Month: June 2024

The world is on the cusp of actualizing a number of exciting technologies which hold the potential to profoundly impact our planet and our lived experience. Whether in 6G, artificial intelligence, or advancements in sustainability, Keysight’s role in providing advanced design, validation, and test solutions is more relevant than ever.

Keysight has long strived to make a positive impact on society and fiscal year 2023 was no different. Through technology that accelerates innovation to connect and secure the world, and our practice of employing a global business framework of ethical, environmentally sustainable, and socially responsible operations, we remained steadfast in our commitment to corporate social responsibility and made material progress on our results.

As a technology company, we are keenly aware of the opportunity for innovations to drive a sustainable and thriving societal future. Through our sustainability-linked solutions, Keysight supports our customers’ purposeful technologies across the clean tech, social impact and wellness, and network safety and security markets. In our fiscal year 2023, we made numerous contributions to sustainability across automotive and energy, and notably, in the security space. We joined other industry leaders at the White House for the launch of a new cybersecurity labeling initiative for consumer Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Such developments, along with Keysight’s product life cycle which is based on the principles of a circular economy, support our sustainability goals while helping customers meet their own corporate social responsibility objectives.

We continued to make progress toward our goal of net zero emissions in company operations by end of fiscal year 2040. Our team worked extensively to develop and submit our science-based targets (SBTs) to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in fiscal year 2023, and we were delighted to have them approved in October 2023. These targets provide clear objectives for our strategy to reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions in line with a 1.5°C trajectory and to engage customers in setting their own SBTs.

Our focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion remained a strategic company priority. In fiscal year 2023, we delivered on commitments to increase women hires globally and underrepresented minority hires in the US, moving towards more balanced representation across the company. We remain committed to advancing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education while simultaneously supporting the development of a skilled pipeline of diverse employees and technology workers through our engagement of more than 1.8 million students, future engineers, and technology skill learners in fiscal year 2023.

Looking to the future, we are resolute in continuing to help build a better planet and society while delivering results for stakeholders. I am energized by the challenge and by the commitment and contributions our team and business are making.

Satish Dhanasekaran 
President and Chief Executive Officer

Read the full 2023 Corporate Social Responsibility Report

Eastman

Finland’s winter weather as early as October and ends as late as April, making snow and ice a challenge for Finavia, the company that manages the country’s airports. Another challenge is protecting Finland’s environment, especially water resources, from pollution.

“Safety is our top priority,” said Heikki Heinijoki, head of airport engineering for Finavia. “We must provide safe air travel both on ground and in the sky, and we also need to protect the safety of Finland’s natural resources. We need products during extreme winter weather that ensure both.”

Finavia uses Eastman Clearway® de-icer to keep runways and taxiways safe to operate throughout winter at its 16 airports. In addition to being a trusted de-icer, Clearway also aligns with Finland and Finavia’s commitment to the environment because of its biodegradability.

“When de-icer is applied to runways and taxiways in winter weather, the ice and snow melts and de-icer ends up in surface waters,” said Ingo Stork, Eastman sales manager. “That’s why there’s a focus on environmental friendliness that won’t harm the surface waters or organisms living in the water.”

Finland’s sustainable development goals aim to prevent water pollution, curb industrial emissions and clean polluted waterways. Finavia also has sustainable air traffic goals, including reaching net-zero emissions by 2025. 

Clearway has been known for its biodegradability and low aquatic toxicity for more than 30 years. It meets all relevant environmental and ecological requirements and carries the Blue Angel Ecolabel, certifying its environmental friendliness. Eastman’s team also tests to ensure Clearway’s limited impact on the environment.

“Air travel is crucial, and we can’t risk safety or delays caused by winter weather,” said Heinijoki. “We know we can trust Eastman’s dedicated team, support and product. That’s why we’ve used Clearway de-icer for many years. We know our flight schedules will stay on track while using a product that helps us progress toward our sustainability goals.”

Eastman changed Clearway’s production process from heavy fuel oil to natural gas, so its carbon footprint is reduced. Lowering carbon dioxide emissions is challenging for the air travel industry because planes emit the gas, but Finavia has on-ground ways to improve the carbon footprint, including using Clearway.

Clearway is manufactured at Eastman’s site in Oulu, Finland. Finavia also gets support from Eastman experts. Everything from supply logistics to environmental testing is provided by Eastman to ensure Finavia’s runways and taxiways are clear all winter.

“This is very collaborative work,” said Milena Costa, Eastman customer service representative. “There’s a lot of people involved. We have a fantastic team at the plant in Oulu, and they are the stars of the show.”

Jessica Dieckmann and Jeremy Stewart are changing lives through powerful not-for-profits. Their nominations earned Rebuild Yourself and the McGlynn Center $10,000 grants from the Baker Tilly Foundation.

Each year through Baker Tilly Wishes, the Baker Tilly Foundation provides grants of $10,000 to not-for-profits nominated by our team members. Learn more about two organizations that received grants this year.

Transforming lives through social support

“When is the next session?”

Those were the words of administrative supervisor Jessica Dieckmann’s son, Evan, after his first visit with Rebuild Yourself.

“Evan struggled with depression and wasn’t receptive to traditional therapy; I needed to get him better help,” Jessica said. “He needed a more social environment, and Rebuild Yourself wasted no time in supporting him.”

Weekly sessions focused on communication, problem solving and self-esteem equipped Evan with life skills to manage anxiety and express himself. He even became a volunteer, eager to support others and spread the word about the program’s benefits.

Paying it forward 

Jessica was so impressed with Rebuild Yourself’s work she contacted the founder, Cynthia Borgwing, and asked how Jessica could contribute.

“I was the first to offer help after using their services,” Jessica said. “It’s been transformative for my son, so I’ve made it my mission to help them in any way I can.”

Now the organization’s treasurer, Jessica is spearheading the program’s expansion. Rebuild Yourself has since grown from one location to five and serves over 600 students. Leveraging her network, Jessica has brought in local entrepreneurs to lead hands-on workshops with students.

Rebuild Yourself offers their services entirely free. Funding is provided through local donations and an annual gala. The $10,000 Baker Tilly Wishes grant will help the organization reach even more families.

Setting up students of Wilkes-Barre up for success

The McGlynn Center in Wilkes-Barre has a remarkable track record: for 30 years, no child participating in their programs has entered the juvenile justice system.

This after-school and summer program serves over 150 students by providing free tutoring, recreational activities and cultural enrichment — all in a safe and supportive environment.

For Assurance Managing Director Jeremy Stewart, volunteering at the McGlynn Center offers immediate and lasting rewards.

“The kids’ love for the program is truly heartwarming,” Jeremy said. “The benefits are clear and long term. We’ve witnessed many former students become valued members of the community.”

Jeremy began volunteering in 2018, initially supporting fundraising efforts. Now their finance director and a board member, Jeremy helps tutor students and chaperone events. His favorite is the annual holiday party, where students compete in an art contest by drawing their dream Christmas tree.

“Last year, one of our youngest students won third place,” Jeremy recalled. “The joy on her face was unforgettable. She jumped up and down, tears in her eyes, absolutely thrilled.”

With three full-time employees, the McGlynn Center relies on grants to sustain its programs. The $10,000 Baker Tilly Wishes grant was crucial, according to Jeremy. The funding will be a substantial help to the children served by the McGlynn Center.

Learn more about Baker Tilly.