Month: June 2024

Published by Las Vegas Sands on April 10, 2024

As its second year in the Sands Cares Accelerator came to a close in 2023, Green Future Macao is continuing to forge new directions in Macao recycling services, leveraging the funding and resources it receives from the three-year nonprofit capacity-building program.

Founded in 2012 to provide education and awareness programs to improve commercial recycling rates in the region, Green Future has focused its time in the Sands Cares Accelerator on launching Sap Fong, an environmental social enterprise that provides Macao businesses with waste sorting and recycling services. Sap Fong aims to increase recycling rates in Macao and provide resources to local residents who independently gather and recycle cardboard as their main source of income.

At the outset of its Sands Cares Accelerator membership, Green Future leaders originally envisioned Sap Fong to be route-based and established two main service paths in which independent recycling workers gathered Macao’s discarded cardboard to be sorted for recycling processes.

After pursuing this structure for a year, Green Future shifted to a subscriber-based approach to accelerate recycling rates. Just a few months after launching the subscription service, Sap Fong has already secured nearly 30 commercial, household and NGO clients for its subscriber service and recycled nearly 90,000 kilograms of cardboard waste in the last three months of 2023 alone.

“By shifting to a subscription model, we want to make recycling seamless and accessible for everyone and empower them to become environmental advocates,” Joey Choi, vice chairman of Green Future, said. “Alongside doorstep recycling, we have recently expanded our services to include eco-product purchase and delivery options, making it easier for individuals to practice environmental sustainability, thus, encouraging more people to participate and contribute to a greener future.”

As Green Future works through its final year in the Sands Cares Accelerator in 2024, the nongovernmental organization is focusing on increasing Sap Fong’s profitability to enable long-term sustainability and aims to increase its client base by 50%.

In addition, support from the Sands Cares Accelerator has allowed Green Future to develop and launch three new offerings for independent workers who gather recyclable materials and work with service providers such as Sap Fong for recycling. Green Future has introduced a trolley exchange program that eliminates the need to queue and wait for cardboard unloading once independent workers’ trolleys are full, a temporary collection point to store collected cardboard at night and opportunities for income diversification by providing client referrals.

Green Future is complementing these services for independent workers with educational tours aimed at raising awareness of the challenges workers face and the importance of sustainable waste management practices, in collaboration with Oxfam. These tours have played a crucial role in promoting social inclusion for independent workers and provided job opportunities with corporations interested in recycling services.

Green Future now regularly interacts with more than 50 independent workers and partners with many of them to fulfill recycling services for its clients. The organization is currently planning six new tours for high school students in 2024.

“As an environmental nonprofit organization with a longstanding focus on environmental education, we have always been passionate about our mission, but we have acknowledged that entrepreneurship, marketing and developing effective revenue-generating strategies have not been our strong suit,” Rix Un, president of Green Future, said. “Through our membership in the Sands Cares Accelerator, we have had the privilege of working with a professional team from Sands that has provided us with constructive suggestions and guidance. Their expertise and support have been invaluable in the positive development of our newly established social enterprise, Sap Fong.”

The Sands Cares Accelerator was inspired by Sands’ founder Sheldon G. Adelson and his legacy of creating successful businesses and giving back to communities through meaningful philanthropic involvement. Since 2017, the program has empowered Las Vegas, Singapore and Macao nonprofits to build their capacity in strategic areas and develop new initiatives to make greater community impact, with funding, structured guidance and mentorship from Sands.

To learn more about the Sands Cares Accelerator and its focus on building nonprofit capacity, visit: https://www.sands.com/responsibility/communities/sands-cares-accelerator/

Originally published in Bloomberg’s 2023 Impact Report

Structural and systemic shifts accompanying climate change, such as resource scarcity, new technologies and regulations, pose business risks and offer opportunities to issuers and investors globally. We provide data, analytics, indices, news, insights and expertise to investors, lenders, companies, policymakers and citizens seeking to address climate challenges and consider climate factors when making crucial business and investing decisions.

Clarifying climate risks and opportunities

Bloomberg provides data, research, benchmarks and analytical tools to help investors, lenders and companies manage risks and opportunities related to climate change.

ESG data and scores – Investors and companies can use Bloomberg’s ESG data and ESG scores to inform investment decisions, help comply with regulatory reporting requirements, manage climate risk and more. Our data and scores are displayed alongside fundamental financial data on the Bloomberg Terminal, and are integrated into the powerful analytical tools on the Bloomberg Terminal, allowing users to incorporate this information into critical investment decisions with ease.
 Research & analysis – Bloomberg Intelligence (BI), Bloomberg’s investment research arm, covers 2,000 companies across key industries as well as global markets from an equity strategy, Fixed Income Clearing Corporation (FICC) market structure and ESG perspective. 

Indices – As the investment community’s needs evolve and more clients look to incorporate measures of sustainability into their portfolios — and track the performance therein — Bloomberg leads the way in offering sustainable index resources and customization capabilities. Bloomberg’s sustainable index offerings are built on our comprehensive, cross-asset indices, and Bloomberg’s index team collaborates with ESG and climate research teams across the firm to produce and maintain strategic, and often groundbreaking, benchmarks. We also collaborate with leading ESG ratings, framework and data providers, and investment managers to create index alternatives that meet the diverse needs of investors. 

Our suite of global cross-asset climate and low-carbon indices include the Bloomberg Paris-Aligned & Climate Transition Indices and the new Bloomberg Commodity Carbon-Tilted Index, launched in May 2023, for investors who want to support the transition to a low-carbon economy while maintaining exposure to the diversified universe of physical commodities in the Bloomberg Commodity Index.

Regulatory solutions – Bloomberg provides data and tools that may be used to help banks, asset managers and benchmark administrators comply with applicable regulatory requirements, including the EU Taxonomy and Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), EBA Pillar III climate disclosures, Benchmark ESG disclosures, the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) and the European Securities and Markets Authority’s MiFID II Suitability Requirements. Additional Bloomberg tools may be used to help firms align reporting with sustainability standards like the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards. Bloomberg also provides ESG data from company reporting mandated under regulatory regimes, and is notably working to provide data reported by companies under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). 

Bloomberg experts are actively involved in advisory groups working with policymakers around the world to help ensure that regulations are implemented efficiently and achieve their objectives. 

Bloomberg also offers analytics to simplify ESG disclosure and compliance with regulatory requirements, including a data solution that simplifies the assessment of EU Taxonomy eligibility and alignment as well as company and product alignment with the SFDR.

Climate solutions – As extreme weather events increase, and the transition to a netzero global economy picks up steam, Bloomberg is expanding its climate solutions to help corporate strategy, finance and policy professionals better identify, assess, manage and report climate risks and opportunities. 

In 2023, we released new tools for analyzing physical risk and netzero transition risk, and made it easier for investors to incorporate Bloomberg’s climate-related data, scores and research into their climate risk analysis. We launched a Climate Overview tab (ESG CLIM ) in the ESG Analysis function on the Terminal that provides a snapshot of a company’s climate risk in four key areas: the company’s contributions to climate change, the impact of climate change on the company, the company’s climaterelated actions and climate-related market insights about the company. The Climate Overview tab connects users to additional Bloomberg climate risk tools that can be used for further analysis, including proprietary analytics that surface insights about a company’s emissions footprint, net-zero pathway, alignment with policymakers’ temperature rise goals and physical risk levels.

Nature and biodiversity solutions – The loss of natural resources and biodiversity poses significant risks for companies and financial institutions, with half the global economy highly or moderately dependent on services provided by nature, such as timber or water. As new research, regulations and international climate agreements raise awareness of these risks, financial market participants are starting to integrate nature and biodiversity into their policies, operations and investment strategies.
 Industry guidance – The rise of environmental issues creates unique and profound implications for a wide range of industries. Bloomberg Industry Group’s subscription-based news, content and technology solutions serve legal, government and tax professionals, and provide key insights into cross-cutting sustainability issues and practical guidance for company leaders.

Reporting on the business and science of climate change

Bloomberg L.P.’s news and media divisions provide extensive content on climate and ESG issues. 

Bloomberg L.P.’s Editorial & Research’s 2,900 journalists and analysts in 118 countries deliver more than 5,000 stories a day to Bloomberg Terminal subscribers. The Terminal features regular coverage of sustainable finance and corporate governance, with a particular focus on trends in green finance, renewable energy and emissions accountability. ESG is one of the biggest stories that Bloomberg Editorial & Research covers as investors put pressure on executives to tackle issues ranging from climate change and workplace culture, to race and gender, and investment pours into the energy transition. 

Bloomberg News also feeds our news site Bloomberg.com, Bloomberg TV, the various publications produced by Bloomberg Media and our streaming video network Bloomberg Originals. Bloomberg Media, our consumer-facing media division, is a leading global multi-distribution platform brand that provides decision makers with timely news, analysis and intelligence on business, finance, technology, climate change, politics and more. It reaches influential audiences worldwide across every media platform, including digital, social, TV, radio, print and live events.

Advancing the conversation

Our events connect forward-thinking business leaders with climate innovators and inspire action.

BloombergNEF Summits – BloombergNEF Summits provide a forum to generate ideas, deliver insights and establish the connections needed to capitalize on technological change and shape a cleaner, more competitive future. In 2023, BloombergNEF hosted six BNEF Summits, supported by its market-leading research, in London, Munich, New Delhi, New York, San Francisco and Shanghai. The BNEF Summit Shanghai was the first in-person event in four years, marking a return to the country that represents half of the global energy transition, and welcomed over 800 attendees across two days.
 Sustainable Business Summits – Bloomberg’s Sustainable Business Summits bring together business leaders and investors globally to drive innovation and scale best practices in sustainable business and finance. We hosted three summits in 2023, in London, Singapore and New York, covering trends in sustainable investing, best practices for using ESG data and the powerful role social factors play in sustainability strategies.
 Bloomberg New Economy Forum – Each year, Bloomberg Media’s annual New Economy Forum gathers the world’s most influential public- and private-sector leaders to address the urgent problems of a global economy in transition. Mike Bloomberg hosted the sixth annual Bloomberg New Economy Forum in November, welcoming more than 500 heads of state, CEOs, entrepreneurs and academics to Singapore. The agenda featured several sessions on decarbonizing the global economy, with John Kerry, former Special Presidential Envoy for Climate for the United States, speaking to delegates about the need to accelerate efforts. We also hosted New Economy Gateway events for regional leaders in Ireland and Morocco.
 Bloomberg Green events – The Bloomberg Green Summit, held in April in New York City, featured conversations with climate leaders on climate economy, innovations in cleaner technology solutions, living a greener life and more. In December, Bloomberg Green at COP28 convened executives and thought leaders in Dubai and broadcast the conversations to a global audience.
 Sustainable Finance Forums – Launched in 2023, the Sustainable Finance Forum series brought investors, regulators, industry experts and Bloomberg ESG product specialists together to discuss ESG trends and opportunities. More than 1,000 participants attended forums held in Auckland, New Zealand, Dublin, London, Madrid, New York and Paris.

Read Bloomberg’s 2023 sustainability report to learn more about its environmental impact.

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

By Liz Achanta

Ahh, June. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. That’s right — it’s Pride Month!

There are rainbows and events galore as people from all walks of life celebrate love, diversity, and acceptance. It’s a time of celebration, yes. But it’s also a month for reflection and solidarity, as we commemorate the LGBTQIA+ community and its struggles, triumphs, and ongoing fight for equality and acceptance.

How Pride came to be

While today Pride is often thought of as marches, parties, and fun, it started as a protest against discrimination.

Pride’s origins can be traced back long before the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, a pivotal moment in LGBTQIA+ history. On June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a well-known queer bar in New York City. This time there was one difference, though. Frustrated by relentless discrimination and police harassment, bar patrons, particularly transgender women of color, fought back. The uprising lasted for several days, spurring other acts of resistance around the country.

On June 28, 1970, a year after the Stonewall Uprising, the first Pride march took place in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago as a way of commemorating the events of the last year. The rest, as they say, is history.

Why we celebrate

Today, June is known as Pride Month. It serves as a reminder of the progress made and the challenges that still lie ahead. It’s also an opportunity to honor the diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community, embracing individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions.

Pride fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment, encouraging people to embrace their authentic selves without fear of judgment or discrimination, something that’s still not guaranteed to everyone.

How to get involved

If you’re eager to make the most out of Pride, there are countless ways to show support and solidarity during Pride Month. Here are some suggestions:

Attend Pride events

From parades and festivals to panel discussions and art exhibitions, Pride offers a multitude of opportunities to connect with LGBTQIA+ people and celebrate their resilience and diversity. Check local listings for events in your area and join in the festivities. Hosting an event? You might want to consider using a .gay domain name to make it easier for folks to find you.

Educate yourself

Take the time to learn about LGBTQIA+ history, issues, and experiences. Engage with books, films, podcasts, and online resources created by queer voices. Understanding the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community is crucial in fostering empathy and promoting allyship. If you need some suggestions, ohhey.gay is a good place to start.

Support LGBTQIA+ organizations

If you’re financially able to, donate to LGBTQIA+ organizations and nonprofits that provide vital resources, support, and advocacy for the community. Whether it’s a local community center, a national advocacy group, or a crisis hotline, every contribution makes a difference. Don’t forget that your time is valuable, too! If you have skills that could be useful or time to spare, reach out to understand how you can help. You can find a list of LGBTQIA+ organizations here.

Amplify LGBTQIA+ voices

Use your platform to elevate the voices and stories of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Share their experiences, achievements, and struggles on social media, and advocate for inclusive representation in the media, workplace, and beyond.

Be an ally

Stand up against discrimination and bigotry whenever you encounter it—it can be really helpful for the LGBTQIA+ people in your life if an ally does the emotional heavy lifting of why a “joke” isn’t actually funny or why a policy is discriminatory. Where possible, educate others on the importance of LGBTQIA+ rights and equality. Most of all, be a supportive friend, family member, or colleague to the people in your life.

Embracing diversity and love

At its core, Pride is a celebration of love in all its forms. It’s a testament to the resilience, strength, and beauty of the Queer community. As we commemorate Pride Month, let’s honor those who paved the way for progress, celebrate the victories achieved, and recommit ourselves to the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance for all. Happy Pride, y’all!

A great way to amplify Queer voices online is by creating a website to house their stories. DotGay is the only domain that has a .gay Rights Protection Policy, and bans any hateful, homophobic, anti-LGBTQIA+ use of a .gay domain name. Plus, 20% of all new .gay registration revenue goes to support LGBTQIA+ organizations! Buy your .gay domain here and fly your pride flag year-round!

June 12, 2024 /3BL/ – Inogen Alliance is pleased to announce the addition of two new Associate companies: Hydrophil in Austria and PMCG International in Ukraine. The addition of new Associates allows us to continue to provide strong EHS and Sustainability support expanding our coverage for clients in this region. In choosing new Associate companies to join the Alliance we have a thorough due diligence process to ensure alignment in values, services and complimentary coverage with our existing companies and approval by the Board of Directors.

HYDROPHIL is a globally active, independent engineering consulting company specialising in the water and environmental sector. Our services range from feasibility and impact studies and engineering design to developing policies and climate adaptation measures. We achieve our goals by implementing sustainable, innovative, and climate-friendly approaches. While our highly skilled in-house team can handle most challenges, we also have access to a large team of independent specialists around the globe. Our clients include government ministries and municipalities, development banks and international organisations, as well as private companies. With our head office located in the vibrant city of Vienna in Austria, we also operate branches in the town of Graz (Styria), in Nairobi, Kenya, and a representation office in Podgorica, Montenegro. Although globally active, our core operation areas of business lie in sub-Saharan Africa, the Balkan Region, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

“The global water and environmental sector is highly impacted by challenges such as climate change, scientific and technical innovations, and evolving regulatory policies. At HYDROPHIL, we believe such challenges can only be overcome by a solid multicultural team of experts. We are very excited to join the Inogen Alliance and to work with and exchange ideas with fellow partners to support our clients., ” said Bastian Schnabel, Water Quality & Environmental Expert at HYDROPHIL.

PMCG – Policy and Management Consulting Group is an international development consulting company aiming to deliver progress to transitional and developing countries in the South Caucasus, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Of note, the company has extensive hands-on experience in policy elaboration and implementing structural and administrative reforms oriented towards socio-economic prosperity, sustainability, an enhanced business-enabling environment, and institutional capacity development. PMCG specializes in various areas, the environment and climate change, water and wastewater management, waste management, energy, transport, including public finance management (PFM), governance, democracy, the rule of law, tourism, education, and youth and gender.

“We are excited to become a part of Inogen Alliance, a global network dedicated to environmental, health, safety, and sustainability initiatives. We look forward to collaborating with the diverse associate members to promote a more sustainable future for communities worldwide. Although our presence in Ukraine is still growing, we bring extensive expertise backed by PMCG’s global experience,” said Zviad Kharebava, Director, Infrastructure and Environment at PMCG.

Inogen Alliance is a global network made up of dozens of independent local businesses and over 6,000 consultants around the world who can help make your project a success. Our Associates collaborate closely to serve multinational corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, and we share knowledge and industry experience to provide the highest quality service to our clients. If you want to learn more about how you can work with Inogen Alliance, you can explore our Associates or Contact Us. Watch for more News & Blog updates here and follow us on LinkedIn.