Month: March 2025

This article is authored by Scott Tew, Vice President, Sustainability and Managing Director, Center for Energy Efficiency and Sustainability, Trane Technologies.

I recently read in a World Economic Forum report that while 80% of publicly-listed companies have a climate goal, only 5% have a nature goal. Nature-based impacts include things like land, trees and water.

To learn more about how water fits into the broader conversation about environmental sustainability, I was delighted to interview Emilio Tenuta, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer of Ecolab, for Season 4 of our Healthy Spaces podcast. Our discussion illuminated how water and climate are inextricably linked – and how we must be considering both issues, collaboratively, as we turn bold ambition into decisive action and positive impact.

Water stewardship and sustainable business strategy

The first key point Emilio underscored was the irrefutable link between climate change and water scarcity: From severe water shortages to heat waves to water pollution, the impacts of climate change are increasingly expressed through our water systems. Already, nearly 3 billion people live in water-stressed areas, and one in ten people lacks access to clean water and sanitation. According to the World Resources Institute, the global water deficit is expected to reach 56% by 2030.

Water issues directly affect businesses, too—particularly those whose operations depend on water. In fact, Emilio shared, roughly 75% of the energy that flows through manufacturing processes is linked to water systems. To pump, treat, heat and cool water requires energy, and inefficient water usage leads to wasted resources and increased emissions.

Many of our company’s sustainable solutions use water, such as water-sourced cooling systems, and we use water to manufacture these systems. We understand the importance of water to the natural ecosystems and communities in which we operate.

A robust climate strategy should include water stewardship. Companies must work to reduce their own water usage and help preserve local water ecosystems. That’s why we’ve included water reduction targets in our 2030 Sustainability Commitments, with the goal of achieving net-positive water use in water-stressed areas by 2030. But as with all climate challenges, mitigating global water scarcity requires innovative leadership and ongoing collaboration.

Leading the charge in water conservation strategies

In our conversation, Emilio highlighted the work EcoLab is doing with the Water Resilience Coalition, a group of industry leaders committed to addressing water stress and promoting sustainable water practices across the globe. The coalition aims to achieve net-positive water impact by 2030. Water, explained Emilio, is hyper-local: What happens in one region—whether water scarcity, pollution or contamination—can have far-reaching effects on communities, ecosystems and supply chains. The UN Global Compact, which facilitates the Water Resilience Coalition, made a recent call to action for increased public-private partnerships in 100 priority basins around the world, which could result in water security for 3 billion people. “That is a big, big, big deal,” he added, “and I think one that we need to really leverage the power of collaboration to solve.”

Letting consumers drive progress

One of the ways Ecolab is working to raise awareness around water issues is through the Ecolab Watermark Study, a global survey launched in 2023. This study gathered insights from thousands of consumers, revealing some surprising findings about consumer attitudes toward water, climate change, and corporate responsibility.

Perhaps most importantly, the survey found that consumers ranked access to clean, available water as a higher priority than even addressing climate change and pollution. Consumers also expect companies, especially large corporations, to take concrete actions to reduce their water usage and support water stewardship initiatives. And, as with all ambitious targets, consumers want to see genuine, measurable actions—not just promises.

Going further together

Taking bold action on climate and water may seem daunting, but my conversation with Emilio left me feeling optimistic. Why? First, because we have innovative technology that can reduce our impact today. As Emilio quipped, “you don’t have to go to the moon to solve the water and climate crises.” Secondly, because companies, stakeholders and consumers understand the private sector has a pivotal role to play in addressing climate and water challenges. And finally, because more and more of us are recognizing that we can’t do it alone. The more we work together—across industries, regions and sectors, whether through large coalitions or simple conversations—the faster we can build a more sustainable world.

To learn more about how your organization can contribute to sustainable business practices and drive meaningful change, listen to our full conversation with Emilio Tenuta in Season 4, Episode 8 of our Healthy Spaces Podcast. Join us in leading the charge for a sustainable future by integrating water stewardship and climate action into your business strategy. 

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

When high school teacher Mason Golding recently told his students that banker Chris Taylor was coming to teach them about financial literacy, the students were disappointed — because they would have to wait a few more days before Taylor would arrive.

“He really connects with the kids; they look forward to him coming here,” said Golding, head of the Social Studies department at Horizon Science Academy High School in Columbus, Ohio. “Students who normally are not engaged or are easily distracted are hanging on every word, asking questions and participating.”

The Horizon student body includes many who are in families with low incomes.

“I can’t stress how impactful Chris is, especially with my demographic of students,” Golding said. “Their families are working one, two, three jobs to make ends meet and these kids are watching their siblings also work to help pay bills.”

Taylor, who grew up in Toledo, said he learned the importance of financial literacy when he was in the third grade and his father died.

“My mom got a job within two weeks because she knew she had to take care of us,” he said. “She taught my brother and me to pay bills on time, not get behind on anything and make a budget.”

Taylor was hired by U.S. Bank as a business banker in 2019. The following year, he put together a proposal to create a role teaching financial literacy to children and families in need. It was approved by senior leadership and Taylor has been teaching financial education courses to children and adults in Columbus and other Ohio cities ever since.

“He’s been teaching my students for four years I am surprised every year that he does not have a background in education,” Golding said. “Chris has a way of speaking and presenting information that keeps students actively engaged, something even veteran teachers struggle with.”

Golding recently surveyed his students about Taylor’s lessons. Here are three of the students’ responses.

“What I enjoyed about Chris and his presentations was that he was always prepared to answer even the most difficult questions. He wasn’t there just to be there. He was there for us.””It was honestly awesome because he explained it in a way that was easy to understand. It was very helpful and is doing us justice because going into the world with this information will put us ahead of everyone else.””I really enjoyed how Chris helped us understand very complex topics by using analogies and personal experiences. I also really enjoyed how interactive his presentations were with the whole class.”

When Taylor initially created his financial education role, he worked under Dee O’Dell, head of Business Banking Sales, who quickly became one of Taylor’s biggest supporters.

“We gave him a license to go create something, knowing full well that if it didn’t work or didn’t have legs, he could come back to Business Banking,” O’Dell said. “He was a very effective banker, but he is also very passionate about doing something to help the community. He sets very high goals for himself and the students he helps.”

HAMILTON, Bermuda, March 21, 2025 /3BL/ – Family-owned Bacardi proudly celebrates the success of the 3rd Annual Bacardi Black-Owned Vendor Market in Bermuda, an initiative dedicated to support and empower Black entrepreneurs on the island. Held at the Bacardi global headquarters in Bermuda on February 28, this year’s event set a new benchmark, tripling last year’s sales and generating nearly $30,000 for local Black-owned businesses.

As part of the Company’s ongoing commitment to empowering individuals through economic opportunity and community engagement, this event serves as a vital platform for local Black-owned businesses to showcase their products, connect with customers, and drive meaningful growth. This year’s market featured 60+ vendors spanning food, retail, and artisanal sectors, highlighting the innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit within Bermuda’s Black-owned business community.

This year, Bacardi introduced a Masterclass offered to participating vendors in advance of the market with curated learning and networking designed to equip vendors with practical skills in branding, pitching, and scaling their businesses. The Masterclass featured industry experts who provided actionable strategies to help entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level.

“We are incredibly proud of the impact the Bacardi Black-Owned Vendor Market continues to have on the Bermuda business community,” says Douglas Mello, Bacardi International Limited Managing Director. “This event goes beyond a single day of sales—it’s about creating long-term opportunities, fostering meaningful connections, and equipping Black-owned businesses with the resources they need to thrive. By expanding this initiative with the Bacardi Masterclass, we are ensuring that local entrepreneurs not only gain visibility but also the knowledge and tools to sustain and grow their businesses.”

Bacardi is committed to fostering career growth and business development through impactful initiatives that drive long-term success and economic empowerment. This includes the recently launched Bacardi Hospitality Accelerator Program in Bermuda, which provides world-class training and professional development for local hospitality professionals. Across 10 countries, Bacardi has launched Shake Your Future, a free bartender training program designed to equip underemployed and unemployed young adults with the skills needed for sustainable careers in hospitality.

To learn more about how Bacardi supports communities, visit www.bacardilimited.com .

As the world prepares to observe World Water Day on March 22, 2025, the focus sharpens on the indispensable role of freshwater and the escalating challenges it faces.

Initiated by the United Nations, World Water Day celebrates this vital resource while sounding an urgent call to action against the growing water crisis. The day serves as a reminder for the world to recommit to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

This year’s theme, “Glacier Preservation,” underscores the critical importance of glaciers, whose meltwater is essential for drinking water, agriculture, industry, clean energy production, and healthy ecosystems. With rapidly melting glaciers causing uncertainty in water flows, the urgency for action has never been greater.

Currently, 703 million people—approximately 1 in 11 globally—lack access to clean water. By 2025, half of the world’s population could be living in areas facing water scarcity, with projections indicating that up to 700 million people could be displaced by intense water shortages by 2030.

Our World, Our Future

DP World, a global leader in supply chain solutions, is taking decisive steps to address these challenges, integrating sustainability into port operations, community outreach, and global partnerships. Our sustainability strategy, “Our World, Our Future,” lays the groundwork for our approach, focusing on reducing our environmental footprint and advancing global water-related goals.

As a business that enables prosperity to flow around the globe, we have a key role to play in safeguarding ocean health, increasing access to clean water and hygiene, managing our water use and protecting aquatic biodiversity.

Recognizing this urgency, we have woven sustainable water management into the fabric of our operations and community engagements worldwide.

Sustainable Port Operations

DP World Americas is taking decisive steps to minimize water pollution, improve wastewater management, and safeguard marine biodiversity. By integrating sustainable practices into its port operations, the company is leading the industry in responsible water use and environmental protection.

One initiative is DP World’s issuance of a $100 million Blue Bond—the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region. This investment will fund water-positive projects, including port infrastructure improvements, coastal resilience initiatives, and marine pollution reduction efforts.

In addition, the company has pledged to positively influence 100 water-stressed basins by 2030, aligning with the UN Global Compact CEO Water Mandate. This commitment reinforces our dedication to water conservation through strategic investments in waste reduction, water efficiency, and innovative sustainability solutions.

Community & Conservation Partnerships

DP World recognizes that protecting water resources requires collaboration. Across the Americas, we are spearheading conservation projects that restore waterways, preserve coastal ecosystems, and educate communities on water stewardship. Here are three projects worth highlighting as we celebrate World Water Day.

Mangroves as a Nature-Based Solution in Ecuador

In Ecuador, we are restoring mangrove forests in partnership with the CALISUR Foundation. These ecosystems act as natural carbon sinks, filter water pollutants, and provide essential habitats for marine life. In November, we completed a major mangrove restoration initiative that involved planting 250,000 mangrove seedlings across 105 hectares in El Morro and Isla Puná, capturing 50,719 tons of CO2 and directly benefiting more than 160 members of local fishing groups.

Marine Environmental Stewardship in Canada

DP World actively participates in the Marine Environmental Water Quality program and the Marine Environmental Water Quality Advisory Working Group at the Port of Prince Rupert. Through this program, water quality monitoring is conducted across Prince Rupert Harbor, measuring key parameters such as turbidity, nutrients, metals, bacteria, and hydrocarbons. This data helps assess the harbor’s overall water conditions and the impact of various activities on the marine environment.

Earlier this month, we reinforced our commitment to marine conservation by announcing a multi-year investment in research and preservation efforts within the Musquash Estuary Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Eastern Canada. Our support will contribute to managing invasive plant species, enhancing biodiversity, and implementing conservation strategies to protect this vital marine ecosystem.

Supporting River Health in the Dominican Republic

In the Dominican Republic, DP World has partnered with the Santo Domingo Water Fund (FASD) to fund the conservation of the Brujuelas River micro-basin. Since October 2022, DP World has invested over 6.3 million pesos in conservation efforts, including interventions on 20.42 hectares, planting 22,491 trees, and implementing sustainable agricultural practices to restore the ecosystem and ensure water availability. These nature-based solutions support biodiversity, manage climate change risk and maximize environmental, social and economic benefits.

Global Stewardship, Local Impact

At DP World, we believe in a “Source-to-Sea” approach to sustainability, integrating restoration efforts, investment in water sanitation infrastructure, and biodiversity protection.

On World Water Day 2025, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting water resources, advancing global water security, and building a more sustainable future. Through educational initiatives, community workshops, and strategic partnerships, we’re laying the groundwork for a water-secure world.

Learn more about DP World’s global sustainability initiatives.

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

When it comes to pediatric cancer and sickle cell disease, there are both visible and invisible challenges, which is why Aflac has dedicated more than three decades to helping children and families facing childhood cancer and blood disorders.

One special way of being there for children with these conditions is through My Special Aflac Duck®, designed to help provide comfort to pediatric patients with cancer or sickle cell disease. More than a cuddly companion, My Special Aflac Duck also helps children with cancer and blood disorders communicate with their parents, siblings, medical professionals and other incredible caregivers.

“Navigating a cancer or sickle cell diagnosis, treatment and throughout life can be challenging, especially for children who may have difficultly expressing how they truly feel. We introduced My Special Aflac Duck in 2018 to help these patients feel like they’re not alone and since then, we’ve delivered more than 35,000 ducks to help provide comfort to these patients and their families,” said Buffy Swinehart, senior manager, Aflac Corporate Social Responsibility. “And research shows that My Special Aflac Duck does exactly what we’d hoped: It helps alleviate anxiety associated with treatment, not only for children, but for their parents and caregivers as well.”

My Special Aflac Duck also comes with a suite of resources to help provide education, comfort and joy throughout the treatment process. Resources include information on all of the functions and features of My Special Aflac Duck and the app; facilitation cards for meditation, communication, medical play, etc.; printable activities designed for play, relationship-building, empowerment and mindfulness — helping to provide distraction in busy or challenging environments — interactive use case guides to explore how My Special Aflac Duck can be used in different settings; FAQs; and additional support.

This comforting companion is available free of charge to children ages 3 and up with cancer or a blood disorder like sickle cell disease. My Special Aflac Duck is just one facet of Aflac’s commitment to the cause — a commitment that also includes nearly $190 million — and counting — in contributions to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Learn more about My Special Aflac Duck and Aflac’s commitment to supporting children with cancer and sickle cell disease at AflacChildhoodCancer.org.

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