Month: June 2025

When it comes to removing PFAS from water, sometimes the solution lies in the science of bubbles. While many treatment methods focus on filtering or absorbing these compounds, a proven technology called foam fractionation is gaining renewed attention in PFAS treatment — by literally lifting these contaminants out of water.

Understanding the Bubble Effect

Before diving into how foam fractionation works, it’s worth understanding why this approach is so effective. PFAS molecules have unique properties — they’re both hydrophobic (water-fearing) and hydrophilic (water-loving). This dual nature causes them to naturally concentrate at air-water interfaces, like the surface of bubbles. It’s this same property that made PFAS so useful in firefighting foams — and now it’s being used to mitigate them.

The Science Behind the Bubbles

Foam fractionation works through a remarkably elegant process:

• Air Bubble Introduction: Bubbles are introduced at the bottom of a treatment column, creating a stream of rising air bubbles through the contaminated water.
• PFAS Attraction: As these bubbles rise, PFAS molecules attach themselves to the bubble surfaces, much like soap molecules cluster around air bubbles in dishwater.
• Foam Collection: At the top of the column the PFAS-rich foam spills over and is collected, effectively concentrating the contaminants for disposal.

Benefits for Water Treatment

This innovative approach offers several distinct advantages, including:

• Ability to concentrate PFAS for more efficient disposal
• Lower energy requirements compared to some other treatment methods
• Effectiveness across a wide range of PFAS compounds
• Reduced waste generation through targeted separation
• Minimal performance impacts by other contaminants
• Effective across a wide range of PFAS compounds and concentrations
• Bulk PFAS reduction without the use of filtration materials such as carbon

Real-World Applications

The technology has shown promising results across various scenarios:

• Industrial Wastewater: Manufacturing facilities and airports have successfully implemented foam fractionation to treat PFAS-contaminated wastewater streams.
• Municipal Treatment: Water utilities are exploring this technology as a cost-effective addition to their treatment processes.
• Remediation Projects: Environmental cleanup projects are utilizing foam fractionation for its ability to handle high PFAS concentrations.

Integration with Existing Systems

One of the most appealing aspects of foam fractionation is its ability to complement other treatment technologies. Treatments can combine:

• Pre-treatment steps to remove suspended solids
• Foam fractionation for PFAS concentration and removal
• Polishing steps using traditional technologies like granular activated carbon (GAC) or ion exchange (IX)

The Future of Foam Fractionation

As regulatory standards become more stringent, understanding and implementing effective treatment options becomes critical. Organizations that investigate and adopt proven technologies now can better position themselves to meet both current needs and future requirements. So it’s not surprising that water treatment facilities and industrial operations are increasingly exploring foam fractionation technology’s potential, with pilot programs demonstrating promising results across various applications.

Key considerations for decision-makers:

• Optimizing treatment efficiency while managing costs
• Meeting increasingly strict regulatory requirements
• Selecting scalable solutions for long-term sustainability
• Building public trust through proactive PFAS management

The Power of Bubbles: A Clear Path Forward

Foam fractionation represents a perfect example of how understanding PFAS behavior can lead to breakthrough treatment solutions. By harnessing the natural tendency of these compounds to attach to air-water interfaces, this technology offers an efficient and elegant approach to PFAS removal.

As treatment facilities and industries continue to tackle PFAS challenges, foam fractionation stands out as a promising tool in the growing arsenal of treatment options — proving that sometimes the most effective solutions come from working with, rather than against, the very properties that make these compounds challenging to treat.

By Gina DiPietro

In 1956, TVs had rabbit ears, phones were attached to the wall, and the Suwannee River Steam Plant near Live Oak, Fla., was a state-of-the-art facility and the largest on Duke Energy’s Florida system.

Today, we have flat-screen TVs, cellphones in our pockets and cleaner energy at Suwannee. Over the years, the site has added natural gas and solar generation, and – after 63 years in operation – retired the original steam plant, all to better serve Florida customers.

Now, Suwannee is taking another leap forward with a pilot project to test a potential alternative to lithium-ion battery energy storage systems (BESS). These systems store energy from intermittent renewables, like solar and wind, and then release it when electricity demand is high.

The 5-megawatt (MW) system will utilize sodium-sulfur technology to store energy for up to eight hours – doubling the duration of most commercially available batteries – making this a potential breakthrough in long-duration energy storage. 

“Suwannee is in many ways a symbol of Duke Energy’s commitment to continuous innovation,” said Matt Gilton, project originator and execution developer, along with Hans Jacob, director in the company’s Energy Storage Development group. “With this pilot, we are building on the past to explore technology that could transform the future.”

The pilot also marks the first U.S. utility test of the newer version of this German-developed technology.

A flexible, reliable grid

By dispatching grid-ready energy instantly, storage systems are a crucial part of the company’s diverse energy portfolio, needed to meet and maintain reliability as energy needs rise across Duke Energy-served communities.

Lithium-ion batteries have dominated the energy storage market for years – but are best suited to store energy for about four hours or less.

While this technology is crucial in the short term, Duke Energy is diversifying across technology types – including long-duration energy storage – to accommodate growth, effectively manage fluctuations in power generation and diversify supply chains. 

“Our ultimate objective with the Suwannee project – and everything we do at Duke Energy – is to ensure our customers have access to reliable energy,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “This innovative technology will give us the flexibility to consistently meet our fellow Floridians’ needs and continue powering their lives for generations to come.” 

Seeking alternatives to lithium-ion

Duke Energy’s Emerging Technology Assessment Team (ETAT) evaluated more than 80 energy storage options, examining each for their technological and economic advantages, before selecting the pilot technology. 

Sodium-sulfur (NaS) batteries offer advantages like high energy density, which is important for grid-scale deployments since they can store more energy in a smaller space compared to alternative technologies; they can also be quickly charged and discharged to respond to fluctuating grid demands.

What’s more: Sodium and sulfur are abundant and relatively inexpensive materials, so this technology has the potential to be more cost effective as the need for longer-duration storage increases.

“This pilot will help us study the technology’s performance, efficiency, and interaction with the grid,” Gilton said. “And we’ll share our findings with Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and other organizations.”

Project Director Larry Watson added, “We know that other utilities are watching this project, so it could affect energy production and storage across the country.” 

Building a smarter energy future

The Suwannee site was an ideal choice for the pilot, offering infrastructure from the retired steam plant to simplify grid connections. It also continues a legacy of innovation at a location with deep community ties.

“We have a long-standing relationship with Suwannee County,” said Danny Collins, director of Government and Community Relations at Duke Energy Florida. “Many people here worked at the old plant, and now their kids work for the company. This investment benefits both the local economy and our company goals.” 

For Gilton, the project is personal. “This pilot is a big learning opportunity and a tangible step toward a smarter energy future,” he said. “As both an employee and a dad to two young kids, I want to leave the planet in better shape than we found it.”

View original content here.

Sustainability is no longer a trade-off — it’s a catalyst for growth, resilience, and profitability. Companies with strong ESG performance are unlocking enhanced brand reputation, recruiting better talent, and attracting long-term investors who are seeking credible, future-fit business models. As the market evolves, it’s increasingly clear: sustainability is not only ensuring commercial resilience, it’s also strengthening the bottom line.

To explore how sustainability can deliver tangible business benefits, the UN Global Compact Network UK Annual Summit comes to Church House Westminster on 14 October 2025. Join us in-person or via the online livestream to gain access to key insights from UK sustainability leaders across all sectors, sizes, and geographies.

REGISTER NOW

This year’s sessions will delve into:

• Financing the Future: How can businesses improve access to capital and reduce costs by advancing their sustainability performance?
• Supply Chain Engagement: How can sustainable supply chains help to future-proof businesses by delivering resilience, cost savings, and other commercial benefits?
• Transformative Innovation: How can businesses achieve long-term growth with breakthrough solutions to global challenges?
• Shaping the Business Ecosystem: How can bold policy better support your company’s ESG targets and make sustainable business practices more competitive?
• Promoting Equality: How can companies improve profitability and enhance long-term business performance by reducing workforce inequalities?
• Communicating Sustainability: Should increasing communication about sustainability efforts be seen as a strategic power play for competitive advantage, or does it risk fuelling backlash in today’s polarised environment?

Don’t miss out on the interactive panels, workshops, and networking opportunities offered during our biggest event of the year – register now!

Spaces are limited, so make sure to secure your in-person ticket here for just £499 +VAT, or online here.

Best wishes,
The UN Global Compact Network UK  

P.S. Is your organisation interested in sponsorship, speaking, or hosting a side event? Get in touch to explore opportunities.

REGISTER NOW

In today’s competitive mineral and materials industry, developing talented professionals is essential for long-term success. Covia’s internship program stands as a testament to this commitment, offering a pathway for students to gain hands-on experience while contributing meaningful work to the organization.

A Collaborative Approach to Developing Talent

Leading this strategic initiative are Adrianna Ateh, Talent Acquisition Manager, and Coleman Rojahn, Talent Acquisition Associate, whose collaborative approach has helped grow the internship program into a powerful pipeline for future talent.

Both Adrianna and Coleman followed similar paths to their current roles, working in recruiting in North Carolina before joining Covia as contract recruiters in 2022 and 2023 respectively. The two work together to oversee the recruiting process for all hourly and salary roles for the U.S. and Canada.

They also spearhead key initiatives dedicated to discovering new talent, including an internship program that was relaunched in 2023 to provide students with valuable experience and prepare them for their future careers.

“It was exciting being able to come here and really grow the program from the ground up,” Adrianna said. “I’m proud of the interns who have turned into full time hires and being able to work with different teams like HR and operations to make the program as impactful as it has been.”

The relaunch of the program allowed Adrianna and Coleman to shape the way the organization approaches internships. As the program enters its third year, their efforts are paying dividends for both the interns and the organization.

Discovering Future Talent

The first step in the internship program is to help students discover opportunities at Covia. The program typically hosts 10-13 interns across various locations, with the goal of expanding the program to include at least one additional plant location each year.

Adrianna and Coleman leverage both social media and career fairs to help match potential students with summer internships. Active LinkedIn efforts help students find out about internships online, while partnerships with schools like Virginia Tech, Missouri University of Science and Technology, and Cleveland State University establish long-term relationships that benefit Covia, the schools, and the students.

Career fairs are another staple for finding interns. These fairs allow Adrianna and Coleman to make in-person connections with potential candidates.

This makes it sound like they aren’t employed by Covia – is that the case?

“At Virginia Tech, they had a linkup where we could grab some pizza with all the mining engineering students,” Adrianna explains. “Events like that are great, because we get to know them and learn about what they’re looking for, and then we can interview interested candidates in person and have plant managers and other Covia employees join in via video calls to help connect talented students with the program.”

Building a Comprehensive Internship Program

As Adrianna and Coleman have grown Covia’s internship program, they have constantly looked to make the experience as fruitful as possible for both incoming students and the organization as a whole.

“We really do try to make it as robust as a program as possible,” Coleman said. “We always try to add in new elements to have the internship be impactful.”

That dedication to enhancing the program has helped Covia develop an expansive learning experience packaged in a 10-week internship. A few highlights that interns can expect include:

• An internship guidebook that provides clear guidance and a structured approach so that interns can come in and understand expectations from day one.
• On-site learning and qualifications, such as ensuring plant-based interns receive MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) certification before they start so that they can safely take part right away and earn valuable industry credentials.
• Capstone projects and final presentations that are designed to allow interns to focus on a specific job throughout their experience and share what they’ve learned and the impact they’ve made during a presentation that is open to everyone at Covia.
• Networking opportunities, including Thank Goodness It’s Internship Friday (TGIIF) and internship linkups, that give interns multiple ways to build relationships with fellow interns and other members of the organization that can last well beyond their internship.

The Power of Mentorship

Covia’s internship program is designed to help students hone their soft and hard skills and develop meaningful relationships that can help them during their internship, and well past that. That process includes providing interns with personal support and mentorship as well.

“For a lot of these interns, it could be their first time living alone for a few months in a completely different part of the U.S., especially the locations of the plants involved in the program,” Coleman explains. “Having a support system in place for interns has definitely been impactful not just for them, but for me as well.”

At the heart of this support system is a dedication to mentorship. The addition of linkups and TGIIF allows interns to hear from a variety of team members who can share valuable resources, experiences, and information that can help them develop. These connections can last well past the 10-week internship, as interns stay in contact with Adrianna, Coleman, and other team members – and even remain with the organization in a full-time role.

Mentorship also helps Covia grow as much as the interns. The program encourages two-way learning, recognizing that interns bring fresh perspectives and ideas. As Covia continues to innovate through milestones like the opening of Covia’s Innovation Center, the internship program reflects Covia’s broader commitment to its mission, vision, and values by developing talent and fostering a culture of growth and innovation.

“As much as we’re giving the interns knowledge, we’re learning a lot from them as well,” Adrianna said. “They’re bringing a new perspective. That open-mindedness helps us learn and be a world-class organization.”

Making an Impact Through Covia’s Internship Program

By investing in early career talent, Covia is building a pipeline of professionals who understand the company’s values and can contribute to its long-term success. While Adrianna and Coleman are leading these efforts, contributions come from people throughout the organization.

“We’re always open to more support or more ideas from the Covia community,” Adrianna said. “I think there are people that are born mentors and that’s always a good way to have people make connections. We’re happy to get as many people involved who are interested and we’re always open to suggestions.”

That community approach has already paid off for both Covia and past, current, and future interns. If you’re interested in learning more about Covia’s internship program or getting involved as a mentor, email Careers@CoviaCorp.com for more information.

Originally published on Rayonier.com

Mass timber, a renewable, durable, environmentally friendly building material, is changing the building industry for the better. In this article, we take a deeper look at the environmental, economic and human benefits of mass timber and highlight some mass timber success stories.

For decades, most city skylines have been composed of skyscrapers and tall buildings made of concrete, steel and glass.

But what if there were a building material that was strong enough to construct an 18-story building, came from entirely renewable resources, didn’t make cities hotter and helped sequester carbon and other pollutants?

Meet mass timber, the durable, beautiful, fire-resistant and environmentally-friendly building material that is changing the face of skylines. This wood-based building material has a considerably lower carbon footprint, generating fewer carbon emissions during and after construction.

In fact, one study found a 19 percent reduction in emissions when comparing a mass timber structure with an equally sized steel structure.¹ Mass timber also comes from a renewable, naturally-growing resource: trees.

In this guide, we’re looking at the benefits of mass timber and how it is reshaping the commercial building industry. We’re also taking a close look at the story of 619 Ponce, an entirely locally-sourced mass timber structure championed in part by the Georgia Forestry Foundation in the heart of Atlanta.

• What is Mass Timber (and why is it important)?
• Types of Mass Timber Products
• Why are Mass Timber Buildings Gaining Popularity?
• What Type of Trees is Mass Timber Made From?
• What are the Benefits of Mass Timber?
• Examples of Mass Timber Buildings
• 619 Ponce Mass Timber Building Success Story
• Rayonier’s Role in the Mass Timber Revolution

What is Mass Timber (and why is it important)?

Mass timber is made from prefabricated, multilayered, solid wood panels that create solid timber building materials, such as:

• Beams and columns,
• Floor, roof and wall panels,
• Tall wall framing studs and roof rafters,
• Door and window headers, and more.

Types of Mass Timber Products

Mass timber products, like those made with Rayonier timber, come from renewable and sustainably-harvested wood products. Types of mass timber products include:

• Cross-laminated timber (CLT): Layers of wood stacked and glued at right angles, creating strong, stable panels ideal for walls, floors and roofs.
• Glue-laminated timber (glulam): Long beams made from layers of wood bonded together, often used for load-bearing columns and arches. It can be curved or bent for unique architectural designs during its construction.
• Nail-laminated timber (NLT): Panels made by nailing or screwing layers of wood together, a cost-effective choice for floors, walls and roofs. This material also can be customized for a variety of textured appearances and unique forms.
• Structural composite lumber (SCL): Engineered wood made from wood strands or veneers, using a moisture-resistant adhesive. SCL can come in panels as much as 8 feet wide and is designed for use in beams, headers, columns and other structural components.

Why are Mass Timber Buildings Gaining Popularity?

Using mass timber is a tremendous win for builders, architects, designers, consumers and environmentally-responsible cities seeking healthier and more eco-functional building materials to benefit their cities and citizens.

Until recently, mass timber was used only in residential homes and smaller buildings no larger than six stories or 85 feet. This was due in large part to outdated building codes, which were established with more traditional lumber materials in mind.

However, in light of the specific qualities that make mass timber different, such as its fire resistance and sturdiness even against natural disasters, changes to International Building Codes in 2021 deemed it safe to use mass timber in buildings up to 18 stories high.

What Type of Trees Is Mass Timber Made From?

Common species used in mass timber include Douglas fir, pine, and spruce—all of which are known for their strength and renewability.

One of the biggest misconceptions about modern timber materials is that they are sourced from forests in a way that will deplete timber resources.

Today, the majority of timber products are sourced from sustainably managed forests grown for the purposes of harvesting.

These forests are then replanted, beginning the process of growing timber all over again.

What are the Benefits of Mass Timber?

Mass timber offers specific benefits across three main areas: the environment, the economy, and human well-being.

Environmental Benefits of Mass Timber 

When you compare the impacts of building with sustainably grown trees to traditional building materials, like steel and concrete, the environmental benefits are significant. For instance:

• Renewable resource: Trees used to manufacture mass timber products are grown in sustainably managed forests and replanted after harvest, making mass timber an entirely renewable resource.
• Minimized waste: Sawmill residues are typically used in mass timber manufacturing, helping reduce waste associated with production.
• Reduced resource extraction: Unlike concrete and steel, mass timber does not require mined materials or fossil fuels.
• Biodegradable and repurposable: Mass timber is biodegradable or, in some cases, can be repurposed—like barn wood.
• Water efficiency: Mass timber production uses far less water than concrete and steel.
• Carbon storage: Studies have also shown mass timber can help store carbon and other pollutants for the life of the building.²
  For example: A 2024 study showed mass timber materials have the potential to store between 9.9 and 16.5 million tons of CO₂ per-year, spanning 50 years, from 2020 to 2070. These carbon benefits equate to 12-20% of the total U.S. harvested wood products carbon storage for 2020.³
• Long-Term Carbon Impact: Experts and advocates have even suggested mass timber can help the North American construction industry store more carbon than it emits by 2034.⁴

All of these characteristics contribute to making mass timber a low-carbon material compared to concrete and steel.

Economic Benefits of Mass Timber

Research has shown building with mass timber has economic benefits for builders and construction companies, including:

• Faster Construction Time: Mass timber construction can be faster than traditional methods.
  For example: According to reports from builders of mass timber structures, such as the Ascent, a 25-story mass timber hybrid building in Milwaukee, mass timber can speed construction time by 20-30%.⁵ Studies have also shown mass timber shortens construction time.⁶
• Improved Project Efficiency: The use of prefabricated mass timber products requires less on-site assembly, streamlining the construction process and enhancing overall project efficiency.
• Increased Safety: In addition to improved building time, project safety is improved due to the prefabrication of the materials, which requires less on-site construction in high or precarious places.
• Reduced Labor Needs: Using mass timber requires half the amount of workers, saving companies and their clients money.
• Cost-Competitive with Traditional Materials: Mass timber is often cost-competitive with conventional materials, as outlined in a case study by the University of British Columbia.⁷
• Job Creation in Diverse Communities: The growing, harvesting, processing and manufacturing of mass timber products also creates substantial job opportunities in rural and urban communities for people with various skill sets.

Human Benefits of Mass Timber:

Mass timber has numerous benefits to human health and well-being, including:

• Improved Air Quality: Mass timber is one of the only commercial building materials shown to store carbon while not creating extra heat, unlike concrete or steel buildings.
• Noise Reduction and Tranquility: Research from the University of British Columbia in 2016 showed mass timber buildings provide excellent sound insulation and absorption properties⁸, promoting a peaceful indoor environment.
• Excellent Fire Resistance: Mass timber’s natural fire resistance makes it a safer building material for homes and offices. When ignited, the outer layers form a char layer, which protects and insulates the inner layers of the material.
• Overall Health and Wellness Benefits: Ample research has shown exposure to nature and the natural elements, including natural building materials, supports various aspects of health, including: cognitive function, blood pressure, stress response, immune function, faster recovery and healing, and psychological well-being. ^{9 10 11 12}

Bottom line: research has shown mass timber benefits the planet, its people and its economies.

Examples of Mass Timber Buildings

Mass timber buildings, also known as Tall Wood Buildings, are still dwarfed by their steel and concrete predecessors.

However, several cities worldwide have been early adopters of this type of construction. Some North American examples include:

• Carbon 12 building in Portland, Oregon: This eight-story mass timber building includes residences on the upper floors as well as commercial space on the ground floor. Architects Kaiser + Path worked with local and state officials to waive building codes limiting the height of wood buildings. Learn more about how it was built at kaiserpath.com/carbon12.
• The Brock Commons at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This 18-story dormitory residential building is the largest mass timber building in the world to date.
• The Ascent: A 25-story, 285-foot mass timber hybrid building in Milwaukee featuring luxury rentals, the Ascent became the tallest hybrid mass timber building in the world when construction was completed in 2022.
• The Kendeda Building of Sustainable and Innovative Design at Georgia Tech in Atlanta: The first building in Georgia and 28th in the world to earn Living Building Challenge (LBC) certification, the world’s most ambitious and holistic green building achievement. Used for education, research and outreach, among the building’s accolades are zero carbon construction, net positive energy and net positive water, thanks to a design that incorporates mass timber, a solar canopy and rain capture.
• The High Line Timber Bridge in New York City: This 260-foot-long bridge is set amidst a lush garden-like landscape in the heart of Manhattan, allowing pedestrians to travel above busy streets.
• The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library: The design of this 93,000-square-foot library in Medora, North Dakota, was inspired by Roosevelt’s personal reflections on the landscape, his interest in environmental stewardship and periods of quiet introspection and civic engagement in his life.
• 619 Ponce: Located in Atlanta next to the popular Ponce City Market, this office and retail space is Georgia’s first building constructed using locally-sourced mass timber.

Supporting Atlanta’s 619 Ponce: A Mass Timber Building Success Story

For an insider’s perspective, we talked to Matt Hestad, Vice President of the Georgia Forestry Foundation (Foundation), about their participation in spearheading the mass timber building, 619 Ponce in Atlanta. Matt noted that the Foundation’s focus on mass timber not only served to support Georgia’s working forests by promoting new markets for locally grown sustainable wood products, but it has also built an important thought bridge between people living in urban Atlanta and the rural parts of Georgia, where sustainable forestry happens every day.

“We can’t underestimate the importance of everyday Georgians knowing where the wood products that they depend on every day come from and the trust that is built from knowing that it is sustainably produced and sourced,” he says.

Georgia’s Forestry Leadership in Mass Timber Production

It is commonly presumed that tree-adorned Washington State or Oregon are the country’s largest source of timber.

However, as Matt told us, Georgia is the #1 forestry state in the nation, with 22 million acres of commercially available private timberland.¹³ Georgia also leads the country in annual timber harvest volume, forest product exports and seedling production for reforestation.

But the Foundation hasn’t been alone in its quest to support mass timber development. Since 2017, through the work of its parent organization, the Georgia Forestry Association (GFA), several pieces of legislation have been passed by Georgia’s Legislature to advance opportunities for mass timber construction in the state.

These include stopping a ban on the use of lumber in buildings over 3 stories, adopting international building codes that allow construction with mass timber up to 18 stories, and creating a sustainable development carbon registry that allows builders to register and monetize the carbon stored in mass timber buildings.

Anticipating the impact mass timber could have on community sustainability

“As the top forestry state, we have an abundant supply of available timber that can be locally sourced for mass timber construction projects,” Matt says.

“Mass timber can play a significant role in the sustainability of our communities because more than 40 percent of the world’s emissions come from the built environment. When you think about the fact we can replace carbon-emitting materials like steel and concrete with mass timber where, as trees grow in a forest, it’s sequestering carbon and releasing oxygen,” he says. “It’s also holding carbon as 50% of the dry wood, so that’s locked up in the building materials. We have a huge opportunity to start shifting the emissions portfolio of our communities from a really carbon-intensive process to one where we’re storing carbon.”

Benefits for Timberland Owners and Local Economies

GFF also sees mass timber benefiting private timberland owners and local economies:

“From a markets perspective, we understand that forestry and land management investments follow the demand for forest products,” Matt explains.

“If society values the products that come from working forests, it will value the land as a real estate asset. If the land is valuable, landowners will be incentivized to continue using their own dollars to invest in forest management and reforestation.”

Making timberland investments even more valuable

“Mass timber layers on another value proposition for society, and therefore is an opportunity to further incentivize those forest landowners, which makes their timberland even more valuable,” Matt says.

A New Market for Mass Timber Beyond Single-Family Homes

In addition, GFA sees mass timber as a solution to the lack of demand for new construction single-family homes, which has plagued the forestry market since the housing collapse in 2008.

“The forestry sector has traditionally relied on single-family homes to drive the need for lumber. Since 2008, that market has been lagging,” Matt says. “I think mass timber shows a lot of promise in introducing a new market for forest products in which we have the opportunity to increase demand for mass timber as a primary structural material for multi-family and mixed-use developments.”

Expanding Mass Timber’s Role in Mid-Rise Buildings

Many experts believe that the most significant opportunity lies in mid-rise (Type IV) buildings. These traditionally four- or five-story buildings are ideal uses for mass timber, as they replace the need for concrete and steel and can be built faster and more efficiently.

One such example is the aforementioned 619 Ponce, a showcase mass timber building developed by Jamestown LP next door to the iconic Ponce City Market in Atlanta. The Georgia Forestry Foundation launched its Seedlings to Solutions Initiative to tell the story of mass timber and the benefits of sourcing it locally. One feature of the project includes the Torus Arch, a mass timber education feature.

“On this project, Jamestown was told the best, most cost-effective way to obtain the mass timber was to import it from Austria because the market is much more mature in that part of the world.

“Right now, the only mass timber facility in the U.S. South is in Dothan, Alabama. So, unfortunately, it is more expensive, in some cases, to source mass timber locally, but that’s changing,” Matt explains. “We hope that, with people like Jamestown investing in mass timber, it will bring more mass timber manufacturing to the U.S. South, and developers will be able to greater realize the cost savings with faster construction time and less labor.”

The project went forward using mass timber sourced locally from West Georgia on Jamestown-owned land.

Per a U.S. Forestry Service Forest Inventory Analysis, Georgia grows enough wood to supply a mass timber building of the scale of 619 Ponce every 16 minutes.¹⁴

Andres Villegas, Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications at Rayonier, has been on the Georgia Forestry Foundation Board since 2015 and currently serves as the Vice Chairman. He recounts his experience watching the construction of 619 Ponce in comparison to a traditional concrete and steel building happening simultaneously:

“It was surprising to see an entire building go up quickly with only 8-10 workers and a crane on the worksite. Mass timber has clear advantages in terms of the speed, efficiency and beauty compared to traditional construction projects that is measurable from a profit and loss perspective. That is important because the buildings not only have to be appealing to consumers, they also have to be competitive for the developer to build.”

Far-reaching aesthetic and environmental benefits

“Today, 619 Ponce is a beautiful, warm and inviting space,” Andres says.

“It’s interesting to see, when you take people on tours, they automatically want to hug one of the mass timber beams! You can’t deny the biophilic benefits of being in this natural environment, and developers tend to do a good job making sure there’s plenty of sunlight. It is a key differentiator of the space. It feels different.”

“At the end of the day, that allows investors to realize an appreciation in their rent,” he says. “They can charge a little bit more to folks leasing these spaces because they know that their tenants are looking for a sustainable option that gives them a competitive edge with recruiting great talent and retaining great customers.”

Exploring Carbon Credits with Mass Timber

Matt also mentioned the benefits of mass timber for acquiring and selling carbon credits.

“In 2022, we asked ourselves: ‘What if we supported developers for investing in a building material that reduces carbon emissions rather than emitting them?’ GFA worked with elected officials to pass a bill that expanded Georgia’s existing carbon registry to consider the embodied and embedded carbon in materials—like mass timber. It’s really a first-of-its-kind registry, where developers—if they choose to list their embodied and embedded carbon—can get it third-party verified and listed.

“We’re hoping 619 Ponce will be the first one listed on that registry. Once the carbon is listed, the owners can do whatever they want to with it. For example, they can monetize it and turn it into carbon credits they’d sell to someone trying to offset their emissions.”

Matt acknowledges it’s a long-term play, but projects like 619 Ponce serve as a critical learning environment and a prime example of what’s possible with mass timber sourced within a 600-mile range.

Click here to learn more about GFA’s mass timber projects and initiatives.

Rayonier’s Role in the Mass Timber Revolution

Rayonier has been an early adopter and thus has a long history of environmental responsibility and stewardship in forestry.

We practice a land stewardship ethic that integrates reforestation, managing, growing, nurturing and harvesting trees as an economic enterprise with the conservation of natural resources and energy, wildlife and fish habitats and aesthetics.

To date, our working forests sequestered 13 million metric tonnes of carbon in 2023, removing approximately seven times more carbon than our efforts emitted. That’s the equivalent of removing over 3 million cars from the road.

Our commitment to environmental stewardship goes hand in hand with our passion for producing raw materials for environmentally friendly building products from our SFI-certified, sustainably managed forests, such as mass timber.

Wood products have always been used to create beautiful, functional and sustainable structures—long before concrete and steel came along.

We see mass timber as the next generation in sustainable wood construction, and we will continue investing in these innovations through forestry programs and sustainability programs, as well as our continued collaboration with organizations who champion working forests and the sustainable wood products that come from them.

Forests have always provided incredible inspiration and resources for humanity, and we see mass timber as an integral part of shaping a brighter and healthier future.

^{1. Hemmati, Messadi, Gu, Seddelmeyer and Hemmati. (April 2024.) “Comparison of Embodied Carbon Footprint of a Mass Timber Building Structure with a Steel Equivalent.” MDPI. https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/5/1276}

^{2. “Review of the Performance and Benefits of Mass Timber as an Alternative to Concrete and Steel for Improving the Sustainability of Structures”. Sustainability}

^{3. Nepal, P., Prestemon, J. P., Ganguly, I., Kumar, V., Bergman, R. D., & Poudyal, N. C. (2024). “The potential use of mass timber in mid-to high-rise construction and the associated carbon benefits in the United States”. PLOS ONE, 19(3), e0298379. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0298379}

^{4. “2024 Mass Timber International Report”. https://masstimberconference.com/report/} 

^{5. “Mass Timber”. American Wood Council.}

^{6. “Review of the Performance and Benefits of Mass Timber as an Alternative to Concrete and Steel for Improving the Sustainability of Structures”. Sustainability.}

^{7. Case Study: An 18-storey tall mass timber hybrid student residence at the University of British ColumbiaStudent residence Brock Commons Vancouver (18 story hybrid building). https://events.forum-holzbau.com/pdf/37_IHF_2016_Fast.pdf}

^{8. Eighteen Storey Hybrid Mass Timber Student Residence at the University of British Columbia. Journal of Structural Engineering International. DOI: 10.2749/101686617X14676303588553}

^{9. Interior wood use in classrooms reduces pupils’ stress levels. Conference: 9th Biennial Conference on Environmental Psychology At: Eindhoven, The Netherlands.}

^{10. Appearance wood products and psychological well-being. January 2007. Wood and Fiber Science.}

^{11. View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science. 1984 Apr 27;224(4647):420-1. doi: 10.1126/science.6143402. PMID: 6143402.}

^{12. Zhong, W., Schröder, T., & Bekkering, J. (2022). Biophilic design in architecture and its contributions to health, well-being, and sustainability: A critical review. Frontiers of Architectural Research, 11(1), 114-141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2021.07.006}

^{13. Georgia Forestry Commission. (2011). Georgia Forest Facts. Web; accessed: March 2020.}

^{14. Based on U.S. Forest Service Forest Inventory Analysis Data: Georgia timberlands took 989.8 seconds to grow the 1,845 cubic meters of wood.}

This article was published on December 16, 2024

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

Bryan Bernloehr runs a precision parts shop of more than 30 employees in Lakeville

Bryan Bernloehr was fresh out of high school when he founded Quality Contour, a precision machine shop that specializes in custom parts for industries from aerospace to medical devices.

“I started in my dad’s garage in 1980,” said Bernloehr, whose business is capable of machining and fabricating parts for a variety of industries out of everything from aluminum to plastics. “Back then, I was racing motorcross, and I was just trying to make enough to keep racing – but we’ve grown from there.”

Bernloehr calls it a slow growth over the last 45 years, adding positions and capabilities as the market called for it. He’s grown from a team of one out of his dad’s garage to a team of more than 30 in a facility in Lakeville, Minnesota.

“We’ve had little to no turnover over that time,” Bernloehr said. “I had my first guy retire and he was here for 35 years, but there’s more coming soon.”

That means opportunities to hire seasoned machinists in the next five to 10 years to operate complex equipment that they use to build prototypes and to create small runs of parts. Regardless of the size of the order, all of it needs specialized equipment, Bernloehr said.

That’s where U.S. Bank came in. For more than 40 years, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance has offered customized solutions specifically for businesses to finance equipment, from PCs to marine vessels. Part of U.S. Bank Equipment Finance, Manufacturing Vendor Services specializes in financing manufacturing equipment, including metal cutting or fabrication, plastics, woodworking, glass, and stone packaging or processing industries. The Manufacturing Vendor Services team has helped finance one to two pieces of equipment every year for Quality Contour over the last decade, with equipment costing upwards of a few hundred grand.

“I’ve known Bryan about 12 years or so, and he’s poured his soul into his business.”

– Tim Bruns, a U.S. Bank Business Banking relationship manager

“We’re doing more replacing and upgrading of machines,” Bernloehr said, noting that his shop has about 30 machines operated by his team. “We try to replace them every five to six years because of the wear and tear on the machine. Replacing them eliminates time wasted on repairs or troubleshooting – and it’s also a bonus for our employees.”

Tim Bruns, a U.S. Bank Business Banking relationship manager, supports Bernloehr and Quality Contour.

“I’ve known Bryan about 12 years or so, and he’s poured his soul into his business,” Bruns said. “To be able to support the continued growth of the company by providing the financing for new pieces of equipment is something we’re proud to do.”

Bernloehr, too, is proud of the company he’s built and the legacy that he’s leaving behind for his son, Cole.

“He’s doing a little more and a little more, slowly taking over the whole business,” Bernloehr said when asked about the future of Quality Contour. “No plans to sell, but we are looking to keep this place one where people continue to be happy working here.”

Originally published on 3M News Center

Wendy Bauer, Group President of 3M’s Transportation and Electronics Business Group (TEBG), is recognized as one of the 2025 Automotive News 100 Leading Women.

Every five years, Automotive News celebrates the exceptional women who are shaping the future of the automotive industry. Wendy was recognized on the previous list in 2020 and has received other esteemed industry awards, including being named one of the Top-25 Women in Automotive by Automobilewoche in Europe (2024) and a Software-Defined Vehicle Innovator Leader by MotorTrend (2023).

As Wendy celebrates this remarkable achievement and approaches her first anniversary with 3M, she sat down to share her journey and perspectives on growth and leadership—including strategies for women looking to advance in their careers.

Can you share some key moments from your career journey that have shaped you as a leader?

I’ve come to like the term “crucible moments” or “crucible mode,” which is something everyone experiences in their career in some form. In those moments, you felt like you were going to break, but you learned something that made you better than you were before.

As a 20-year-old engineering co-op student, I worked as a skilled trade supervisor in a union factory. Despite the challenges and feeling overwhelmed, I persevered. Initially, I had little to offer the experienced employees, but over time, I understood that the experience was meant to teach me how to navigate and lead in a difficult environment. It was a valuable training experience that I didn’t give up on.

To me, a great leader knows when such situations will arise, and they might have been through similar experiences themselves. They know that they could guide you through them, but if they did, you wouldn’t learn. Reflecting on my career, I realize I worked for leaders who knew the pitfalls but allowed me to navigate them, making me better in the process.

Since joining 3M, what have been some of your key learnings and how is that reflected in your leadership?

At 3M, the culture is centered around innovation and engineering, like other leading companies in the field. These core elements push us forward, but can also spark a lot of questions: How much do we lean into learning what we don’t know? How do we take risks that make us uncomfortable? How do we challenge the status quo?

To answer these questions, and do what hasn’t been done before, our teams need to be creative, open-minded, and agile. Within the Transportation and Electronics Business Group, these capabilities are paired with a bold North Star I’ve set to inspire customer obsession, risk-taking, and ownership of results.

I believe in setting ambitious goals that inspire both the organization and stakeholders, and I understand the importance of aligning resources with strategic priorities while continuously building the capabilities needed to achieve long-term success. As we transform alongside the industries we serve, this will always stay top of mind.

How do you engage your teams to ensure there are equal opportunities for growth?

In a room with leaders, be aware of who is speaking and who is not. Everyone likes to share opinions, but sometimes the opinion of someone without lived experience on a topic may not be the most valuable. Be in tune with the topics and who is speaking to identify gaps in input that you need to help facilitate. Facilitate conversations with other voices, especially if they may not be offering their input or are uncomfortable doing so.

I also believe in taking a skills-based approach. Focus on the skills and experiences people bring to the table, not just their titles or positions. It’s about identifying the job that needs to be done and finding the best person with the right skills to do it. This approach often leads to different and more effective solutions, and it also helps to build a more inclusive and high-performing team.

What advice would you give for those looking to take the next step in their career?

I use the phrase: “always take a bet on yourself.” It’s not about what you know, but about what you can figure out. When you have an opportunity, someone is asking for volunteers, or you’re thinking about applying for a job, it’s easy to be your harshest critic and list all the reasons why you shouldn’t do something. Instead, flip the script and acknowledge why you’re qualified and what you bring to the table.

This mindset helps you realize that you can get there. Be bold about what you want and believe you can achieve based on your strengths and experiences. In turn, you must be intentional in seeking opportunities to complement what you’ve learned.

The world is abundant with opportunities and remarkable growth prospects are presented to us every day.

Originally published on PSEG ENERGIZE!

Boys & Girls Clubs are a crucial part of communities throughout New Jersey. Not only do they provide safe and reliable childcare for parents, with transportation to and from school and educational and recreational after-school and summer camp programs, they also serve as centers for tutoring, college preparation, career readiness, healthy meals and a sense of security and belonging. And during extenuating situations – like the pandemic or extreme weather events – Boys and Girls Clubs have also served as emergency food distribution centers and heating and cooling shelters.

Given all that these clubs do, every penny counts. Finding ways to lower costs means more services, more staff and more families served.

Championing savings in Paterson and Passaic

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Paterson and Passaic (BGCPP) serve more than 1,400 kids each day. With two 36,000 square-foot facilities, the busy and dynamic clubs operate as a community hub for public activities and a second home for many children.

Each year, over 500,000 healthy meals and snacks are served and over 200,000 hours of academic support is provided. And, for each dollar invested into BGCPP, $9.60 in economic benefits are returned to the community.

To help stretch dollars for even greater impact, the Paterson location of BGCPP requested a free energy assessment by our partner, Donnelly Energy, in 2023. The assessment found aging HVAC units, a 24-year-old boiler system and outdated lighting were contributing to high utility costs.

By leveraging our Direct Install Program, which provides an 80% incentive for projects upfront, BGCPP was able to upgrade seven inefficient HVAC units, the boiler and the facility’s inadequate lighting. The move to become more energy efficient has created an estimated cost savings of $300,000, according to club leadership.

While the project cost was $434,839, the program’s incentive covered $311,650, meaning that total cost for BGCPP was only $123,189.

“Energy savings like this aren’t just numbers on a bill – they directly support our kids and programs,” said Jane He, Chief Development Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic. “Through PSE&G’s Direct Install Program, we were able to make essential upgrades at a fraction of the cost.”

As a result, BGCPP saves an estimated $1,277 per month on energy bills, which goes a long way to support club members. The cost savings can be attributed to various programs, such as the club’s Saturday Academic Tutoring Program, which is led by certified teachers and offered at no charge to any child in Paterson or Passaic, regardless of club membership. This $1,277 monthly savings translates into 20 children being able to participate in academic tutoring for five hours a week and receive a healthy snack and lunch.

In addition, the upgrades have lowered the club’s energy and carbon footprints by estimated annual savings of 64,653 KWH and 8,851 therms, while reducing CO2 output by 90.2 tons each year.¹ That’s the equivalent of:

• Removing 20.1 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles off the roads for one year, or
• Powering 12.4 homes’ energy use for one year, or
• Recycling 7,341 trash bags of waste instead sending them to the landfill, or
• 86.6 acres of U.S. forests sequestering carbon for one year.²

Brightening spaces and lives

Club members are also enjoying new lighting in the Victor Cruz Aquatics Center as part of this effort, where improved visibility has not only enhanced safety but also sparked renewed interest and increased participation.

“As a working mom, I rely on the club every day.

Knowing my kids are learning, swimming and having fun in a safe, welcoming place gives me so much peace of mind. ”

-Ashley, parent of three BGCPP club members

“I used to be nervous around the pool, but now I love swimming,” said Jasmin, age 9, a club member in Paterson. “The lights make it so much brighter, and I can see everything better.”

Today, the Aquatics Center is a hub of activity – hosting swim lessons for 400 children annually, lifeguard training for teens and giving 75 club members the chance to compete in USA Swimming-sanctioned meets. As the city’s only publicly accessible pool, the newly illuminated center now truly shines, supporting vital water safety programs and inspiring young swimmers to dive into new opportunities.

“As a working mom, I rely on the club every day,” shared Ashley, a parent of three club members. “Knowing my kids are learning, swimming and having fun in a safe, welcoming place gives me so much peace of mind. The upgrades to the building really show how much they care about our children.”

Building strong children in Lower Bergen County

Located in one of the most economically challenged communities in New Jersey, the Boys & Girls Club of Lower Bergen County (BGCLBC), is at the forefront of youth development for young people from disadvantaged economic, social and family circumstances – a need that significantly rose in 2024, when the club saw an almost 20% increase in the number of kids being served each day.

At BGCLBC, every penny is stretched for maximum impact – which is why the club’s CEO, Joseph J. Licata, turned to our Direct Install Program three times. In 2024, the club pursued HVAC and lighting upgrades as a result of an energy audit.

“PSE&G’s Direct Install Program has been a true lifeline for our organization,” said Joseph. “It has allowed us to not only upgrade costly and aging equipment but also become better stewards for our environment. It has made our facility more efficient, thus reducing our energy consumption and costs. This ultimately allows us to put more funding into program services instead of overhead costs.”

To further cost saving efforts, in addition to the lighting and HVAC upgrades, the club also added solar panels. Combined, these efforts lowered utility bills by roughly $1,100 a month – helping to lessen the blow of inflation and allow existing services to continue despite rising costs.

Each month, the savings are applied to where they are needed most: Covering the cost of a part-time employee, a cook for the club’s free meals program or more supplies for sports and art activities. Most recently, the savings helped finance an additional bus to transport kids safely to and from school.

Providing a safe and welcoming environment

As a result of participation in our Direct Install Program, the club can bring in fresh air , while maintaining comfortable temperatures throughout their large spaces. Plus, instead of spending time and effort on a bid and evaluation process, our program made the upgrades painless, according to Joseph.

Our program also helped cover the costs associated with replacing 25 light fixtures in the gymnasium. Instead of costing $12,500, the club paid just $68, transforming a once-dim gym into a bright, welcoming space for the community.

Small changes. Big impact.

For organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs, every dollar saved on energy costs is a dollar that can be reinvested into the lives of the children they serve. By taking advantage of our energy efficiency programs, these clubs are making their buildings more efficient, their spaces more welcoming and their services more accessible.

We’re proud to play a part in helping these vital community hubs continue doing what they do best – empowering the next generation.

If you’re looking to learn more about our energy efficiency business solutions programs, click here.

[1] CO2 savings derived using the New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program’s Large Energy Users Program (LEUP) calculator: https://www.njcleanenergy.com/LEUPDecarb.

[1] Equivalencies are based on conversion factors from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator: https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator.