Author: sHq_LoGiNz

Yum! Brands

May 12, 2025 /3BL/ – Yum! Brands has long prioritized the integration of sustainable practices into its development strategy. If it was simply good for the environment, it’d be a nice-to-have, but the parent company of KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill has identified both economical and eco-friendly ways to outfit its restaurants. In other words, Yum! believes that building green can help to save green.

Here’s how the company does it.

In 2014, Yum! adopted sustainable development guidelines for its restaurants that have since influenced its brands’ current standards. These guidelines took inspiration from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program and include aspects like strategically placed exhaust hoods and using appropriate lighting. But where they differ from LEED is that the Yum! guidelines leverage a scaled point system more specific to the quick-service restaurant industry with the goal of building more sustainable, energy efficient restaurants.

“We meet our franchisees where they are, so they can build according to what makes the most sense for their budgets,” said Yum! Chief Sustainability Officer Jon Hixson. “Thankfully, most of the methods we’ve identified are both good for the environment and for business.”

Recently, the brands took these guidelines one step further, with KFC evolving its Building Green Standards through the introduction of its 11 must-haves and Pizza Hut developing its Green Hut Toolkit with its own set of requirements. These standards, built on the foundation of sustainability and resilience, are aimed at being a win-win that helps conserve resources while saving franchisees money.

For Pizza Hut, optimized HVAC and exhaust hoods and efficiencies across equipment, refrigeration and lighting are all must-haves. A similar list applies to KFC’s set of standards. Habit Burger & Grill, headquartered in California, is committed to ensuring that all U.S.-based restaurants meet or exceed the California Green Building Standards Code, the first-in-the-nation mandatory green building standards code.

Successful examples range from the obvious – LED lighting that led to emissions cuts of about 5% on average across the KFC restaurant portfolio in 2024 – to focusing on HVAC systems that enable a single Pizza Hut location to achieve around 30% in energy savings and prevent approximately 7 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

The brands also continue to evolve their standards. In 2023, KFC introduced its Green Line Furniture, which is developed and finished using recovered materials while maintaining performance and durability. In addition to the pieces of furniture being more sustainable, they also weigh significantly less, which means transportation of furniture to the restaurants generates fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions – approximately 32% less!

Around the world, Energy Management Systems (EMS) are utilized by the brands to optimize operations and identify areas for further improvement. EMS provide monitoring and control services to maintain temperature and humidity in restaurants, as well as automatically adjust energy usage and identify issues or opportunities for optimization. In India, for example, EMS have been installed in 315 Pizza Hut and over 500 KFC restaurants resulting in approximately 7% savings on KFC’s electricity bill. Other brands and markets have seen similar results. Taco Bell U.S. also uses EMS to automatically control the temperatures in its HVAC and walk-in refrigerators in approximately 150 corporate locations in the highest energy use markets.

The company also takes a strategic approach to solar, analyzing the building footprint, cost of electricity and location’s access to the sun. KFC has solar panels on every continent that it operates, including one KFC in California, which operates its drive-thru entirely on solar power, saving its franchisee 20% off its energy costs.

These standards and additional efforts have helped Yum! earn external climate recognition from groups like CDP, a global organization that runs a leading sustainability disclosure system, as well as restaurants around the world becoming LEED-certified, including KFC in Thailand and Pizza Hut in Vietnam, and a KFC restaurant receiving Gold certification from India’s Green Building Council.

Because of this work, Yum! has made steady progress on its science-based climate targets. At the end of 2023, the company achieved a 28% reduction of GHG emissions per franchisee restaurants compared to 2019, and Yum! continues to see cost savings through a range of technologies and programs.

“We’ve committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per franchise restaurant by 46% by 2030, and we’re more than halfway to this target, thanks to our green building efforts,” Hixson said. “By saving our franchisees money and conserving energy, it’s a win for the company and our planet.”

Published by Action Against Hunger.

May 12, 2025 /3BL/ – On May 12^th, 2025, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) issued an alert that all of Gaza is at the Emergency stage (IPC Phase 4 out of 5). Over 250,000 people are currently facing starvation conditions due to a severe lack of food and diversity in nutrition, and this number is expected to double if conditions do not improve. There are currently 71,000 children under the age of five with acute malnutrition, of which 14,100 have severe cases and face the risk of death. Between now and April 2026, approximately 18,400 pregnant and breastfeeding women are expected to need malnutrition treatment to prevent irreversible and life-threatening health problems for both mothers and babies.

The IPC alert shows a major deterioration from the previous analysis in October 2024, when 93% of Gaza was classified in Crisis (IPC Phase 3 or above). Food insecurity has escalated over two months of total siege in which no humanitarian aid — including food, water, medical aid, and other supplies essential to the survival of the civilian population — has entered Gaza. If the situation continues or deteriorates, the IPC warns that famine will be imminent.

In April, Action Against Hunger assessed caregivers of over 1,000 children under five across three governorates in Gaza and measured reports of children going without food when hungry or skipping meals. In the Middle Area, one in three respondents reported that their children had recently gone an entire day without eating. Across the three governates, it was revealed that all children faced food insecurity. Alarmingly, one in two children were found to be either moderately or severely food insecure. Action Against Hunger’s teams in Gaza report that, since the beginning of April, more children have been admitted for the first time to acute malnutrition treatment programs than in the first three months of 2025 total. The rate of malnutrition in children has reached some of the worst levels the teams have ever seen.

“I work as a breastfeeding counselor with Action Against Hunger. With every consultation, my worst fear gets confirmed: there is no end to this crisis. The situation is growing more catastrophic, and the acute shortage of aid and assistance is alarming,” shares an Action Against Hunger staff member in Gaza. “Breastfeeding and pregnant women face double the risk. Their bodies are exhausted from pregnancy and childbirth while they endure prolonged food deprivation and a severe lack of all the necessities of health and nutrition.”

Since the start of the siege, over 177 community kitchens and bakeries have been forcibly closed. The cost of wheat flour – a household staple – has increased over 3,000% since February 2025, now costing between $235 USD to $520 USD per 55 pounds across Gaza. “The only thing keeping Palestinians from famine right now is humanitarian assistance,” says Natalia Anguera, Country Director for Action Against Hunger. “Our teams in Gaza have distributed the last of our remaining dry food parcels, with only items for one community kitchen remaining. Many other organizations ran out weeks ago.” Continuing to block the entrance of food will cause famine. Action Against Hunger reiterates its demands to all parties to the conflict to immediately and unconditionally re-open all border crossings, establish an immediate and permanent ceasefire, and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.

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Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 21 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across over 55 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

Action Against Hunger has been assisting the population in Gaza for more than 20 years. Responding to the escalating crisis, our teams have mobilized to provide hot meals and fresh and dry food, distribute hygiene kits, connect people with shelters, and truck clean water into communities. Since the start of the conflict, under restricted access and frequent blackouts, Action Against Hunger has assisted more than one million people in Gaza and the West Bank.

Originally published on DICK’S Sporting Goods Sideline Report

Fans and collectors gathered at DICK’S House of Sport (HOS) in Pittsburgh on Friday, May 9 to catch a glimpse of sports history. The store unveiled the one-of-one Paul Skenes MLB Debut Patch card.

HOS Pittsburgh distributed 500 wristbands to those wishing to see the card up close. Travis Rogan of Beaver, Pennsylvania, was the very first in line.

“I’m blown away by the level of care that went into this display,” Rogan said. “Getting to see the card itself is wild!”

500 wristbands were also distributed to fans on Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11.

Executive Director, HOS Pittsburgh Javier Perez, said this is all much more than just a display.

“It represents DICK’S’ commitment to offering unforgettable experiences,” said Perez. “This card creates a powerful community touchpoint for Pittsburgh fans and collectors alike.”

DICK’S purchased 2024’s most coveted baseball trading card after winning an auction conducted by Fanatics Collect Premier Auction in March. It features a piece of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher’s MLB debut jersey and his autograph.

“We’re thrilled to bring this special card home,” said DICK’S Executive Chairman Ed Stack. “It enables us to celebrate Skenes’ incredible talent while giving our athletes (customers) a unique opportunity to experience a piece of baseball history up close.”

The Skenes card will live in a new space built just for it on the bottom floor of HOS Pittsburgh. The card is also a kickoff for a new collectors space, Collectors Clubhouse, which features trading cards and memorabilia to inspire the next generation of athletes and collectors. The Collectors Clubhouse is launching in Pittsburgh and four other HOS stores.

“It opens the doors for events, conversations and connections that build community and deepen our role as a destination, not just a store,” said Perez.

You can read more about DICK’S acquisition of the Skenes card here.

Written by Hilary Totin

Photos by Rebecca Hoolahan

Last week, Saint-Gobain North America, through its building materials subsidiary CertainTeed, held the United States National round of the Saint-Gobain Architecture Student Contest, awarding Alexander Davidson Caroll, Magnolia Moskun and Huiyun Qiu from Rhode Island School of Design the top prize for their project aimed at revitalizing the Nord Isère area in southeastern France by redesigning an abandoned school in the village of Chimilin into a multi-use building, and developing a new residential area near the Grands Ateliers, a center for experimentation and prototyping of architectural projects.

Created in 2004, the Saint-Gobain Architecture Student Contest is intended for university students specializing in architecture, engineering, and building design. The competition aims to showcase students’ technical and creative competencies through the development of projects that respond to the authentic needs of a neighborhood or urban area, while adhering to Saint-Gobain’s principles of sustainable construction. This year, the competition includes over 1360 students in 546 teams from 211 different universities.

Hosted at the offices of the American Institute of Architects in New York City, teams competed for the chance to represent the United States in the international competition, which will be held in Lyon, France in June. Judged by a panel of experts including Yorgo Lykouria of RainlightSTUDIO, Elzbieta Skowronek an architect and former Borough Commissioner for the New York City Building Department, and Michelle Schutt, CertainTeed’s Senior Manager of Architectural Sales, each project was judged on architectural design, technical and environmental detail, construction detail, and product usage.

“I’m deeply impressed by the outstanding quality of proposals submitted for this year’s U.S. round of the Saint-Gobain Architecture Student Contest. Congratulations to all participants for sharing your innovative design ideas. You are truly becoming the future leaders of our industry, and innovators in sustainable construction,” said Mark Rayfield, CEO of Saint-Gobain North America and CertainTeed. “I would like to express my gratitude to our judges for their support in showcasing the talents of this new generation of architects and look forward to seeing Alexander, Magnolia and Huiyun compete this summer in Lyon.”

As the winners of the US National round, Alexander, Magnolia and Huiyun will travel to France in June, along with their professor Jonathan Knowles, to compete among winning students from 32 other countries in the International round. Here they will receive further feedback from international judges, a tour of the subject city, and other resources to further their architectural education. Winners of the international round will receive 5,000€ for first place, 3,000€ for second, and 1,500€ for third place.

With over 160 manufacturing locations in the United States and Canada, every current and future member of the company’s team plays a vital role in achieving its sustainability goals. A current list of job openings at all Saint-Gobain locations can be found on the company’s career website.

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”.

€46.6 billion in sales in 2024
161,000 employees, locations in 80 countries
Committed to achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2050

For more information about Saint-Gobain, visit www.saint-gobain.com and follow us on Twitter @saintgobain

MEDIA CONTACTS
Peter Clark
(+1) 603 513 8513
 

That’s a wrap on Earth Month at Paramount!

In celebration of Earth Month, Paramount colleagues joined each other across their communities to help make an environmental difference where needed! A few highlights include:

The Paramount Pictures Green Team joined Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) for their Spring Community Clean-Up in Lafayette Park. Volunteers picked up trash, planted flowers and greenery, and got creative—painting mini flowerpots and making beaded bracelets with encouraging messages for the local kids.

In NYC, Paramount volunteers rolled up their sleeves to refresh Battery Park with some light gardening, aerating the soil, and spreading grass seed to allow for new growth.

The NYC Paramount office also hosted a Green Expo spotlighting eco-conscious local businesses. Employees discovered sustainable products and caught a live cooking demo called the Chef’s Table.

Virtually, Paramount volunteers tuned in for a hands-on workshop with the Urban Ecology Center, where they learned how to upcycle old t-shirts into reusable tote bags.

Paramount extends a huge thank you to all the passionate employees who got their hands dirty (literally) and had a great time doing it!

About Paramount Global
Paramount Global (NASDAQ: PARA, PARAA) is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by iconic studios, networks and streaming services, its portfolio of consumer brands includes CBS, Showtime Networks, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount+, Pluto TV and Simon & Schuster, among others. The company delivers the largest share of the U.S. television audience and boasts one of the industry’s most important and extensive libraries of TV and film titles. In addition to offering innovative streaming services and digital video products, Paramount Global provides powerful capabilities in production, distribution and advertising solutions.

CLEVELAND, May 12, 2025 /3BL/ – The Acceleration Project (TAP) and KeyBank (NYSE: KEY) have successfully partnered to complete a Business Growth Accelerator in Cleveland’s Buckeye neighborhood, bringing together 35 passionate entrepreneurs eager to take their businesses to the next level.

The Business Growth Accelerator program featured four workshops for small business entrepreneurs, each followed by two weeks of individual coaching, culminating in an in-person graduation on April 17. Topics covered include branding, credit management, understanding financial statements, and borrowing. This comprehensive approach aligns with KeyBank’s commitment to supporting small business growth and economic development in the communities it serves.

The program kicked off Feb. 5, with a high-impact, in-person session titled Position to Win: Crafting Your Brand Positioning, setting the stage for a series of workshops designed to empower business owners and unlock growth potential. “This collaboration demonstrates the power of expert guidance in driving small business success,” said Jane Veron, CEO of TAP. “By providing tailored advice, beginning with this session on brand strategy and positioning, we’re helping business owners map out concrete plans for growth and improved brand visibility.”

Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy, employing nearly half of the American workforce and contributing 43.5% of the nation’s GDP (U.S. Chamber of Commerce, May 2024). However, 23.2% fail within the first year, and nearly half do not survive past five years (Lending Tree, February 2025).

“We congratulate the entrepreneurs who took part in the Business Growth Accelerator. KeyBank is proud to partner with TAP to learn more about these entrepreneurs’ goals and dreams, and help them succeed,” said Aaron Arnoczky, Business Banking Relationship Manager for KeyBank in Cleveland. “We are excited by their enthusiasm and our partnership with TAP that provided these small business owners with advice and tools they need to grow and thrive.”

“We’re also grateful for the role of Burten, Bell, Carr Development, Inc. (BBC), the community development corporation serving the Central, Kinsman, and Buckeye neighborhoods of Cleveland, whose outreach and on-the-ground connection made this program possible,” said Eric Fiala, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at KeyBank and CEO of KeyBank Foundation. “Thank you to BBC for their efforts to identify and engage local small business owners—their partnership helped us reach the heart of the community and ensure that the businesses who could benefit most were at the table.”

The program was a resounding success, with nearly 100% of participants saying they were very satisfied with it and gained a better understanding of the topics presented. Following a personalized Brand Positioning Coaching Session, one business owner shared her delight with the service provided by her TAP consultant, ‘I love that Karen reviewed my site and brand before our call. Her expertise was evident, and her commitment to improving my brand was clear”. Other comments from participants in workshops and individual sessions included:

• “The Business Growth Accelerator was incredibly impactful. It gave me clarity, strategy, and confidence to scale. A key takeaway was the importance of systems and partnerships for sustainable growth. Moving forward, I’ll apply these insights to streamline operations and expand my spice line nationally.”
• “Each meeting really helped my company TREMENDOUSLY! From understanding the next updates I need to do for my website to help us reach a broader audience to digging deeper into my next steps into getting funding. I’m so very satisfied with the content of the programs.”
• “The sessions provided a baseline of information to use with our 1-on-1s. The mentors in the 1-on-1 sessions were so laser-focused in helping us individually and that was truly appreciated.”

TAP’s work is made possible through the support of funders and strategic partners who play a critical role in sustaining its mission, fueling innovative programming, and strengthening the infrastructure needed to expand its reach. Through these collaborations, TAP ensures that small businesses don’t just survive—they thrive, driving economic vitality and long-term prosperity. To learn more and support TAP’s efforts in transforming small businesses and strengthening communities, contact Amy Berardi at amyb@theaccelerationproject.org.

Learn more about KeyBank’s opportunities and programs for your small business by visiting key.com/small-business. KeyBank offers a range of tools, including the KeyBank Small Business Check-In, Business Cash Flow Calculator and a Business Fraud Hub with resources for protecting your business against fraud.

About KeyCorp

In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $189 billion at March 31, 2025.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

About The Acceleration Project (TAP)
The Acceleration Project (TAP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating small business growth and fostering economic vitality in local communities. Founded in 2012, TAP provides customized consulting to thousands of small business owners, addressing strategic, financial, marketing, and operational challenges.

The Acceleration Project (TAP) is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. We rely on the generosity of donors, partners and sponsors to support our work and keep our services accessible.

Follow The Acceleration Project (TAP) on: LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube.

https://www.theaccelerationproject.org/

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