Month: February 2024

RAY C. ANDERSON CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS

Sustainability Fellows and Ambassadors

The Center is pleased to announce the 2023-24 Scheller College Sustainability Fellows and Ambassadors! In this year’s program, 25 graduate and undergraduate students from across Georgia Tech are learning to become leaders in building a sustainable and prosperous future. The changemakers are working on projects that have the potential to make a real-world impact. Topics include social performance, greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector, waste management, rooftop solar, and more. Read the article.

Drawdown Georgia Business Compact

In the fall, the Drawdown Georgia Business Compact celebrated its second anniversary (read more on the milestone here). The business collective has grown more than 40% in the past year, with a total of 62 members committed to taking action toward net-zero carbon emissions. Members and partners gathered for an all-hands meeting and a business forum on climate and innovation. In the Climate Leadership Webinar Series, practitioners and experts shared strategies for local food procurement, insights on racial equity in supply chains, and more. The Compact also facilitated regular meetings on nature-based solutions, clean energy, transportation, and values-based food procurement.

Elevating Sustainability in the Classroom

The Center’s Faculty Educational Innovation Community provides support to Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business faculty for implementing sustainability into their courses and pedagogy. The ultimate goal of the community is to serve students interested in acquiring sustainable business competencies in Scheller programs, from undergraduate to graduate and executive education. Read the article.

Center Celebrates Tenth Anniversary

Reminiscing, hugs, and laughter abounded at a celebration for the Center’s tenth anniversary. There was a lot to be joyful about! For the last decade, the Center has empowered tomorrow’s leaders to create sustainable businesses and communities. Students, faculty, practitioners, community members, and staff work in classrooms, on projects, and in organizations to enact real-world change for the betterment of people and the planet. Read the article.

BIOMIMICRY INSTITUTE

Applications Open for the Biomimicry Launchpad

The Biomimicry Institute is inviting nature-inspired scientists, engineers, designers, and early-stage entrepreneurs to embark on a transformative 10-week journey. Their free program offers unparalleled training, connections, and an in-person nature retreat, designed to help you turn your ideas into scalable solutions for environmental and social challenges. Apply now for the Biomimicry Launchpad and be a catalyst for positive change. Deadline is February 29th.

Biomimicry Institute’s Youth Design Challenge

The Biomimicry Institute’s Youth Education team is excited to announce that they are a little over a month away from the Youth Design Challenge project submission deadline. If you haven’t begun implementing the curriculum, now is the time to do so! The first step is to register as a coach. 

The Youth Design Challenge is a free, project-based learning challenge for students in grades 6-12 (or equivalent for our international audience). The NGSS-aligned curriculum guides educators as they teach students what biomimicry is, identify a sustainability-related issue to tackle, and come up with a nature-based solution.

DRAWDOWN GEORGIA

Groundswell Delivers Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Projects in Georgia

Groundswell is a nonprofit working across Georgia and several other states to bring energy efficiency upgrades to low- and moderate-income communities and invest in clean energy projects. They are one of six organizations that received a 2024-25 Drawdown Georgia Climate Solutions & Equity Grant. Funders of their grant include the Ray C. Anderson Foundation’s NextGen Committtee, The R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. Family Foundation (Dobbs Fund), The Wilbur and Hilda Glenn Family Foundation, The Ghanta Family Foundation, The Reilly Family Fund and the Tull Charitable Foundation. Read their story here.

The green economy is booming in Georgia, with the manufacture of solar panels and electric vehicles (EVs) on the rise. As EV ownership begins to grow at a corresponding rate, we find our state at the crossroads of revolutionary change—one that promises not just a greener tomorrow, but includes significant public health benefits.

Breathing Easy: How EVs Improve Public Health in Georgia

Recent reports from the American Lung Association (ALA) offer a closer look at the profound impact that EVs can have on the health and well-being of Georgia’s residents. From urban centers to rural communities, the transition to zero-emissions vehicles is poised to become the catalyst for a healthier, more resilient Georgia. Read the full blog.

RAY C. ANDERSON FOUNDATION

Jay Lanier Receives Interface Sustainability in Sales Award

Jay Lanier, regional sales director at Interface, and grandson of Interface Founder, Ray C. Anderson, has received the 2023 Interface Sustainability and Sales Award, awarded at Interface’s Sales & Marketing Meeting.

The honor was presented by John A. Lanier, executive director of the Ray C. Anderson Foundation, who is also Jay’s brother. As part of the award, Jay was given the chance to award the prize money he received from Interface and the Foundation to a nonprofit organization of his choice. Jay is a member of the Foundation’s NextGen Committee.

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 16 – Captain Planet Foundation Gala 
Ongoing – Drawdown Georgia Events Calendar

Formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale kicks off a new era of impact empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry; co-founder Rick Ridgeway and other notable speakers attend celebratory event

AMSTERDAM, HONG KONG and OAKLAND, Calif., February 28, 2024 /3BL/ – Yesterday, Cascale, formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), celebrated its rebrand with members, partners, stakeholders, and co-founder Rick Ridgeway at an event in London. The global nonprofit alliance empowers collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry – its new name references scaling collective action.

Spanning over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, industry associations, and NGOs/nonprofits around the globe, Cascale’s members are united by a singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than they take to the planet and its people. The logo’s elements symbolize the organization’s three member categories and external stakeholders, all critical players in advancing a unified strategy announced in September 2023.

For more history and context, please view the rebrand announcement press release and video; click here to view and download photos from the event, where speakers included, among others:

Rick Ridgeway, author, adventurer, former vice president of sustainability and public engagement at Patagonia, and Cascale’s co-founder: “We initially founded Cascale with the goal of scaling collective action throughout the consumer goods industry. That vision is one step closer today. I am so proud of the progress we have achieved — but there is much more to be done. Every year, we must double down on progress, including reducing emissions, and improving social justice. We need collective action at scale to save our planet and its people. With Cascale, I know we can do this together.”

Andrew Martin, executive vice president at Cascale: “With the social and environmental challenges facing the world and our industries today, the need for collective action at scale has never been greater. Building on our origins and experience with the Higg Index, which demonstrates true collaboration throughout the value chain, we believe the time for new energy is ripe. Cascale’s branding reflects not only the diverse perspectives of our members, partners, and stakeholders but also a renewed commitment and urgency focused on scaling collective action at this critical juncture. Together, we can transform the consumer goods industry into one that gives back more than it takes to the planet and its people.”

Tamar Hoek, Cascale board chair and senior policy director at Solidaridad, a non-corporate Cascale member: “Solidaridad joined Cascale because we believe in the vision of a global platform that brings together diverse voices — elevating the voices of manufacturers, in addition to brands. This is critically important. With Cascale’s members and collaborators, we have both the expertise to facilitate collective action and a common vision to be part of the solution.”

Sean Cady, Cascale board director and vice president of Global Sustainability at VF Corporation, a Cascale member: “After years of enabling positive impact for people and planet through the Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s harmonized methodology, the organization evolves into Cascale, leveraging the SAC’s learnings and tools to create even greater positive impact. We must act with a sense of urgency to elevate our collective action for scaled sustainability improvements. I’m excited about the opportunity ahead and confident, with the conviction and dedication of all stakeholders, the consumer products industries will deliver elevated sustainability performance, supported by Cascale.”

Scott Raskin, chief executive officer at Worldly, the exclusive platform for the Higg Index tools, which has become the leader in environmental and social impact data for the apparel and footwear industry: “This is not a revolution but an evolution – the partnership between Worldly and Cascale is stronger today than ever. We have spent the past fifteen years on measurement and now is the time to scale this impact to provide greater value to members. Together, we are strengthening the Higg Index tools to facilitate industry-wide harmonization, to reduce duplicative efforts, and to provide radical collaboration for tool, program, and policy adoption. We look forward to seeing the impact of our collective action and leading the transformation of the consumer goods industry.”

Paul Wright, group executive director ESG, PDS Multinational, a Cascale member: “The organization’s vision today mirrors its founding, and the significance of the Higg Index tools is even more widely felt. For years, global apparel has been the testing ground for renewed sustainability ambitions. Now, this industry has even more to gain from Cascale’s broadening network, and vice versa. I’m excited to be part of industrial collaboration within our sector for all partners within the supply chain.”

Alexander Kohnstamm, executive director at Fair Wear, a Cascale partner: “Due diligence regulation is here to stay, and stakeholder-validated supply chain risk information is crucial for both impact and compliance. Only through education and collaboration can brands do what it takes, and Cascale facilitates this for its members. Fair Wear is happy to make our 25 years of multi-stakeholder experience in human rights due diligence available to Cascale brands, through a partnership that’s truly unique in the sector.”

Lisa Ly, senior sustainability manager at Dunelm, a home furnishings retailer and Cascale candidate member: “Dunelm is proud to work with Cascale to accelerate collective action fueled by data-driven decision making. We look forward to our continued partnership to drive further progress across home and the entire consumer goods value chain.”

ABOUT CASCALE

Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry. Spanning over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe, we are united by a singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index and a unified strategy for industry transformation.

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National Grid

For a full decade, Glens Falls Hospital has partnered with National Grid on energy efficiency projects, leading to increased sustainability and energy savings. National Grid recently approached Glens Falls with their new Gas Demand Response program, which reduces natural gas consumption during peak usage times. The program ensures a safe and reliable system to provide natural gas when it’s needed most. In exchange for lowering use to boost grid reliability, National Grid offers monetary incentives to participating customers. Learn how we can help your large commercial or industrial business save at ngrid.com/uny-gdr.

At National Grid, we are committed to delivering safe and reliable energy to the customers and communities we serve.

We are one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the US — serving more than 20 million people throughout New York and Massachusetts.

We are at the heart of one of the greatest challenges facing our society — transforming our electricity and natural gas networks with smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy solutions to meet the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Every day we work with stakeholders to promote the development and implementation of more sustainable, innovative and affordable energy solutions.

We are proud of the contributions our work and our people make towards the prosperity and wellbeing of our customers, communities and investors.

by Robin John, CEO of Eventide

Over the past few years, a growing number of investors have started leaning into their faith to guide their investment choices. Morningstar found that more faith-based products launched between 2019 and 2022 than during any other stretch since 2010 and predicts faith-based investing will grow even more popular with the surge of customized investing.

The driver behind this growth in faith-based investing is, in my view, a response to the pain and suffering seen in the world and the desire of many investors to combat it by investing in good. Faith-driven values have long been a reliable framework to accomplish this goal.

Faith-driven investing communicates the ethical desires of shareholders to companies, seeking to shape corporate behavior and encouraging decisions that contribute to the human flourishing of stakeholders. Businesses have two sets of neighbors: internal and external. We define these with the acronym “CES2”. Internally, a business’s neighbors are its Customers, Employees, and Supply chain. Externally, it’s the business’s Communities, Environment, and Society. These neighbors, or stakeholders, are at the forefront of our minds while investing, not only as a way to leave the world better than we found it but also as a long-term investment strategy of investing in “good” companies. 

Read Robin’s full article here – https://greenmoney.com/love-your-neighbor-with-your-investments/

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PARIS and NEW YORK, February 28, 2024 /3BL/ – EcoVadis, the leading provider of business sustainability ratings, today released its 2024 Sustainable Procurement Barometer report. Co-developed with Accenture, the Barometer reveals procurement’s untapped potential to drive business value through sustainable supply chain programs, and transform into a key agent of an organization’s resilience and growth in a rapidly changing world.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, combined with business and industry risks (e.g., accelerating climate crisis, cost volatility and more), and increasing regulations, sustainability has emerged as a key force for procurement’s transformation into a central driver of an organization’s resilience and value creation. In fact, a recent study from Accenture and the United Nations Global Compact showed that more than half (54%) of CEOs are strengthening visibility into the social impacts of their supply chain and CEOs are also focused on encouraging their suppliers to adopt sustainable behaviors, with 33% of companies now incentivizing ESG outcomes for their supply chain. However, the Barometer shows a significant number of companies are still in the early stages of integrating sustainability visibility and indicators into their procurement processes and other business functions.

For example, the research indicates only about half of companies have visibility into more than 50% of their Tier-1 suppliers, and even less for deeper tiers. Supplier engagement practices are not broad or deep enough with less than 50% of programs engaging suppliers with sustainability assessments. And only about 6%-25% of companies have programs that digitally integrate ESG into their procurement processes.

“Business is at a pivotal juncture where leaders are recognizing sustainable procurement’s strategic role for long-term business resilience and growth,” said Pierre-Francois Thaler, co-founder and co-CEO, EcoVadis. “While many companies are adjusting to this change, the most advanced programs are continuously tuning strategies and investments to accelerate the transformation needed to thrive in a new era of business that also benefits people and the planet.”

By examining best practices of the highest-performing 10% (“Leaders”) of programs surveyed, the Barometer unveils five strategies to help organizations transform their procurement programs into a key driver of sustainable growth and innovation across their business:

Engage suppliers more deeply to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices. Activities like corrective action plans, carbon reduction, e -learning or innovation programs drive supplier ESG improvement and produce richer data and insights.Integrate supplier sustainability data into your end-to-end procurement approach. Programs with high integration are three to four times more likely to have strategic-level engagement with C-suite stakeholders.Enhance ESG technology and digital tech foundations. Data can be packaged into insights that drive tactical and strategic decisions, ultimately driving more effective and impactful sustainability initiatives.Use new tools to gain greater N-tier visibility. Risk and or hotspot mapping can inform decarbonization priorities, pinpoint risks and inform engagement strategies and investments across responsible sourcing practices.Engaging internal and C-suite stakeholders with sustainable procurement data is critical to realizing benefits and supporting program expansion. Between 72% and 93% of Leaders are able to strategically engage or operationally inform critical business functions, such as CFO/finance, sales, product design, operations, risk and compliance, with their supplier ESG data and insights, nearly double the rest of the sample.

“Financial success and sustainability aren’t mutually exclusive. Embedding sustainability practices with procurement can be an engine for broader enterprise value creation, reducing cost and improving brand reputation and stakeholder relationships,” said Matias Pollmann-Larsen, Accenture’s global lead for sustainable value chain. “Aligning procurement with broader ESG goals makes supply chains not just more compliant but also more agile and resilient overall.”

For a complete look at the key trends and issues in the sustainable procurement landscape today, download the 2024 Sustainable Procurement Barometer.

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About EcoVadis

EcoVadis is a purpose-driven company whose mission is to provide the world’s most trusted business sustainability ratings. Businesses of all sizes rely on EcoVadis’ expert intelligence and evidence-based ratings to monitor and improve the sustainability performance of their business and trading partners. Its actionable scorecards, benchmarks, carbon action tools, and insights guide an improvement journey for environmental, social, and ethical practices across 220 industry categories and 180 countries. Industry leaders such as Johnson & Johnson, L’Oréal, Unilever, LVMH, Bridgestone, BASF, and JPMorgan are among the 130,000 businesses that collaborate with EcoVadis to drive resilience, sustainable growth, and positive impact worldwide. Learn more on ecovadis.com, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

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Further expansion of growth platform for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) solutions with highly attractive adjacent businessStrengthen global position and expand offering in sustainability-driven, future-oriented growing and profitable marketsAccess to certified protective coating technologies and complementary applicator network for retrofitting, smart maintenance, and civil infrastructure

DÜSSELDORF, Germany, February 28, 2024 /3BL/ – Henkel has signed an agreement to acquire the US-based Seal for Life Industries LLC (“Seal for Life”) from Arsenal Capital Partners (USA). Seal for Life is a specialized supplier of protective coating and sealing solutions in a broad variety of infrastructure markets such as renewable energy, oil & gas, and water. The company operates globally and has generated sales of approximately 250 million euros in 2023. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Driven by aging infrastructure and an increasing relevance of sustainability, the demand for solutions that enable the extension of asset life of infrastructure is continuously growing. With Seal for Life, which provides proven innovative coating and sealing solutions for both existing and new build infrastructure assets, Henkel adds attractive technologies to its growing MRO platform.

“Strategic acquisitions to actively shape and strengthen our portfolio are an integral part of our Purposeful Growth Agenda. Seal for Life offers an attractive and highly profitable portfolio in protective coating and sealing, perfectly complementing our existing platform for the maintenance, repair and overhaul market. With this transaction we will further enhance our product portfolio in this attractive market and unlock even greater growth potential for our leading Adhesive Technologies business,” said Henkel CEO Carsten Knobel.

In 2023, Seal for Life reported sales of around 250 million euros. The company employs more than 650 people and has a global production network. The business offers innovative coating and sealing products such as heat-shrink sleeves, visco-elastic coatings, epoxy & urethane coatings, fire protection, insulation and sound dampening coatings. The application expertise of these solutions, marketed under different industry-leading brands including STOPAQ®, CANUSA®, COVALENCE®, LIFELAST®, is a pioneer in the protection and retrofitting of a variety of customer infrastructure, including pipelines and piles.

“Maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) is a strategic growth market for us, offering great opportunities for innovative solutions that help protecting, retrofitting and digitally-enabled condition monitoring of infrastructure and at the same time contributing to sustainability. This transaction marks another building block in creating and developing a growth platform in our MRO business. It will enable us to further expand our offering in sustainability-driven, future-oriented markets such as renewable energy and water supply,” said Mark Dorn, Executive Vice President and responsible for Henkel’s Adhesive Technologies business.

This document contains statements referring to future business development, financial performance and other events or developments of future relevance for Henkel that may constitute forward-looking statements. Statements with respect to the future are characterized by the use of words such as expect, intend, plan, anticipate, believe, estimate, and similar terms. Such statements are based on current estimates and assumptions made by the corporate management of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA. These statements are not to be understood as in any way guaranteeing that those expectations will turn out to be accurate. Future performance and results actually achieved by Henkel AG & Co. KGaA and its affiliated companies depend on a number of risks and uncertainties and may therefore differ materially (both positively and negatively) from the forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are outside Henkel’s control and cannot be accurately estimated in advance, such as the future economic environment and the actions of competitors and others involved in the marketplace. Henkel neither plans nor undertakes to update forward-looking statements.

This document includes supplemental financial indicators that are not clearly defined in the applicable financial reporting framework and that are or may be alternative performance measures. These supplemental financial indicators should not be viewed in isolation or as alternatives to measures of Henkel’s net assets and financial position or results of operations as presented in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework in its Consolidated Financial Statements. Other companies that report or describe similarly titled alternative performance measures may calculate them differently.

This document has been issued for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute an investment advice or an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities.