Tag: 3BL

To succeed at sustainability, bold initiatives must be well-planned and supremely executed. With a focus on helping customers measure performance, embed sustainability in their IT environments, and choose the right solutions to turn ambitions into actions, Lenovo’s Sustainability Solutions portfolio has been recognized by the 2024 SEAL Business Sustainability Awards – an environmental program that honors organizations that demonstrate strong leadership, innovation, and commitment to sustainable business practices.

The SEAL awards feature four categories—initiative, innovation, product, service—and Lenovo’s product, services, and supply chain efforts received honors across all four.

Lenovo’s International Supply Chain Organization (ISCC) won the SEAL Environmental Initiative Award for Transform Trash to Treasure, its innovative parts-harvesting program. This award recognizes specific initiatives that move the needle on environmental progress and demonstrate leadership and commitment to a sustainable future. An evolution of Lenovo’s reverse & repair business, parts harvesting enables Lenovo to recover useable parts from defective devices, thereby extending the lifecycle of each component. This initiative promotes the transition to a circular economy.

Recognizing innovations that represent game-changing ideas that lead to a more sustainable future, the SEAL Sustainable Innovation Award was presented to the newly launched Lenovo Intelligent Sustainability Solutions Advisor (LISSA). This AI-powered sustainability engine informs IT sustainability strategies through data intelligence. Knowing that certain efficiencies can help reduce carbon footprint, Lenovo’s solution architects and sales professionals, through LISSA, help businesses understand the estimated emissions impact of IT purchases from Lenovo, unlocking potential emission reduction opportunities across the lifecycle. Through this innovative platform, Lenovo helps customers proactively plan and embed sustainability solutions with measurable outcomes.

The Lenovo Neptune™ liquid cooling technology won the SEAL Sustainable Product Award category. Developed to drive energy efficiency without compromising performance, Lenovo Neptune™ liquid cooling technology helps extract heat from high-performance computing (HPC) systems to reduce power consumption while increasing performance to accelerate computing capabilities. As a result, Lenovo Neptune™ helps:

Recycle loops of warm water to cool data center systemsReduce power consumption by up to 40%Deliver up to a 3.5x improvement in thermal efficiencies compared to traditional air-cooled systems

And Lenovo’s Reduced Carbon Transport Service, a distinct offering that gives enterprise customers low-carbon airfreight options, won the SEAL Sustainable Service Award reserved for services that are setting a new standard for sustainability. By using SAF credits to deliver their IT purchases, customers can reduce the associated CO2 emissions by a minimum of 70%.1 Reduced Carbon Transport Service combines speed of delivery and sustainability in one service. Innovations like Lenovo’s Reduced Carbon Transport Service benefit customers by helping to clear a pathway toward more sustainable IT decision-making.

In sweeping the prestigious 2024 SEAL Business Sustainability Awards categories, Lenovo adds award-winning portfolio of solutions bragging rights to its already strong sustainability leadership position. From reimagining the lifecycle of supply chain parts to developing innovative and purpose-built solutions such as Lenovo Neptune™ liquid cooling technology, Reduced Carbon Transport Service, and LISSA, Lenovo is setting new sustainability standards for a smarter and more sustainable future.

“At Lenovo, we continue to incorporate sustainability into every aspect of our business – from designing our products or services, to partnering with suppliers to develop new applications for recovered materials,” said Claudia Contreras, Executive Director of Global Sustainability Services for Lenovo. “These award-winning products and services exemplify our vision of embedding sustainability deeper into the technology value chain so that customers have a pathway to a more sustainable future.”

Learn more about Lenovo’s Sustainability Solutions.

1Approximate percentage LCA GHG reduction versus fossil jet based on feedstock used in SAF such as waste and residue lipids, oilseed bearing trees on low-ILUC degraded land or as a rotational oil cover crop. Indirect CO2 emissions reduction benefit is obtained through the purchase of Sustainable Aviation Fuel credits.

To succeed at sustainability, bold initiatives must be well-planned and supremely executed. With a focus on helping customers measure performance, embed sustainability in their IT environments, and choose the right solutions to turn ambitions into actions, Lenovo’s Sustainability Solutions portfolio has been recognized by the 2024 SEAL Business Sustainability Awards – an environmental program that honors organizations that demonstrate strong leadership, innovation, and commitment to sustainable business practices.

The SEAL awards feature four categories—initiative, innovation, product, service—and Lenovo’s product, services, and supply chain efforts received honors across all four.

Lenovo’s International Supply Chain Organization (ISCC) won the SEAL Environmental Initiative Award for Transform Trash to Treasure, its innovative parts-harvesting program. This award recognizes specific initiatives that move the needle on environmental progress and demonstrate leadership and commitment to a sustainable future. An evolution of Lenovo’s reverse & repair business, parts harvesting enables Lenovo to recover useable parts from defective devices, thereby extending the lifecycle of each component. This initiative promotes the transition to a circular economy.

Recognizing innovations that represent game-changing ideas that lead to a more sustainable future, the SEAL Sustainable Innovation Award was presented to the newly launched Lenovo Intelligent Sustainability Solutions Advisor (LISSA). This AI-powered sustainability engine informs IT sustainability strategies through data intelligence. Knowing that certain efficiencies can help reduce carbon footprint, Lenovo’s solution architects and sales professionals, through LISSA, help businesses understand the estimated emissions impact of IT purchases from Lenovo, unlocking potential emission reduction opportunities across the lifecycle. Through this innovative platform, Lenovo helps customers proactively plan and embed sustainability solutions with measurable outcomes.

The Lenovo Neptune™ liquid cooling technology won the SEAL Sustainable Product Award category. Developed to drive energy efficiency without compromising performance, Lenovo Neptune™ liquid cooling technology helps extract heat from high-performance computing (HPC) systems to reduce power consumption while increasing performance to accelerate computing capabilities. As a result, Lenovo Neptune™ helps:

Recycle loops of warm water to cool data center systemsReduce power consumption by up to 40%Deliver up to a 3.5x improvement in thermal efficiencies compared to traditional air-cooled systems

And Lenovo’s Reduced Carbon Transport Service, a distinct offering that gives enterprise customers low-carbon airfreight options, won the SEAL Sustainable Service Award reserved for services that are setting a new standard for sustainability. By using SAF credits to deliver their IT purchases, customers can reduce the associated CO2 emissions by a minimum of 70%.1 Reduced Carbon Transport Service combines speed of delivery and sustainability in one service. Innovations like Lenovo’s Reduced Carbon Transport Service benefit customers by helping to clear a pathway toward more sustainable IT decision-making.

In sweeping the prestigious 2024 SEAL Business Sustainability Awards categories, Lenovo adds award-winning portfolio of solutions bragging rights to its already strong sustainability leadership position. From reimagining the lifecycle of supply chain parts to developing innovative and purpose-built solutions such as Lenovo Neptune™ liquid cooling technology, Reduced Carbon Transport Service, and LISSA, Lenovo is setting new sustainability standards for a smarter and more sustainable future.

“At Lenovo, we continue to incorporate sustainability into every aspect of our business – from designing our products or services, to partnering with suppliers to develop new applications for recovered materials,” said Claudia Contreras, Executive Director of Global Sustainability Services for Lenovo. “These award-winning products and services exemplify our vision of embedding sustainability deeper into the technology value chain so that customers have a pathway to a more sustainable future.”

Learn more about Lenovo’s Sustainability Solutions.

1Approximate percentage LCA GHG reduction versus fossil jet based on feedstock used in SAF such as waste and residue lipids, oilseed bearing trees on low-ILUC degraded land or as a rotational oil cover crop. Indirect CO2 emissions reduction benefit is obtained through the purchase of Sustainable Aviation Fuel credits.

In April, Hiring Our Heroes announced 5 grant recipients for the Small Business Award for Veterans & Military Spouses, an initiative that provides a one-time $10,000 grant for selected military-connected entrepreneurs, thanks to the generosity of the FedEx Founder’s Fund. Selected grant recipients displayed both business acumen as well as two key characteristics – a dedication to overcoming economic hardships and a commitment to giving back to their communities.

In our 5-part blog series, we’ll be meeting these grant recipients and learning more about the inspirational businesses that they have built and the passion that fuels them daily.

The second grant recipient is Easy Day Sports, hailing from Coronado, Calif.

After being laid off at his job in endurance sports production eleven years ago, Jamie Monroe- U.S. Navy veteran, took a leap of faith and started his own business, Easy Day Sports. Easy Day Sports is a dynamic event production agency that focuses on premier, professionally managed endurance sports events. Today, Easy Day Sports has a team of six people–producing running, cycling, triathlon type events all over the country. The Easy Day Sports’ business model is based on his experience as a Navy SEAL. One motto that rings true within Easy Day Sports is “we work harder, are more professional, and our attention to detail is bar none.”

The COVID-19 pandemic quickly changed the landscape for in-person meetings and events, forcing Monroe to pivot. Taking the challenge head on, Easy Day Sports shifted by hosting virtual running events-forcing the team to lean into this new space so that the virtual experience remained almost the same as in-person ones. Monroe hired software developers who wrote codes to create leaderboards and time verifications so that athletes could still feel a sense of competition. While many companies had to shut down during the pandemic, Monroe made it a priority to keep his team employed, ensuring they were well compensated and did not experience any additional hardships during those uncertain times.

When asked how the business has evolved over the years, Monroe shared that the growth of his team- expanding from one employee to six – may not seem huge, but those extra brains allow Easy Day Sports to work at its fullest potential and focus on even more growth in the future.

Monroe plans to use the money awarded via the FedEx Small Business Grant Fund on his employees. Before finding out about being selected as a recipient for the Small Business Grant Program, Monroe hired a Navy sailor and single mom who was discharged after a childbirth emergency. He notes that even without the grant money he would have hired her, but now he can use the money to subsidize her training and her salary. “I am trying to grow my business and make it more efficient, so it [was] pretty serendipitous that this money came through at the same time,” Monroe said.

Having encountered many obstacles throughout the process, Monroe credits his long-term success to commitment and devotion to his initial vision when starting the company. “For me, it’s about creating athletic event experiences that our participants remember for a lifetime,” he said.

Visit FedExCares.com for additional feature stories about the other 2024 Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Award winners in the coming weeks.

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

Cascale, formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, and Worldly, the planet’s most comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform, have published a deep dive paper analyzing the European Union’s (EU) Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D). This comprehensive analysis provides a detailed overview of the directive’s implications for businesses, especially within the textile, apparel, footwear, and wider consumer goods sectors.

The CS3D, adopted by the Council of the EU on May 24, 2024, and published in the EU Official Journal on June 13, marks a significant milestone in the EU’s efforts to enhance human rights and environmental due diligence. The directive requires large companies to identify, prevent, and mitigate adverse human rights and environmental impacts associated with their operations, which would set a new international benchmark for responsible business conduct.

Key highlights from the paper:

Dynamics of National Transposition: The deep dive provides an overview of how major EU markets, including Germany, France, and the Netherlands, are progressing with the transposition of the CS3D into their national laws. The analysis covers the unique challenges each country faces and potential obstacles that could impact the timely and effective implementation of the directive.Implications for the Industry: The paper outlines the specific requirements and obligations for brands and retailers in the consumer goods sector, emphasizing the importance of developing robust due diligence programs and data collection on environmental and social performance.Tools for Compliance: To support businesses in meeting the CS3D requirements, Cascale and Worldly highlight the use of the Higg Index tools. These tools, continually updated through the organizations’ deep collaboration, are designed to help companies measure and track their sustainability performance. With recent tool updates, the Higg Index tools are evolving to further align with global frameworks and enhance data accuracy for regulatory reporting.

Businesses, stakeholders, and industry professionals can explore Cascale and Worldly’s deep dive paper to better understand the implications of CS3D on their businesses and how to prepare for its implementation. The paper provides valuable insights to help companies transition towards more responsible and sustainable business practices.

Read the full deep dive paper here.

The adoption of the CS3D is a significant step towards enhancing corporate sustainability and accountability within the EU. With detailed analysis and practical guidance, Cascale and Worldly aim to support Cascale members and Higg Index users in navigating this regulatory change and driving positive social and environmental impacts.

LONDON, July 15, 2024 /3BL/ – Pentair plc (NYSE: PNR), a leader in helping the world sustainably move, improve and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource, and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) are excited to announce a new collaboration to sustainably deliver great-tasting, high-quality drinking water while reducing the need for single-use plastic water bottles for the millions of travelers that visit and fly through the MSP international hub each year. MSP, owned and operated by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), is the 19th busiest airport in North America by passenger traffic.

Pentair is the first partner in MSP’s new strategic partnership program which aims to collaborate with businesses and community organizations to enhance the passenger experience and drive innovation. As the Official Water Sponsor of MSP, Pentair is working to help the airport promote sustainability through the installation of 10 HOPE Hydration HydroStations. The cutting-edge HydroStations are the first water refill stations of their kind at any airport worldwide, dispensing free, chilled, and filtered water while providing an interactive experience to users. Through the HydroStations, Pentair and MSP will be educating travelers about water-related issues and the positive environmental impact they can make by bringing and filling a reusable water bottle while traveling.

Each of the HydroStations feature filtration technology by Everpure from Pentair Water Solutions, providing MSP employees and travelers with a free, great-tasting and more sustainable alternative to single-use plastic water bottles.

“Pentair aims to create a better world for people and the planet through smart, sustainable water solutions,” said Adrian Chiu, EVP and President, Pentair Water Solutions. “Our Everpure filtration technology is a leader in the foodservice industry, and we are excited to bring our filtration expertise to MSP in support of their efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable practices by providing travelers with free, filtered water at the HydroStations.”

It is estimated that the current network of 80 water bottle refill stations at MSP reduce the need for approximately 600 pounds* of single-use plastic bottles every day. Using integrated IoT technology, the HydroStations at MSP track real-time impact data associated with the elimination of single-use plastics including plastic and carbon emissions savings, which will be displayed on each HydroStation.

“Our goal is to make it easy for passengers and our airport community to choose reusable options over single-use options,” said Brian Ryks, CEO of the MAC. “We’re excited about this strategic partnership because it shines a brighter spotlight on ways to reduce waste and support sustainable practices that go well beyond the airport.”

“Our mission is to encourage people to Refill, not Landfill; we are excited to showcase the HOPE HydroStation at MSP, one of the world’s leading sustainable airports, powered by Pentair’s advanced Everpure filtration technology. This is a major step for us together towards building a more sustainable future everywhere,” said Jorge Richardson, HOPE Hydration CEO and Founder. “As frequent travelers, we understand the need for great hydration solutions in airports, and we are thrilled to help travelers make a positive environmental impact.”

For more information, visit Pentair.com/mspairport.

*Assuming 20 oz plastic bottle with a weight of 14.7 oz.

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ABOUT PENTAIR PLC

At Pentair, we help the world sustainably move, improve and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource. From our residential and commercial water solutions, to industrial water management and everything in between, Pentair is focused on smart, sustainable water solutions that help our planet and people thrive.

Pentair had revenue in 2023 of approximately $4.1 billion, and trades under the ticker symbol PNR. With approximately 10,500 global employees serving customers in more than 150 countries, we work to help improve lives and the environment around the world. To learn more, visit www.pentair.com.

About The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) 

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) owns and operates one of the nation’s largest airport systems, including Minneapolis-St Paul International (MSP) and six general aviation airports. The MAC’s airports connect the region to the world and showcase Minnesota’s extraordinary culture to millions of passengers from around the globe who arrive or depart through MAC airports each year. Though a public corporation of the state of Minnesota, the organization is not funded by income or property taxes. Instead, the MAC’s operations are funded by rents and fees generated by users of its airports. For more information, visit www.metroairports.org.

About HOPE Hydration

HOPE Hydration (“HOPE”) is a B-Corp certified water-technology start-up dedicated to increasing sustainable water access and reducing plastic waste through free, ad-powered, water refill stations, called “HydroStations”. The HydroStation is a unique water solution that combines smart-city technology, advertising opportunities, and premium water quality.

HOPE’s team is making access to free, clean water both sustainable and scalable. Co-Founder Dave Tigue brings deep engineering and manufacturing experience, having previously overseen multi-million dollar hardware product lines. Co-Founder Cristina Gnecco has spent her career building collaborations and impactful partnerships with global Fortune 500 companies around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. HOPE Founder & CEO Jorge Richardson, a Forbes 30 Under 30 Nominee, previously led the development and roll-out of water-technology onto over a billion iPhones globally.

https://www.hopehydration.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 15, 2024 /3BL/ – America250 – the official nonpartisan entity charged by Congress with planning the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence – recently announced the inaugural cohort of “America’s Field Trip” awardees. 75 students in grades 3-12 from all over the United States were selected. The list of inaugural awardees and their submissions can be found here at america250.org/fieldtrip/awardees.

America’s Field Trip is a new, nationwide scholastic contest that encourages students to create and submit artwork, videos, or essays on topics relating to American history, civics, and culture. America250 partnered with worldwide edtech leader Discovery Education to develop toolkits with lesson plans and student activities that educators can use to bring the America’s Field Trip contest to their classrooms.

“We’re thrilled to announce the first-ever America’s Field Trip awardees – 75 incredible students from across the country who will now embark on transformative field trip experiences during which they’ll experience history outside of the classroom,” said America250 Chair, Rosie Rios. “We’re grateful for all of the students, teachers, and families who engaged around America’s Field Trip – one of the first big steps on our long journey together to the Semiquincentennial. As we advance toward July 4th, 2026, America’s Field Trip will only get bigger, engaging thousands of students in our collective history and giving them a platform to actively participate in envisioning our future.”

Thousands of students from states and territories across the country submitted entries responding to the prompt “What does America mean to you?” Out of those submissions, 150 first- and second-place awardees hailing from 44 states and territories were selected by a panel of current and former educators. First-place awardees will take part in special experiences at iconic American historical and cultural sites, and second-place awardees will receive $500 cash awards. The contest will continue in 2025 and 2026, with next year’s contest launching this September. First-place awardees will choose from the following unique and unforgettable field trip experiences this summer:

Tour of the Statue of Liberty in New YorkTour and hike at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and MontanaWeekend at Rocky Mountain National Park in ColoradoUnique tours at the National Archives and the Library of Congress in Washington, DCSpecial tours at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, or the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DCExplore America’s iconic financial capital, New York City, with private tours of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York Museum and Learning Center and the New York Headquarters of BNY, the country’s oldest bankExperience National Parks of Boston with a special visit to the USS Constitution and a sunset cruise to Spectacle IslandCandlelight tour at Fort Point at the base of the Golden Gate BridgeCostumed roleplaying experience at American Village in Alabama

“America’s Field Trip takes learning beyond the classroom and allows students to experience firsthand the places that have helped shape our nation,” said Amy Nakamoto, General Manager of Corporate Partnerships at Discovery Education. “Programs like America’s Field Trip help students build the foundational knowledge that makes history tangible, accessible, and relevant. Understanding historical contexts empowers students to participate more actively in their communities. Congratulations to each of the students!”

Learn more about America250 and sign up here to be notified when the contest opens for submissions in September 2024. Educators can discover ready-to-use digital activities aligned to multiple learning standards and curated to grade bands here. Available in both English and Spanish, the lesson plans can be used to facilitate future submissions to the America’s Field Trip contest or to help engage students leading up to America’s Semiquincentennial in 2026.

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

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About America250 
America250 is a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in celebrating and commemorating the 250th anniversary of our country. It is spearheaded by the congressionally appointed U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and its nonprofit supporting organization, America250.org. This multi-year effort kicked off with America’s Invitation on July 4, 2023: a national public engagement campaign inviting all Americans to share their stories and their hopes and dreams for the future of this country. Until July 4, 2026, America250 is working to provide opportunities for all Americans to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look to the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.

To learn more, visit America250.org, and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

About BNY Mellon 
BNY Mellon is a global financial services company that helps make money work for the world – managing it, moving it and keeping it safe. For 240 years we have partnered alongside our clients, putting our expertise and platforms to work to help them achieve their ambitions. Today we work with over 90% of Fortune 100 companies and nearly all the top 100 banks globally to access the money they need. We support governments in funding local projects and work with over 90% of the top 100 pension plans to safeguard investments for millions of individuals, and so much more. As of December 31, 2023, we oversee $47.8 trillion in assets under custody and/or administration and $2.0 trillion in assets under management.

BNY Mellon is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE: BK). We are headquartered in New York City, employ over 50,000 people globally and have been named among Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies and Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators. Additional information is available on www.bnymellon.com. Follow us on LinkedIn or visit our Newsroom for the latest company news.

About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and corporate partnerships, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

Contacts

America250 
press@america250.org

Grace Maliska 
gmaliska@discoveryed.com

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., July 15, 2024 /3BL/ – As hot summer temperatures return throughout the state, Entergy Arkansas is taking action to help customers save money and manage their utility bills.

Entergy Arkansas is committed to helping our customers manage their usage and bills through a toolkit of savings offerings and programs.

For our customers in the Little Rock area, we will be hosting an in-person event on July 18, in partnership with local community advocate organization The Watershed. The event will be 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 3701 Springer Boulevard in Little Rock. Entergy Arkansas employees will be on hand to answer customer questions about their accounts and a variety of other services.

Participants will learn about energy efficiency programs that help customers save money while staying comfortable. 
 Qualifying customers will be connected to available financial assistance, including the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program known as LIHEAP and Entergy’s The Power to Care Program for low-income older adults and customers with disabilities. 
 Participants will be introduced to our new Bill Toolkit that empowers customers with resources and available assistance options through a one-stop online shop at entergy.com. 
 Limited quantities of free box fans and energy efficiency kits will be available, along with other giveaways.

The event will also give customers the opportunity to engage with Entergy Arkansas on a variety of other services and programs, too.

Qualifying customers can enroll in our Kids to College matching savings account program. 
 Representatives from the Central Arkansas Development Council (CADC) will be on hand to help eligible customers complete applications for LIHEAP. 
 Electrical safety principles will be demonstrated through our Arcs and Sparks presentations and personal protective equipment exhibits. 
 Information on adding security lighting to your home or business will be shared. 
 Free legal guidance on a variety of topics will be accessible through Center for Arkansas Legal Services.

The past two summers have brought some of the hottest weather on record – reaching three-digit temperatures across our service area and leading to record-level electricity usage by our customers.

Since cooling costs can make up more than 55% of an average customer’s electric bill, Entergy Arkansas want to help customers save money with tools that can help.

Customers who cannot attend the Watershed event can get explore Entergy Arkansas’ Bill Toolkit for ways to manage their energy usage and take more control of their electric bills. From Entergy Solutions programs to customized bill payment options, the toolkit can lead to bill savings for customers.

About Entergy Arkansas

Entergy Arkansas, LLC provides electricity to approximately 730,000 customers in 63 counties. Entergy Arkansas is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation, a Fortune 500 electric company. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. For the latest news from Entergy Arkansas, visit the Newsroom and connect with @EntergyArk on social media.

Originally published in Principal Financial Group 2023 Sustainability Report

Integrating sustainable investing practices

Our global investment philosophy

We aim to provide clients with sustainable investment options that offer competitive, risk-adjusted returns and utilize a holistic view of factors influencing risk and return to help create added value for clients, the environment, and society and over time.

Our approach

Our sustainable investing beliefs are grounded in fostering relationships with investors and communities by offering products and solutions that align with their values.

Our philosophy includes considerations of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) integration, sustainable product creation, engagement and stewardship, and responsible proxy voting.

Sustainable investing oversight and collaboration

Principal Asset ManagementSM has multiple levels of sustainable investing oversight and collaboration. Our Sustainable Investing Oversight Committee helps assure implementation of funds and strategies in accordance with the appropriate sustainability-related definitions. Our Sustainable Investment Council supports the sharing of best practices among investment professionals when constructing and managing client portfolios. Finally, our Sustainable Investing Leadership Team helps ensure our investment professionals have the information and resources needed to create and maintain sustainable investment products and solutions for clients.

Principal Financial Group®, Inc. total assets under management (AUM) in billions as of December 31, 20231

$694.5B

Principal Global Investors2 managed AUM in billions as of December 31, 20231

$499.5B

For purposes of our sustainability report, as of December 31, 2023, the assets under management for Principal Financial Group® were $694.5 billion, of which $499.5 billion is managed by Principal Global Investors and $180.4 billion is reported by Principal International. The Company uses Principal Asset Management AUM for marketing purposes, defined as assets under management for Principal Global Investors and Principal International excluding assets for entities where the Company is a minority owner and assets that are not allowed to be included due to regulatory requirements.

Our actions and performance in 2023

Throughout 2023 we continued advancing our sustainable investing efforts:

Adopted a platform exclusions policy for our offshore Dublin fund platform.Provided training opportunities to approximately 1000 individuals on sustainable investing topics.Increased the firm’s sustainable investing AUM3 from 55% to approximately 61%.Established sustainable investing goals for our general account, covering two-thirds of the general account AUM.Launched four new sustainable investment products.

What’s next

In 2024, we’re preparing as global regulations increase the requirements for transparency and disclosure industry-wide such as the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), climate regulations in California, and climate-related disclosures in Singapore. Even if not yet subject to comply, many companies have already begun providing more transparency into their ESG practices in preparation, and we expect data coverage from our own underlying companies to continue to improve as a result.

“Sustainable investing is a powerful way to help drive positive change balanced by investor value creation. We continue to organize our talent and products to tap into this important area for both our clients and communities in the process.”

Kamal Bhatia
Chief Executive Officer of Principal Asset Management

To learn more, read the Principal Financial Group 2023 Sustainability Report.

1AUM as of December 31, 2023. Due to rounding, figures shown may not add to the totals.

2Principal Global Investors includes assets held by our general account and specific Principal International asset management businesses. Principal Asset ManagementSM is the trade name of Principal Global Investors, LLC. See Important Information page for AUM description.

3AUM representative of Principal Global Investors investment teams as of December 31, 2023. AUM that are sustainable investment products are internally classified by Principal Asset ManagementSM and not by any third party or regulatory body. Principal Asset ManagementSSM is the trade name of Principal Global Investors, LLC. See Important Information page for AUM description.

Integration of sustainability considerations and/or environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors is qualitative and subjective by nature. There is no guarantee that the criteria used, or judgment exercised, will reflect the beliefs or values of any particular investor. There is no assurance that any strategy or integration of sustainability considerations and/or ESG factors will be successful or profitable.

Insurance products issued by Principal National Life Insurance Co (except in NY) and Principal Life Insurance Company®. Plan administrative services offered by Principal Life. Principal Funds, Inc. is distributed by Principal Funds Distributor, Inc. Securities offered through Principal Securities, Inc., member SIPC and/or independent broker/dealers. Referenced companies are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392.​

3665773-072024

By Dana Obrist

In 1983, four friends, William “Bill” H. Nelson Jr., his partner, Terry Tebedo, William Waybourn and Craig Spaulding opened Crossroads Market in Dallas, Texas, selling magazines, books, antiques, and jewelry.

As part of a passion project for their community, they began accepting canned good donations for people living with AIDS, and in doing so – according to Resource Center’s website – started a vital community service.

A leader in HIV prevention and treatment as well as health, education, social, and advocacy services for the LGBTQIA+ community in Dallas, Resource Center currently operates one of the largest centers in the United States.

“Resource Center developed out of the need during the AIDS pandemic,” noted Cece Cox, CEO of Resource Center. “In the early days, it started as a food pantry and distribution center for the medications treating AIDS. Resource Center came out of a background of discrimination. We realized we had to take care of our own, and that’s what we have done for over 40 years.”

Operating out of four locations in Dallas, the needs and services Resource Center is providing has grown – and to better reach members of the community, it is bringing essentially all of its health services under one roof.

Resource Center developed out of the need during the AIDS pandemic. We realized we had to take care of our own, and that’s what we have done for over 40 years.  
Cece Cox, CEO of Resource Center

“With nearly 100 staff members and 2,695 volunteers serving over 60,000 people each year, Resource Center has continued to expand its services,” Cox said. “Having primary medical care, counseling, and other our health services in one place is a significant benefit, especially for those facing transportation challenges. Here we will house the nutrition services, food bank and hot meals program along with mental health counseling and primary care where clients have access to annual physicals, diabetes management, and other care.”

The only health practice not consolidating at the 2603 Inwood Road facility in Dallas is the dental care facility, which will remain at its current location on Forest Lane.

To finance the 20,000-square foot facility, Resource Center tapped the Dallas Development Fund (DDF) for NMTC allocations in which Regions Bank’s New Markets Tax Credits is the investor. The facility will be transformed into Resource Center Health following a multimillion-dollar renovation.

“Without the NMTC financing, Resource Center would need to direct more of its fundraising toward construction expenses, slowing any potential programmatic growth or expansion,” said Dave Hesse, CFO at Resource Center. “Texas Pride Impact Fund did an assessment of the needs of its LGBTQIA+ community and identified healthcare as a number one priority in Texas currently, so getting Resource Center Health constructed quickly is critical.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Texas has the second highest rate of new HIV diagnoses in the country. Dallas is currently ranked No. 2 on the list of Texas counties with the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS.

The expanded facility includes HIV services and is expected to serve more than 8,000 people annually, of which 33 percent are low-income.

In addition to combining services into one centrally located building, Resource Center Health will be adjacent to public transportation and within walking distance of Oak Lawn Place, Resource Center’s new affordable senior housing development, and the Community Center.

“This new facility will be an upgraded, comfortable location that provides our clients and our community the best healthcare experience in a welcoming environment, with more exam and waiting rooms, reception areas and ample parking,” said Cox.

The new consolidated Resource Center Health location is slated to open in early 2025.

Originally published by Jazz Pharmaceuticals

In celebration of Juneteenth, we welcomed Dr. Damon Tweedy, M.D., renowned professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University Medical Center and staff physician at the Durham VA Medical Center, to share his personal experiences and insights on healthcare inequities in the U.S. 

Dr. Tweedy has written extensively about the intersection of race, medicine and mental health and we are honored to have had this opportunity to learn firsthand from him to commemorate this holiday.