The Latest

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  NYC pension funds to drop asset managers lacking solid net-zero plans: comptroller

  “Our new standards demand that the retirement systems’ managers strengthen their net zero plans consistent with their fiduciary duty — or we will find new asset managers who will,” Brad Lander said.

  Sustainability

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  Sponsored by PCI Pharma Services and Marken, UPS Healthcare Precision Logistics

  Net Zero in motion: A case study in sustainable logistics

  Cut emissions, not quality—how PCI Pharma Services cut 13.9 tons of CO₂ in just 3 months.

  Sustainability

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  Climate advocates brace for Trump executive order targeting nonprofits’ tax exempt status

  Environmental groups are anticipating attempts to revoke their tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status, and some are vowing to fight any such attempts. 

  Sustainability

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  Companies should seek a DEI ‘refresh,’ not a reboot, says former top EEOC official

  Diversity, equity and inclusion programs do not pose legal risks when done right, said Chai Feldblum, who decried the idea that DEI is a “legal minefield.”

  Social Responsibility

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  Google signs first offshore wind deal in Asia Pacific region

  The deal with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners adds wind power to the search giant’s renewable energy portfolio in Taiwan, which was recently expanded to include geothermal energy.

  Sustainability

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  New York state pension fund commits $2.4B to climate-focused investments

  The investment is part of the New York State Common Retirement Fund’s broader goal of allocating $40 billion to sustainable investments and climate solutions by 2035.

  Sustainability

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  Mastercard announces solar, geothermal projects for its facilities

  The payments company will build a solar panel array to power its tech hub in Missouri and replace its natural gas cooling and heating system with geothermal at its New York HQ.

  Sustainability

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  Labor Dept. considers rescinding Biden-era ESG fiduciary rule

  The agency asked for a suspension of litigation in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, as it considers whether to get rid of the rule allowing pension funds to consider ESG factors.

  Sustainability

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  Mondelēz sustainability report shows challenges in lowering virgin plastic

  The snack foods manufacturer detailed gaps between its 2024 virgin and recycled plastic trends and its 2025 targets in an annual report.

  Sustainability

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  Solar advocates lobby on strong fundamentals amid political uncertainty

  As Congress weighs tax incentive cuts, and tariffs drive up materials prices, the solar industry is emphasizing the technology’s low cost and fast deployment speed.

  Sustainability

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  Labor Dept. defends ESG rule in a post-Chevron landscape

  An ongoing challenge to a rule allowing pension fund managers to consider ESG factors stands as a litmus test under a recent Supreme Court ruling.

  Updated April 22, 2025

  Sustainability

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  Apple surpasses 60% reduction in global emissions, moves closer to 2030 climate goal

  The progress builds towards the iPhone maker’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by the end of the decade.

  Sustainability

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  EPA granted appellate stay after judge rules to end GGRF funding freeze

  A judge ruled Tuesday to end the freeze and allow grantees to access their funding, but appellate judges granted EPA a stay on that injunction late Wednesday. 

  Sustainability

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  Ex-Accenture worker says company denied him promotions to hit DEI goals

  With DEI drawing more scrutiny, attorneys have advised companies to review their policies and ensure they are free of quotas, set asides and preferences.

  Social Responsibility

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  Energy regulator grants BlackRock renewed authorization for large utility investments

  The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission gave the nation’s largest asset manager approval to continue to acquire up to 20% of voting securities for utility companies for another three years.

  Sustainability

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  Trump administration ordered to resume IRA funding

  A federal judge’s decision, which stated agencies lacked authority to pause funding, follows the president’s executive order to freeze the money on his first day in office. 

  Sustainability

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  SEC approves first US ‘green’ stock exchange

  The Securities and Exchange Commission gave final approval for Green Impact Exchange to open the first national exchange for sustainability offerings, with trading set to begin in 2026.

  Sustainability

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  General Motors taps Dell sustainability head to become new CSO

  Cassandra Garber will lead the automotive giant’s sustainability efforts and ESG practices starting April 22, which coincides with Earth Day.

  Sustainability

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  Target CEO, Rev. Al Sharpton meet following DEI changes

  The civil rights activist said he is mulling a boycott of the mass merchant, which scaled back its diversity programs in January.

  Social Responsibility

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  Lego removes DEI mentions from latest ESG report

  A webpage touting Lego’s “diverse and inclusive workplace” remains on the company’s site.

  Sustainability

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  Microsoft signs pair of large-scale carbon removal deals with CO280, Terradot

  The tech giant will purchase 3.685 million tonnes of removal credits through paper mill retrofits, and 12,000 tonnes of credits through enhanced rock weathering.

  Sustainability

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  Occidental subsidiary secures final permit from EPA to sequester CO2 in Texas

  Oxy Low Carbon Ventures’ proposed project includes three wells that aim to store 722,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually in Ector County.

  Sustainability

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  NZBA scraps requirement for banks to strictly target a 1.5°C warming scenario

  The United Nations’ Net-Zero Banking Alliance has updated its guidelines in the wake of departures, with its latest guidance aiming for global warming “well below 2°C.”

  Sustainability

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  4 big law firms agree not to label lawful programs as DEI, EEOC says

  The announcement follows Acting Chair Andrea Lucas’ move last month to investigate several law firms’ diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

  Social Responsibility