Author: sHq_LoGiNz

by Virginie le Barbu, Executive Director of Global Sustainability, International Markets, Lenovo 

Earth Day is often a moment for reflection. For me, it is also a reminder that the sustainability conversation has entered a new phase.

Across the channel, there is no shortage of ambition. Where partners were once focused on where to begin, they are now making commitments, setting targets, and embedding sustainability into long-term plans. The harder question now is execution: turning commitments into operations, credible data, and customer value.

That matters more than ever because sustainability is no longer sitting on the sidelines of business strategy. It is increasingly shaping how customers evaluate partners, where they see differentiation, and which solutions they trust to deliver long-term value.

In other words, the gap between commitment and execution is becoming a commercial issue.

From commitment to execution

The challenge today is operationalizing sustainability.

For many, friction starts with the basics. There are too many frameworks, too many reporting expectations, and not enough consistency in what good looks like across markets. Many partners are still trying to establish a baseline, collect reliable data, and decide which actions will matter most to customers. Smaller teams feel that pressure especially acutely.

There is also a business reality behind all of this. Sustainability competes with other priorities for time, budget, and attention. If partners cannot see the path from action to customer value, progress slows.

This is the gap the Lenovo 360 Circle community was designed to address. We saw partners working on the same challenges in silos, often rebuilding from scratch. What they needed was a faster way to learn, a common language, and a clearer view of what to prioritize.

Today, the community includes more than 800 partners across 67 countries, representing more than 3,200 local entities and 44% of Lenovo’s channel revenue. Its value goes beyond scale. It’s the ability to align around shared outcomes, practical playbooks, and a common view of how sustainability can support both impact and growth.

What we’ve learned together

One of the clearest lessons has been that partners do not need more theory. They need reusable examples, simple tools, stronger reporting readiness, and clearer proof points they can take into customer conversations.

We have also learned that the conversation has matured. Early on, the question was why sustainability mattered. Today, the discussion is much more practical: how to implement it, how to measure it credibly, and how to build it into go-to-market motions.

That shift has been valuable for Lenovo, too. Partner feedback is helping us refine how we think about data, solution design, and customer demand. Lenovo 360 Circle has become a feedback loop that keeps our sustainability strategy grounded in what is usable and scalable in the market.

From strategy to commercial impact

What I find most encouraging right now is that more partners are treating sustainability as a growth lever, not just a reporting requirement. They are using it to strengthen trust, differentiate with customers, and open new revenue opportunities.

We see that most clearly in areas like circular IT and energy-efficient infrastructure. Circular models such as take-back, refurbishment, reuse, and as-a-service can extend asset life, improve supply resilience, and create new value for both partners and customers. Energy efficiency is becoming equally important as customers look for ways to manage rising power demand and operating costs.

This is where sustainability becomes tangible. It moves from aspiration into proof points, measurable outcomes, and repeatable offers.

Lenovo’s role is to help make that tangible for partners. That means connecting technology, data, and go-to-market execution so partners can bring sustainability directly into customer conversations with confidence. As AI adoption grows, so does demand for compute, energy, governance, and transparency. We are already seeing customers ask tougher questions about energy use, data privacy, explainability, and accountability. That raises the bar for the channel. It also creates an opportunity for partners who can connect responsible AI, efficient infrastructure, and credible sustainability reporting in a way customers can trust.

Turning momentum into action

This June, we will bring our community together again at the Lenovo 360 Circle Summit.

Moments like this are where sustainability moves from strategy to execution, turning measurement, economic signals, and co-innovation into actions that scale. It’s an opportunity for partners to align on what to measure, how to make the business value visible, and where to invest to drive both growth and impact.

Partners can expect a practical, high-energy forum to align on what to measure, how to make the economics visible, and where to invest so we can design business models that grow the business while accelerating real-world outcomes.

The goal is simple: partners leave not just inspired, but equipped with practical frameworks, clearer priorities, and new ways to accelerate outcomes across their products, services, and ecosystems.

The partners that will win are the ones that can turn sustainability into measurable impact and clear ROI for their customers, whether that’s lower energy use, extended asset life, or more transparent reporting.

At Lenovo, our focus is to make that easier to deliver through the right technology, the right data, and a partner ecosystem built to move together.

---

Registered partners can learn more about Lenovo 360 Circle and Lenovo 360 partner framework by visiting Lenovo Partner Hub. 

by Virginie le Barbu, Executive Director of Global Sustainability, International Markets, Lenovo 

Earth Day is often a moment for reflection. For me, it is also a reminder that the sustainability conversation has entered a new phase.

Across the channel, there is no shortage of ambition. Where partners were once focused on where to begin, they are now making commitments, setting targets, and embedding sustainability into long-term plans. The harder question now is execution: turning commitments into operations, credible data, and customer value.

That matters more than ever because sustainability is no longer sitting on the sidelines of business strategy. It is increasingly shaping how customers evaluate partners, where they see differentiation, and which solutions they trust to deliver long-term value.

In other words, the gap between commitment and execution is becoming a commercial issue.

From commitment to execution

The challenge today is operationalizing sustainability.

For many, friction starts with the basics. There are too many frameworks, too many reporting expectations, and not enough consistency in what good looks like across markets. Many partners are still trying to establish a baseline, collect reliable data, and decide which actions will matter most to customers. Smaller teams feel that pressure especially acutely.

There is also a business reality behind all of this. Sustainability competes with other priorities for time, budget, and attention. If partners cannot see the path from action to customer value, progress slows.

This is the gap the Lenovo 360 Circle community was designed to address. We saw partners working on the same challenges in silos, often rebuilding from scratch. What they needed was a faster way to learn, a common language, and a clearer view of what to prioritize.

Today, the community includes more than 800 partners across 67 countries, representing more than 3,200 local entities and 44% of Lenovo’s channel revenue. Its value goes beyond scale. It’s the ability to align around shared outcomes, practical playbooks, and a common view of how sustainability can support both impact and growth.

What we’ve learned together

One of the clearest lessons has been that partners do not need more theory. They need reusable examples, simple tools, stronger reporting readiness, and clearer proof points they can take into customer conversations.

We have also learned that the conversation has matured. Early on, the question was why sustainability mattered. Today, the discussion is much more practical: how to implement it, how to measure it credibly, and how to build it into go-to-market motions.

That shift has been valuable for Lenovo, too. Partner feedback is helping us refine how we think about data, solution design, and customer demand. Lenovo 360 Circle has become a feedback loop that keeps our sustainability strategy grounded in what is usable and scalable in the market.

From strategy to commercial impact

What I find most encouraging right now is that more partners are treating sustainability as a growth lever, not just a reporting requirement. They are using it to strengthen trust, differentiate with customers, and open new revenue opportunities.

We see that most clearly in areas like circular IT and energy-efficient infrastructure. Circular models such as take-back, refurbishment, reuse, and as-a-service can extend asset life, improve supply resilience, and create new value for both partners and customers. Energy efficiency is becoming equally important as customers look for ways to manage rising power demand and operating costs.

This is where sustainability becomes tangible. It moves from aspiration into proof points, measurable outcomes, and repeatable offers.

Lenovo’s role is to help make that tangible for partners. That means connecting technology, data, and go-to-market execution so partners can bring sustainability directly into customer conversations with confidence. As AI adoption grows, so does demand for compute, energy, governance, and transparency. We are already seeing customers ask tougher questions about energy use, data privacy, explainability, and accountability. That raises the bar for the channel. It also creates an opportunity for partners who can connect responsible AI, efficient infrastructure, and credible sustainability reporting in a way customers can trust.

Turning momentum into action

This June, we will bring our community together again at the Lenovo 360 Circle Summit.

Moments like this are where sustainability moves from strategy to execution, turning measurement, economic signals, and co-innovation into actions that scale. It’s an opportunity for partners to align on what to measure, how to make the business value visible, and where to invest to drive both growth and impact.

Partners can expect a practical, high-energy forum to align on what to measure, how to make the economics visible, and where to invest so we can design business models that grow the business while accelerating real-world outcomes.

The goal is simple: partners leave not just inspired, but equipped with practical frameworks, clearer priorities, and new ways to accelerate outcomes across their products, services, and ecosystems.

The partners that will win are the ones that can turn sustainability into measurable impact and clear ROI for their customers, whether that’s lower energy use, extended asset life, or more transparent reporting.

At Lenovo, our focus is to make that easier to deliver through the right technology, the right data, and a partner ecosystem built to move together.

---

Registered partners can learn more about Lenovo 360 Circle and Lenovo 360 partner framework by visiting Lenovo Partner Hub. 

by Virginie le Barbu, Executive Director of Global Sustainability, International Markets, Lenovo 

Earth Day is often a moment for reflection. For me, it is also a reminder that the sustainability conversation has entered a new phase.

Across the channel, there is no shortage of ambition. Where partners were once focused on where to begin, they are now making commitments, setting targets, and embedding sustainability into long-term plans. The harder question now is execution: turning commitments into operations, credible data, and customer value.

That matters more than ever because sustainability is no longer sitting on the sidelines of business strategy. It is increasingly shaping how customers evaluate partners, where they see differentiation, and which solutions they trust to deliver long-term value.

In other words, the gap between commitment and execution is becoming a commercial issue.

From commitment to execution

The challenge today is operationalizing sustainability.

For many, friction starts with the basics. There are too many frameworks, too many reporting expectations, and not enough consistency in what good looks like across markets. Many partners are still trying to establish a baseline, collect reliable data, and decide which actions will matter most to customers. Smaller teams feel that pressure especially acutely.

There is also a business reality behind all of this. Sustainability competes with other priorities for time, budget, and attention. If partners cannot see the path from action to customer value, progress slows.

This is the gap the Lenovo 360 Circle community was designed to address. We saw partners working on the same challenges in silos, often rebuilding from scratch. What they needed was a faster way to learn, a common language, and a clearer view of what to prioritize.

Today, the community includes more than 800 partners across 67 countries, representing more than 3,200 local entities and 44% of Lenovo’s channel revenue. Its value goes beyond scale. It’s the ability to align around shared outcomes, practical playbooks, and a common view of how sustainability can support both impact and growth.

What we’ve learned together

One of the clearest lessons has been that partners do not need more theory. They need reusable examples, simple tools, stronger reporting readiness, and clearer proof points they can take into customer conversations.

We have also learned that the conversation has matured. Early on, the question was why sustainability mattered. Today, the discussion is much more practical: how to implement it, how to measure it credibly, and how to build it into go-to-market motions.

That shift has been valuable for Lenovo, too. Partner feedback is helping us refine how we think about data, solution design, and customer demand. Lenovo 360 Circle has become a feedback loop that keeps our sustainability strategy grounded in what is usable and scalable in the market.

From strategy to commercial impact

What I find most encouraging right now is that more partners are treating sustainability as a growth lever, not just a reporting requirement. They are using it to strengthen trust, differentiate with customers, and open new revenue opportunities.

We see that most clearly in areas like circular IT and energy-efficient infrastructure. Circular models such as take-back, refurbishment, reuse, and as-a-service can extend asset life, improve supply resilience, and create new value for both partners and customers. Energy efficiency is becoming equally important as customers look for ways to manage rising power demand and operating costs.

This is where sustainability becomes tangible. It moves from aspiration into proof points, measurable outcomes, and repeatable offers.

Lenovo’s role is to help make that tangible for partners. That means connecting technology, data, and go-to-market execution so partners can bring sustainability directly into customer conversations with confidence. As AI adoption grows, so does demand for compute, energy, governance, and transparency. We are already seeing customers ask tougher questions about energy use, data privacy, explainability, and accountability. That raises the bar for the channel. It also creates an opportunity for partners who can connect responsible AI, efficient infrastructure, and credible sustainability reporting in a way customers can trust.

Turning momentum into action

This June, we will bring our community together again at the Lenovo 360 Circle Summit.

Moments like this are where sustainability moves from strategy to execution, turning measurement, economic signals, and co-innovation into actions that scale. It’s an opportunity for partners to align on what to measure, how to make the business value visible, and where to invest to drive both growth and impact.

Partners can expect a practical, high-energy forum to align on what to measure, how to make the economics visible, and where to invest so we can design business models that grow the business while accelerating real-world outcomes.

The goal is simple: partners leave not just inspired, but equipped with practical frameworks, clearer priorities, and new ways to accelerate outcomes across their products, services, and ecosystems.

The partners that will win are the ones that can turn sustainability into measurable impact and clear ROI for their customers, whether that’s lower energy use, extended asset life, or more transparent reporting.

At Lenovo, our focus is to make that easier to deliver through the right technology, the right data, and a partner ecosystem built to move together.

---

Registered partners can learn more about Lenovo 360 Circle and Lenovo 360 partner framework by visiting Lenovo Partner Hub. 

Ancestry, the global leader in family history, published its 2025 Impact Report, detailing the company’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its products and leveraging its resources to build a better future for generations to come. The report outlines key achievements across the business in 2025, showcasing efforts to empower its people and partners, deliver meaningful service to customers, and make a positive impact on communities and the planet.

“We remain unwavering in our commitment to meaningfully serve our customers while operating our business in a manner that is good for both people and the planet,” said Howard Hochhauser, President & CEO of Ancestry. “Our Impact Report reflects how we are expanding access to history, strengthening trust through responsible data and technology practices, and helping future generations discover where they come from and see themselves in the stories of the past.”

The 2025 Impact Report highlights Ancestry’s progress in key areas, including:

• Expanding Access to Historical Records: Exceeded Ancestry’s 3-year philanthropic commitment to allocate $3 million to making culturally significant history that is at risk of being forgotten available to everyone at no cost. In 2025 alone, Ancestry made more than 13 million culturally significant records available to everyone for free, including new collections related to enslavement and the Holocaust.
• Powering Discoveries for All: Added over 4 billion new records and introduced 68 new and updated DNA regions, helping more than 29 million people connect to over 3,600 places worldwide.
• Empowering Students: Exceeded 3-year goal of providing more than 10 million students with free access to historical records through AncestryClassroom®, reaching over 13.8 million students in total after expanding access by 800,000 students in 2025 alone. Additionally, Ancestry awarded 26 scholarships through the HistoryMakers College Tour and Scholarship program.
• Driving Sustainability: Innovated across the supply chain to reduce emissions in production and distribution per AncestryDNA® kit by 8.1%.

To learn more and to view the full 2025 Impact Report, please visit https://www.ancestry.com/corporate/annual-impact-report.

About Ancestry®
Ancestry®, the global leader in family history, connects everyone with their past so they can discover, preserve, and share their unique family stories. With our unparalleled collection of more than 70 billion records, over 3.8 million subscribers, and over 29 million people in our growing DNA network, customers can discover their family story and gain a new level of understanding of their lives. Over the past 40 years, we’ve built trusted relationships with millions of people who have chosen us as the platform for discovering, preserving and sharing the most important information about themselves and their families.

Media Contact:
Jillian McCoy, Director, Corporate Responsibility & Communications
Dept.: Communications

Read More

Ancestry, the global leader in family history, published its 2025 Impact Report, detailing the company’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its products and leveraging its resources to build a better future for generations to come. The report outlines key achievements across the business in 2025, showcasing efforts to empower its people and partners, deliver meaningful service to customers, and make a positive impact on communities and the planet.

“We remain unwavering in our commitment to meaningfully serve our customers while operating our business in a manner that is good for both people and the planet,” said Howard Hochhauser, President & CEO of Ancestry. “Our Impact Report reflects how we are expanding access to history, strengthening trust through responsible data and technology practices, and helping future generations discover where they come from and see themselves in the stories of the past.”

The 2025 Impact Report highlights Ancestry’s progress in key areas, including:

• Expanding Access to Historical Records: Exceeded Ancestry’s 3-year philanthropic commitment to allocate $3 million to making culturally significant history that is at risk of being forgotten available to everyone at no cost. In 2025 alone, Ancestry made more than 13 million culturally significant records available to everyone for free, including new collections related to enslavement and the Holocaust.
• Powering Discoveries for All: Added over 4 billion new records and introduced 68 new and updated DNA regions, helping more than 29 million people connect to over 3,600 places worldwide.
• Empowering Students: Exceeded 3-year goal of providing more than 10 million students with free access to historical records through AncestryClassroom®, reaching over 13.8 million students in total after expanding access by 800,000 students in 2025 alone. Additionally, Ancestry awarded 26 scholarships through the HistoryMakers College Tour and Scholarship program.
• Driving Sustainability: Innovated across the supply chain to reduce emissions in production and distribution per AncestryDNA® kit by 8.1%.

To learn more and to view the full 2025 Impact Report, please visit https://www.ancestry.com/corporate/annual-impact-report.

About Ancestry®
Ancestry®, the global leader in family history, connects everyone with their past so they can discover, preserve, and share their unique family stories. With our unparalleled collection of more than 70 billion records, over 3.8 million subscribers, and over 29 million people in our growing DNA network, customers can discover their family story and gain a new level of understanding of their lives. Over the past 40 years, we’ve built trusted relationships with millions of people who have chosen us as the platform for discovering, preserving and sharing the most important information about themselves and their families.

Media Contact:
Jillian McCoy, Director, Corporate Responsibility & Communications
Dept.: Communications

Read More

by Allison Stowell

Originally published on Guiding Stars Health & Nutrition News

Social media feeds fill with news of forever chemicals. Apps abound that allow us to assess a product’s “health impact” score. Meanwhile, we still want nutritious options that are best for our bodies and health. We’re living in a food information overload. This may leave us with overwhelming wonder about the safety of foods for our bodies, and for the environment. When climate anxiety and diet intersect, it can cause excessive worry and even lead to disordered eating. We still have a lot to learn about food, the environment, and our health. However, we know that excess worry isn’t good for us. Let’s break down what we know and how to minimize risk.

Avoiding Harmful Chemicals

We’re increasingly aware of the negative impact that chemicals have on our bodies, and where we encounter them. Read on to learn many ways of avoiding them.

PFAS

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” degrade very slowly. This causes them to build up in humans, animals, and the environment. We encounter PFAS pretty much everywhere, including in our water and food. There’s a lot we still don’t know about PFAS, but researchers are investigating how to measure exposure and impact on our health. At the same time, food manufacturers, restaurants, and others in the food industry are moving away from packaging that may contain PFAS.

Microplastics

Microplastics are a significant part of the conversation about environmental and physical health. Science confirms the impact (and longevity) of these chemicals. And researchers believe they can increase risk of chronic disease. However, we don’t know exactly how to measure the amount of microplastics we absorb, how long they last, or the influence they have on our bodies or the environment.

Bisphenol A (BPA)

BPA is another chemical that has been used for decades. It’s often found in plastics, food and beverage packaging, or as a coating for metal products, including cans. Exposure to BPA may be harmful for children and babies, increasing risk for chronic disease.

The Good News

To help you minimize microplastics, there are increasingly more kitchen tools for the home kitchen that are PFAS-free. Limit plastic and use glass, ceramic, stainless steel, or bamboo/wood for food preparation and storage instead. To limit exposure to BPA, look for canned products, containers, and more labeled “BPA-free.”

Habits That Minimize Risk

It just takes small changes and a bit of thought to minimize your risk and fill your shopping cart with more environmentally friendly options.

Support Greenhouse Farming

Greenhouse farming allows producers to control the environment that produce is grown in. This includes temperature, lighting, and exposure to harmful elements. This farming method uses less water and energy (when sunlight is utilized). Greenhouse-grown fruits and vegetables are also less likely to be sprayed or grown with harmful chemicals. Look for greenhouse-grown or hydroponic produce to support this type of farming.

Eat More Plants, Less Meat

Eating more plants is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and the environment. Plants are rich in essential fiber and micronutrients. They also use fewer resources to produce. Meat production has significant impacts on greenhouse gas emissions, as well as water and energy use. When we choose a plant-forward diet, we are making a more sustainable choice. Go further by supporting local growers to reduce carbon emissions (and get fresher food too!).

Choose Reusable, Plastic‑Free Foodware

Avoiding single‑use plastic—and plastic‑coated—food containers helps reduce exposure to microplastics and harmful chemicals while also lowering your carbon footprint. Bring your own reusable options like stainless steel, ceramic, or food‑grade silicone cups and to‑go containers when you’re eating on the go. And when shopping, skip the single‑use plastic produce bags. Place your fruits and vegetables directly in your cart or use a reusable produce bag instead!

Be Cautious About “Health Impact” Apps

There are several apps that provide product information to help you avoid “less clean” ingredients. This may be beneficial if you know what to do with the information. But it can also create confusion. Be sure to consider the product as a whole and if it’s a good choice for your overall health. For example, we know we need to avoid too much sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar to lower risk of chronic disease. However, the app may not be taking this into consideration. If you’re looking for an app that does help you locate nutritious foods with less effort, I recommend Guiding Stars.

About Guiding Stars

Guiding Stars is an objective, evidence-based, nutrition guidance program that evaluates foods and beverages to make nutritious choices simple. Products that meet transparent nutrition criteria earn a 1, 2, or 3 star rating for good, better, and best nutrition. Guiding Stars can be found in more than 2,000 grocery stores, in Circana’ Attribute Marketplace, and through the Guiding Stars Food Finder app.

*Image by Freepik
 

by Allison Stowell

Originally published on Guiding Stars Health & Nutrition News

Social media feeds fill with news of forever chemicals. Apps abound that allow us to assess a product’s “health impact” score. Meanwhile, we still want nutritious options that are best for our bodies and health. We’re living in a food information overload. This may leave us with overwhelming wonder about the safety of foods for our bodies, and for the environment. When climate anxiety and diet intersect, it can cause excessive worry and even lead to disordered eating. We still have a lot to learn about food, the environment, and our health. However, we know that excess worry isn’t good for us. Let’s break down what we know and how to minimize risk.

Avoiding Harmful Chemicals

We’re increasingly aware of the negative impact that chemicals have on our bodies, and where we encounter them. Read on to learn many ways of avoiding them.

PFAS

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” degrade very slowly. This causes them to build up in humans, animals, and the environment. We encounter PFAS pretty much everywhere, including in our water and food. There’s a lot we still don’t know about PFAS, but researchers are investigating how to measure exposure and impact on our health. At the same time, food manufacturers, restaurants, and others in the food industry are moving away from packaging that may contain PFAS.

Microplastics

Microplastics are a significant part of the conversation about environmental and physical health. Science confirms the impact (and longevity) of these chemicals. And researchers believe they can increase risk of chronic disease. However, we don’t know exactly how to measure the amount of microplastics we absorb, how long they last, or the influence they have on our bodies or the environment.

Bisphenol A (BPA)

BPA is another chemical that has been used for decades. It’s often found in plastics, food and beverage packaging, or as a coating for metal products, including cans. Exposure to BPA may be harmful for children and babies, increasing risk for chronic disease.

The Good News

To help you minimize microplastics, there are increasingly more kitchen tools for the home kitchen that are PFAS-free. Limit plastic and use glass, ceramic, stainless steel, or bamboo/wood for food preparation and storage instead. To limit exposure to BPA, look for canned products, containers, and more labeled “BPA-free.”

Habits That Minimize Risk

It just takes small changes and a bit of thought to minimize your risk and fill your shopping cart with more environmentally friendly options.

Support Greenhouse Farming

Greenhouse farming allows producers to control the environment that produce is grown in. This includes temperature, lighting, and exposure to harmful elements. This farming method uses less water and energy (when sunlight is utilized). Greenhouse-grown fruits and vegetables are also less likely to be sprayed or grown with harmful chemicals. Look for greenhouse-grown or hydroponic produce to support this type of farming.

Eat More Plants, Less Meat

Eating more plants is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and the environment. Plants are rich in essential fiber and micronutrients. They also use fewer resources to produce. Meat production has significant impacts on greenhouse gas emissions, as well as water and energy use. When we choose a plant-forward diet, we are making a more sustainable choice. Go further by supporting local growers to reduce carbon emissions (and get fresher food too!).

Choose Reusable, Plastic‑Free Foodware

Avoiding single‑use plastic—and plastic‑coated—food containers helps reduce exposure to microplastics and harmful chemicals while also lowering your carbon footprint. Bring your own reusable options like stainless steel, ceramic, or food‑grade silicone cups and to‑go containers when you’re eating on the go. And when shopping, skip the single‑use plastic produce bags. Place your fruits and vegetables directly in your cart or use a reusable produce bag instead!

Be Cautious About “Health Impact” Apps

There are several apps that provide product information to help you avoid “less clean” ingredients. This may be beneficial if you know what to do with the information. But it can also create confusion. Be sure to consider the product as a whole and if it’s a good choice for your overall health. For example, we know we need to avoid too much sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar to lower risk of chronic disease. However, the app may not be taking this into consideration. If you’re looking for an app that does help you locate nutritious foods with less effort, I recommend Guiding Stars.

About Guiding Stars

Guiding Stars is an objective, evidence-based, nutrition guidance program that evaluates foods and beverages to make nutritious choices simple. Products that meet transparent nutrition criteria earn a 1, 2, or 3 star rating for good, better, and best nutrition. Guiding Stars can be found in more than 2,000 grocery stores, in Circana’ Attribute Marketplace, and through the Guiding Stars Food Finder app.

*Image by Freepik
 

PHOENIX, April 29, 2026 /3BL/ – Following months of strategic collaboration, the Arizona Energy Promise Task Force has released its final report to Governor Katie Hobbs, outlining 31 consensus-driven recommendations to modernize Arizona’s grid and lower energy costs. The Ray is proud to announce that Allie Kelly, Executive Director of The Ray, served as a key subject matter expert on the Working Group established by Executive Order 2025-13, ensuring that right-of-way (ROW) innovation is at the heart of Arizona’s energy future.

Addressing a 40% Surge in Demand

The Task Force was convened at a critical moment for the state. With rapid population growth and industrial expansion, Arizona utilities project a staggering 40% increase in peak energy demand over the next 15 years. Executive Order 2025-13 was designed to “cut the red tape” and find innovative ways to deliver affordable, reliable power without placing the financial burden on Arizona families.

Sharing The Ray’s ROW Blueprint

Throughout the working group sessions from late 2025 through March 2026, Allie Kelly and The Ray team shared technical expertise on how Arizona can leverage its most underutilized asset: the public right-of-way.

The final report, released this spring, reflects several core strategies championed by The Ray, including:

Transmission Co-location: Accelerating the use of transportation corridors for high-voltage transmission lines to connect renewable energy to the grid faster.

Optimizing State Assets: A key recommendation calls for developing a statewide map of state-owned land and assets—including highway roadways—to support future energy siting.

Streamlined ROW Solar: Reducing administrative barriers to deploy solar projects along infrastructure, protecting Arizona’s land and water footprints while adding immediate capacity.

“Being at the table for this Task Force allowed us to show Arizona leaders that the solution to their energy demand isn’t just about building more—it’s about building smarter. By using the land we already own—our highways—Arizona can meet its energy goals faster and more affordably.”

— Allie Kelly, Executive Director–

From Recommendations to Action

With the final report now in the Governor’s hands, The Ray continues to work closely with the Governor’s Office of Resiliency and the Arizona State Land Department to move these recommendations toward implementation. As Arizona seeks to become a national leader in clean energy and manufacturing, The Ray’s P4 (Public-Private-Philanthropic-Partnership) model serves as the primary engine for turning these policy ideas into roadside reality.

Media Contact

Dallen McLemore, Communications Specialist, The Ray

229.449.6168 | dallen@theray.org | @TheRayHighway