Month: August 2024

The 2024 Paris Olympics have been hot. As personal bests are challenged, records beaten, and underdogs take the top spot on the podium, the temperatures are likewise soaring to staggering heights. 

While the heat has not, thus far, shattered any records, it has brought attention to two EHS issues at the center of this year’s Olympics: Indoor air quality and water safety.

Comfort vs. Environmental Impact: Keeping Athletes Cool

Nearly a decade after 196 nations gathered to sign a landmark climate treaty, the Olympic organizers in Paris prepared to host another great gathering of nations, with the goal of making the 2024 summer games the greenest in history.

Organizers initially sought to minimize the carbon footprint of the games by using geothermal cooling within the athlete’s village dormitories. This decision, however, faced immediate backlash from athletes and teams concerned about the very real risk of extreme heat for the duration of the summer games. 

Things came to a head as a summer heatwave persisted across France, and it became clear that maintaining athlete performance and safety required rethinking the approach to cooling. Ultimately, athletes were allowed to purchase the use of high-efficiency AC units, chosen by the host committee.

What EHS pros can learn from this moment

The air conditioning controversy at the 2024 Paris Olympics offers several valuable lessons for EHS professionals:

Balancing health and sustainability

One of the primary takeaways is the importance of finding a balance between health and sustainability goals. While environmental considerations are crucial, they should not come at the expense of human health and safety. EHS professionals must strive to develop solutions that address both aspects effectively.

Building for longevity

While the dormitories in the Olympic Village were constructed to house top athletes from around the world, they were designed with the intention of converting them to long-term housing after the games conclude. EHS strategic facility design must consider not only the immediate needs of the users but also the long-term impacts and usability of the structures.

Adapting for now

The backlash from athletes was a stark reminder of the importance of considering the perspectives and needs of all stakeholders. The use of high-efficiency AC units powered by renewable energy was a solid compromise that honored both sustainability and safety objectives.

Water Quality in the Seine River 

In addition to the challenges posed by the heat, the 2024 Paris Olympics also brought significant attention to the water quality of the Seine River, where several aquatic events, including marathon swimming and triathlons, were scheduled to take place. Ensuring the safety and cleanliness of the Seine ahead of the games was a critical priority – one made more challenging by the effects of climate change.

The Journey to a cleaner Seine

The Seine River has a long history of pollution, but in the years leading up to the Olympics, significant efforts were made to improve its water quality. These efforts included upgrading sewage treatment facilities, implementing stricter regulations on industrial discharges, and launching extensive cleanup campaigns. The goal was to make the river safe for swimming and other recreational activities, a promise that had been made decades earlier.

Despite these efforts, the road to a cleaner Seine was not without its challenges. Heavy rainfall in the weeks leading up to the Olympics caused runoff from city streets and overflow from sewage systems, temporarily compromising the water quality.

In the final days before the games, rigorous testing was conducted to ensure that the water quality met international safety standards. Higher than acceptable levels of contamination caused a slight delay for the swimming portion of the men’s triathlon, though remaining events took place as scheduled. Official reporting on water quality in the Seine over the course of the Paris Olympics is still forthcoming.

The best time to start remediation? Right now.

Improving urban water quality demands long-term planning and substantial investment in infrastructure – and infrastructure takes time. 

EHS professionals play a crucial role in guiding their organizations, whether corporate or governmental, to adopt a proactive and strategic approach to remediation efforts. Establishing a comprehensive, forward-thinking remediation plan not only addresses current environmental challenges but also safeguards future sustainability and public health.

The Value of Being Proactive

The important take-away from this year’s summer Olympic games is that the proactive planning of the Paris Organising Committee created an environment in which the challenges of climate change were met with far greater ease than they would have otherwise been. 

Learn how the partners at Inogen Alliance can help your EHS team develop proactive strategies that anticipate and mitigate environmental, health, and safety challenges.

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.

Cummins

JAMESTOWN, N.Y., August 12, 2024 /3BL/ – Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI), a global power technology leader, is proud to announce the 50th anniversary of its Jamestown Engine Plant (JEP). This milestone marks half a century of cutting-edge engineering, dedicated workforce and commitment to community and sustainability.

Since its establishment in 1974, JEP has been at the forefront of engine manufacturing, recently celebrating the production of its 2.5 millionth engine, and continually sets industry standards for quality, efficiency and innovation. The plant’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its employees, past and present, and the support of the Jamestown community.

JEP has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of the market, pioneering advancements in engine technology that reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. The plant’s state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to research and development have made it a key player in Cummins’ global operations. Cummins recently announced a $452 million investment into the 998,000 square foot Jamestown facility, to produce the industry’s first fuel-agnostic internal combustion engine platform that leverages a range of lower carbon fuel types, including natural gas, and is aligned with the company’s Destination Zero strategy.

“Celebrating 50 years of the Jamestown Engine Plant is a proud moment for all of us at Cummins,” said Jennifer Rumsey, Cummins Chair and CEO. “We are uniquely positioned to build upon the decades of experience in designing and manufacturing industry-leading products here in Jamestown, including our industry’s first heavy-duty X15N engine launching this year. As we look to the future with our Destination Zero strategy and Cummins HELM platforms, I am excited about our continued journey towards providing sustainable power solutions with Jamestown playing a critical role.”

JEP’s success is deeply intertwined with the local community. Over the years, the plant has contributed to local economic growth, provided jobs and supported numerous community initiatives. JEP annually contributes $1 million back to the community through charitable donations and employee volunteer hours served. The innovative work and the top of line products JEP is providing to its customers are a testament to the dedication Cummins has to creating a more sustainable future and long-lasting impact on the world.

As JEP celebrates this significant milestone, Cummins is focused on the future. The plant will continue to lead in the development of innovative and sustainable power solutions, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of Cummins’ global manufacturing network.

About Cummins Inc. 
Cummins Inc., a global power solutions leader, comprises five business segments – Components, Engine, Distribution, Power Systems and Accelera by Cummins – supported by our global manufacturing and extensive service and support network, skilled workforce and vast technological expertise. Cummins is committed to its Destination Zero strategy, which is grounded in the company’s commitment to sustainability and helping its customers successfully navigate the energy transition with its broad portfolio of products. The products range from advanced diesel, natural gas, electric and hybrid powertrains and powertrain-related components including filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, valvetrain technologies, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, axles, drivelines, brakes, suspension systems, electric power generation systems, batteries, electrified power systems, hydrogen production technologies and fuel cell products. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (U.S.), since its founding in 1919, Cummins employs approximately 75,500 people committed to powering a more prosperous world through three global corporate responsibility priorities critical to healthy communities: education, environment and equality of opportunity. Cummins serves its customers online, through a network of company-owned and independent distributor locations, and through thousands of dealer locations worldwide and earned about $735 million on sales of $34.1 billion in 2023.

Media Contact 
Lauren Daniel 
Manager, External Communications 
lauren.daniel@cummins.com

Originally published by ESG Decoded Podcast on YouTube

Join host Amanda Hsieh as she welcomes Shamina Singh, Founder and President of the Center for Inclusive Growth at Mastercard.

Continue reading here.

About Mastercard

Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses realize their greatest potential. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.

About the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth leverages the company’s core assets and competencies, including data insights, expertise, and technology, while administering the philanthropic Mastercard Impact Fund, to produce independent research, scale global programs, and empower a community of thinkers, leaders, and doers on the front lines of inclusive growth. For more information and to receive its latest insights, follow the Center on LinkedIn, Instagram and subscribe to its newsletter.  

Follow the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth’s journey to advance equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world by following us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

PHILADELPHIA, August 12, 2024 /3BL/ – Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs and Comcast RISE announced the premiere of Culture Capital, a three-part docuseries showcasing nine game-changing and diverse entrepreneurs who are laying the foundation for future founders, available now on Comcast’s Black Experience on Xfinity channel, Peacock, and Xumo Play.

Launched in 2021, Black Experience on Xfinity features the ultimate in Black storytelling from Black programming partners and film studios and has released a variety of original documentaries, like Culture Capital, showcasing diverse talent and content creators.

Watch the Trailer Here

Hosted by Felecia Hatcher, CEO of Black Ambition Prize, a nonprofit led by Grammy Award-winning artist Pharrell Williams, the Culture Capital docuseries features founders of color, illuminating their journey in creating competitive businesses in today’s market. This series not only highlights the unique challenges and achievements of these entrepreneurs but also provides viewers with an in-depth understanding of the entrepreneurial journey – celebrating the innovative spirit that transforms visions into lasting legacies

“It is a privilege to showcase the inspiring stories of the founders in the docuseries Culture Capital on Black Experience on Xfinity,” said Loren Hudson, SVP and Chief Diversity Officer, Connectivity & Platforms, Comcast. “We hope that this series demonstrates the power of an idea and the passion and drive it takes to bring it to life. By shining a light on these authentic journeys, we hope to empower viewers to chase their own dreams.”

Featuring conversations with an array of business owners, the docuseries represents founders at all stages of the journey. Participants include:

Felecia Hatcher, series host and CEO of Black Ambition Prize, a nonprofit led by Grammy Award-winning artist Pharrell Williams, working to close the opportunity and wealth gap through entrepreneurship. (Miami, FL)Melinda Archuleta, Owner of Bar Carlo, a full-service Mexican American restaurant. (Portland, OR)Cody Coleman, Co-founder and CEO of Coactive AI, a generative AI company that supercharges businesses by enriching, searching, and analyzing images and videos at scale. (San Jose, CA)Bertony Faustin, Owner of Abbey Creek Vineyard, a vineyard that perfectly blends wine and hip-hop. (Portland, OR)Grace Hsia, Founder of Warmilu, a material science warming company. (Detroit, MI) Chekesha Kidd, Founder of Kinumi, a dedicated concierge service and community for active older adults and the people who love and care for them. (Washington, DC)Latoya Peterson, Co-Founder & Chief Experience Officer of Glow Up Games, a gaming company that builds playful technology centering around Black and brown joy. (Washington, DC)Will Toms, Co-Founder & CCO of REC, a members-only club of the world’s most ambitious creators. (Philadelphia, PA) Ashley Williams, Founder of RIZZARR, the martech platform for the next generation of creators. (Detroit, MI)David Wong, Co-founder of FRIEDA, a cafe and curated intergenerational community space based in Philadelphia. (Philadelphia, PA)

“This collaboration with Comcast NBCUniversal has been extremely valuable. By creating Culture Capital, we have crafted a platform that elevates the voices of entrepreneurs of color to a national stage, showcasing the rich diversity and boundless potential within our communities,” said Hatcher. “A series of this scale reflects Comcast’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, representing the type of opportunities which are essential for creating a truly equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Culture Capital was created and produced by Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs and Comcast RISE.

Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs connects strategically relevant startups from around the world with Comcast to explore partnerships that impact the ways we work and the products and experiences we deliver to our customers and employees. By leveraging the startup ecosystem, LIFT Labs identifies emerging technologies and key insights through collaborations with founders and Comcast’s businesses.

Comcast RISE supports the growth of small businesses committed to uplifting their local communities. The program is built to help entrepreneurs and their communities thrive with a focus on economic growth. Comcast RISE was created in 2020 to help small businesses hardest hit by COVID-19 recover and thrive. To date, 13,500 small businesses were awarded with over $125 million in monetary, marketing, and technology grants. In August, Comcast RISE will award 500 additional recipients in five cities with a grant package that includes business consultation services, educational resources, monetary grant, creative production, media schedule, and a technology makeover.

Black Experience on Xfinity is a first-of-its-kind destination of Black entertainment, movies, TV shows, news and more. Available at home on Xfinity X1 and Flex, and on-the-go with the Xfinity Stream app, the Black Experience on Xfinity features original and high-quality content from Comcast NBCUniversal and other major studios, in addition to content from many of Xfinity’s existing network partners, at no additional cost to Xfinity customers.

Xfinity customers can access the Black Experience on channel 1622 or simply say “Black Experience” into the Voice Remote to instantly enjoy the ultimate in Black storytelling. Non-Xfinity customers will be able to view Culture Capital on Peacock and Xumo Play, a joint venture between Comcast and Charter.

With global attention focused on Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics (officially the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad), the event organizers have used the opportunity to highlight efforts to make the games more sustainable. While there have been some setbacks, particularly regarding pollution in the Seine River and a reversal on using air conditioners in the Olympic Village, the Paris Olympics have won overall high marks for being environmentally friendly.

The Paris Agreement, signed in 2016, remains the most comprehensive international climate treaty to date, with 196 parties adopting goals to limit global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With this in mind, organizers of the Paris Olympics set ambitious targets to limit the carbon footprint of construction and operations for the 2024 event to half of the emissions at the 2012 London Olympics and 2016 Rio Olympics.

As detailed in one of our Top Stories from CleanLink, the organizers put in place several measures to reduce emissions. These included powering the events’ operations with 100% renewable energy, prohibiting diesel generators, limiting the number of new buildings, using low-carbon concrete and recycled materials for any construction needed, using seats made of recycled plastic, and ensuring that all furniture and temporary buildings have a guaranteed second life.

Climate change is now top of mind for many major sporting events like the Olympics and FIFA World Cup, with organizers needing to carefully select host cities and time periods to avoid problems caused by extreme heat, particularly for winter sports. As reported in Virginia Mercury, uncertainty about conditions for winter sports caused the International Olympic Committee to delay the selection of host cities for future Winter Games. FIFA moved the 2022 Men’s World Cup from June to November to avoid extreme heat at the host country Qatar.

Athletes have also expressed concerns about the threats posed to competitors by climate change. Ahead of the Paris Olympics, The British Association for Sustainable Sport (BASIS) issued its Rings of Fire II report in which elite athletes from 15 sports, along with leading climate scientists and thermal physiologists, discussed the risks and outlined recommendations to safeguard athletes.

In addition to event organizers and athletes, sports businesses such as clothing and equipment brands are also recognizing the risks posed by climate change and are responding by promoting sustainable business practices. According to ISPO, which holds the world’s largest trade fair annually in Munich for sporting goods and sportswear, brands are using eco-friendly materials and reducing carbon footprints through energy-efficient manufacturing.

The fast-moving, multi-billion business of international sports will continue to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. Our team at G&A will stay on top of trends in the industry that can serve as examples to guide all businesses on your sustainability journey, staying true to the Olympic motto “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together.”

This is just the introduction of G&A’s Sustainability Highlights newsletter this week. Click here to view the full issue.