Month: March 2026

MILAN, March 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Midea Building Technologies (MBT) made a strong impression at MCE 2026, showcasing three key innovations: the V9 VRF system, R290 heat pump portfolio, and data center cooling solutions, highlighting its leadership in eco-friendly refrigerants and energy-efficient technologies.

Midea V9 VRF System

Midea launched its new V9 VRF system, built on two core technologies: ShieldBox II electric control box and R32 refrigerant.

ShieldBox II features automotive-grade die-cast aluminum housing, reducing volume by 70% to accommodate a larger heat exchanger and boost outdoor unit efficiency. Its three-zoning design integrates IP68-rated protection, while phase-change cooling maintains 30°C steady coolant cooling, extending component life in extreme environments. The V9 uses eco-friendly R32 refrigerant and has passed TÜV’s first three-tier safety assessment for flammable refrigerant VRF systems, earning certification that confirms its internationally leading safety standards.

R290 Heat Pump Portfolio on Display

MBT showcased its R290 heat pump portfolio, covering capacities from 4kW to 70kW for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

The Mars Large R290 ATW Commercial Heat Pump, an MCE Excellence Award winner, delivers up to 85°C leaving water temperature with eco-friendly R290 refrigerant. Full DC inverter and dual compressor backup ensure reliable operation. With a compact 0.72 m² footprint and A+++ energy rating, it maintains 100% heating capacity at -10°C and 65% at -20°C.

The Arctic Series M4 and Mars R290 ATW Heat Pumps were also on display, together forming a comprehensive R290 product lineup driving the transition to natural refrigerant-based heating.

Data Center Cooling Solutions

Addressing data center cooling demands, MBT showcased liquid cooling solutions through an interactive diorama. The system integrates precision CDUs, fan walls, and magnetic bearing centrifugal chillers to achieve an annual PUE as low as 1.2. Key products include the AirBoost Vera Air-Cooled Magnetic Bearing Centrifugal Chiller and Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU). The AirBoost Vera chiller features dual-power switching and customizable THDi for reliable power supply, delivering exceptional efficiency with outlet water up to 36°C and 20°C temperature difference. Standard indirect natural cooling and eco-friendly refrigerant compatibility make it a sustainable choice for modern data centers. The CDU is engineered with multiple redundancies, leak-proof protection, and 100% tested core components for long-term reliability.

MBT delivers integrated, full-scenario solutions that meet the evolving needs of Europe’s green transition. With a continued focus on innovation and sustainability, MBT is committed to shaping a smarter, low-carbon future for the HVAC industry.

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SOURCE Midea Building Technologies

LAGOS, Nigeria, March 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA) and the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI) today released a new global guide: “Regulatory Sandbox to Support Carbon Markets: A How-To Guide for Regulators and Policymakers on Testing Carbon Market Innovations.” The guide is supported by FSD Africa and was launched in conjunction with the “West Africa Financial Institutions Carbon Markets Training,” an event hosted by FSD Africa in partnership with the West African Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance, taking place 30 March-1 April in Lagos.

The guide, produced as part of VCMI’s Access Strategies Program, is designed to help governments and financial authorities test and refine carbon market regulations in a controlled, evidence-based way.

Carbon markets hold significant potential for financial innovation and growth. Voluntary carbon markets are projected to reach US$ 5–20  billion by 2030 and US$ 60–270 billion by 2050. However, carbon markets are constrained by structural challenges such as inconsistent credit quality, limited transparency, high transaction costs, and regulatory uncertainty. These obstacles undermine market confidence and limit the flow of capital to high-impact climate-mitigation projects. However, there is a lot that regulators can do to reduce such risk and create a positive enabling environment for investors, buyers, and project developers. 

To support the establishment of regulatory frameworks that balance financial innovation, environmental integrity, and risk protections for investors and consumers, CCA and VCMI have developed a guide on the use of regulatory sandboxes: a practical tool that allows governments to trial regulatory approaches to carbon finance before committing them to law.

Regulatory sandboxes provide controlled live environments for testing innovations such as carbon-credit linked bonds, securitized carbon transactions, blockchain carbon registries, AI-driven monitoring systems, and tokenized credits while maintaining environmental integrity and investor protection.

“Carbon markets hold significant opportunities for climate-positive growth in emerging markets and developing economies, but accessing growing demand for carbon credits requires specialist knowledge and tailored policies and regulations that have been tested in real world contexts,” said Mark Kenber, Executive Director of VCMI. “This guide provides policymakers with a transformational tool to drive innovation in carbon markets, while upholding environmental and social integrity through robust oversight. This can help EMDEs to accelerate credible climate finance solutions and position themselves as investment-ready sources of high-quality carbon credits.”

The guide provides a step-by-step framework for designing and implementing regulatory sandboxes tailored to national legal and institutional contexts. It offers practical guidance on how to assess the impact and safety of innovations while managing risks, including through governance mechanisms, risk controls, stakeholder roles, and technical considerations.

“Innovation in the clean cooking sector is advancing rapidly, and regulatory clarity will be critical to unlocking investment,” said Dymphna van der Lans, CCA CEO. “Regulatory sandboxes give policymakers a practical way to test new approaches, build confidence, manage risk, and protect the integrity of carbon markets.”

“With many countries across Africa aiming to develop their carbon markets and become investment-ready, this guide offers timely and practical guidance to help financial institutions regulators develop carbon regulations that fit country contexts,” said Reshma Shah, Carbon Markets Lead at FSD Africa.

While the guide draws on practical experience from carbon markets linked to clean cooking and household energy access, it is intentionally designed for broad applicability across countries, technologies, and carbon market segments. It builds on previous work by CCA, including a report and policy brief on “Financial Regulatory Pathways for Scaling Carbon Markets.”  Collectively, these resources are guiding CCA’s ongoing support to regulators in Kenya, with similar efforts underway in Nigeria.

“Unlocking carbon finance is vital for climate resilience and sustainable development across West African countries and communities,” said Ousmane Fall Sarr, Coordinator of the West African Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance. “This resource  can help regulators build and test the necessary enabling conditions for market growth.” 

The “Regulatory Sandbox to Support Carbon Markets” guide is intended for:

• Capital markets authorities
• Financial regulators
• Central banks
• Climate finance innovators
• Carbon project developers
• Economic development partners

The guide is now publicly available in English and will soon be available in French.

Download the guide here.

About the Clean Cooking Alliance
The Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA) works with a global network of partners to build an inclusive industry that makes clean cooking accessible to the 2.1 billion people who live each day without it. Established in 2010, CCA is driving consumer demand, mobilizing investment to build a pipeline of scalable businesses, and fostering an enabling environment that allows the sector to thrive. Clean cooking transforms lives by improving health, protecting the climate and the environment, empowering women, and helping consumers save time and money.

About the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative
The Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI) is an international non-profit committed to realizing the full potential of high-integrity voluntary carbon markets (VCMs). VCMI’s mission is to empower companies, governments, and non-state actors to maximize their climate impact through the use of high-quality carbon credits.

The ‘Regulatory Sandbox to Support Carbon Markets’ guide was produced as part of VCMI’s Access Strategies Program, which supports host countries, regions, and sectors to participate in high-integrity carbon markets and unlock the environmental, social, and economic benefits of carbon finance within national climate plans. This program is instrumental in building the necessary infrastructure for countries to participate meaningfully in and benefit from the global carbon market.

About FSD Africa
FSD Africa is a specialist development agency established in 2012 by the UK Government working to make finance work for Africa’s future. FSD Africa works on the ground in over 30 African countries to mobilise “green plus” finance that will power economic and social development while delivering environmental gains and building Africa’s resilience. FSD Africa works on policy and regulatory reform, capacity strengthening and improving financial infrastructure, and addressing systemic challenges in Africa’s financial markets to spark large-scale and long-term change.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-guide-helps-policymakers-safely-test-carbon-market-innovations-302727984.html

SOURCE Clean Cooking Alliance

Orange County’s exclusive PGA TOUR Champions event celebrated championship golf, community events and philanthropy

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., March 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Hoag Classic, Orange County’s exclusive PGA TOUR Champions tournament, returned to Newport Beach Country Club for a spectacular weeklong celebration from March 21-29, 2026.

Charles Schwab Cup leader Stewart Cink, who held the 36-hole lead, closed with 66 to win the Hoag Classic for his third victory in his last five starts on PGA TOUR Champions.

The 2026 field included defending champion Miguel Ángel Jiménez and major champions including Zach Johnson, Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington, Bernhard Langer, Vijay Singh, Retief Goosen, Darren Clarke, David Duval, and John Daly competing for the $2.2 million purse.

“We all love to compete in front of the fans. Golf is an amazing sport, in that it’s incredibly charitable and we’re very proud to be a part of that,” said Cink. “To me personally, it means a lot because I know what Hoag does. I know what they mean to this community.”

The 2026 Hoag Classic delivered a full week of golf, entertainment and community engagement throughout Newport Beach.

Starting with Athletes First Celebrity Waiter Night, presented by Pacific Life, benefitting Hoag Hospital Foundation, and the Pacific Life Celebrity Classic, the events featured more than 70 professional athletes and well-known personalities including Philadelphia RB Saquon Barkley, Pro Bowl WR Odell Beckham Jr., Indianapolis QB Daniel Jones, Philadelphia DB Cooper DeJean and Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice and more. After a competitive day on the course, Ravens LB Kyle Van Noy and Kansas City QB Jake Haener captured the 2026 Pacific Life Celebrity Classic title, earning bragging rights among a field of high-profile athletes and celebrities. The events kicked off Hoag Classic week while supporting the tournament’s broader mission of giving back to the community in meaningful ways raising funds for Hoag.

The week also featured the Hoag Classic Hall of Fame Community Breakfast presented by Hoag Orthopedic Institute, which included Bernhard Langer as the guest of honor and recognized longtime volunteer Dick Yuhnke for his nearly three decades of service to the tournament.

The Aston Martin Newport Beach Legends Pro-Am gave fans an early opportunity to see the PGA TOUR Champion pros up close before the championship rounds began.

The Hoag Classic weekend featured several fan-favorite experiences including Motive Salute to Service Saturday, benefiting Folds of Honor; Student Day presented by Kingston Technology; and the Chipotle Sunset Celebration & Concert.

“Each year the Hoag Classic brings together world-class golf, incredible community support and a shared commitment to giving back,” said Andrew Guarni, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Hoag. “We are grateful to the players, partners, volunteers and fans who make this tournament such a special week while helping support Hoag’s mission to continue expanding access to renowned health care in our community.”

As one of the most successful charitable tournaments on the PGA TOUR Champions, the Hoag Classic has generated more than $25 million in support of Hoag programs and services, as well as local military, first responder and educational organizations.

For more information, visit HoagClassic.com.

ABOUT THE HOAG CLASSIC
For one week each year, the international spotlight shines brightly on Orange County’s only official PGA TOUR Champions event. Hosted at Newport Beach Country Club, the Hoag Classic, showcases golf legends such as Fred Couples, Stewart Cink, Retief Goosen, Miguel Ángel Jiménez, Padraig Harrington, and Bernhard Langer as they compete with more than 70 other PGA TOUR legends for the title. As one of the largest philanthropic events in PGA TOUR Champions history, the Hoag Classic has raised over $25 million in total proceeds for Hoag’s programs and services, as well as other local educational and military charities. For more information visit www.HoagClassic.com.    

ABOUT HOAG
Hoag is a nonprofit, regional health care delivery system in Orange County, California. Delivering world-class, comprehensive, personalized care, Hoag consists of 1,800 top physicians, 18 urgent care facilities, 13 health & wellness centers, and two award-winning hospitals. Hoag offers a comprehensive blend of health care services that includes seven institutes providing specialized services in the following areas: cancer, digestive health, heart and vascular, neurosciences, spine, women’s health, and orthopedics through Hoag’s affiliate, Hoag Orthopedic Institute, which consists of an orthopedic hospital and five ambulatory surgical centers. Hoag is the highest ranked hospital in Orange County by U.S. News & World Report and the only OC hospital ranked in the Top 10 in California, as well as a designated Magnet^® with Distinction hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). For more information, visit hoag.org.

ABOUT PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS
PGA TOUR Champions is a membership organization of professional golfers age 50 and older, including 35 members of the World Golf Hall of Fame. The Tour’s mission is to provide financial opportunities for its players, entertain and inspire its fans, deliver substantial value to its partners, create outlets for volunteers to give back and generate significant charitable and economic impact in tournament communities. Follow PGA TOUR Champions online at PGATOUR.com, on Facebook, on Twitter (@ChampionsTour), on Instagram (@pgatourchampions) and on TikTok (pgatourchampions).

All events are televised in the United States on Golf Channel, the exclusive cable-television partner of PGA TOUR Champions. Internationally, PGA TOUR Champions coverage is available in more than 170 countries and territories via 22 media partners.

ABOUT NEWPORT BEACH COUNTRY CLUB
Newport Beach Country Club is an exclusive and iconic Country Club in famed Newport Beach, CA.  Perched above the famed Pacific Coast Highway, NBCC has captured the spirit of the Southern California lifestyle for more than 65 years. Spanning nearly 56,000 square feet and boasting panoramic views of emerald fairways and sapphire seas, the Clubhouse makes an architectural statement on coastal California Craftsman design. With a course originally designed by world-renowned designer William “Billy” Bell, NBCC has been one of the most popular stops on the PGA Champions Tour for more than 25 years and is the home of the annual Hoag Classic.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stewart-cink-wins-the-2026-hoag-classic-at-newport-beach-country-club-302728134.html

SOURCE Hoag Classic

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia findings offer hope for pediatric cardiac patients and their families

PHILADELPHIA, March 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) reported today that adolescents with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) who took mavacamten experienced reduced obstruction, allowing blood to flow more easily from the heart. The research, presented today at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session in New Orleans, was also published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited heart disease and is characterized by abnormal thickening and stiffness of the heart muscle, which can obstruct blood flow. HCM can cause chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, and swelling, and can progress to heart failure, dangerous arrhythmias or sudden cardiac death. Mavacamten, a medication that reduces myosin activity to improve cardiac function, is approved for adults. However, this research is the first to assess the drug in adolescents, who typically have more severe disease.

“I’ve cared for children with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy for decades, and treatment options have been limited to symptom-focused medications or invasive surgery,” said Joseph Rossano, MD, MS, the study’s lead author and Chief of the Division of Cardiology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “If this drug receives FDA approval for teens, it could offer a transformative, precision medicine approach as the first pediatric-specific targeted therapy for this condition.”

In the study, global trials sites enrolled 44 teens (ages 12 to <18) with symptomatic obstructive HCM. Of those, 23 participants randomly received mavacamten and 21 received a placebo for 28 weeks. The trial was double-blind, meaning that neither families nor doctors knew who got the drug. The researchers measured change in the pressure gradient across the heart’s outflow tract during a Valsalva maneuver (a standard way to provoke the obstruction) from the start to week 28.

After 28 weeks, patients taking mavacamten experienced a significant drop in the blockage leaving the heart (about 48.5 mm Hg) compared with almost no change (0.5 mm Hg) in the placebo group. Side effects were similar in both groups, and all patients met a key safety threshold. Overall, mavacamten greatly reduced the obstruction in adolescents with HCM and appeared safe in this study.

Additionally, blood markers that indicate heart damage fell in patients taking mavacamten but rose in those on placebo. That pattern suggests mavacamten may do more than ease symptoms; it could slow disease progression and even reverse some damage to the heart.

“These results are encouraging as they suggest the drug might help the heart heal, changing the patient’s underlying biology over time instead of just relieving symptoms,” said Rossano. “If these findings are confirmed with further research, we’ll want to look at starting treatment in children sooner, before the heart has experienced years of damage.”

This study was supported by Bristol Myers Squibb.

Joseph Rossano, MD, is a paid consultant to Bristol Myers Squibb and served as the site principal investigator for the SCOUT-HCM Study at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Rossano et al. “Mavacamten in Adolescents with Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.” NEJM. Online March 29, 2026.

About Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia:
A non-profit, charitable organization, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation’s first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals, and pioneering major research initiatives, the hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country. The institution has a well-established history of providing advanced pediatric care close to home through its CHOP Care Network, which includes more than 50 primary care practices, specialty care and surgical centers, urgent care centers, and community hospital alliances throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. CHOP also operates the Middleman Family Pavilion and its dedicated pediatric emergency department in King of Prussia, the Behavioral Health and Crisis Center (including a 24/7 Crisis Response Center) and the Center for Advanced Behavioral Healthcare, a mental health outpatient facility. Its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit https://www.chop.edu. 

Contact: Natalie Solimeo
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
267-426-6246
solimeon@chop.edu

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SOURCE Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

The Campaign Unites Experts, Organizations, and Advocates to Promote Environmental Responsibility and Drive Action Toward a More Sustainable Future

NEW YORK, March 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mediaplanet announces the launch of Sustainable Living, a cross-platform campaign debuting within LA Times and online. This timely initiative brings together environmental leaders, sustainability experts, nonprofits, and innovative organizations committed to advancing eco-conscious practices and inspiring individuals and communities to live more sustainably.

As climate challenges and environmental concerns continue to shape global conversations, Sustainable Living explores actionable solutions and forward-thinking strategies that empower individuals and industries alike to reduce their environmental footprints. Through expert insights, compelling stories, and research-driven perspectives, the campaign highlights topics like clean energy, responsible consumption, waste reduction, sustainable food systems, and green innovation.

The campaign features editorial contributions from leading voices across environmental science, policy, business, and advocacy — each working toward a shared goal of creating a healthier planet for future generations.

Featured Editorial Voices:

• Dave and Jenny Marrs
• Kathryn Kellog

Editorial & Advocacy Partners Include:

• Environmental Defense Fund
• Clean Energy States Alliance
• Earth Day
• Cool Earth
• Environmental Working Groups
• Sierra Club
• GRID Alternatives
• ReFed

Campaign Partners & Contributors Include:

• Lenox
• Reencle

Special Editorial Spotlight:

Home renovation experts, entrepreneurs, and sustainability advocates Dave and Jenny Marrs grace the cover of Sustainable Living. Best known for their work transforming homes and communities, the Marrses have become influential voices in promoting thoughtful design, responsible building practices, and environmentally conscious living.

In an exclusive interview, Dave and Jenny share how their passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces is deeply connected to their commitment to sustainability. From incorporating reclaimed materials and energy-efficient solutions into their projects to supporting local agriculture and community initiatives, they emphasize that sustainable living starts with intentional choices at home.

The Marrses also discuss the importance of balancing modern design with long-term environmental impact, highlighting how homeowners can make practical, meaningful changes without sacrificing style or comfort. Their approach reflects a broader mission to inspire families across the country to embrace sustainability in ways that are both accessible and impactful.

“Sustainability extends beyond materials to people and places, and family values profoundly shape our approach at home,” Dave and Jenny shared in an exclusive interview with Mediaplanet. “It’s about building homes that nurture relationships and a sense of place, where reuse and care honor both heritage and responsibility. Ultimately, it’s living intentionally. A home that’s kind to the planet is also one that feels deeply personal and enduring.”

Through thought leadership, impactful storytelling, and collaboration with purpose-driven organizations, Sustainable Living underscores the importance of environmental responsibility and the role each individual plays in shaping a more sustainable future.

The campaign officially launches nationwide on March 29, 2026, within copies of LA Times and online.

To read the digital version of the campaign, visit:

Sustainable Living – Impacting Our Future

Media Contact:

Josh Rouse
Operations and Production Manager
Josh.rouse@mediaplanet.com
Mediaplanet

 

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SOURCE Mediaplanet