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MetLife published its annual Sustainability Report on how the company is living its purpose – Always with you, building a more confident future – through the strength of its people, products, services, and investments.

At MetLife, sustainability means managing business responsibly and sustaining people throughout their lives. To help drive progress toward a sustainable future, MetLife has aligned its sustainability strategy with a subset of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are most relevant to its business and established a set of Sustainability Commitments.

The 2023 Sustainability Report details how MetLife brings its purpose to life to make progress against its commitments by:

Exceeding its commitment to drive $1 billion in investments that advance diversity years ahead of its 2030 target, with more than $1.4 billion invested between 2021 and 2023.Reducing emissions by increasing energy efficiency and reducing consumption at offices, greening its vehicle fleets and reducing business travel, where possible.Securing more than $58.5 billion in responsible investments in MetLife’s General Account as of year-end 2023, focused on the core areas of infrastructure, green, municipal bonds, affordable housing and impact investments.Surpassing $1 billion in all-time giving by MetLife Foundation, for its work driving inclusive economic mobility and addressing the needs of underserved communities around the world.Completing more than 144,000 volunteer hours globally in 2023, driven by the passion of MetLife colleagues.

To read the 2023 Sustainability Report and learn more about how MetLife is creating value for its stakeholders through its sustainability impact, visit metlife.com/sustainability/.

About MetLife
MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates (“MetLife”), is one of the world’s leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help individual and institutional customers build a more confident future. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 markets globally and holds leading positions in the United States, Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.

Media Contact
Olivia Janicelli, MetLife

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MetLife published its annual Sustainability Report on how the company is living its purpose – Always with you, building a more confident future – through the strength of its people, products, services, and investments.

At MetLife, sustainability means managing business responsibly and sustaining people throughout their lives. To help drive progress toward a sustainable future, MetLife has aligned its sustainability strategy with a subset of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are most relevant to its business and established a set of Sustainability Commitments.

The 2023 Sustainability Report details how MetLife brings its purpose to life to make progress against its commitments by:

Exceeding its commitment to drive $1 billion in investments that advance diversity years ahead of its 2030 target, with more than $1.4 billion invested between 2021 and 2023.Reducing emissions by increasing energy efficiency and reducing consumption at offices, greening its vehicle fleets and reducing business travel, where possible.Securing more than $58.5 billion in responsible investments in MetLife’s General Account as of year-end 2023, focused on the core areas of infrastructure, green, municipal bonds, affordable housing and impact investments.Surpassing $1 billion in all-time giving by MetLife Foundation, for its work driving inclusive economic mobility and addressing the needs of underserved communities around the world.Completing more than 144,000 volunteer hours globally in 2023, driven by the passion of MetLife colleagues.

To read the 2023 Sustainability Report and learn more about how MetLife is creating value for its stakeholders through its sustainability impact, visit metlife.com/sustainability/.

About MetLife
MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates (“MetLife”), is one of the world’s leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help individual and institutional customers build a more confident future. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 markets globally and holds leading positions in the United States, Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.

Media Contact
Olivia Janicelli, MetLife

Read More

At Henkel, our purpose as pioneers at heart for the good of generations unites us as we strive to enrich and improve everyday life for our employees, customers, partners, and consumers. Our diverse team of around 8,000 colleagues in North America is empowered to make an impact, craft individual career paths, and collaborate in strong teams to shape a better tomorrow.

We know that our people are the key to our long-standing legacy of innovation, sustainability, and corporate responsibility. To continue building on that legacy, we invest in programs that allow us to find exceptional talent to join our organization and provide resources to current employees designed to make them feel supported, included, and heard so they can act as ambassadors for the organization and excel at Henkel for years to come.

RECRUITING

Some of the ways that Henkel seeks and engages pipelines of future talent include:

1. Career Conferences 
For many years, Henkel has been attending career conferences that attract a diverse and engaged talent pool, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity. In 2023, we sent representatives to the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) National Convention, WE23 – sponsored by the Society of Women Engineers, the Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA) Conference, and Forward 2023 – the National Black MBA Association Conference and Expo, among others. Our interactions with a spectacular pool of over 35,000 total conference attendees at our Henkel booths, product demonstrations at an interactive hair-styling bar, and representation on panels and workshops allowed us the opportunity to share more about our dynamic organization and career opportunities in both business units across multiple functions. We were thrilled to conduct over 250 on-site interviews at these conferences and hear from candidates about how their previous experiences and personal identities might make them a great fit for Henkel. 

At Henkel, we believe that seeking out the best candidates in a diverse workforce drives innovation, and allows us to create more successful brands and products while fostering a more incsive and enriching workplace for all of our employees.

2. University Partnerships 
Some of the most promising talent pools for young professionals exist at institutions of higher education across North America, and Henkel’s university partnerships are a foundational method of finding high-potential talent. Annually, Henkel employees connect with students at over 60 universities through in person and virtual recruiting events, networking sessions, coffee chats, employer presentations, site tours, industry days, classroom presentations, and more. We believe that education ensures a future-ready organization and continually work to encourage employees to act as entrepreneurs, bring in fresh ideas, accelerate our digital transformation, and change markets, products, and services. As we value individual and collective commitments to education, we actively seek out opportunities to connect with students while they are deepening their knowledge in a chosen field.

3. Internship Program and PRISM Rotational Program 
For undergrad students, internships are a crucial opportunity to network with working professionals and sharpen technical skills through on-the-job training before entering the workforce full time. Knowing that internships help students to find their passions and bridge the gap between the lifestyle of a student and that of a full-time employee, Henkel takes pride in providing an internship program that helps students pave the way to their future careers. Henkel has hired over 150 interns from across the United States to work in our Consumer Brands and Adhesive Technologies business units and functional areas such as HR and Finance throughout the summer of 2024. Each year, our interns enjoy dedicated programming for early career growth, substantial assignments from their teams, networking, and ongoing feedback discussions with managers to fuel a summer full of growth and accomplishments. 

Each year since 2011, Henkel has also welcomed around 30 high-potential recent graduates to join the PRISM Leadership Rotational Program, providing associates an opportunity to discover Henkel culture, products, systems, and processes with the goal of deploying them into a wide variety of roles in the Adhesive Technologies organization. As PRISM associates are exposed to different aspects of the business through rotations, trainings, and mentorship programs, they are steadily growing a skillset and knowledge base that will prepare them for success in their next roles at Henkel. The breadth of experiences the program offers has a proven track record of helping attract, develop, and retain high-potential, diverse talent.

4. In-House Recruiting Model 
Henkel has transitioned to an in-house recruiting model with the goal to efficiently attract top diverse talent both internally and externally who will drive business results, while providing the best possible experience for candidates and internal stakeholders. A team of dedicated professionals seek out talent within Henkel and externally who will bolster our competitive edge and represent the diverse consumers, customers, and partners that we serve. Coming from backgrounds in marketing, production, education, customer service, and of course HR and recruiting, this diverse team is built to reflect the unique and enthusiastic spirit of the candidate pool they work with every day. This agile model generates ownership and pride in recruitment efforts and has strong ties to business goals, corporate culture, and DEI initiatives.

DEVELOPING AND ENGAGING

While we embark on the continuous search for talent, we also make significant investment into engaging, recognizing, and rewarding the exceptional workforce at Henkel, with programs that include:

5. Global Total Rewards Program 
Henkel offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package with benefits and programs that allow members of our organization to choose what’s most important for them and their families, while encouraging and rewarding individual performance. We offer competitive pay, 401k with employer matching, an employee share plan, and enhanced health & welfare benefits that include access to reliable and affordable childcare and elder care, and mental health care for employees and their families. Henkel also offers 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave for employees, regardless of gender, who welcome a child into their home through birth, adoption, surrogacy, guardianship or fostering – affirming our prioritization of equity in parenting and childcare for all parents.

Global Total Rewards complements Henkel’s organizational emphasis on Smart Work, a framework that aims to shape a future-ready workplace through the promotion of employee health, sustainability, travel, workforce digitalization, and hybrid office and mobile work. This approach demonstrates our commitment to creating a flexible working environment that values the uniqueness of our employees and their diverse needs.

Henkel also encourages and supports the volunteer efforts of employees and retirees through the Make an Impact on Tomorrow (M.I.T.) initiative. Over the past 25 years, the global program has invested over $41 million to support over 17,300 projects in more than 100 countries. Henkel provides financial and in-kind donations as well as paid time off for employees to volunteer for causes they are passionate about such as Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanity.

6. Employee Resource Groups 
Fostering a culture that supports emotional connections is indispensable to employee engagement and retention, as people are more motivated to achieve within an organization where they feel supported by peers and leadership along each step of their career journey. Open dialogue and access to educational materials helps employees understand why an inclusive culture is important to the business and helps them define the role they play in helping to create a more equitable workplace and society.

Henkel North America does this by maintaining an environment where all employees can feel a sense of belonging and are empowered to contribute. Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)—a network of 9 affinity groups with 20 chapters—are a key enabler. These employee-led groups with over 2,000 members are actively working to help build a spirit of belonging and sense of trust within Henkel and the community. The groups host events, partner with organizations dedicated to supporting underserved communities, and collaborate with each other to advance Henkel’s DEI priorities.

7. Internal Educational Opportunities 
Henkel employees have access to over 8,000 educational modules via our Henkel Learning Hub. The topics range from digital marketing to leadership essentials and conflict management and are digitally catalogued for use at any time. Avid learners also have the opportunity to seek external training, in-person or virtual, conducted by experts outside of Henkel. With a manager’s approval, fees and expenses are covered by the organization and the completion of such trainings will be added to an employee’s training record, reflecting their commitment to further education. These programs provide employees with the tools necessary to excel in their current roles as well as level up their skill base if they are seeking a promotion, international short-term assignment, or transition to a different area of the Henkel business.

We also offer a series of panels, seminars, and virtual coffee chats throughout the year to provide live and interactive opportunities for mentorship and peer-to-peer learning on a variety of topics. For example, a panel discussion about fostering female talent in STEM roles encouraged attendees who are interested in a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, or a related field to connect with their peers and learn from women who have been successful in their endeavors. This is just one of many events in a series of Global Recruiting Talks designed to show support to all of our employees, regardless of the career path they pursue, and provide forums for them to be heard, included, and developed as a professional.

Taco Bell blog

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) Pride Month is celebrated annually in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. Today, celebrations include parades, picnics, parties, workshops and more – unifying millions of participants around the world for a month of solidarity. Not only is Pride Month a time to celebrate diverse backgrounds and unique experiences, but also a time to recognize the worldwide impact and accomplishments that LGBTQIA+ individuals have had and continue to have.

This year’s NYC Pride theme is “Reflect, Empower and Unite”. To honor this month and our people, we’re amplifying the voices of those in the LBGTQIA+ community who are growing their careers at Taco Bell.

“I’m an ex-Spartan, and one of my favorite obstacles is climbing the eight-foot wall. I would say this is the way I view my personal and professional life. It’s about seeing something in your way and either going through it, around it or over it.”

Lori was big on sports while growing up in Houston, Texas. You could say it truly created a foundation for her outlook on life and the type of leader she is today!

“I started in tennis but switched to soccer and softball, which made me very team oriented. Although my asthma put me in this box where I was told I couldn’t do certain things either, it really helped me shape my competitive spirit.”

Lori’s 20s were a challenging time. While working two jobs, maintaining a full college schedule and a scholarship to make ends meet, Lori struggled to find her career calling. At the same time, she was on the path to figuring out her sexuality and also found out she was adopted.

Through these ups and downs and working in the restaurant industry, she eventually obtained a degree in hospitality and joined Taco Bell as an Assistant General Manager right away. But when asked about her job by family members, she was met with scrutiny.

“My grandpa asked me why would I work in the quick service industry. Fast forward eight years, the conversation came up again and he told me how proud of me he was for having courage and sticking up for my career choice.”

Lori went from working in the restaurants to being a Franchise Business Coach, Market Coach, Senior Manager in Operations at Taco Bell headquarters and to her current role of Region Leader, moving to different locations to pursue her aspirations. Along the way, she met some cool people.

“Every time I thought of leaving, I got a challenge to grow and do more. Taco Bell truly invests in people, and when times get tough, this Brand has a proven track record of doing what’s right for its people. Taco Bell is more than just a quick service restaurant, it’s a life-changing Brand to be part of that gives back and takes care of your family. And that’s why I’m here 30 years later.”

It’s no doubt that Lori’s professional career has been fruitful, but at the same time, she has faced many challenges. Remember that eight-foot wall? For Lori, one of her obstacles was being her authentic self and growing her career as someone who identifies as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

“I never really talked about my identity at work. It wasn’t until my Market Coach and I were at a National Restaurant General Manager conference that I came out to him. Then, I was asked if I was comfortable enough to share my story on a national call, so I did. I remember crying because it was tough to be so open with who I am. It was hard to not feel afraid of getting rejected, but it was a blessing as it opened doors for more conversations and change.”

Lori recounts Yum! Brands Global Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, James Fripp calling during Pride Month one year to tell her about the newly added same-sex benefits.

“James called me to share the news, and in that moment, I just remember not being able to believe what the company I’m working for is doing for its people. It made me more comfortable with who I am and proud to be working for a BRAND that gives back to others and accepts everyone.”

When it comes to paving the way for a successful career, Lori advises the following:

“I always say to have courage and not to be afraid to say what you want, because at the end of the day, you’re driving your own career.”

And looking to the future, Lori hopes to continue developing the next generation of leaders until she retires.

“I’ve been here for 30 years, so when I retire, I hope to leave a team of leaders that will continue to succeed and take us to the next level for the next 30 years.”

For now, you can find Lori living Más in Florida with her wife of 18 years, traveling, taking care of their three cats and spending time with family and friends.

Investment in sustainable building has reached a tipping point, according to the World Economic Forum. Building owners and operators are facing tightening environmental and workforce well-being regulations, coupled with higher expectations from investors. 

Green building certification is a major step organizations can take to signal to investors and customers that they are committed to sustainability, as well as a way to evaluate buildings and facilities to ensure employee wellness. According to World Economic Forum, “returns on investment in sustainable office buildings include attracting high-quality tenants and achieving higher occupancy levels, rental uplifts and greater rental yields, as well as lower compliance costs and reduced operational costs.” 

This guide will help you understand the process of acquiring green building certification.

What Is Green Building?

The goal of green building is to create healthier, more efficient, and environmentally responsible built environments for present and future generations. This is achieved through the design, construction, and operation of buildings in a way that minimizes their environmental impact and maximizes resources.

Green building practices may include using renewable energy sources, incorporating energy-efficient technologies, using sustainable materials, optimizing building orientation for natural lighting and ventilation, and implementing systems for water conservation and indoor air quality management.

What Is Green Building Certification?

Green building certification is a process that evaluates buildings for specific sustainability and environmental standards. Certification involves assessing various aspects of a building’s design, construction, operation, and maintenance to ensure it minimizes environmental impact, enhances occupant health and well-being, and promotes resource efficiency.

Navigating Green Building Certification

Here’s what you need to know about the systems, processes, and best practices for green building certification.

Certification systems

Certification systems provide frameworks and criteria for evaluating buildings against specific sustainability goals, helping to guide and incentivize the development of environmentally responsible structures. 

Here are a few of the most commonly used frameworks:

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED provides a framework that evaluates buildings across several categories, including energy efficiency, water usage, indoor environmental quality, materials selection, and sustainable site development.

LEED certification comes in different levels (Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum) based on the number of points a project earns through meeting various sustainability criteria.

In 2024, USGBC is doing a slow-release of LEED v5, which introduces new prerequisites such as “embodied carbon assessment” and “climate resilience assessment” to emphasize upfront environmental impact and long-term adaptability to climate change.

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) 

A widely used environmental assessment method for buildings and infrastructure projects, developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the United Kingdom. Similar to LEED, BREEAM evaluates buildings across various sustainability categories, including energy efficiency, water usage, materials selection, waste management, and ecology. 

BREEAM certification is awarded at different levels (Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, Outstanding) depending on the building’s performance against these criteria.

WELL Building Standard

Developed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), WELL emphasizes strategies and design features that address various aspects of human health and wellness, including air quality, water quality, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mental well-being.

WELL certification is achieved by meeting specific performance criteria across these categories, which are based on scientific research and best practices in the fields of public health, building design, and wellness.

ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR is a voluntary program run by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that promotes energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. It provides a set of energy efficiency standards and certifications for various products, buildings, and industrial facilities.

THE LIVING BUILDING CHALLENGE

The Living Building Challenge, led by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), offers a framework for creating regenerative buildings. One key aspect of this program is the Net Zero Certification, specifically targeting net zero energy use in buildings. This certification goes beyond simply reducing energy consumption by requiring documented proof that a building produces enough renewable energy on-site to meet its annual operational needs. In addition to the Zero Energy Certificate, ILFI also offers a Zero Carbon Certification which involves both the operational emissions from a building’s energy use and the embodied emissions associated with materials and construction. Unlike some green building programs, these Net Zero Certification prohibits fossil fuel use and verifies performance through third-party audits.

The certification process

Each certification process will be unique to what is outlined by the specific certifying body, but the following general guidelines will help you prepare for certification.

1. Preparation

Assemble a team of internal stakeholders and external consultants to manage the certification process. Define goals and objectives for attaining the certification. Evaluate various certification frameworks and choose the one that best aligns with your organizational needs.

2. Documentation

Gather any necessary information for certification. This could include architectural plans, utilities records, lab reports from sampling water and air, waste management records, and other applicable documents. Each certifying body will have a complete list of necessary documentation. 

3. Review

The certifying body will review your documentation to ensure your building and practices meet the requirements for certification. Some certifying bodies may also conduct site visits to validate the information submitted. 

4. Certification 
Upon final analysis, if your building and practices meet the requirements set forth by the certifying organization, you will be awarded a certificate. Some organizations, such as LEED and BREEAM, have varying degrees of certification.

Certification tips and strategies

Here are some tips to help the certification process and beyond.

Start early. If you are building new, incorporate certification requirements into your design specifications.Set clear goals. Establish specific sustainability goals and targets for the project to guide decision-making and prioritize resource allocation.Prioritize performance. Focus on achieving measurable performance outcomes rather than just meeting the base requirements for green building certification.Educate and engage stakeholders. Educate and involve building occupants, community members, and other stakeholders to promote awareness and engagement with sustainable practices.Establish ongoing monitoring and reporting. Implement systems for ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and performance optimization to ensure long-term sustainability and occupant satisfaction.

The Real Value of Certification

As the global response to climate change causes shifts in investor behaviors, consumer expectations, and the regulatory landscape, green building certification offers an opportunity to proactively meet these expectations.

“The rise of ESG is definitely attracting the attention of developers who are keen to demonstrate how their facilities cater to those needs and the right certification next to your building name can communicate that more effectively than a thousand-word proposal,” Moshe Muller, ESD Israel. 

Green building also offers environmental, social, and financial benefits that include:

Cost savings through reduced energy and water usageEnhanced brand reputationImproved employee productivity and satisfactionHealthier indoor environments for all building occupantsRegulatory compliance and risk mitigationAccess to incentives and rebates offered by local governmentsLong-term resilience to changing environmental regulations and market demands

The long-term benefits of green building certification make it a worthwhile investment.

Explore how Inogen Alliance can support your journey to green building certification.

Inogen Alliance is a global network made up of dozens of independent local businesses and over 6,000 consultants around the world who can help make your project a success. Our Associates collaborate closely to serve multinational corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, and we share knowledge and industry experience to provide the highest quality service to our clients. If you want to learn more about how you can work with Inogen Alliance, you can explore our Associates or Contact Us. Watch for more News & Blog updates here and follow us on LinkedIn.

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

Each year, state and local housing finance agencies work to strengthen their communities with homeownership opportunities via Housing Finance Agency (HFA) loans, which help pair credit-qualified borrowers with downpayment and closing cost assistance.

HFA loans can open the door to homebuying for first-time and low-to-moderate homebuyers. U.S. Bank partners with more than 40 state and local housing finance agencies to originate and service these loans, stretching geographically from Alaska to Florida.

“At U.S. Bank, we’ve had a long-standing commitment to increase access to sustainable homeownership,” said James Coreno, HFA division manager at U.S. Bank. “By partnering with state and local agencies, together we can help address the homeownership and housing issues affecting their state or local area.”

In some cases, an HFA loan is originated by other local lenders that work closely with the local housing agencies offering the loan product in partnership with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae.

Once a loan is closed, U.S. Bank can then purchase and begin servicing it. This creates an opportunity for U.S. Bank to help the homeowner with questions or support surrounding their mortgage for the life of the loan, Coreno said.

“When we service an HFA loan, we become a trusted advisor to that client, whether they need help with setting up automatic payments and counseling on managing the escrow accounts for paying taxes and insurance or general loan servicing advise,” he said.

For instance, in Ohio, U.S. Bank collaborates with the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. Just this year, U.S. Bank has assisted 3,500 new clients who became first-time homebuyers with loans facilitated through the Ohio agency.

“The Ohio Housing Finance Agency is proud to partner with U.S. Bank and lenders throughout the state to help Ohioans realize their dreams of homeownership,” said Shawn Smith, executive director of the Ohio Housing Finance Agency.

“Our programs, which provide discounted mortgage rates and down payment assistance, help those borrowers that may be looking for a home but hesitate because of the high interest rates and the need for a down payment,” Smith said. “Working with U.S. Bank, we’re helping Ohioans navigate the homebuying process so they can be successful homeowners.”

With inventory and affordability challenges in today’s housing market, state and local housing finance agencies can be a resource for education and ultimately, down payment assistance and sustainable homeownership, he said.

In a previous article, I wrote about circularity and the importance of companies acknowledging the life cycle of their products. But I didn’t touch on EPR, Extended Producer Responsibility, by which producers of products are given the responsibility financially and, in some cases, physically for the disposal of their post-consumer products – including packaging, which is one of the most significant aspects of our planet’s waste problem. It begins when a company makes a product and sends it to market, but what really matters is how we deal with not just the packaging but also the product.

The United States still sees waste as just waste. We take no responsibility for the environmental, economic, or community impacts of our consumer economy. More products equal more packaging, and the packaging is sometimes more substantial than the product we buy. For example, I just purchased a new webcam, and if you look at the box, it’s beautiful – heavy cardboard, coated, multi-colored, smooth, and about three times the size of the camera inside. The camera was around $19—a fair price. But what’s the actual cost of that webcam when you think about its implications?

The $19 does not include the environmental impacts of the camera and what its packaging will undoubtedly have on our environment. What happens to the camera once it stops working? Is the box coated with a forever chemical or PFAS? Is the plastic shell that holds the camera in place recyclable or will it break down into microplastics? The cost of this webcam to the environment has ballooned, and we will bear that cost – not just at the register but for years to come as that packaging breaks down in a landfill or is burned in an incinerator. We all have a role to play, and as consumers, we have the upper hand. Is a webcam that comes in an envelope enclosed in a recycled box with no flare any better than one that is entombed in a bright and fun package? Or as consumers would we be willing to pay a few dollars more to help defray the cost of the lifecycle of the camera? We need to think and shop differently.

Changing Behaviors from Factory Floor to the Shopping Cart

As much as the manufacturer is responsible for the EPR of their product, the American consumer has to change their behaviors too. In a report published by McKinsey & Company in 2020, they noted that consumers from the U.S. who took part in their ten-country survey on consumers’ attitude towards sustainable packaging “rank sustainability relatively low as a buying criterion among end-use factors.” Yet, they also noted that “U.S. consumers are nonetheless highly concerned about the impact of packaging in general…Consumers are willing to pay more for green, but they would also buy additional sustainably packaged products if more of them were available and they were labeled differently.”

This says that there is room to improve from company to the consumer. Just as companies have used branding to encourage consumers to pick its products, using sustainability as a tool for consumer engagement is one that can help increase profits and do less harm to the environment. We are all in this together.

The good news: companies are taking note, and those that don’t are at risk of being left behind. Last year the Ellen MacArthur Foundation released a statement sharing that more than 100 businesses, NGOs, universities, and financial investment groups have committed to addressing EPR in their packaging and design. Notably, the list includes companies like Unilever, a founding member of the Farm Powered Strategic Alliance, as well as Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and hundreds more of the world’s most recognized brands.

Leading the Way

Nestlé is a global brand leader in the food and beverage industry. In my previous article on circularity, I referenced an essay by Kenneth Goulding that referred to a linear economy as the “Cowboy” and the circular economy as the “Spaceman,” and Nestlé is past the lift-off stage and is in orbit. They have fully embraced the need to move to a circular model for its business.

According to their website, they have outlined a list of goals to be achieved by 2025 in support of a waste-free future that includes:

All of its packaging will be fully recyclable, reusable, or compostableReduce the use of virgin plastic by one thirdRedesigning packaging that is more “fit for purpose” by removing packaging elements that are problematic or unnecessaryUndertake ambitious actions to effectively recycle or compost 50% of plastic packagingAverage recycled content or responsibly sourced bio-based content in plastic packaging will be 30%

Another company leading the way is The Coca-Cola Company. In August of 2021 they shared an article on LinkedIn about why they are supporting the EPR movement. They shared, “At The Coca-Cola Company we know it is OUR responsibility to help care for our planet. That is why we are working to lead the beverage industry by doing our part to address the global packaging crisis.“

Their goals stated in their 2021 A World Without Waste Report include:

Making all of their packaging recyclable by 2025 and making their bottles and cans with an average of 50% recycled materials by 2030Collect and recycle the equivalent of a bottle or can for everyone they sell by 2030Partner with organizations, governments, industry and their customers to create a debris-free environment

The Coca-Cola Company’s latter goal really stands out because we can’t save our planet if we are not all working together.

Final Thoughts

Companies have choices in how they bring their products to market, but consumers need to realize that their choices matter even more. Consumers can choose to buy products that are more sustainable and better for the environment, and they want to. We need companies to realize that value proposition, so they invest their advertising and marketing dollars in imploring that sustainability benefit because consumers are asking for it. When we discard packaging, and if we don’t recycle it properly, where does it go? In the U.S., it likely ends up in landfills or, worse – incinerators.

Finally, there is a human toll on how we currently discard our waste. Individuals and families that live in proximity to a landfill (where according to the EPA, harmful chemicals can leach into the groundwater) or incinerator (that can emit lead, and according to the Roadmap on Carcinogens, an international NGO, lead exposure can lead to increased risk of serious health consequences.

Here’s the dirty little secret about incineration that we don’t often talk about, but it must be noted that nearly 80% of incinerators are located in marginalized and underserved communities. According to an article in The Guardian, that equates to roughly 1.6 Million Americans. If we want to address these enormous inequities, we need to do so as a collective.

Extended Producer Responsibility is more than just ensuring that we use every product at its highest value for the longest time. It’s now a moral responsibility. If we don’t all agree to change our ways and look at how we view waste and recycling – our planet’s future is dim.

I choose to believe otherwise. We all want a planet where the air is breathable, the water is drinkable, and the soil produces nutritious and abundant food. The only path forward is by working together to build a more resilient climate for future generations.

— John Hanselman, Chief Strategy Officer, Vanguard Renewables

ST. PAUL, Minn., and CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 26, 2024 /3BL/ – 3M (@3M) and Discovery Education (@DiscoveryEd) today announced the 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge (#YoungScientist) 26 state merit winners and four honorable mention recipients. As the nation’s premier middle school science competition, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge features outstanding innovations from young scientists that demonstrate the power of science to improve the world.

Each year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge recognizes the grand prize winner, 10 finalists, up to 51 state merit winners, and four honorable mentions – nationwide, including Washington D.C. – who have exemplified a passion for using science to solve everyday problems and improve the world around them.

To enter, students in grades 5-8 submitted a one-to-two-minute video explaining an original idea using science to help solve an everyday problem. All entries were reviewed by a diverse group of judges and evaluated on their creativity, scientific knowledge, and communication skills. Videos were recorded using a cell phone or digital camera and were not judged on production skills. This year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge offered innovative ways for students to engage in science through new entry topics, including robotics, home improvement, automotive, safety, AR/VR, and climate technology.

“The projects submitted to the 3M Young Scientist Challenge showcase how science is critical to driving progress and delivering sustainable solutions. All of these students are already making the world a better place through science, and we applaud each for their innovations,” said Torie Clarke, EVP & Chief Public Affairs Officer at 3M.

The 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge recognizes the 26 state merit winners and the four honorable mention recipients, which were selected for their passion for science, innovation, and superb communication skills. Each state merit winner receives special recognition on the challenge website, along with a prize pack.

The 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge State Merit Winners are listed below in alphabetical order by state:

[Alabama] Sophie Zou, Alabama School of Fine Arts, Private 

[California] Aryan Agarwal, Peter Hansen Elementary School, Lammersville Unified School District

[Colorado] Natalie Fowler, Nevin Platt Middle School, Boulder Valley School District

[Connecticut] Sashrika Das, East Lyme Middle School, East Lyme Public School District

[Delaware] Riddik Sri Sayta Neetipalli, Cab Calloway The School of Arts, Red Clay Consolidated School District

[Florida] Aria Badganov Martinez, Oakstead Elementary, Pasco School District

[Georgia] Akshadha Mehta, Dodgen Middle School, Cobb County School District

[Hawaii] Elliott Mannis-Young, Punahou School, Private School

[Iowa] Srihari Kumaresan, Johnston Middle School, Johnston Community School District

[Kentucky] Manit Gupta, Meyzeek Middle School, Jefferson School District

[Maryland] Sathvik Dasari, Hallie Wells Middle School, Montgomery County Public School District

[Massachusetts] Johan Coisman, Weston Middle School, Weston Public Schools

[Michigan] Lakshya Matele, Larson Middle School, Troy School District

[Minnesota] Margaret Hoffman, Olson Middle School, Bloomington Public School District

[Missouri] Macy Sowell, Barnwell Middle School, Francis Howell School District

[New Hampshire] Sujit Sathyamurthi, Fairgrounds Middle School, Nashua School District

[New Jersey] Reanna Bhuyan Patel, Princeton Day School, Private School District

[North Carolina] Reva Khaire, Randolph Middle School, Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District

[Ohio] Samhita Paranthaman, William Mason Middle School, Mason School District

[Oregon] Daivik Yenduri, Stoller Middle school, Beaverton School District

[Tennessee] Shrey Arora, West Collierville Middle School, Collierville School District

[Texas] Adel Sisy, STEM Academy, Manvel Junior High, Alvin Independent School District

[Utah] Kethan Reddy, Challenger School Sandy, Private School

[Virginia] Aneruddha Das, Eagle Ridge Middle School, Loudoun County Public School District

[Washington] Nolawi Bruk, Leota Middle School, Northshore School District

[Wisconsin] Spencer Robinson, Golda Meir Upper Campus, Milwaukee Public School District

For the fourth time in competition history, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge also recognized entrants with an honorable mention award. These projects were selected for their unique and innovative concepts and effective communication skills. The four 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge honorable mention recipients are as follows in alphabetical order by last name:

Daryn Do, Brookline, Massachusetts, Roland Hayes School, Brookline School DistrictBrody Jaworski, Keller, Texas, Indian Springs Middle School, Keller ISDAnika Jha, Arcadia, California, First Avenue Middle School, Arcadia Unified School DistrictVarun Panchagnula, San Jose, California, Stratford Middle School, Private School

To learn more about the 3M Young Scientist Challenge and meet the 2024 competitors, visit YoungScientistLab.com.

“The 3M Young Scientist Challenge nurtures student curiosity by challenging them to think big and innovate for a better world,” said Amy Nakamoto, Executive Vice President of Social Impact at Discovery Education. “We are excited to support this effort to demonstrate students’ ability to use science to create a better world.”

In its 17th year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge continues to inspire and challenge middle school students to think creatively and apply the power of STEM to discover real-world solutions. America’s Top Young Scientists have gone on to give TED Talks, file patents, found nonprofits, make the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, and exhibit at the White House Science Fair. These young innovators have also been named TIME Magazine’s first Kid of the Year, featured in The New York Times Magazine, Forbes, and Business Insider, and have appeared on national television programs such as Good Morning America, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and more.

The award-winning competition anchors the 3M and Discovery Education partnership program Young Scientist Lab, which provides no-cost dynamic digital resources for students, teachers, and families to explore, transform, and innovate the world around them. All the resources are also available on Discovery Education Experience, the award-winning K-12 learning platform.

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 3M 
3M (NYSE: MMM) believes science helps create a brighter world for everyone. By unlocking the power of people, ideas and science to reimagine what’s possible, our global team uniquely addresses the opportunities and challenges of our customers, communities, and planet. Learn how we’re working to improve lives and make what’s next at 3M.com/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 
Tim Post 
3M 
Email: tpost3@mmm.com

Grace Maliska 
Discovery Education 
Email: gmaliska@discoveryed.com

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

COLUMBUS, Ga., June 25, 2024 /3BL/ — Legendary Hall of Fame Athlete turned University of Colorado Boulder Head Football Coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders joined Aflac, a leading provider of supplemental health insurance in the U.S., on Monday, to deliver My Special Aflac Ducks at Children’s Hospital Colorado. The social robotic duck provides comfort to pediatric patients with cancer and sickle cell disease by helping them prepare for medical procedures, communicate their feelings, practice distraction techniques and more. From championships and personal achievements on the gridiron to both the Pro and College Football Halls of Fame, Coach Prime matches his on-field passion with his desire to give back to the community.

“This is my second My Special Aflac Duck delivery, and I’m so honored and humbled to spend some time with these incredibly strong and brave kids,” said Coach Prime. “I jumped at the chance to bring joy to these patients and their families in the Colorado community. These deliveries with Aflac are a BLESSING. I’m talking about inspiration and being a part of something greater than myself. It’s rewarding beyond words.”

My Special Aflac Duck is distributed free of charge to children ages 3 and up who are diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell disease. The robotic companion was designed in consult with more than 100 children, families and medical professionals in partnership with Empath Labs to produce the comforting, lifelike movements, medical play and many more features that bring cheer. My Special Aflac Duck was the focus of a three-year clinical study spearheaded by researchers at Emory University and conducted at eight hospitals across the country. The study, released in April, shows that My Special Aflac Duck helps pediatric patients with cancer cope with treatment-related distress and anxiety. The duck was named one of Time Magazine’s 50 Best Inventions and named Best in Show at CES and South by Southwest in 2018.

The pediatric patients went on a scavenger hunt through the hospital before the children were surprised with their new, cuddly companions to keep, complete with a birth certificate where the child names their new friend.

“The joy on the faces of the kids and their caregivers at Children’s Hospital Colorado, knowing they will find comfort, is at the heart of the My Special Aflac Duck program,” said Aflac Executive Garth Knutson. “The recent clinical study confirms what we’ve always believed — the duck helps reduce stress and anxiety for children facing cancer and sickle cell disease. This resource, gifted today with Coach Prime, exemplifies the spirit of giving back and offering support where it’s needed most.”

Since My Special Aflac Duck was first introduced in 2018, Aflac has delivered nearly 31,000 ducks to children in the United States, Japan and Northern Ireland, and the company has worked with more than 500 hospitals, in addition to working directly with families, to distribute these ducks. In 2022, Aflac expanded the program to include sickle cell patients and, to date, nearly one-third of My Special Aflac Ducks are sickle cell-specific. Aflac’s commitment to pediatric cancer and blood disorders spans decades with Aflac employees, independent agents and The Aflac Foundation Inc. contributing more than $182 million to childhood cancer and blood disorders treatment and research since 1995.

“It was incredible to have Coach Prime visit our patients and help provide them with a special scavenger hunt experience,” said Christy Dobson, Vice President of Board and Community Relations at Children’s Hospital Colorado. “His presence and the engaging activities provided a much-needed boost to our patients’ spirits.”

Health care providers, support organizations and families can order My Special Aflac Duck free of charge for children 3 years or older who have been diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell disease at myspecialaflacduck.com.

ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATED 
Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial protection and peace of mind for more than 68 years to millions of policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan. In the U.S., Aflac is the No. 1 provider of supplemental health insurance products.1 In Japan, Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance in terms of policies in force. The company takes pride in being there for its policyholders when they need us most, as well as being included in the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 18 consecutive years (2024), Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies for 23 years (2024) and Bloomberg’s Gender-Equality Index for the fourth consecutive year (2023). In addition, the company became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2021 and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (2023) for 10 years. To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn’t cover, get to know us at aflac.com or aflac.com/espanol. Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability at investors.aflac.com under “Sustainability.”

1 LIMRA 2023 U.S. Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report

Media contacts: 
Amy Persons, apersons@aflac.com 
Jon Sullivan, 706-763-4813 or jsullivan@aflac.com

Analyst and investor contact: David A. Young, 706-596-3264, 800-235-2667 or dyoung@aflac.com

Aflac | Aflac New York | WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

SOURCE Aflac 
 

ILFI is enhancing its renowned carbon certification program with support from corporate giants Amazon, JLL, JPMorgan Chase, and Prologis. This work aims to update and relaunch the program, ensuring that it remains the industry’s most rigorous and continues to drive progress in building decarbonization.

June 26, 2024 /3BL/ – The International Living Future Institute (ILFI) Zero Carbon Certification offers organizations a valuable tool to demonstrate credible climate action. Certified buildings are third-party verified after a 12-month performance period to be energy efficient, combustion-free (or actively phasing out combustion), powered by renewables, and built with lower embodied carbon than typical buildings. Launched in 2018, ILFI’s program is considered the leading performance-based certification program for embodied and operational carbon in the real estate sector. The current version of the certification is geared toward new construction and major renovation projects.

Now, ILFI is advancing the research and the standard — and collaborating with four industry-leading companies to help make it happen. Amazon, JLL, JPMorgan Chase, and Prologis are providing support and expertise as ILFI develops the next version of the program, including the addition of a certification pathway for existing assets.

With support from these companies, ILFI is developing new guidance, including explicit guidance for existing building assets seeking certification without undertaking major capital projects. With greater applicability for more projects, the program update will drive further adoption of the market toward lower carbon buildings and operations. Through this collaboration, ILFI will extend its certification program to apply to existing assets, further accelerating credible decarbonization efforts in the real estate sector.

“This project represents a critical step forward for the building decarbonization movement,” says ILFI CEO Lindsay Baker. “We are thankful to be working with leading companies to craft these clear and rigorous pathways to achieve meaningful climate action. With the new standard, we aim to accelerate change and enable large-scale adoption and impact, and rise to the challenge that the UN Paris Agreement calls for. As noted by the Buildings Breakthrough announcement at COP28, the adoption of clear carbon accounting and verification methods is critical to transforming our industry. This work is urgent and possible. We are proud to be embarking on this project with our corporate supporters and in alignment with other certification and standards organizations around the world.”

Amazon 
“Amazon is proud to support ILFI in updating their verification program to include guidance for existing buildings,” said Chris Roe, Amazon’s Director of Worldwide Environment, Carbon. “There are few sustainable building certification options that focus on decarbonizing existing buildings, and we see ILFI’s new program as important for the industry and for companies such as Amazon as we work toward meeting our Climate Pledge commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.”

JLL 
“Based on our research, we know that 80% of existing office buildings will still be in use in 2050, presenting a critical need for us to focus on decarbonizing our current portfolio and supporting our clients in meeting their goals,” said Erin Meezan, Chief Sustainability Officer at JLL. “There are multiple pathways to make buildings more sustainable and meet net-zero goals, and this new certification will increase transparency and accountability around decarbonization efforts. We’re thrilled to collaborate with such esteemed partners and contribute our industry expertise to an initiative that will accelerate action across the commercial real estate industry.”

JPMorgan Chase 
“We are proud to have worked with ILFI over the past two years on our Zero Carbon pilots, including the world’s first Zero Carbon Certified branch. JPMorgan Chase is now considering Zero Carbon standards alongside other sustainability and responsible design practices for many of our upcoming retail and corporate projects,” said Raymond Quartararo, Managing Director, Head of Global Design and Construction, JPMorgan Chase. “We have long been an advocate for advancing more scalable standards, and with this new effort, we can do so in a way that advances the real estate sector’s decarbonization journey while supporting the communities and customers we serve.”

Prologis 
“Decarbonizing our industrial real estate portfolio is both a challenge and an opportunity to drive meaningful climate action at scale,” said Susan Uthayakumar, Chief Energy and Sustainability Officer at Prologis. “By collaborating with ILFI and other leading businesses, we aim to establish new guidance to help companies achieve verifiable carbon reductions for new and existing buildings. This partnership will help our customers in their sustainability journey as well as help Prologis reach our net zero goals by 2040.”

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ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL LIVING FUTURE INSTITUTE (ILFI) 
The International Living Future Institute’s mission is to cultivate a society that is socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative. To do this, the organization envisions a living future and shows that it works better in practice and policy. ILFI is premised on the belief that providing a compelling vision for the future is needed to reconcile humanity’s relationship with the natural world. ILFI’s programs have shaped more than 55 million square feet of real estate development across the United States and around the world. Learn more at http://www.living-future.org.

MEDIA CONTACT 
Kira Gould 
kiragould@kiragould.com