FINANCE & INVESTMENT -
Amazon, Disney, Google and Netflix are among the founding companies behind the Business Alliance for Scaling Climate Solutions (BASCS), to increase the scale and impact of business investment in climate solutions.
CLEANTECH -
The US$100M initiative builds on the organizations’ individual efforts to accelerate a shift to a net-zero global economy.
PRODUCT, SERVICE & DESIGN INNOVATION -
It’s that time of year again, when Fast Company calls out its favorite World-Changing Ideas. Here are a few of that we’re especially keen to keep an eye on, because of their work …
THE NEXT ECONOMY -
The climate crisis is waiting for no one; and the choices we make over the next few years will determine the world we create for ourselves and for future generations. We can and must succeed — and SMEs have a critical role in ensuring
that we do.
THE NEXT ECONOMY -
As part of a recently announced $1B planned investment across the US, a new
production facility that repurposes spent grain will create jobs and further the brewer’s commitments to sustainability and the St. Louis Community.
FINANCE & INVESTMENT -
Virgin Money’s sustainability-linked loans will reduce finance costs for businesses that proactively help the transition to a more sustainable economy; and Aspiration’s new credit card will enable consumers to work toward a ‘zero’ carbon footprint.
PRODUCT, SERVICE & DESIGN INNOVATION -
What if artificial intelligence could be help solve some of the world’s most pressing social and environmental challenges, such as water access? That is what DataRobot is trying to enable through its AI For Good program.
THE NEXT ECONOMY -
In many parts of Asia, COVID-19 is relatively under control; and the focus is on recovery. How the region responds, and how much companies push for a sustainable post-pandemic economy could influence the entire world, due to Asia’s place as
the global driver of innovation and change.
WASTE NOT -
Agricycle wants to address poverty and put a dent in global food waste. So far, it has created nearly 7,000 livelihoods in Africa and diverted 177 tons of food waste — and counting.
WALKING THE TALK -
The next frontier of sustainability is regeneration
— building brands that actively restore and renew a system. And that’s as true for our systems that continue to allow racial injustice as for our environmental ecosystems.
FINANCE & INVESTMENT -
It is critical to understand and address the intersectional links between access to affordable housing, education, job creation and improved public health; and we look forward to continuing our work with organizations that target their
dollars towards these needs within the communities they seek to serve.
CLEANTECH -
Backed by 9 corporate giants representing $3T in market cap and 9 investor partners with $2B in assets, the D3 tech accelerator will help commercialize and scale an inaugural cohort of almost 50 climate-innovation startups.
ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE -
The tech sector can, and should, be the leader at showcasing the advantages of diversity. In many ways, we are all limited by the tools that we use. The cloud is enabling companies to overcome many barriers that were, until recently, impenetrable.
PRODUCT, SERVICE & DESIGN INNOVATION -
By reviving traditional meadow orchards in its native Luxembourg, where much of the cider industry had died and fruit was going to waste, carbon-negative
Ramborn Cider Co. has set about reversing the loss of biodiversity in the region.
BUSINESS CASE -
Corporations are afraid of their costs rising — shareholder interests demand a high return on investment in order for companies to remain profitable and competitive. But it simply will not remain viable to be a corporation that doesn’t address its impact on the environment.
CHEMISTRY, MATERIALS & PACKAGING -
“Averted Plastic” encompasses any mismanaged plastic waste. Oceanworks has expanded its marketplace to include this material — incentivizing entrepreneurs worldwide to divert all plastic waste into economical recycling programs.
PRODUCT, SERVICE & DESIGN INNOVATION -
The food and gardening startup furthers its mission to “undo food” with the release of organic, non-GMO, domestically grown seeds for 92 varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers — in packaging made of 100% recyclable materials.
PRODUCT, SERVICE & DESIGN INNOVATION -
The Toilet Board Coalition’s Women in the Sanitation Economy Innovation Lab has chosen five women-led, early-stage startups focused on women’s reproductive health and hygiene; and improving access to safe, sustainable sanitation options in underserved areas.
PRODUCT, SERVICE & DESIGN INNOVATION -
Here are five lessons from the fastest-growing startup ecosystem in Europe, that will be useful for founders everywhere looking to make a difference.
FINANCE & INVESTMENT -
Two longtime players in small-business lending and empowering low-income communities are joining forces to scale up equitable wealth creation in
communities of color.