Tag: 3BL

This article is authored by Deidra Parrish Williams, Global Corporate Citizenship Leader, Trane Technologies.

At Trane Technologies, our vision of a sustainable future also includes having an uplifting and positive impact on people and society.

We’re committed to developing the next generation of leaders who can transform our way of life and our world. And as a global climate innovator, our enterprise can leverage its particular strengths and resources to support that development.

The goal is to use all of those natural assets – our intelligence, our products, our resources, our dollars, and our time, in ways that create opportunity for people aligned with our industry. Especially, for those who are underrepresented.

Partnering for opportunity

To reach those corners of our community, Trane Technologies works collaboratively with nonprofit partners in the field. These vetted organizations are doing the work, creating educational resources and opportunities and career path opportunities aligned with our mission.

A new partner in that regard is the ROC, a Charlotte, North Carolina-based nonprofit that works with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Central Piedmont Community College, and area companies to offer college-level industry trade classes, job-readiness training and hands-on internships to 200 high school students across six schools.

Trane Technologies recently invested in the ROC with training equipment and HVAC technician training, and internship placement opportunities are planned for later this year.

Hands-on training with hands-on support

“We take those internships very seriously,” says ROC executive director Darren Ash. “We put our students in the field and on a job site. We help them feel useful. We pair them with a mentor. And what we’re seeing is that if companies commit to a person at that age, there’s a 70% probability that the student will stick with that company.”

Part of their work is recognizing and removing the barriers that make it more challenging for young workers to stay committed. Last year, the ROC spent nearly $40,000 on rideshare rentals for the 65 students placed in summer internships. “It’s a lot of demand on a young person to perform,” Darren explains. “Some of them have to be at their job site at 5:00 in the morning.” As mentors and partners, he adds, “You have to honor that effort.”

Similarly, the ROC looks for partnerships with companies that are committed. “We’re very strategic,” says Darren. “We are looking for partners that are taking workforce development very seriously in this industry. We have decided that we want to go a mile deep and an inch wide.”

While Trane Technologies has partnered with other organizations like the Urban League for HVAC training and last year launched its own HVAC Technician Apprenticeship Program, the ROC is different because the participants are younger.

There’s so much to gain by having these conversations with people earlier. We’re talking about people who often live in the margins, who might lack access to information and to resources. That can delay their ability to build a self-sustaining, gratifying life because they don’t necessarily know where the resources are. We want to help create better opportunities for people earlier on.

Giving back is looking forward

The students working within the ROC program benefit from the early exposure. All attend Title I high schools and come from communities that are historically marginalized and underrepresented within the industry. But Trane Technologies’ investment is neither transactional nor entirely altruistic.

When we think about giving back, it’s not that we’re giving to something that’s separate from us. We are the community. As a company, we’re a resident of the community everywhere we live and employ people.

Investing in workforce development is an investment in the enterprise, too. By helping to fill educational gaps and creating opportunities for those who may not have had exposure to the industry, it’s helping to shore up our communities, and at the same time, it’s helping to make sure that we are fortifying our own future as an employer.

To learn more about our corporate citizenship and community engagement work, please visit our Sustainable Futures page.

Written by Amanda Davis SENIOR MANAGER FOR CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENT

Gen Blog | Company News

Today’s young people have a lot on their minds. Studies show they’re anxious about global issues like climate change and economic instability, and they’re losing confidence in their political leaders to reflect their needs and interests. Even many parents agree that young people face more challenges than they did, particularly in areas like saving for the future and buying a home.

Social Shifters is looking to transform that anxiety into action. The organization is currently accepting submissions for its Global Innovation Challenge 2024, an annual competition that awards funding to young leaders (18-30 years) with an idea, project or business solution to a pressing social or environmental issue. We’re excited to announce that as part of our new partnership with Social Shifters, we are providing $30,000 USD in funding support (this grant is awarded from the Gen Foundation, a corporate advised fund of Silicon Valley Community Foundation). Gen team members will also serve as volunteer judges for this year’s contest.

Seeking Solutions to Global Issues

As Global Innovation Challenge judges, Gen team members will evaluate projects that use technology to address climate change and benefit the environment, such as recycling solutions, renewable energy, resource conservation, and beyond. This approach is part of Social Shifters’ larger endeavor to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.

Submissions are open until July 31, and judging will take place throughout the month of September. The finalists will then pitch their finished project to a live panel in November, with grants of up to $10,000 USD to be awarded in December.

The Global Innovation Challenge 2023, which included projects addressing the refugee crisis, climate action, water stewardship and more, incubated 1,325 startup projects and businesses that have impacted upwards of 22 million people around the world.

Elevating the Next Generation 

Gen is a family of trusted consumer brands built for the next generation of digital life. We’re committed to powering digital freedom, and we’re excited that our partnership with Social Shifters allows us to inspire and empower the leaders of tomorrow. For more on how we do this, check out our 2024 Social Impact Report.

Winning concept focuses on redesign of PET bottles to increase the collection likelihood in the recycling process.Presented by Net Impact, Hillenbrand, and The Coca-Cola Company, the program aims to inspire the next generation of leaders to rethink the future of sustainability within the circular economy.

A team from Boise State University was selected as winner of the  with its forward-thinking solution regarding the circular economy, presented during the virtual showcase of the Circular Plastics Challenge at NPE2024.

Participants were tasked with designing solutions to increase the supply of rPET, or recycled polyethylene terephthalate. The winning team proposed an innovative redesign of bottles called Strong Bottle to prevent flattening during the recycling process, which in turn could result in a 15% increase in PET collected during the recycling process. The solution addresses the problem that many lightweight PET bottles are landfilled because they are easily flattened and mistaken for paper during the recycling process in material recovery facilities.

The team includes Terra Miller-Cassman, a materials scientist with a background in environmental science and consulting. In 2019, she pivoted her career to advance technologies and solutions to address plastic waste. She currently develops new recycling processes and sustainable materials as a Ph.D. candidate in materials science and engineering. Taylor Fackrell and Aaron Smith, Ph.D., supported the Strong Bottle project through their engineering and design expertise. Fackrell is a systems assembly technician completing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, and Smith is a professor in mechanical engineering with a background in product development.

In its second year, the Circular Plastics Challenge generated 65 applications from 18 countries across the globe, bringing undergraduate and graduate students as well as professionals together to strategize how to keep plastics in the economy and out of the environment. Five finalist teams virtually presented their unique solutions Wednesday to a panel of judges at NPE2024, the largest plastics trade show in the Americas that is produced by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and draws attendees from around the world.

The 2024 Circular Plastics Challenge winners are:

First Place: Strong Bottle, led by Terra Miller-Cassman, Aaron Smith, and Taylor Fackrell, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USSecond Place: EcoTrace, led by professionals Aadhithya Sujith and Sowmya Singh, Kannur, Kerala & Nagpur, Maharashtra, IndiaThird Place: rMarket, led by Carissa Tasto and Jennifer Larkin, recent MBA graduates from Presidio Graduate School, San Anselmo, California, US

To recognize their efforts, the top three teams will receive $10,000, $2,500, and $1,000, respectively.

Learn more about the Circular Plastics Challenge at netimpact.org.

Organizations interested in partnering with Net Impact, Hillenbrand, and The Coca-Cola Company to support upcoming Circular Plastics Challenges should contact Hilary Manzo, Associate Director of Programs at Net Impact, at hmanzo@netimpact.org.

About Hillenbrand

Hillenbrand (NYSE: HI) is a global industrial company that provides highly-engineered, mission-critical processing equipment and solutions to customers in over 100 countries around the world. Our portfolio is composed of leading industrial brands that serve large, attractive end markets, including durable plastics, food, and recycling. Guided by our Purpose — Shape What Matters For Tomorrow™ — we pursue excellence, collaboration, and innovation to consistently shape solutions that best serve our associates, customers, communities, and other stakeholders. To learn more, visit www.Hillenbrand.com.

About Net Impact

Over 30 years Net Impact has built a diverse community in 40+ countries committed to using business to advance social and environmental action. Net Impact mobilizes its global community of more than 100,000 emergent change agents to leverage their careers to drive transformational environmental and social change. Through a strategic set of initiatives aimed to engage and benefit its core stakeholders, Net Impact is committed to advancing climate action and building the capacity of the next generation of workforce members. Visit www.netimpact.org.

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company’s purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our water, sports, coffee and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Gold Peak and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and AdeS. We’re constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people’s lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.coca-colacompany.com and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Winning concept focuses on redesign of PET bottles to increase the collection likelihood in the recycling process.Presented by Net Impact, Hillenbrand, and The Coca-Cola Company, the program aims to inspire the next generation of leaders to rethink the future of sustainability within the circular economy.

A team from Boise State University was selected as winner of the  with its forward-thinking solution regarding the circular economy, presented during the virtual showcase of the Circular Plastics Challenge at NPE2024.

Participants were tasked with designing solutions to increase the supply of rPET, or recycled polyethylene terephthalate. The winning team proposed an innovative redesign of bottles called Strong Bottle to prevent flattening during the recycling process, which in turn could result in a 15% increase in PET collected during the recycling process. The solution addresses the problem that many lightweight PET bottles are landfilled because they are easily flattened and mistaken for paper during the recycling process in material recovery facilities.

The team includes Terra Miller-Cassman, a materials scientist with a background in environmental science and consulting. In 2019, she pivoted her career to advance technologies and solutions to address plastic waste. She currently develops new recycling processes and sustainable materials as a Ph.D. candidate in materials science and engineering. Taylor Fackrell and Aaron Smith, Ph.D., supported the Strong Bottle project through their engineering and design expertise. Fackrell is a systems assembly technician completing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, and Smith is a professor in mechanical engineering with a background in product development.

In its second year, the Circular Plastics Challenge generated 65 applications from 18 countries across the globe, bringing undergraduate and graduate students as well as professionals together to strategize how to keep plastics in the economy and out of the environment. Five finalist teams virtually presented their unique solutions Wednesday to a panel of judges at NPE2024, the largest plastics trade show in the Americas that is produced by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and draws attendees from around the world.

The 2024 Circular Plastics Challenge winners are:

First Place: Strong Bottle, led by Terra Miller-Cassman, Aaron Smith, and Taylor Fackrell, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USSecond Place: EcoTrace, led by professionals Aadhithya Sujith and Sowmya Singh, Kannur, Kerala & Nagpur, Maharashtra, IndiaThird Place: rMarket, led by Carissa Tasto and Jennifer Larkin, recent MBA graduates from Presidio Graduate School, San Anselmo, California, US

To recognize their efforts, the top three teams will receive $10,000, $2,500, and $1,000, respectively.

Learn more about the Circular Plastics Challenge at netimpact.org.

Organizations interested in partnering with Net Impact, Hillenbrand, and The Coca-Cola Company to support upcoming Circular Plastics Challenges should contact Hilary Manzo, Associate Director of Programs at Net Impact, at hmanzo@netimpact.org.

About Hillenbrand

Hillenbrand (NYSE: HI) is a global industrial company that provides highly-engineered, mission-critical processing equipment and solutions to customers in over 100 countries around the world. Our portfolio is composed of leading industrial brands that serve large, attractive end markets, including durable plastics, food, and recycling. Guided by our Purpose — Shape What Matters For Tomorrow™ — we pursue excellence, collaboration, and innovation to consistently shape solutions that best serve our associates, customers, communities, and other stakeholders. To learn more, visit www.Hillenbrand.com.

About Net Impact

Over 30 years Net Impact has built a diverse community in 40+ countries committed to using business to advance social and environmental action. Net Impact mobilizes its global community of more than 100,000 emergent change agents to leverage their careers to drive transformational environmental and social change. Through a strategic set of initiatives aimed to engage and benefit its core stakeholders, Net Impact is committed to advancing climate action and building the capacity of the next generation of workforce members. Visit www.netimpact.org.

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company’s purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our water, sports, coffee and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Gold Peak and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and AdeS. We’re constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people’s lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.coca-colacompany.com and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

World class equipment, technology and services company, CNH, has released the third installment of its ‘A Sustainable Year’ series.

The story is a closer look at how the company’s first electric compact wheel loader started production this month at its Lecce plant in Italy.

The article explains how CNH redesigned every aspect of this new 3.7-ton machine, and how investment in more sustainable manufacturing processes is transforming operations at the plant. Lecce is home to CNH’s largest photovoltaic power installation to date. This comprises 7,300 solar panels, with a peak power of 3.3 Megawatts (MW) at any one time, reducing CO2 emissions by more than 1,200 tons per year – the equivalent of a petrol-powered car circumnavigating the world 125 times.

The site produces machines for CNH’s CASE Construction Equipment and New Holland Construction brands with more than 200 models rolling off seven production lines, including a brand new one for the electric compact wheel loaders.

Read our ‘sustainable production in Lecce’ story here

World class equipment, technology and services company, CNH, has released the third installment of its ‘A Sustainable Year’ series.

The story is a closer look at how the company’s first electric compact wheel loader started production this month at its Lecce plant in Italy.

The article explains how CNH redesigned every aspect of this new 3.7-ton machine, and how investment in more sustainable manufacturing processes is transforming operations at the plant. Lecce is home to CNH’s largest photovoltaic power installation to date. This comprises 7,300 solar panels, with a peak power of 3.3 Megawatts (MW) at any one time, reducing CO2 emissions by more than 1,200 tons per year – the equivalent of a petrol-powered car circumnavigating the world 125 times.

The site produces machines for CNH’s CASE Construction Equipment and New Holland Construction brands with more than 200 models rolling off seven production lines, including a brand new one for the electric compact wheel loaders.

Read our ‘sustainable production in Lecce’ story here

In the shadow of an escalating climate crisis, U.S. soy producers – like all farmers – are at the vanguard of a critical movement. Many of them are championing Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) to ensure their land endures as a fertile bastion in the face of the challenges presented by our warming climate. After all, the world’s food system is already responsible for a third of all greenhouse gas emissions – and by 2050, we will all need more food as the population soars to almost 10 billion people.

But what does Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) actually mean and what does it entail? How are our guardians of the grain innovating to keep our soil robust, our produce plentiful, and our planet protected?

Well, CSA is more than a philosophy; it’s a pragmatic fusion of tradition and technology. At its heart, CSA aims to achieve three intertwined goals:

to sustainably increase agricultural productivityto adapt and build resilience to climate changeto reduce greenhouse gas emissions, where possible.

The World Bank describes CSA as “an integrated approach to managing landscapes – cropland, livestock, forests and fisheries – that address the interlinked challenges of food security and climate change”.

For U.S. soy producers, this essentially means growing more with less, safeguarding soy crops against the unpredictability brought about by climate change, and developing farming operations and methods that have a much smaller environmental footprint. As Jack Cornell, the United Soybean Board’s Director of Sustainable Supply says, “farmers have been doing Climate Smart Agriculture for a long time; it’s just the marketing terminology that has changed.

“And this change is being driven by investors of companies and consumers that want to know more about where their food, fuel and fiber comes from – and they want it to be more sustainable.”

What does innovation look like?

The American heartland is no stranger to change. Today, U.S. soy farmers are redefining the agricultural landscape with innovative practices under the CSA umbrella. Soil health is paramount, with an increasing number of farmers implementing crop rotations and planting cover crops to enrich the soil, prevent erosion, and naturally manage pests. The old practice of leaving fields bare during off-seasons is giving way to cover cropping, which keeps living roots in the soil year-round.

Reduced tillage or no-till farming is becoming a mainstay, as it minimizes soil disturbance, preserving its structure and carbon content. By limiting tillage, producers are not only curbing carbon emissions but also enhancing water retention and soil biodiversity – a trifecta win for the environment.

Precision agriculture is also taking root. By harnessing satellite imagery and soil sensors, farmers can map their fields with unprecedented detail, allowing for precise use of fertilizers and water. Data analytics interpret this information, optimizing planting schedules and crop selection for maximal yield and minimal environmental impact.

The tools and technology shaping the future of farming

The digital revolution has aided agriculture, with cutting-edge tools and technology promising a new era of farming. Drones take to the skies to provide detailed aerial surveys, enabling farmers to monitor crop health, spot pest infestations, and even target pesticide applications to reduce overall usage.

Biotechnology is making its mark with genetically engineered soybeans that are more resilient to climate extremes, pests, and diseases. These advancements not only bolster the crop against environmental stressors but also reduce the need for chemical interventions.

Farm management software platforms are the new digital workhorses, synthesizing data from various sources to guide decision-making. They track crop development, forecast weather impacts, and manage resources, making the farm smarter and more responsive to climate dynamics.

How are Climate Smart practices helping?

The shift to CSA is bearing fruit in tangible ways. Environmental benefits are evident as these practices reduce the carbon footprint of farming operations. Cover crops, for example, capture carbon dioxide and enrich the soil.

Stress-resistant crop varieties result in better yields and higher-quality produce. These hardier crops are more likely to survive extreme weather, ensuring food security and consistency in supply.

Economically, CSA practices can lead to significant cost savings. Efficient resource use translates to lower water and fertilizer bills, and healthier soils mean reduced inputs and labor costs over time. The return on investment extends beyond the farm gate, with the potential for higher profits through premium markets for sustainable products.

But that’s not to say that incorporating CSA is easy. “Any time a farmer changes what they do or how they manage their land, there’s a risk of their crop failing or being less profitable,” adds Cornell. “It’s like baking a cake; I might follow the recipe to the letter but it might still take a few tries to get it right. I might not have access to the exact right ingredients or my oven might be different to other ovens. The same goes for farming, no one soil is the same, and the inputs and management have varying degrees of success in different weather systems or geographies.”

A range of benefits for consumers, companies and the planet

Consumers are increasingly mindful of the origins of their food and the practices behind them. Soy products derived from CSA practices meet this demand for sustainable consumption choices, aligning with a healthier lifestyle ethos.

Businesses, too, are recognizing the importance of sustainable supply chains. Companies that invest in CSA-sourced ingredients can bolster their corporate responsibility credentials and appeal to a growing eco-conscious market segment.

For the future of Planet Earth, the long-term environmental benefits of CSA are profound. By preserving natural resources and biodiversity, CSA practices ensure that the agricultural landscapes of today can continue to thrive for generations to come.

Investment in farming is crucial

As we grapple with the pressing realities of climate change, U.S. soy producers embracing Climate Smart Agriculture are sowing the seeds of hope. Through their commitment to innovative practices and technologies, they are cultivating a future where farming doesn’t just feed us, it heals and sustains our world. “We’re very excited about new developments, and increased interest, in CSA,” says Cornell. “There are more collaborations, new sources of funding, and interest from groups that have changed their mentality – from simply seeking the cheapest commodity to having a real interest in sustainability and farmer stewardship.”

To truly leverage the benefits of CSA, farmers must continue to be invested in. “They are on the ground every day, working on improving the land for the next generation,” he adds. “For the U.S. to put in land managers that would do the level of conservation that farmers do, the cost would be so astronomical that it would not be sustainable. It is important we leverage the generational knowledge and expertise that farmers provide for us to achieve climate smart commodities.”

As consumers, businesses, and global citizens, supporting CSA is a step toward a healthier planet. In the narrative of climate change, agriculture is both a character and a storyteller, and with climate smart practices, it tells a story of hope, innovation, and endurance.

Originally published on HARMAN Newsroom

At HARMAN, we believe that true innovation thrives when diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords, but core values. Celebrating Pride Month is just one way we demonstrate our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, inspired, and empowered – not just for one month, but every single day.

As a global connected technologies leader, HARMAN develops products that make life easier, productive, and entertaining. The brilliant minds behind our groundbreaking innovations are our greatest asset, and we recognize the importance of allowing our people to bring their whole, authentic selves to work. At HARMAN, every identity is celebrated, and every voice is heard.

In honor of Pride Month this June, HARMAN celebrated with a vibrant series of events, sponsored by our Pride Employee Resource Group (ERG), in support of the LGBTQIA+ community. Join us in looking back at our Pride Month programming that served as a part of our ongoing efforts to foster a safe, equitable, and inclusive work environment for all people at HARMAN:

Flag Raising Ceremonies

Several HARMAN locations from all over the globe kicked off Pride Month with an intersectional Pride flag raising ceremony to represent our commitment to recognizing and honoring diverse identities within our company. These ceremonies were held globally, including sites in the US, Mexico, India, and several European countries as Germany and Poland.

Amplifying Authentic Voices

To reflect on HARMAN’s journey toward becoming a more equitable workplace, Nick Parrotta, President DTS and Chief Digital & Information Officer and Executive Sponsor of our Pride ERG, shared an inspiring message about HARMAN’s DE&I progress, the challenges ahead, and the valuable contributions our LGBTQIA+ colleagues have made to HARMAN.

We also conducted a global virtual fireside chat with guest speaker Kaneesha Nadal, member of our Partner Workplace Pride, Cell Therapy Specialist I+ at Kite Pharma, and a DE&I professional, where they explored the significance of authenticity and embracing our true identities. From Kaneesha’s experience in amplifying unheard voices and stories within marginalized communities, attendees gained insights from their experiences and expertise with social activism that can be applied to being your authentic self in the workplace and beyond.

Exploring Mentorship in the LGBTQIA+ Community with Samsung

HARMAN joined our parent company Samsung and members of our partner Out in Tech for a networking event bringing Samsung and HARMAN’s Pride ERGs together. In a panel discussion held at the Samsung store in NYC and virtually livestreamed, speakers explored professional mentorship in the LGBTQIA+ community, intersectional identities, and the importance of community. The discussion was followed by drag shows, interactive games, Samsung and HARMAN product giveaways, and opportunities for members of our Pride ERG to connect with colleagues from all over the world.

Pride Parades All Over the World

HARMAN’s enthusiasm for allyship was on full display with our presence at local Pride parades and events in communities where we operate all over the world. This included Motor City Pride in Detroit, Michigan, a high-energy flash mob performance in India, Pride parades across Mexico, Pride festivities at Summerfest in Germany, and a special Pride event at the JBL Store in Munich, Germany. Parades continue in several European countries, including Hungary, and the HARMAN team will also proudly participate in the Amsterdam Parade.

Continuing Pride Celebrations in Europe

Activities in Europe will continue as we celebrate Pride in July and August. Our commitment to inclusivity will be showcased through various events, including workshops and panels in collaboration with local entities and NGOs. These events aim to foster meaningful conversations and further support our diverse communities across the continent.

At HARMAN, our greatest strength lies in our people. When different identities are supported and celebrated, our diverse employees are empowered to innovate in ways that maintain HARMAN’s position as a connected technology leader. We are proud of our progress in promoting a culture of authenticity, diversity, and acceptance, but know that the work is never done as we continue progressing towards a more inclusive and equitable future. For more information about our commitment to DE&I, visit: https://www.harman.com/career/diversity.

ATLANTA, July 8, 2024 /3BL/ – Georgia Power, a Southern Company subsidiary, is partnering with U.S. Army Garrison Fort Eisenhower as a part of a $72 million utility energy service contract (UESC) to increase the energy efficiency of the 55,000-acre military installation located near Augusta, Ga. The UESC, which is the largest such contract in Georgia Power’s history, will leverage the utility’s knowledge of lighting systems, mechanical and controls systems, on-site generation and water conservation to reduce the carbon footprint by focusing on three key areas – energy efficiency, resiliency and greenhouse gas reduction.

A utility energy service contract is a limited-source acquisition between a federal agency and serving utility for energy management services to improve the overall efficiency of buildings and mechanical equipment at a location. The improvements, coordinated by Georgia Power and fellow Southern Company subsidiary PowerSecure, are expected to reduce energy costs at Fort Eisenhower by $6 million annually. The project is expected to take approximately two years with an expected completion date in the first quarter of 2026.

The key improvement for Fort Eisenhower is the replacement of an aging diesel generation infrastructure with new natural gas generation. The upgraded generation will be funded through energy savings from lighting retrofits, heating and air conditioning replacement and water conservation.

This investment is in addition to the broader utility privatization contract with Georgia Power serving as the owner of Fort Eisenhower’s electric utility system. Accelerating electric framework investments under this contract serves to address the evolving energy needs of Fort Eisenhower while also reducing its carbon footprint.

“We are extremely happy to be partnering with Georgia Power for this project,” said Col. Reginald K. Evans, U.S. Army Garrison Eisenhower Commander. “Replacing Fort Eisenhower’s aging diesel powered generators with natural gas systems is a huge step toward reducing the installation’s carbon footprint, in addition to the energy savings from the numerous other conservation measures planned.”

“We are grateful for this partnership with U.S. Army Garrison Fort Eisenhower as we work toward furthering the energy efficiency at the installation and lessening the carbon footprint,” said Latanza Adjei, senior vice president and chief customer officer for Georgia Power. “Collaborative efforts such as this are essential for creating a sustainable energy future and align with our commitment to our customers and communities.”

About Southern Company 
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy distribution company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, The Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

About Georgia Power 
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: 
Certain information contained in this release is forward-looking information based on current expectations and plans that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information includes, among other things, the expected completion date and expected benefits of the UESC. Southern Company and Georgia Power caution that there are certain factors that can cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information that has been provided. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Southern Company and Georgia Power; accordingly, there can be no assurance that such suggested results will be realized. The following factors, in addition to those discussed in Southern Company’s and Georgia Power’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and subsequent securities filings, could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations as suggested by such forward-looking information: the ability to control costs and avoid cost and schedule overruns during the development, construction, and operation of facilities or other projects; the inherent risks involved in generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, including accidents, explosions, fires, mechanical problems, discharges or releases of toxic or hazardous substances or gases, and other environmental risks; and catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and other storms, droughts, pandemic health events, political unrest, wars or other similar occurrences. Southern Company and Georgia Power expressly disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking information.

SOURCE Southern Company

For further information: Southern Company Media Relations, 404-506-5333 or 1-866-506-5333, www.southerncompany.com

After months of effort, a middle-school student pressed “print” on the 3D model she had designed from scratch. In a matter of hours, she would proudly hold the creation she had dreamed up—a powwow dancer—in her small hands.

At a nearby computer, a grandmother was putting the final touches on a video game she had invented. The kokhom (Cree for “grandma”) was combing through the code one more time, nearly ready to share the game with classmates.

The technology skills of both pupils have come a long way in the past 18 months.

The two are part of an intergenerational STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) program offered by Nanan STEM Academy through the Saskatchewan Science Centre in Regina.

Ten students from Cowessess First Nation were invited to participate every Saturday over the span of a year-and-a-half.

The caveat was intriguing—each of the student participants had to be accompanied by an adult caregiver who would learn alongside them.

“The concept of lifelong learning shows the children their learning is supported in the family,” explains Sandy Pinay-Schindler, director of education at Cowessess First Nation, located about a two-hour drive east of the provincial capital.

“It shows them a family can learn together.”

Participants were selected from students in Grades 4 through 8 who live on and off reserve in Cowessess and Regina. Cowessess First Nation has about 3,200 members, 1,000 of who live on the reserve.

“We know what residential schools were like, where students were separated from their families,” remarks Pinay-Schindler. “To have the opportunity for kids and caregivers to learn together, right alongside each other in a positive way, is really powerful.”

As Canada celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, Enbridge remains committed year-round to strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities across North America, and advancing reconciliation, through engagement, economic inclusion, and partnerships based on mutual trust and respect.

In 2023, we invested more than $2.6 million across Canada in 263 separate community initiatives operated by our Indigenous partners.

That included a $10,000 Fueling Futures grant to Cowessess First Nation, and the donation of 10 laptop computers, in support of this intergenerational STEM program. Not only do children and families develop skills in coding and robotics, they build confidence in who they are and what they think—and they’re building their potential for the future.

Feedback from the Cowessess program had been so positive, Enbridge contributed a second $10,000 Fueling Futures grant for the same program in 2024, this time in support of Piapot First Nation, located 40 minutes north of Regina.

In light of the STEM program’s success, Cowessess is contemplating what comes next—how can robotics and coding programs be integrated into the community to benefit more people?

“Our end goal is to build capacity at our own school, which is kindergarten to Grade 12,” Pinay-Schindler explains.

The nation is also developing a STEM program to be offered this summer at Cowessess.

“We could set up a STEM booth during the powwow,” Pinay-Schindler observes. “We would have the community there, the Elders there.

“Having that learning opportunity right there within our community would make it a much richer experience for everybody.”