Tag: 3BL

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

For more than 30 years, the U.S. Bank Foundation has financially supported the Arvada Center, a nonprofit that brings the arts and humanities to the west Denver metro area.

The two organizations have always been aligned in their missions to power the potential of their communities, which is why their relationship has strengthened with time. With a U.S. Bank team member on the Arvada Center board and a newly formed banking relationship, the two organizations will continue to grow together for years to come.

“We’ve only seen the U.S. Bank support grow over the years, and we look forward how we will continue to help each other realize how we can empower individuals to realize their own potential,” said Philip Sneed, Arvada Center President & CEO.

To learn more about the relationship between U.S. Bank and Arvada Center, check out the video above.

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

For more than 30 years, the U.S. Bank Foundation has financially supported the Arvada Center, a nonprofit that brings the arts and humanities to the west Denver metro area.

The two organizations have always been aligned in their missions to power the potential of their communities, which is why their relationship has strengthened with time. With a U.S. Bank team member on the Arvada Center board and a newly formed banking relationship, the two organizations will continue to grow together for years to come.

“We’ve only seen the U.S. Bank support grow over the years, and we look forward how we will continue to help each other realize how we can empower individuals to realize their own potential,” said Philip Sneed, Arvada Center President & CEO.

To learn more about the relationship between U.S. Bank and Arvada Center, check out the video above.

With environmentally preferred purchasing policies in place in more than three-quarters of U.S. states and certified eco-conscious products required for new custodial contracts in federal buildings, demand for more environmentally friendly cleaners in public facilities continues to rise.

That’s one reason why we’re expanding our Clorox EcoClean product platform with the launch of Clorox EcoClean Disinfecting Wipes. These wipes use naturally derived ingredients, including a citric acid active ingredient, and are made with a 100% plant-based substrate. They still kill 99.9% of germs — without bleach, ammonia or alcohol — so cleaning professionals won’t sacrifice efficacy to maintain public spaces.

Clorox EcoClean Disinfecting Wipes are the newest addition to our broader line of Clorox EcoClean ready-to-use cleaners and disinfectants, which are certified under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Design for the Environment and Safer Choice programs. Designed for comfortable use (no gloves or personal protective equipment required!) and safe for use on multiple surfaces*, they’re the ideal option for cleaning and disinfecting a range of public spaces, including schools, offices and government buildings.

As with all other Clorox EcoClean products, these wipes can help facilities and organizations meet their sustainability goals, including requirements for LEED, ISSA CIMS-Green Building, and Healthy Green Schools and Colleges.

The new wipes also support ambitious ESG goals integrated into our broader companywide strategy. They showcase our efforts to design products that reinforce our commitment to reduce virgin plastics in our supply chain by 50% by 2030. Additionally, all Clorox EcoClean products, including the new disinfecting wipes, come in at least 25% post-consumer recycled plastic packaging.

*When used as directed on hard, nonporous surfaces.

With Tropical Storm Ernesto moving towards Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, T-Mobile has activated its emergency plans to help keep customers, communities, first responders and others connected through expected heavy rains, flooding and tropical force winds. Here’s how we’re working to support the communities we serve and the network they rely on:

Network Readiness

Our Emergency Management team, together with our National Operations Centers, is vigilantly monitoring the storm and our network’s performance. T-Mobile is prepared to quickly deploy team members along with microwave and satellite equipment to restore or boost connectivity as needed. This equipment is pre-staged at critical and strategic locations for rapid deployment after the storm and includes:

COLTs and COWs: Cell-on-Light-Trucks and Cell-on-Wheels that can be driven or towed to impacted areas to temporarily restore or boost serviceQuick-deploy and portable VSATs: Satellite dishes called “Very Small Aperture Terminals” that can provide a layer of coverage across broad areasMicrowave solutions: Network technology that offers high throughput and low latency for better data usage

The majority of cell sites across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have been hardened with permanent backup power solutions to keep sites on-air through commercial power outages, and our team has additional portable generators ready to go where needed. All fixed and portable generators in the region were refueled ahead of the storm, and teams have tens of thousands of gallons of extra fuel on-hand to support cell sites and infrastructure. Other network sites in the area — including our Mobile Switching Office, Regional Business Office and other emergency hub locations — are also equipped with ready and fueled generators.

Community Support

Our teams are ready to mobilize with Wi-Fi, charging supplies and flashlights to distribute to communities as needed following the storm.

Support for Public Safety

Our emergency team is engaged with numerous federal, regional and local officials, first responders and organizations including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) at the national and regional levels and the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator and State ESF 2 (Communications) Leads for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Agencies needing communications assistance can reach out to our 24-hour emergency hotline at 888-639-0020 or email at ERTRequests@T-Mobile.com.

Employees & Retail Stores

The safety of our employees and their families in the area are of utmost importance. We’re monitoring impacts on our employees, retail stores, Customer Experience Centers and other locations and will address any needs that arise. Stores in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are closed today. To check your local store’s operation hours, please use our store locator. For existing customers, you can manage your account using the T Life App.

See our newsroom for more information on T-Mobile’s Emergency Response.

Schneider Electric

Becoming climate neutral is a massive undertaking for anyone, let alone an entire continent. But, that’s exactly what the EU is doing. In recent years, the European Commission has driven an ambitious decarbonization policy, striving to create a more resilient Europe and become the first climate-neutral continent in the world.

This goal comes from a time of layered crises. The pandemic tested the EU’s integrity, while the invasion of Ukraine brought warfare to its borders and crippled energy security. The economy has also suffered. For the past five years, growth in the European Union (EU) has been on average 1% lower than that of the U.S. and will continue to trail by around 0.8% in the long term, according to projections. One reason is the rise of energy prices across the zone. The price of natural gas in the EU is still three times higher than in 2019, and about five times that of the U.S.

To reach its target, the EU must first solve a triad of problems involving energy: security, industrial competitiveness, and decarbonization. These issues have one common denominator: the EU’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.

This dependence doesn’t just wreck the environment, it comes at a steep price — and opportunity cost. When the EU’s energy import bill soared, over 800 billion euros went to buying fossil fuel imports at inflated prices. For comparison, that’s almost triple the EU’s defense spending in 2023. This money could’ve been spent on the energy transition instead.

Resilient Europe: A modern economy built on modern technologies

The demand-side of the equation — how energy is consumed by end-users — is a powerful lever for decarbonization, deserving much more attention. Here, we must encourage the swift adoption of both electrification and digitalization. By combining these modern technologies, industries can optimize the way they use energy, driving a faster transition away from fossil fuels and toward sustainable, affordable, and secure energy resources.

With the Green Deal, the EU developed the right framework to address its energy challenges. But, there’s a long road ahead. For example, nearly 75% of the building stock in Europe isn’t energy efficient, with only about 1% undergoing renovation each year.

Renewed EU institutions must tighten their focus on demand-side management of the energy sector, while ensuring the ‘green’ transformation of society doesn’t impede competitiveness. To these institutions, we propose three priorities to make a more resilient Europe.

1. Accelerating the energy transition. 

This is the key to ending fossil fuel dependency and encouraging affordable, low-carbon energy sources. The Green Deal is a start, but we need more action to unleash the power of electrification on the demand-side. Across all sectors, research suggests that the share of electricity in the EU mix could more than double to reach 50% — with technologies that are already available at scale. Buildings, industry, and the distribution grids are where we should start.

2. Prioritizing digital transformation. 

The digitalization of the global economy is underway, but the EU still lags behind the two current powerhouses of the world: the U.S. and China. Digitalization can help develop new economic activities while giving thrust to the decarbonization of the EU’s energy system.

Notably, digitalization unlocks advanced forms of energy efficiency, and directly supports the rise of circularity at scale. That’s why a digital transformation — combining sustainability and digitalization — must become a core policy of the EU, especially for industry and infrastructure.

3. Simplifying the sustainability policy framework. 

Europe’s ESG commitment is driving innovation and the energy transition, aiming to make the continent a hub for sustainable technologies. Recent political cycles brought significant legislation to prepare for the 2050 climate goals, including the Sustainable Finance package, considering broader societal and environmental impacts. Moving forward, it’s crucial to refine the regulatory framework to enhance Europe’s leadership in sustainability policies, driving real transformation beyond reporting.

I’m optimistic about the future. The EU boasts prominent industry leaders, strong local R&D and manufacturing capabilities, and abundant talent from top universities. With the right strategy, the EU has the potential to overcome its energy challenges.

Read the full report here.

Sofidel

On the topic of finance increasingly in step with the ecological transition, Soft&Green wanted to listen to the voice of Francesco Bicciato, Director of the Forum for Sustainable Finance.

Finance plays an important role in the green transition because, when it is sustainable, it contributes to a more responsible and inclusive society. When did your association start and how does it operate?

The Forum for Sustainable Finance is a nonprofit association established in 2001. The membership base is multi-stakeholder. It includes financial operators and other organizations interested in the environmental and social impact of investments. The Forum’s mission is to promote the knowledge and practice of sustainable investing, with the goal of spreading the inclusion of environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria in financial products and processes.

The Forum’s activities are divided into three main areas: Research, Projects and Relations with Institutions. 
Through its work, the Association has been instrumental in bringing the issues of sustainable finance to the attention of institutions, financial operators, non-financial organizations, and citizens. Thanks to both advocacy initiatives and ongoing work on the financial education front, awareness and interest in the sector have greatly increased. The Forum has also produced open knowledge about the field through intensive research work, with some 50 publications on the subject freely accessible online. The Forum’s vocation is to try to recognize in advance complex economic and financial dynamics and phenomena and how they may impact environmental and social variables.

When did people start talking about responsible finance and what kind of difficulties did financial actors have in obtaining effective measurement tools/metrics?

In the first study of the SRI (Sustainable and Responsible Investment) market in Europe conducted in 2003, Italy accounted for 0.1 percent of the European market with €240 million in assets, referring only to institutional investors. The situation today is very different. At European level, according to Morningstar’s findings, there has been an increase from less than 400 billion open-end funds and sustainable ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds that allow investors to manage risks associated with environmental, social and governance factors) in 2017 to about 2.5 trillion in 2022. The topic of metrics has been and still is an important challenge because measuring the results of an investment is critical. While we are further along on the environmental front with respect to the social dimension, there is more work to be done, starting with accelerating dialogue at European level to approve a social taxonomy.

From your privileged vantage point, what is the current situation of sustainable finance in Italy and, more generally, in Europe and the world?

The focus on sustainability has greatly increased in recent years, and ambitious climate and environmental goals have been set at European and international levels. ESG finance is growing in importance precisely because it makes a key contribution to achieving these goals toward more sustainable development models. Indeed, sustainable investments are key to building a society that is low-emission, keeping global warming below 2°, and socially inclusive. An interesting ongoing trend is the growth of green bonds. In 2022, green bond issues accounted for more than half of all sustainable bonds issued in the same year (58%, $487.1 billion). After demonstrating resilience in a turbulent economic environment, green bond issuances in the first half of 2023 increased by 22.2% over issuances in the same period of 2022, arriving at $351.9 billion. As predicted by the Climate Bonds Initiative, green bonds have returned to growth and could reach the ambitious level of $5 trillion a year starting in 2025. This data points out two important elements. On the one hand, it highlights the markets’ interest in investments with environmental sustainability goals. On the other hand, it is also an indicator of investor interest in financial products with a high level of transparency. In fact, in green bonds, the use of proceeds is tied to specific projects and reported regularly. Although reporting standards are currently voluntary, they are widespread and it has been observed that their adoption is rewarded by the market. This phenomenon brings us to the second ongoing trend: the increasing demand for data from institutions and investors. Companies, including SMEs, will need to increasingly engage on the reporting front, both to attract investments – data is key to composing sustainable portfolios – and to meet increasingly stringent European transparency requirements.

According to the findings that emerged in 2022 from the “Italian SMEs and the Green Transition: ESG Profiles and Sustainable Finance” research conducted by the Forum and in which 415 SMEs participated, sustainability plays an “extremely important” or “very important” role in the company, driving strategic and investment choices, for over 45% of SMEs. However, with respect to the level of knowledge and practical application of ESG aspects, there still remains significant room for improvement. About 40% of the companies surveyed do not know how to estimate the extent of their exposure to climate risks, and only 17% have approached banks for financing related to sustainability projects.

More and more organizations are claiming that they have embarked on a path toward sustainability even from the point of view of financial investments. This is a positive fact that however raises some doubts about the veracity of what they are claiming. How high is the risk of greenwashing?

As interest in environmental, social and governance sustainability has grown, so as the risk of greenwashing. This term refers to a particular behavior that consists of presenting a company’s products, goals and/or policies as environmentally friendly in the face of actions that contradict said image.

As ESMA, the European Securities and Markets Authority, also notes, greenwashing harms investors who want to allocate their resources to sustainable economic activities. In addition, it amounts to an actual practice of unfair competition, penalizing companies committed to a real path of sustainability. More generally, it is the market’s credibility that loses out. Both companies that incur greenwashing and the financial players that support them expose themselves to three categories of risk: reputational, legal, and financial.

In 2022, the Forum presented a paper dedicated to greenwashing containing an analysis of the phenomenon and a set of guidelines to prevent it. It was the result of a working group on the subject conducted with our members. Going forward, we expect increased awareness of sustainability issues among savers, investors, and businesses and a growing commitment by asset managers to more transparent investments.

Read more about topics related to environmental and social sustainability, themes and projects close to us in terms of culture and corporate modus operandi on our Soft&Green blog.

Through its funding priorities in education and workforce, KeyBank Foundation has committed a $300,000 community impact grant payable over three years as an investment in Urban Arts, a national nonprofit organization located in New York City that teaches video game design to historically underserved youth as a pathway to college and career. They provide students with a comprehensive curriculum in the art and technology of game design through computer science, coding, animation, music and storytelling. They also offer top-tier college access and scholarships services, and connect alumni to mentorship and internship opportunities at leading corporations, generating a new and diverse talent pipeline.

“Urban Arts’ mission aligns with our commitment to support organizations and programs that prepare individuals for thriving futures,“ says John Manginelli, Market President for KeyBank’s Hudson Valley & Metro NY market. “They are transforming lives and cultivating next-up talent nationwide, and we are proud to support their efforts.”

Urban Arts teaches STEM and STEAM through digital game design, a novel approach that

boosts persistence in the computer sciences for youth from low-income communities,generates technically expert and creatively confident youth ready for college and career, andensures a more equitable future economy.

When students make their own video game, they actually learn high-level computer science literacy—multiple programming languages, animation, sound production, digital art, story-telling—as well as collaboration and leadership, skills necessary for all future jobs. “There is no other organization that offers programs that allow you to not only explore what you’re passionate about—the arts, such as video games—on top of things that are more technical or skill-based like programming and music production. You truly get the best of both worlds and it’s really flexible,” says Sydney E. an Urban Arts game designer and current rising sophomore at Barnard College.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in computer and information technology are projected to grow 11% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Still, women and people of color are grossly underrepresented in the creative tech workforce and beyond across nearly all industries. “At Urban Arts, we imagine a world where young people gain economic mobility through meaningful careers as creators, thinkers and leaders in the creative and technology fields,” says Philip Courtney, CEO of Urban Arts.

Urban Arts is generating a new diverse talent pipeline in three distinct steps.

They offer a multi-year STEM education program in schools nationwide and at their Learning Lab in New York City. Game On, their custom high school college curriculum, has just been endorsed by the College Board.Their college access program enrolls 100% of Urban Arts’ seniors into college. They’ve earned $25M in scholarships since 2017.Further, Urban Arts connects their alumni to mentorships and internships at leading companies, generating exposure and access to the world of work.

“KeyBank has long maintained a focus on college attainment, and through KeyBank Foundation we partner with nonprofit organizations that are moving the needle in college enrollment and retention rates for underserved students,” says Manginelli. “We want young people to achieve the skills, education and capabilities they need to succeed in current and future employment opportunities.” Manginelli went on to say, “At KeyBank, we prize a culture where diversity is valued and inclusion is fostered, and we seek partners, like Urban Arts, who bring innovative programs and approaches that solve a community need.”

KeyBank Foundation grants are part of a $40 billion commitment for lending and investments across Key’s national footprint established in 2017 and supporting affordable housing and community development projects, home, and small business lending in low- and-moderate income communities, and philanthropic efforts targeted toward education, workforce development, and safe, vital neighborhoods.

Urban Arts is grateful for KeyBank Foundations’ investment in their transformational outcomes. Together, the two organizations are helping to build a powerful, creative, and inclusive future.

For more information on Urban Arts, visit www.UrbanArts.org

For more Information on KeyBank Foundation, visit www.Key.com/Foundation.

How does Baker Tilly spark fresh thinking and light the fire of innovation? By creating an environment that inspires team members to break barriers fearlessly.

In its second year, Baker Tilly’s Innovation Ignite program is generating that spark. This program has expanded from focusing on early-career professionals to including team members with a mixture of experience levels, unlocking opportunities across our firm.

“Last year was a resounding success,” said Kristen Russell, managing director of Strategy and Innovation. “This year, we aimed to build on that by diversifying our participants and expanding opportunities for growth, learning, and challenging themselves and their colleagues.”

Leaning into Expertise, Learning, and New Experiences

Innovation Ignite is a dynamic, experiential development program that allows team members to enhance their innovation and problem-solving skills, work on real business opportunities, and build relationships across our firm.

To date, 120 people have participated in Innovation Ignite, ranging from senior managers and directors to early-career professionals, leveraging the power of blended expertise for this round.

“The Ignite program provided a unique opportunity for each of us,” said Brian Metuge, senior manager in Assurance. “We acquired new skills and new ways of thinking about innovation and how to approach problems.”

Participants spent an intensive week together in our Innovation Lab in the Madison, Wisconsin office, where they could bounce ideas off each other and dedicate focused time to their projects.

“My current role is very execution-oriented, where I put my head down and work through assigned tasks,” said Will Nummy, an analyst in R/E Valuation on the DCA Real Estate Advisory team. “The week was very refreshing as our work was idea-focused.”

“We had time to ‘camp out’ in the problem and were encouraged not to rush to solutions,” said Grant Tidmore, senior manager of Resource Management. “That is precisely what I will bring back to my teams and day-to-day work.”

Ignite teaches how to bring innovation into our everyday work, as an essential skill that can translate across our firm and client work.

“I liked how each session helped to guide and build on the ideas in working toward a solution to a real problem our clients face,” added Natalie Cole, an associate in Tax.

At the end of the program, our Innovation Board was on hand to hear presentations and witness the ideas and innovation generated throughout the week.

Principal Nuwandi Trahan, who sits on our Innovation Board, emphasized the career-building effect of learning these skills and the power of seeing the resulting ideas taken seriously.

“We need to push them to do what they love doing, what we know they’re capable of doing, what they’re good at, and what they are excited about,” said Nuwandi. “When they are excited, they have the initiative. You’re not forcing them but rather giving them the opportunity to succeed, and that will trickle down to great client work.”

Limitless

The after-effects of Innovation Ignite paint a positive picture of how participants bring their newfound innovation mindsets with them after their experience. Team members saw the power in our firm’s investment in their future, sharing increased confidence in encouraging colleagues to engage in innovative efforts and knowing they can articulate how innovation plays a role in their industry.

“I loved Ignite,” said Sylvia Dyke, senior manager in Assurance. “I feel so much more connected to the firm after this experience and so much more supported now that I know we have so many dedicated professionals advocating for a better Baker Tilly.”

It’s clear: the opportunity to innovate is all around. Sometimes, you just need a spark to see how far you can go.

“Our future as a firm is limitless,” added Kristen.

Learn more about how Baker Tilly is fostering a culture of innovation.

Originally published by the National Association of Manufacturers

If you ask Henkel how it managed to cut its worldwide carbon footprint in half a few years ago, its leaders will gladly let you in on the secret: there isn’t one.

The impressive reduction is down to common sense and good old-fashioned effort.

Click here to read more from this interview between Pernille Lind Olsen, President of Henkel North America, and the National Association of Manufacturers.

TAMPA, Fla., August 14, 2024 /3BL/ – Sustainalytics has ranked Crown Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CCK) (Crown) (www.crowncork.com) at the top of the Containers & Packaging category in the latest ESG Risk Rating, an industry-wide assessment of corporate sustainability performance. After receiving positive marks across multiple areas of measurement, Crown leads its peer group of 105 organizations and represents one of only 3% of more than 16,200 assessed companies to attain an overall Negligible risk score. This rating from Sustainalytics underscores the comprehensive design and current impact of Crown’s ongoing Twentyby30™ program, which aims to achieve 20 measurable sustainability goals to be completed by or before the end of 2030 and focuses on areas of critical concern to the industry.

To build its diverse research universe that spans dozens of industries, Sustainalytics conducts a review of any applicable company’s exposure to industry-specific material sustainability risks—and determines how well that company is managing those risks. This review process observes action and performance in several areas related to sustainability. The ratings organization utilizes a significant amount of available data to create category-specific rankings that inform stakeholders such as customers, partners and investors.

“Receiving a top industry ranking from Sustainalytics acknowledges Crown’s efforts to meet stakeholder expectations and continue driving a business that performs from every angle,” said John Rost, Ph.D., Senior Vice President Crown Technology, Global Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs. “By scoring strongly across multiple categories, including safety, governance and others, we are demonstrating our commitment to making maximum impact not just in the traditional areas like GHG emissions reductions, but within every capacity possible. This comprehensive effort is what bolsters our ability to operate a responsible, healthy organization long-term.”

Notable in Crown’s assessment are relatively low exposure levels for various areas of concern including emissions, effluents and waste, carbon footprint and resource use, meaning Sustainalytics does not view Crown’s business as being inherently risky or damaging for the environment. With lower risk in each category, the Company reflects a more inherently responsible model that can more easily adapt to meet evolving sustainability regulations—a strong business attribute that stands out against other investible sectors. To build on this solid foundation, Crown continues to make progress toward its Twentyby30™ commitments, most recently securing more renewable electricity, initiating new water replenishment projects and working diligently across the supply chain to strive to increase industry recycling rates for valuable aluminum and steel cans.

Further information about Crown’s sustainability initiatives are available at crowncork.com. Guidance around Sustainalytics’ ESG Risk Rating methodology is available on the organization’s website.

About Crown Holdings, Inc.

Crown Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is a leading global supplier of rigid packaging products to consumer marketing companies, as well as transit and protective packaging products, equipment and services to a broad range of end markets. World headquarters are located in Tampa, Florida. For more information, visit www.crowncork.com.

For more information, contact sustainability@crowncork.com.

For editorial inquiries:
Emily Hogan, Account Supervisor, FINN Partners; Email: emily.hogan@finnpartners.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Except for historical information, all other information in this press release consists of forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities law. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause the statements made in this report or the actual results of operations or financial condition of the Company to differ are discussed under the caption “Forward Looking Statements” in the Company’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2023 and in subsequent filings. The Company does not intend to review or revise any particular forward-looking statement in light of future events.

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