At Southern Company, we’re grateful to be part of the communities we serve. Every day, our teammates are dedicated to making a positive impact through charitable giving, volunteering, and more. View the images to see how we’re giving back to help build stronger communities.
Author: sHq_LoGiNz
345 tons of hotel amenities recycled by Sands China and community partners since 2014
MACAO, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sands China mobilised 330 team members together with volunteers from the University of Saint Joseph, sustainability nonprofit Sustaincia, Oxfam in Macau, and the Youth Volunteers Association of Macao to assemble 30,000 hygiene kits for international social enterprise Clean the World Thursday at The Venetian® Macao’s Cotai Expo. It marks the 12th consecutive year that Sands China has partnered with local social service organisations to support the Clean the World initiative.
A total of 26,000 emergency response hygiene kits will be delivered to the Philippines, while 4,000 will be distributed to 11 Macao NGOs and three charitable and educational institutions in Hong Kong. The kits provide essential hygiene supplies to families in need and promote the concept of resource recycling to younger generations.
After hotel guests check out, Sands China collects used soap for Clean the World to recycle. Through a remanufacturing process, soap is sanitised and repurposed, extending the life of hotel supplies that would otherwise be discarded as unnecessary waste. Besides soap, each kit contains shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a card with an encouraging message from Sands China and Clean the World in a reusable non-woven bag.
“Sands China is proud to have been the first integrated operator in Macao to partner with Clean the World to produce hygiene kits,” said Grant Chum, chief executive officer and executive director of Sands China Ltd. “Since 2014, we have continuously responded to our parent company’s call to action, participating in this meaningful initiative for 12 consecutive years. By leveraging our resources, we give back to Macao while extending a helping hand internationally. To date, we have worked with our community partners to prepare more than 415,000 kits to support vulnerable groups in Macao and neighbouring regions, helping prevent the spread of disease and promoting environmental protection through recycling. Sands China is grateful to Clean the World for their collaboration over the years, and sincerely thanks our team members and community partners for their dedication and selfless contributions in advancing global health and environmental sustainability.”
Shawn Seipler, founder and chief executive officer of Clean the World, said: “It’s truly inspiring to witness Sands China and the Macao community come together once again to support families in need. By assembling 30,000 hygiene kits, we’re not just providing essential supplies, we’re delivering hope, dignity, and the power of collective action. Every kit is a testament to the compassion and generosity of volunteers, partners, and Sands China. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of thousands across Macao and beyond.”
Sands China’s support of Clean the World is part of Sands Cares, the global corporate citizenship programme of Las Vegas Sands Corp. and the Sands ECO360 global sustainability strategy.
About Sands China Ltd.
Sands China Ltd. (Sands China or the Company) is incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability and is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKEx: 1928). Sands China is the largest operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The Company’s integrated resorts on the Cotai Strip comprise The Venetian® Macao, The Plaza® Macao, The Parisian® Macao and The Londoner Macao®. The Company also owns and operates Sands® Macao on the Macao peninsula. The Company’s portfolio features a diversified mix of leisure and business attractions and transportation operations, including large meeting and convention facilities; a wide range of restaurants; shopping malls; world-class entertainment at The Venetian Arena, The Londoner Arena, The Venetian Theatre, The Parisian Theatre, the Londoner Theatre and the Sands Theatre; and a high-speed Cotai Water Jet ferry service between Hong Kong and Macao. The Company’s Cotai Strip portfolio has the goal of contributing to Macao’s transformation into a world centre of tourism and leisure. Sands China is a subsidiary of global resort developer Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS).
For more information, please visit www.sandschina.com.
Sands Cares
A firm believer in the importance of corporate social responsibility, Sands China Ltd. engages with the local Macao community as a part of Sands Cares – the charitable giving programme of parent company Las Vegas Sands Corp. Sands Cares integrates the company’s philanthropic work worldwide in four key areas: financial giving, community problem solving and collaboration, in-kind donations, and team member volunteerism.
Key areas of Sands Cares in Macao include the Sands Cares Ambassador programme for volunteering in the local community; charitable contributions to NGOs and community organisations; and sponsorship of community events.
For more information, please visit www.sands.com/sands-cares/.
About Clean the World
MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE
Clean the World, an affiliate of Clean the World Global, is a global leader in environmental and social impact solutions, which aims to make the world a better place by diverting soap bars and plastic amenities that the hospitality industry would otherwise discard from landfills and recycling the soap into new bars. By doing so, Clean the World helps reduce pollution, save water and decrease the carbon footprint of thousands of hotels globally, while helping improve the lives of women, children, and communities globally by donating new soap bars to global NGOs, such as The WASH Foundation.
With over 8,300 participants in its Global Hospitality Recycling Program, and more than 1.4 million hotel rooms processed daily, Clean the World has already diverted over 31.5 million pounds of waste from landfills and donated over 115.7 million bars of recycled soap since its inception in 2009.
To learn more about Clean the World and its global impact, please visit https://cleantheworld.org.
Media contacts:
Corporate Communications, Sands China Ltd.
Mabel Wu
Tel: +853 8118 2268
Email: mabel.wu@sands.com.mo
Jesse Chiang
Tel: +853 8118 2054
Email: jesse.chiang@sands.com.mo
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sands-china-and-community-volunteers-assemble-30-000-hygiene-kits-for-annual-clean-the-world-initiative-302639295.html
SOURCE Sands China Ltd.
ST. PAUL, Minn., December 11, 2025 /3BL/ – Antea Group USA, as facilitator of the Data Center Safety Council (DCSC), an industry group driving a unified approach to personnel safety in data center operations is excited to share the official launch of the Data Center Safety Awareness Certificate. It was developed by the DCSC in collaboration with Certus, a leading workforce-training and certification provider.
This launch represents an important advancement in establishing consistent, global, industry-wide expectations for health and safety knowledge among data center professionals and suppliers accessing data center sites.
“As data centers scale at unprecedented speed, we see a growing need for a shared, foundational understanding of safety for everyone who steps onto a site,” said Julie Kreger-King, Antea Group Consultant and DCSC Project Leader “The Data Center Safety Awareness Certificate gives operators, contractors, and vendors a common language and expectation for safe work, no matter where in the world a facility is located.”
Certificate Overview
The Data Center Safety Awareness Certificate is designed to ensure that everyone entering an operational data center, whether they are operators, contractors, vendors, or suppliers, has a shared foundation of safety awareness specific to the unique risks of data center environments.
Unlike generic safety training, this online course is built specifically around risks encountered in data center settings, including:
- Electrical and chemical hazards
- Heat and fire exposure
- Noise hazards
- Emergency procedures
- And more
Developed by the DCSC with EHS leaders from global data center organizations, this certificate is intended to bridge the gap between broad regulatory requirements and the operational realities of today’s complex, high-demand data centers.
Key Features and Benefits
Participants in the Data Center Safety Awareness Certificate will have access to:
- 16 online, self-paced modules covering essential topics such as data center infrastructure, safety culture, pre-job planning, emergency procedures, site access, slips, trips and falls, material handling, electrical hazards, control of hazardous energy, confined spaces, fire prevention, heat hazards, noise hazards, chemical management, water systems, working at heights, and housekeeping expectations.
- A final exam of 30 questions, with up to three exam attempts; the certificate is valid for two years.
- Accessibility and flexibility: delivered entirely online, globally applicable, mobile-friendly, and self-paced; learners have up to 180 days to complete the course after enrollment.
- Employer-friendly options: bulk/licensed access for groups, integration support with corporate learning management systems (LMS), volume discounts, and member pricing for DCSC member organizations.
Launch Details & Availability
The Data Center Safety Awareness Certificate is now officially available. Industry professionals and employers can access the program via the DCSC website at [www.datacentersafetycouncil.org/safety-awareness-certificate] and through the Certus platform [Data Center Safety Awareness Certificate].
Pricing details, enrollment instructions, and employer-group access options are available online.
To read the full press release, head over to the DCSC website.
About Antea Group USA
Antea®Group is an environment, health, safety, and sustainability consulting firm. By combining strategic thinking with technical expertise, we do more than effectively solve client challenges; we deliver sustainable results for a better future. We work in partnership with and advise many of the world’s most sustainable companies to address ESG business challenges in a way that fits their pace and unique objectives. Our consultants equip organizations to better understand threats, capture opportunities, and find their position of strength. Lastly, we maintain a global perspective on ESG issues through not only our work with multinational clients, but also through our sister organizations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America and as a founding member of the Inogen Alliance. Learn more at us.anteagroup.com.
About the Data Center Safety Council (DCSC)
The Data Center Safety Council is an industry group leading a unified approach toward ensuring the safety and well-being of personnel in data center operations. DCSC brings together major global players in the data center industry to address common issues with vendors and suppliers for the benefit and safety of all data center workers. Visit www.datacentersafetycouncil.org for more information.
About Certus
Certus is a leading provider of professional training and certification solutions, serving millions of learners annually. With a comprehensive suite of content, simulations, and compliance offerings, Certus supports lifelong learners and enterprises alike. Visit www.certus.com to learn more.
Media Contacts
Kate Asleson
Marketing Lead, Data Center Safety Council / Antea Group USA
kate.asleson@anteagroup.us
Jordan McKnight
Director of Corporate Communications, Certus
jordan.mcknight@certus.com
What’s on the menu? Kids are hungry for classic favorites, international flavors, and a whole lot of fun!
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — From surprising combinations to craveable comfort foods, kids are shaping the future of school dining with adventurous appetites and purposeful choices. Today’s students are fueling up with meals that balance fun, flavor, and function, and they’re bringing creativity and curiosity to every bite.
Leveraging the latest generational insights from Chartwells and their market research and analytics partner E15, Gen Alpha and Gen Z are redefining what school meals should deliver: bold flavors, balanced nutrition, and a connection to the world around them. This year’s food trends for kids reflect exactly that, showcasing the foods, formats, and experiences students love most.
“We’re seeing incredible excitement from students about food,” said Chef Peter Gilhooly, Senior Vice President – Culinary, Chartwells K12. “From global influences to interactive, on-the-go options, kids are embracing food as an experience that connects their taste buds to their values.”
Chartwells K12’s top 10 food trends for kids in 2026 are:
- Pizza Party – It’s official: 98% of students list pizza as their favorite food, but not any old slice. From whole-grain crusts to veggie-loaded toppings, today’s pizza gets a nutritious twist. Whether it’s classic pepperoni, Nashville Hot Chicken, or a Nut-Free Pesto Spinach Flatbread, pizza remains the ultimate unifier for Gen Alpha’s love of comfort and customization.
- Brunch All Day – Eggs are more than breakfast; they’re a Gen Alpha staple. Students are craving breakfast-for-lunch options, making brunch-inspired menus a major trend. Think Bacon and Cheddar Egg Bites, Chorizo Egg Bowl, and Dragon Fruit Banana Bowl, all featured in Chartwells’ ‘Bloom into Breakfast’ promotional campaign launching in school cafeterias this spring.
- Turn Up the (Sweet) Heat – Sweet meets spicy in a flavor combo kids can’t resist. From Chicken and Waffles with Spicy Peach Compote and a Honey BBQ Sriracha Chicken Grain Bowl to Chili Lime Watermelon Salad, this trend reflects the growing “flavor curiosity” noted in generational research, a balance of boldness and fun that helps students explore flavor profiles at their own pace.
- That’s a Wrap – Portable is powerful! With 68% of kids saying they want food they can take on the go, wraps, tacos, and handhelds are ruling lunch lines. Chartwells highlights how variety and mobility meet, serving options like a Ham, Egg & Cheese Burrito, Jamaican Beef Hand Pies, and a Santa Fe Turkey & Cheddar Wrap.
- Sip, Sip, Hooray – Influenced by café culture and Gen Z’s beverage obsession, students are sipping on Watermelon Aqua Fresca and Dragon Fruit Boba Tea. With Starbucks named a top Gen Alpha destination, our cafeterias are embracing kid-friendly versions that blend flavor, hydration, nutrition, and flair.
- Chicken Reimagined – Still a top food for kids, chicken is getting a playful reboot with the relaunch of Chickendipity, Chartwells’ culinary concept featuring fun twists for nuggets, tenders, and more with flavorful dipping sauces like Honey Lime Buffalo Sauce, Southwest Cilantro Ranch, and Korean BBQ. This trend taps into the popularity of dipping and dunking, making mealtime interactive and fun for all ages.
- Passport to Flavor – Gen Alpha’s curiosity about other cultures shines through their food choices. With new countries and regional flavors joining the Global Eats program lineup later this year, students can explore world cuisines in approachable ways, from Korean Style Bulgogi Chicken Tacos to Mexican Pork Pozole, connecting their love of flavor to cultural exploration.
- Eyes on the Fries – Potatoes, the No. 1-ranked side dish among both generations, are back in every form: mashed, roasted, and crinkle-cut. They’re also getting creative upgrades like Potato Poppers and a Crispy Popcorn Chicken and Mashed Potato Bowl, tying in sauces and toppings that bring comfort with a twist.
- Power Up Your Performance – Students are seeking protein-packed and macro-friendly foods that fuel their performance. Gen Z and Gen Alpha prioritize health and energy, and Chartwells’ Power Up program is expanding with menu items like a Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowl and Banana Chocolate Chip Overnight Oats, packed with protein, whole grains, and produce that support active days and focused minds.
- Plant-Forward and Planet-Friendly – Sustainability is no longer a bonus; it’s an expectation. With 60-70% of Gen Alpha students eating plant-based meals each week, Chartwells continues to lead with plant-forward entrees like a comfort food classic Sweet Potato and Black Bean Vegetarian Chili, or Butternut Squash Enchiladas. Using locally sourced produce and hosting programs like Chartwells Farmers Markets bring food origin stories to life for kids.
View the full list of 2026 Food Trends for Kids video.
These trends are powered by Chartwells AI: Appetite Intelligence platform, an insights initiative that combines data from E15 research and daily student feedback to shape what’s served in cafeterias nationwide. By translating generational insights into action, Chartwells continues to create meals that meet kids where they are, and where they’re going next.
About Chartwells K12
Chartwells K12’s goal is to make sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 18,000 associates in 4,800 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small charter and private schools, Chartwells K12 is built on decades of food, education, and operational experience driven by top culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability talent. For more information, visit www.ChartwellsK12.com.
Media Contact: Jonathan Squibb, Director of Communications, jonathan.squibb@compass-usa.com
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chartwells-k12-serves-up-the-top-10-food-trends-for-kids-in-2026-302638774.html
SOURCE Chartwells K12
SALEM, OREGON, December 11, 2025 /3BL/ — KeyBank has announced a grant of $225,000 to Garten Services, a nonprofit that offers responsive, person-centered and effective solutions to support people with disabilities in their effort to contribute to the community through employment, career and retirement opportunities.
This grant will strengthen its Supported Employment department by improving processes, building structure and providing targeted staff training that will be guided by individuals with lived experience to ensure the team remains closely connected to the communities it serves. Strengthening the foundation will enhance service delivery, enabling Garten to provide support aligned with everyone’s career goals. As a result, they’ll experience greater self-esteem, financial independence and a renewed sense of purpose through meaningful employment.
“At KeyBank, our mission is to help our communities thrive, and that entails support to ensure all persons have the tools to pursue fulfilling work,” said Josh Lyons, president of KeyBank in Oregon and Southwest Washington. “We see this service having a ripple effect that will also inspire peers with similar challenges, showing them that employment is possible and motivating them to pursue their own path.”
“Not only will this grant benefit individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment, but it will allow local businesses interested in building a more diverse workforce to gain access to a ready talent pool to fill workforce gaps with the skills they need,” said Angel Reyes, KeyBank’s Corporate Responsibility Officer for Oregon.
“Garten is deeply honored to receive a $225,000 grant from KeyBank to advance our shared commitment of expanding inclusive employment opportunities that allow people with disabilities to contribute meaningfully to our communities,” said William Posegate, Garten’s Chief Executive Officer. “KeyBank’s generous contribution will empower more people with disabilities to build skills and access life-changing supported employment opportunities. We’ve seen time and again that when people with disabilities are given opportunities, the entire community wins.”
About Garten Services, Inc.
Founded in 1970, Garten provides employment, career, and retirement opportunities to approximately 250 people with disabilities throughout the Willamette Valley.
About KeyCorp
In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $187 billion at September 30, 2025. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/.
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LINCOLN, Neb., December 11, 2025 /3BL/ – The Arbor Day Foundation launched the Forest-Water Impact Map, a first-of-its kind mapping model that provides a clear, data-driven visualization of the powerful connection between forests and water.
The mapping resource identifies where reforestation projects could be the most impactful for water benefits by quantifying the extent to which planting trees can improve water quality in a specific place. The map’s global scale makes it the broadest and most meaningful picture of volumetric water benefits from reforestation available today.
“While the positive relationship between forests and water is often evident, it isn’t always quantifiable. This map brings more clarity to that impact and gives us a picture of where and how we could plant trees to yield healthier, cleaner water,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “So many of our corporate partners are looking to be meaningful water stewards, and this map will be a key tool to help turn insights into action and accelerate our goal to plant millions of trees in the places that need them most.”
The Arbor Day Foundation built the map in collaboration with its partner 52impact and aligned the tool in accordance with volumetric water benefit accounting guidance, a widely accepted resource for providing guidance on transparent and credible volumetric water benefits.
The need to quantify the water benefits of reforestation is more important than ever as global water resources are threatened. Experts believe that the demand for freshwater will outstrip supply by the end of this decade. Right now, 75% of the world’s accessible freshwater comes from forested watersheds, making them critical infrastructure in the world today. In the United States alone, more than 150 million Americans—about half of the country’s population—gets its drinking water from sources filtered through forests.
Click here to explore the Arbor Day Foundation’s interactive map and gain insights on reforestation water benefits across the world.
About the Arbor Day Foundation
The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners.
And this is only the beginning.
The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.
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Originally published on December 1, 2025 on LinkedIn.
Matt, our Category Manager for Patisserie, visits Sean Óg Stafford in Gorey to hear how Stafford Bakery has grown from a small family coffee shop to a third-generation bakery still guided by tradition and craft.
From handmade mince pies with Irish butter to Christmas puddings that begin production in February, consistency comes from decades of experience and a team that knows the craft inside out.
With over 15 years of partnership, Sysco helps Stafford’s reach customers in all 32 counties, supporting the continued growth of this proudly Irish family business.
About Sysco
Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. With more than 76,000 colleagues, the company operates 340 distribution facilities worldwide and serves approximately 730,000 customer locations. For fiscal year 2024 that ended June 29, 2024, the company generated sales of more than $78 billion. Information about our Sustainability program, including Sysco’s 2023 Sustainability Report and 2023 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report, can be found at www.sysco.com.
For more information, visit www.sysco.com or connect with Sysco on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SyscoFoods. For important news and information regarding Sysco, visit the Investor Relations section of the company’s Internet home page at investors.sysco.com, which Sysco plans to use as a primary channel for publishing key information to its investors, some of which may contain material and previously non-public information. In addition, investors should continue to review our news releases and filings with the SEC. It is possible that the information we disclose through any of these channels of distribution could be deemed to be material information.
View original content here.
Local experts explain how rapid freeze/thaw swings can stress turf and why winter protection steps matter now.
DALLAS, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Winter in the Dallas-Fort Worth area is known for erratic temperature swings that place significant stress on local lawns. This year, homeowners have already seen afternoons in the 60s followed by overnight drops into the 20s. These sudden shifts cause turf to briefly “wake up” before being hit by freezing temperatures again, resulting in widespread winter injury.
Understanding Seasonal Turf Stress
Warm periods can trigger turf respiration and slight “green-up.” However, when temperatures plunge, the rapid freeze can damage plant cells and roots. Additionally, the region experiences extended winter dry spells, which increase dehydration and compound stress. Last winter, DFW recorded more than a dozen freeze/thaw cycles, highlighting the urgency of proper winter care.
The Role of Growth Inhibitors
Dr. Green Services applies winter growth inhibitors to help stabilize turf during these unpredictable temperature swings. These treatments keep grass in a consistent dormant state, preventing repeated transitions in and out of growth. This proactive approach reduces shock, conserves plant resources, and prevents turf decline that often becomes visible in early spring. This technique underscores Dr. Green Services’ commitment to preventing damage before it occurs.
Challenges for Texas Turf Types
Bermuda, St. Augustine, and Zoysia grass varieties are especially vulnerable to freeze/thaw swings and drought conditions. Because these warm-season grasses are not adapted to rapid winter temperature fluctuations, they require additional protection during January and February.
Expert Insights
“Our unpredictable climate makes dormancy protection essential,” said James Tatum, Director of Operations at Dr. Green Services. “Growth inhibitors give turf the stability it needs to survive winter stress and come back stronger in spring.” With decades of local expertise, Dr. Green Services continues to help DFW homeowners protect their lawns from extreme weather patterns.
Recommended Actions for Homeowners
Homeowners can help reduce winter stress by lightly watering during extended warm spells, avoiding heavy foot traffic on frozen turf, and scheduling winter monitoring. Following Dr. Green Services’ guidance can further reduce weather-related turf damage.
Dr. Green Services’ Comprehensive Care
Beyond growth inhibitor applications, Dr. Green Services provides winter turf monitoring and region-specific programs designed around DFW’s climate challenges.
Preventing Spring Damage
By taking preventive steps now, homeowners can avoid costly spring recovery and ensure healthier grass when temperatures rise. Dr. Green Services remains committed to protecting local lawns through expert guidance and proactive winter treatments.
Contact:
Ryan Van Haastrecht
406327@email4pr.com
800-465-2934
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SOURCE Dr. Green Services
ATLANTA, December 11, 2025 /3BL/ – The Atlanta Braves and Truist announced that the 2025 Homers for Hank Together with Truist recipients have received important program support, including necessary on-site storage space for equipment, field improvements, access to technology, and more. With the near completion of these projects, the Homers for Hank Together with Truist initiative will fulfill its five-year, $1 million commitment to supporting baseball and softball programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) across Braves Country.
Earlier this year, the Atlanta Braves and Truist announced the six HBCU recipients for the 2025 Homers for Hank Together with Truist initiative, along with the respective support each school would receive. These recipients included:
- Alabama A&M in Huntsville, AL, whose baseball program received an HD camera system for analysis and streaming.
- Albany State University in Albany, GA, whose baseball and softball programs collectively received arena-style batting cages, field improvements, new uniforms, and various new equipment.
- Benedict College in Columbia, SC, whose baseball and softball programs collectively will receive field maintenance equipment, backstop padding, a storage building, field tarps, and a batting cage.
- Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC, whose softball program received a pitching machine and equipment.
- Jackson State University in Jackson, MS, whose baseball program received a turf home plate halo and HitTrax Technology.
- South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC, whose softball program received a pitching machine and equipment.
Nearly all 2025 projects have been completed, with projects at Benedict College tracking to be completed by the end of 2025.
Supported by the Henry Louis Aaron Fund, the Homers for Hank Together with Truist initiative was established in 2021 by the Atlanta Braves and Truist to invest in local HBCU baseball and softball programs across Braves Country. These investments provided crucial program support needed for the development of diverse scholar-athletes to pursue their dreams both on and off the field, continuing the legacy of Hank Aaron by creating quality baseball experiences across our region. Through this initiative, Truist donated $755 for each home run hit by the Atlanta Braves throughout the season to the Henry Louis Aaron Fund, culminating in its $1 million minimum commitment across five years.
Additional HBCU baseball and softball programs supported by Homers for Hank Together with Truist to date include:
- Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA, whose baseball and softball programs collectively received state-of-the-art batting cages, a Hack Attack machine, equipment bags, field cover, warms up, and unforms, as well as baseballs and softballs.
- Savannah State University in Savannah, GA, whose baseball program received new uniforms and a pitching machine, along with additional equipment.
- Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN, whose softball program received facility upgrades.
- Tougaloo College in Jackson, MS, whose baseball and softball programs collectively received new batting cage nets, field maintenance equipment, game equipment, and field improvements.
- Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, AL, whose baseball and softball programs collectively received a custom halo plate.
Progress and completion photos, as well as b-roll from both the 2025 projects and prior recipients, can be found here, courtesy of Atlanta Braves. For more information about Homers for Hank Together with Truist, visit Braves.com/HomersforHank.
Truist continues to be a trusted partner of the Atlanta Braves for years, working collaboratively across a range of initiatives aiming to create a lasting impact throughout our communities for years. Among these ongoing initiatives include the Braves Park Projects Together with Truist initiative, which provides local parks and recreation centers, schools, and youth organizations with field and ballpark improvements to level the playing field and increase playability, safety, and accessibility across Braves Country.
This year, Braves Park Projects Together with Truist supported Western North Carolina baseball and softball facilities that were affected by the impact of Hurricane Helene. On October 14, 2025, dozens of Truist teammates and Atlanta Braves staff traveled to Mountain Heritage High School in Burnsville, NC, and Elks Lodge Field in Waynesville, NC, to celebrate the completion of these projects alongside local community members, representatives, and youth players.
In addition, the Atlanta Braves recently unveiled the Hank Aaron Diamonds initiative, with Truist as one of the key partners whose generous financial investment is helping fund infield upgrades across every operating high school in the Atlanta Public Schools district.
For more information about Braves Park Projects Together with Truist, visit here. For more information about the Hank Aaron Diamonds initiative, visit here.
About Atlanta Braves
Based in Atlanta since 1966, the Braves are the longest continuously operating franchise in Major League Baseball. Since 1991, Braves teams have earned two National League wild cards, 21 division championships, six National League pennants, and two World Series titles. Atlanta Braves games are telecast on FanDuel Sports Network South and FanDuel Sports Network Southeast. Radio broadcasts can be heard in Atlanta on 680 The Fan (AM)/93.7 (FM) and regionally on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network. Follow the Braves at braves.com, facebook.com/braves, and X.com/braves.
About Truist
Truist Financial Corporation is a purpose-driven financial services company committed to inspiring and building better lives and communities. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist has leading market share in many of the high-growth markets in the U.S. and offers a wide range of products and services through wholesale and consumer businesses, including consumer and small business banking, commercial and corporate banking, investment banking and capital markets, wealth management, payments, and specialized lending businesses. Truist is a top-10 commercial bank with total assets of $544 billion as of September 30, 2025. Truist Bank, Member FDIC. Learn more at Truist.com.
For further information: Karely Avila Ledesma, Atlanta Braves, 404-614-1564 or karely.avilaledesma@braves.com Truist: media@truist.com
This article is co-authored by Karin De Bondt, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Trane Technologies and Elena Giannakopoulou, Chief Strategy Officer, Public Power Corporation.
Today, it is estimated that 30% of electricity is being wasted in the built environment. This is much bigger than leaving the lights on; it’s the result of complex systems operating inefficiently, equating to hundreds of billions of dollars per year in waste.
As new technology changes how we produce and consume energy, suppliers and demand-side consumers need to collaborate to increase efficiency and resiliency while reducing environmental impact.
The rise of renewables
The power system is undergoing a rapid and unprecedented transformation. According to energy think tank Ember, in 2024, clean power generated more than 40% of the world’s electricity, driven by record growth in renewables, particularly solar energy.
The rapid scale-up of renewables shows no signs of slowing, driven by the cost-competitiveness of solar photovoltaics and wind, and reinforced by energy security concerns, especially in regions such as Europe. Yet, with greater renewable energy penetration, energy production becomes more volatile.
Solar output peaks at midday, wind peaks overnight and hydropower fluctuates with droughts – this is when flexibility comes into play. While this was manageable when renewable energy solutions played only a minor role in power generation, this now becomes a crucial issue when renewables form the backbone of the system.
For example, in Greece, renewables with 28.7 terawatt-hours (TWh) accounted for 55% of total electricity generated in 2024, a more than twofold increase from the 11.5 TWh and a 22% share in 2019, according to the system operator’s data.
Flexibility in the power system refers to its ability to adapt quickly to new circumstances. It comes from storage (both in the form of batteries and pump-hydro plants), flexible generation, interconnectivity, smart grids, demand-side response, energy management and digital infrastructure.
Without flexibility, the system hits a ceiling; no matter how cheap clean energy gets, its value diminishes if it can’t be fully utilized.
Flexible assets directly address this inefficiency, turning volatility into value. The case is clear: flexibility reduces curtailment, increases renewable energy penetration and lowers total system costs.
Technologies that provide flexibility are increasingly mature and highly cost-effective. Lithium-ion batteries have seen sharp cost declines with pack prices dropping just over 90% since 2010, according to BloombergNEF.
Globally, investments in flexibility are on the rise. In 2024, energy storage, for instance, saw approximately $54 billion of investments, a 35% increase from 2023, according to BloombergNEF.
A report from SolarPower Europe estimates that deploying flexible technologies alongside solar could lead to annual net system cost savings of €32 billion by 2030.
Innovation, a demand-side accelerator
Flexibility on the supply side is crucial but the demand side holds untapped potential. Smart meters, demand response programs and energy efficiency technologies are enabling businesses and consumers to actively contribute to grid stability and optimization.
Flexibility on the demand side involves adjusting energy consumption based on optimal load points, availability and price. This can be achieved through various technologies and strategies:
- Systems design and innovation: Buildings are large energy consumers. Advanced thermal systems in buildings that integrate heating, cooling and controls can greatly improve efficiency and flexibility. All-electric systems use three to four times less energy than conventional methods, cut costs and boost returns. Storage systems such as ice storage can also lower bills by shifting energy use to off-peak hours.
- Utilization of AI to optimize efficiency: Digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance heating and cooling systems, making them smarter, more flexible and more efficient. By using data from buildings and weather forecasts, AI optimizes energy use, cuts costs and reduces electricity demand across multiple buildings. AI-driven energy management systems in commercial buildings can reduce energy consumption by up to 20%.
Electrification and AI are part of the equation, helping relieve pressure on the grid at peak times. Thermal management systems are helping to decarbonize buildings large enough to have their own zip code, and they can work in smaller buildings to save energy and cost.
Research into physics-informed neural networks, automated control and data infrastructure will accelerate energy optimization and sustainable impact. These innovations make economic sense and there is reason for optimism.
Making energy more affordable and resilient
Every megawatt-hour of energy, especially clean electricity, is too valuable to waste – doing so is a missed opportunity for efficiency, growth and climate action. Flexibility in both energy supply and demand not only helps consumers reduce energy and costs but also supports grid security and sustainability.
To fully realize the benefits of flexibility, regulatory frameworks must incentivize its monetization. Dynamic pricing of electricity better captures system variability and rewards the fast response of flexibility sources.
Grid modernization and digitalization are crucial for integrating distributed resources, while planning processes must prioritize system-wide efficiency. This will reveal the true value of flexibility, reduce fossil fuel dependence and improve the resilience of modern power systems while delivering affordable electricity to consumers.
With exciting progress in innovation and research, and the technology, talent and commitment to solve these challenges together, we can create a more flexible, efficient and resilient energy ecosystem.
This article originally appeared on the World Economic Forum blog.