Tag: 3BL

The rotating dishwasher rack, an employee resource group challenge that was informed by the disability community, is recognized in the Accessible Design and Home categories

Whirlpool Corporation is proud to announce that the Whirlpool^® brand Spin&Load Dishwasher Rack has been named a Finalist in the Accessible Design category and received an Honorable Mention in the Home category of the Fast Company Innovation by Design Awards for 2026.

Now in its 15th year, the Innovation by Design Awards celebrate the designers and businesses addressing today’s most urgent challenges while anticipating tomorrow’s problems. The program is one of the industry’s most prestigious design competitions, spotlighting work that exemplifies originality, beauty, sustainability, user insight, cultural significance, and measurable business impact.

The Spin&Load Dishwasher Rack is a lower dishwasher rack that rotates 360 degrees, bringing dishes to the user instead of requiring them to reach across the rack, a common barrier for wheelchair users and anyone with limited mobility. The concept came from an intern challenge led by Whirlpool Corporation’s AVID (Awareness of Visible and Invisible Disabilities) employee resource group and was developed with members of the United Spinal Association.

“Inclusive design isn’t a separate product line for us. It’s a better way to design for everyone, and this honor from Fast Company tells us the approach is working.”

“Spin&Load started with our own employees, was shaped by people who live with mobility disabilities every day, and was engineered to look like any other rack in the kitchen. That’s why recognition in Accessible Design means so much to our team,” said Rob Moser, Vice President, Global Consumer Design, Whirlpool Corporation. “Inclusive design isn’t a separate product line for us. It’s a better way to design for everyone, and this honor from Fast Company tells us the approach is working.”

The rack fits all 24-inch Whirlpool Corporation dishwashers manufactured after 2018 and comes standard on the Whirlpool® 24-inch Stainless Steel Dishwasher with Spin&Load Dishwasher Rack.

“AVID’s challenge to our interns was simple: design something that people in the disability community would actually want to use. Seeing Spin&Load go from that challenge to a product in homes, and now to a Fast Company finalist, shows what’s possible when employees with lived experience help inform how our products are designed,” said Monica Cederstrom, Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Executive Sponsor of Whirlpool Corporation’s AVID employee resource group.

Honorees were selected by a panel of top designers, business executives from leading organizations, and Fast Company editors.

To see the complete list, go to fastcompany.com/innovation-by-design/list, and read about the honorees in the Fall issue of Fast Company magazine, on newsstands now.

View original content here.

At Covia, we recognize that our mining operations require a wide range of roles and technical skills. Understanding how it all works means seeing how teams across safety, production, quality, maintenance, supply chain, engineering, and other functions work together to keep the operation running efficiently, safely, and successfully.

Recognizing the value of cultivating well-rounded future leaders, Covia launched the Structured Training & Experience Program (STEP) in early 2026. The program gives recent graduates an opportunity to gain firsthand experience. The 18-month program combines hands-on operations experience with cross-functional exposure throughout Covia to help develop the next generation of plant supervisors, engineers, technical specialists, and other professionals who can support the company’s future.

According to Talent Acquisition Manager Adrianna Ateh, STEP is the natural expansion of Covia’s approach to early-career development. The company started by relaunching its internship program in 2023 to provide college students with meaningful work experience. As that program developed, Covia began looking at what could come next for employees beginning their careers after graduation.“The idea was to create a pathway to opportunities for people who are just graduating from college,” Ateh explained. “This way we can develop internal talent for open positions across Covia and give that talent the opportunity to learn what they like and where they excel.”Ateh and Coleman Rojahn, Talent Acquisition Associate, worked with hiring managers, company leaders, and people familiar with similar graduate programs to rethink what a program could look like at Covia. The result was STEP, with an initial cohort of three trainees:

• Gavin Antonini, Marston plant
• Nolan Joynt, Hephzibah plant
• Favour Ordim, Roff plant

“This year we decided to start with three people when we launched the program and see what works, and what doesn’t work,” Ateh said. “Then we hope to be able to grow it each year and make it better, just like the internship program.”

Learning Covia One Experience at a Time

The objective behind STEP is straightforward: provide recent graduates with immersive, hands-on experience across the plant functions that keep Covia’s operations moving forward. To accomplish that, these graduates needed time to truly experience each aspect of a real mining organization.Over 18 months, trainees progress through a structured series of phases that expose them to both plant operations and the teams that support them. These phases include:

• Health, Safety, and Environmental
• Operations and Supply Chain
• Mine and Quality Control
• Maintenance, Parts, and Inventory
• Cross-Functional Capstone Project

This structure gives each trainee an opportunity to spend meaningful time with a wide range of functions. Instead of asking someone at the beginning of their career to immediately choose a narrow path, STEP provides opportunities to understand how different functions operate and how they connect. Trainees work with different people and departments throughout the program, gaining technical experience while developing a broader understanding of Covia.
The result is a program designed to be mutually beneficial for Covia and the trainees. Immersive, hands-on experience across core functions helps Covia develop talent across plant operations, while also exposing trainees to different roles so they gain firsthand knowledge of that helps them discover where they can excel and the types of work they enjoy.

Building Relationships Along the Way

STEP is designed to help trainees develop technical knowledge, but that’s just one goal for the program. Covia has also made relationship-building an intentional part of the experience.Bringing STEP participants together gives them peers who are navigating a similar experience, while their rotations allow them to develop relationships with employees across disciplines and locations.“We want them to enjoy the experience and feel that they really are a part of the community,” Ateh said.

With trainees working at different locations and moving through numerous functions, it is important to build a sense of camaraderie despite the distance. The inaugural trainees recently attended a safety boot camp together and regularly participate in monthly meetings as a group to share their experience and identify other areas they may want to explore.

Those connections are already extending beyond scheduled meetings. According to Ateh, the trainees actively connect with each other between meetings. For example, Gavin recently reached out to Favour to learn more about drone applications at the plant level. Favour, who recently earned her drone certification to support operations at the Roff Plant, was able to share her experiences and insights as she begins using the technology in her role. Despite the distance between plants, trainees can create bonds that last.

Developing the Next Generation of Covia Talent

For Covia, STEP is an investment in long-term talent development. For trainees, the program provides a broader view of Covia’s operations and where technical knowledge and leadership are paramount. Discovering those best fits takes time, which is why the program emphasizes experience rather than simply training for a particular position. The current cohort is scheduled to complete their program in June 2027, at which point they’ll each have gained experience that prepares them to be part of the next generation of Covia talent across operations.

For Gavin, Nolan, and Favour, the next several months will continue to expose them to new teams, responsibilities, and experiences. Where those experiences ultimately lead will be different for each of them. And while the current group continues to learn, Covia is actively recruiting for the next cohort, continuing the cycle of professional development that will help shape Covia for years to come.

MilliporeSigma, the U.S. and Canada Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, has been named the winner of the Transformation Project of the Year award at the 2026 Global Sustainability Awards, hosted by Sustainability Magazine and BizClik.

The award recognizes MilliporeSigma’s bio-based solvent portfolio for High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The winners were announced in early September during a ceremony held as part of Sustainability LIVE: The London Summit, which brought together more than 1,000 sustainability professionals to celebrate innovation, leadership and measurable progress in climate action, ESG and business transformation.

Launched in April 2026, the award-winning portfolio is a first-of-its-kind, patent-pending line of bio-based HPLC solvents. The portfolio includes solvents made with renewable, biomass-based feedstocks while maintaining the ultra-high purity required for scientific research and manufacturing.

Compared with conventional fossil-fuel-based HPLC-grade solvents, the portfolio helps laboratories deliver up to 28% reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. Designed as true drop-in replacements, the solvents enable customers to advance their sustainability goals without changing validated methods, modifying instruments or disrupting laboratory workflows.

This combination of sustainability and performance was built into the portfolio from the beginning. MilliporeSigma’s research and development team used an internal product development framework to center sustainability, performance and quality at the earliest stages. This approach helped shape the bio-based solvents as purpose-built alternatives rather than retrofitted solutions, engineered to meet both environmental and technical criteria.

By enabling customers to reduce emissions through their purchasing decisions, the bio-based solvent portfolio can help address Scope 3 emissions, which include indirect greenhouse gas emissions generated across the upstream and downstream value chain, while transforming how sustainability is embedded into everyday laboratory operations. 

The recognition follows another recent honor for the portfolio: the 2026 Sustainability Product of the Year Award (Physical Category) from the Business Intelligence Group.

Together, these awards underscore MilliporeSigma’s commitment to embedding sustainability into product innovation and developing solutions that help customers reduce their environmental impact while maintaining the quality, precision and reliability essential to their work.

Learn more about the 2026 Global Sustainability Awards.

Learn more about MilliporeSigma’s Sustainability and Social Business Innovation initiatives.

LONDON, October 16, 2026 /3BL/ - Antea Group, whose global operations include Antea Group UK, has been ranked #16 in the latest Global Environmental & Sustainability Consulting Market Assessment.

This report, curated by Environment Analyst, a leading provider of business intelligence for the global environmental services sector, identified the top global consultancies in environmental and sustainability (E&S) consulting based on revenue from the 2025 financial year. 

The rankings are based on financial data submitted through Environment Analyst’s annual survey and verification process or estimated from publicly available sources. The study offers valuable insights into industry trends, revenue breakdowns, M&A activity, and growth opportunities.

Additionally, Inogen Alliance, co-founded by Antea Group in 2001 to support multinational clients, is on the list ranked at #19. Together, these rankings highlight the international reach and collaborative networks that support Antea Group UK’s work across markets.

“Being part of a globally recognised organisation gives our team the opportunity to draw on a wealth of international knowledge and experience while maintaining the local working relationships and flexibility our clients value,” said Alex Ferguson, CEO of Antea Group UK. “As we continue to grow our presence in the UK, we look forward to building on these strengths, expanding our capabilities, and finding new ways to support our clients as their needs evolve.”

Download the Report

About Antea Group UK 

Antea® Group is an environment, health, safety and sustainability consultancy. By combining strategic thinking with technical expertise, we do more than effectively solve client challenges; we deliver sustainable results for a better future. We work in partnership with and advise many of the world’s most sustainable companies to address ESG business challenges in a way that fits their pace and unique objectives. Our consultants equip organisations to better understand threats, capture opportunities, and find their position of strength. We maintain a global perspective on ESG issues not only through our work with multinational clients, but also through our sister organisations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America and as a founding member of the Inogen Alliance.  Learn more at anteagroup.uk.

About Environment Analyst

Environment Analyst is the trusted intelligence hub for the environmental and sustainability consulting sector, with a global membership community of over 40,000 environmental professionals. Market Intelligence Membership includes access to their entire market intelligence library, featuring bespoke market intelligence reports, data sets, competitor profiles, business news and insights.

A champion of botanical craftsmanship and innovation, Alessandro Garneri, Bacardi Master of Botanicals for BOMBAY SAPPHIRE®, MARTINI®, and ST-GERMAIN®, has been welcomed into The Gin Guild. The prestigious appointment recognizes his expertise and leadership within the global gin community while celebrating the vital role botanicals play at the heart of the company’s iconic BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin. 

Through education, advocacy and stewardship, The Gin Guild works to champion the people, traditions and expertise that shape the future of gin. 

Held on October 9, the ceremony brought together gin professionals from around the world to celebrate achievement and strengthen connections across the global gin community. This year’s installation welcomed 23 new members representing eight countries and a broad spectrum of expertise spanning distillation, botanical sciences, production, advocacy and brand development. 

Part of Bacardi family since 2006, appointed as Global Master of Botanicals in 2023, Alessandro plays a key role in advancing the knowledge, quality and craftsmanship behind the ten sustainably sourced botanicals that give Bombay Sapphire its distinctive character. Garneri’s appointment also recognizes his position as the most senior representative of Bacardi Global Brands within The Gin Guild’s membership and the company’s representative ‘Founder Rectifier’.

Speaking of the induction ceremony, Garneri called it “a truly special moment” and added “[it is] a privilege to be part of a community that shares a passion for gin, its rich heritage, the craftsmanship behind it, and the botanicals that make it so unique.”

Congratulations to Alessandro on this well-deserved honor.

Read more from The Gin Guild on this year’s induction ceremony. 

World Food Day shines a light on the importance of ensuring everyone has access to the food they need to live healthy, active lives. In recognition of the day, WK Kellogg Co is highlighting its ongoing partnership with No Kid Hungry and a recent $100,000 donation that supports the organization’s efforts to help end childhood hunger across the United States.

For more than a decade, WK Kellogg Co has partnered with No Kid Hungry to help connect children and families with nutritious meals. The $100,000 donation is part of the company’s broader commitment to helping address food insecurity and create stronger, healthier communities.

According to No Kid Hungry, 1 in 5 children in the United States faces hunger, impacting an estimated 14 million kids. While significant progress has been made, the need remains substantial, making continued investment and collaboration critical.

“WK Kellogg Co’s commitment to ending childhood hunger goes far beyond a single investment — it reflects more than a decade of showing up for kids and families. Their partnership with No Kid Hungry and support of the Mayors Alliance to End Childhood Hunger means more communities reached, and more kids with access to the meals they need to thrive,” said George Kelemen, Senior Vice President, Program Partnerships, Campaigns & Advocacy, No Kid Hungry.

“At WK Kellogg Co, we believe every child deserves access to nourishing meals,” said Stacy Flathau, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, WK Kellogg Co. “Supporting No Kid Hungry is one of the many ways we bring Feeding Happiness, our sustainable business strategy, to life. Together, we’re helping more families access the food they need while creating stronger, healthier communities where children can reach their full potential.”

This contribution builds on WK Kellogg Co’s longstanding efforts to support programs and partnerships that help more children access the resources they need to succeed.

Click here to join us in supporting No Kid Hungry’s efforts to help end childhood hunger across the United States.

Originally published on CVS Health Company Newsroom

Health care consumers increasingly expect the same convenience and connectivity they experience in other aspects of their daily lives. As digital experiences become more personalized and intuitive, CVS Health is working to make care easier to access, navigate and understand.

Key Findings From the CVS Caremark-EBN Study on Digital Innovation

Recent research conducted by CVS Caremark and Employee Benefit News (EBN) highlights how important digital innovation has become across the health care landscape. According to the survey, 88% of employers believe digital tools and innovation are “here to stay” as part of the health care experience. The findings reflect growing demand for solutions that improve access, simplify navigation and create a better experience for patients and care consumers.

Digital tools are helping to create a more connected health care experience. By making information easier to access and bringing together insights across the health care journey, technology can help people better understand their benefits, navigate treatment options and connect with the support they need. 

Technology is helping make health care easier to navigate. By connecting people to information, support and treatment options more efficiently, digital tools can improve access to care and support more informed health care decisions. Employers participating in the CVS Caremark-EBN survey also highlighted the value of integrated platforms and data-driven insights. Technology is also helping reduce administrative complexity. CVS Caremark has streamlined prior authorization processes, cutting median processing times to approximately 12 minutes while enabling nearly four million authorizations to be approved real time.

The impact of digital innovation extends beyond convenience. Better connectivity between pharmacy, medical and clinical information is creating opportunities for more personalized and proactive care. By bringing together insights from across the health care experience, organizations can identify care gaps, anticipate therapy disruptions and provide more targeted support for people managing chronic or complex conditions. These capabilities can help improve outcomes while making care easier to navigate.

How CVS Caremark is Using Technology To Improve the Digital Health care Experience 

CVS Caremark has made significant investments in technology designed to improve the member experience, investing more than $770 million annually in member-focused innovation. These investments support capabilities that help simplify pharmacy benefits, improve medication access and create a more connected care experience. CVS Caremark is also a founding partner of the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI), helping advance the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence in health care.

As health care continues to evolve, digital innovation will play an increasingly important role in improving experiences, expanding access and supporting better health outcomes. By simplifying complex processes and helping people connect more easily to information, support and care, technology can help create a more connected, personalized and consumer-centered health care experience.

Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com

DALLAS, October 16, 2026 /3BL/ – The Mary Kay Ash Foundation^®, a decades-long advocate of women’s health and safety through women-related cancer research and domestic violence support programs, announced it has awarded over $2.5 million in cancer research and domestic violence shelter grants around the country. In 2026, the Foundation celebrates two major milestones since its inception: 30 years of enriching women’s lives and exceeding $100 million donated toward its two-fold mission.

Grants were awarded to the following organizations and focus areas:

2026 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT

• Annual Domestic Violence Shelter Grants (51 Grants | $1,020,000)
  Domestic violence shelters in 50 states and U.S. territories received $20,000 grants each totaling over $1 million in unrestricted funds to critical support and life-saving services such as mental health and post-trauma counseling, childcare, financial assistance, emergency and transitional housing, and more.
• Local Domestic Violence Shelter Grants (4 Grants | $100,000)
  Four North Texas domestic violence shelters received $25,000 grants each totaling $100,000 to address specific and immediate community needs. The Foundation partners with Denton County Friends of the Family, Hope’s Door New Beginning Center, Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support, and The Family Place to help provide critical needs to women fleeing a domestic violence situation. 
• The National Domestic Violence Hotline ($75,000)
  Announced an expanded partnership with The National Domestic Violence Hotline (“The Hotline”) and loveisrespect – the nation’s leading resource for adults and teens seeking support – to create a digital and social marketing campaign that will educate teens and young adults about healthy relationships, help them recognize warning signs of abusive relationships, and connect them to confidential support services at no cost while meeting them where they are – on social channels and online platforms. 
• The Conference on Crimes Against Women ($75,000) 
  For 20 consecutive years the Foundation has served as Presenting Sponsor of The Conference on Crimes Against Women (CCAW), an annual community multi-stakeholder conference in Dallas, Texas dedicated to addressing and combating all forms of crimes against women. Drawing 3,000 attendees from across the world annually, CCAW is the only conference that addresses all crimes against women with a multidisciplinary focus that encourages a coordinated community response.

View a full list of 2026 Mary Kay Ash Foundation Domestic Violence Shelter Grant recipients.

2026 CANCER RESEARCH & PROGRAMS SUPPORT

• Innovative/Translational Cancer Research Grants (10 Grants | $1,000,000)
  Awarded 10 esteemed cancer researchers from the nation’s leading accredited universities with individual grants of $100,000, totaling $1 million in funding. These competitive research grants support groundbreaking studies focused on cancers primarily affecting women such as breast, ovarian, uterine, endometrial, cervical, among others.
• Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation Cancer Research & Support ($134,000)
  Awarded the second-year installment of a five-year, $500,000 commitment supporting the Texas Cancer Interception Institute, a first-of-its-kind program focused on early cancer detection through biomarker technology, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) blood-based methods, and patient navigation support to improve outcomes when cancer is most treatable.
• CancerCare ($75,000)
  Over 25 years, the Foundation has partnered with CancerCare – the nation’s leading organization providing free, professional support services for those facing a cancer diagnosis. The Foundation serves as the sole corporate funder of CancerCare’s Touching Hearts program, providing financial assistance to economically disadvantaged women navigating a cancer diagnosis and treatment plan, resulting in over 50,000 grants totaling over $5.6 million in financial assistance to-date. 
• Cancer Support Community North Texas ($25,000)
  Cancer Support Community North Texas received a $25,000 grant to provide free programs and support services for those undergoing cancer treatment as well as their caregivers. Through in-person and virtual options, participants can receive counseling, community, health and wellness classes, yoga, and more to help bring hope and healing while navigating a cancer journey. 

View a full list of 2026 Mary Kay Ash Foundation Cancer Research Grant recipients.

“These grants are an investment in hope and brighter futures for women facing some of life’s most difficult challenges,” said Michael Lunceford, President of the Mary Kay Ash Foundation Board of Directors. “For 30 years, the Foundation has turned hope into action, investing more than $100 million in exceptional researchers and organizations working to change lives. We are proud to support the medical breakthroughs and vital services that are helping women live healthier, safer lives and creating lasting impact for generations to come.”

The Mary Kay Ash Foundation has awarded more than $100 million to women’s shelters and domestic violence service providers, as well as cancer research programs and related causes throughout the U.S. For more information, visit marykayashfoundation.org  

Did You Know: 

By the Numbers: 30 Years of Impact

• $100+ million donated to fund women’s cancer research and end domestic violence 
• $41+ million invested in innovative cancer research, clinical trials, and support programs 
• $60+ million granted to domestic violence shelters and support services nationwide 
• 300+ cancer researchers funded, accelerating breakthroughs in detection, diagnosis, and treatment 
• 5 years of clinical trials supported, advancing cutting-edge solutions for women’s cancers 
• 2,800+ domestic violence shelters and organizations supported 
• More than 4 million women and children impacted through life-changing services and programs 
• 750,000+ hours of cancer research enabled 
• 13 international cancer research fellows sponsored, expanding global innovation
• $30,000 Matching Gift Challenge successfully funded by The Mary Kay Family Foundation (Feb. 2026)

***

About Mary Kay Ash Foundation® 
Celebrating 30 years of Mary Kay Ash’s dream to enrich the lives of women everywhere, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation^® raises and distributes funds to end domestic violence and invest in breakthrough cancer research to find cures for women-related cancers. Since 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has contributed more than $100 million to organizations aligned with its two-fold mission. In addition, the Foundation supports awareness initiatives, community outreach programs, and advocates for legislation to ensure women are healthy and safe. Together, we can make the world better for women. To learn more about how to educate, advocate, volunteer, donate, and join life-saving work to support and empower women, visit marykayashfoundation.org, or find us on Facebook and Instagram.

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WHO

Fairtrade America, NoMa Business Improvement District (BID), Two Rivers Public Charter School

WHAT

Fairtrade America will unveil its first-ever Fairtrade Month mural in Washington, D.C. and host a free celebration in recognition of the farmers behind our food and the partnerships that make our global food systems possible.

Painted by Mexican-born, D.C.-based artist Salvador Rubio Rivera, the mural features three smallholder farmers from around the world. The artwork is made possible by partnerships with Two Rivers Public Charter School and NoMa BID. It is located at 1234 4^th St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002.

The party will take place alongside the NoMa Farmers’ Market, bringing together people who contribute to both local and global food systems. Farmers, families, retailers, and food companies will all be in one place – dedicating time and space to think about the roles we each have to play in making our food and the livelihoods of the people who grow it more sustainable.

The community is invited to enjoy Fairtrade certified products, music, dancing, performances, games, and prizes.

Remarks will be given by:

• Amanda Archila, Executive Director, Fairtrade America
• Salvador Rubio, Mural Artist
• Belicia Reaves, Executive Director, Two Rivers Public Charter School
• Maura Brophy, President, NoMa BID

This event is free and open to the community. RSVPs are appreciated but not required.

WHEN

October 22nd, 2026
4-8:00 p.m. EDT; remarks begin at 4:30 p.m.

WHERE

Third Street Art Garden
1225 3rd St. NE Washington, D.C. 20002

WHY

Too often, the well-being of the people who grow our food is treated as less important than the prices paid or profits earned. Despite producing crops that power global supply chains worth billions of dollars, many farmers lack the negotiating power needed to earn a decent living. As a result, millions remain trapped in cycles of poverty while facing increasing climate-related challenges.

Every October, Fairtrade Month, Fairtrade America recognizes the people and relationships behind the food we enjoy every day: farmers growing our food, families making purchasing decisions, retailers connecting products to communities, and businesses investing in responsible supply chains.

At a time when rising temperatures are threatening agricultural production and global trade systems continue to leave many farmers without enough income to meet their basic needs, the mural serves as a powerful reminder that behind every cup of coffee, chocolate bar, or banana are real people whose livelihoods depend on fair and transparent trade.

ABOUT FAIRTRADE AMERICA

Fairtrade America works to rebalance trade, making it a system rooted in partnership and mutual respect rather than exploitation. It’s about businesses, shoppers, farmers and workers all working together so we can all experience the benefits of trade. Fairtrade America is the U.S. branch of Fairtrade International, the original and global leader in fair trade certification with more than 30 years of experience working for fair trading practices in more than 30 countries across the globe. A non-profit 501(c)3 organization, Fairtrade America is part of the world’s largest and most recognized fair trade certification program — part of a global movement for change. Learn more at fairtrade.net, and by connecting with Fairtrade America on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Fairtrade takes human rights, sustainability and trade personally. Though consequences often go unseen, companies’ and consumers’ choices have human and environmental costs. By choosing Fairtrade, businesses, shoppers, farmers and workers are creating a better world – one that puts people and planet over profits. Together, we can prioritize global partnership and our shared humanity.

ABOUT NoMa BID

The NoMa Business Improvement District (NoMa BID) is the driving force behind the transformation and vitality of one of D.C.’s most dynamic neighborhoods. The BID is home to one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. and is comprised of more than 27 million square feet of new development with more than 13 million additional square feet of mixed-use development planned. There are more than 42,000 households within a ½ mile square radius of the BID, who are served by the amenities in the commercial core of NoMa. The area is supported by unparalleled public transportation access with two Red Line Metro stations, and VRE, MARC and Amtrak connections at Union Station. The “Walkscore” for the neighborhood is 98, and the neighborhood has 22 LEED-certified and Energy Star buildings. For more information, visit nomabid.org and sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram (@noma.bid), TikTok (@noma.bid.dc), Twitter (@NoMaBID), LinkedIn /noma-business-improvement-district), and Facebook (@NoMaBID).

ABOUT TWO RIVERS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL

Nestled in the fast-growing area near the Union Market District, NoMa, and Gallaudet University, Two Rivers Public Charter School embraces the idea that the community is the classroom. Educators and administrators at Two Rivers Public Charter School strive to nurture a diverse group of students to become lifelong, active participants in their own education, develop a sense of self and community, and become responsible and compassionate members of society. Their strong sense of crew sets them apart, as they live out “We are crew, not passengers,” strengthened by meaningful service to others. 

MEDIA CONTACT

Liz Davis, Media Relations Manager, Fairtrade America

202.930.4349 | ldavis@fairtradeamerica.org

Southern Company

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has approved cost-shared funding for an accelerated final stage of the Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment (MCRE), under its Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program. The funding will support work by Southern Company, Idaho National Laboratory and CORE POWER to advance scientific understanding of molten salt reactor technology and inform future reactor development. MCRE is expected to achieve first criticality as early as 2027.

MCRE is designed to become the world’s first fast-spectrum molten chloride salt reactor experiment to reach criticality, marking a historic step in the development of advanced nuclear technology. The experiment is expected to generate critical data on the behavior of the fuel, reactor operation and performance, providing the scientific and engineering foundation needed to support future reactor design, licensing pathways and commercial deployment. By reducing technical risk and expanding industry understanding of fast-spectrum molten salt systems, MCRE is expected to accelerate innovation across a range of reactor developers.

Jess Gehin, associate laboratory director for Nuclear Science & Technology at Idaho National Laboratory, said:

“MCRE will be the world’s first fast-spectrum molten chloride reactor to achieve criticality. It will provide direct measurements of how this novel reactor behaves during sustained fission, data that until now, has come from models alone. Enhancing those models with real-world operating evidence will reduce uncertainty for future reactor designers and regulators.”

MCRE demonstrates how industry, government and research institutions can work together to advance complex technologies, align expertise and resources, and move promising science from the laboratory toward real-world applications.

Dr. Mark S. Berry, Southern Company senior vice president of research, environment and sustainability, said:

“Public-private partnerships play an essential role in advancing energy technologies from concept to demonstration. Through collaboration among DOE, Idaho National Laboratory and industry partners, MCRE will help expand knowledge of molten salt reactor technology and help reduce technical uncertainty for future developers. This type of collaboration allows organizations to share expertise, accelerate innovation and evaluate technologies that could help meet growing energy demand while supporting reliable, affordable energy for customers and communities.”

Fast-spectrum molten salt reactors have the potential to transform far more than electricity generation. From powering industrial processes and producing life-saving medical isotopes to enabling future maritime propulsion and extracting additional value from used nuclear fuel, the technology could unlock a new generation of nuclear energy applications.*

Mikal Bøe, CEO of CORE POWER, said:

“New nuclear, like any truly transformative technology, requires vision and being in it for the long game. We first committed to building MCRE in 2020, and we are proud to now accelerate this world-first nuclear fuel cycle to criticality as early as 2027. The data generated by this unique experiment will help determine how we develop engineering, licensing and an entirely new supply chain to practical commercial deployment of fast-spectrum molten salt reactors. CORE POWER’s role in this partnership is to help translate advanced reactor technology into deployable industrial systems and unique delivery mechanisms needed to realize the potential of this technology.

“Merging the pathway of novel nuclear fuel cycle development that MCRE represents with CORE POWER’s pathway of maritime nuclear development, creates unique opportunities to deliver an ultimately sustainable nuclear fuel solution to new markets around the world. One such market is a sustainable future of civil maritime nuclear propulsion of large commercial ships, where an enduring, zero-emission power source can transform the way global trade is transported at sea.”

Notes to editors

* Depending on their design and fuel-cycle configuration, future fast-spectrum molten salt reactors could use actinides recovered from spent nuclear fuels to extract more energy from existing nuclear material and reduce the volume and longevity of waste requiring final disposal. Some configurations could also support fuel breeding and medical isotope production, as well as advances in cutting-edge chemistry and advanced materials. These are potential future capabilities; MCRE itself will not use spent fuel, demonstrate a closed fuel cycle or test a marine reactor.

Because the fuel is dissolved in liquid chloride salt, future systems could potentially recycle long-lived and minor actinides without repeatedly manufacturing new solid fuel assemblies.

About Southern Company

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success, driven by our nearly 30,000 employees dedicated to delivering exceptional service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

About Idaho National Laboratory

As one of 17 national labs in the U.S. Department of Energy complex, Idaho National Laboratory is home to more than 6,400 researchers and support staff focused on innovations in nuclear research, integrated energy systems and security solutions that are changing the world. From discoveries in advanced nuclear energy to reliable energy options and to protecting our nation’s most critical infrastructure assets, our talented team at INL is constantly pushing the limits to redefine what’s possible.

About CORE POWER

CORE POWER is building the industrial platform needed to enable fleet-scale maritime nuclear infrastructure. As the OECD’s only full-stack developer of maritime nuclear systems, the company partners with selected reactor technology developers to turn advanced nuclear systems into deployable assets, including floating nuclear power plants and nuclear-propelled vessels.

These will be delivered through modern shipbuilding principles, commercial shipyard construction, specialist nuclear-licensed integration and an end-to-end approach that aligns policy, regulation, insurance and industrial delivery.

Located in London, Washington, D.C. and Tokyo, CORE POWER brings together nuclear and marine engineering depth with regulatory, policy and industrial expertise.