sHq_LoGiNz – Page 872

New IPC Analysis Identifies Famine in El Fasher and Kadugli and Critical Risk in 20 Other Areas

Posted on November 3, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Spokesperson available.

Contact media@actionagainsthunger.org for inquiries.

The new IPC (Integrated Phase Classification for Food Security) confirms that 375,000 people are in catastrophic conditions (IPC Phase 5), facing extreme hunger and death.
Eighty percent of health facilities in Sudan are damaged or out of service, exacerbating the nutritional and health crisis.
Humanitarian access is virtually blocked in the most affected areas, with supply routes cut off and frequent looting.
Ninety-eight percent of people in emergency or disaster situations are concentrated in Darfur and Kordofan, where conflict and humanitarian blockades are exacerbating the crisis.

NEW YORK, November 3, 2025 /3BL/ – Action Against Hunger expresses its deep concern at the findings of the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis, which confirms the existence of famine (Phase 5) in the towns of El Fasher and Kadugli, and warns of the imminent risk of famine in 20 additional areas of Sudan. This is the second time in less than a year that the IPC’s Famine Review Committee (FRC) has confirmed famine in parts of Sudan.

According to the report, more than 21 million people face critical levels of food insecurity, and at least 375,000 are in catastrophic conditions, facing extreme hunger, acute malnutrition and death. The situation is particularly dire in the regions of Darfur and Kordofan, where armed conflict, mass displacement and restrictions on humanitarian access have collapsed food and health systems.

Action Against Hunger’s director in Sudan, Samy Guessabi, says: “Sudan is experiencing a silent famine that threatens to become a total catastrophe. El Fasher and Kadugli are under siege, with no access to food, water or medical care. Families are eating boiled leaves, peanut shells and animal feed. This situation is intolerable.”

“The international community cannot look the other way. We need an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access and urgent mobilization of funds to save lives. Every day that passes without action is a death sentence for thousands of people,” adds Guessabi.

Conflict, Displacement and High Food prices as Drivers of the Situation

The conflict in Sudan has forced millions of people to flee their homes, destroyed essential infrastructure — including 80 per cent of health facilities — and severely restricted humanitarian access. Although 2.6 million people have returned to their homes, more than 9.6 million remain displaced. At the same time, the food crisis is exacerbated by sustained price increases, crop losses and economic collapse, leaving many families unable to access basic foodstuffs.

The latest data reveals that more than 60% of the localities assessed have acute global malnutrition rates above 15%, with some areas of Darfur exceeding the 30% threshold, considered an indicator of famine. The lack of data in areas such as Dilling, Al Sunut, and Habila prevents accurate classification, but it is feared that conditions are also critical.

Action Against Hunger urgently calls on donors, international organizations and political actors to prioritize Sudan on the global humanitarian agenda. The organization insists that only a coordinated, sustained response focused on the most affected communities can prevent an even greater tragedy.

Action Against Hunger in Sudan

Action Against Hunger works in Sudan providing humanitarian assistance in contexts of extreme conflict, focusing its efforts on food security, nutrition, health, water and sanitation. The organization responds to famine and acute malnutrition through food distribution programs, livelihood support, cash transfers and the strengthening of local systems such as community kitchens and mutual aid groups. It also promotes protection, humanitarian access and civil rights advocacy.

***

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 26.5 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across over 55 countries, our 8,500+ dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

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Cities unite to tackle deadly extreme heat

Posted on November 3, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Global coalition of 33 cities unite to protect residents and transform urban spaces to prepare for a hotter future

The Rockefeller Foundation, with ClimateWorks Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Z Zurich Foundation and Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, supported C40’s establishment of the Accelerator

RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A new global coalition of cities has today pledged urgent, coordinated action to tackle one of the most dangerous impacts of the climate crisis: extreme heat.

Announced on the first day of the C40 World Mayors Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the Cool Cities Accelerator will help urban leaders protect residents, safeguard economies, and redesign cities for a hotter future. The initiative brings together 33 founding cities representing over 145 million people from every region of the world, including Austin, Boston, Buenos Aires, Freetown, London, Nairobi, Phoenix, Paris, Singapore and others, all committed to protect residents and transform urban spaces for a hotter future by 2030.

C40 established the Accelerator with support from The Rockefeller Foundation, and with implementation support from ClimateWorks Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Z Zurich Foundation and Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Extreme heat is already the deadliest weather-related hazard worldwide, responsible for nearly half a million deaths each year. Without decisive action, the number of people exposed to life-threatening urban heat is projected to increase fivefold by 2050. These 33 cities are committed to taking that decisive action.

The vast majority of deaths caused by extreme heat are preventable through timely access to cooling, hydration, medical care, public health interventions, and improved infrastructure. These preventable deaths typically occur when individuals—especially vulnerable populations such as the elderly, outdoor workers, or those without access to air conditioning—are not adequately protected during periods of dangerously high temperatures.

The Cool Cities Accelerator provides a science-based, practical framework for cities to take both immediate and long-term action. Participating cities will collaborate, share best practices, and issue progress reports on:

Protecting residents now by establishing clear heat leadership, strengthening early warning systems, and ensuring access to cooling during emergencies within two years.
Transforming cities for the future by improving building standards, expanding urban tree cover and shade, and future-proofing critical infrastructure within five years.

This Accelerator answers the call to action on extreme heat from the United Nations Secretary-General and supports the COP30 Beat the Heat action agenda, a flagship effort to implement solutions that speed up local responses to extreme heat and promote sustainable cooling for cities together with national governments.

With this partnership, C40 has supported and will continue to support more than a dozen cities, including Accra, Austin, Bengaluru, Durban (Ethekwini), Freetown, Jakarta, London, Milan, Nairobi, New York City, Quezon City, Rio de Janeiro, and Tshwane, with technical assistance to achieve the heat resilience goals of the Accelerator.

Haris Doukas, the Mayor of Athens, said “Athens is one of the most severely heat-impacted cities in Europe with the number of heatwave days expected to double by 2050. In response to this crisis, Athens is leading a comprehensive, cross-agency effort built on the three pillars of awareness, preparedness and redesign. Our city has already made great strides in meeting the ambitious goals set by the Cool Cities Accelerator through our innovative heat governance structure, including the appointment of a Chief Heat Officer, and our existing and planned actions around heat risk communication, cool shelters, tree planting initiatives and boosting urban greening infrastructure, with the creation of a first micro-forest as well as advancing a major regeneration project in the hottest and most vulnerable part of Athens. Over the next five years, we will continue to transform Athens in alignment with the accelerator, and in collaboration with other leading cities from Europe and all over the world, and make it cooler, greener and safer, especially for those who need it the most.”

“Extreme heat is no longer a distant threat—it’s a daily reality affecting the lives and livelihoods of millions around the world,” said Elizabeth Yee, Executive Vice President of The Rockefeller Foundation. “Through the Cool Cities Accelerator, we’re proud to support mayors who are investing in bold, science-based solutions to future-proof health systems, ensuring they can withstand 21st century challenges. Local leaders are not just responding to the climate crisis today—they’re redesigning urban life to protect people, strengthen economies, and build a cooler, safer future for all.”

“Extreme heat is a silent killer and an increasingly urgent global threat,” said Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40 Cities. “The number of days that major capitals experience temperatures above 35°C has increased 54% over the past twenty years. Cities are showing real leadership by taking practical steps to protect communities, safeguard economies, and create more liveable urban environments. By aligning with the UN Secretary-General’s call to action on extreme heat, these cities are helping to set a global standard for what bold, collective climate leadership looks like.”

“Extreme heat is becoming a more intense challenge for people’s health and their economic security. We are proud to have mobilized $50 million in global adaptation and resilience funding for communities facing climate risks, and we are thrilled to help transform cities through the Cool Cities Accelerator. Local and community organizations hold the trust and insight needed to drive meaningful change and chart a more resilient future,” said Jessica Brown, Senior Director of Adaptation & Resilience at ClimateWorks Foundation.

In support of the Cool Cities Accelerator, The Rockefeller Foundation is providing a grant of approximately USD 1 million to develop the targets for heat adaptation and provide technical assistance for cities to implement solutions that mitigate the dangerous effects of extreme heat.

The Cool Cities Accelerator is part of C40 Cities’ broader mission to support bold, science-based climate action in the world’s largest and most influential urban areas. By sharing strategies and scaling proven solutions, cities can act faster and more effectively than they could alone.

Together, participating cities represent a global movement to save lives, strengthen resilience, and create thriving, heat-resilient cities for generations to come.

For more information about the Cool Cities Accelerator, visit https://www.c40.org/accelerators/cool-cities/ (link will be active from November 3 2025)

For more information about the C40 World Mayors Summit, visit https://www.c40.org/events/c40-world-mayors-summit-2025/

FULL LIST OF ACCELERATOR SIGNATORIES

Accra
Ahmedabad
Amsterdam
Athens
Austin
Barcelona
Bengaluru
Boston
Buenos Aires
Chicago
Durban (Ethekwini)
Fortaleza
Freetown
Guadalajara
Karachi
London
Melbourne
Milan
Mumbai
Nairobi
New York City
Paris
Phoenix
Quezon City
Rio de Janeiro
Rome
Salvador
Santiago
Singapore
Tel Aviv – Yafo
Tokyo
Tshwane
Vancouver

About C40 Cities
C40 Cities is a network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities,representing over 900 million people across the world and one quarter of the global economy. Through collaboration and science-based action, C40 mayors are delivering the urgent climate solutions needed to secure a cleaner, fairer and healthier future for all.

About The Rockefeller Foundation
The Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on collaborative partnerships at the frontiers of science, technology, and innovation that enable individuals, families, and communities to flourish. We make big bets to promote the well-being of humanity in food, health, energy, and finance, including through our public charity, RF Catalytic Capital (RFCC). For more information, sign up for our newsletter at www.rockefellerfoundation.org/subscribe and follow us on X @RockefellerFdn and LinkedIn @the-rockefeller-foundation.

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SOURCE The Rockefeller Foundation

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire

The ROI of Sustainability: Actionable Insights From Climate Week NYC

Posted on November 3, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

This article is authored by Scott Tew, Global Head and VP, Sustainability Strategy, Trane Technologies.

Across Climate Week NYC 2025, leaders from finance, operations, supply chain and technology aligned around a core sustainability playbook: set clear goals, invest in both proven levers and new approaches, measure what matters and share what you learn so others can move faster. When we treat sustainability as a core business strategy, we unlock value and accelerate growth. Below are seven key themes that surfaced during our Climate Week conversations — and how they translate into practical steps organizations can take now to create business value.

1. Sustainability is strategy — and it maximizes ROI

At Climate Week NYC the message was clear — sustainability is not an add-on; it’s an operational strategy that generates strong returns. Participants emphasized ROI proof points like measurable efficiency gains, lower energy spend, risk reduction and resilient operations. As our CEO Dave Regnery says: “Just because it’s sustainable doesn’t mean it costs more.”

Clear business cases that tie decarbonization to cash flow, risk reduction and asset value generate better sustainability outcomes. At Trane Technologies, we see this play out with our own customers: organizations that electrify, optimize with AI-powered digital solutions and eliminate energy waste are seeing lower operating costs, improved asset performance and stronger resilience.

2. Every role is a sustainability role

The CFO has entered the room — alongside operations, legal and supply chain. Successful organizations are treating decarbonization as an enterprise-wide endeavor, not a silo. The Chief Sustainability Officer role has evolved, too: This crucial function encompasses both business leader and strategist, while often orchestrating execution and reporting. And the board plays a critical role in translating oversight into action. Educated and informed directors create an environment of accountability for sustainability goals.

Across our own organization, we see the impact of this cross-functional sustainability focus daily. Decisions get better and outcomes improve when multiple disciplines are at the table. And the flywheel effect builds when teams leverage sustainability wins to generate more momentum.

3. Counting what counts — the new math of sustainability

Traditional ROI models can miss the full value of decarbonization. Climate Week conversations emphasized a broader equation that includes reduced energy waste, resilience, market differentiation, compliance readiness, risk management and reputation.

The takeaway for leaders is to expand the valuation lens. The new sustainability equation integrates resilience, operational confidence and reputational benefits into the sustainability calculus. Add the financial impact of customer preference and talent attraction for companies that can show verified progress, and sustainability investments move from “nice to have” to “must do.”

4. Sustainability is a team sport — share to scale

A powerful theme was collaboration over competition around sustainability challenges. Early movers are sharing technologies and approaches so others can follow more quickly. That waterfall effect is how markets transform.

What does that look like in practice? Publishing playbooks and performance data. Structuring pilots so that outcomes are transparent. Partnering with others to align incentive structures. The impact is powerful — when one organization de-risks a climate solution, others can quickly follow, accelerating market transformation and driving growth.

5. The power of procurement: catalyze a low-carbon value chain

Climate Week participants highlighted that procurement is one of the fastest ways to drive outcomes. Setting clear specifications for alternative materials, energy performance, embodied carbon and circularity outcomes can shift entire value chains. That change rewrites decarbonization incentives, helping scale lower-carbon materials and manufacturing practices.

Within our own business, we are seeing customers incorporate decarbonization targets into their buying decisions — not just purchase price. And through our own purchasing, we’re designing for circularity practices that integrate low carbon materials at the design stage, transforming purchasing power into a lever for innovation and decarbonization.

6. New business models that create value at every stage

Conversations also highlighted how sustainability can inspire new business models that impact every part of the value chain. From circularity practices that unlock value, to AI and advanced controls that optimize when and how equipment runs, the results generate better business and climate outcomes.

AI-enabled controls are a prime example. When systems know when and how best to run, they can automatically shift loads, increase efficiency and improve reliability while lowering emissions. Circularity practices — like designing for longer life and refurbishment — keep materials in use and reduce environmental impact. These are pragmatic, proven approaches that compound value over time. And they’re just the beginning, as the sustainability conversation shifts from reducing emissions, to redesigning business models to decarbonize and deliver growth.

7. Climate tech is advancing the AI economy — and making energy smarter

As AI development accelerates, data centers are becoming both essential infrastructure and significant sources of wasted energy in the form of heat. The right technology can capture and repurpose that heat for communities, providing energy for nearby facilities like schools and homes, while strengthening grid resilience. At the same time, AI-enabled controls are optimizing the very resource AI depends on — energy — by improving how heating and cooling systems run, and equipping teams with intelligent tools to reduce energy waste.

The big picture: the quickest wins in autonomous decarbonization in the high-tech sector will come from eliminating energy waste through efficient thermal management, and then meeting the need that remains with cleaner, intelligent systems.

From New York to next steps

The prevailing tone throughout Climate Week NYC was pragmatic optimism — progress over perfection. The true value of the week was not the number of panels or the breadth of the guest list. It was the collective momentum to act with practical solutions that deliver results and drive growth. Climate Week reminds us that sustainability leadership is built through repetition. Plan, pilot, prove, scale. That is how we turn sustainability strategy into outcomes that drive growth.

At Trane Technologies, we will keep advancing efficient, electrified and digital solutions that help customers reduce their carbon impacts and strengthen their operations. The stakes are high, and the opportunity is real. As we return to our daily routines after the energy and vibrant conversations of Climate Week, let’s keep the momentum moving. Join us as we continue delivering both decarbonization and business value, one step at a time.

Hear from our CFO on unlocking the ROI of sustainability on our Healthy Spaces podcast.

Explore careers that unlock the ROI of sustainability at Trane Technologies.

Posted in UncategorizedTagged 3BL

AFROTECH 2025 DRAWS 40,000+ ATTENDEES, SPARKS HUMAN-CENTERED AI DEBATE, AND HIGHLIGHTS EQUITABLE MEDTECH

Posted on November 3, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

“Building What’s Next” week positions AfroTech as the place where Black technologists build companies and policy solutions that scale

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AfroTech Conference 2025, held October 27–31 at the George R. Brown Convention Center and citywide in Houston, drew 40,000+ attendees and convened leaders and founders from government, health systems, and top tech firms to advance human-centered AI, equitable medtech, and culture-driven tech entrepreneurship. The week featured hundreds of sessions and citywide activations that connected innovators, investors, and enterprises under the theme “Building What’s Next.”

At-a-Glance

Attendance: 40,000+ attendees citywide
Programming: Hundreds of sessions across cybersecurity, AI, fintech, medtech, sustainability, and culture (Executive Stage, Health Stack Summit, AfroTech U for students, and Expo Hall full of product innovation)
Partners: Presenting and leading partners included UnitedHealth Group (Health Stack Summit), Microsoft, Amazon, Capital One, Meta, GE HealthCare, PwC, Uber, and L’Oréal Groupe—representing technology, finance, healthcare, consumer goods, and lifestyle innovation across AfroTech’s stages and activations.
Press: 94 credentialed media covered the event, driving 40M+ social impressions across #AFROTECH25 in the 30-day window surrounding the conference.
Local impact: AfroTech 2025 drew over 40,000 attendees across Houston, building on its 2024 impact that generated tens of millions of dollars in local economic activity and record demand for hotels, venues, and restaurants.

Program highlights & outcomes

Human-Centered AI at scale: Mustafa Suleyman (CEO, Microsoft AI) framed a practical, human-centered approach to production AI — the conversation set the tone for reporting and investor panels on responsible AI adoption across industry.
AI and democracy: Stacey Abrams examined AI’s effects on civic life and democratic institutions, generating crossover coverage in tech and policy outlets.
Health Stack Summit: Presented by UnitedHealth Group, the Summit put women’s health and equitable medtech at the forefront, leading to new conversations among health systems, startups, and investors on expanding access.
Culture + commerce: Creative programming (Creator Summit in partnership with Dream Con) and brand activations amplified Black creativity as an economic engine.

Quotes

“AfroTech is where the world experiences innovation through the lens of community,” said Morgan DeBaun, Founder & CEO, Blavity Inc. “This year’s conference embodied what’s next, from real-world AI applications to transformative discussions in health and venture, bridging access and opportunity in every space.”

“We see partnerships form, careers accelerate, and ideas turn into reality,” added Jeff Nelson, Co-Founder & COO, Blavity Inc. “That’s the heartbeat of this movement.”

Media assets & interviews

High-resolution photos, recap footage, session clips, and speaker sound bites are available. Spokespeople and select speakers are available for interview upon request.

ABOUT BLAVITY INC.
Founded in 2014, Blavity Inc. is the leading media and technology company serving Black millennials and Gen Z. Its portfolio includes AfroTech, 21Ninety, Home & Texture, Travel Noire, Blavity House Party, and Talent Infusion—reaching over 100 million people monthly. Please visit blavityinc.com.

ABOUT AFROTECH CONFERENCE
AfroTech is the global hub for Black tech, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The AfroTech community convenes over 75,000 professionals and 150+ global companies a year and hosts their flagship AfroTech Conference for a week of keynotes, panels, networking, and culture-driven tech programming. Please visit afrotechconference.com.

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SOURCE AfroTech

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire

Graphic Packaging, Arbor Day Foundation Collaborate Ro Restore Forests Worldwide

Posted on November 3, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

LINCOLN, Neb., November 3, 2025 /3BL/ – Graphic Packaging International, a global leader in sustainable consumer packaging, is partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation to help conserve the environment and protect forest resources.

Graphic Packaging will support strategic, large-scale reforestation and urban forestry initiatives with the Arbor Day Foundation. These efforts will help to expand green spaces in the communities where the company operates and support restoration projects in areas identified as high priority through science-based assessments. Through the partnership, Graphic Packaging employees worldwide will lead and participate in tree planting events, distribute seedlings and trees in their communities, and support global reforestation projects.

“Graphic Packaging’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its global network of engaged communities helps us to meaningfully carry out our mission of inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees around the world,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “This partnership will help restore vital forest ecosystems and bolster resilience in the places that need it most.”

Forests provide clean air and water for more than half of the world’s population, and urban trees can lower neighborhood temperatures by up to 10°F. The Arbor Day Foundation’s Forest Priority Index (FPI) and Nature Priority Index (NPI) tools will help guide Graphic Packaging’s project selections. The FPI identifies forest regions where reforestation will have the highest impact on climate, biodiversity and community resilience. The NPI—created by NatureQuant, one of the Foundation’s technology partners—helps to highlight census tracts in urban areas where trees can most improve human health and tree access.

The Arbor Day Foundation collaboration marks a flagship initiative under RENEW, Graphic Packaging’s social impact program. RENEW is designed to drive meaningful change in and around communities where Graphic Packaging operates across key areas, including renewing the environment.

“Enhancing the communities where we live and work is a key part of Vision 2030, and protecting the environment is essential to strong, healthy communities,” said Graphic Packaging President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Doss. “Graphic Packaging employees have distributed 130,000 trees since 2010, and we’re proud to partner with the Arbor Day Foundation to build on our history of giving back to communities and the planet.”

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.

About Graphic Packaging International

Graphic Packaging designs and produces consumer packaging made primarily from renewable or recycled materials. An industry leader in innovation, the Company is committed to reducing the environmental footprint of consumer packaging. Graphic Packaging operates a global network of design and manufacturing facilities serving the world’s most widely recognized brands in food, beverage, foodservice, household, and other consumer products. Learn more at www.graphicpkg.com.

Posted in UncategorizedTagged 3BL

Beko Europe Champions Hidden Innovations on Smart Home Day

Posted on November 3, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Invisible’ innovations that maximise energy and cost savings while enhancing everyday well-being

Beko Europe continuously focusing
on innovations that make a difference in people’s everyday lives
Energy optimisation, long-life engineering, and predictive maintenance features at the core of Beko’s range of connected appliances
HomeWhiz®, powered by AI and real-time data, transforms consumer experience into a more sustainable and adapted way of smart living

AMSTERDAM, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On Smart Home Day, a global initiative which recognises the innovations and technologies that are transforming homes around the world into intelligent, interconnected living spaces, Beko Europe – one of the leading companies in the global home appliances industry draws attention to its range of connected appliances and their power to sustainably transform how we live.

Circular design, long-life engineering, and intuitive, human-centric technology help users mitigate rising energy costs while enhancing their well-being through personalised convenience. Beko’s connected appliances turn sustainability into everyday savings through energy optimisation, long-life engineering, and predictive maintenance features, while HomeWhiz® makes smart living accessible for all combining sustainable performance with intelligent comfort.

“Smart Home Day is a moment for our industry to take stock of the work we do for our consumers. At Beko Europe, we focus on innovations that genuinely make a difference in people’s everyday lives.” said Akın Garzanlı, CEO of Beko Europe. “HomeWhiz reflects this approach by connecting our products through technology that helps consumers manage their homes more efficiently, reduce energy use, and make sustainable living a simple, natural part of daily life. This Smart Home Day, we are proud to champion the hidden innovations.”

HomeWhiz®, the central smart home platform for Beko Europe’s brands, adapts to consumers’ habits and provides personalised insights on energy and water management. Powered by AI and real-time data, it helps optimise performance and efficiency while enhancing well-being through human-centric intelligent technology. With water and energy management, predictive maintenance, adaptive features, remote software updates, and an AI Voice Assistant, HomeWhiz^@ enables appliances that learn, improve, and support long-term reliability.

As the cost-of-living crisis continues, consumers are seeking reliability and efficiency from their home appliances. HomeWhiz’s^@predictive maintenance flags minor issues in products before the issues escalate into damaged products that need replaced, limiting the need for costly fixes to faulty machines. A quiet, behind the scenes feature that puts consumers at ease.

Beko Europe’s commitment to smart home innovation goes also through the intelligent laundry range across different brands, which demonstrates how unseen technologies can quietly transform everyday routines.

Combining AI-driven adaptability with superior energy efficiency, Whirlpool’s SenseWash and AdaptiveWash technologies take the complexity out of laundry care. SenseWash’s intelligent sensors senses textile type, dirt level, and load size, then adjusts the wash automatically. Connected through the intuitive HomeWhiz® app, the appliances learn from every wash, offering increasingly personalised performance through AdaptiveWash. Focusing on well-being through personalized convenience and human-centric intelligent technology, the brand offers predictive maintenance, adaptive features across different categories, as well as remote software updates and an AI Voice Assistant, enabling consumers to enjoy products that continuously improve, learn, and respond to their needs while maintaining long-term reliability and performance.

The energy and water management feature in the HomeWhiz® app tracks appliance performance and turns complex data into simple, actionable insights. It helps consumers see not just how much energy and water they use, but why – by revealing patterns that shape daily habits. With EnergySpin cutting consumption by up to 35%^[1] versus the brand’s standard models, Beko demonstrates how smart living combines efficiency and reliability, empowering consumers to live sustainably without compromise.

ABOUT BEKO EUROPE

Beko Europe is a leading home appliance company dedicated to improving the lives of its consumers through a diverse range of innovative and sustainable products and solutions. It is 75% owned by Beko B.V. and 25% owned by Whirlpool Corporation. As part of Beko, recognized as the “Number 1 Home Appliances Company in Europe,”* Beko Europe offers a portfolio of 16 brands (Beko, Whirlpool**, Grundig, Hotpoint, Arctic, Ariston**, Leisure, Indesit, Blomberg, Bauknecht, ElektraBregenz, Privileg, Flavel, Altus, Ignis, Polar) that provide quality appliances to millions of households across the region. Building on its parent company’s 70-year legacy of innovation, Beko Europe promotes sustainability in the home through advanced technology, skilled human resources, and strong manufacturing capabilities. Its people-centric design approach integrates functionality, sustainability, and appealing design. Aligned with the Paris Agreement and the Science-Based Targets initiative, Beko Europe supports its parent company’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The parent company’s dedication to sustainability is globally recognized, as evidenced by its highest score in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) in the DHP Household Durables industry for the sixth consecutive year (based on the results dated 22 November 2024) and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for the eighth consecutive year.*** Beko has been recognized as the 17th most sustainable company on TIME Magazine and Statista’s 2025 list of the World’s Most Sustainable Companies. Beko’s vision is ‘Respecting the World, Respected Worldwide.’

www.bekoeurope.com

*Source Euromonitor International Limited; Consumer Appliances 2025 edition, Beko Corp, Large Appliances as per “Major Appliances”, GBO, retail volume, 2024 data.

**Licensee limited to certain jurisdictions.

***The data presented belongs to Arçelik A.Ş., a parent company of Beko.

[1] In addition to the Eco 40-60 program (declaration program) the energy consumption of Cottons, Synthetics, Xpress/Super Express, Delicates, Mix, Handwash, Wool, Darkcare, and Outdoor/Sports programs is up to 35% less compared to the Beko WTV 9636 XS0 washing machine, without compromising washing performance. EnergySpin is also available in Coldwash, 20°C, Drum Clean, and Downloaded programs.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2812022/Beko_Europe_Infographic.jpg
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2812023/Beko_Europe_1.jpg
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2812021/Beko_Europe_2.jpg
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2812020/Beko_Europe_Logo.jpg

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SOURCE Beko Europe

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire

From Ideas to Impact: Cox Cleantech Accelerator Startups Deliver Cutting-Edge Climate Solutions at Atlanta Showcase

Posted on November 3, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

ATLANTA, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cox Enterprises, gener8tor and the Georgia Cleantech Innovation Hub hosted the inaugural Cox Cleantech Accelerator LIVE on October 30, showcasing 10 leading startups at the forefront of environmental innovation. Each one has a goal to make the world cleaner while also positively impacting their customers’ bottom line. The Atlanta showcase connected early-stage companies with investors, business leaders and industry partners committed to scaling sustainable solutions.

“At Cox, our goal is not just to support individual companies but to build an ecosystem that drives long-term, scalable solutions to climate change,” said Jack Semrau, Atlanta Venture Ecosystem lead at Cox Enterprises. “Events like Cox Cleantech Accelerator LIVE give investors the opportunity to engage directly with founders who are creating technologies that will benefit both business and society.”

Cox has made strategic investments over the past decade to support Atlanta as a top tech hub. The company has supported over 400 startups, unlocking thousands of new, fresh ideas while also creating a significant number of jobs.

At the showcase, the different startups displayed their unique approaches to contemporary challenges, including making utility infrastructures more resilient and helping corporations and governments reduce energy usage and produce more reuseable resources.

“Atlanta is becoming a hub for cleantech innovation, and we’re proud to help entrepreneurs tap into this momentum,” said Miguel Granier, managing director of the Cox Cleantech Accelerator. “These startups are tackling critical issues from renewable energy and sustainable transportation to food systems and waste reduction. We’re excited to connect them with the mentorship, network and investment they need to scale.”

Granier led a panel joined by investors Micah Kotch, a partner at Blackhorn Ventures, and Anthony Oni, a managing partner with Elevate Future Fund at Energy Impact Partners. The panel shared insights on energy and cleantech investments, especially as America rebuilds its factories and industries. The group also offered strategic advice for advancing the cleantech momentum in the Atlanta region.

The Cox Cleantech Accelerator is a 12-week program designed to support early-stage cleantech startups. The Accelerator reflects Cox Enterprises’ long-standing commitment to sustainability. Cox has invested over $2B in cleantech businesses and technologies since 2007.By fostering new ventures, Cox is helping to drive both economic growth and environmental impact in Georgia and the Southeast.

In collaboration with gener8tor, a global venture firm and accelerator, and the Georgia Cleantech Innovation Hub, the program supports diverse founders while positioning Atlanta as a premier destination for cleantech innovation. The Accelerator’s first two cohorts have attracted startups from across the U.S. and the world. This underscores the region’s growing role as a center for sustainable technology and economic development.

To learn more about the Cox Cleantech Accelerator and the 2025 startups, visit CoxCleantech.com/acceleratorlive25. View a recording of the showcase here.

About Cox Enterprises Cox Enterprises is dedicated to empowering people to build a better future for the next generation. Cox is a leader in the broadband, automotive and media industries, as well as a leading investment platform with strategic positions in emerging technologies driving the future of agriculture, renewable energy and public sector software. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Cox is a global company with $23 billion in annual revenues and a proud history of over 125 years. To learn more about Cox and its commitment to its people, planet and communities, visit CoxEnterprises.com.

About gener8tor gener8tor is a global venture ﬁrm and accelerator network that supports startups, workers, employers, artists and musicians across race, place and gender. gener8tor partners with companies, governments, universities and nonproﬁts to operate accelerator programs and conferences in more than 45 communities across 25 states and three countries. Fast Company named gener8tor one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2021 and 2022. The International Trade Council recognized gener8tor as the Global Venture Capital Firm of the Year in 2022.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/from-ideas-to-impact-cox-cleantech-accelerator-startups-deliver-cutting-edge-climate-solutions-at-atlanta-showcase-302602820.html

SOURCE Cox Enterprises

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire

National Institute of Building Sciences to Be Featured on Empowered for Public TV Hosted by Meg Ryan

Posted on November 3, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) is proud to announce its upcoming feature on Empowered, the acclaimed Public TV series hosted by award-winning actress Meg Ryan. The segment will spotlight NIBS’ leadership in advancing building science, resilience, and innovation across the built environment.

As a trusted authority in the industry for over 50 years, NIBS continues to drive impactful change through research, education, and collaboration with government, academia, and private sector partners. The Empowered feature will highlight NIBS’ mission to improve the safety, sustainability, and performance of buildings nationwide, a mission rooted in its founding by the U.S. Congress in 1974. For over 50 years, NIBS has served as a vital interface between government and the private sector, advancing building science and technology to improve the built environment. Through its leadership in developing standards, promoting resilience, and fostering innovation, NIBS continues to shape a safer and more sustainable future for American communities.

“We’re honored to be featured on Empowered and to share our story with a broader audience,” said George Guszcza, President and CEO of NIBS. “This opportunity allows us to showcase the critical work being done to strengthen America’s infrastructure and promote resilient communities.” The feature will include clips from NIBS Board members Nancy Novak and Sandra Benson, who discuss the critical role NIBS plays in shaping the building sciences industry, sharing their perspectives on its impact, leadership, and future direction.

Empowered, hosted by Meg Ryan, is a nationally distributed educational TV series that features compelling stories shaping the future of society. The show focuses on spotlighting innovative sectors and influential thought leaders, using advanced filming techniques and a unique distribution platform to reach millions of households nationwide.

The Public Television segment begins distribution on November 3, reaching more than 170 participating Public Television stations nationwide. It will air as interstitial programming throughout 2026.

About the National Institute of Building Sciences

Created by an act of Congress in 1974 to be the nation’s authoritative source of findings and recommendations on the impact and improvement of the built environment for the American people. At the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), we connect research, policy, and practical application to advance innovation in the built environment. Our mission is to create a safer, more resilient, and technologically advanced infrastructure that serves American communities and strengthens our nation’s future.

From shaping industry standards to guiding digital transformation, we empower building professionals, policymakers, and owners to make informed decisions that enhance sustainability, efficiency, and resilience. We convene experts across sectors to develop solutions that ensure construction, infrastructure, and disaster preparedness keep pace with evolving challenges.

Building American Innovation isn’t just our tagline—it’s our commitment. We foster collaboration between government, industry, and academia to drive forward-thinking strategies for resilient communities. Because at NIBS, we don’t just build structures, we build solutions.

For more information, visit nibs.org or follow @bldgsciences on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-institute-of-building-sciences-to-be-featured-on-empowered-for-public-tv-hosted-by-meg-ryan-302602775.html

SOURCE National Institute of Building Sciences

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire

From Curse to Career

Posted on November 3, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

David Stalls thought the dangerous heart rhythm problem that plagued his health was a curse—until he turned treating it into a new career.

“It’s gotten me to where I am today so I’m actually thankful,” he laughed.

An emergency room nurse in Tennessee, Stalls lived with the chaotic, fluttering heart rhythms of atrial fibrillation (Afib) for years. He knew Afib increased his risk of stroke and heart failure.

“I was in and out of Afib. Mostly out. So I just tried to forget about it. But after a while I couldn’t sleep and I didn’t have enough energy to even play with our kids in the yard,” he said.

The Afib episodes became longer and more severe. Doctors twice shocked his heart back to normal rhythm but the irregular heartbeats soon returned. In the spring of 2016, doctors at the Memphis hospital where he worked performed an ablation using Medtronic cryoablation technology.

Life changing moment

The ablation changed Stalls’ life in more ways than one.

“I hadn’t fully realized just how much Afib had affected me until I started feeling better,” he said. “I could run and play soccer with the kids. I felt great and I still do.”

Doctors told him afterward that the first step in the procedure was to make a digital map of his heart’s electrical activity. They invited him to step out of the ER some time and watch a case. “I floated over to the lab one afternoon and watched from the control room,” he said. “I had no idea what the mappers were doing but it was cool. I remember thinking ‘I can do that.’”

So he did—turning the treatment for his heart problem into his life’s work.

Passionate about helping others

Stalls leveraged his nursing background and a recommendation from a doctor he knew at his hospital and got hired by a Medtronic competitor to become a cardiac mapper. The training took a year.

“It was intense. The hardest training I’ve ever taken,” he said.

Stalls spent the first five years of his mapping career at a Medtronic competitor. He mapped thousands of hearts and worked with dozens of electrophysiologists—including Dr. David Lan, the same EP who performed his ablation in 2016.

”David has mapped at least 100 procedures with me,” said Dr. Lan. “He’s an excellent mapper. He’s passionate about helping people. He’s a very hard worker and he’s always available. I’m very proud of him.”

Technology Leap

In 2024, Stalls began hearing from mapping colleagues about the Medtronic Affera™ Mapping and Ablation System and accompanying Sphere-9™ Catheter. He said word in the industry was the system would “be a game changer,” and the more he heard the more interested he became. He left the competitor, signed on with Medtronic and now maps with the Affera system.

“It’s really amazing. The system is intuitive, smart and simple,” he said. “The physician can insert one catheter (Sphere 9) just one time. It can map, ablate with either radio frequency (RF) or pulsed field ablation (PFA), and verify that we either got it right or have to ablate further. Other systems have to remove the catheter and put in another one for each of those steps. The Affera system is an incredible step forward.”

What do mappers do?

Today, his days start around 7:00 A.M. at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. Staff prepares the electrophysiology lab while Stalls sets up his mapping equipment. The first patient is typically in the room by 7:30 A.M.

“Sometimes they ask questions and I can say ‘I’ve been in your shoes,’ and I can share with patients how ablation helped me,” Stalls said. “It’s a nice feeling to be able to help them that way.”

The procedure begins. The electrophysiologist (EP) inserts a catheter into the patient’s groin, navigates it into the heart and they begin “mapping.” Electrodes on the catheter measure the voltage and the electrical activation time on all the tissue they touch, creating a 3D image of the heart’s electrical activity in a rainbow of bright colors. “Each color tells us something. Purple means healthy tissue. Red means not so healthy. And a lot of things in between,” Stalls said.

The EP and mapper work together during the case while the EP identifies spots that require ablation. The procedure can take 45 to 60 minutes, with constant communication back and forth between the EP, the mapper and other members of the team. It’s a relationship built on experience and trust.

“Mappers usually work with a lot of different physicians,” said Dr. Lan. “So they see different techniques and bring that experience to provide the technical knowledge, supporting every physician to treat our patients. There’s a lot of teamwork.”

“The mapper needs to know electrophysiology and the mapping technology inside and out,” Stalls added. “Our job is to advise and consult and focus exclusively on the mapping and ablating technology. Sometimes I’ll see things the EPs don’t because they have to pay attention to several other things during the procedure.”

Hospitals are moving so quickly to the Affera system that some have the technology in place but not enough mappers to operate them. So experienced mappers sometimes travel to fill the void until hundreds of new, permanent mappers come online. Stalls mapped at hospitals in New York, Chicago, Cleveland, Austin, TX and Milwaukee in the last few months. No matter where he goes, he still keeps images from the mapping of his own heart on his phone—a regular reminder of where he’s been, and what’s ahead.

“I’m just really grateful,” he said. “I felt cursed by Afib but it’s turned out to be a blessing. When a patient comes in with Afib and leaves in normal rhythm, it’s just incredibly rewarding to be a part of something like that.”

Interested in becoming a Medtronic mapper? Check out our careers page.

See how this new technology innovation is fueling a hiring boom at Medtronic.

Important Safety Information

Risks may include serious complications and injuries to cardiac and other body structures. The Sphere-9™ catheter and Affera™ mapping and ablation system, PulseSelect™ pulsed field ablation system, and Arctic Front Advance™ over-the-wire balloon catheter should only be used under the supervision of a physician that performs cardiac ablation procedures.

Posted in UncategorizedTagged 3BL

FedEx Philippines Named Among HR Asia’s Best Workplaces, Bags Three Major Wins

Posted on November 3, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

MANILA, Philippines, November 3, 2025 /3BL/ – Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, has been recognized as one of the awardees of the HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2025. Organized by HR Asia, a leading publication for HR professionals across the region, the awards program is judged using HR Asia’s proprietary Total Engagement Assessment Model (TEAM), which measures employee engagement, workplace culture, and HR practices. In addition, FedEx also received the Sustainable Workplace Award and the Tech Empowerment Award, reinforcing its achievements in sustainability, innovation, and employee well-being.

The HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia Awards is one of the region’s most prestigious employer recognition programs. It honors organizations with outstanding HR practices, high levels of employee engagement, and strong workplace cultures. The program attracts participation from Fortune 500 companies, multinational corporations, and top employers across Asia, making the triple win of FedEx a significant achievement in the competitive landscape of corporate excellence.

The Sustainable Workplace Award recognizes organizations that champion long-term employee well-being, promote environmental responsibility, and implement sustainable business practices within their workplace culture. The Tech Empowerment Award celebrates companies that leverage technology to enhance the employee experience, drive innovation, and enable a more connected and agile workforce.

“This triple win is a powerful testament to the dedication of our people and the strength of the FedEx People-Service-Profit philosophy,” said Maribeth Espinosa, managing director of FedEx Philippines. “Our Purple Promise is to deliver an outstanding FedEx experience at every touchpoint, starting with how we support and care for our team members. These prestigious recognitions inspire us to foster an inclusive workplace culture, accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge digital technologies that empower our people, and drive sustainable practices that benefit our communities and the environment.”

More than a recognition of workplace excellence, the awards reflect the commitment of FedEx to driving progress for communities and the environment. Its people-first agenda was further recognized at the HR Excellence Awards 2025 Philippines, where FedEx secured Gold in Excellence in Cross-Generational Workforce Management and Leadership Development and Silver in Excellence in Best HR Team (Multinational Company). These distinctions demonstrate the breadth and depth of FedEx’s leadership in human capital development.

To learn more about FedEx solutions, visit the FedEx Philippines website.

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

Posted in UncategorizedTagged 3BL