Month: January 2025

To achieve net-zero carbon by 2050, Saint-Gobain North America must reach key milestones by 2030. In our latest episode of Journey to 2030, Saint-Gobain is paving the way to a more sustainable future! 

RenuCoreTM technology can take shingle waste and recycle it into asphalt pavements instead of letting it go to landfill. Jill Betters tells us all about how Saint-Gobain is raising the roof in sustainability.

Watch the Saint-Gobain video series Journey to 2030 here

About Saint-Gobain

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group’s commitment is guided by its purpose, “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.

€47.9 billion in sales in 2023 
160,000 employees, locations in 76 countries 
Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

Home for the holidays has an entirely new meaning for Cydni O’Meally.

In early December, the U.S. Navy Veteran received a brand new, fully furnished home in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, from Operation Homefront in partnership with U.S. Bank and homebuilder Veridian Homes.

O’Meally had been living in California and moving to the new home brought her closer to her sister, who also lives in Wisconsin.

This is the fourth mortgage-free home U.S. Bank donated to veterans this year, bringing the total to 30 homes valued at a combined amount of $8.1 million since 2013. Watch the video above to see O’Meally’s story.

Global trade is the lifeblood of modern economies, but the logistics that underpin it often leave a hefty environmental and social footprint. This is especially true in emerging markets, where infrastructure gaps, socio-economic challenges, and environmental vulnerabilities collide. DP World, however, is on a mission to change this reality. Armed with an ambitious sustainability strategy and a recent Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure (SDID), we are setting new benchmarks for sustainable logistics across regions like South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Why does this matter? Because these regions are not just hubs of untapped opportunity—they’re also the frontlines for addressing global challenges such as climate change, gender inequality, and economic disparity. If the logistics sector is going to drive positive change, companies like ours must lead the charge. Here’s how we’re doing it.

Decarbonizing Ports, One Crane at a Time

As bustling hubs of diesel-powered equipment, heavy emissions, and energy-intensive operations, ports have not historically been known for their eco-friendliness. But DP World is rewriting that narrative. In Brazil, for example, we have committed over $16.2 million to electrify Rubber-Tired Gantry (RTG) cranes at the Santos terminal, slashing diesel consumption by up to 60%. By 2030, DP World aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% and 62%, respectively, aligning with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Meanwhile, in Ecuador, our Sembrando Vida project has planted over 250,000 mangrove seedlings across 105 hectares in El Morro and Puná Island. This initiative not only removes 2,460 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere but also benefits 400 local families by rehabilitating ecosystems that support their livelihoods – success that led the 2022 IAPH Sustainability Awards to award the project the Climate & Energy category.

In Argentina, we are purchasing 95% renewable energy—sourced from wind power—for operations at Terminal Río de la Plata (TRP). This shift will significantly reduce carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, demonstrating that renewable energy is a game changer for port operations.

Empowering Local Workforces and Women

In many emerging markets, access to formal employment and technical skills remains a significant barrier to socio-economic mobility. DP World is addressing these gaps head-on. In the Dominican Republic, the Visión Futuro program in Boca Chica focuses on empowering at-risk youth through education and training. Since its launch in 2021, the program has provided technical and vocational training to 658 young people, helping them secure better job opportunities or start entrepreneurial ventures. Additionally, life skills and leadership workshops are designed to prepare participants for success in a competitive labor market.

Women’s empowerment is another critical focus of this program. Through targeted initiatives, Visión Futuro has created networks to prevent adolescent pregnancy while reaching over 1,155 young women with education and support. By addressing gender-specific challenges, DP World is helping young women in Boca Chica build more sustainable futures. Moreover, the program not only focuses on education and employment but also fosters community engagement. By encouraging the development of socially responsible microenterprises, the program has empowered 836 young people to become active participants in their local economies.

In Suriname, we’ve also made strides toward inclusion and empowerment. During International Women’s Day 2023, workshops for female employees promoted professional development and leadership. These efforts reflect DP World’s broader commitment to fostering gender equity and building stronger communities. During Global Volunteering Week in 2023, 21 volunteers renovated the Lobato School, directly benefiting 2,438 individuals. These efforts strengthen local infrastructure and create economic opportunities while demonstrating the power of collaboration to achieve sustainable development.

Tackling Waste and Promoting Circular Economies

Sustainability isn’t just about reducing emissions—it’s also about smarter resource use. DP World’s Brazilian operations are leading the way with our Zero Landfill Project. At the Santos terminal, 39% of waste is recycled, 20% is transformed into biofuel, and the remaining 41% is processed through methods like composting and wastewater treatment. In 2023, this initiative earned the terminal Brazil’s first-ever Gold Standard certification for GHG emissions inventory.

In Suriname, our Go Green Week initiative in September 2023 involved planting 50 mangrove trees as part of a broader effort to promote coastal resilience and biodiversity. Meanwhile, during World Clean Up Day, DP World volunteers cleaned the vicinity of SPS Port, contributing to healthier local environments and fostering community pride.

In the Dominican Republic, our programs emphasize the importance of sustainable practices through youth engagement. For example, the Visión Futuro program supports socially responsible microenterprises, encouraging young entrepreneurs to think beyond traditional linear production models and embrace circular economies.

Aligning with Global Goals

DP World’s sustainability efforts are not just about ticking boxes—they’re part of our broader alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From promoting gender equality (SDG 5) to fostering decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), our initiatives are designed to create systemic change.

This work is all underscored by our pioneering Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure (SDID), a framework that goes beyond traditional ESG metrics to include socio-economic impacts like job creation, education, and healthcare access. This work represents DP World’s ambition to prove that the logistics sector can be a force for good—especially in emerging markets.

For us sustainable logistics is not just a buzzword, but a business imperative.

Want to find out more about why and how? Download a copy of our Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure.

Authored by Cindy Bratel

As industries navigate through the era of technological advancement, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer an optional initiative but an essential driver of business success. Organizations across manufacturing, utility and asset-intensive sectors are witnessing a fundamental shift in how they operate, maintain assets and deliver value to customers. This transformation is noteworthy as it touches every aspect of operations from shop floor efficiency to customer service excellence while simultaneously addressing global challenges such as workforce shortages and supply chain disruptions.

The digital transformation journey begins with data as a critical success factor. Organizations are recognizing that data strategies must be considered early to ensure the successful deployment of new solutions. This understanding helps organizations evaluate and maintain their data health throughout their transformation journey.

AI usage can even enhance Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms by automating routine tasks, improving accuracy in data and providing predictive analytics for overall better decision-making. The IFS.ai platform unifies data from a variety of sources in order to enhance productivity and efficiency across operations in key industries.

Leveraging AI to streamline manufacturing 

The manufacturing sector, historically cautious in adopting technologies, is undergoing a mindset shift. Today’s manufacturing companies are embracing AI and automation solutions to address concurrent challenges. Digital innovations are helping manufacturers maintain competitive advantage while dealing with persistent challenges. Key use cases include:

Advanced predictive maintenance systems for critical equipmentAI-powered supply chain optimization to mitigate parts shortagesAutomated quality control systems leveraging machine learningDigital twins for process optimization and scenario planningRobotic process automation (RPA) in financial and administrative processesIntegrated workforce management to address labor shortagesReal-time production monitoring and optimizing systems

AI-powered insights for the utilities sector 

The utilities and energy sector faces unique challenges in balancing reliability requirements with modernization initiatives. The stakes are particularly high in this sector where service interruptions can have significant financial implications. The sector is seeing improvements through:

Failure prediction models using industrial AIAdvanced health monitoring systemsIntegrated maintenance planning platformsRapid response systems for service restorationPredictive analytics for resource allocationAI technologies for improved distribution management

Customer experience enhancement 

It is crucial that technological advancements ultimately translate into improved customer experience, bridging the gap between operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. The solutions that report improvements in customer satisfaction:

End-to-end traceability systems for product trackingMobile first solutions for field techniciansReal-time status updates and communication platformsAutomated reporting and documentation systemsPredictive service scheduling based on usage patternsIntegrated customer communication platformsSelf-service portals with AI assistance

A move towards sustainability 

What’s particularly interesting is how AI is helping organizations tackle broader challenges they face today. From monitoring environmental impact to managing carbon footprint, AI is being utilized to balance operational needs with social responsibility. The public interest is becoming a key factor in how technologies are being deployed, showing a shift towards more sustainable business practices. This evolution in thinking is pushing organizations to exceed their initial expectations and redefine what’s possible in their industries.

Ready to get started? 

AI in industries is revolutionizing how businesses operate and adapt to market changes. With IFS solutions, companies can leverage AI to unlock powerful insights, automate routine tasks and maintain a competitive edge while seamlessly integrating advanced technologies into their core operations. As an IFS reseller and system integrator, Baker Tilly customizes each IFS Cloud implementation based on the client, their industry and their team’s business transformation goals. Baker Tilly believes in an ‘industry-first’ approach allowing us to work with customers to deliver maximum value with IFS solutions.

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Interested in learning more? Connect with a Baker Tilly specialist.