June 2025 – Page 64

Blackbaud’s 13th Annual YourCause CSR Industry Review Shows Stable Employee Giving and Volunteering Trends in 2024

Posted on June 11, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Trends Identified from Subset of YourCause® from Blackbaud® Customers, Representing More than 300 Companies with 7M+ Global Employees

CHARLESTON, S.C., June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the leading provider of software for powering social impact, today released its 13th annual YourCause CSR Industry Review, analyzing corporate social responsibility (CSR) program data and employees’ philanthropic behavior. This unmatched industry report provides insights and trends from more than 300 companies and their 7M+ employees, using data collected between January and December 2024 within Blackbaud’s YourCause® CSRconnect®, GrantsConnect® and NPOconnect® solutions. Companies evaluated in this report represent a subset of Blackbaud’s total corporate customer base.

“This report delivers valuable insights into key employee engagement and corporate philanthropy trends,” said Andrew Troup, head of giving and engagement, Blackbaud. “In 2024, engagement in employee volunteering and giving programs remained stable, employee donations were steady, and we saw a notable increase in corporate grant amounts, emphasizing the consistent dedication of companies and employees worldwide. We are simultaneously reminded of the ever-changing global landscape and the commitment from our corporate customers to drive meaningful change.”

Key Findings:

Engagement in corporate volunteering and giving remains steady:
- In 2024, the average annual employee donation was $744, and the average total company match was $730.
- Average employee donation amounts remained consistent, while median donations saw a minor decline, signaling a potential widening donor gap. Large donors continue to give more, while small to mid-level donors appear to be scaling back their contributions slightly.
- The average annual volunteer hours per volunteer was 13 hours.
Smaller companies continue to lead the way in volunteer engagement: Companies with less than 1,000 employees saw 63.8% volunteer engagement.
Average volunteer hours for large team events increased in 2024: The average hours for large events increased, especially for companies with more than 10,000 employees, perhaps indicating the popularity of company-wide volunteer days or the use of volunteering within larger scale team-building efforts.
Payroll giving leads with the highest engagement rate: Although more dollars were donated in offline giving, payroll continues to see the highest participation rate across companies, with another increase this year.
46% of total donations were funded by company dollars: Company dollars include matching gifts, Dollars for Doers, Cause Cards and Incentives.
Companies with both giving and volunteer programs see higher engagement rates: Organizations offering both programs continue to see higher engagement levels than organizations offering only one, affirming the value of combined initiatives.
2024 saw notable increases in corporate grants: Compared to last year, the average amount per grant increased by approximately 13%, and the median sum of grants per client increased by around 38%.

For more insights, download the full CSR Industry Review report here.

Blackbaud continues to connect millions of nonprofits to companies and their employees, and provides data and insights to help CSR leaders make decisions about how to build and grow their programs. Learn more about Blackbaud’s YourCause CSR solutions for companies here.

About Blackbaud
Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the leading software provider exclusively dedicated to powering social impact. Serving the nonprofit and education sectors, companies committed to social responsibility and individual change makers, Blackbaud’s essential software is built to accelerate impact in fundraising, nonprofit financial management, digital giving, grantmaking, corporate social responsibility and education management. With millions of users and over $100 billion raised, granted or managed through Blackbaud platforms every year, Blackbaud’s solutions are unleashing the potential of the people and organizations who change the world. Blackbaud has been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies, Quartz’s list of Best Companies for Remote Workers, and Forbes’ list of America’s Best Employers. A remote-first company, Blackbaud has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, India and the United Kingdom, supporting users in 100+ countries. Learn more at www.blackbaud.com or follow us on X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Media Inquiries
media@blackbaud.com

Forward-looking Statements
Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations and assumptions contained in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding expected benefits of products and product features. Although Blackbaud attempts to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors that could cause results to differ materially include the following: general economic risks; uncertainty regarding increased business and renewals from existing customers; continued success in sales growth; management of integration of acquired companies and other risks associated with acquisitions; risks associated with successful implementation of multiple integrated software products; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; risks associated with management of growth; lengthy sales and implementation cycles; technological changes that make our products and services less competitive; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in the SEC filings for Blackbaud, copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or upon request from Blackbaud’s investor relations department. All Blackbaud product names appearing herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blackbaud, Inc.

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SOURCE Blackbaud

Specialized CX Starts With One: Lessons From Aflac’s Cancer Care Hotline

Posted on June 11, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Originally published by CMSWire

One team. One mission. One customer segment. Aflac’s hotline for newly diagnosed cancer patients proves that going deeper is the key to meaningful support.

The Gist

Customer focus matters. Identifying one specific customer segment to serve deeply can create greater impact and align with your core values.
Frontline insights vital. Employees who engage directly with customers offer critical perspectives on unique needs and ways to improve support.
Specialized care counts. Training the right employees to provide tailored support builds stronger relationships and improves the overall experience.

Customer experience is never one-size-fits-all. That is especially true for customers who require specialized support or solutions tailored to their specific needs. They may have unique challenges or require a deeper level of care compared to your typical customer.

A couple years ago, my organization introduced what we now call the Aﬂac Cancer Care Hotline, a dedicated customer service line for policyholders who contact us with a first-time cancer diagnosis. This service gives policyholders the option to connect with a customer care specialist specifically trained to respond to calls with individuals facing cancer for the first time.

Since its inception, our team has responded with care and compassion to nearly 150,000 calls from policyholders navigating the physical, emotional and financial impacts of cancer.

Based on our learnings from creating the hotline, here’s how to identify customers within your organization who require additional support and how to build out the infrastructure to serve their needs.

Start By Prioritizing One Customer Segment

As with any business decision, offering specialized support to certain customers must be aligned with your values. Leaders can start by asking themselves, “What is the experience we’ve committed to providing to our customers, and how can we build on it and do it better?”

After completing this exercise, you may identify more than one type of customer that needs extra support, and prioritization may be necessary. Rather than try to address all these customers at once, pick one segment to focus on first, and then apply your learnings to others. You want to start where you can create the biggest impact, and it is up to each organization to define what impact means to them.

Providing this additional support may not affect the speed at which you’re able to serve customers or the number of calls you’re able to ﬁeld within a given time frame, so the impact may be measured instead by the long-term emotional effects of meeting these customers’ particular needs.

At my organization, the decision to focus specifically on policyholders who have been diagnosed with cancer was an easy one. Cancer insurance is one of the first products we introduced, two years after our company’s founding. Our culture centers around being there for our customers during their times of need, and few events are as disruptive as a cancer diagnosis from a physical, emotional and financial standpoint.

Gather Insights From Frontline Employees

Employees who are on the front lines and who speak with customers daily are the ones who are the most aware of customers’ challenges and ways to reduce friction. Once you have made a decision to focus on a specific customer segment, frontline employees are an important resource to brainstorm and pressure-test ideas. They can also help identify those customers who need additional support.

The Aﬂac Cancer Care Hotline was born out of a brainstorming session with our call center specialists, who identified a key insight. A cancer diagnosis is challenging in many ways, but understanding and using your insurance benefits should not be one of those challenges. These employees, who have more direct interactions with current and prospective customers than anyone else, recognized that our policyholders with cancer require specialized support.

Concentrate on Your Strongest Areas

By now, you have identified a specific type of customer to focus on, and you have identified their pain points with the help of the employees who work with them directly. But here’s the thing. Your organization probably cannot solve everything. Instead, look at where you are uniquely qualified to help, and lean into that.

Sadly, my organization cannot change a policyholder’s cancer diagnosis. We can’t even influence the outcome of their treatment. But what we can do is provide a level of specialized compassion and expertise as we help these policyholders navigate our claims process. What we can do is make sure that every time a policyholder with cancer calls us, they speak with a human being who understands what they are going through and helps them get the most out of their insurance policies. This focus area makes sense because it aligns with our overall value proposition to provide financial assistance to our policyholders so they can focus more on treatment and recovery.

Train Employees for Specialized Roles

Working with a niche group of customers requires specific skills, knowledge and training. This includes developing a deep understanding of their unique challenges and needs, as well as expertise on how your organization’s products or services will beneﬁt them. For this reason, the employees who are best suited to work with these customers are probably ones who have been with your organization for some time.

Once these employees have been specifically trained for their new role, it’s important to follow up with continuous microlearnings that reinforce key values and help them keep up with customers’ changing circumstances and needs.

For the Aﬂac Cancer Care Hotline, we asked for volunteers among our senior customer experience specialists. While this was not a prerequisite, many of these volunteers have been personally affected by cancer in some way and were already deeply empathetic toward our policyholders. Our original plan was to rotate these employees to a different customer experience team every 30 days, since we did not want them to burn out. But when the time came, no one wanted to leave the cancer care team. They knew they were making a difference, and they were proud of the work they were doing.

Key Elements of Specialized Customer Support Programs

This table outlines strategic components organizations can use to build tailored support experiences for niche customer segments.

Component	Description	Purpose
Prioritize one customer segment	Focus efforts on a single group with unique needs, aligned with your company’s values and mission.	Creates meaningful impact and helps refine the model before scaling.
Leverage frontline insights	Engage employees who interact directly with customers to identify pain points and propose solutions.	Ensures the initiative is grounded in real-world customer experiences.
Build on organizational strengths	Concentrate resources where your team can deliver the most value and consistency.	Aligns efforts with core competencies and brand promise.
Train employees for niche support	Select and educate staff members who are well-suited to handle sensitive or complex needs.	Fosters empathy, builds expertise, and prevents burnout.
Share insights across departments	Encourage collaboration and knowledge transfer between frontline teams and other departments.	Improves organization-wide CX strategy and promotes innovation.

Share Knowledge Across Departments

The people who work closely with these customers become the experts. It’s important to listen to them, give them autonomy to do their jobs effectively and share their key learnings with others. Developing a process to share these learnings with your organization’s sales, research and development, and marketing teams will help you continuously improve the support and services you provide to all customers.

If something works well, build on it. The employees who manage our Cancer Care Hotline hold a weekly meeting to talk about the calls they fielded and any challenges that arose. During one of these meetings, they came up with the idea of sending care packages to some of these policyholders as another way of showing our support. Our entire organization has benefited from their extensive knowledge of our cancer insurance plans and their deep empathy toward our customers.

If providing a best-in-class customer experience is one of your core business values, offering specialized support to customers who need it helps you consistently deliver on that promise. By identifying the right customers to focus on, working closely with those who know them best, equipping frontline employees with training and resources, consistently improving processes and building on successes, every organization can build the infrastructure required to effectively serve niche customers.

Creating this type of program requires time and investment, but, done correctly, it builds goodwill with customers, differentiates your organization from competitors and serves as a powerful way to demonstrate your values in action to employees.

Powering Sustainable Trade: DP World’s Global Blueprint for a Net-Zero Future

Posted on June 11, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

At DP World, sustainability is not a “nice to have” initiative – it is foundational to how we build trade infrastructure, operate globally, and deliver impact locally. As the effects of climate change intensify, our responsibility is twofold: to reduce emissions across operations and to build resilience in the communities and ecosystems we serve.

From South America to the Horn of Africa, DP World is not just reducing emissions – we’re rewriting what climate leadership looks like for global corporations.

Setting the Course: DP World’s Net-Zero Roadmap

To tackle the climate crisis with ambition and accountability, DP World committed to a clearly defined and science-based decarbonization pathway.

With 2022 established as our base year for tracking emissions, we set a 2030 target to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% and Scope 3 emissions by 28%. By 2050, the goal is net-zero emissions across the full lifecycle of our end-to-end shipping and logistics services.

This will be achieved through equipment electrification and efficiency, digitalization of processes, renewable energy use, low-carbon fuel production, and carbon compensation to offset unavoidable footprints.

Turning Strategy into Impact: DP World’s Track Record of Results

These environmental goals are built on a long history of sustainable operations in communities and regions across the world. Through partnerships spanning the nonprofit, government, and private sector, we have delivered results, including:

Southampton’s Diesel-Free Milestone: DP World’s terminal in Southampton became the first in the UK to eliminate diesel use, switching entirely to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil. This slashed emissions from terminal operations by over 80%.
Reforesting Coastal Ecuador: In Posorja, Ecuador, over 200,000 mangrove trees were planted in partnership with CALISUR. This restoration project is expected to capture three million tons of carbon – the equivalent of offsetting the emissions from 950 wind turbines running for a full year.
Renewable Energy in Chile: DP World in Chile became the first port operator in South America certified for 100% renewable electricity, sourced from hydro-electric plants.
Solar Power in Somaliland: Through a partnership with Berbera Electric Company, DP World’s port in Berbera is now powered by an 8MW solar facility. This innovation is not only reducing Scope 1 & 2 emissions, it is also unlocking Berbera’s potential as a major sustainable trade hub.
WASH Infrastructure in India: In India, DP World is addressing the water crisis by improving access to clean water and sanitation across five villages and schools, reaching over 15,000 people. This effort connects our climate and equity agenda at the grassroots level.

Leading Trade Toward a Sustainable Future

As the climate crisis escalates, DP World is stepping forward with solutions that are bold, inclusive, and scalable. Our approach delivers tangible climate benefits while positioning trade as a force for sustainability and resilience.

The road to net zero isn’t linear. But with the right partnerships, the right policies, and a deep sense of purpose – DP World is reshaping the global energy system from our position at the world’s trade gateways.

Arrow Electronics and Nonprofit N50 Project Launch New Digital Lab at Indianapolis Middle School

Posted on June 11, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

CENTENNIAL, Colo., June 11, 2025 /3BL/ – Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team Driver Pato O’Ward may not have captured the top prize in this year’s Indianapolis 500, but he is still first in the hearts of a group of local middle schoolers.

For the students of Monarca Academy, O’Ward serves as a mentor and role model. He has visited the school for several years in advance of the Indy 500, spreading a message of possibility and positivity. This year, he went a step further, joining forces with Arrow Electronics and nonprofit The N50 Project to launch a new digital lab that will provide the school’s 240 students with the opportunity to expand their learning with the help of new technology.

The lab is equipped with 20 workstations, interactive SMART boards, an AI tool, 3D printer, a FIRST Robotics kit (to allow students to build and program a competition-grade robot) and a reliable Internet connection.

“The new STEM lab gives our students more power to explore, create and imagine futures in science, engineering and innovation. It’s a space where curiosity meets opportunity, and that kind of access can change lives,” said Francisco Valdiosera, Monarca Academy’s executive director.

The lab is part of N50’s EdTech Equity initiative, which is committed to expanding access to technology and connectivity for students in under-resourced communities. Arrow, along with companies like Intel, ApplianSys and SMART Technologies, is helping N50 bridge the divide through low-cost, scalable and sustainable technology solutions.

“This lab will provide critical education and skills development to help prepare Monarca students for the 21st century workforce. Access to dynamic content, like learning to use AI responsibly, or coding and robotics, will enable them to explore career pathways and meaningful opportunities otherwise unavailable without these digital skills,” said Ivey Bostrom, corporate marketing partnerships manager for Arrow.

The Monarca lab is the second one Arrow has launched with N50. The first is based in a primary school in Guadalajara, Mexico, that O’Ward also helped dedicate. Arrow plans to collaborate with N50 to open three labs this year.

About N50 Project
The N50 Project’s EdTech for All initiative is committed to closing the digital divide in education by providing students and educators in underserved communities with critical access to technology. With over 60 global partners, the initiative supports the deployment of connectivity kits, smart boards, digital learning platforms and refurbished laptops to empower the next generation with the digital skills needed for a modern workforce. Learn more at n50project.org.

About Monarca Academy
Monarca Academy is a free, public middle school serving grades 6-8 and is a part of Indianapolis Public Schools’ (IPS) Innovation Network. The school eliminates barriers to success for all students. Inspired by the Latin@ and immigrant experience, the school develops leaders through high academic standards (Ganas), cultural responsiveness (Orgullo) and community building (Comunidad). Learn more at monarcaacademy.org.

About Arrow Electronics
Arrow Electronics (NYSE:ARW) sources and engineers technology solutions for thousands of leading manufacturers and service providers. With global 2024 sales of $28 billion, Arrow’s portfolio enables technology across major industries and markets. Learn more at arrow.com.

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AllianceBernstein: An Investor’s Guide to Navigating Sustainable Water Management

Posted on June 11, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Sara Rosner| Director—Responsible Investing Research

What You Need to Know

Water security represents a critical challenge for the world: how to address too much, too little and too-polluted water. In this paper, we advocate a new approach to managing water risks, aimed at securing better outcomes for communities, companies and investors.

40%
estimated global shortfall in freshwater supply by 2030

US$225 billion
of listed equity value at risk

At least US$10 billion
total invested in First Quantum Minerals’ Panama copper mine before it was forced to close

Read White Paper

Executive Summary

Water security is a growing risk for companies, forcing investors to recognize and address their exposures. Failure to manage water risks can inflict material damage on business and investment outcomes, while companies that are strategically focused on the issue could enjoy tangible competitive advantages.

Investors seeking to manage material water risks have so far relied largely on disclosure requirements to influence corporate behavior. But a data-disclosure approach—though valuable—has notable limitations.

To overcome this problem, we propose stakeholder management, an approach that focuses on engaging local stakeholders to address water risks. By combining the disclosure regime with better awareness of local needs, we believe companies can make their water stewardship more effective.

Our analysis of companies in three water risk—prone industries—metals & mining, beverages and semiconductor manufacturing—led us to develop a versatile, five-part framework for investors. This framework is designed to both assess and improve companies’ stakeholder management practices.

We believe our approach provides an opportunity for investors to engage¹ with companies and help guide them through the complexities of water security toward more sustainable and value-enhancing outcomes.

Read White Paper

¹ AllianceBernstein (AB) engages issuers where it believes the engagement is in the best financial interest of its clients.

The views expressed herein do not constitute research, investment advice or trade recommendations, and do not necessarily represent the views of all AB portfolio-management teams, and are subject to change over time.

Learn more about AB’s approach to responsibility here.

Tick BYTES Launches DIY Tick and Mosquito Solution for Safer, Healthier Backyards

Posted on June 11, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

New Maine-based initiative empowers homeowners and neighborhoods to protect people, pets, and pollinators — naturally

WINDHAM, Maine, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A new do-it-yourself movement in pest management is gaining momentum with the official launch of Tick BYTES (Back Yard Tick Eco-friendly Solutions), a community-focused, DIY model to help homeowners and neighborhoods reduce ticks and mosquitoes naturally and affordably.

Founded by longtime Lyme disease advocate Barb Maurais and Licensed Pest Management Professional Bob Maurais, Tick BYTES offers a step-by-step system to help individuals and communities reclaim their outdoor spaces using eco-friendly strategies that are proven, accessible, and sustainable. With over 40 years of combined experience in tick education, advocacy, and pest control, the Maurais team is uniquely positioned to lead this vital initiative.

“In 2024, 68% of ticks submitted to the University of Maine Tick Lab were found in people’s yards during everyday activities like gardening and play,” said Barb Maurais, President of Tick BYTES, “We created this program to empower people to reduce ticks and mosquitoes in their own backyards.”

The threat of tick-borne diseases including Lyme and Anaplasmosis continues to rise across the Northeast and beyond, especially among vulnerable groups like children and seniors. With traditional pest control often focused on isolated properties, Tick BYTES introduces a DIY home and neighborhood-based approach that promotes treating contiguous properties together, enhancing protection within communities.

The Tick BYTES method includes:

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) best practices
Eco-friendly botanical chemistry
Affordable, battery-powered backpack sprayers
Detailed step-by-step application instructions
Behavioral and cultural control strategies

Tick BYTES also offers free educational downloads, including Protection Strategies – Home & Away, and a preview of their comprehensive guide Time to Treat for Ticks. The system is designed to be intuitive, scalable, and safe for families, pets, and pollinators alike.

Bob Maurais, Tick BYTES’ IPM Coordinator, brings decades of hands-on experience, including a Commercial Master Applicator license and active membership in the Tick IPM Working Group. He recently retired from his successful pest control business to co-found Tick BYTES and expand his community outreach.

“Rather than rely on professional services alone, we’re giving people the tools and know-how to make a real difference on their own properties and to unite with their neighbors in the process,” said Bob. “Knowledge empowers, but it’s action that protects.”

Tick BYTES is more than a pest management system. It’s a growing movement to reduce the risk of vector-borne diseases while protecting people, pets, and pollinators.

To learn more about Tick BYTES or to join the DIY revolution in eco-friendly tick and mosquito management, visit www.tickbytes.us.

Contact:

Tick BYTES LLC
354 Gray Road, Windham, ME 04062
www.tickbytes.us
Bob Maurais – 207-310-8648 (cell) | 207-893-8035 (business)
396311@email4pr.com
Barb Maurais – 207-653-0994 (cell) | 207-893-8035 (business)
396311@email4pr.com

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SOURCE Tick BYTES LLC

Water Garden Farms, Siemens, and CEAd Announce Strategic Alliance

Posted on June 11, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Landmark Alliance Unveiled at GreenTech Amsterdam 2025, Setting a New Global Standard for AI Driven Food Production and Sustainable Agriculture

AMSTERDAM, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Water Garden Farms (WGF), Siemens, and CEAd today announced a landmark partnership to integrate cutting-edge AI and fully automated precision agriculture technology in WGF’s indoor farming operations, paving the way for a new era in crop production that ensures food and water security and expands access to more affordable, higher-quality produce.

This alliance will fast-track the rollout of WGF’s high-yield, low-cost, environmentally sustainable, and decentralized farming model – starting with the construction of a new 500,000-square-foot, solar powered greenhouse facility in West Virginia.

Strategically located near Washington, D.C., this state-of-the-art facility will be the world’s most technologically advanced greenhouse operation of its size, producing 35 million packaged salad units annually, using a fraction of the resources required by open field farms.

Powering the Future of Agriculture: Inside the Siemens-CEAd-WGF Alliance

Siemens Digital Industries, a global technology powerhouse, provides the foundational technology architecture and cutting-edge digital tools that make scalable, high-performance Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) operations possible. Through its advanced Siemens Xcelerator open business platform, Siemens enables seamless development and integration of hardware and software, driving real-time insights, operational precision, and continuous innovation.

digiCEAd is a joint platform established by Siemens and CEAd. digiCEAd delivers tailored digital solutions built specifically for CEA operators. By combining Siemens’ technology ecosystem with CEAd’s deep industry expertise, digiCEAd enables WGF to adopt digital twin modeling, AI-driven analytics, and comprehensive operational management tools. This ensures not only food safety excellence and regulatory compliance, but also continuous operational improvements and scalable growth. See www.digicead.com for more information.

Water Garden Farms is providing digiCEAd a strategic platform to deploy its leading AI, automation, and monitoring capabilities, while enabling Siemens and CEAd to support WGF’s operational growth. WGF is on a mission to revolutionize agriculture production through a high efficiency farming model that maximizes crop yields and quality, while minimizing water and energy consumption. WGF’s new flagship facility in West Virginia marks the first phase of a $500 million multi-site expansion across the U.S. These next-generation greenhouses aim to set a new global standard for indoor farming and environmental and social impact.

“Together, we’re setting a new global benchmark for food quality, crop productivity, affordability, and environmental sustainability,” said Dennis Levine, Founder & CEO of Water Garden Farms. “With digiCEAd and Siemens’ cutting-edge AI, control, and automation systems, and CEAd’s leading facility design capabilities, we’re deploying a high-yield, climate-resilient production model that dramatically lowers the cost to market of nutritious produce to help combat food inflation, expand access for consumers, and drive positive environmental and social impact at scale.”

“Building resilient and scalable food systems requires collaboration. By partnering with technology and business leaders like CEAd and WGF, we can develop disruptive smart farming solutions that will transform the CEA industry,” said Rick Schneiders, Head of Future Food at Siemens. “The CEA industry stands at a pivotal moment, where embracing open, scalable solutions is essential. By harnessing vast amounts of data to gain deeper understanding and actionable insights, we can drive down costs and increase production. Our goal is to support the CEA industry in making this crucial transition in the coming years.”

“This collaboration is more than a technological partnership; it’s a bold reimagining of how we grow food now to meet future challenges,” said Thomas Larssen, CEO of CEAd. “At CEAd, we’re committed to delivering facility designs and operational systems that don’t just meet today’s challenges but set new standards for efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. Together with Siemens and Water Garden Farms, we’re creating an ecosystem where cutting-edge technology and practical design converge to produce high-yield, low-impact, and future-ready agriculture.”

Industry-Leading Productivity Meets Sustainability Goals

This innovative collaboration is not just about technology; it’s about completely rethinking how agriculture meets the demands of the future by creating systems that set new benchmarks in sustainable food production. WGF’s innovative farming model far surpasses traditional agriculture methods by enhancing food quality and safety, optimizing unit economics, using 98% less water, reducing carbon emissions by 84%, and delivering 44 times higher crop yields per acre compared to open field farms in water stressed California and Arizona, which supply 90% of U.S. leafy greens.

About Water Garden Farms

WGF is pioneering a new era of sustainable agriculture by tackling the urgent challenges of extreme weather, resource scarcity, and global food insecurity. Headquartered in New York City, WGF is redefining food production by optimizing operational efficiency and competitiveness to drive positive environmental and social outcomes. WGF’s breakthrough farming model combines world class finance expertise and business leadership with ultra-efficient production systems, smart logistics, and advanced marketing strategies to deliver fresher, higher-quality produce at a lower price – reaching retailers within hours of harvest.

WGF’s mission is to build a more resilient and environmentally responsible food system by cutting carbon emissions, reducing supply chain waste, minimizing resource use, and maximizing food safety and accessibility. Through a focus on innovation, rapid crop rotation, and cost efficiency, WGF creates value for consumers, retailers, shareholders, and the planet – setting a new standard for local, sustainable, and scalable food production. Further information is available at www.watergardenfarms.com.

About CEAd

CEAd’s team of project managers, engineers, designers, and industry professionals specialize in technical consulting services for the controlled environment agriculture industry. With over 35 years of experience developing facilities worldwide, CEAd works collaboratively with its clients and extensive vendor network to provide tailor-made solutions that are scalable, resource-efficient, and future-ready. Further information is available at www.ceadl.com.

About Siemens

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a leading technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, mobility, and healthcare. The company’s purpose is to create technology to transform the everyday, for everyone. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers customers to accelerate their digital and sustainability transformations, making factories more efficient, cities more livable, and transportation more sustainable. A leader in industrial AI, Siemens leverages its deep domain know-how to apply AI – including generative AI – to real-world applications, making AI accessible and impactful for customers across diverse industries. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a leading global medical technology provider pioneering breakthroughs in healthcare. For everyone. Everywhere. Sustainably.

In fiscal 2024, which ended on September 30, 2024, the Siemens Group generated revenue of €75.9 billion and net income of €9.0 billion. As of September 30, 2024, the company employed around 312,000 people worldwide on the basis of continuing operations. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.

Contact

Water Garden Farms
media@watergardenfarms.com

CEAd
sales@ceadl.com

Siemens
contact@siemens.com

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SOURCE Water Garden Farms

First European Funding after getting recognition as a ‘Strategic Project’ – Rock Tech receives funding to lead Lithium Refining Innovation project by EIT RawMaterials

Posted on June 11, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

EIT RawMaterials, supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, a body of the European Union has selected Rock Tech for funding to commercialize novel lithium processing technologies in Germany.
Rock Tech will collaborate with leading research partners, including Advanced Minerals and Recycling Industrial Solutions (AdMiRIS), National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), and Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek NV (VITO).
The project has been allocated a total funding of EUR 2.5 million of which Rock Tech will be receiving up to EUR 1 million to drive innovation and optimization work of its lithium conversion processes.

TORONTO, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – Rock Tech Lithium Inc. (TSXV: RCK) (OTCQX: RCKTF) (FSE: RJIB) (the “Company” or “Rock Tech”) is pleased to announce that it has been selected for funding under the prestigious KAVA (Knowledge and Innovation Activities) grant program by EIT RawMaterials, the most active network in the raw materials sector in Europe. This recognition supports Rock Tech’s ongoing commitment to advancing innovative lithium refining solutions in Europe and is the first funding awarded after Rock Tech’s Lithium Hydroxide Convertor Guben (LHCG) project has been recognized as a strategic project under Critical Raw Materials Project by the European Commission. Rock Tech will receive EUR 800,000 to improve and innovate its lithium conversion process to be applied to its Guben Converter in the future.

Under the KAVA Call-funding program, Rock Tech’s Lithium subsidiary company Rock Tech Guben GmbH will collaborate with leading research and industry partners, including NTUA (Greece), VITO (Belgium), and Admiris (Greece), to optimize lithium extraction processes and enhance lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM) production from spodumene. Rock Tech believes this optimization work will create substantial future operational and cost benefits for the Guben Converter.

“We are honored to be selected for the KAVA Call funding and to work jointly with partners to commercialize innovative, potentially game-changing lithium processing technologies”, comments Mirco Wojnarowicz, Rock Tech’s CEO.

The selected project, named OLiVer (Hard rock Lithium Extraction and Purified Value Products for Energy Applications) will demonstrate innovative processes at pilot scale, significantly improving lithium recovery efficiency and reducing environmental impact in line with EU green transition goals. The OLiVer project will focus on four main objectives:

Optimizing pyro-hydro-metallurgical processing to enhance lithium extraction efficiency from spodumene.
Developing a novel secondary lithium sulfate recovery process, enabling improved lithium recovery rates.
Integrating primary and secondary lithium sulfate streams to boost overall LHM production yield.
Conducting pilot-scale demonstrations to establish commercial viability for the enhanced lithium extraction process.

With this project, Rock Tech aims to drive forward the EU’s critical raw materials strategy and sustainability goals by producing high-purity LHM for electric vehicle batteries regionally.

ABOUT ROCK TECH

Rock Tech’s vision is to supply the electric vehicle and battery industry with sustainable, locally produced Lithium, targeting a 100% recycling rate. To ensure resilient supply chains, the company plans to build Lithium converters at the doorstep of its customers, beginning with the Company’s proposed Lithium-Hydroxide Converter in Guben, Brandenburg, Germany. The second Converter is planned to be built in Red Rock, Ontario, Canada. Rock Tech Lithium plans to source raw material from its own Georgia Lake spodumene project in the Thunder Bay Mining District of Ontario, Canada, and procure from other ESG-compliant mines. Ultimately, Rock Tech’s goal is to create a closed-loop Lithium production system. Rock Tech has gathered one of the strongest teams in the industry to close the most pressing gap in the clean mobility story. The Company has adopted strict environmental, social and governance standards and is developing a proprietary refining process to increase efficiency and sustainability further.

CAUTIONARY NOTE CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Certain statements contained in this news release constitute “forward-looking information” under applicable securities laws and are referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, which address events, results, outcomes or developments that the Company expects to occur are forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “predicts”, “believes”, “estimates”, “intends”, “targets”, “projects”, “forecasts”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “would”, “could” or negative versions thereof and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information pertaining to expectations concerning the Guben Converter, including the design and features of the Guben Converter, as well as the expected costs, capital expenditures, timing and outcomes thereof; statements regarding the Company’s future plans, estimates, and schedules relating to the Guben Converter, including the anticipated timing of future activities taken in support of the development thereof; Rock Tech’s potential financing arrangements; the expected funding under the KAVA grant program by EIT RawMaterials, the expected economic performance of the Guben Converter and anticipated production of battery-grade Lithium Hydroxide and related processing methods and innovation employed; the estimated capital and operating costs of the Guben Converter; the anticipated timing and outcomes of a final investment decision, construction activities and commissioning of the Guben Converter; statements regarding the Company’s sustainability and ESG related goals and strategy, including the benefits and achievement thereof and future actions taken by the Company in relation thereto; expected regulatory processes and final outcomes; expectations regarding the electric vehicle industry, including the demand for and pricing of battery-grade Lithium Hydroxide and the benefits therefrom, and the development of political and regulatory frameworks especially in Germany and the European Union; Rock Tech’s opinions, beliefs and expectations regarding the Company’s business strategy, development and exploration opportunities and projects; and plans and objectives of management for the Company’s operations and properties. Forward-looking statements by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed in the Company’s most recent management’s discussion and analysis and annual information form filed with the applicable securities regulators. No assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, and the Company cautions the reader not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, nor does it assume any obligation to update or revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, changes in assumptions, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

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SOURCE Rock Tech Lithium Inc.

Chevron Lummus Global and Neste advance partnership to convert lignocellulosic waste to renewable fuels

Posted on June 11, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Partnership targets scalable solutions for renewable fuel production from biomass

HOUSTON, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Chevron Lummus Global (CLG) and Neste, the world’s leading producer of sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel, announced their progress in developing new technology for converting lignocellulosic biomass into high-quality, lower-emission renewable fuels. Through close collaboration at CLG’s state-of-the-art R&D facility in the U.S., Neste and CLG have successfully demonstrated proof of concept for converting lignocellulosic waste into renewable fuels, with highly promising initial results.

“Our collaboration and initial success demonstrate the complementary strengths of Neste and CLG to create a powerful, scalable platform to produce renewable fuel from lignocellulosic raw material,” said Rajesh Samarth, Chief Executive Officer of Chevron Lummus Global. “By advancing the hydroprocessing of diverse feedstocks, we’re not only expanding the possibilities for renewable fuels but also setting a new benchmark for innovation in sustainable energy.”

The partnership combines CLG’s extensive experience and proven track record in developing and licensing market leading refining technologies with Neste’s pioneering expertise and global leadership in renewable fuels. With a successful proof of concept, the partners are now advancing to the next phase—further validating the process for commercial-scale deployment and unlocking the full potential of this abundant, underutilized feedstock.

“Lignocellulosic waste and residues can make an important contribution as a new and scalable raw material pool for renewable fuels,” Lars Peter Lindfors, Senior Vice President of Technology and Innovation at Neste. “The technology development with CLG has progressed well and we are very encouraged by the initial results. Unlocking the potential of these promising raw materials would allow us to meet the growing demand of renewable fuels in the long-term and contribute to ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.”

About Chevron Lummus Global
Chevron Lummus Global (CLG), a joint venture between Chevron U.S.A. Inc. and Lummus Technology, is a leading technology provider for the production of renewable and conventional transportation fuels, premium base oils, and sustainable petrochemicals from a wide range of feedstocks. Powered by cutting-edge catalysts and innovative reactor internals, CLG’s portfolio is designed to optimize efficiency and flexibility while minimizing emissions and maximizing economic returns. For more information, visit www.chevronlummus.com.

About Neste
Neste (NESTE, Nasdaq Helsinki) creates solutions for mitigating climate change and accelerating a shift to a circular economy. The company is the world’s leading producer of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel, enabling its customers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Neste refines waste, residues and other renewable raw materials to high-quality renewable fuels at its refineries located on three continents. The company’s annual renewable fuels production capacity will be increased to 6.8 million tons in 2027.

Neste has high standards for sustainability and the company has consistently been recognized by several leading sustainability indices. In 2024, Neste’s revenue stood at EUR 20.6 billion. Read more: neste.com

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SOURCE Chevron Lummus Global

Ranked Top 9 Globally for Solar Trackers: Antaisolar Enters Wood Mackenzie’s List, Leading Markets in Multiple Countries

Posted on June 11, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

XIAMEN, China, June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Recently, the internationally renowned energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie officially released its Global Solar PV Tracker Market Share Report 2025. According to the report, Antaisolar has been ranked 9th globally in the 2024 annual Global solar PV tracker market. In key regional markets such as Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and China, the company secured a position within the Top 6, demonstrating its strong market competitiveness and growing brand influence.

The report notes that global solar tracker shipments reached 111 GW in 2024, marking a 20% year-on-year increase and surpassing the 100 GW milestone for the first time. In this rapidly growing market, Antaisolar delivered 2.55 GW of solar tracker systems worldwide in 2024, representing a 40% year-on-year growth—outpacing the industry average.

Thanks to the stability and reliability of its products and services, Antaisolar has achieved impressive rankings in multiple countries: 4th in India, 5th in Brazil, 6th in China, and 8th in Spain. These accomplishments highlight the company’s strategic depth and targeted breakthroughs in key regional markets, continuing its contributions to the global green energy transition.

Since 2006, Antaisolar has been deeply dedicated to the field of solar tracking systems. It has built a comprehensive one-stop service system covering product design, manufacturing, and after-sales support, providing efficient and intelligent solutions to clients worldwide. Its flagship products— TAI-Simple (1P single-axis) and TAI-Universal (2P single-axis)—have been widely adopted in utility-scale projects. The company is set to unveil its new flagship tracker system at the upcoming SNEC exhibition: AT–Spark 1P Multi-Slew Mechanical Linkage Single-Axis Independent Solar Tracking System. Featuring Antaisolar’s self-developed large-radius octagonal torque tube combined with dual spherical bearing architecture, it supports ultra-long arrays with large-span multi-string configurations. Combined with Antaisolar SmartTrail intelligent tracking control system—with four layers of extreme weather protection, it ensures optimal performance in challenging conditions such as high winds and snow. Through advanced algorithms that optimize solar irradiance tracking, AT-Spark significantly enhances energy yield and reduces the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), further solidifying Antaisolar’s position as the preferred solution provider for utility-scale PV power plants.

Looking ahead, Antaisolar remains its mission “Raise a Green World” and continues to position itself as an expert in digital intelligent PV mounting system solutions, Antaisolar will continue to write a new chapter of excellence and contribute long-lasting momentum to the global energy transition.

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SOURCE Antaisolar