Month: February 2025

I had the privilege of attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where leaders, innovators, and changemakers came together to address the pressing challenges of our time.

The conversations reaffirmed that creating a regenerative future requires a balanced approach: reducing our footprint on the planet, amplifying our handprint through impactful actions, and leading with a heartprint that inspires collaboration and purpose.

From thought-provoking engagements to building new relationships, it was clear that partnerships and collective action are critical to driving meaningful impact. A key theme throughout the week was balancing the increasing demand for AI and digitization, with efforts to enhance energy efficiency and transition to clean energy. At Cisco, sustainability is an important priority—from enabling a resilient supply chain to advancing AI-powered climate solutions and digital grid modernization that help industries decarbonize and scale with efficiency.

Grateful for the opportunity to listen, learn, and connect with others equally passionate about shaping a better tomorrow. Together, we can accelerate the progress needed to make environmental sustainability not just a goal, but a reality.

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Western North Carolina-based organizations encouraged to apply for a $25,000 grant before Feb. 17Announcement builds on previous $2.2 million commitment for disaster relief, rebuilding and readiness

CHARLOTTE, N.C., February 13, 2025 /3BL/ – Duke Energy announced the launch of a new grant opportunity, offering $500,000 in funding to support organizations leading long-term recovery efforts in western North Carolina. Through Feb. 17, eligible organizations can apply for grants up to $25,000 from the Duke Energy Foundation.

“We understand the long-term challenges our communities in western North Carolina face as they continue to rebuild following Hurricane Helene,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy North Carolina state president. “This new grant opportunity underscores our unwavering commitment to supporting a full recovery in the mountain region.”

The announcement builds on Duke Energy’s previous commitment of more than $2.2 million to support disaster relief, rebuilding and readiness efforts in North Carolina. Duke Energy President and incoming CEO Harry Sideris recently published an update on the company’s recovery efforts in the state’s mountain region, sharing his personal connection to Asheville and the importance of sustained support for communities affected by Helene. 

Organizations interested in applying for funding can find detailed information and application guidelines on Duke Energy’s website here. Western North Carolina-based nonprofit organizations supporting local and regional long-term recovery efforts may apply for up to $25,000. The application is available now, and applications will be accepted until Feb. 17, 2025, at 5 p.m.

Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition, keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

Contact: Garrett Poorman
X (Twitter): @DE_GarrettP
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

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LINCOLN, Nebraska, February 13, 2025 /3BL/ – The Arbor Day Foundation launched a new campaign aimed at transforming individual environmental commitments into collective impact. Through the initiative, people can pledge specific eco-friendly actions to improve the planet — big or small — and the Foundation will plant a tree in a forest in need to mark each commitment.

“Hope for our planet is bold. It’s time we put that hope in motion. This campaign is an opportunity for people around the world to come together in the name of a healthier future for our world,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “We all have a role to play in this effort, because together, small acts can add up to global good.”

Here’s how it works: Once participants log their commitment at arborday.org/planet-pledge, the Foundation will plant a tree in a recovering forest in their honor and provide participants tips on how to help the habit stick.

When considering an eco-friendly habit to adopt, there is no commitment too small. Here are 10 easy ways to make a Planet Pledge.

1. Carry a reusable water bottle or coffee cup. Opting for reusable containers over single use plastic can help reduce waste and pollution.

2. Bike, use public transportation, or carpool regularly. Choosing to bike instead of drive, even just once a day, can reduce an individual’s carbon emission by 67%. On average, carpooling or using public transit can reduce an individual’s carbon footprint by half.

3. Wash clothes in cold water. About 90% of the energy used by a washing machine goes toward heating the water. Switching to a cold-water wash could significantly lower energy use and help save homeowners money.

4. Mend clothing instead of discarding or donating. Repairing worn out clothing can help keep garments out of landfills, where 92 million tons of clothing waste ends up.

5. Bring reusable bags shopping. Using reusable bags can help cut down on litter both on land and in the ocean.

6. Take shorter showers to conserve water. Limiting your time in the shower can reduce your personal water use by about 45 gallons a week.

7. Volunteer at a community garden. Community gardens can help increase local access to fresh food and create urban green spaces that support local diversity.

8. Set up recurring donations to environmental causes. Just a few dollars can make a big impact in communities and ecosystems in need of support.

9. Compost food scraps and/or yard waste. Composting food scraps can reduce food waste, enrich the soil, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

10. Plant a tree. Trees play a critical role in creating healthier and more connected communities. They can clean the air, mitigate extreme heat, and reduce the impact of flooding.

About the Arbor Day Foundation 

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners. And this is only the beginning.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.

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