OAKLAND, Calif., March 25, 2026 /3BL/ – ICA Fund today announced it has received a $2.25 million grant from Wells Fargo & Company as part of its Open for Business Growth initiative, a $20 million philanthropic program designed to help growth-ready small businesses access the capital and resources they need to scale. This investment comes at a milestone moment as ICA Fund celebrates its 30th anniversary of supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening local economies.

Through this new funding, ICA Fund will expand its ability to provide founder-friendly capital and hands-on support to entrepreneurs across the Bay Area who are ready to grow but face barriers to traditional financing. The initiative is focused on closing a critical gap in the small business ecosystem: companies that have outgrown micro-loans but do not yet qualify for conventional bank financing.

“Growth-ready small businesses are a powerful engine for job creation and local economic development, but they need access to the right kind of capital when expansion is on the horizon,” said Kimelyn Harris, head of Business Growth Philanthropy at Wells Fargo. “Through Open for Business Growth, we work with organizations like ICA Fund to deliver flexible, innovative financing tailored to entrepreneurs’ needs. This support helps businesses grow, create jobs, and reach their full potential.”

The Open for Business Growth program builds on the success of Wells Fargo’s broader Open for Business Fund, a $420 million effort that has supported small businesses nationwide through community-based organizations. This next phase focuses specifically on businesses on the “brink of expansion,” those with proven demand and strong potential, but limited access to appropriately structured capital.

ICA Fund will use the grant to design and deploy tailored financial products and advisory services that align with the realities of scaling businesses. By pairing investment with deep operational support, ICA helps founders navigate challenges, strengthen fundamentals, and grow sustainably.

“Small businesses are essential to vibrant, resilient communities, but too many great companies are stuck small because the financial system is limited for them,” said Allison Kelly, CEO of ICA Fund. “As we celebrate 30 years of investing in entrepreneurs, this funding from Wells Fargo allows us to deepen our impact and expand access to fair, flexible capital for those ready to scale. By investing in these businesses at the right moment, we can unlock growth, create quality jobs, and build lasting community wealth.”

ICA Fund’s model focuses on investing in businesses that have demonstrated market demand and are poised for expansion. The organization provides not only capital, but also strategic guidance to help founders overcome barriers to growth, ensuring that businesses can scale in ways that are both financially successful and socially impactful.

ICA Fund is advancing a model rooted in the real economy: supporting revenue-generating businesses that create jobs, reflect community diversity, and contribute to shared prosperity.

With support from Wells Fargo’s Open for Business Growth initiative, ICA Fund will continue working toward its vision of an economy that works for all, one where entrepreneurs have equitable access to opportunity, and small businesses can thrive as engines of inclusive economic growth.

About ICA Fund
ICA Fund invests in growth-ready small businesses to create good jobs and build community wealth. By providing founder-friendly capital alongside hands-on support, ICA helps entrepreneurs scale durable businesses that generate both financial and social returns.

Media Contact:
Erica Dixon
Director of Marketing & Communications
ICA Fund
erica@ica.fund

WASHINGTON, March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®) is pleased to present a complimentary webinar covering the expiration of confidential business information (CBI) protections under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and how to request and substantiate an extension. The webinar will be presented on April 9, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (EDT). Register here:
https://lawbc.zoom.us/webinar/register/3217743620188/WN_DL0Fp_7FTXCnbwhA1H3kpQ

The 2016 Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act amendments included a ten-year cap on many CBI claims. Absent an extension approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these CBI claims will begin to expire on a rolling basis in June 2026 unless further reasserted and re-substantiated.

B&C has been tracking this important provision closely, including how EPA intends to provide the statutorily required notices of expiring CBI claims; the systems, processes, and criteria to request and substantiate an extension; and the practical steps companies should be taking now to prepare.

Topics Covered:

  • CBI expiration provisions under TSCA;
  • Process and criteria for requesting and substantiating an extension; and
  • Practical tips for companies to prepare now.

Speakers:

  • Richard E. Engler, Ph.D., Director of Chemistry, B&C, is a 17-year veteran of EPA and one of the most widely recognized experts on TSCA, with over 25 years’ experience engaged in interpretation and implementation of this complicated yet foundational law for American innovation and productivity.
  • Ryan N. Schmit, Of Counsel, B&C, served more than 15 years in EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) where he worked on the front lines of EPA’s TSCA implementation efforts including the protection of CBI.
  • Lynn L. Bergeson, Managing Partner, B&C, has earned an international reputation counseling corporations, trade associations, and business consortia on a wide range of issues pertaining to chemical hazard, exposure and risk assessment, risk communication, minimizing legal liability, and evolving regulatory and policy matters.

Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. is a Washington, D.C. law firm offering clients an unparalleled level of experience and excellence in matters relating to TSCA. Our TSCA practice group includes six former senior EPA scientific and executive staff, seven Ph.D.s, and a robust and highly experienced team of lawyers and non-lawyer professionals extremely well-versed in all aspects of TSCA law, regulation, and litigation.

View all of B&C’s webinars available on demand at https://www.lawbc.com/media-type/webinars-on-demand/

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SOURCE Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.

  • In 2025, nearly $30.5 million in energy bill assistance was provided in Florida, helping nearly 31,000 customers
  • Multiple financial assistance programs are available for eligible customers

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As Duke Energy Florida’s storm cost recovery charges have been removed from customer bills as of February, dropping residential bills approximately $44 for every 1,000 kWh, additional bill assistance resources are available for eligible customers that may face continued payment challenges.

In 2025, nearly $30.5 million was delivered to support approximately 31,000 customers.

Duke Energy Florida works with community partners and assistance programs to connect eligible customers with financial resources and support, leveraging resources such as Share The Light Fund, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), FL211.org and more.

How to get help
Duke Energy Florida works with a variety of partners to help connect eligible customers with financial assistance for their energy bills. These partnerships help ensure support reaches families who may be experiencing temporary financial hardship or unexpected challenges.

“We know that unexpected challenges can arise, and we’re committed to standing by our customers when they need it most,” said Melissa Seixas, president, Duke Energy Florida. “These programs help provide a safety net for families navigating temporary hardship while keeping their households running.”

To explore payment assistance resources including Share the Light Fund, 211.org, LIHEAP and more, customers can visit Duke Energy’s Payment Assistance Finder.

Additional support
In addition to financial assistance programs, Duke Energy also offers:

  • Installment Plans: Provides flexibility with paying energy bills to help make monthly payments more comfortable
  • Due Date Extensions: Extends your payment due date by one to 10 business days
  • Seasonal Savings Tips: From energy usage tracking to a live view into your energy dashboard, additional resources provide transparency and tips to help reduce everyday energy usage to lower your bill during the winter chill and heat of the summer

Customers are encouraged to seek help early to find the best option that fits their needs.

Duke Energy Florida
Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,500 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.  

Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.  

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage. 

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition. 

Contact: Laitin Sterling
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

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SOURCE Duke Energy

LAKELAND, Fla., March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Plastic pollution has become a widespread global problem, with microscopic particles in the water that can slip into the human body without notice. For decades, scientists have struggled to detect these microplastics and nanoplastics quickly and affordably. Researchers at Florida Polytechnic University are working on a new approach that could change that.

Dr. Ajeet Kaushik, an associate professor of chemistry, and students Riley Orr and Justin Sanchez Almirola developed a solution based on electrochemical sensing, a technology that uses chemical reactions to detect and measure the concentration of specific materials in different environments.

Their innovation earned a U.S. patent and was published in the international journal Sensors and Actuators A: Physical. The topic is also an extension of Kaushik’s ongoing research.

“Right now, there is no way to detect this type of pollution on the spot,” Kaushik said. “But our sensor works in the field, and within minutes just a drop of water tells you if microplastics are there and at what level.”

The severity of the issue is immeasurable, said Kaushik, who has been recognized on Stanford University’s prestigious list of the world’s top 2% of scientists since 2021.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Microplastics range from about the size of a pencil eraser down to particles so small they resemble the width of a red blood cell. Nanoplastics shrink even further into the nanometer scale, far too small to see without powerful microscopes. 

The innovative new sensor uses a specially treated electrode strip connected to a small reader. After a drop of water is added, the system looks for plastics such as polystyrene and turns that into an electrical signal the user can see on a smartphone.

“We have needed an easy way to measure microplastics in any body of water because what scientists have been doing takes advanced machines and trained technicians,” said Orr, a senior majoring in electrical engineering.

Orr and Almirola ’25, a mechanical engineering alum now pursuing his master’s in the same discipline, stepped up to assist Kaushik with the project with support from other researchers. Almirola and Kaushik earned inventor status on US Patent No. 12,523,590 B1, “Sensing Plastics with Electrode Sensor to Monitor Fluid Environments.”

Kaushik said that another patent application and paper are under review, with Orr and senior mechanical engineering major Andrea Lee to be included as inventors on the patent.

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SOURCE Florida Polytechnic University

KeyBank is partnering with Parachute Credit Counseling and the BankOn Buffalo-Niagara Coalition to provide free tax preparation services to those who need it most, helping low- to moderate-income individuals and families determine their eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

Volunteers from KeyBank and Parachute will be available at the following locations, days and times:

  • Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers – 415 Monroe St., Buffalo, NY, 14212 – Saturday, March 28 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
     
  • Dunkirk United Way – 626 Central Ave, Dunkirk, NY, 14048 – Saturday, March 28 from 10:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.
     
  • Jamestown Prendergast Library – 509 Cherry St., Jamestown, NY 14701 – Saturday, March 28 from 10:30 a.m. -4:00 p.m.
     
  • Niagara University – Glynn Hall, Room 209, 5795 Lewiston Rd, Niagara University, NY 14109 – Tuesday, March 31 from 6:00 -8:00 p.m.

All tax filers are welcome to attend and the individual does not have to be a KeyBank customer to participate.

“These free tax preparation events are signature annual events that are central to KeyBank’s purpose of helping the communities we serve thrive,” said Michael McMahon, KeyBank Buffalo Market President. “We are once again excited to work with Parachuteto support our neighbors with free tax preparation services.”

The Earned Income Tax Credit is a benefit for working people with low to moderate income. To qualify, workers and families must meet certain requirements and file a tax return, even if they do not owe any tax or are not required to file. EITC reduces the amount of tax owed and may provide a refund. (Source: IRS)

Each year, thousands of qualifying Americans do not claim the EITC on their federal income tax returns, meaning billions of dollars in much-needed refunds goes unclaimed. These free tax preparation events are a cost-effective way for tax filers to navigate the potentially confusing tax preparation process and ensure they are getting their full return.

According to the IRS, to qualify for the EITC, earned income must be less than:

  • $61,555 ($68,675 if married and filing jointly) if you have three or more children
  • $57,310 ($64,430 if married and filing jointly) if you have two children
  • $50,434 ($57,554 if married and filing jointly) if you have one child
  • $19,104 ($26,214 if married and filing jointly) if you have no children

**Children must meet certain relationship, age, and residency requirements to qualify

If participating, income tax return filers should bring these documents:

• State-issued photo ID

• Social Security card (for you, your spouse, and each child and/or dependent)

• W-2 forms

• 1099 forms (interest, earnings as an independent contractor)

• Unemployment forms (if applicable)

• Proof of childcare payments

• Other IRS forms as appropriate

• Last year’s tax return (if available)

• Bank account and routing number for direct deposit (if applicable)

If filing jointly, please bring all applicable documents for you and your spouse.

ABOUT KEYCORP

KeyCorp’s roots trace back more than 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $184 billion at December 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 950 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 PARACHUTE CREDIT COUNSELING

Since 1965, Parachute Credit Counseling has been providing the WNY community with the tools they need to build the foundation for a strong financial future. Parachute’s certified counselors offer one-on-one financial counseling services to help families understand and master their credit and personal finances. Their counselors provide a wide range of services including budgeting, debt management plans, building and understanding credit, student loan counseling, and housing counseling. Parachute also oversees the BankOn Buffalo-Niagara Coalition, a coalition of community organizations and financial institution partners (including KeyBank) working together to make banking affordable and accessible in WNY.

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HOUSTON, March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TruGrid has been recognized by the National Safety Council with a Perfect Record Award, given to companies that achieve 12 consecutive months without a work-related injury or illness resulting in days away from work. From January 1 through December 31, 2025, TruGrid teams logged more than 210,000 work hours with a 0.00 Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR). During that time, the company also surpassed 365 consecutive days with zero Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recordable incidents, all while completing five projects.

“Our teams take pride in delivering projects the right way, and our strong safety culture is central to that commitment,” said Josh Richardson, Chief Operating Officer at TruGrid. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our employees, partners, and subcontractors who make safe execution possible every day.”

TruGrid’s performance significantly outpaces industry benchmarks. The construction industry average TRIR ranges from 1.5 to 2.3, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, while utilities and renewable energy companies average 1.14, based on ISNetworld® data.

“Safety performance at this level is the result of alignment, accountability, and a culture where teams are empowered to act before incidents occur,” said Justin Whittenburg, Vice President of Health, Safety & Environment at TruGrid.

TruGrid recently released a safety white paper outlining the strategies behind this milestone and sharing insights to help strengthen safety culture across the EPC industry. 

About TruGrid
TruGrid is a premier utility-scale engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor specializing in battery energy storage systems (BESS) and solar technology. Its mission is to connect customers and communities with reliable and valuable utility-scale clean energy projects. Based in Houston, Texas, TruGrid is at the forefront of North America’s energy transition, offering solutions that ensure the most profitable projects for customers. Proudly owned by Hull Street Energy, TruGrid is dedicated to advancing sustainability and leading the energy industry with a focus on excellence, safety, and reliability.

About Hull Street Energy
Hull Street Energy (HSE) is a private equity firm that specializes in deploying capital into the power sector as it decarbonizes. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, the team leverages its decades of experience and unique knowledge of North American electricity infrastructure, fundamentals, and grid operations, including fuel inputs, commodity contract structuring, renewable and fossil powered generation assets, energy storage, transmission and distribution systems, and electricity demand-side businesses to build value for stakeholders. For further information about HSE please see www.hullstreetenergy.com.

Media Contact
Amy Norstedt
Senior Director of Marketing
anorstedt@trugridpower.com

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SOURCE TruGrid

HOUSTON, March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TruGrid has been recognized by the National Safety Council with a Perfect Record Award, given to companies that achieve 12 consecutive months without a work-related injury or illness resulting in days away from work. From January 1 through December 31, 2025, TruGrid teams logged more than 210,000 work hours with a 0.00 Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR). During that time, the company also surpassed 365 consecutive days with zero Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recordable incidents, all while completing five projects.

“Our teams take pride in delivering projects the right way, and our strong safety culture is central to that commitment,” said Josh Richardson, Chief Operating Officer at TruGrid. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our employees, partners, and subcontractors who make safe execution possible every day.”

TruGrid’s performance significantly outpaces industry benchmarks. The construction industry average TRIR ranges from 1.5 to 2.3, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, while utilities and renewable energy companies average 1.14, based on ISNetworld® data.

“Safety performance at this level is the result of alignment, accountability, and a culture where teams are empowered to act before incidents occur,” said Justin Whittenburg, Vice President of Health, Safety & Environment at TruGrid.

TruGrid recently released a safety white paper outlining the strategies behind this milestone and sharing insights to help strengthen safety culture across the EPC industry. 

About TruGrid
TruGrid is a premier utility-scale engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor specializing in battery energy storage systems (BESS) and solar technology. Its mission is to connect customers and communities with reliable and valuable utility-scale clean energy projects. Based in Houston, Texas, TruGrid is at the forefront of North America’s energy transition, offering solutions that ensure the most profitable projects for customers. Proudly owned by Hull Street Energy, TruGrid is dedicated to advancing sustainability and leading the energy industry with a focus on excellence, safety, and reliability.

About Hull Street Energy
Hull Street Energy (HSE) is a private equity firm that specializes in deploying capital into the power sector as it decarbonizes. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, the team leverages its decades of experience and unique knowledge of North American electricity infrastructure, fundamentals, and grid operations, including fuel inputs, commodity contract structuring, renewable and fossil powered generation assets, energy storage, transmission and distribution systems, and electricity demand-side businesses to build value for stakeholders. For further information about HSE please see www.hullstreetenergy.com.

Media Contact
Amy Norstedt
Senior Director of Marketing
anorstedt@trugridpower.com

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SOURCE TruGrid

In December, the future of African innovation took center stage in Abuja, Nigeria, as students from across the continent gathered for Junior Achievement (JA) Africa’s Company of the Year (COY) competition. Among the standout moments was the presentation of the FedEx Global Possibilities Award, celebrating youth-led businesses that are transforming bold ideas into real-world impact. 

This year’s award was presented to Xero Labs, a student-run enterprise whose solution speaks directly to one of today’s most urgent challenges: climate change. Guided by the competition’s theme – “ACT! Action for Climate Transformation” – the team demonstrated how innovation, sustainability, and community impact can intersect to create meaningful change.

Xero Labs began with a simple question: What if air pollution could be turned into something useful? Their answer was a device that captures harmful soot from vehicle exhausts and converts it into products like ink. What started as a small idea quickly evolved into a scalable solution with the potential to improve air quality while creating economic value – locally and beyond.

Three people holding microphones at COY 2025 event

As the premier youth business pitch competition on the continent, COY brings together high school entrepreneurs from eight African countries. The FedEx Global Possibilities Award, adjudicated by FedEx team members, recognizes student businesses that embody global connectivity through four pillars: innovation, access to new markets, sustainability, and community development.

“Supporting the next generation of African innovators is central to how we see the future of trade and economic growth on the continent,” said Nelson Teixeira, Managing Director of Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa. “This year’s winners demonstrated a clear passion for building solutions that can compete and connect on a global stage.”

For the Xero Labs team, the experience was both validating and motivating. “What began as a small idea to address air pollution has grown into a project with real purpose and potential,” they shared. “Being recognized on a global stage strengthened our confidence and reminded us that young people can contribute meaningful solutions to global challenges.”

Group photo with person in the center holding an award

JA Africa shares that belief. “Africa’s greatest resource is the brilliance and creativity of its young people,” said Simi Nwogugu, President and CEO of JA Africa. “Climate action is not just an environmental issue – it’s a development imperative.”

FedEx has worked alongside Junior Achievement Worldwide for more than 45 years, investing in young people who are shaping the future of trade, innovation, and sustainable growth. Through initiatives like the FedEx Global Possibilities Award, FedEx is proud to connect people, ideas, and opportunities – empowering the next generation to turn possibility into progress.

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

In December, the future of African innovation took center stage in Abuja, Nigeria, as students from across the continent gathered for Junior Achievement (JA) Africa’s Company of the Year (COY) competition. Among the standout moments was the presentation of the FedEx Global Possibilities Award, celebrating youth-led businesses that are transforming bold ideas into real-world impact. 

This year’s award was presented to Xero Labs, a student-run enterprise whose solution speaks directly to one of today’s most urgent challenges: climate change. Guided by the competition’s theme – “ACT! Action for Climate Transformation” – the team demonstrated how innovation, sustainability, and community impact can intersect to create meaningful change.

Xero Labs began with a simple question: What if air pollution could be turned into something useful? Their answer was a device that captures harmful soot from vehicle exhausts and converts it into products like ink. What started as a small idea quickly evolved into a scalable solution with the potential to improve air quality while creating economic value – locally and beyond.

Three people holding microphones at COY 2025 event

As the premier youth business pitch competition on the continent, COY brings together high school entrepreneurs from eight African countries. The FedEx Global Possibilities Award, adjudicated by FedEx team members, recognizes student businesses that embody global connectivity through four pillars: innovation, access to new markets, sustainability, and community development.

“Supporting the next generation of African innovators is central to how we see the future of trade and economic growth on the continent,” said Nelson Teixeira, Managing Director of Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa. “This year’s winners demonstrated a clear passion for building solutions that can compete and connect on a global stage.”

For the Xero Labs team, the experience was both validating and motivating. “What began as a small idea to address air pollution has grown into a project with real purpose and potential,” they shared. “Being recognized on a global stage strengthened our confidence and reminded us that young people can contribute meaningful solutions to global challenges.”

Group photo with person in the center holding an award

JA Africa shares that belief. “Africa’s greatest resource is the brilliance and creativity of its young people,” said Simi Nwogugu, President and CEO of JA Africa. “Climate action is not just an environmental issue – it’s a development imperative.”

FedEx has worked alongside Junior Achievement Worldwide for more than 45 years, investing in young people who are shaping the future of trade, innovation, and sustainable growth. Through initiatives like the FedEx Global Possibilities Award, FedEx is proud to connect people, ideas, and opportunities – empowering the next generation to turn possibility into progress.

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

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Compass Group USA is enhancing its climate strategy by integrating carbon intelligence directly into the digital systems that power menu development, procurement and supply chain operations. By placing emissions insights at the point of decision-making, the company is turning its climate commitments into measurable, enterprise-wide action.

“This goes far beyond introducing another standalone sustainability initiative,” said Amy Keister, Global Director of Sustainability, Compass Group. “We are fundamentally reshaping how food decisions are made by embedding climate data directly into the systems that drive purchasing, menu development and supply chain strategy.”

Automated Climate Intelligence Across Operations

Compass Group has developed an integrated technology suite that connects ingredient-level emissions data with systems its teams use every day to deliver real-time insights for recipes, menus and purchasing. Operators can instantly identify lower-impact ingredients, balance cost and sustainability priorities, and track performance, all within their existing workflows.

Empowering Chefs and Culinary Teams

For Compass culinarians, climate intelligence is fueling a new wave of innovation. As recipes are developed, their emissions are instantly assessed, enabling chefs to optimize for flavor, cost and sustainability at the same time.

Across the country, many locations feature guest-facing climate labels that highlight “better for the planet” options. Today, approximately half of Compass recipes meet low-carbon criteria, a figure that continues to rise as the usage of new tools and insights expands.

“Great chefs have always balanced creativity, cost, and responsibility,” said Chris Ivens-Brown, Chief Culinary Officer, Compass Group North America. “With real-time carbon insights now embedded in our recipe system, our teams can see the impact of their decisions and adjust in ways that reduce emissions while still delivering great food.”

Driving Transparency Across the Supply Chain

Another way Compass is creating change is by working collaboratively with suppliers to use these tools to drive transparency and greater progress across the supply chain. Through a partnership with Planet FWD, Compass uses a proprietary platform to collect detailed life cycle assessment (LCA) data from suppliers along with emissions data at the product level.

Real-Time Data and Client Reporting Through Carbon Foodprint

With the launch of Compass’ enhanced Carbon Foodprint platform, operators and clients access live, dashboard-driven emissions insights for 100% of purchasing data. The platform simplifies complex data and helps clients track performance, identify opportunities, and share verified progress toward their sustainability goals.

Scaling Climate Action Across Every Meal

With millions of meals served every day, Compass Group’s advanced sustainability technology is making a measurable difference in reducing emissions through menus, purchasing and partnerships.

“By embedding climate intelligence into the core of our operations, we are making measurable emissions reductions scalable across every meal we serve,” said Keister. “This strengthens our ability to deliver on both near- and long-term climate commitments.”

About Compass Group North America
Compass Group is redefining the food and facility services landscape with innovation and passion through the lens of what’s next. Serving premier healthcare systems, respected educational institutions, world-renowned cultural centers, popular sporting and entertainment venues, and Fortune 500 organizations, Compass Group always finds a way to deliver excellence in nearly any vertical. Ranked No. 1 by industry peers on Fortune’s 2026 list of World’s Most Admired Companies, Compass is also among the Top 50 Companies Changing the World according to Fortune. Learn more about the Compass experience at www.compass-usa.com.

Media Contact
Lisa Claybon
Lisa.Claybon@compass-usa.com

 

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SOURCE Compass Group