Tag: 3BL

In the professional environment, there is a steady increase in employers recognizing the need for programs to provide support for employees with or in recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs). This growing awareness is crucial as the impact of SUDs on the workforce becomes more prevalent. According to a study conducted by the Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank, approximately 27 million working-age Americans now struggle with a substance use disorder (SUD), representing a significant 23% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, it escalated the drug crisis due to a lack of resources in marginalized communities, uncertainty surrounding the healthcare system, social isolation, and economic hardships, all of which can be directly linked to the rise in SUDs. These figures underscore the urgent need for comprehensive SUD programs within workplaces. The rising presence of SUDs not only affects the health and well-being of employees but also has profound implications for productivity, safety, absenteeism, and overall organizational culture within workplaces. Therefore, addressing these challenges requires more than just providing resources; it necessitates creating an environment where employees can feel safe and supported in seeking help.

Unfortunately, the stigma associated with SUDs in the workplace and society creates a significant barrier for those in need of support. This stigma can prevent employees from seeking treatment, ultimately hindering the process of recovery. Fear of judgment, discrimination, and potential repercussions such as job loss or career stagnation often deter individuals from sharing their struggles. To effectively combat this stigma, it is essential for employers to create a culture of acceptance and support for their employees and encourage comprehension and compassion.

The U.S. Department of Labor defines a recovery-ready workplace as one that broadens employment opportunities for individuals in or seeking recovery, offers reasonable accommodations and protections, educates all organizational levels about recovery, and ensures that both current and prospective employees are aware of these initiatives.

There are ways in which your workplace can become recovery-ready:

1. Recognize that addiction is a mental health disorder.

Addiction, or substance use disorder, is a chronic brain disorder. It’s important to understand it’s a mental health issue that must be taken seriously. Much like life-long physical health conditions such as diabetes, a person with an addiction must manage their condition for the rest of their life, even when they stop using. While substance use can have many underlying causes – genetics, exposure, trauma, etc. – some people who struggle with addiction may also have underlying mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.

2. Encourage supportive conversations.

It is important to ensure employees feel supported and that begins with empathy and a willingness to listen. For many, it can be intimidating to disclose their struggles – especially in the workplace. Although a SUD is classified as a protected group (with some restrictions) under the Americans with Disabilities Act, some employees may feel their performance is being questioned or they’re being overlooked for promotions. Integrating sensitivity and an understanding of addiction into your company culture can help employees feel empowered to seek help.

3. Provide training and education.

To better support the mental well-being of your employees, include substance use awareness and education as part of your communications, trainings and resources on mental health. Regular training and education for all staff members are crucial in dispelling myths and promoting a more compassionate understanding of SUDs. Leadership must take an active role in these efforts, visibly supporting mental health initiatives and setting a positive example for the rest of the organization. In addition to these programs, workplaces must foster an environment where mental health and substance use issues are openly discussed and destigmatized.

4. Initiate recovery-friendly benefits and resources.

Taking action through recovery-friendly benefits and programs can help support your organization’s commitment to dismantling negative attitudes around addiction. Some benefits to consider include flexible scheduling, short- and long-term disability insurance offerings, and mental health resources.

Untreated addiction can result in 500 million lost workdays and contribute to $740 billion in total costs nationally each year.

Workplaces are uniquely positioned to support the recovery of their employees because it’s where they spend most of their time and there is a strong business case for companies.

Kirsten Suto Seckler of Shatterproof; Stephen Massey of the Health Action Alliance; Jake Gurock of Cerity Partners; and Amanta Mazumdar of Hilton will present “Shattering Stigma: Finding Hope in the Workplace for the Nearly 49 Million People with Substance Use Disorders” this Sunday, June 23 at the SHRM24 Annual Conference – the world’s largest HR convention.

Each of them has made significant contributions to reducing the stigma around SUDs and have successfully transformed their workplaces to be more inclusive, positive and supportive for employees with SUDs. During the session, they will outline how workplaces can transform to be recovery friendly and inclusive. Additionally, they will discuss the active leadership role companies can play in overcoming stigma so they can be instruments of hope for employees and families who need it most, supporting recovery and saving lives.

Register and learn more. 

“I will never, ever forget the shirts,” Tamara Sheffield says. The message broadcast on the front was simple and powerful: It’s okay to be gay at Frito-Lay! “It’s still my favorite, after all these years,” Tamara says. “As soon as I saw it, I knew that I wanted to get more involved.”

The words don’t just make a memorable catchphrase: They reflect Tamara’s experience from her nearly 29 years working at PepsiCo. “The company wanted people to bring their whole selves to work so that you weren’t wasting your energy on not being who you were,” says Tamara, a Senior Key Account Manager in Salisbury, North Carolina. “A lot of things have changed during my time here, but one thing that hasn’t is PepsiCo’s support of the LGBTQ+ community. I feel I’ve always had the backing of my peers and managers, which has truly been a gift for me.”

Inspired by that catchy shirt handed to her at a 2008 Pride event in North Carolina, Tamara dedicated herself to building a network to ensure that all her colleagues feel as supported as she has during her career. She established a local chapter of EQUAL — the international PepsiCo Employee Resource Group that strives to promote inclusivity and allyship for LGBTQ+ associates like herself — for Frito-Lay’s Sales team in the Carolinas.

What began with a handful of colleagues in her area has grown to cover eight states and Washington, D.C. “The opportunity to feel connected to something larger than myself has been so valuable,” Tamara says. She made it her goal to create that sense of connection for other colleagues, too. But she knew there were some challenges inherent to the job she had to overcome. “We’re in Sales, so we’re not all in the same facility every day,” Tamara explains. “We’re on the road driving around to 10 different locations.”

During regional Sales meetings, however, the team is all together. Tamara and her colleagues decided to set aside time during those meetings to give each of the company’s ERGs a regular occasion to meet and educate associates about what they do. “We thought these breakout sessions would be a great way to show our Sales team all the resources that are available to them,” Tamara says.

EQUAL has used breakout sessions to host scavenger hunts, trivia contests and paint nights — events designed to be moments of fun as well as to inform and forge meaningful connections between associates. “They’ve been some of the most special events I’ve ever been a part of,” Tamara says. “Learning definitions, histories and how to talk about certain topics has made a real impact helping leaders better navigate relationships with their teams.”

Over the years, Tamara has expanded her advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community beyond PepsiCo. She played a pivotal role in the establishment of her town’s annual Pride festival and currently serves as the Mayor Pro Tem on her city council. But she feels most proud about the difference she’s been able to make through connections formed with individual colleagues.

During one recent breakout session, a colleague approached Tamara for advice. “He was looking for someone he could talk to about his child coming out, and he said he immediately thought of me and EQUAL,” Tamara says. “Those are the rewards that really stick with you. I’m just so thankful that we’ve been able to create that safe space for people.”

“I will never, ever forget the shirts,” Tamara Sheffield says. The message broadcast on the front was simple and powerful: It’s okay to be gay at Frito-Lay! “It’s still my favorite, after all these years,” Tamara says. “As soon as I saw it, I knew that I wanted to get more involved.”

The words don’t just make a memorable catchphrase: They reflect Tamara’s experience from her nearly 29 years working at PepsiCo. “The company wanted people to bring their whole selves to work so that you weren’t wasting your energy on not being who you were,” says Tamara, a Senior Key Account Manager in Salisbury, North Carolina. “A lot of things have changed during my time here, but one thing that hasn’t is PepsiCo’s support of the LGBTQ+ community. I feel I’ve always had the backing of my peers and managers, which has truly been a gift for me.”

Inspired by that catchy shirt handed to her at a 2008 Pride event in North Carolina, Tamara dedicated herself to building a network to ensure that all her colleagues feel as supported as she has during her career. She established a local chapter of EQUAL — the international PepsiCo Employee Resource Group that strives to promote inclusivity and allyship for LGBTQ+ associates like herself — for Frito-Lay’s Sales team in the Carolinas.

What began with a handful of colleagues in her area has grown to cover eight states and Washington, D.C. “The opportunity to feel connected to something larger than myself has been so valuable,” Tamara says. She made it her goal to create that sense of connection for other colleagues, too. But she knew there were some challenges inherent to the job she had to overcome. “We’re in Sales, so we’re not all in the same facility every day,” Tamara explains. “We’re on the road driving around to 10 different locations.”

During regional Sales meetings, however, the team is all together. Tamara and her colleagues decided to set aside time during those meetings to give each of the company’s ERGs a regular occasion to meet and educate associates about what they do. “We thought these breakout sessions would be a great way to show our Sales team all the resources that are available to them,” Tamara says.

EQUAL has used breakout sessions to host scavenger hunts, trivia contests and paint nights — events designed to be moments of fun as well as to inform and forge meaningful connections between associates. “They’ve been some of the most special events I’ve ever been a part of,” Tamara says. “Learning definitions, histories and how to talk about certain topics has made a real impact helping leaders better navigate relationships with their teams.”

Over the years, Tamara has expanded her advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community beyond PepsiCo. She played a pivotal role in the establishment of her town’s annual Pride festival and currently serves as the Mayor Pro Tem on her city council. But she feels most proud about the difference she’s been able to make through connections formed with individual colleagues.

During one recent breakout session, a colleague approached Tamara for advice. “He was looking for someone he could talk to about his child coming out, and he said he immediately thought of me and EQUAL,” Tamara says. “Those are the rewards that really stick with you. I’m just so thankful that we’ve been able to create that safe space for people.”

This blog is authored by Holly Paeper, President, Commercial HVAC Americas, Trane Technologies.

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to participate in the Getting to Zero Forum hosted by our partners, the New Buildings Institute, a mission-driven nonprofit organization working to advance scalable and practical approaches that equitably eliminate emissions from the built environment. Leaders from across the building sector—owners, academia, engineers, community organizations—came together to talk about building performance standards, embodied carbon and equitable cooling policy. It was inspiring to be with so many people committed to figuring out how to truly remove carbon from the built environment, and I shared how we are leading by example in our approach at Trane Technologies—through technology, people and partnerships.

Technology: Relentlessly investing in sustainable innovation

Today, the urgent need for clean technologies in addressing climate change is increasingly clear. And so is our purpose to boldly challenge what’s possible for a sustainable world. For more than a decade, sustainability has been our strategy.

We view climate change not as a problem to be managed, but as a disruptive platform for innovation. We are relentlessly investing in sustainable innovation to transform the way the world heats and cools buildings and transports refrigerated goods—dramatically reducing energy use and carbon emissions.

In 2022 we became the first company in our industry—and one of the first companies in the world—to have our net-zero targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative, following previous approval of our near-term 2030 targets. Our net-zero roadmap, introduced in 2023, outlines our decarbonization transition plan to achieve net-zero across our entire value chain—Scopes 1, 2 and 3—by 2050. You can learn more about it in this article from our leader of sustainability, Scott Tew.

We are reducing customers’ carbon emissions through electrification, heat pump technology, on-site renewables refrigerant transition management, connected controls and more.

For example, we see a path to net-zero emission systems through on-site renewables and thermal batteries, such as thermal energy storage, which works like an HVAC “battery” for buildings. Ice or chilled water systems capture and recover thermal energy and then discharge it when the building needs it.A connected, holistic approach to buildings is also vital for driving positive environmental outcomes, and leveraging advanced, digital technology is key. Our connected solutions are providing our customers with real-time data and insights, helping improve their building performance, optimizing energy use, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing costs.

People: Our culture of impact

We believe investing in people is the most powerful way to innovate for a sustainable future. A diverse workforce is an essential catalyst for growth. We need people to help us develop the innovative technologies to decarbonize, and we need people to manufacture, install and service them, too.

Cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce requires investing in innovating ways to recruit, develop and retain talent for the future.

For example, in 2023 we launched the Trane Technician Apprenticeship Program to address the skilled labor gap and build a diverse service technician workforce. Nationally registered through the U.S. Department of Labor, the TAP is a robust, nationwide, four-year paid program designed to recruit and train aspiring HVAC technicians, regardless of experience or education. For our most recent TAP cohort, we received more than 2,000 applicants—more than 12x the number of applicants for experienced technician openings.Also in 2023, we repositioned our policy of tuition reimbursement to tuition advancement, to help employees access opportunities for learning by reducing the upfront financial burden.

We make real progress on our sustainability commitments because everyone contributes. We believe every job is a sustainability job, every role an opportunity for impact.

Partnerships: Together, our impact grows by magnitudes

Our culture of impact expands beyond the company through our partnerships. From our customers to environmental organizations and community partners, we are leaders in an ecosystem that champions climate action and innovation. The Getting to Zero Forum was a wonderful reminder of the power of this community.

Conclusion

What’s holding us back? Lack of clarity about what’s possible. And the ROI. We have heating and cooling systems today that are 70 percent more efficient than just seven years ago. The systems often pay for themselves within only two to three years due to greater energy efficiency and operational savings.

What’s possible is a net-zero built environment. What will get us there is collaboration.

The built environment is as complex an ecosystem as we will find in the natural world we are trying to protect. From HVAC to owners to engineers and operators, we work together every day to provide the environments for our communities to thrive: for children to learn, for patients to be treated, for businesses to serve customers. We can work together to do this too—to reach net-zero together.

Discover more about our net-zero targets and the sustainable innovation that will get us there in our 2023 ESG Report.

This blog is authored by Holly Paeper, President, Commercial HVAC Americas, Trane Technologies.

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to participate in the Getting to Zero Forum hosted by our partners, the New Buildings Institute, a mission-driven nonprofit organization working to advance scalable and practical approaches that equitably eliminate emissions from the built environment. Leaders from across the building sector—owners, academia, engineers, community organizations—came together to talk about building performance standards, embodied carbon and equitable cooling policy. It was inspiring to be with so many people committed to figuring out how to truly remove carbon from the built environment, and I shared how we are leading by example in our approach at Trane Technologies—through technology, people and partnerships.

Technology: Relentlessly investing in sustainable innovation

Today, the urgent need for clean technologies in addressing climate change is increasingly clear. And so is our purpose to boldly challenge what’s possible for a sustainable world. For more than a decade, sustainability has been our strategy.

We view climate change not as a problem to be managed, but as a disruptive platform for innovation. We are relentlessly investing in sustainable innovation to transform the way the world heats and cools buildings and transports refrigerated goods—dramatically reducing energy use and carbon emissions.

In 2022 we became the first company in our industry—and one of the first companies in the world—to have our net-zero targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative, following previous approval of our near-term 2030 targets. Our net-zero roadmap, introduced in 2023, outlines our decarbonization transition plan to achieve net-zero across our entire value chain—Scopes 1, 2 and 3—by 2050. You can learn more about it in this article from our leader of sustainability, Scott Tew.

We are reducing customers’ carbon emissions through electrification, heat pump technology, on-site renewables refrigerant transition management, connected controls and more.

For example, we see a path to net-zero emission systems through on-site renewables and thermal batteries, such as thermal energy storage, which works like an HVAC “battery” for buildings. Ice or chilled water systems capture and recover thermal energy and then discharge it when the building needs it.A connected, holistic approach to buildings is also vital for driving positive environmental outcomes, and leveraging advanced, digital technology is key. Our connected solutions are providing our customers with real-time data and insights, helping improve their building performance, optimizing energy use, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing costs.

People: Our culture of impact

We believe investing in people is the most powerful way to innovate for a sustainable future. A diverse workforce is an essential catalyst for growth. We need people to help us develop the innovative technologies to decarbonize, and we need people to manufacture, install and service them, too.

Cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce requires investing in innovating ways to recruit, develop and retain talent for the future.

For example, in 2023 we launched the Trane Technician Apprenticeship Program to address the skilled labor gap and build a diverse service technician workforce. Nationally registered through the U.S. Department of Labor, the TAP is a robust, nationwide, four-year paid program designed to recruit and train aspiring HVAC technicians, regardless of experience or education. For our most recent TAP cohort, we received more than 2,000 applicants—more than 12x the number of applicants for experienced technician openings.Also in 2023, we repositioned our policy of tuition reimbursement to tuition advancement, to help employees access opportunities for learning by reducing the upfront financial burden.

We make real progress on our sustainability commitments because everyone contributes. We believe every job is a sustainability job, every role an opportunity for impact.

Partnerships: Together, our impact grows by magnitudes

Our culture of impact expands beyond the company through our partnerships. From our customers to environmental organizations and community partners, we are leaders in an ecosystem that champions climate action and innovation. The Getting to Zero Forum was a wonderful reminder of the power of this community.

Conclusion

What’s holding us back? Lack of clarity about what’s possible. And the ROI. We have heating and cooling systems today that are 70 percent more efficient than just seven years ago. The systems often pay for themselves within only two to three years due to greater energy efficiency and operational savings.

What’s possible is a net-zero built environment. What will get us there is collaboration.

The built environment is as complex an ecosystem as we will find in the natural world we are trying to protect. From HVAC to owners to engineers and operators, we work together every day to provide the environments for our communities to thrive: for children to learn, for patients to be treated, for businesses to serve customers. We can work together to do this too—to reach net-zero together.

Discover more about our net-zero targets and the sustainable innovation that will get us there in our 2023 ESG Report.

Tapestry is honored to announce its inclusion in the USA Today 2024 America’s Climate Leaders list. This recognition underscores our commitment to designing a better future and the impactful strides we have made in our climate action journey. As a house of iconic brands, Tapestry is dedicated to fostering a more sustainable fashion industry through innovation, high standards, and a dedication to reducing our environmental footprint. We do this through our framework, the Fabric of Change, our purpose-led blueprint for our accelerated ambition to make every beautiful choice a responsible choice. 

Pioneering Innovation in Environmentally Preferred Materials 
A key element of our sustainability strategy is a focus on innovation in environmentally preferred materials. We believe that true luxury is about crafting products that respect the planet as much as they inspire our customers. To this end, we have invested in researching and developing high-quality and environmentally preferred materials. 

From using materials made with recycled leather fibers to post-consumer denim in our products, Tapestry is focused on sustainable material innovation. We aim to demonstrate that luxury and sustainability can and must go hand in hand. 

Commitment to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) 
Our dedication to sustainability is further evidenced by our commitment to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). By aligning our goals with the latest climate science, we ensure that our strategies are robust, credible, and capable of making a real difference. 

Tapestry has set ambitious goals to reduce our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in line with the Paris Agreement’s goal to limit global warming to 1.5°C. This involves a comprehensive approach that includes reducing emissions across our entire value chain, from sourcing and manufacturing to logistics and retail operations. Our targets underscore our belief that the fashion industry has a crucial role to play in addressing the climate crisis, and we are proud to be part of this transformative movement. 

Reductions in GHG Emissions 
One of the cornerstones of our environmental strategy is our approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We are proud to report significant progress against our Scope 1 & 2 targets, reaching a 57% decrease in FY2023 since our FY2021 baseline. This has been accomplished through transitioning to renewable electricity sources, with 80% of our electricity from renewable electricity sources globally in our own operations in FY2023. 

In addition, in FY2023 we achieved a 24% decrease in our Scope 3 Forest, Land, and Agriculture (FLAG) GHG emissions compared to our FY2021 baseline, thanks to a combination of innovative practices, strategic partnerships, and a culture of continuous improvement. Our efforts are about reducing carbon emissions and creating a resilient business model that can thrive in a low-carbon economy. 

Looking Ahead 
We will continue to innovate, set ambitious targets, and work collaboratively with our stakeholders to drive meaningful change. Being named to the USA Today 2024 Climate Leaders list is both an accolade and a reinforcement to further our efforts and inspire others to join us on this critical journey. 

At Tapestry, we believe that the future of fashion is not just about what we create but how we create it.

Learn more about Tapestry’s commitment to sustainability at tapestry.com/responsibility/our-planet/

Tapestry is honored to announce its inclusion in the USA Today 2024 America’s Climate Leaders list. This recognition underscores our commitment to designing a better future and the impactful strides we have made in our climate action journey. As a house of iconic brands, Tapestry is dedicated to fostering a more sustainable fashion industry through innovation, high standards, and a dedication to reducing our environmental footprint. We do this through our framework, the Fabric of Change, our purpose-led blueprint for our accelerated ambition to make every beautiful choice a responsible choice. 

Pioneering Innovation in Environmentally Preferred Materials 
A key element of our sustainability strategy is a focus on innovation in environmentally preferred materials. We believe that true luxury is about crafting products that respect the planet as much as they inspire our customers. To this end, we have invested in researching and developing high-quality and environmentally preferred materials. 

From using materials made with recycled leather fibers to post-consumer denim in our products, Tapestry is focused on sustainable material innovation. We aim to demonstrate that luxury and sustainability can and must go hand in hand. 

Commitment to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) 
Our dedication to sustainability is further evidenced by our commitment to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). By aligning our goals with the latest climate science, we ensure that our strategies are robust, credible, and capable of making a real difference. 

Tapestry has set ambitious goals to reduce our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in line with the Paris Agreement’s goal to limit global warming to 1.5°C. This involves a comprehensive approach that includes reducing emissions across our entire value chain, from sourcing and manufacturing to logistics and retail operations. Our targets underscore our belief that the fashion industry has a crucial role to play in addressing the climate crisis, and we are proud to be part of this transformative movement. 

Reductions in GHG Emissions 
One of the cornerstones of our environmental strategy is our approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We are proud to report significant progress against our Scope 1 & 2 targets, reaching a 57% decrease in FY2023 since our FY2021 baseline. This has been accomplished through transitioning to renewable electricity sources, with 80% of our electricity from renewable electricity sources globally in our own operations in FY2023. 

In addition, in FY2023 we achieved a 24% decrease in our Scope 3 Forest, Land, and Agriculture (FLAG) GHG emissions compared to our FY2021 baseline, thanks to a combination of innovative practices, strategic partnerships, and a culture of continuous improvement. Our efforts are about reducing carbon emissions and creating a resilient business model that can thrive in a low-carbon economy. 

Looking Ahead 
We will continue to innovate, set ambitious targets, and work collaboratively with our stakeholders to drive meaningful change. Being named to the USA Today 2024 Climate Leaders list is both an accolade and a reinforcement to further our efforts and inspire others to join us on this critical journey. 

At Tapestry, we believe that the future of fashion is not just about what we create but how we create it.

Learn more about Tapestry’s commitment to sustainability at tapestry.com/responsibility/our-planet/

Raven Industries, a brand of CNH and leader in precision ag technology, showcased its latest automation technology at Agrishow 2024.

These innovative solutions are proven to streamline farming operations and increase productivity and profitability.

CNH is putting the customer first with a transformed approach to precision technology, providing easy-to-use and open innovation for all customers, applications, and fleets. Leveraging its proven track record of leading innovation, Raven accelerates integration with CNH platforms, ensuring a reliable and consistent user experience for customers worldwide with scalable technology for machines of different ages, models, brands, and sizes.

At Agrishow, Raven showcased the latest advancements as well as its comprehensive portfolio of proven ag tech solutions that expand productivity, efficiency, and job quality.

“Raven’s latest automated solutions, including the Raven CRx Guidance Kit and the Augmenta Field Analyzer, are a testament to our customer-focused approach. These offerings provide farmers with robust, user-friendly and open technology solutions for their daily tasks, ultimately enhancing productivity and profitability through automation,” said Gregory Riordan, Director of Precision Technology – South America for CNH. 

Raven offers a comprehensive portfolio of precision agriculture innovations for all operations. Users can learn more about Raven’s full solution suite by visiting www.ravenind.com or talking to their local Raven dealer.

Raven Industries, a brand of CNH and leader in precision ag technology, showcased its latest automation technology at Agrishow 2024.

These innovative solutions are proven to streamline farming operations and increase productivity and profitability.

CNH is putting the customer first with a transformed approach to precision technology, providing easy-to-use and open innovation for all customers, applications, and fleets. Leveraging its proven track record of leading innovation, Raven accelerates integration with CNH platforms, ensuring a reliable and consistent user experience for customers worldwide with scalable technology for machines of different ages, models, brands, and sizes.

At Agrishow, Raven showcased the latest advancements as well as its comprehensive portfolio of proven ag tech solutions that expand productivity, efficiency, and job quality.

“Raven’s latest automated solutions, including the Raven CRx Guidance Kit and the Augmenta Field Analyzer, are a testament to our customer-focused approach. These offerings provide farmers with robust, user-friendly and open technology solutions for their daily tasks, ultimately enhancing productivity and profitability through automation,” said Gregory Riordan, Director of Precision Technology – South America for CNH. 

Raven offers a comprehensive portfolio of precision agriculture innovations for all operations. Users can learn more about Raven’s full solution suite by visiting www.ravenind.com or talking to their local Raven dealer.

Marks the 20th year of voluntary sustainability reporting from the CompanyIncludes comprehensive disclosures in accordance with leading standards and frameworks for accountability and transparency

MIDLAND, Mich., June 18, 2024 /3BL/ – Dow (NYSE: DOW) released its 2023 INtersections Report today, highlighting how the Company is advancing its ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world. The report also highlights Dow’s environmental, social and governance commitments to deliver long-term value and best-in-class performance through innovation and strategic collaborations that will support a more sustainable future.

The report affirms Dow’s focus on four key areas that are critical to its business and stakeholders, including protecting the climate, advancing a circular economy and safer materials, cultivating a thriving team and community, and driving accountability and best-in-class performance.

“This year’s report demonstrates how Team Dow is putting our ambition into action and collaborating to create innovative, sustainable solutions through our materials science,” said Dow chair and CEO Jim Fitterling. “Sustainability and inclusion are key drivers of our growth and are integral to how we create value for our customers, communities and shareholders. In 2023, we continued to make progress toward our targets while driving positive change for people and the planet.”

The 2023 report marks the 20th year of voluntary sustainability reporting from Dow and sixth year of inclusion, diversity and equity reporting.

Notable accomplishments outlined in this year’s report, which is based on full-year 2023 data, include:

Protecting the climate

Approved the final investment decision to build the world’s first net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions integrated ethylene cracker and derivatives facility in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada. The project, which will decarbonize 20% of Dow’s global ethylene capacity, is critical to delivering on the Company’s 2030 emissions reduction target while also contributing to the commercialization of low-to-zero emissions products.Sourced more than 50% of Dow’s purchased electricity, or more than 1,000 megawatts (MW), from renewables, exceeding the Company’s 2025 target of 750 MW.Laid the groundwork to expand Dow’s Protect the Climate targets to include climate adaptation benchmarks focused on water and nature. The new Water & Nature strategy is designed to support resiliency for Dow sites and surrounding natural ecosystems.Achieved Dow’s 10-year 2025 Valuing Nature Goal two years ahead of schedule, realizing $1.2 billion in net present value for business-driven projects that enhance nature.Launched several innovative products that contribute to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions reductions, such as EcoSense™ 2470 Surfactant for home care market, ENDURANCE™ HFDD-4201 SC Compound for Cable Systems, and a new range of propylene glycol (PG) solutions made from alternative feedstocks that are bio-based or circular.

Advancing a circular economy and safer materials

Aligned more than 89% of Dow’s R&D innovation pipeline to the focus areas of climate protection, circular economy and safer materials.Worked alongside customers to create more circular, high-performing solutions, including SURLYN™ REN and SURLYN™ CIR Ionomers using circular and bio-based feedstocks that help create high-quality cosmetic packaging.Launched 12 new grades of REVOLOOP™ Recycled Plastics Resins, Dow’s global line of resins made with up to 70% mechanically recycled post-consumer plastics waste.Received a CIO 100 Award for its Smart Search tool that revolutionizes the search process for chemicals and saves research time and cost by identifying leads for testing materials amongst the over 200 million known chemicals.

Cultivating a thriving team and community

Increased best-in-class employee resource group participation by four percentage points from 2022, with 60.8% participation from Dow employees.Named one of the 25 World’s Best Workplaces™ by Great Place To Work® and FORTUNE.Partnered with 640 nonprofits, educational institutions and other community organizations to accelerate social change and create a more sustainable and equitable future.Achieved approximately $335 million of certified diverse and small business spend globally, surpassing its $275 million target.

Driving accountability and best-in-class performance

Enhanced disclosures for Board of Director qualifications, enterprise risk management and leadership succession planning.Refreshed the Dow Code of Conduct in alignment with industry best practices.Continued to outpace industry peers in the percentage of Board members and executive leadership who are U.S. ethnic minorities.

Building on the longstanding commitment to transparency and accountability to the stakeholders, the Company advanced disclosures in several areas in its 2023 report, including:

Launched a comprehensive Water & Nature strategy, committing to sustainable water management and the protection of biodiversity.Made significant strides in disclosing quantitative progress toward its Transform the Waste goals and defining clear metrics to track and communicate its achievements.Includes enhanced disclosures in line with Green Bond principles and specific investments like the Fort Saskatchewan Alberta Canada project.Enhanced its Scope 3 emissions reporting, aligning it with its circularity strategy for end-of-life products.Committed to high integrity offsets for residual emissions, ensuring that its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Offset Positioning reflects its dedication to credible and impactful climate action.

The 2023 environmental, social and governance disclosures were prepared in accordance with five leading standards and frameworks, including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Stakeholder Capitalism Metrics. Dow engaged Deloitte & Touche, LLP to perform a review engagement and obtain limited assurance on management’s assertion related to disclosures presented in accordance with the 2021 GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards as of, and for the year ended, December 31, 2023, and related to Scopes 1, 2 and 3 emissions presented in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standards under its Corporate Standards for the year ended December 31, 2023.

About Dow 
Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world’s leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employ approximately 35,900 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $45 billion in 2023. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting www.dow.com.

For further information, please contact:

Sarah Young 
+1.989.638.6871 
syoung3@dow.com

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SOURCE The Dow Chemical Company