017 Snapshot survey found nearly six in 10 workplace donors want to work for companies where the culture supports giving and volunteering. That’s a significant number—and it shows that today’s employees are placing a high value on charitable opportunities in the workplace.

Evidence is mounting that diverse and inclusive teams make better decisions that lead to more innovation and better outcomes. Foundations can apply this knowledge of the value of diversity and inclusion to drive better results in grant-making and capacity-building for grantees.

Wouldn’t it be good if there was a business strategy which would build global leadership talent, improve company reputations, and make a positive impact on addressing global challenges? “Pro bono” is just such a strategy and it’s not just for lawyers anymore. Companies are increasingly utilizing Global Pro Bono (GPB) programs to create shared value for the community and the business.