Author: sHq_LoGiNz

ProWood Backs the Next Generation of Home Developers, Commits to Filling Critical Knowledge and Training Gaps with NHCA Alliance

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

Lumber industry leader’s support of NHCA’s first Build the Builder program crucial for addressing housing shortage

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ProWood®, a leader in premium pressure-treated lumber, today announced a strategic partnership with the National Hispanic Construction Alliance (NHCA) to expand career pathways for Hispanic builders and trade workers across the United States. A key element of the collaboration includes ProWood’s support of NHCA’s 2026 launch of Build the Builder, an initiative designed to prepare builders and developers to reinvest in their communities.


ProWood / NHCA

“Expanding the pipeline of knowledgeable and capable developers is essential to addressing the nation’s urgent housing needs,” said Darren Bennett, vice president of sales and marketing at ProWood. “Hispanic construction professionals are a vital part of that future, and NHCA’s leadership in supporting their advancement is unmatched. We’re proud to partner in strengthening this growing segment of the industry.”

NHCA’s 2025 State of Hispanics in Construction Report shows that Hispanic builders now make up nearly one-third of the U.S. construction workforce and drove 59% of industry growth between 2018 and 2023. In response to this growing influence, NHCA—founded in 2023 by the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) and led by Executive Director Sergio Barajas—has rapidly expanded to provide culturally relevant training, capital pathways, and professional development for Hispanic tradespeople and developers.

“Hispanic workers are driving the future of construction, and they deserve access to the training and partnerships that help them advance,” said Barajas. “ProWood’s commitment to this community strengthens our ability to deliver meaningful advancement opportunities through programs like Build the Builder.”

How ProWood Will Support NHCA’s Growing Hispanic Construction Cohort

Through this partnership, ProWood will:

  • Support the launch of NHCA’s Build the Builder program, training Hispanic developers through in-person cohorts focused on real estate fundamentals, financing, project planning, and community reinvestment.
     
  • Expand access to industry education by participating in NHCA-led webinars that introduce the program and broaden outreach to potential participants.
     
  • Provide executive guidance through ProWood’s representation on the NHCA Corporate Advisory Council, where Darren Bennett will help shape training and workforce initiatives that reflect real industry needs.
     
  • Support accessible learning through NHCA’s translation of program materials for Spanish-speaking members.

The inaugural Build the Builder event will take place May 6–10, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. Learn more or apply.

ABOUT PROWOOD
ProWood, a brand of UFP Retail Solutions, LLC, a UFP Industries company, is the industry’s foremost manufacturer-distributor of lumber products and premier building materials. With a nationwide presence and a diverse range of products tailored for both building professionals and DIY homeowners, we deliver solutions that meet every need. Backed by industry-leading warranties and a relentless commitment to innovation, ProWood leads the way in education and product expertise, ensuring an exceptional customer experience at every touchpoint.

To learn more about ProWood, visit www.prowood.com or call 844-529-5882.

UFP INDUSTRIES, INC. (NASDAQ: UFPI)
UFP Industries, Inc. is a holding company whose operating subsidiaries – UFP Packaging, UFP Construction and UFP Retail Solutions – manufacture, distribute and sell a wide variety of value-added products used in residential and commercial construction, packaging and other industrial applications worldwide. Founded in 1955, the company is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., with affiliates in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. For more about UFP Industries, go to www.ufpi.com. 

ABOUT NHCA:
The National Hispanic Construction Alliance (NHCA) is a 501(c)6 trade association dedicated to empowering the Hispanic community in the construction industry. NHCA was established by the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) in a strategic alliance to connect the real estate and construction industries, offering broader services and opportunities for its members.

To learn more about the NHCA, visit NHCA.pro

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SOURCE ProWood®

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Member Roundtable Explores CSRD Implementation In Practice

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

CSRD Roundtable, At a Glance

  • Data infrastructure, assurance, proportionality, and supplier engagement key topics following Omnibus I adoption
  • Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)  framed as a shift from voluntary sustainability reporting toward financial-grade reporting
  • Alignment crucial between Higg Brand & Retail Module (Higg BRM) and European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), as well as upcoming mapping of Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM) for facility-level data use
  • Ongoing industry uncertainty exists around value-chain cap and Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for non-listed SMEs (VSMEs)

Recently, Cascale convened members for a follow-up roundtable on the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) to explore practical implementation challenges for complex global value chains. Building on insights from the 2025 Annual Meeting in Hong Kong, the discussion focused on translating regulatory requirements into workable, proportionate reporting practices.

The session was held in Brussels, Belgium, and was titled “CSRD in Practice: Bridging Policy Expectations and Supply Chain Realities.” Held under Chatham House rules, participants representing the textile and apparel value chain — from manufacturers to brands, retailers, and service providers — shared perspectives on implementation questions following the adoption of Omnibus I, including topics such as data infrastructure, assurance expectations, proportionality, and supplier engagement.

“CSRD transforms sustainability reporting from a voluntary activity into something closer to financial reporting,” said Gabriele Ballero, public affairs manager at Cascale. “Our goal is to help members navigate these requirements using practical tools like the Higg Index, while conveying industry perspectives to policymakers.”

Cascale highlighted early structural alignment work between the Higg Brand & Retail Module (Higg BRM) and the first iteration of European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), along with planned mapping of the Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM) to support responsible use of verified facility data for CSRD-related reporting.

The roundtable also emphasized interoperability and shared infrastructures as enablers of proportionality, helping reduce duplicative data requests and support reliable reporting across supply chains—particularly as questions continue to emerge around the value-chain cap and the Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for non-listed SMEs (VSME).

Cascale synthesized non-attributed discussion themes into an internal summary to support member learning and inform future implementation-focused engagement. Cascale members can access related resources and ongoing updates in the Policy & Public Affairs Knowledge Hub on Cascale Connect, an online member-exclusive community.

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Carnival Corporation Expands Shore Power Commitment

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

Investment reflects company’s shared commitment to reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions and noise in port communities

MIAMI, March 19, 2026 /3BL/ – Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest cruise company, is advancing its commitment to shore power infrastructure as construction progresses on a major electrification project in Whittier, Alaska, roughly 90 minutes southeast of Anchorage.

Developed in partnership with the State of Alaska, Chugach Electric Association and Carnival Corporation, the Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal Electrification Project will enable ships from two of the company’s world-class cruise lines – Holland America Line and Princess Cruises – to shut down engines while in port and operate on electricity from the local grid. The project includes electrical system upgrades, the installation of voltage step-down equipment near the cruise dock, and shore power connections to support EV charging.

Construction on the Whittier project began in 2023 with $12 million in combined funding from the State of Alaska, Holland America Line and Chugach Electric Association. Key equipment, including transformers and capacitor banks, has been delivered, and infrastructure work is progressing toward completion in 2027.

“Shore power remains an essential part of our decarbonization strategy as we pursue net zero greenhouse gas emissions from our ship operations by 2050,” said Robert Morgenstern, senior vice president for Princess and Holland America’s Alaska operations. “Alaska’s natural beauty is central to our guests’ experience, and this infrastructure investment demonstrates our shared commitment to protecting the environments we visit. It also reaffirms a partnership that dates back more than two decades to when we pioneered the cruise industry’s first shore power project with Juneau.”

Building on Two Decades of Industry Leadership

Carnival Corporation first adopted shore power in the cruise industry over 20 years ago. In 2001, Princess Cruises partnered with the City and Borough of Juneau to electrify Franklin Dock, creating the world’s first shore power-equipped cruise terminal.

Today, Carnival Corporation leads the industry with 74% of its fleet fully equipped to use shore power technology when available. In fact, nearly half of the company’s cruise lines have 100% shore-power-capable fleets, with plans to install additional shore-power connections fleetwide over the next several years.

Pioneering Shore Power Expansion Across Markets and Brands

The Whittier project marks the latest in a series of shore power milestones as Carnival Corporation continues to work closely with port partners globally to prioritize the expansion of this technology worldwide. Most recently, the company’s AIDA Cruises brand became the first to plug into landside electrical power in Rotterdam and Copenhagen, which marked the 13th and 14th cruise ports in Europe where the company’s ships use shore power.

In the U.S., Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Conquest marked the first cruise ship to connect to new shore power infrastructure at PortMiami in 2024, which became the first major cruise port on the U.S. eastern seaboard offering shore power connections at five cruise berths. The company also recently celebrated 20 years of plugging into landside electrical power in Seattle where its Princess Cruises brand was the first to connect, underscoring its long-standing partnership with the Port of Seattle.

How Shore Power Works

Shore power allows cruise operators to switch off ship engines while in port and connect to the local electric grid to power onboard systems and equipment. Using shore power can reduce total emissions by up to 100%, depending on the energy source mix.

Carnival Corporation is committed to connecting to shoreside electricity in port when it is available and operationally feasible. It’s one of many emission-reduction technologies Carnival Corporation uses as part of its overall decarbonization strategy and pursuit of net-zero GHG emissions from ship operations by 2050. Thanks to the aggressive ongoing actions taken to date throughout the fleet, Carnival Corporation is producing approximately 15% less total greenhouse gas emissions today than its peak historical year (2011), despite increasing capacity by roughly 38% since then.

For more information on Carnival Corporation’s long-term sustainability vision and progress, visit https://www.carnivalcorp.com/impact

This release may include claims related to our greenhouse gas emissions reductions, goals, initiatives, accomplishments, and progress reports. Supporting data for such greenhouse gas emissions claims, including data verification information, is published in our Sustainability Reports on carnivalcorp.com/impact on an annual basis.

###

About Carnival Corporation & plc

Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest global cruise company and among the largest leisure travel companies, with a portfolio of world-class cruise lines – AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn.

For more information, please visit www.carnivalcorp.com, www.aida.de, www.carnival.com, www.costacruises.com, www.cunard.com, www.hollandamerica.com, www.pocruises.com, www.princess.com, and www.seabourn.com.

To learn more about Carnival Corporation’s purpose and our positive impact worldwide on people and the planet, go to www.carnivalcorp.com/impact/.

Carnival Corporation Media Contacts:

Jody Venturoni, Carnival Corporation, jventuroni@carnival.com

Janna Rowell, Carnival Corporation, jrowell@carnival.com

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CABEI positions itself as the first Multilateral Development Bank to issue a Nature Bond

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) successfully executed today a US$100 million private placement in the Asian market with a five-year maturity.

The transaction structured by HSBC and purchased by an Asian institutional investor, marks a significant milestone for CABEI as the first Nature Bond issued by a Multilateral Development Bank and one of the first of its kind globally. The issuance reflects the evolution of CABEI’s sustainable funding strategy, mobilizing resources to support environmental protection and biodiversity conservation.

This Nature Bond has been issued under the green categories of CABEI’s Sustainable Bond Framework and is aligned with the guidance set forth in Sustainable Bonds for Nature: A Practitioner’s Guide, published by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) in June 2025. The proceeds will be used to finance and or refinance a diverse portfolio of nature-focused projects across key categories including Sustainable Land Use, Water Resource Protection, Sustainable Water Management and Nature Protection.

CABEI’s Executive President, Gisela Sánchez, stated: “We are proud to issue another landmark and innovative transaction that demonstrates our commitment to financing high-impact initiatives focused on nature conservation, ecosystem restoration, and biodiversity, while supporting policies that advance these objectives. This transaction also highlights CABEI’s capacity to implement creative solutions to mobilize resources under highly competitive market conditions, driving sustainable development and economic growth across our member countries.”

This transaction represents CABEI’s 37th ESG bond placement, totaling over US$11 billion, further cementing the Bank’s position as a leading multilateral sustainability issuer with a proven track record in delivering innovative financing solutions to support environmental and social development across its member countries.

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cabei-positions-itself-as-the-first-multilateral-development-bank-to-issue-a-nature-bond-302719019.html

SOURCE CABEI

Posted in UncategorizedTagged

CABEI positions itself as the first Multilateral Development Bank to issue a Nature Bond

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) successfully executed today a US$100 million private placement in the Asian market with a five-year maturity.

The transaction structured by HSBC and purchased by an Asian institutional investor, marks a significant milestone for CABEI as the first Nature Bond issued by a Multilateral Development Bank and one of the first of its kind globally. The issuance reflects the evolution of CABEI’s sustainable funding strategy, mobilizing resources to support environmental protection and biodiversity conservation.

This Nature Bond has been issued under the green categories of CABEI’s Sustainable Bond Framework and is aligned with the guidance set forth in Sustainable Bonds for Nature: A Practitioner’s Guide, published by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) in June 2025. The proceeds will be used to finance and or refinance a diverse portfolio of nature-focused projects across key categories including Sustainable Land Use, Water Resource Protection, Sustainable Water Management and Nature Protection.

CABEI’s Executive President, Gisela Sánchez, stated: “We are proud to issue another landmark and innovative transaction that demonstrates our commitment to financing high-impact initiatives focused on nature conservation, ecosystem restoration, and biodiversity, while supporting policies that advance these objectives. This transaction also highlights CABEI’s capacity to implement creative solutions to mobilize resources under highly competitive market conditions, driving sustainable development and economic growth across our member countries.”

This transaction represents CABEI’s 37th ESG bond placement, totaling over US$11 billion, further cementing the Bank’s position as a leading multilateral sustainability issuer with a proven track record in delivering innovative financing solutions to support environmental and social development across its member countries.

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cabei-positions-itself-as-the-first-multilateral-development-bank-to-issue-a-nature-bond-302719019.html

SOURCE CABEI

Posted in UncategorizedTagged

CABEI positions itself as the first Multilateral Development Bank to issue a Nature Bond

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) successfully executed today a US$100 million private placement in the Asian market with a five-year maturity.

The transaction structured by HSBC and purchased by an Asian institutional investor, marks a significant milestone for CABEI as the first Nature Bond issued by a Multilateral Development Bank and one of the first of its kind globally. The issuance reflects the evolution of CABEI’s sustainable funding strategy, mobilizing resources to support environmental protection and biodiversity conservation.

This Nature Bond has been issued under the green categories of CABEI’s Sustainable Bond Framework and is aligned with the guidance set forth in Sustainable Bonds for Nature: A Practitioner’s Guide, published by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) in June 2025. The proceeds will be used to finance and or refinance a diverse portfolio of nature-focused projects across key categories including Sustainable Land Use, Water Resource Protection, Sustainable Water Management and Nature Protection.

CABEI’s Executive President, Gisela Sánchez, stated: “We are proud to issue another landmark and innovative transaction that demonstrates our commitment to financing high-impact initiatives focused on nature conservation, ecosystem restoration, and biodiversity, while supporting policies that advance these objectives. This transaction also highlights CABEI’s capacity to implement creative solutions to mobilize resources under highly competitive market conditions, driving sustainable development and economic growth across our member countries.”

This transaction represents CABEI’s 37th ESG bond placement, totaling over US$11 billion, further cementing the Bank’s position as a leading multilateral sustainability issuer with a proven track record in delivering innovative financing solutions to support environmental and social development across its member countries.

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cabei-positions-itself-as-the-first-multilateral-development-bank-to-issue-a-nature-bond-302719019.html

SOURCE CABEI

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Taylor Sheridan’s Bosque Ranch Gets Digital Upgrade with Land.com

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

www.bosqueranchheadquarters.com

WEATHERFORD, Texas, March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bosque Ranch is entering the digital space with innovative ranch mapping technology, blending tradition and innovation to create a modern, immersive ranch experience through a new partnership with Land.com.


Courtesy of Eric Cain

This year’s Bosque Ranch Live, held on Saturday, September 12, will provide attendees with an upgraded, more intuitive way to navigate the ranch and its activation zones. Land.com—the industry’s premier rural real estate marketplace—will utilize its cutting-edge Ranch Splatter mapping system to create an immersive, photorealistic 3D experience of the entire event space giving attendees the experience of being there before even stepping foot on property. This marks its debut use outside of real estate listings, demonstrating the system’s ability to deliver high-fidelity, dynamic navigation in a live event setting. Upon arriving to Bosque Ranch, Land.com iPad kiosks will be located throughout the property to help attendees navigate smoothly through the event.

Taylor Sheridan, Owner, says, “We’ve always relied on science and careful breeding at Bosque Ranch, so using technology to map the ranch felt like a natural step. It’s a way to honor our traditions while embracing new tools, and we’re grateful to Land.com for helping bring it to life.”

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the official Bosque Ranch Live website.

About Bosque Ranch:
Bosque Ranch is the premier equine facility in North Texas, home of the NCHA Brazos Bash and The Winter Bash, the training center of 2018 NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman rider Kelby Phillips, site of Bosque Ranch Live and official filming location for Yellowstone, 1883, and more.

About Land.com
Land.com is the premier rural real estate site to buy and sell farms, ranches, country homes, mountain property.

Social Media
Instagram: @bosqueranchheadquarters
YouTube: Bosque Ranch Headquarters

For more information:
Megan Soliah
Bosque Ranch
(323) 847-2411
megan@bosqueranchheadquarters.com


Bosque Ranch Logo (PRNewsfoto/Bosque Ranch)

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/taylor-sheridans-bosque-ranch-gets-digital-upgrade-with-landcom-302718902.html

SOURCE Bosque Ranch

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Duke Energy partners with colleges to train next generation of lineworkers

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Through the Duke Energy Foundation, Duke Energy is awarding Lake-Sumter State College, Seminole State College of Florida, Valencia College, St. Petersburg College and South Florida State College each $50,000 to support their electrical lineworker training programs.


Duke Energy logo (PRNewsfoto/Duke Energy)

Why it matters

  • Each program provides students with industry-recognized training and skills that allow them to pursue entry-level positions at electric utilities.
  • Depending on the program, training lasts between seven weeks and 18 months, helping jumpstart graduates’ careers in linework.  
  • These programs also create a steady talent pipeline for the industry.
    • Between 2022 and 2025, Duke Energy hired more than 100 program graduates. 
    • According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical lineworker employment is projected to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034 – much faster than the average for all occupations.

What they’re saying

  • Melissa Seixas, State President, Duke Energy Florida: “Lineworkers are the heart of our communities, helping keep the power flowing for our family members, friends and neighbors every single day. I’m proud of Duke Energy’s partnerships with such well-respected institutions and grateful for all they do to help introduce so many men and women to what I truly believe is one of the most celebrated and rewarding career paths.”
  • Dr. Laura Byrd, Executive Vice President of Operations, Lake-Sumter State College / Executive Director, Lake-Sumter State College Foundation: “Lake-Sumter State College is proud to partner with Duke Energy to expand opportunities for students pursuing high-demand, high-wage careers in our region. Scholarships for the lineworker program not only remove financial barriers but also open the door to a valuable career pathway, one that equips students with the skills, confidence, and purpose to serve their communities in a vital industry. Together, we’re helping create lasting, rewarding careers that power Florida’s future.”
  • Dr. Jennifer Keefe, Director of Grants Development & Management, Seminole State College of Florida: “The Foundation for Seminole State College of Florida is once again thrilled to partner with the Duke Energy Foundation in the continued development of our lineworker program, offered through Seminole State Commits. Funding for Project POWER (Preparing Outstanding Workforce Energy Reliability) is crucial to our ability to continue to train line workers to serve the needs of our community for years to come. Our partnership with Duke Energy is a testament to both of our commitments to making our community stronger and more prepared for the challenges of the future and we are grateful for Duke Energy’s ongoing support.”
  • Kathleen Plinske, President, Valencia College: “Valencia College’s collaboration with Duke Energy spans more than two decades. We are incredibly grateful for their long-standing support, and this grant demonstrates their continued commitment to our students, enabling them to pursue high-wage careers as powerline technicians.”
  • Belinthia Berry, Dean of Workforce Development, St. Petersburg College: “Our partnership with Duke Energy is a powerful investment in the future of our region, creating a pipeline of highly skilled, job-ready lineworkers. Together, we are transforming lives by connecting students to industry-aligned training and high-demand career opportunities.”
  • Emily W. Dabolt, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, South Florida State College: “This collaboration with Duke Energy is a gamechanger for our electrical lineworker program at South Florida State College. Their investment in essential training equipment ensures our students gain real-world, hands-on experience with the same tools they’ll use in their careers. Duke Energy’s support directly translates to stronger workforce readiness and better employment outcomes for our students. This partnership exemplifies what’s possible when industry leaders invest in the next generation of skilled professionals who will serve our community for years to come.”

Duke Energy Florida
Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,300 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 54,800 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: Aly Raschid
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
X: @DE_AlyRaschid

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/duke-energy-partners-with-colleges-to-train-next-generation-of-lineworkers-302718869.html

SOURCE Duke Energy

Posted in UncategorizedTagged

Duke Energy partners with colleges to train next generation of lineworkers

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Through the Duke Energy Foundation, Duke Energy is awarding Lake-Sumter State College, Seminole State College of Florida, Valencia College, St. Petersburg College and South Florida State College each $50,000 to support their electrical lineworker training programs.


Duke Energy logo (PRNewsfoto/Duke Energy)

Why it matters

  • Each program provides students with industry-recognized training and skills that allow them to pursue entry-level positions at electric utilities.
  • Depending on the program, training lasts between seven weeks and 18 months, helping jumpstart graduates’ careers in linework.  
  • These programs also create a steady talent pipeline for the industry.
    • Between 2022 and 2025, Duke Energy hired more than 100 program graduates. 
    • According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical lineworker employment is projected to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034 – much faster than the average for all occupations.

What they’re saying

  • Melissa Seixas, State President, Duke Energy Florida: “Lineworkers are the heart of our communities, helping keep the power flowing for our family members, friends and neighbors every single day. I’m proud of Duke Energy’s partnerships with such well-respected institutions and grateful for all they do to help introduce so many men and women to what I truly believe is one of the most celebrated and rewarding career paths.”
  • Dr. Laura Byrd, Executive Vice President of Operations, Lake-Sumter State College / Executive Director, Lake-Sumter State College Foundation: “Lake-Sumter State College is proud to partner with Duke Energy to expand opportunities for students pursuing high-demand, high-wage careers in our region. Scholarships for the lineworker program not only remove financial barriers but also open the door to a valuable career pathway, one that equips students with the skills, confidence, and purpose to serve their communities in a vital industry. Together, we’re helping create lasting, rewarding careers that power Florida’s future.”
  • Dr. Jennifer Keefe, Director of Grants Development & Management, Seminole State College of Florida: “The Foundation for Seminole State College of Florida is once again thrilled to partner with the Duke Energy Foundation in the continued development of our lineworker program, offered through Seminole State Commits. Funding for Project POWER (Preparing Outstanding Workforce Energy Reliability) is crucial to our ability to continue to train line workers to serve the needs of our community for years to come. Our partnership with Duke Energy is a testament to both of our commitments to making our community stronger and more prepared for the challenges of the future and we are grateful for Duke Energy’s ongoing support.”
  • Kathleen Plinske, President, Valencia College: “Valencia College’s collaboration with Duke Energy spans more than two decades. We are incredibly grateful for their long-standing support, and this grant demonstrates their continued commitment to our students, enabling them to pursue high-wage careers as powerline technicians.”
  • Belinthia Berry, Dean of Workforce Development, St. Petersburg College: “Our partnership with Duke Energy is a powerful investment in the future of our region, creating a pipeline of highly skilled, job-ready lineworkers. Together, we are transforming lives by connecting students to industry-aligned training and high-demand career opportunities.”
  • Emily W. Dabolt, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, South Florida State College: “This collaboration with Duke Energy is a gamechanger for our electrical lineworker program at South Florida State College. Their investment in essential training equipment ensures our students gain real-world, hands-on experience with the same tools they’ll use in their careers. Duke Energy’s support directly translates to stronger workforce readiness and better employment outcomes for our students. This partnership exemplifies what’s possible when industry leaders invest in the next generation of skilled professionals who will serve our community for years to come.”

Duke Energy Florida
Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,300 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 54,800 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: Aly Raschid
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
X: @DE_AlyRaschid

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/duke-energy-partners-with-colleges-to-train-next-generation-of-lineworkers-302718869.html

SOURCE Duke Energy

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First Registered Networking Equipment Continues EPEAT’s Expansion Into Sustainable Digital Infrastructure

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

PORTLAND, Ore., March 19, 2026 /3BL/ – The Global Electronics Council® (GEC), steward of the EPEAT® ecolabel today announced the first networking equipment products listed on the EPEAT Registry. This milestone expands the ecolabel’s reach into networking technologies that underpin modern enterprise IT environments.

The first registered products, including the 5420 Series of enterprise network switches and AP4020 Wi-Fi 7 access points from Extreme Networks, a leader in AI-powered automation for networking, mark an important step in bringing independently verified sustainability standards to the networking equipment that powers organizations worldwide.

Networking technologies play a foundational role in enabling enterprise operations across campuses, distributed organizations, and cloud-connected environments. As demand for digital connectivity continues to accelerate, the addition of networking equipment to EPEAT enables organizations to integrate sustainability considerations into core digital infrastructure decisions.

The inclusion of networking equipment in the EPEAT Registry reflects growing industry recognition that sustainability must extend beyond traditional endpoint devices to the broader digital systems that support modern operations.

Networking equipment serves as a critical layer within digital infrastructure, connecting users, devices, data centers, and cloud services. As global demand for connectivity continues to rise, manufacturers and enterprise buyers are increasingly focused on addressing the environmental impacts associated with these essential technologies.

By applying lifecycle-based sustainability criteria to networking equipment, including considerations related to materials, manufacturing, energy use, and end-of-life management, EPEAT provides organizations with trusted information to support more responsible technology procurement.

“The addition of networking equipment to the EPEAT Registry marks an important milestone in expanding sustainability across the digital infrastructure that powers modern organizations,” said Bob Mitchell, CEO of the Global Electronics Council. “As enterprises continue to invest in the connectivity and computing systems that drive today’s digital economy, it is critical that sustainability considerations extend beyond endpoint devices to the technologies that enable communication, data processing, and cloud connectivity. By bringing independently verified sustainability criteria to networking equipment, EPEAT is helping manufacturers demonstrate leadership while enabling purchasers to make more informed and responsible technology decisions.”

Extreme Networks is the first brand to register networking equipment products under the EPEAT program, demonstrating leadership in advancing sustainability within enterprise networking.

“EPEAT status is proof that sustainability is built into how we design, not added later. It reflects smarter innovation across the full product lifecycle and gives our customers confidence they’re choosing high-performing products that align with their environmental goals. We’re proud to be the first and only vendor to deliver EPEAT registered networking equipment and will continue working with the Global Electronics Council to advance access to sustainable networking solutions,” said Katy Motiey, Chief Legal, Administrative & Sustainability Officer, Extreme Networks.

The expansion of EPEAT into networking equipment introduces new opportunities for both manufacturers and technology buyers.

For manufacturers, EPEAT registration provides a pathway to demonstrate sustainability leadership and differentiate products through independently verified environmental criteria.

For enterprise purchasers, the availability of EPEAT registered networking equipment expands sustainable procurement options and enables organizations to incorporate networking technologies into broader IT sustainability strategies.

For the technology industry, the introduction of networking equipment into the EPEAT signals the continued expansion of ecolabeling across the technology sector and reinforces the role of transparent sustainability standards in driving innovation and market transformation.

About the Global Electronics Council

The Global Electronics Council (GEC) envisions a world with only sustainable electronic technology that enhances the well-being of people and planet. Our mission is to accelerate the transformation of markets toward prioritizing the most sustainable electronic products and services.

As stewards of the EPEAT ecolabel, we set global standards for electronics that empower brands, their value chains and their buyers to achieve ambitious sustainability goals. Through our thought leadership, advocacy, and EPEAT ecolabel, GEC is helping to reshape the electronics industry into a driving force for environmental preservation and global well-being.

About the EPEAT Ecolabel

EPEAT is a leading global ecolabel that enables manufacturers to follow strict third-party verified standards while providing transparency for buyers.

Since its launch in 2006, procurement professionals have reported purchases of more than 2.7 billion EPEAT products, generating cost savings exceeding $34 billion USD and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 341 million metric tonnes.

Media Contact

Erik Fessler

Senior Manager, Global Communications

Global Electronics Council

Direct Line: +1 (971) 380-4088

U.S. Eastern Time Zone

efessler@gec.org

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