March 2026 – Page 110

Study Confirms Safety of Antibiotic Treatment for Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease

Posted on March 3, 2026 by sHq_LoGiNz

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A groundbreaking antibiotic treatment used in many parts of the Caribbean and on Florida’s Coral Reef to combat stony coral tissue loss disease does not exhibit negative side effects, scientists at Nova Southeastern University, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Florida and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), have confirmed.

Beginning in 2019, NSU scientist Karen Neely and her team were among several groups that began applying an in-water topical antibiotic paste on diseased lesions on wild corals in Florida. The treatment resulted in extremely high coral survival and preservation of living coral tissue. As of May 2025, more than 31,000 corals have been treated using the paste in Florida’s Coral Reef, the only barrier reef system in the continental United States.

The use of antibiotics in a wild setting initially raised concerns that such an application could increase antibiotic-resistant genes in corals and possibly disrupt the microorganisms that live within and on corals. However, the latest research results show no disruption to the microbial community and no changes in antibiotic-resistant genes following treatments.

“We now have evidence that this treatment not only saves corals, but does so safely,” Neely said. “That’s critical as scientists look for tools to slow the loss of reefs.”

Stony coral tissue loss disease has greatly affected stony coral species in the Caribbean, including more than 20 of the about 45 species of reef-builders and five of the U.S. endangered species-listed Caribbean coral species. Since emerging in South Florida in 2014 and spreading through most of the Caribbean since 2017, the disease has caused mortality rates of 67 to 100 percent of some species, leading to significant losses in coral cover, biodiversity, and ecosystem function.

Coral reefs, often called the “rainforests of the sea,” play vital ecological and environmental roles in protecting coastlines, supporting fisheries, and sustaining tourism economies. Beyond their ecological importance, coral reefs also provide significant economic value. According to the USGS, U.S. reefs provide about $1.8 billion annually in flood protection benefits alone.

The findings validate disease intervention strategies used on Florida’s Coral Reef. As scientists and managers continue to work to protect reef systems, NSU researchers say the study offers evidence of science-based solutions that can help preserve coral reefs for future generations, ecosystem services, and economic value.

About Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is the largest private research university in Florida and a top employer in the state, with more than $6.7 billion in projected economic impact. NSU is classified as an R1 institution by the Carnegie Foundation among universities with the highest level of research activity. Visit www.nova.edu.

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SOURCE Nova Southeastern University

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire

Industry Experts Explore Future of Apparel & Footwear PEFCR in Madrid

Posted on March 3, 2026 by sHq_LoGiNz

Following the European Commission’s approval of the Apparel & Footwear Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) in 2025, industry leaders gathered in Madrid to explore what implementation will require in practice — and whether companies are ready.

Opening the session, Baptiste Carriere-Pradal, cofounder of 2B Policy, presented the foundations of the Apparel & Footwear PEFCR: a harmonized, science-based methodology built on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Structured around 16 environmental impact indicators, it enables brands to identify environmental hotspots across a product’s lifecycle. The methodology goes beyond carbon, incorporating durability, repairability, and duration of service, reinforcing a broader approach to product performance.

Moderated by Sónia Flotats, director of Move!, the panel that followed examined how the PEFCR connects to the evolving European regulatory framework.

Marina Prados Espínola, director at Policy Hub, framed the broader legislative landscape, noting that the Joint Research Centre (JRC) is conducting the Preparatory Study that will inform the Textile Delegated Act under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). This study aims to define how environmental footprint information is measured and reported.

María Gonzalez-Torres, project officer at the European Commission, JRC, provided insight into the technical reasoning behind including footprint-based requirements alongside parameters such as durability and fiber composition. A footprint-based approach, she explained, allows regulators to capture impacts that single-attribute requirements alone may miss. The discussion also touched on comparative scoring approaches — assessing whether a product performs better or worse than the average — rather than relying solely on absolute values.

Bringing the industry perspective, Jeremy Lardeau, senior vice president of the Higg Index at Cascale, emphasized that the core challenge is no longer methodology, but implementation. While the PEFCR provides a strong scientific foundation, the real challenge lies in delivering the level of data and collaboration required to implement it meaningfully at scale.

Bridging the Industry Data Gap

A central theme of the discussion was the data availability challenge. While simplified footprint methodologies exist, they rely on minimal inputs and can miss supply chain complexity. The Apparel & Footwear PEFCR, by contrast, requires more granular product-level information, including detailed bills of materials and manufacturing data.

Many brands do not yet systematically collect or structure this data at the product level. Products are composed of multiple materials and components sourced across global supply chains, and much of the required information sits beyond a brand’s direct control. Meaningful implementation will require stronger data exchange and collaboration with manufacturers across tiers.

Lardeau highlighted the role of secondary databases in supporting Life Cycle Assessment. These datasets help fill primary data gaps and enable full product footprint calculations when supplier-level data is incomplete. However, they are not a substitute for improving primary data collection.

From Measurement to Collaboration

The conversation surfaced a key trade-off: precision versus scalability. More granular primary data improves accuracy but is harder to scale. Simplified approaches enable broader uptake, but risk losing nuance.

Ultimately, speakers agreed that footprint calculation alone will not drive transformation. The greatest opportunity for impact lies at the factory level, where improvements in energy use, material efficiency, and production practices can materially reduce environmental impact.

As Lardeau emphasized, one brand alone cannot shift the sector’s footprint. Long-term progress will depend on structured collaboration between brands and manufacturers, shared data, and tangible operational improvements.

The PEFCR defines what and how to measure. Turning that measurement into meaningful impact will depend on collective action.

Posted in UncategorizedTagged 3BL

Gradient Geothermal Supporting First-in-the-Nation Colorado Initiative to Transform Orphan Oil & Gas Wells into Geothermal and Carbon Storage Assets

Posted on March 3, 2026 by sHq_LoGiNz

DENVER, March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Gradient Geothermal (“Gradient” or “the Company”), a Denver, Colorado-based geothermal company, will be supporting a major technical study led by the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) and the Colorado Energy Office (CEO).

The project will evaluate the potential to repurpose orphaned oil and gas wells across Colorado for geothermal energy production and assess synergies between geothermal development and carbon capture and sequestration (CCS). The study aims to transform state liabilities into clean energy assets while advancing Colorado’s net-zero greenhouse gas goals.

As an expert in geothermal analysis, Gradient Geothermal will conduct engineering evaluations of wells within ECMC’s Orphaned Well Program to determine their suitability for electricity generation or direct-use geothermal applications. The effort will also inform regulatory pathways and policy frameworks to streamline safe, protective permitting for future projects.

“This study represents an important step in turning orphaned wells from environmental liabilities into community assets,” said Benjamin Burke, CEO of Gradient Geothermal. “Repurposing existing infrastructure for geothermal energy can reduce methane emissions, create local jobs, and deliver reliable, low-emission power to Colorado communities.”

“We are excited to collaborate with Gradient Geothermal on this evaluation of repurposing potential across existing orphaned wells in Colorado,” said Julie Murphy, Director of Colorado’s Energy and Carbon Management Commission. “This work will help inform related regulatory process development and help to better understand how existing wells may be safely and effectively repurposed for other beneficial uses.”

The project will culminate in a publicly available dataset of orphaned wells and a final report outlining technical findings, pilot project recommendations, and policy guidance. Through this collaboration, the State of Colorado continues to demonstrate how pragmatic, science-based energy transition strategies can reduce emissions, strengthen energy resilience, and accelerate energy-positive and economic innovation.

About Gradient Geothermal

Gradient Geothermal is a Denver-based energy technology company advancing modular, distributed thermal and geothermal energy solutions across diverse subsurface heat resources — delivering emissions-free power. The company partners with operators and industrial facilities to convert existing wells and produced heat streams into scalable renewable energy, improving asset value while reducing emissions.

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SOURCE Gradient Geothermal Inc.

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire

Scanifly Becomes the Exclusive Design Platform for CertainTeed® SunStyle® Solar Roofing

Posted on March 3, 2026 by sHq_LoGiNz

DENVER, March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Scanifly, the solar industry’s leader in PV design and field operations software, announced today an exclusive partnership with CertainTeed, a Saint-Gobain company and North American leader in building products, making Scanifly the official design platform for CertainTeed SunStyle solar roof systems. The SunStyle Designer gives contractors and roofers a dedicated, more intuitive way to design SunStyle systems, generate accurate production estimates, and export comprehensive installation reports—available across both Scanifly’s remote and drone-based design environments.

SunStyle is one of the most visually distinctive and premium solar roofing products on the market, characterized by its signature diamond-pattern shingle layout and architectural craftsmanship. CertainTeed has always prioritized quality and consistency in every SunStyle design. This partnership extends that commitment by giving contractors a faster, more accessible design experience, backed by the accuracy Scanifly is known for.

The Scanifly + SunStyle Designer delivers immediate advantages:

A contractor-friendly interface that simplifies the design process and reduces time from design to install-ready documentation
Automated shingle placement with adjustable layout parameters, including start points and small/large shingle selection
Real-time production calculations that update as active and inactive shingles are modified
Extensive reports that consolidate shingle layouts, batten layouts, cut sheets, and BOMs into a single export
Manufacturer-specific hardware lists that reflect actual roof conditions

“SunStyle is a cutting-edge product that is raising the ceiling for Building Integrated PV (BIPV) applications,” noted Jason Steinberg, CEO of Scanifly. “We built the SunStyle Designer to serve as a singular platform for contractors to sell, design, and install projects faster and more accurately, which is at the core of Scanifly’s holistic mission. We’re excited to introduce many current Scanifly contractors to the SunStyle product, while simultaneously continuing to deepen our relationship with CertainTeed.”

“Scanifly’s platform gives our contractor network the design experience SunStyle has always deserved,” said Andrew Wickham, Sr. Director of Product – Solar at CertainTeed. “Contractors can now design with a tool that reflects SunStyle’s commitment to quality, generate accurate reports, and go to market with confidence.”

From first layout to install-day documentation, the entire SunStyle design process lives inside Scanifly. Contractors can get started by reaching out to Scanifly or CertainTeed directly to set up an account, and Scanifly’s dedicated SunStyle training, led by an experienced solar professional, walks your team through everything they need to design with confidence.

For contractors interested in using the software to explore the SunStyle product, contact CertainTeed or Scanifly directly to access an account and experience the tools in real time. Scanifly provides custom training for this program, led by a seasoned solar professional.

Solar contractors and roofers can access the SunStyle Designer starting today. Visit https://scanifly.com/certainteed-sunstyle-design/ to learn more.

About Scanifly

Scanifly is the only solar design software that lets you create PV layouts instantly with AI, then verify with drones for perfect install-day accuracy—all on one platform. Contractors using Scanifly’s mobile, web, and drone-based technology cut site survey time by 90% and eliminate design revisions. Learn more at scanifly.com.

About CertainTeed

With innovative building solutions made possible through its comprehensive offering of interior and exterior products, CertainTeed is transforming how the industry builds. As leaders in building science and sustainable construction, CertainTeed makes it easier than ever to create high-performance, energy-efficient places to live, work and play, so that together we can make the world a better home.

A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, one of the world’s largest and oldest building products companies, CertainTeed has more than 6,900 employees and more than 60 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. www.certainteed.com

About Saint-Gobain

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group, celebrating its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose, “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.

Contact:
Brad Knudsen
info@scanifly.com

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SOURCE Scanifly

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire

Mazda Reports February Sales Results

Posted on March 3, 2026 by sHq_LoGiNz

IRVINE, Calif., March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported total February sales of 33,497 vehicles, flat compared to February 2025. With 24 selling days in February, compared to 25 the year prior, the company posted an increase of 4 percent on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis.

CPO sales totaled 5,954 vehicles in February, an increase of 6.4 percent compared to February 2025.

Sales highlights include:

2nd Best February Total Sales ever
Best February Retail Sales since 2020 for Mazda 3 Sedan
Best February Total Sales ever for both CX-50 ICE and Hybrid

Mazda Canada, Inc., (MCI) reported February sales of 4,616 vehicles, an increase of 1.3 percent compared to February last year.

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported February sales of 8,321 vehicles, a decrease of 11 percent compared to February last year.

About Mazda North American Operations
Proudly founded in Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda has a history of sophisticated craftsmanship and innovation, and a purpose to enrich life-in-motion for those it serves. By putting humans at the center of everything it does, Mazda aspires to create uplifting experiences with our vehicles and for people. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Colombia through approximately 795 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario; operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and operations in Colombia are managed by Mazda de Colombia in Bogota, Colombia. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at news.mazdausa.com.

Follow @MazdaUSA on social media: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and Threads.


	Month-To-Date				Year-To-Date

	February	February	YOY %	% MTD	February	February	YOY %	% MTD
	2026	2025	Change	DSR	2026	2025	Change	DSR

Mazda3	3,129	2,838	10.3 %	14.8 %	5,602	5,821	(3.8) %	(3.8) %
Mazda 3 Sdn	1,516	2,094	(27.6) %	(24.6) %	2786	4,190	(33.5) %	(33.5) %
Mazda 3 HB	1,613	744	116.8 %	125.8 %	2816	1,631	72.7 %	72.7 %

Mazda6	0	0	–	–	0	0	–	–

MX-5 Miata	330	843	(60.9) %	(59.2) %	725	1,524	(52.4) %	(52.4) %
MX-5	194	382	(49.2) %	(47.1) %	414	645	(35.8) %	(35.8) %
MXR	136	461	(70.5) %	(69.3) %	311	879	(64.6) %	(64.6) %

CX-3	–	0	–	–	–	0	–	–
CX-30	2,339	5,709	(59.0) %	(57.3) %	4762	12,366	(61.5) %	(61.5) %
CX-5	13,701	10,876	26.0 %	31.2 %	23574	21,609	9.1 %	9.1 %
CX-9	0	0	0.0 %	0.0 %	0	0	–	–
CX-50 TTL	10,094	7,280	38.7 %	44.4 %	20,509	13,615	50.6 %	50.6 %
MX-30	0	0	–	–	0	0	–	–
CX-70 TTL	928	1,223	(24.1) %	(21.0) %	1600	2170	(26.3) %	–
CX-90 TTL	2,976	4,769	(37.6) %	(35.0) %	5683	10114	(43.8) %	(43.8) %
CARS	3,459	3,681	(6.0) %	(2.1) %	6,327	7,345	(13.9) %	(13.9) %
TRUCKS	30,038	29,857	0.6 %	4.8 %	56,128	59,874	(6.3) %	(6.3) %

TOTAL	33,497	33,538	(0.1) %	4.0 %	62,455	67,219	(7.1) %	(7.1) %


*Selling Days	24	25			50	50

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mazda-reports-february-sales-results-302702722.html

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire

Mazda Reports February Sales Results

Posted on March 3, 2026 by sHq_LoGiNz

CPO sales totaled 5,954 vehicles in February, an increase of 6.4 percent compared to February 2025.

Sales highlights include:

2nd Best February Total Sales ever
Best February Retail Sales since 2020 for Mazda 3 Sedan
Best February Total Sales ever for both CX-50 ICE and Hybrid

Mazda Canada, Inc., (MCI) reported February sales of 4,616 vehicles, an increase of 1.3 percent compared to February last year.

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported February sales of 8,321 vehicles, a decrease of 11 percent compared to February last year.

Follow @MazdaUSA on social media: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and Threads.


	Month-To-Date				Year-To-Date

	February	February	YOY %	% MTD	February	February	YOY %	% MTD
	2026	2025	Change	DSR	2026	2025	Change	DSR

Mazda3	3,129	2,838	10.3 %	14.8 %	5,602	5,821	(3.8) %	(3.8) %
Mazda 3 Sdn	1,516	2,094	(27.6) %	(24.6) %	2786	4,190	(33.5) %	(33.5) %
Mazda 3 HB	1,613	744	116.8 %	125.8 %	2816	1,631	72.7 %	72.7 %

Mazda6	0	0	–	–	0	0	–	–

MX-5 Miata	330	843	(60.9) %	(59.2) %	725	1,524	(52.4) %	(52.4) %
MX-5	194	382	(49.2) %	(47.1) %	414	645	(35.8) %	(35.8) %
MXR	136	461	(70.5) %	(69.3) %	311	879	(64.6) %	(64.6) %

CX-3	–	0	–	–	–	0	–	–
CX-30	2,339	5,709	(59.0) %	(57.3) %	4762	12,366	(61.5) %	(61.5) %
CX-5	13,701	10,876	26.0 %	31.2 %	23574	21,609	9.1 %	9.1 %
CX-9	0	0	0.0 %	0.0 %	0	0	–	–
CX-50 TTL	10,094	7,280	38.7 %	44.4 %	20,509	13,615	50.6 %	50.6 %
MX-30	0	0	–	–	0	0	–	–
CX-70 TTL	928	1,223	(24.1) %	(21.0) %	1600	2170	(26.3) %	–
CX-90 TTL	2,976	4,769	(37.6) %	(35.0) %	5683	10114	(43.8) %	(43.8) %
CARS	3,459	3,681	(6.0) %	(2.1) %	6,327	7,345	(13.9) %	(13.9) %
TRUCKS	30,038	29,857	0.6 %	4.8 %	56,128	59,874	(6.3) %	(6.3) %

TOTAL	33,497	33,538	(0.1) %	4.0 %	62,455	67,219	(7.1) %	(7.1) %


*Selling Days	24	25			50	50

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mazda-reports-february-sales-results-302702722.html

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire

Mazda Reports February Sales Results

Posted on March 3, 2026 by sHq_LoGiNz

CPO sales totaled 5,954 vehicles in February, an increase of 6.4 percent compared to February 2025.

Sales highlights include:

2nd Best February Total Sales ever
Best February Retail Sales since 2020 for Mazda 3 Sedan
Best February Total Sales ever for both CX-50 ICE and Hybrid

Mazda Canada, Inc., (MCI) reported February sales of 4,616 vehicles, an increase of 1.3 percent compared to February last year.

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported February sales of 8,321 vehicles, a decrease of 11 percent compared to February last year.

Follow @MazdaUSA on social media: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and Threads.


	Month-To-Date				Year-To-Date

	February	February	YOY %	% MTD	February	February	YOY %	% MTD
	2026	2025	Change	DSR	2026	2025	Change	DSR

Mazda3	3,129	2,838	10.3 %	14.8 %	5,602	5,821	(3.8) %	(3.8) %
Mazda 3 Sdn	1,516	2,094	(27.6) %	(24.6) %	2786	4,190	(33.5) %	(33.5) %
Mazda 3 HB	1,613	744	116.8 %	125.8 %	2816	1,631	72.7 %	72.7 %

Mazda6	0	0	–	–	0	0	–	–

MX-5 Miata	330	843	(60.9) %	(59.2) %	725	1,524	(52.4) %	(52.4) %
MX-5	194	382	(49.2) %	(47.1) %	414	645	(35.8) %	(35.8) %
MXR	136	461	(70.5) %	(69.3) %	311	879	(64.6) %	(64.6) %

CX-3	–	0	–	–	–	0	–	–
CX-30	2,339	5,709	(59.0) %	(57.3) %	4762	12,366	(61.5) %	(61.5) %
CX-5	13,701	10,876	26.0 %	31.2 %	23574	21,609	9.1 %	9.1 %
CX-9	0	0	0.0 %	0.0 %	0	0	–	–
CX-50 TTL	10,094	7,280	38.7 %	44.4 %	20,509	13,615	50.6 %	50.6 %
MX-30	0	0	–	–	0	0	–	–
CX-70 TTL	928	1,223	(24.1) %	(21.0) %	1600	2170	(26.3) %	–
CX-90 TTL	2,976	4,769	(37.6) %	(35.0) %	5683	10114	(43.8) %	(43.8) %
CARS	3,459	3,681	(6.0) %	(2.1) %	6,327	7,345	(13.9) %	(13.9) %
TRUCKS	30,038	29,857	0.6 %	4.8 %	56,128	59,874	(6.3) %	(6.3) %

TOTAL	33,497	33,538	(0.1) %	4.0 %	62,455	67,219	(7.1) %	(7.1) %


*Selling Days	24	25			50	50

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mazda-reports-february-sales-results-302702722.html

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire

Milano Cortina 2026 Legacy: Existing Venues, Active Lifestyles and a Boost to Socio-Economic Development

Posted on March 3, 2026 by sHq_LoGiNz

From a Games delivery model centred on existing and temporary venues to programmes that promote active lifestyles and socio-economic development across mountain and urban areas, Milano Cortina 2026 is designed to deliver outstanding sport while creating lasting value for host communities.

International Olympic Committee news

Key facts

Milano Cortina 2026’s iconic venues span Northern Italy, with 85 per cent of competition venues existing or temporary (11 of 13), significantly reducing the need for new construction.
More than 330 initiatives are inspiring healthy lifestyles and inclusion, including the Gen26 Education Programme (1.5 million students engaged) and Italia dei Giochi (which has involved over five million people).
According to estimates by Bocconi and Ca’ Foscari Universities, the Games are expected to generate over EUR 5 billion in net economic impact for Italy and create 36,000 new jobs.

For more than a century, the Olympic Winter Games have helped winter sport develop and deliver lasting benefits for host regions. Today, in the face of climate and socio-economic challenges, the Games are evolving. The IOC’s approach to Olympic legacy focuses on a more flexible model that maximises existing venues, reduces environmental impact and strengthens community resilience — and Milano Cortina 2026 reflects this evolution.

Designed around Northern Italy’s existing infrastructure, strong winter-sport heritage and clearly defined community priorities, Milano Cortina 2026 is not only about delivering outstanding sport but also about accelerating long-term development and strengthening resilience across both mountain and urban areas.

curling arena

Making the most of existing venues

Milano Cortina 2026 spans Northern Italy’s iconic winter sports venues, with 85 per cent of competition venues existing or temporary, significantly reducing the need for new construction.

Eleven of the thirteen competition venues are existing or temporary, including established sites in Bormio, Val di Fiemme and Anterselva, which are continuing their legacy as world-class hosts of international events.

“By adapting to what already exists, the organisers are reducing environmental impact, leveraging proven local expertise, spreading opportunities across regions, and accelerating projects that meet community needs.”
Arram Kim
IOC Head of Legacy

winter sports arena

Inspiring active lifestyles

Milano Cortina 2026 is also supporting active lifestyles and inclusion through initiatives designed to reach people of all ages.

For the first time, sport is now explicitly referenced in the Italian Constitution, creating a stronger foundation for increased investment in sport at both national and regional levels.

More than 330 initiatives are already promoting movement and well-being. Through the Gen26 Education Programme, 1.5 million students have engaged in Olympic and Paralympic activities. Italia dei Giochi , has involved more than five million people nationwide through community sport events.

Smiling group of students

Accelerating socio-economic development

The Games are supporting Northern Italy’s long-term development by accelerating existing regional plans– from urban regeneration in Milan to improvements in transport links, accessibility, electricity distribution and medical services in mountain communities.

“These were investments that were already part of our long-term plans. Thanks to the Games, all these investments were accelerated, and Italian citizens will benefit from them,” said Iacopo Mazzetti, Legacy Director of the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026.

In Milan, the Olympic Village has transformed a former railway yard into a sustainable urban district, which is set to become student housing after the Games. In mountain areas, upgrades to electricity distribution systems and medical services are improving energy resilience of local communities.

According to estimates by Bocconi and Ca’ Foscari Universities, the Games are expected to generate over EUR 5 billion in net economic impact for Italy and create 36,000 new jobs. A post-Games report is planned to compare outcomes against these pre-Games estimates.

People walking outside Olympic stadium

Supporting local and social businesses

Through the Impact 2026 social procurement programme, more than EUR 1.77 million in Games-related procurement has been awarded to local social and micro-enterprises — supporting SMEs and helping create skills and jobs.

Athletes in the snow

The legacy of this approach will extend beyond 2026, with the model also set to support the delivery of the Dolomiti Valtellina 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games. The Games have also created opportunities for staff and volunteers to develop skills and experience can support future events.

“Volunteers are a fundamental heritage of Milano Cortina 2026,” said Iacopo Mazzetti. “More than 18,000 were trained, and they will benefit from it for their future lives, and also in the Italian sports system.”

Posted in UncategorizedTagged 3BL

Milano Cortina 2026 Legacy: Existing Venues, Active Lifestyles and a Boost to Socio-Economic Development

Posted on March 3, 2026 by sHq_LoGiNz

International Olympic Committee news