Month: September 2023

Third-Party Certifications

Rayonier is dedicated to meeting the highest standards of sustainable forestry established by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®), Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®), and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification™ (PEFC™). These voluntary certification programs each consist of a rigorous and comprehensive set of environmental principles, objectives, and performance measures. Criteria under these programs are designed to review whether various standards are met, including: (1) forest management plans are associated with long-term sustainable harvest levels, (2) biological diversity is conserved, (3) appropriate measures are taken to protect water resources, (4) laws and regulations are complied with, (5) workers’ rights and employment conditions meet certain standards, and (6) the rights of Indigenous Peoples are recognized and respected.

Our 2.8 million acres of timberlands are managed to these certification standards, and our compliance is periodically evaluated through independent third-party audits. All of our harvest activities are conducted pursuant to detailed harvest plans, which specify harvesting equipment, best management practices, streamside buffers, stream crossing locations, water control, and other regulatory requirements. Our harvest plans also establish buffers around any known or identified T&E species habitats and modify activity timing as necessary to avoid disrupting certain species during their respective breeding seasons. We actively monitor our suppliers at each harvest site for compliance, and we periodically conduct internal audits of our Resource Unit processes.

We strongly oppose illegal logging and deforestation and view these activities to be in direct conflict with sustainable forest management. In the U.S. and New Zealand, illegal logging is strictly prohibited, and our compliance with relevant laws and regulations is reviewed through our third-party certification processes.

We manage our U.S. timberlands in accordance with the requirements of the SFI program, which is recognized and endorsed by the PEFC. The timberland holdings of the New Zealand subsidiary are certified under FSC and also endorsed by the PEFC. In the U.S., uncertified lands are generally held in our real estate segment, which are typically slated to be sold as rural residential properties or sold as part of our community development projects in Florida or Georgia, and are therefore not eligible for certification. In New Zealand, uncertified lands consist of more recently acquired lands that have not yet completed the certification process or properties where land tenure precludes a long-term commitment to the principles of FSC or PEFC. In both the U.S. and New Zealand, uncertified lands are still managed pursuant to the same standards as certified lands, unless their land use is changed.

These certification programs are regularly reviewed and revised as best practices continually evolve. To this end, SFI developed the 2022 SFI Forest Management Standard, and our third-party audits under this improved standard began in 2023. Among other enhancements under the new standard, SFI organizations are now required to adopt forest management activities that incorporate climate change adaptation and mitigation measures, as well as take measures to limit the susceptibility of the forests they own or manage to the impacts of wildfire.

2022 SFI Forest Management Standard
View the ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL and GOVERNANCE images above.

SEE OUR LATEST SFI AUDIT RESULTS, AND FSC AND PEFC PUBLIC REPORTS.

Forestry Regulations and Compliance

We operate under an internal Environmental Management System (EMS), pursuant to which we monitor our compliance with the third-party certification standards described earlier, as well as state-specific forest practice rules and best management practices. Employees receive training to help maintain compliance with the practices, policies, and forestry certification requirements incorporated within our EMS.

We also maintain a rigorous internal audit process to regularly assess how well we implement these standards and to evaluate ways to improve our performance. Any issues or instances of non-compliance identified through this audit process are documented and promptly followed up with remedial action. Our Senior Leadership Team has ultimate responsibility for our EMS and annually reviews our performance against forest certification standards, governmental regulations, and internal benchmarks.

To learn more, view the full Rayonier 2022 Sustainability Report.

WHAT: The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the global authority for driving market transformation through healthy buildings, organizations and communities, will host the 2023 WELL Summit in Washington, D.C., on September 25-26, 2023, where globally renowned experts and industry pioneers will convene to celebrate the power of place.

The event will feature continuous programming, showcasing speakers and MainStage sessions including:

“Food as Medicine,” a fireside chat featuring Physician and New York Times best-selling author Dr. Mark Hyman in conversation with Nancy Roman, CEO of Roman Leadership, former President and CEO, Partnership for a Healthier America“A Prescription for Well-being: Places that Put People First,” a panel convened by IWBI Governance Council member Dr. Richard Carmona, 17th Surgeon General of the United States, who will be featured alongside three other former Surgeons General colleagues about their perspective on the state of public health today“Real Estate Reboot: Return to Office Won’t Save Us, So What Will?,” with executives from HOK, Johnson Controls and Chandan Economics“WELL PechaKucha: Stories that Transform and Transcend,” featuring storytelling from healthy building pioneers at Babylon Micro-Farms, IWBI, Lendlease, MindShift, Shaw Industries and Standard Chartered BankProgramming rooted in equity: “Lessons from Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Process: Centering and Celebrating Indigenous Wisdom” and “Using Investor Influence to Change the World: How to Move Capital Toward Racial Justice”

WHO:

Rachel Hodgdon, President and CEO, IWBIPhysician and New York Times best-selling author Dr. Mark HymanRichard Carmona, MD, MPH, FACS, 17th Surgeon General of the United StatesM. Joycelyn Elders, MD, 15th Surgeon General of the United StatesAntonia Coello Novello, MD, MPH, Dr.PH, 14th Surgeon General of the United StatesKenneth P. Moritsugu, MD, MPH, FACPM, Acting Surgeon General of the United StatesLeading chief executives from top firms including George Oliver of Johnson Controls, Eli Hoisington of HOK, Sam Chandan, PhD MPH MSc FRICS FRSPH, of Chandan Economics, as well as leaders from Lendlease, Shaw Industries and more

WHEN: Monday, September 25 – Tuesday, September 26, 2023

WHERE: Union Market, Washington, D.C., 1309 5th St NE

Registration for the WELL Summit is open at wearewell.com/well-summit.

Credentialed media should contact media@wellcertfiied.com to request a press pass. 

About the International WELL Building Institute 
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a public benefit corporation and the world’s leading organization focused on deploying people-first places to advance a global culture of health. IWBI mobilizes its community through the administration of the WELL Building Standard (WELL) and WELL ratings and certifications, management of the WELL AP credential, the pursuit of applicable research, the development of educational resources and advocacy for policies that promote health and well-being everywhere. More information on WELL can be found here.

International WELL Building Institute pbc is a wholly owned subsidiary of Delos Living LLC. International WELL Building Institute, IWBI, the WELL Building Standard, WELL v2, WELL Certified, WELL AP, WELL Portfolio, WELL Score, The WELL Conference, We Are WELL, the WELL Community Standard, WELL Health-Safety Rating, WELL Health-Safety Rated, WELL Equity, WELL Performance Rated, WELL Performance Rating, Works with WELL, WELL and others, and their related logos are trademarks or certification marks of International WELL Building Institute pbc in the United States and other countries.

Media Contact: 
media@wellcertified.com

Originally published in USA TODAY

Buying a home can be stressful, regardless of economic outlook or whether a homebuyer has gone through the process before. But homeownership is a major step toward establishing financial stability and building wealth for future generations. Even in an uncertain market, it helps enable upward financial mobility.

Whether a person is a first-time homebuyer or they’re looking for a place that better meets their current needs, obtaining the right loans and navigating the process can be daunting. Working closely with a mortgage loan officer to evaluate all available options can help make the process as simple as possible — and get homebuyers into their dream home all the sooner.

Even amid financial uncertainty and the chance of an economic downtown, purchasing a home offers the potential to build equity over time. According to KeyBank’s latest Financial Mobility Survey, most consumers are still planning on making big-ticket purchases this year, with two-thirds (66%) intending to make at least one large purchase in the next year.

When considering purchasing a home, the following tips from KeyBank can help first timers and seasoned house hunters alike on the homebuying journey:

Assess finances.
Before setting out to buy a home, it’s important for homebuyers to understand their budget; namely, how much they are able and willing to spend. Don’t forget to factor in the down payment, monthly mortgage payment, interest, taxes, homeowners’ insurance, moving costs, renovation fees and other expenses. Online mortgage calculators, like KeyBank’s Mortgage Affordability Calculator, are excellent tools to help gain a quick understanding of the finances behind a home purchase.
 Save for a down payment and additional expenses. 
A down payment is one of the most significant expenses when buying a home. While this is typically 5% to 20% of the loan amount, certain programs, such as FHA loans or Key Community Mortgage, are specifically designed for those who could benefit from a lower down payment. Following closing, there are additional costs that need to be accounted for, including moving or renovation costs, which often are overlooked when homebuyers, especially those buying a first home, solely focus on the down payment. A local bank can help identify applicable down payment programs, develop a purchase plan and set up an account dedicated to saving for a house.
 Find the right mortgage loan officer. 
The decision to buy a house should be based on finding the right home that fits within the homebuyer’s financial situation, and then working with a loan officer to make that purchase a reality. A mortgage loan officer can provide a clearer picture of the buyer’s overall financial situation, offer additional insights and considerations during the planning process, and identify the best mortgages and lending programs. When choosing a loan officer, make sure to consider a lender’s ability to close on time and familiarity with the local real estate market.
 Learn more about affordable homeownership, mortgage or banking programs.
Banks play an important role in helping provide access to education, advice and resources (such as Special Purpose Credit Programs[1]) that ease the homebuying process and help remove barriers on the path to homeownership. KeyBank, for example, offers three Special Purpose Credit Programs to help borrowers with qualifying properties in eligible low-to-moderate income communities — including the newly launched Neighbors First Credit, which provides up to $5,000 toward closing and other costs[2] that may come with a new home for qualifying properties in KeyBank’s footprint.
 Consider all financing options. 
There are a variety of loan options, from fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages, to FHA, VA and USDA loans, as well as the Special Purpose Credit Programs noted above. Each loan or program has its own requirements and benefits, so it’s important that homebuyers understand the differences and choose the best option for their unique situation and seek out advice from a mortgage loan officer. Mortgage rates are cyclical, so it’s not out of the ordinary to see mortgage rates rise or drop lower. It is especially important that the decision to buy a home is based on an affordable mortgage payment within the buyer’s budget, as opposed to trying to time the market for a particular interest rate. Waiting for rates to decrease could result in losing the chance to purchase the right house at the right time. If rates do go down in the future, refinancing is always an option.

While owning a home does come with certain costs and risks, the potential rewards make it a worthwhile investment for the long road and, potentially, for generations to come. Real estate is a long-term investment and homeownership can help provide a tangible asset in an uncertain market.

For additional insights and resources on homebuying and other financial topics, visit the KeyBank KeyBank Mortgage Center or find a Key Mortgage banker here to help you.

Story from KeyBank. KeyBank Member FDIC. Mortgages ARE NOT FDIC INSURED OR GUARANTEED. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS# 418927

About KeyCorp

KeyCorp’s roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, KeyBank is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $195 billion at June 30, 2023. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,300 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC. Mortgage and Home Equity Lending products offered by KeyBank are not FDIC insured or guaranteed. For the KeyBank Home Buyer Credit and the Key Opportunities Home Equity Loan, geographic restrictions apply. Ask us for details. NMLS #399797 © 2023 KeyCorp®. All Rights Reserved. CFMA# 230614-2123982

NOTICE: This is not a commitment to lend of extend credit. Conditions and restrictions may apply. Information and offer are subject to change without notice. All lending products are subject to collateral and/ or credit approval. Not all loans or products are available in all states.

[1] Special Purpose Credit Programs are, generally, programs that are established to meet special social needs or the needs of economically disadvantaged persons by extending credit to persons who would probably be denied credit or would receive it on less favorable terms, under certain conditions. See 15 U.S.C. § 1691(c)(1)-(3); 12 C.F.R. § 1002.8(a).

[2 Available on primary residence purchases only. Limited to certain geographical areas. Ask us for details.

Fostering better career opportunities for underrepresented talent has never been more important, and it requires strategic investment in the right workplace policies and programs. In 2022, SCE expanded on previous successes and launched new initiatives:

Developed a new training module on leading with inclusion. In 2023, we are also rolling out an interactive education entitled “Creating a Culture of Inclusion” that will be available to all employees. This education will be led by the DEI team and other trained facilitators. OUs will be encouraged to utilize this education in furtherance of their DEI plans and overall business goals.Expanded the voluntary career coaching program to nonrepresented3 employees enterprisewide, after a successful pilot with BRGs in 2021. We also introduced speed coaching events on select topics to offer greater career support to those who are interested. Results indicate that employees who met with a coach received a job offer more often than those who had not met with a coach when applying for competitive positions within the company.Expanded Talent Accelerator Development program to a broader group. This program provides mentorship, advocacy and increased visibility toparticipants with the objective of enhancing leadership capabilities and career development opportunities. Of the five participants from the first cohort who completed the program in July 2022, two were promoted. In addition, three participants from the first cohort were selected for team lead roles within the companywide Catalyst5 initiative. Of the seven participants in the second cohort who will complete the program in July 2023, one has already been promoted to a director position, and two have taken lateral moves in key areas of the business.

Working with team members from all backgrounds provides such a tremendous benefit to SCE and its culture. The work that we do each day is more fulfilling when our culture is inclusive.”

MUHAMMAD (MO) AL-AHMAR

Principal Manager, Asset Management & Wildfire Safety, SCE

Edison International also invests in education and training that provides employees with skills and resources to integrate DEI into their day-to-day interactions and decisions. In 2022, DEI elements were introduced in the following new course offerings:

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Empathy vs. SympathyEQ Building Stress ToleranceEQ Leading with OptimismMyers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI): Practical Applications for Leaders trainingMBTI Your Style Under StressMBTI Your Style and Decision Making

In 2023, we are investing in leaders to develop a workforce capable of implementing Pathway 2045, SCE’s analysis of the necessary steps for California to achieve its greenhouse gas emissions-reduction goals, including storing and delivering clean energy, electrifying transportation and buildings, and carbon capture. We will accomplish this by providing them with the leadership knowledge, skills and capabilities that will pass on to the next generation of SCE employees.

Edison International company values; the Edison International leadership model; diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging; and safety leadership will be standalone courses and embedded into learning. The program will incorporate tools to boost performance, improve organizational dynamics and increase leadership power and influence in order to maximize leadership impact.

Ongoing SCE programs used to build DEI skills among employees in 2022 include:

Illuminate: a new-employee orientation that has DEI interwoven throughout the four-hour virtual courseEmpower: a one-year leadership training and mentoring program that teaches new leaders about Edison International’s values and provides tools to practice inclusive leadership dailyLeadership Learning Journeys: including assessments that provide personalized learning paths to develop value-oriented leaders

Listening to Our Employees

We undertake a variety of initiatives to promote a culture of honest feedback and open dialogue. This includes quarterly pulse surveys of all Edison International and SCE employees.

Each quarter, a stratified sample of employees are surveyed for their thoughts on what’s going well and where the company can improve — resulting in feedback solicited from each employee once annually. The survey is administered by an external vendor to ensure confidentiality and anonymity. It covers important topics such as inclusion, trust and job satisfaction. In 2022, results show we are trending upwards

in key categories such as respect, work and comfortably voicing one’s opinion. As in 2021, surveys indicate there is room for improvement in the areas of recognition, collaboration and career growth and development for all employees. Each of these areas is being addressed through initiatives contained in OU DEI Action Plans.

Listening to employee sentiment is critical to our commitment to transparency and accountability in creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. In this way, we build and promote a culture where people feel free to speak up, and we identify those areas where we can continue to improve.”

NATALIE K. SCHILLING | Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Edison International and SCE

87% of employees say they are proud to work at Edison International85% of employees say they are treated with respect at work83% of employees say their job makes good use of their skills and abilities82% of employees say they have a favorable level of pride, passion and commitment toward their job and Edison International79% of employees say they are confident in Edison International’s strategy and see the link between their work and the strategy

View the full Edison International 2022 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report.