Author: sHq_LoGiNz

As previously seen on the CSRHub blog.

We’re proud to share that Cynthia Figge, CEO and Co-Founder of CSRHub, will be speaking on two panels at the upcoming Future in Review (FiRe) Conference 2025, taking place in San Diego from June 8–11.

Widely recognized as one of the most influential technology and innovation gatherings in the world, the Future in Review conference brings together thought leaders, executives, and policymakers to explore the future of global challenges through a tech-forward lens.

Panel 1: Emerging Supply Chain Risks

Monday, June 9th at 1:30 PM PT

CSRHub Co-founder Cynthia Figge will speak on a mainstage panel titled “Emerging Supply Chain Risks.”
She will be joined by:

• Ilya Levtov, Founder & CEO, Craft
• Sydney House, ESG Product Lead, Certa

This conversation will address how companies are navigating today’s complex supply chain landscape. From geopolitical instability to compliance demands and sustainability concerns, the panel will explore how data, technology, and collaboration are reshaping risk management and supplier engagement in global operations.

Panel 2: The Business of Embodied Carbon

Wednesday, June 11th at 9:00 AM PT

CSRHub CEO and Co-founder Cynthia Figge will moderate a mainstage session titled “The Business of Embodied Carbon.”
She will be joined by:

• Andrew Himes, Director of Collective Impact, Carbon Leadership Forum
• David Victor, Professor at the Center on Global Transformation, Chair in Innovation and Public Policy, and Director of the Deep Decarbonization Initiative, University of California San Diego

This session will explore how embodied carbon impacts investment decisions, compliance reporting, and long-term sustainability planning—offering timely insights into the evolving expectations for climate-related disclosures and supply chain transparency.

About Future in Review
Described by The Economist as “the best technology conference in the world,” FiRe is where innovation, data, and policy converge. Learn more about the conference and explore the full schedule and speaker lineup below:

• FiRe 2025 Website
• Agenda
• Speakers

Stay tuned for more updates as Cynthia represents CSRHub’s mission of building a more transparent, data-informed future for sustainability.

Cynthia Figge is a forerunner, entrepreneur and thought leader in the corporate sustainability movement. Cynthia is CEO and Cofounder of CSRHub, a leading Big Data ESG (environment, social, governance) ratings and information platform covering 60,000 companies worldwide for benchmarking, supply chain and risk assessment data solutions.

Cynthia co-founded EKOS International in 1996, one of the first consultancies integrating sustainability and corporate strategy. Cynthia is a national speaker on trends in sustainability and business intelligence.

Prior to becoming an entrepreneur in sustainability, she was an Officer of LIN Broadcasting/ McCaw Cellular leading new services development. Cynthia is Independent Board Director of CleanFiber, serves as an Advisor to Strategic News Service (SNS), and volunteers in the area of social and environmental justice.

Cynthia has an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA in Economics. Cynthia is based in the Seattle area.

About CSRHub

CSRHub offers the most comprehensive global set of Consensus ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) ratings, information, and tools. CSRHub’s business intelligence system measures the ESG business impact that drives corporate and investor sustainability decisions. Founded in 2007, CSRHub covers 58,000+ public and private companies, and provides ESG performance scores on over 38,833 companies from 134 industries in 156 countries. Our Big Data platform uses algorithms to aggregate, normalize and weight ESG metrics from 989 sources to produce a strong consensus signal on corporate sustainability performance. Interested in learning more about CSRHub? Click here.

Verizon
By: Tina Lee

Helen Mathis taught accounting as a vocational instructor for 30 years before facing a career-defining moment: The school where she worked closed and Mathis knew she needed a new plan. “I’m a firm believer that things happen for a reason,” she says of her career pivot. Mathis transformed herself into a tax-service entrepreneur, trusting both her professional skills and a family history in the accounting business: her mother, aunt and grandmother were all bookkeepers.

She started her Pasadena, California-based business in 2014, preparing tax returns for her former students and co-workers. The new enterprise quickly blossomed beyond her network via word of mouth, thanks to the genuine care and attention Mathis shows her clients. “I get so many clients looking for someone who understands them, who isn’t prejudging them,” she says.

With her business growing, Mathis took over a colleague’s lease on an office space, and Guardian, a tax solutions firm, was born. Mathis named the firm in homage to her grandmother, who was her guardian until age five, and who was a local tax expert for her community. Today, Guardian operates out of satellite offices across California, providing financial services for individuals and small to mid-sized businesses.

Always on the hunt for new resources, Mathis turned to Verizon Small Business Digital Ready. The former teacher describes the Digital Ready program as “phenomenal.”

“Not only do you learn, it tests your retention of that learning, giving you the tools to show you how it’s done,” Mathis says.

One of the most impactful strategies Mathis learned was from a Digital Ready course she took about pricing her services. “I realized I was giving away information without being compensated,” Mathis says. She revised her pricing structure to reflect the high-value expertise that she offers, which resulted in a $25,000 incremental lift to her revenue in a single quarter. 

Mathis also improved operations with time-saving solutions she learned in the Digital Ready program, including AI customer management and auto response tools that have helped her scale lead acquisition, improving her volume by 20%. “I get so many more people now who find [Guardian] through search,” Mathis says. Through Digital Ready, she also plans to learn about cybersecurity, an expertise that will enable her to serve larger business clients who are tax planning for cybersecurity costs and might qualify for new write-offs.

Mathis’ business ethos, gleaned from her family, starts with her open door philosophy with clients and extends to her participation in business communities (she joined multiple chambers of commerce after taking a Digital Ready course about the power of networking). She also has bigger dreams for Guardian, aiming to eventually expand her team to offices in every state. For this, she’ll continue to rely on learning through Digital Ready: “It’s helping me see my vision more clearly. I’m actually implementing the steps and seeing [what] I still need to do,” she says.

Mathis says she dedicates at least 200 hours annually to continual education and learning within her field. “To be the best that I can be for my clientele, you need consistent, valuable training. I want to be a resource to my clients,” she explains. She is training her staff bookkeepers to eventually take on clients for Guardian, and one day, she also hopes to leverage her Digital Ready knowledge to mentor other small business owners. “I’m getting all the knowledge and education possible to open doors not just for myself, but for my clients and other small business owners,” she says.

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready is part of Verizon’s goal to support 1 million small businesses by 2030 with free resources to help them succeed. To sign up, visit Verizon Small Business Digital Ready. Visit CitizenVerizon.com to learn more about the company’s responsible business efforts. An individual user’s experience may vary and results are not guaranteed.

Complimentary Webinar

A Blueprint for Global Water Stewardship: From Strategy and Reporting to Accountability and Assurance

Thursday, June 26 | 1:00PM ET, 10:00AM PT

For decades, the world has been focusing on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as the sole benchmark for climate stewardship. But more recently, industry, media and academia are waking up to the notions that “water is the new carbon” and climate stewardship cannot exist in a carbon-focused vacuum. Water stewardship is quickly becoming the climate focal point that it should have always been.

Join SCS Consulting Services’ Bonnie Holman, Managing Director, and SCS Global Services’ Danielle Stapleton, Program Manager, ESG Assurance, and Lauren Enright, Program Manager, Water Certification on Thursday, June 26 for a 60-minute discussion that will provide end-to-end analysis of corporate water stewardship implementation. During this discussion we’ll cover:

• How Water stewardship fits into climate stewardship.
• Water stewardship and water metrics require strategy, risk assessment
• Importance of water baseline measurement for continuous monitoring 
• Creation of water goals pertaining to enterprise and /or site
• Water Positive goals — Water Positive verification 
• Future-proofing water availability
• Building resilience within direct operations and value chain
• Integrating water into reporting and navigating assurance

A live Q&A will follow the panel discussion.

Register Here

For inquiries, contact:

Stephanie Flynn
Marketing Project Manager, Environmental Certification Services, SCS Global Services
sflynn@scsglobalservices.com

This comprehensive guide provides an overview of PFAS, their associated risks, and effective remediation strategies.

What Are PFAS?

Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of thousands of synthetic chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. PFAS are unique in that they contain strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which make them very persistent in the environment and in the human body. This persistence is why they are often referred to as “forever chemicals.”

PFAS have been widely used in a variety of products and applications, including:

• Non-stick cookware: PFAS are used to coat pots and pans to prevent food from sticking.
• Water-repellent fabrics: PFAS are used to treat clothing, furniture, and carpets to make them resistant to water and stains.
• Food packaging: PFAS are used in food packaging materials to prevent grease and oil from soaking through.
• Industrial applications: PFAS are used in a variety of industrial processes, such as the production of semiconductors and the plating of metals.

For more detailed information on PFAS definitions, sources, benefits, and risks, please refer to this resource: PFAS Definition, Sources, Benefits & Risks 

PFAS Risks: Why Remediation Matters 

Because of their widespread use, PFAS have become ubiquitous in the environment. They have been found in soil, water, and air, and they have also been detected in the blood of most people in the United States. PFAS can enter the body through ingestion of contaminated food or water, inhalation of contaminated air, or skin contact with contaminated products.

Understanding these risks is crucial to recognizing the importance of effective remediation.

Human health risks 

PFAS exposure has been linked to a range of adverse health effects, since these “forever chemicals” can accumulate in the body over time. Some of the key health risks associated with PFAS exposure include:

• Cancer: Increased risk of certain cancers, such as kidney and testicular cancer.
• Developmental problems: Impacts on fetal and child development, including low birth weight and developmental delays.
• Immune system effects: Suppression of the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.
• Liver damage: Potential for liver damage and dysfunction.

Environmental risks 

PFAS also pose a serious threat to the environment. Their persistence and mobility allow them to spread and accumulate in various ecosystems. Environmental risks include:

• Water contamination: PFAS can contaminate surface water and groundwater sources, affecting aquatic life and drinking water supplies.
• Soil contamination: PFAS can accumulate in soil, impacting plant growth and potentially entering the food chain.
• Bioaccumulation: PFAS can bioaccumulate in animals and fish, leading to higher concentrations in organisms higher up the food chain.

Learn more about PFAS risks: 

• For more detailed information on the risks of PFAS in drinking water, refer to this resource: PFAS Risk in Drinking Water
• To understand how businesses can manage PFAS risks and their environmental responsibilities, read: Managing PFAS Risks: A Business Leader’s Guide

PFAS Treatment Technologies 

Several technologies are employed to remove or destroy PFAS from contaminated water and soil. Each method has its strengths and limitations, and the choice of technology often depends on the specific type and concentration of PFAS, the scale of contamination, and cost considerations. Here’s a closer look at some key treatment technologies:

Granular activated carbon (GAC) 

GAC is a widely used adsorption technology where PFAS are removed from water by adhering to the surface of activated carbon. It is generally more effective for longer-chain PFAS due to their higher tendency to adsorb. When implementing GAC for large-scale treatment, factors such as carbon replacement schedules, pre-treatment needs to prevent fouling, and proper disposal of PFAS-laden carbon are critical.

Ion exchange resins 

Ion exchange involves using resins that selectively attract and bind to PFAS molecules, effectively removing them from water. These resins can be regenerated and reused, making the process more sustainable. Ion exchange is particularly effective for removing specific types of PFAS, especially shorter-chain varieties, and can achieve very high removal efficiencies. The selection of the appropriate resin type is key for targeting specific PFAS contaminants.

Reverse osmosis and membrane filtration 

Reverse osmosis (RO) and other membrane filtration technologies use pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks PFAS molecules. While highly effective at removing a wide range of PFAS, these methods can be energy-intensive and generate a concentrated waste stream that requires further management. Membrane fouling can also be an issue, requiring regular maintenance and cleaning.

Thermal treatment and destruction methods 

Thermal treatment methods, such as incineration and pyrolysis, involve exposing PFAS to high temperatures to break down their chemical structure. These methods can achieve complete degradation of PFAS but require careful control to prevent the formation of harmful byproducts. Emerging destruction technologies are being developed to improve energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact. Research is ongoing to find more sustainable and effective ways to fully destroy PFAS.

Additional resources about PFAS treatment technologies and regulations: 

• PFAS Regulations, Updates, Treatments & Impact
• Keeping Pace with Ongoing PFAS Developments & Technology

Regulatory Requirements and Compliance Considerations 

Global PFAS regulations are in constant flux as governments worldwide respond to the persistent nature and widespread presence of these chemicals. While specific policies and enforcement levels vary by region and nation, there are some common regulatory trends to take note of:

Tightening limits on drinking water and industrial discharges

Many regions, including the U.S. and the European Union, are increasingly stringent in their restrictions on PFAS levels in drinking water. Industrial facilities that release wastewater containing PFAS are likely to face stricter permitting and monitoring requirements, often dictated at the state or regional level.

Industry-specific PFAS limits 

Certain industries that rely on PFAS, such as manufacturers of coatings, textiles, and firefighting foams, encounter unique compliance challenges. These businesses must navigate sector-specific phase-outs and reporting requirements.

Expanding stormwater and waste management regulations 

PFAS contamination in stormwater runoff is an increasingly important area of regulatory focus, especially near industrial sites, landfills, and airports where PFAS-containing materials have been historically used. Some jurisdictions now mandate the use of stormwater treatment technologies to prevent PFAS from leaching into waterways. Regulations surrounding the disposal of PFAS-contaminated soil, sludge, and treatment byproducts are also evolving, with heightened scrutiny on incineration practices and landfill leachate controls.

Increasing reporting and disclosure requirements 

Businesses are subject to a growing number of reporting obligations concerning PFAS production, use, and emissions. The global supply chain is under increasing pressure to phase out PFAS due to consumer demand and corporate sustainability commitments. Many companies are voluntarily disclosing their PFAS usage to align with investor and regulatory expectations.

Regulatory pressure on PFAS is anticipated to continue increasing, regardless of political or administrative changes. Businesses should proactively:

• Closely monitor emerging PFAS limits at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Assess their operations and supply chains for PFAS use and potential liabilities.
• Implement proactive PFAS management strategies to mitigate regulatory and litigation risks.
• Stay informed about global regulatory trends, as restrictions in one region often influence policies elsewhere.

Further reading on PFAS compliance: 

• Guide to the Latest EPA PFAS Regulations
• Understanding PFAS Reporting Requirements
• Regulating PFAS in Stormwater

Challenges in PFAS Remediation and How to Overcome Them 

Understanding potential hurdles in PFAS remediation is essential for developing effective strategies to overcome them.

Cost of large-scale remediation efforts 

Large-scale PFAS remediation can be expensive, involving significant upfront investments and ongoing operational costs. These costs can include site investigation, technology implementation, waste disposal, and long-term monitoring. 

Such challenges can be overcome through careful planning and a phased approach. Exploring funding options (grants, public-private partnerships) can also help manage costs. A thorough cost-benefit analysis can ensure the selected remediation approach is economically viable and sustainable.

Monitoring and measuring PFAS levels to track treatment effectiveness 

Accurately monitoring and measuring PFAS levels is vital for determining the effectiveness of treatment efforts. This involves frequent sampling, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation. Barriers include the complexity of analyzing various PFAS compounds, the need for low detection limits, and ensuring data reliability. 

Working with accredited laboratories and establishing a robust monitoring program can help alleviate these challenges. Regular reporting and data review helps track progress so treatment strategies can be adjusted as needed.

Litigation risks tied to non-compliance or contamination liability 

PFAS contamination can lead to significant litigation risks, including lawsuits related to property damage, personal injury, and environmental harm. Non-compliance with regulations can also result in penalties and legal action. Businesses must be proactive in addressing PFAS risks to avoid legal battles.

Strategies include conducting due diligence, maintaining thorough records, and implementing robust compliance programs. Effective communication with stakeholders and transparent reporting can also minimize litigation risks.

For further insights into PFAS risk management, regulation, and litigation, explore the following resources: 

• PFAS Risk Management & Regulation
• PFAS Regulation & Litigation Updates
• PFAS Risk: Are You on Offense or Defense?

Putting PFAS Remediation into Action 

Moving from understanding PFAS risks and regulations to actively implementing remediation strategies is a critical step for businesses and communities. Here’s how to put PFAS remediation into action:

• Develop a comprehensive PFAS action plan: A well-defined action plan helps prioritize actions, allocate resources effectively, and track progress. It should include steps for site investigation, technology selection, implementation, monitoring, and long-term management.
• Prioritize first-steps regarding PFAS: Businesses and organizations should prioritize key actions to mitigate PFAS risks. These actions might include conducting a PFAS audit, evaluating supply chains, implementing best management practices, and engaging with regulatory agencies.
• Gather and organize critical data: Understanding the extent and nature of PFAS contamination is crucial. This involves collecting samples from various media (water, soil, air), analyzing them for PFAS, and interpreting the data.

For more detailed guidance on putting PFAS remediation into action, explore these resources: 

• PFAS Action Plan
• Top Actions to Take Regarding PFAS
• Digging Deeper: EPA’s Dive into PFAS Pollution Through Data Collection

Bookmark this guide as a reference for navigating PFAS remediation, and contact Antea Group to learn more about how we can assist you in managing PFAS risks.

MIAMI, June 5, 2025 /3BL/ – FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) announced that at the 34^th CNS Partnership Conference, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) recognized the FedEx Global Healthcare Quality Program with the CEIV Pharma Corporate Certification — a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to quality, compliance, and leadership in pharmaceutical logistics. This corporate-level certificate for the company’s hubs and ramps validates the strength of FedEx’s quality management system and its ability to deliver end-to-end logistic services in compliance with the increasingly complex and highly regulated pharmaceutical industry.

“This certification illustrates FedEx’s unwavering dedication to excellence in pharmaceutical logistics,” said Nick Gennari, president of global healthcare and commercial sales. “This pioneering, network-wide approach to quality showcases our commitment to complying with the highest standards in the industry for the transportation and handling of global pharmaceutical products. With over 90 percent of our global healthcare volume moving through facilities that are now CEIV Pharma-certified, we are providing our customers with outstanding quality solutions in the global pharma air space.”

The Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Pharma Certification sets the highest standards for the safe, compliant, and time sensitive temperature-controlled transport of pharmaceutical shipments across global air cargo network.

“The pharmaceutical industry relies on air transport for its speed and efficiency in ensuring high-value, time-sensitive, temperature-controlled products such as vaccines or medication. As global supply chains become more complex, the need for consistent, trusted standards is greater than ever for the safety of the end consumers. We are pleased to see FedEx Global Healthcare certify additional facilities with CEIV Pharma, the industry’s trusted mark of quality and excellence in the handling of pharmaceuticals,” said Frederic Leger, IATA’s senior vice president commercial products and services.

FedEx previously had its Memphis (MEM) and Indianapolis (IND) hubs CEIV Pharma-certified in 2024, along with ramps in San Juan (SJU) and Aguadilla (BQN), Puerto Rico. In addition to the corporate certificate, the FedEx Global Healthcare team also announced 15 new CEIV Pharma certified facilities, all of which will be officially certified in May 2025:

• Cologne, Germany (CGN)
• Fort Worth, Texas (AFW)
• Frankfurt, Germany (FRA)
• Greensboro, North Carolina (GSO)
• Guangzhou, China (CAN)
• Liege, Belgium (LGG)
• Los Angeles, California (LAX)
• Miami, Florida (MIA)
• Milan, Italy (MXP)
• Newark, New Jersey (EWR)
• Oakland, California (OAK)
• Osaka, Japan (KIX)
• Paris, France (CDG)
• San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO)
• Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ)

About FedEx Corp.
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce, and business services. With annual revenue of $88 billion, the company offers integrated business solutions utilizing its flexible, efficient, and intelligent global network. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 500,000 employees to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards, and the needs of their customers and communities. FedEx is committed to connecting people and possibilities around the world responsibly and resourcefully, with a goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2040. To learn more, please visit fedex.com/about.

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