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The lyrics to one of Bob Dylan’s most famous songs could certainly apply to the new political environment facing corporate sustainability professionals today: “The times they are a-changin’.” Following the actions of the new Trump Administration to pull out of the Paris Agreement on climate change and to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across the federal government, many companies are reevaluating their commitments to sustainability and DEI. In some cases, companies have ended DEI programs or are renaming programs to avoid pushback from the Administration and outside groups.

While these challenges may seem overwhelming, the good news is that the business rationale for focusing on sustainability has not changed. Our Top Stories in this issue of the Sustainability Highlights newsletter demonstrate that the value of sustainability is still recognized by CEOs and business leaders, and their efforts will continue even as the way companies communicate about sustainability will adapt to the current political climate.

An article on edie about PwC’s 28th Annual Global CEO Survey says that two-thirds of the CEOs surveyed reported that climate-related investments had either reduced costs or had no significant impact on costs to the enterprise. According to the survey, “a clear global trend is emerging: aligning climate-friendly investments with long-term business strategies drives stronger financial performance.”

Another article from edie reports on a recent survey by the Capgemini Research Institute of 2,500 global business leaders, which found that 62% of businesses are planning to increase their sustainability budgets in 2025, by an average of 10.5%. The survey found that companies see sustainability “as a means of weathering persistent challenges such as supply chain disruptions and high energy and commodity prices.”

Contributor David Carlin in Forbes magazine says that based on his conversations with sustainability leaders and executives in the financial sector, he believes “sustainability is not retreating – it is evolving.” He sees three key shifts coming in 2025 that will have big implications for business: first, a move away from high-profile public commitments toward quieter, results-focused action; second, the integration of sustainability into core business functions so it becomes part of the everyday fabric of firms; and last, a stronger focus on sustainability as a driver of economic opportunity and client value.

Technology will certainly play an important role in helping companies achieve sustainability goals that have an impact on the bottom line and help increase revenue. In an article in Tech Informed, experts discuss predictions for green technology advances that will drive energy efficiency in 2025, including the increased use of AI, digitalization of communications, and circular economies.

The G&A team will continue to monitor the impact of the changing political environment on corporate sustainability initiatives and how companies communicate about sustainability. As always, we are available to discuss how our experts can help you navigate today’s challenges and opportunities. Please reach out to us at info@ga-institute.com.

This is just the introduction of G&A’s Sustainability Highlights newsletter this week. Click here to view the full issue.

WASHINGTON, February 10, 2025 /3BL/ – EarthShare launches fiscal sponsorship services to strengthen the environmental movement by fostering collaboration among diverse communities, sectors, and regions, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and resources for environmental projects across the United States.

What Is Fiscal Sponsorship?

Fiscal sponsorship is when a nonprofit provides a mission-aligned group or project access to their legal and tax-exempt nonprofit status, allowing the project to skip the labor-intensive and costly steps of having to create and maintain a 501(c)(3) status of their own. A fiscal sponsor can also provide administrative support through financial management, human resources, and legal assistance.

Why EarthShare?

For the past 35 years, EarthShare has worked with individuals and businesses to amplify giving for our network of more than 500 environmental nonprofits. As a result, we’ve mobilized more than $400 million in support for our planet. Backed by a network of some of the best environmental nonprofits, our issue expertise and partner network exceed anything on the market, and it’s continuously expanding. We are building the world’s most robust and inclusive environmental network, with the goal to ensure that lesser-known, grassroots, frontline, and BIPOC-led nonprofits see increased visibility and financial support.

Today, EarthShare is using our years of environmental sector expertise to bring new programmatic work to life. We provide fiscal sponsorship and financial services for environmental projects looking to positively impact both people and the planet.

We’re seeking projects that increase Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in environmental spaces, improving communities through the strategic involvement of those most impacted by environmental degradation. All projects should have a clear understanding of the connection between social and environmental issues.

Is EarthShare the Right Fit?

To learn more about what we’re looking for, potential or existing projects can visit our website or contact Celange Beck, Director of Partnerships, to discuss the project’s possible home at EarthShare.

About EarthShare

With a vision of everyone supporting a healthy planet, EarthShare amplifies impact through a variety of tools, programs, and educational content to engage businesses, individuals, and nonprofits alike. We make it possible for a larger, more inclusive community to help solve the environmental crisis. Our programs welcome new advocates into the fold, streamlining and enhancing efforts to create positive change by enabling more people to work together for a just and sustainable world. Learn more at: EarthShare.org.

Contact 
Celange Beck, Director of Partnerships 
celange@earthshare.org

-ENDS- 

Mold is a persistent issue that can lead to costly property damage, liability concerns, and complex insurance claims. Without proper risk management, mold-related losses can escalate, impacting both policyholders and insurers. This webinar will explore the key factors driving mold growth—substrate, moisture, and temperature—and the critical steps for prevention and control. With a focus on insurance implications, we’ll examine policy considerations, claim trends, and risk mitigation strategies, along with real-world case studies illustrating best practices and lessons learned.

By attending, you’ll gain insights into:

How to identify and mitigate conditions that contribute to mold growth.The distinction between water intrusion (a property concern) and mold (a pollution condition) in claims assessment.Proactive mold prevention strategies to reduce claim frequency and severity.Case studies showcasing claim management challenges during remediation.How advanced technologies like leak detection systems can help lower risk exposure.

Whether you’re involved in underwriting, claims management, or loss prevention, this session will equip you with actionable strategies to better assess, prevent, and manage mold-related risks.

Join us on February 25th at 1 PM ET.

Can’t make it live? Register now and receive access to the on-demand recording after the webinar.

Register Here!

KeyBank and the KeyBank Foundation have awarded the West Side Market $1.5 million towards its Transformation Project. The gift includes support for the renovated East Produce Arcade, which will honor KeyBank’s commitment to the community, along with funding for food access education and programming to be developed with the new arcade’s launch.

The landmark gift comes as KeyBank celebrates its bicentennial and marks the first major corporate contribution to the Market’s $68 million masterplan project. KeyBank joins the George Gund Foundation and an array of government sources including the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and the State of Ohio as strong supporters of West Side Market’s future.

“We are so proud to support the West Side Market and its mission to provide fresh, healthy food to Cleveland’s diverse communities,” said Kelly Lamirand, KeyBank Cleveland Market President. “This investment is about more than revitalizing a historic landmark; it’s about strengthening access to resources that empower individuals and families here in our hometown of Cleveland. By contributing to this transformation, we’re helping ensure the Market remains a vital part of our community for generations to come.”

“KeyBank’s 200-year legacy is built on a commitment to supporting the communities we serve and driving positive change,” said Eric Fiala, KeyBank Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer and CEO, KeyBank Foundation. “Our investment with the West Side Market reflects that dedication by enhancing access to fresh produce for many of Cleveland’s families and creating new opportunities for small businesses that call the Market home. We are honored to play a small role to ensure this historic landmark continues to serve as a vital resource for decades to come.”

“We are thrilled by KeyBank’s generous support,” says Rosemary Mudry, Executive Director of Cleveland Public Market Corporation, the nonprofit entity managing the Market and the masterplan. “KeyBank is a leader in the greater Cleveland community and its belief in West Side Market is pivotal as we look to transform the Market. The East Arcade is an essential part of this transformation – as access to fresh and healthy produce is a critical element to provide a well-rounded shopping experience for customers from all backgrounds.”

Of the Market’s 800,000 annual visitors, more than 25% qualify for SNAP/EBT benefits and utilize those benefits while grocery shopping at West Side Market. Through community partnerships and program development, the Market will create new and expand existing food access and education programs, many of which are centered around the importance of providing fresh produce for our neighbors with low incomes. Upon completion of the masterplan, the current East Arcade will be named in honor of KeyBank and will be home to the Market’s produce vendors.

“KeyBank’s support is a major step toward achieving our ambitions to make the West Side Market far more than it was ever imagined to be,” said David Abbott, President of the nonprofit’s board of directors. “Not just a wonderful place to visit and shop, but also a positive force throughout our region. It’s all part of the Market becoming the best in America.”

ABOUT THE MARKET’S MASTERPLAN

The full masterplan holistically addresses Market operations and opportunities to improve existing facilities and systems, as well as transform previously unused spaces into additional places where visitors and can gather and enjoy their Market experience. Updates and improvements include a major overhaul of the Market’s systems infrastructure, including refrigeration, HVAC, storage access, and power resiliency; a renovated produce arcade, the transformation of the north arcade into a prepared food hall with bar-style seating, a permanent outdoor seating courtyard, teaching and commercial kitchens, and the repurposing of unused Market spaces into additional seating and event areas.

The full plan can be viewed at westsidemarket.org.

ABOUT CLEVELAND PUBLIC MARKET CORPORATION

Cleveland Public Market Corporation strives to make West Side Market the nation’s premier public market by meeting the evolving needs of merchants, customers, and the community. CPMC preserves the city’s public market tradition while making the local food system more accessible, equitable, and diverse.

ABOUT KEYBANK

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 December 31, 2024.

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/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

Additional coverage:

West Side Market set for transformation with KeyBank’s $1.5M boost | WKYC-TV

Cleveland’s West Side Market gearing up for significant changes – what visitors and vendors can expect | WJW-TV

Construction on massive West Side Market transformation set to begin this summer | Cleveland.com

Managing supply chains is like conducting an orchestra: it demands artful coordination, precision, and leadership. Supply chain leaders, like conductors, must foster collaboration and harmonize multiple interconnected components to achieve a seamless outcome.

This was the key insight gleaned from the panel I hosted at the North American Supply Chain Executive Summit (NASCES) last fall, “A NASCES24 Speaker Roundtable – A Supply Chain Discussion.”

Unlike musicians, supply chain professionals work with stakeholders who span roles and organizations, each with differing objectives. While finance pushes for cost reductions, sales and marketing may demand speed, and operations might prioritize risk mitigation. It is up to supply chain leaders to carefully balance these competing goals, ensuring efficiency without compromising other interests.

Here are my key takeaways from the panel, which featured supply chain leaders from prominent companies in the high-tech, retail, and consumer products industries.

Leverage Innovative Procurement and Multi-Sourcing Strategies

In today’s dynamic global landscape, change can happen instantly. Businesses must navigate an array of factors, including geopolitical conflicts, natural disasters, shifting consumer preferences, intricate regulations, and more. A common theme among the panelists involved leveraging multi-sourcing and digital procurement tools to empower supply chain managers to be flexible when addressing unexpected disruptions.

Multi-sourcing strategies involve diversifying the supplier base to mitigate the risks associated with relying on a single provider. By adopting this approach, businesses can ensure continuous supply and maintain operational resilience. For example, if one supplier faces a disruption, a manufacturing company can quickly shift to another supplier, minimizing downtime and meeting production timelines.

Dynamic sourcing, a strategy that involves the continuous evaluation and adjustment of supplier relationships, enhances agility by allowing companies to adapt to market fluctuations and stay competitive. For instance, a company can procure raw materials from the most cost-effective supplier based on real-time market conditions, driving down costs without impacting product quality or production schedules.

Enhanced supply chain visibility is another crucial benefit. With real-time insights into supplier performance, managers can pinpoint inefficiencies and optimize costs. Additionally, increased transparency improves compliance with regulatory and environmental standards, helping meet ethical sourcing practices and sustainability goals.

Invest in Digital Transformation and AI

Panelists emphasized how supply chain leaders are leveraging AI, using it as a tool to respond quickly to emerging trends. Technology is a superpower when it comes to balancing different priorities — digital platforms, generative AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics provide supply chain teams with centralized visibility. This empowers them to be more agile, strategic, and efficient.

Additionally, advanced platforms that leverage AI can provide real-time data about inventory, shipment, and delivery statuses, which help reduce silos between various stakeholders. This transparency minimizes conflicts and aligns efforts across departments, ensuring cohesive decision-making and a collaborative work environment.

Level Up Your Demand Forecasting

When dealing with an unpredictable business environment, panelists shared how they are increasingly relying on accurate demand forecasting for stakeholder alignment. Leveraging AI-powered predictive analytics enables them to anticipate demand fluctuations and adjust their strategies accordingly. This foresight fosters trust and ensures that all internal stakeholders are working together toward collective objectives.

Panelists highlighted that this can also ensure that each team is supported in their daily tasks. For instance, manufacturing teams can receive adequate stock, finance teams can avoid excess inventory costs, and operations can maintain smooth workflows. Predictive analytics turns forecasting into a strategic advantage, enabling companies to address potential issues proactively and reduce risks.

Achieving Supply Chain Harmony

Competing stakeholder priorities don’t have to create friction. By investing in AI, implementing dynamic sourcing, and adopting cloud-based procurement platforms, supply chain professionals can turn these challenges into opportunities for innovation and collaboration. The result is a supply chain that is not only efficient and productive, but also resilient and adaptable — a true asset to every stakeholder involved.

The key to harmonizing stakeholder priorities lies in leveraging advanced technologies and adopting innovative strategies. With the right tools and mindset, supply chain leaders can transform challenges into opportunities, creating a supply chain that is agile, efficient, and able to meet stakeholder needs.

SAP Business Network is specifically designed to address many of the issues and challenges discussed. It provides the necessary tools to seamlessly connect buyers and suppliers, streamline procurement and supply chain processes, and ensure that every stakeholder thrives in rapidly changing markets. By investing in such technology, businesses can build a future-ready supply chain that drives resilience and long-term value.

To learn more about these insights and hear the full discussion from supply chain executives at leading companies, I encourage you to watch the recording from the North American Supply Chain Executive Summit. You’ll gain valuable perspectives on how industry leaders are navigating complex supply chain challenges and balancing diverse stakeholder priorities in today’s dynamic business environment.

Val Blatt is chief revenue officer for SAP Business Network at SAP.