Month: April 2025

April 23rd, 1995. It’s a date etched in the history of Heart to Heart International (HHI) and in the story of a powerful relationship. On that day, a FedEx aircraft made history as the first commercial American aircraft to land in Vietnam since the end of the conflict. The plane was carrying tons of medicines and medical supplies as a sign of friendship and goodwill between the two countries.

Twenty years after the Vietnam War concluded, this monumental delivery of 45 tons of aid reached clinics, hospitals, and critical care facilities across Vietnam. Heart to Heart International focused its efforts on providing essential care to underserved women and children in rural and impoverished urban areas.

The groundbreaking flight, facilitated with the support of many government officials, symbolized a pivotal moment in the relations between the United States and Vietnam As Le Van Bang, the Charge d’Affaires from the Vietnam Embassy, noted, “We believe that the April airlift of $7 million in medicines was instrumental in influencing the President of your country to normalize relations with our country.”

Read: How Do Heart to Heart International and FedEx Spell Relief?

Beyond its immediate impact, this airlift served as the launchpad for a remarkable 30-year collaboration between Heart to Heart International and FedEx, a relationship that has since touched millions of lives with essential aid and support.

Since that historic airlift in 1995, FedEx has consistently gone above and beyond in supporting our work, including participating in numerous airlifts to Vietnam, India and China.

Building upon the foundation of those early airlifts, FedEx has continued as a vital partner in our disaster response work. Their reliable logistics have been instrumental in delivering vital medicines and supplies to communities impacted by disasters around the world. This relationship extends to the dedication of their team members have cheerfully contributed their time and energy to assemble hygiene kits, including during FedEx’s 50th anniversary in 2023 when employees assembled hygiene kits with HHI in Memphis, Tennessee, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

During the 2020 pandemic, FedEx played a critical role in shipping desperately needed PPE across the United States. Their innovative support even extended to the PGA Tour FedEx Cup, where they designed a golf shoe with the HHI logo to bolster our efforts.

Looking beyond immediate crises, FedEx has invested in our long-term preparedness. Their support of our disaster response training program ensures that our teams are ready to deploy quickly and effectively when crises strike. Furthermore, their support has been instrumental in the success of our Mobile Medical Unit and Mobile Medical Van, enabling us to bring essential healthcare directly to those most in need.

“FedEx is invaluable to our global health efforts,” said Kim Carroll, HHI CEO. “Their consistent and reliable support is essential – we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them. From disaster relief to ongoing needs, they are instrumental in delivering vital medicines and supplies to communities worldwide.”

As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we extend our deepest thanks to FedEx for their dedication and commitment to our shared mission of delivering hope and health around the world. We look forward to many more years of collaboration, working together to deliver for good.

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

Complimentary Webinar:

Understanding the EU CSRD: Building a Robust and Value-creating CSRD Sustainability Report

Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. CET (11:00 a.m. ET, 8:00 a.m. PT)

Register Here

Many companies familiar with creating voluntary sustainability reporting may be operating under assumptions that CSRD is simply integrating a new standard. But creating a CSRD-compliant sustainability report can be challenging for even the most ESG-savvy companies. Doing so requires a solid understanding of both the CSRD regulation and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), which outline all disclosure requirements, and well-organized data management, report preparation, and approval process. Keep in mind that the CSRD report might need to meet increasing levels of reporting assurance requirements over time.

Join SCS Consulting Services’ CSRD Program Manager, Marie Blazy, and Managing Director, ESG Consulting, Bonnie Holman Strategy on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. CET (11:00 a.m. ET, 8:00 a.m. PT) for a 45-minute discussion on creating a robust and comprehensive EU CSRD-compliant sustainability report that will be assurance-ready. We will discuss how to best leverage the data produced during the process to enhance your sustainability roadmap towards long-term growth and value creation. And we’ll focus on:

• Transition planning from voluntary to compliance-based reporting
• Understanding the scope and extent of CSRD sustainability reporting
• Planning for reporting over a phase-in timeline
• Integrated reporting processes
• Early lessons learned from 2025 reporters

15 minutes will be allotted at the end of the presentation for Q&A.

Register Here

CLEVELAND, April 28, 2025 /3BL/ – KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment (CDLI) provided a $13.9 million construction loan and $21.4 million in low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) financing for the construction and rehabilitation of Miami Inspiration Housing in Miami, Arizona. The project also received $500,000 of soft debt financing from the Arizona Department of Housing. This development marks a significant milestone in the community as it is the first affordable housing project to be built in the market since 2009.

Miami Inspiration Housing will consist of the renovation of a non-occupied historical building with 16 units and the new construction of a second building with 24 units, creating a 40-unit total affordable housing complex. The property will provide quality housing for families, with income levels between 40%, 50%, and 60% of the AMI. Miami Inspiration Housing will provide families a safe and vibrant place to call home positively impacting the community at large.

The development is located in Miami, a rural town approximately 80 miles east of Phoenix. The community is located within the Copper Corridor where mining and ranching still represents 20% of the county’s primary sources of employment as several smaller copper mines and processing facilities remain active.

Miami Inspiration Housing is located near major local employers including Freeport McMoRan Mining, Capstone Mining, Globe and Miami Unified School Districts, Gila Community College, Cecil Trucking, and Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center. The property also sits just two blocks north of Highway 60, Miami’s main thoroughfare, and benefits from proximity to retail, healthcare, recreation, and other amenities.

The real estate developer, Chicanos Por La Causa (“CPLC”) is a community developer with a 56-year history of empowering lives through more than 30 different programs and services in Arizona and most recently in California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas. Miami Inspiration is part of a larger strategy to bring diverse housing opportunities in rural and urban communities to meet local needs including wraparound education, social and workforce development services. Gorman Property Management, an affiliate of Gorman & Company (“Gorman”), will serve as the management company. Today, Gorman manages more than 60 apartment communities, totaling over 6,000 units.

Zammy Arcos and Matthew Haas of KeyBank CDLI structured the financing.

About KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment

KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment (CDLI) finances projects that stabilize and revitalize communities across all 50 states. As one of the top affordable housing capital providers in the country, KeyBank’s platform brings together construction, acquisition, bridge-to-re-syndication, and preservation loans, as well as lines of credit, Agency and HUD permanent mortgage executions, and equity investments for low-income housing projects, especially Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) financing. KeyBank has earned 11 consecutive “Outstanding” ratings on the Community Reinvestment Act exam, from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, making it the first U.S. national bank among the 25 largest to do so since the Act’s passage in 1977.

About KeyCorp

KeyCorp’s roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $190 billion at September 30, 2024. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC. 

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ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., April 28, 2025 /3BL/ – Community initiatives commemorating Earth Day 2025 across North America supported LG Electronics’ “Better Life for All” vision with activations bringing together employees, partners and local communities. Led by e-waste recycling drives in five states and a New York Times Square digital experience, Earth Day initiatives included LG employees building nesting boxes for local wildlife and planting trees on LG campuses, reinforcing the company’s vision of driving positive change.

“Technology has the power to shape a better future, and at LG, we know it is our responsibility to help create a ‘Better Life for All’,” said LG Electronics North America President & CEO Chris Jung. “Earth Day gives us an opportunity to show how technology, when paired with collaboration, can help tackle some of today’s biggest challenges, from resource efficiency to wildlife rehabilitation. LG is always looking for new ways to use our people and technology to create positive change, not just on Earth Day, but year ‘round.”

To combat electronic waste and raise awareness about responsible technology disposal, LG hosted community-wide e-waste drives at its campuses in Englewood Cliffs, N.J.; Huntsville, Ala.; Clarksville, Tenn.; Lincolnshire, Ill.; Santa Clara, Calif.; and Toronto, Ontario, Canada; collecting and routing more than 3,500 pounds of outdated electronics for responsible recycling in partnership with LG’s e-waste provider, ERI, the nation’s largest recycler of e-waste.

Part of LG’s broader global circularity initiative, these electronics recycling events underscore LG’s commitment to driving progress toward smarter waste solutions. During the month of April, over 3.7 million pounds of e-waste is being recycled through ERI. Through its nationwide, year-round electronics recycling program, LG aims to collect and responsibly recycle more than 50 million pounds of e-waste in 2025.

Linked to its ongoing partnership with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), LG employees across the country built nesting boxes designed to provide safe spaces for wildlife to raise their young, promote biodiversity and contribute to healthier ecosystems.

• At LG’s LEED Platinum-certified headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., local team members enhanced the local biodiversity by planting 100 native plants across the campus, showing how innovation can improve natural integration in corporate spaces.
• In Canada, the LG team hosted its e-waste drive in partnership with Centennial College and Quantum Lifecycle Partners LP at the Centennial Downsview Campus; more than 150 students participated.

Beyond community events, LG leveraged its tech platforms to inspire action on a broader scale. In May, LG will continue its Endangered Species Awareness Series on its iconic Times Square billboard, featuring a high-definition, 3D animated campaign spotlighting the West Indian Manatee. The visually stunning display, developed in partnership with the NWF, combines digital storytelling and immersive visuals to connect millions of people with critical conservation messages in an engaging format. LG has pledged $165,000 to-date to the NWF to support initiatives that protect wildlife and wild places.

“LG’s commitment to conservation is inspiring, and its efforts to support biodiversity and raise awareness about vulnerable and endangered species demonstrate the power of collaboration in protecting our planet,” said Carey Stanton, Head of Innovation and Partnerships for National Wildlife Federation. “By combining direct action with large-scale initiatives, LG is setting an example for how companies can make a meaningful impact.”

These efforts also complement LG’s partnership with NBC’s The Americas, a 10-part nature documentary airing Sundays on NBC and streaming on Peacock. The series showcases the breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary wildlife of North and South America, emphasizing the importance of preserving these ecosystems for future generations. The partnership directly aligns with LG’s goal to foster curiosity and appreciation through innovation in content and delivery.

Also commemorating Earth Day, LG participated in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s “Make Your Energy Choices Count” campaign. Now through May 17, LG is offering promotions on ENERGY STAR® certified appliances through retailers nationwide and LG.com, making high-efficiency, tech-enhanced solutions more accessible to households nationwide.

To learn more about LG’s impact, visit https://www.lg.com/us/sustainability.

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About LG Electronics USA

LG Electronics USA Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics Inc., a smart life solutions company with annual global revenues of more than $60 billion. In the United States, LG sells a wide range of innovative home appliances, home entertainment products, commercial displays, air conditioning systems and vehicle components. LG is an 11-time ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year. www.LG.com.

Media Contacts:

LG Electronics North America

John I. Taylor
+1 202 719 3490
john.taylor@lge.com
LG Electronics USA

Chris De Maria
+1 908 548 4515
christopher.demaria@lge.com
 

Technology isn’t just evolving—it’s reshaping how we live, work, and connect. As we look ahead to the next decade, three megatrends stand out: advanced communication technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainability.

These megatrends are not just reshaping industries; they have the potential to change the way we interact with the world.

These aren’t just industry shifts—they’re societal ones. And the decisions we make today could shape how connected, intelligent, and resilient our future becomes.

The challenge? Not just keeping pace but leading with intention. Progress isn’t inevitable; it’s something we have to design.

Advanced Communication Technology—Building What’s Next

The evolution of communication technology is transforming how we connect and interact. At Keysight, we’re at the forefront of enabling next-generation communication technologies. Our solutions support 6G research by providing state-of-the-art testbeds and simulation tools that help validate and accelerate new wireless innovations. The jump from 4G to 5G opened doors we hadn’t imagined. Now, 6G is on the horizon. Review this guide to learn more about the fundamentals of 6G.

By 2030, 6G could revolutionize global communication, seamlessly integrating the digital, physical, and human worlds. Think:

• Expanded access through non-terrestrial networks
• Advanced sensing for real-time monitoring and adaptive interactions
• Digital twins enabling virtual replicas of physical systems for optimization

Keysight is helping to unlock the potential of 6G by collaborating with industry leaders to develop and test emerging technologies. Take a look at how Keysight and Northeastern University are laying the technical groundwork for 6G.

Keysight offers 6G-ready solutions that support waveform generation, channel emulation, and over-the-air testing, ensuring reliable and efficient connectivity. But the true power of 6G lies in its applications.

Imagine digital experiences that adjust to your context in real-time. Picture wearable sensors enabling virtual meetings that truly feel face-to-face.

In healthcare, tiny 6G-enabled nodes could drive a new era of personalized medicine. A diabetic patient could have a sensor under the skin, continuously monitoring blood sugar and adjusting insulin in real-time.

These innovations bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds, transforming how we live, work, and innovate.

AI—The Disruptor of Our Time

As AI continues to shape industries and redefine possibilities, it’s crucial to ensure that these innovations are reliable and ethically developed. Keysight is committed to advancing AI-driven testing and measurement solutions, enabling breakthroughs across industries. Our AI-based analytics and machine learning tools enhance the precision of test results and improve the efficiency of automated testing processes. You can learn more about AI here.

AI’s been in motion since the 1950s. From early projects like the robotic mouse Theseus to the leap triggered by ChatGPT in 2020, we’re now seeing AI reshape everything—from work to education to medicine.

By 2030, the AI market is projected to exceed $1.8 trillion, driving transformation in areas such as:

• Education—Real-time analytics delivering personalized learning strategies tailored to each student based on individuals’ needs and learning styles.
• Sustainability—Advanced algorithms could look at historical data, current conditions, and real-time data to power predictive maintenance, smart grid management, and renewable energy forecasting.
• Drug Discovery—Analyzing massive datasets in short periods of time could lead to faster breakthroughs in medicine.

But with power comes risk—bias, job displacement, data privacy, and misuse.

Keysight’s approach to AI emphasizes ethical innovation, ensuring that new advancements are both impactful and responsible. Watch this video to learn about Keysight AI.

If we want AI to be a force for good, we have to build it that way. That means ethical design, transparency, and responsible governance—so technology uplifts people, not just profits.

Sustainability—Innovation with Purpose

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, technology must evolve responsibly. At Keysight, we recognize that innovation and sustainability must go hand in hand. We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint through sustainable product design and efficient manufacturing processes. Additionally, our solutions enable energy-efficient testing for wireless and electronic systems.

As we drive toward more advanced tech, we have to ask: Are we building a future that’s sustainable?

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the world’s global energy consumption hit a record high, increasing by 2% in a single year—equivalent to adding 12 large nuclear power plants in a single year. This trajectory is unsustainable.

Key challenges in sustainability include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, securing long-term energy supplies, responsible resource extraction, and curbing overall energy consumption.

Innovation could answer these challenges. That could mean:

• Smart Grids and Energy Management—Enabling real-time communication between energy producers and consumers to optimize usage, reduce waste, and integrate renewables.
• Automation—Driving efficiency, cost saving, and seamless integration of renewable energy into systems while addressing maintenance and grid management.
• Electrifying Transportation—Expanding beyond electric cars to include buses, trains, boats, and even planes.

Sustainability isn’t a side project—it’s the foundation of responsible innovation. And we all have a role to play.

Leading with Purpose

Advanced communication, AI, and sustainability—these megatrends could shape the next decade. But they won’t shape themselves.

6G could redefine connectivity, AI could unlock new levels of intelligence, and sustainability could secure our planet’s future—but only if we steer these advancements with purpose.

At Keysight, we are committed to accelerating innovation in these critical areas. From pioneering next-generation communication solutions to advancing AI-driven testing and fostering sustainable practices, we’re partnering with industry leaders to shape a connected, intelligent, and sustainable future.

As engineers, technologists, and leaders, we’re not just building smarter systems—we’re building the future. Let’s make sure it’s one defined not just by progress, but by purpose.

Read the 2024 Essity Annual Report here

Every year, Essity publishes several Sustainability related publications, including our Annual report which contains sustainability information in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines for GRI Universal Standards.

At Essity, we are committed to improving hygiene and health while responsibly managing our environmental resources. Sustainability is well-integrated into our business, creating lasting value for both society and our shareholders.

We improve well-being for the benefit of people and society by providing essential hygiene and health solutions and support  healthy and diverse ecosystems through responsible and sustainable management of natural resources.

Delivering sustainable innovation, improving hygiene and health outcomes, addressing user needs, generating commercial value, and promoting positive social and environmental sustainability promotes responsible practices, achieves commercial success, and delivers sustainable outcomes, creating value for all stakeholders.

Climate change is one of the defining issues of our time, and its global effects are far-reaching. One of Essity’s overall ambitions is to be a business with net zero emissions by 2050. 

Nearly half of Essity’s greenhouse gas emissions come from our own production, and we’re committed to changing that. To achieve net zero by 2050, we’re harnessing the power of digitalization, embracing low-carbon materials, and driving sustainable production and resource-efficient design across our value chain.

Between 2005 and 2024, we reduced greenhouse gas emissions per ton produced by 25%, in part because of our M-Save and E-Save programs. We have also made major investments in state-of-the-art technology, such as heat and fiber recovery, and improved process controls and equipment. Learn more from our Annual Report 2024

This crucial step forward will help reduce our emissions, and through collaboration and transparency of knowledge, we will benefit all our stakeholders. 

To learn more, download the 2024 Essity Annual Report

At the crossroads of demographic, social, energy, and climate challenges faced by societies, the construction sector must accelerate its transformation towards a more sustainable model. This involves designing a built environment that positively contributes to the health and well-being of individuals, is resilient to climate hazards, has low carbon emissions, and provides accessible housing for all—without compromising on quality or performance.

This transition cannot happen without the collective commitment of all industry stakeholders. It is with this goal in mind that Saint-Gobain launched the Sustainable Construction Observatory in 2023. As part of this initiative, the 3rd edition of the Sustainable Construction Barometer, a global study conducted with Occurrence–IFOP, is presented today. It measures the progress made on this essential topic.

This study is structured around 24 questions, asked to 4,000 stakeholders representative of the sector, along with an additional 27,000 citizens who responded to four specific questions. The responses helped identify key levers to accelerate sustainable construction in The United States and globally.

Benoit Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Saint-Gobain: “The conclusion is simple: we must act now. For sustainable construction to become the norm, it must be better understood and fully integrated into the expectations of both citizens and professionals. Beyond its environmental impact, its tangible benefits in terms of comfort, health, and well-being are still too often unknown or underestimated. To scale up, a global approach adapted to local realities is essential, taking into account uses, territories, and on-the-ground realities.”

Mark Rayfield, CEO of Saint-Gobain in North America: “This year’s Barometer results clearly show improvement in US awareness of sustainable construction and its benefits for the environment, our health, comfort, and wallets. By building in a sustainable manner, we can strengthen the energy efficiency and resilience of buildings, saving building owners money in the long run. As key players in the industry, we must all do our part to continue to educate on these important benefits.”

A global analysis to accelerate sustainable construction all around the world

Launched in 2023 with 10 countries, the Sustainable Construction Barometer now covers 27 countries¹, with a broad spectrum of stakeholders: professionals, students, elected local officials / local government representatives and members of associations. New this year, the survey also collected data from 27,000 regular citizens, giving them a voice in the debate on sustainable construction.

Four key learnings

• Greater awareness, a shared sense of urgency, and strong public support.
• A general, shared desire to go further. Across the board, private actors are seen as the most legitimate driving force, though regional priorities differ.
• A notion still centered on the environment, but resilience is gaining ground, while residents’ well-being remains secondary.
• Well-informed but insufficiently trained stakeholders, which hinders concrete commitments.

A greater awareness of sustainable construction

67% of stakeholders claim to have a good grasp of the concept of sustainable construction. This figure has risen by 6 points over the past year.

The perceived urgency to act on the subject remains high: 69% of stakeholders consider the implementation of more sustainable construction a priority. This stable result is backed up by a perception shared by citizens, who are on board with the issue: 60% consider it a priority, and 95% consider it important. The challenge now lies in converting this high level of stakeholder and public awareness into concrete actions, while taking local specificities into account.

This desire to move forward is not expressed with the same intensity everywhere. In the United States, 34% of citizens surveyed acknowledged they had not heard of the concept of sustainable construction. What’s more, the implementation of sustainable construction is perceived as a secondary consideration by 11% of stakeholders and 9% of citizens, the second-highest level worldwide. This points to the need for additional outreach and education on the benefits of sustainable construction to the public.

Beyond the consensus to accelerate the sector’s transition, the role of private players is praised

87% of stakeholders believe that we need to “go further” in sustainable construction. Those involved in the design phase, positioned upstream in the value chain, appear as essential drivers: 56% of stakeholders consider architects and engineering firms to be the most legitimate players to advance this transition, followed by private companies in the sector at 44%.

However, priorities vary widely from region to region:

• In Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East, the adaptability of buildings appears to be a recurring concern;
• In Latin America, the use of eco-friendly materials is emerging as a key issue;
• Europe stands out for its strong interest in building renovation;
• In North America, the issue of affordability is a key factor for consideration.

This diversity of regional challenges underlines the importance of tailoring sustainable construction strategies to local specificities, while preserving a strong global dynamic.

A definition still largely associated with the environment, but resilience is gaining ground, while well-being remains in the background

While stakeholders claim to better understand the concept, they still associate sustainable construction primarily with environmental issues. The energy efficiency of buildings (35%) and the use of ecofriendly materials (31%) remain the main criteria for defining the concept.

Resilience in the face of climatic hazards is becoming an increasingly important issue. This topic has seen the strongest growth since the previous edition, reaching 21% (+8 points compared to 2024). Its importance varies by region, topping concerns in Africa (35%) and Asia-Pacific (32%), regions particularly exposed.

The “human” dimension of sustainable construction is still struggling to gain acceptance and remains relegated to the background. Only 15% of stakeholders and 15% of citizens associate sustainable construction with improved occupant well-being, even though this aspect could play a key role in its acceptance and deployment.

Stakeholder awareness still insufficiently translated into concrete commitments

Although stakeholders claim to be familiar with sustainable construction, only 28% say they are fully informed on the subject, and 35% of professionals have taken dedicated training. This still partial mastery of the subject may explain a certain limit to concrete commitments.

• 78% of students consider training in sustainable construction to be differentiating for employment, but only 40% would refuse an offer from a non-committed company.
• 67% of professionals say they assess the carbon footprint of their projects, but only 30% do so systematically.

The challenge for all value chain actors is therefore to transform this collective awareness into concrete actions. This challenge is a tremendous opportunity for mobilization.

Focus on sustainable construction in the United States 

• The United States, which has been part of the Sustainable Construction Barometer since its inception, continues to see advancement when it comes to knowledge of sustainable construction as a concept, with 65% of stakeholder respondents answering in the affirmative, a 15% increase since 2024.
• However, when surveying citizens not intimately involved in the field, only 30% of respondents have heard of the concept, making clear that more outreach and education is necessary on the topic.
• In addition, US respondents see building energy efficiency as most connected to sustainable construction, with 72% of respondents associating the concepts. This is a drop of 11% compared to 2024, when it was 83%.
• Like in 2024, making sustainable materials, products and solutions more competitive remains a top priority in the United States to accelerate the development of sustainable construction (40% compared to 39% in 2024). This points to the need to continue working to explain how sustainable construction can be more cost- effective for building owners in the long run.
• Resilient building and adapting buildings to withstand natural hazards continues to grow in importance, with 24% stating it is the best fit for the definition of sustainable construction, a 6% increase since 2024.

Beyond the Barometer, the Sustainable Construction Observatory 

The Sustainable Construction Observatory, launched in 2023, is also structured around Sustainable Construction Talks – meetings held internationally, alongside major multilateral events, but also at national level – and an online media Constructing a Sustainable Future, which today publishes its third special edition in paper and flipbook formats on the theme: “Sustainable Construction: How to keep innovating?”. Through the eyes of experts and inspiring projects, this edition explores the levers needed to accelerate the sector’s transformation towards more sustainable construction. 

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, celebrating its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.

€46.6 billion in sales in 2024
161,000 employees, locations in 80 countries
Committed to achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2050

¹Countries: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam

Cummins

Bernessa Nuria Ahmed, Women’s Empowerment Network Leader and Regional Channel Manager for AME, from Ghana, speaks about the ripple effect of empowerment:

Q: What drives you?

Bernessa Nuria Ahmed: Aside from the fear of my mom scolding me and demanding a refund for all she spent on my education, it’s my innate desire to succeed in anything I commit to. If I’m going to take a shot at something, you can be sure it will be my best shot. Excellence is my hallmark — that’s what drives me.

Q: What societal issue lights a fire in you?

Bernessa Nuria Ahmed: Gender imbalance. Women want a fair chance in every situation, no matter where we find ourselves. We’re not asking for an unfair advantage — absolutely not. We’re simply asking for the playing field to be level.

Q: What have you learned from addressing gender imbalance?

Bernessa Nuria Ahmed: One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is how much our perspectives are shaped by deeply ingrained habits and assumptions — many of which we rarely question. We often navigate the world on autopilot, following patterns and unconscious biases absorbed over time.

This is especially true when it comes to gender roles and expectations. Recognizing this has taught me the importance of being intentional about challenging limiting beliefs and fostering an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Q: How do you think empowering women affects the trajectory of society?

Bernessa Nuria Ahmed: Women are natural nurturers — they uplift those around them regardless of age, gender, race or background. When a woman feels empowered, she exudes confidence and strength, and that energy spreads. She becomes a catalyst for change. Others pick up on that energy.

So, once you empower a woman, you can be rest assured that the next generation of daughters will believe that they can — and they will. And the next generation of sons will believe that the daughters can too, and they will try their best not to get in their way but to support them in actually achieving their goals.

Cummins Powers Women partners with a global network of nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing girls and women where barriers remain high. Through strategic investment, Cummins supports results-driven programs that drive real change — including grassroots education and mentorship, financial stability through entrepreneurship, leadership training and strategic guidance for nonprofit leaders.