Author: sHq_LoGiNz

Lenovo advances toward net-zero emissions, scales circular innovation, and strengthens governance of AI to sustain business growth and resilience across environmental, social and governance impacts.

MORRISVILLE, N.C., July 8, 2026 /3BL/ – Lenovo today announced strong progress against its first generation of long-term, enterprise-wide Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) aspirations, advancing its vision to provide smarter technology for all that supports Lenovo’s own sustainability goals and its customers. The FY2025‑26 ESG Report highlights measurable gains in climate action, circular economy, social impact, and governance, while reinforcing responsible innovation in the AI era and Lenovo’s continued commitment to ESG programs with the announcement of a new set of sustainability aspirations.

“This fiscal year represents an important moment for Lenovo,” shared Dave Carroll, Lenovo’s Chief Legal and Corporate Responsibility Officer. “As we near the end of our first generation of ESG goals, we are proud of the progress we’ve made—but even more focused on applying what we’ve learned to accelerate future impact. Our work is closely aligned with the needs of our customers and partners as we navigate environmental challenges, geopolitical complexity, and the rapid evolution of AI.”

Over the last five years, Lenovo has embedded ESG across its global operations, strengthening collaboration and driving measurable action while remaining agile. The company remains on track to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, with targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative. Today, more than 90% of Lenovo’s global operations’ electricity now comes from renewable sources (onsite renewable energy generation, PPA agreements, and/or purchase of RECs), demonstrating strong progress in emissions reduction and support for renewable energy markets.

As a global technology powerhouse, Lenovo continues to advance responsible design through its R.E.A.L Framework, focusing on repairability, reuse, and recycling. Key achievements include:

• 100% of PC products incorporate post-consumer recycled content materials (excluding tablets and accessories)
• Enabled more than 800 million pounds (~363 million kg) of end-of-life product recovery since 2005
• Reused 300 million pounds of post-consumer recycled plastics since 2005
• Increased smartphone packaging sustainability, including 60% recycled materials and a 50% reduction in single-use plastics (compared to FY2020/21, excludes Lenovo-branded smartphone packaging and includes motorola razr packaging as of FY2023/24).

Lenovo continues to foster an inclusive workplace and positive community impact. Representation of women and underrepresented groups has measurably improved across Lenovo’s global workforce. The company’s inclusion efforts have been recognized by organizations including Disability:IN, Workplace Pride, the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index, and Forbes.

From 2021 to 2026, Lenovo’s philanthropy programs positively impacted more than 25 million people by expanding access to technology and education. Employee programs like Love on Month of Service achieved record engagement, reflecting a strong culture of volunteerism.

In the era of AI, Lenovo is advancing its smarter AI for all focus to support metric collection and analysis for sustainability, highlighting AI’s role as a tool for a more sustainable future. Lenovo also supports industry collaboration through initiatives like the ITU AI Skills Coalition and Coalition for Sustainable AI, in addition to social impact initiatives that harness the power of AI, including:

• TRAdA solution for predicting heart arrhythmia in athletes
• Accessibility tools such as communication avatars and sign language translation
• Global AI skilling initiatives with partners like Tech To The Rescue and Ashoka

Lenovo also continues to earn global recognition for ESG performance, including:

• EcoVadis Platinum Medal
• CDP A List (climate and water) and A rating for supplier engagement
• Corporate Knights 100 Most Sustainable Companies
• #5 in Gartner’s 2026 Global Supply Chain Rankings
• ‘Most Sustainable Organization’ Award from the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants

As Lenovo prepares its next generation of ESG aspirations, it remains focused on innovation and responsible growth to advance sustainability worldwide. Future aspirations can be found in the FY2025-26 ESG Report.

About Lenovo

Lenovo is a US$83 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #196 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Guided by its vision of “Smarter Technology for All”, Lenovo is executing a Hybrid AI strategy that spans Personal AI – one personal AI, multiple devices; and Enterprise AI – helping customers turn data into insights and value. This strategy is delivered through the Group’s commitment to world-class innovation and a full-stack AI portfolio, including devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets, accessories), infrastructure solutions (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), as well as software, solutions, and services. With a global footprint spanning more than 20 research and development locations and a global supply chain that includes more than 30 manufacturing sites across 10 markets, Lenovo is widely recognized for its operational excellence. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). Learn more at www.lenovo.com and follow the latest news in our newsroom.

Sofidel

Following the commissioning of a new biomass boiler in France in March, the Group – celebrating its 60th anniversary this year – has brought a new photovoltaic system into operation at its Rothley Lodge converting facility in Leicester, UK

PORCARI (Lucca), Italy, July 8, 2026 /3BL/ – Sofidel, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of paper for hygienic and household use, known particularly in Italy and Europe for its Regina brand, continues to invest in the energy transition across its European facilities.

The Group today announces the start-up of a new photovoltaic system installed at the Rothley Lodge converting facility in Leicester, in the United Kingdom.

Installed on the roof of the production building and covering a total surface area of 6,130 square metres, the system is designed to directly use the solar energy generated, without the need for storage systems such as batteries. This technical choice optimizes operational efficiency while reducing management complexity. The installation is equipped with the latest solutions for production optimization and fire prevention.

During the initial operating phase – characterized by significantly limited solar irradiation in Northern Europe – the system covered 11.68% of the site’s total electricity demand, corresponding to 13.45% of the electricity drawn from the grid. During the summer months, coverage is expected to peak at around 19%.

“Also at Sofidel UK facility in Rothley Lodge, we continue to take action to reduce our carbon footprint. The results of the first operating period are encouraging, especially considering they were achieved during the coldest season and with lower levels of solar irradiation,” said Giuseppe Munari, Country Operations Manager for Sofidel in the United Kingdom. “This represents further confirmation of our investment strategy in renewable energy, driven by the conviction that reducing dependence on fossil fuels also means building a lasting competitive and industrial advantage.”

The investment made in the UK photovoltaic system is just the latest step in Sofidel’s broader decarbonization strategy across the countries where it operates. This approach adapts solutions to local climatic, infrastructural and regulatory contexts: biomass in France and the United Kingdom, biomethane in France and Sweden, bio-syngas in Sweden, and photovoltaic systems in Romania, Italy, and the United Kingdom.

Just a few weeks ago, a biomass boiler was commissioned at the Group’s Frouard facility in France. Together with a first unit already in operation, it will make it possible to cover up to 95% of the site’s steam requirements.For Sofidel, sustainability is a strategic lever for development, closely linked to innovation in production processes, products, and logistics. It enables the Group to anticipate new opportunities for growth and continuous improvement, while reducing the impact of its activities on natural capital.

Las Vegas Sands

As part of its commitment to generating diversified economic growth and opportunities for the Macao region, Sands China prioritizes the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and has enabled a number of entrepreneurs to find success through engagements at its five resorts.

A component of Sands’ global commitment to propelling business impact in its regions around the world, SME engagement is most prominent in Macao where Sands China has led the company in SME procurement spending. Globally, Sands’ regions invested more than $1.7 billion with SMEs from 2021-2025.

“SMEs are a vital pillar of Macao’s economy, securing the foundation of the city’s diversified industries,” Grant Chum, chief executive officer and executive director of Sands China, said late last year in celebrating the 10^th anniversary of the company’s Local Small, Medium and Micro Suppliers Support Programme.

Working with the Macao Chamber of Commerce, the company established this pioneering initiative in 2015 to help spearhead industry efforts around local SME support and a buy-local mindset. The program provides business development opportunities, including financial support, interactive platforms, and training and development through the Sands Procurement Academy.

“For more than 20 years, Sands China has remained committed to supporting the growth of local SMEs by leading the industry in prioritizing local procurement, building promotional platforms for local businesses, and sharing our business expertise and experience to help them achieve independent development,” Chum continued.

The successful business partnerships and entrepreneurial growth stories resulting from Sands China’s SME initiatives are a testament their success.

An example of a budding business endeavor is Sands China’s work with Youfruit, which provides professional fruit and vegetable preparation service. After Youfruit founder Suki Leong reached out to Sands China through the SME supplier support program to inquire about opportunities for its service, the company brought the SME on board with support beyond the contract.

To ensure high standards in hygiene and food production for the resort’s restaurants, Sands China provided the Youfruit team with technical expertise, including instructional videos from chefs to guide them on cutting techniques and methods to maximize the use of raw materials.

The synergy created has significantly reduced preparation workload for Sands China’s restaurants and allowed the company’s Team Members to focus on enhancing diner experience. For Youfruit, the relationship has helped propel the company’s growth since 2023.

Another unique Sands China partnership with a local SME was a pilot with craft brewery Funny Eye. The relationship began last year with the goal of addressing a food waste issue in The Londoner Macao’s central kitchen, where large volumes of fruit peels were being discarded during daily food preparation.

Working together, The Londoner Macao team and Funny Eye tested an innovative solution to transform fruit peels into beverages by extracting their natural flavors and infusing them into locally produced soda water and sparkling teas. The positive results have led Sands China and Funny Eye to explore a long-term partnership.

One of Sands China’s major initiatives to advance SMEs is the Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme, which funds businesses and provides developmental opportunities to help them launch and operate in Macao’s Rua das Estalagens commercial district. The program is part of the company’s commitment to re-energizing the historic district’s economic vitality. SME participants can receive subsidies of up to twice their invested capital.

In April, Sands China announced continuation of the program, after initially helping seven entrepreneurs launch businesses in the area. In phase two, the company will recruit a new group of SMEs to establish businesses on Rua das Estalagens.

Another facet of Sands China’s Rua das Estalagens initiative its Shop Rebranding Programme, which helps existing businesses strengthen their brands and operational capability. Selected applicants may receive up to three times their invested capital.

Sands China’s Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme has greatly benefited the first cohort of businesses, which were initially selected in 2024 and received funding and supportive program opportunities to launch and operate their businesses.

“In addition to providing startup capital to relieve financial pressure, Sands China offered professional advice to keep our opening on track,” Lau Fong Hoi, founder of Voyage Thai Kitchen, a phase one program participant, said. “On the promotional front, they have worked hard to build platforms for us, such as a food fest and inclusion in the Sands China Macao International 10K promotions. This [promotion] transforms the high traffic of major events into actual foot traffic for our shop, strengthening our confidence in operating on Rua das Estalagens.”

Agostinho Jesus, owner of Catfee Macau and another original recipient of Sands China’s Entrepreneurship Recruitment Program investments also said Sands China’s support has been comprehensive. Catfee Macau is a pet souvenir store that combines a cat rescue with artistic displays and a café. The store promotes an “adopt, don’t shop” mentality, and customers can enjoy a unique culinary experience from the rooftop with a view of Rua das Estalagens.

“Beyond the promotional opportunities, the entrepreneurial training courses covering social media marketing and business plan writing were particularly beneficial,” Jesus said. “These [programs] helped us optimize operations and lay a foundation for long-term growth. We’ve used this support to bring an innovative concept – combining the rescue of stray cats with a café – to this historic street.”

To learn more about Sands China’s work with SMEs and Sands’ support for local business development in its regions, read the company’s latest ESG report: https://www.sands.com/resources/reports/

Originally published in GoDaddy’s 2025 Global Stakeholder Impact Report

Inclusive Entrepreneurship

We empower and champion entrepreneurs everywhere.

We recognize that the entrepreneurial journey is as diverse as the individuals who embark on it. At GoDaddy, inclusive entrepreneurship means everyone deserves the chance to pursue an independent business venture on their own terms. Our purpose is to expand access to opportunity, helping people shape their own paths and livelihoods.

We advance this work in two connected ways. We support entrepreneurs  with tools and targeted grants designed to meet them where they are,  and we study and share the positive impact entrepreneurs have on  their communities.

GoDaddy Empower

GoDaddy Empower is our signature social impact program, designed to help emerging entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses online. Access to education, mentorship, networks, tools, and capital can make meaningful differences throughout an entrepreneur’s journey. We support entrepreneurs by providing access to GoDaddy technology, alongside targeted grant funding delivered through partners.

GoDaddy Empower works with entrepreneurs at every stage, from individuals creating their first idea to those growing their established business. Wherever they begin, we help entrepreneurs build skills and transform ambition into action.

• Investing in student-led ventures through colleges and universities: Through our current and potential future partnerships, we aim to help students bring their ideas to life. With access to GoDaddy tools, students can develop practical digital skills and the confidence to take their ideas and launch their online presence for the first time, laying the groundwork for futures shaped by possibility.
• Supporting entrepreneurs through partners: Through partnerships with nonprofit and community organizations that offer established entrepreneurship programs, eligible participants can earn $1,000 grants after completing entrepreneur-focused training and milestones defined by each partner. These grants help participants invest in themselves and their businesses.

$2.7+ Million

More than $2.7 million invested in 2025 to support entrepreneurs.

Providing Tools to Get Online

Participants receive access to GoDaddy products and services that make it easier to build and grow an online presence. Solutions like Airo, an AI-powered experience, help entrepreneurs establish and expand their digital footprint with less friction, so they can focus on what matters most: building something they believe in.

Participants receive:

• A professionally branded email
• A free .com or .org domain for two years
• Free web hosting for two years

EMPOWERING STUDENT-ATHLETES AT ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

In partnership with the Arizona State University Student- Athlete Venture Studio, GoDaddy Empower equips Division I student-athletes with the tools and support to build skills beyond the field. By integrating GoDaddy services and targeted funding into the curriculum, the program helps athletes establish digital identities, bring ideas to life, and develop practical skills that power long-term success.

One participant, Adama Fall, is applying that mindset to life after football. Adama used Airo to build a digital professional presence that reflects both his athletic career and future ambitions. For Adama, the program is about owning his story and creating opportunities that extend well beyond the field.

GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab

The long-term success of entrepreneurs and their microbusinesses plays a vital role in supporting the economic wellbeing and resilience of communities. The GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab, formerly Venture Forward, is a multi-year, multi-country research initiative that analyzes more than 20 million small and microbusinesses to quantify their economic impact and provide insight into their attitudes, demographics, and needs.

At GoDaddy, we believe the better we understand entrepreneurs, the better we can support them. That is why we make these findings publicly available at no charge to help inform policymakers, partners, and the broader small business ecosystem.

2025 YEAR-END REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:

• 8+: More than 8 new jobs are created by each microbusiness entrepreneur on a county-level.
• 72%: 72% of entrepreneurs feel confident they’ll achieve their definition of success in their lifetime.
• 2%: Every 1% increase in microbusiness ownership within a community correlates with roughly a 2% rise in income, or around $1,500 over three years.
• 49%: Nearly half of entrepreneurs use AI for their business, which is almost double the 25% reported in early 2024.

Read the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab’s full 2025 Year-End Report here.

GoDaddy Microbusiness Data Hub

To support and amplify the impact of microbusinesses, the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab launched the Microbusiness Data Hub in 2022. This platform provides access to free, downloadable, anonymized data on more than 20 million microbusinesses and their owners across the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia. Refreshed quarterly, the data hub offers valuable insights into microbusiness density by geography and industry, empowering policymakers, researchers, and community leaders to make data-driven decisions that support small business growth.

MICROBUSINESS DATA HUB GPT

In 2025, the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab published its first public GPT on ChatGPT, combining each microbusiness report we’ve released since 2020 into a single, conversational experience. Users can explore regional differences, long-term trends, and industry insights, review five years of survey results, and dig into the stories behind the data. The tool, found here, also allows users to ask direct questions of U.S. microbusiness data at the state, county, and metro level.

Learn more about GoDaddy’s 2025 Global Stakeholder Impact Report.

About this Report

The GoDaddy 2025 Global Stakeholder Impact Report details our progress toward our corporate sustainability goals, strategies, and initiatives in support of our overarching purpose and values. Unless otherwise noted, this report reflects our corporate sustainability performance across our global operations covering the fiscal year period from January 1 to December 31, 2025. To demonstrate our commitment to transparent communication regarding our sustainability progress, we routinely share updates through our website and our annual reporting. We welcome your questions, comments, and feedback on this report by contacting ESG@GoDaddy.com.

This report references the Global Reporting Initiative Standards, includes select Sustainability Accounting Standards Board metrics for the Internet Media and Services sector, and the Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures. We also disclose our contributions and progress toward priority UN SDGs. For additional information on how we align with these frameworks and key indicators demonstrating our sustainability performance, please refer to the Frameworks & Metrics section.

About GoDaddy

GoDaddy, the world’s largest domain name registrar, helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start, grow, and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a website and logo, sell their products and services and accept payments. GoDaddy Airo®, the company’s AI-powered experience, makes growing a small business faster and easier by helping them to get their idea online in minutes, drive traffic and boost sales. GoDaddy’s expert guides are available 24/7 to provide assistance. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 8, 2026 /3BL/ – Today, Discovery Education released Social Studies Essentials, a new K–5 supplemental program designed to give teachers ready-to-use lessons and built-in supports that reduce planning time while making rigorous social studies instruction more engaging for students. Social Studies Essentials is now available for implementation in districts across the United States.

Backed by research and grounded in the C3 Framework, Social Studies Essentials helps students investigate real places, people, and events across history, geography, civics, and economics through compelling primary sources, embedded multimedia, and inquiry-driven activities. Lessons reinforce reading comprehension, vocabulary, discussion, and writing. Editable slides, pacing guidance, scaffolds, and point-of-use teacher supports give educators time back to focus on instruction, not lesson prep.

“Strong social studies instruction helps young learners understand their communities and see themselves as active participants in the world around them,” said Brian Shaw, CEO of Discovery Education. “Social Studies Essentials makes it possible to bring that kind of instruction into elementary classrooms every day with engaging, ready-to-teach lessons that give teachers time back. As students head back to school after celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary this summer, we’re giving teachers the tools to turn that curiosity into real questions, thoughtful inquiry, and learning that lasts.”

Discovery Education developed Social Studies Essentials based on educator feedback with an explicit goal: to make rigorous, inquiry-based social studies instruction more accessible for teachers and students. Social Studies Essentials supports educators at every experience level with the following features:

• Ready-to-Use Lessons and Teacher Supports: Editable slideshow lessons, pacing guidance, scaffolds, and point-of-use educator notes help teachers make the most of short supplemental blocks.
• Embedded Literacy in Every Social Studies Lesson: Reading comprehension, vocabulary, discussion, and writing strengthen essential literacy skills.
• Primary Sources and Inquiry-Driven Exploration: Compelling primary and secondary sources, multimedia, and inquiry-based activities inspire students to explore history, civics, geography, and economics through discussion, writing, and hands-on learning.
• Differentiation and Assessment: Integrated scaffolds, checks for understanding, performance tasks, and reflection opportunities help educators monitor progress and adjust instruction to support success in grade-level social studies for all learners.

Educators can download free classroom resources to commemorate the U.S.’s 250^th anniversary, including sample Social Studies Essentials lessons. Social Studies Essentials is available now for the 2026–2027 school year.

To learn more, visit www.discoveryeducation.com/solutions/social-studies/essentials/.

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About Discovery Education

Discovery Education is a global education technology leader whose innovative solutions empower educators and progress student learning. Discovery Education’s solutions have served more than 100 million students globally, supporting effective teaching and learning in 45% of U.S. K–12 schools and in 100+ countries and territories. The company’s portfolio includes award-winning core and supplemental curriculum, high-quality standards-aligned content, and AI-enabled teaching and learning tools. Solutions span math, science, literacy, social studies, and career-connected learning, including instructionally aligned content developed through one-of-a-kind partnerships with industry leaders to bring real-world relevance into every lesson. Learn more at www.discoveryeducation.com.

Contact

Ali Koper
Discovery Education
akoper@discoveryed.com

Originally published on Devex.com

By Devex Partnerships // 30 June 2026

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, YouTube, or search “Devex” in your favorite podcast app.

Kentucky has the highest lung cancer rates in the U.S., but it’s also becoming a model for how to fight back. Experts behind the QUILS™ system join Devex to discuss early detection, coalition building, and lessons applicable to health systems worldwide.

In this special edition of the This Week in Global Development podcast, produced in partnership with the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, Devex cofounder and Executive Vice President Alan Robbins sits down with three architects of Kentucky’s transformation in fighting high lung cancer rates: Dr. Jamie Studts, Dr. Jennifer Redmond Knight, and Dr. Timothy Mullett — the team behind the Kentucky LEADS Collaborative and the QUILS™ system.

After a decade of data, the results are clear: earlier diagnoses are being seen in Kentucky, and current efforts are seeking a similar impact in Mississippi and Nevada. But the real story is how these results were achieved. Rather than imposing top-down protocols, QUILS™ works by equipping local community programs with data-informed tools, continuous feedback, and practice support — helping local clinics serve as trusted access points for lung cancer screening in their communities.

The conversation tackles the hardest part of scaling any screening program: human behavior. Lung cancer carries a unique stigma rooted in decades of anti-smoking messaging, and that stigma remains a powerful barrier, discouraging eligible patients from coming forward. The QUILS™ response is to replace shame and fear with empathy and hope, building person-centered care directly into clinical workflows so the burden does not fall on patients alone.

For global health leaders, the implications are clear: The barriers Kentucky faced — rural isolation, underresourced systems, cultural mistrust — are not unique to one region. They exist everywhere. And the infrastructure built to overcome them may be exactly what the world needs.

Watch the full podcast here: Special edition: The blueprint for better lung cancer screening

Originally published on Devex.com

By Devex Partnerships // 30 June 2026

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, YouTube, or search “Devex” in your favorite podcast app.

Kentucky has the highest lung cancer rates in the U.S., but it’s also becoming a model for how to fight back. Experts behind the QUILS™ system join Devex to discuss early detection, coalition building, and lessons applicable to health systems worldwide.

In this special edition of the This Week in Global Development podcast, produced in partnership with the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, Devex cofounder and Executive Vice President Alan Robbins sits down with three architects of Kentucky’s transformation in fighting high lung cancer rates: Dr. Jamie Studts, Dr. Jennifer Redmond Knight, and Dr. Timothy Mullett — the team behind the Kentucky LEADS Collaborative and the QUILS™ system.

After a decade of data, the results are clear: earlier diagnoses are being seen in Kentucky, and current efforts are seeking a similar impact in Mississippi and Nevada. But the real story is how these results were achieved. Rather than imposing top-down protocols, QUILS™ works by equipping local community programs with data-informed tools, continuous feedback, and practice support — helping local clinics serve as trusted access points for lung cancer screening in their communities.

The conversation tackles the hardest part of scaling any screening program: human behavior. Lung cancer carries a unique stigma rooted in decades of anti-smoking messaging, and that stigma remains a powerful barrier, discouraging eligible patients from coming forward. The QUILS™ response is to replace shame and fear with empathy and hope, building person-centered care directly into clinical workflows so the burden does not fall on patients alone.

For global health leaders, the implications are clear: The barriers Kentucky faced — rural isolation, underresourced systems, cultural mistrust — are not unique to one region. They exist everywhere. And the infrastructure built to overcome them may be exactly what the world needs.

Watch the full podcast here: Special edition: The blueprint for better lung cancer screening