Sustainability

Toronto -- Target Corp. announced Wednesday it is pursuing Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification for all Canadian stores opening in 2013.

Design plans include conserving energy and water, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting waste sent to landfill, among other features.

Washington — Target, Walmart and McKesson were each recognized Friday as one of America’s more community-minded companies as part of the The Civic 50 — the first scientific evaluation to rank the companies that best use their time, talent and resources to improve the quality of life where they do business. 

The survey was conducted by the National Conference on Citizenship and Points of Light, and was published in the Nov. 9 issue of Bloomberg Businessweek.

Bobrick Washroom Equipment, Inc. has introduced their TrimLine Series Surface-Mounted Warm-Air Hand Dryers featuring a four-inch projection for ADA and barrier-free compliance and low-profile, architectural styling. Seventy percent recycled satin-finish stainless steel (B-7128) or white-coated steel (B-7120) covers with black trim and side panels are available. Features include an optimum balance of fast-drying time and a moderate sound level (73 dBA).

New York -- Companies remain committed to constructing green buildings, according to a survey by Turner Construction Co. The company’s 2012 Green Building Market Barometer found that while executives remained committed to incorporating sustainable building practices into their building programs, fewer said their companies were likely to seek LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council when constructing a green building.

Satellite Beach, Fla. -- Lighting Science Group Corp. has collaborated with Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar to monitor, evaluate and markedly reduce energy usage for lighting in Applebee’s 23 company-owned restaurants. Through the installation of ultra-efficient and design-enhancing LED lamps, Applebee’s should net an energy reduction for lighting of 88% per year.

PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Hasbro has been named as one of America’s most community-minded companies. Hasbro was selected in the top 10 by "The Civic 50," the first comprehensive ranking of S&P 500 corporations that best use their time, talent, and resources to improve the quality of life in the communities where they do business. This list also includes companies such as IBM, Citi and AT&T.

MINNEAPOLIS — Lori Walker, SVP and CFO of Valspar, will retire from the company. The announcement was made by Gary Hendrickson, chairman of the board and CEO of Valspar.

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — In response to Hurricane Sandy, GE today gave $1.1 million to support relief and recovery efforts throughout the Northeast of the United States. One million dollars was given to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. The additional $100,000 dollars was given to the United Way of America for them to direct to local communities where they determine the need is greatest.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens has launched Ology, a nationally accessible and affordable brand formulated to be free of harmful chemicals. Exclusive to Walgreens' family of companies, the Ology brand features a line of baby and personal care products as well as household cleaners, the company stated.

West Des Moines, Iowa -- Kum & Go has announced plans to invest $90 million in building a total of 20-25 new stores in the Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak region of the Centennial State within the next five years.
 
Kum & Go, the fifth largest privately held company-operated convenience store chain in the United States, is marking the grand opening of its first three stores in Colorado Springs this week.