Tag: 3BL

Over the last decade, Clorox has supported the nonprofit Equal Justice Works as it seeks to advance equal justice by promoting a lifelong commitment to public service in the legal community. One of the ways we’ve done that is by funding 12 EJW fellowships through The Clorox Company Foundation. It’s been an impactful and engaging partnership over the years with these fellows, who are recent law school graduates. Through our support, our EJW fellows are making a difference in our communities, and our Clorox teammates have the opportunity to engage with them on their very important work. Additionally, I’ve been able to contribute my time and support by serving on EJW’s board of counselors.

Building on the work of past fellows who have helped advance social justice in areas such as housing, the environment, employment and mental health access, we’re supporting two new fellows from EJW’s class of 2024. Jocelyn Gomez, co-sponsored with law firm Morgan Lewis & Bockius, will be a fellow at the Immigration Institute of the Bay Area, while Sam Lawrence, co-sponsored with law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, will be a fellow at The Just Sentencing Project at Duke Law’s Wilson Center.

Here’s some background on the projects they’ll begin in September, serving on the front lines of the battle for equal rights under the law in our Bay Area and Durham communities:

Immigrant human trafficking:

Jocelyn Gomez, a recent graduate of University of California, Berkeley School of Law, will focus on advocating for immigrant survivors of human trafficking in the Bay Area of Northern California. Her work will involve direct legal representation, community outreach and coalition building to help empower survivors.

Legal rights for incarcerated children: 

Sam Lawrence, a recent graduate of Duke University School of Law, will represent children incarcerated in North Carolina’s juvenile prisons by creating holistic re-entry plans for them and advocating for their timely release.

What inspired our fellows to do this work:

As a daughter of immigrant farmworkers — a community vulnerable to trafficking and abuse — Jocelyn is committed to helping combat the coercion and abuse targeted at immigrant populations. She is hopeful that this fellowship will empower survivors to safely pursue justice and support without the fear of being wrongly deported or detained by immigration officials.

“Working with the Immigration Institute of the Bay Area opened my eyes to the impact an accessible pathway to citizenship can make in the lives of immigrant survivors. I hope to support survivors in regaining their autonomy and seeking justice.” 

Jocelyn Gomez

Before law school, Sam worked at a holistic youth defenders office in New Orleans and as a therapist in North Carolina. The children and families he worked with, along with the lawyers and social workers who zealously advocated on their behalf, inspired him to become a lawyer for incarcerated children.

“As an educator, youth advocate and licensed clinical social worker, I have had the honor of getting to know hundreds of children who were court-involved. Their resilience, creativity, kindness and complexity inspire me to be a lifelong advocate for children.” 

Sam Lawrence

We’re looking forward to seeing all that Jocelyn and Sam will be able to accomplish in the next year. And we’re proud of the important work of our fellows, past and present, and the difference we’re making in our communities through our longstanding EJW partnership.

Cisco’s Purpose — to Power an Inclusive Future for All — extends beyond connecting people. It ensures that those connections are meaningful and secure – and it empowers every individual to participate in the fabric of their communities, including elections. In this “year of the global election,” Cisco’s integral role in enabling an informed and empowered society has never been more important.

With a historic number of elections this year—including the expansive multi-week process in India, the presidential elections in the U.S. and Mexico, and the collective voice of 27 nations participating in the European Parliament elections taking place June 6 to 9—our positive impact and that of technology on democratic processes is more pronounced than ever.

Time to Vote

And of course, that starts with us. At Cisco, we believe in the criticality of civic engagement and democratic processes. We are committed to fostering a culture that respects and encourages the active involvement of all employees in civic duties, including voting.

This year, for the first time, Cisco has teamed up with the European Parliament for their “Use Your Vote” campaign to encourage citizens to exercise their civic duty. Our partnership with the EU reflects who we as a company have always been. For example, Cisco offers employees paid time off to vote in elections. Our vision extends beyond the polling station as we think critically about and advocate for the policies that help us fulfill our purpose.

Ten Tech Policies to Power the Future

Cisco’s “Ten Tech Policies to Power the Future” is a call to action for policymakers, industry leaders, and communities to collaborate on using tech as a force for good, safeguarding our shared digital landscape, and fostering an environment where everyone can participate fully in our digital society. Covering everything from AI and cybersecurity, workforce and talent development, connectivity, trade, and sustainability — our brand-new microsite demonstrates the importance of each of these areas and a subset of our specific policy goals.

These interconnected policies contribute to a resilient, informed, and proactive world. While there is still work to do, we are committed to progress. Evidenced by our global IT skills-to-jobs Networking Academy program, connectivity initiatives, and the recent launch of Cisco Hypershield, we are as committed to promoting digital literacy as we are to global internet access and advancing the state of cybersecurity. Our work advances the goal that all individuals have the right tools and knowledge to make informed decisions and participate in the 21st-century digital economy.

Shared Responsibilities: Bolstering Election Security

As the worldwide technology leader that securely connects everything to make anything possible, we aim to provide safe platforms that enable society to function and flourish. In the context of elections, we enable the functionality of democratic systems across the globe—whether it’s securing critical infrastructure or providing connectivity that helps voters make informed decisions.

We all have a role to play in ensuring our elections are secure, safe, and free of mis/disinformation, and there are shared responsibilities to ensure the resilience of democratic processes and protect the integrity of our elections. This includes actions we as voters can take to keep ourselves protected — such as practicing good information hygiene. Separately, the public and private sectors must partner to invest in network resilience, facilitate information sharing, and synchronize efforts to address cyber challenges like election security.

Technology for Good

As we approach global democratic milestones, including the European Parliament elections in just a few days, let’s embrace the power of technology to foster a well-informed electorate and secure the foundation of our democratic institutions. After all, technology reflects our values, commitment to progress, and unwavering belief in the power of human potential.

And most importantly, let’s move forward with empathy and purpose—using technology to connect us and protect the integrity of every voice in our society. Together, we set the standard for a future where technology truly is a champion for the people and the democracies they build.

View original content here.

Cisco’s Purpose — to Power an Inclusive Future for All — extends beyond connecting people. It ensures that those connections are meaningful and secure – and it empowers every individual to participate in the fabric of their communities, including elections. In this “year of the global election,” Cisco’s integral role in enabling an informed and empowered society has never been more important.

With a historic number of elections this year—including the expansive multi-week process in India, the presidential elections in the U.S. and Mexico, and the collective voice of 27 nations participating in the European Parliament elections taking place June 6 to 9—our positive impact and that of technology on democratic processes is more pronounced than ever.

Time to Vote

And of course, that starts with us. At Cisco, we believe in the criticality of civic engagement and democratic processes. We are committed to fostering a culture that respects and encourages the active involvement of all employees in civic duties, including voting.

This year, for the first time, Cisco has teamed up with the European Parliament for their “Use Your Vote” campaign to encourage citizens to exercise their civic duty. Our partnership with the EU reflects who we as a company have always been. For example, Cisco offers employees paid time off to vote in elections. Our vision extends beyond the polling station as we think critically about and advocate for the policies that help us fulfill our purpose.

Ten Tech Policies to Power the Future

Cisco’s “Ten Tech Policies to Power the Future” is a call to action for policymakers, industry leaders, and communities to collaborate on using tech as a force for good, safeguarding our shared digital landscape, and fostering an environment where everyone can participate fully in our digital society. Covering everything from AI and cybersecurity, workforce and talent development, connectivity, trade, and sustainability — our brand-new microsite demonstrates the importance of each of these areas and a subset of our specific policy goals.

These interconnected policies contribute to a resilient, informed, and proactive world. While there is still work to do, we are committed to progress. Evidenced by our global IT skills-to-jobs Networking Academy program, connectivity initiatives, and the recent launch of Cisco Hypershield, we are as committed to promoting digital literacy as we are to global internet access and advancing the state of cybersecurity. Our work advances the goal that all individuals have the right tools and knowledge to make informed decisions and participate in the 21st-century digital economy.

Shared Responsibilities: Bolstering Election Security

As the worldwide technology leader that securely connects everything to make anything possible, we aim to provide safe platforms that enable society to function and flourish. In the context of elections, we enable the functionality of democratic systems across the globe—whether it’s securing critical infrastructure or providing connectivity that helps voters make informed decisions.

We all have a role to play in ensuring our elections are secure, safe, and free of mis/disinformation, and there are shared responsibilities to ensure the resilience of democratic processes and protect the integrity of our elections. This includes actions we as voters can take to keep ourselves protected — such as practicing good information hygiene. Separately, the public and private sectors must partner to invest in network resilience, facilitate information sharing, and synchronize efforts to address cyber challenges like election security.

Technology for Good

As we approach global democratic milestones, including the European Parliament elections in just a few days, let’s embrace the power of technology to foster a well-informed electorate and secure the foundation of our democratic institutions. After all, technology reflects our values, commitment to progress, and unwavering belief in the power of human potential.

And most importantly, let’s move forward with empathy and purpose—using technology to connect us and protect the integrity of every voice in our society. Together, we set the standard for a future where technology truly is a champion for the people and the democracies they build.

View original content here.

Global logistics is in the midst of a transformative shift, driven by the increasing demand for rapid and reliable supply chain solutions. DP World Logistics has embarked on a journey to expand its services with the launch of its international air freight forwarding service. This strategic move is set to redefine the capabilities of global trade support across Peru and beyond.

A Strategic Airborne Entry

Earlier this year, DP World Logistics proudly welcomed its first charter flight into Jorge Chávez Airport in Lima, Peru. This flight, originating from Miami and carrying cargo from Luxembourg, marked a significant milestone in our operations. The cargo, an impressive 200 cubic meters of machinery – equivalent to four 40-foot shipping containers – showcased the immense potential of air freight in modern logistics. This successful shipment underscores our unwavering commitment to handling significant cargo volumes with utmost efficiency, setting a precedent for our future operations. 

A Comprehensive Logistics Solution

With the introduction of air freight services, DP World Logistics now offers a comprehensive suite of logistics options, seamlessly complementing our existing maritime solutions. This all-encompassing approach allows for the integration of multimodal transport solutions, blending air, maritime, and other transportation methods. This integration is designed to maximize time and efficiencies for our esteemed global traders, offering them a one-stop solution for all their logistics needs.

Certified and Secure

DP World Logistics is expanding services while maintaining the highest operational excellence standards. Holding the international IATA certification, we meet rigorous criteria that authorize us to manage air cargo through all airlines associated with the International Air Transport Association. This certification ensures that DP World Logistics meets the best industry practices and safety standards. Our commitment to operational excellence and global connectivity is unwavering, providing our clients with the confidence and security they need in their logistics partner.

Enhancing Global Connectivity

DP World Logistics’s introduction of air freight forwarding is timely. According to the National Superintendence of Customs and Tax Administration (SUNAT), air transport in Peru mobilized significant volumes of exports and imports in 2023—73,000 and 78,000 tons, respectively. Air transport plays a critical role in Peru’s foreign trade, making DP World’s new service a timely enhancement to the national and global logistics landscape.

This service expansion positions DP World Logistics as a 360° logistics operator capable of managing various logistics challenges. With a network of offices in over 80 countries across multiple continents—America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East—DP World Logistics is set to offer unmatched logistical advice and solutions, further facilitating international trade flows.

Looking Ahead

As DP World Logistics continues to expand its service offerings, the impact on global supply chains is expected to be profound. The ability to offer integrated, end-to-end logistics solutions streamlines operations and drives down costs and transit times for clients worldwide. This forward-thinking approach by DP World Logistics is poised to set new industry benchmarks, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of global logistics innovation.

To see our team in action, check out our video showcasing the journey and execution of this pivotal project. At DP World Logistics, we’re not just moving cargo; we’re setting new standards in the logistics sector, driving forward with innovative solutions that redefine what’s possible in freight forwarding.

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Global logistics is in the midst of a transformative shift, driven by the increasing demand for rapid and reliable supply chain solutions. DP World Logistics has embarked on a journey to expand its services with the launch of its international air freight forwarding service. This strategic move is set to redefine the capabilities of global trade support across Peru and beyond.

A Strategic Airborne Entry

Earlier this year, DP World Logistics proudly welcomed its first charter flight into Jorge Chávez Airport in Lima, Peru. This flight, originating from Miami and carrying cargo from Luxembourg, marked a significant milestone in our operations. The cargo, an impressive 200 cubic meters of machinery – equivalent to four 40-foot shipping containers – showcased the immense potential of air freight in modern logistics. This successful shipment underscores our unwavering commitment to handling significant cargo volumes with utmost efficiency, setting a precedent for our future operations. 

A Comprehensive Logistics Solution

With the introduction of air freight services, DP World Logistics now offers a comprehensive suite of logistics options, seamlessly complementing our existing maritime solutions. This all-encompassing approach allows for the integration of multimodal transport solutions, blending air, maritime, and other transportation methods. This integration is designed to maximize time and efficiencies for our esteemed global traders, offering them a one-stop solution for all their logistics needs.

Certified and Secure

DP World Logistics is expanding services while maintaining the highest operational excellence standards. Holding the international IATA certification, we meet rigorous criteria that authorize us to manage air cargo through all airlines associated with the International Air Transport Association. This certification ensures that DP World Logistics meets the best industry practices and safety standards. Our commitment to operational excellence and global connectivity is unwavering, providing our clients with the confidence and security they need in their logistics partner.

Enhancing Global Connectivity

DP World Logistics’s introduction of air freight forwarding is timely. According to the National Superintendence of Customs and Tax Administration (SUNAT), air transport in Peru mobilized significant volumes of exports and imports in 2023—73,000 and 78,000 tons, respectively. Air transport plays a critical role in Peru’s foreign trade, making DP World’s new service a timely enhancement to the national and global logistics landscape.

This service expansion positions DP World Logistics as a 360° logistics operator capable of managing various logistics challenges. With a network of offices in over 80 countries across multiple continents—America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East—DP World Logistics is set to offer unmatched logistical advice and solutions, further facilitating international trade flows.

Looking Ahead

As DP World Logistics continues to expand its service offerings, the impact on global supply chains is expected to be profound. The ability to offer integrated, end-to-end logistics solutions streamlines operations and drives down costs and transit times for clients worldwide. This forward-thinking approach by DP World Logistics is poised to set new industry benchmarks, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of global logistics innovation.

To see our team in action, check out our video showcasing the journey and execution of this pivotal project. At DP World Logistics, we’re not just moving cargo; we’re setting new standards in the logistics sector, driving forward with innovative solutions that redefine what’s possible in freight forwarding.

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Schneider Electric, Lendlease, and Arup collaborate to explore sustainable, adaptable building services to boost commercial real estate returns.Study shows the potential to generate up to AU$1B in additional revenues and save over 1500 tons of CO2 over 30 years.

RUEIL-MALMAISON, France, June 13, 2024 /3BL/ – Office building owners and managers can save money and cut carbon emissions while adapting to modern, flexible work patterns; a new joint study has revealed.

Globally integrated real estate group Lendlease, global sustainable consultancy firm Arup, and Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, detail innovative strategies to add commercial Real Estate Value (CRE) in a new white paper titled, “Get more from your core investments: How faster fit-outs can drive higher returns for commercial properties.” It shows how to balance flexible occupancy opportunities with addressing sustainability challenges.

The urgency of this initiative is clear. “As a recent McKinsey report points out, buildings account for almost 40% of global carbon emissions,” notes Estelle Monod, Global Buildings President at Schneider Electric. “This reality requires immediate action, especially as CRE companies navigate stringent environmental regulations, shifting tenant and investor expectations, and a volatile market landscape. We recognize these pressures and are committed to offering solutions that facilitate this transition.”

As key players in the CRE market, Lendlease, Arup, and Schneider Electric combine their expertise to propose practical solutions for the industry’s evolving demands. The study focuses on leveraging technological advancements to create adaptable building services that reduce waste and improve environmental performance.

Andy Hodgson, Global Advisory Services Leader at Arup, comments, “Trying to cut carbon while also tackling fluctuating office occupancy with post-COVID work patterns is a major challenge for the commercial office real estate market. But with a new approach to building construction, a flexible design can bring financial benefits alongside unlocking shorter and more flexible leasing arrangements.”

Traditional building design and construction methods often struggle to address sustainability and carbon accounting. In response, Schneider Electric, Lendlease, and Arup collaborated on a practical guide that illustrates how an adaptable approach can help strike a balance between flexible occupancy and reduced carbon emissions with a solution that enhances building adaptability and reduces material waste.

The white paper introduces a new method for designing and implementing integrated building services within commercial office space. This method was applied to one floor within a major office tower building in Sydney, Australia, and demonstrated tangible benefits.

Modeled scenarios for a single building show the potential to generate significant lifecycle cost reductions, additional revenues, and savings of more than 1,500 tons of carbon dioxide over 30 years. Andy Hodgson, Global Advisory Leader at Arup, highlighted the financial advantages: “Reducing costs (which can lead to higher rental value) and shorter vacancy periods were key considerations in the model. Interestingly, the current model doesn’t account for energy savings, yet the solution inherently provides this additional benefit.”

For landlords, the benefits extend beyond financial gains. Advanced apps and automation offer improved space utilization and increased tenant comfort. Tenants also gain insights into space usage and can adapt their environment for maximum efficiency and comfort.

Download the complete white paper here to explore this innovative project’s full findings and implications.

Related resources.

Get more from your core investments: How faster fit-outs can drive higher returns for commercial properties. A. Radja, T. Boorman, G. Ahuja, D. Zhu, R. Kempton, S. Van Dolah-Evans. May 2024. https://go.schneider-electric.com/WW_202406_Get-more-from-your-core-investments-how-faster-fit-outs-can-drive-higher-returns-for-commercial-properties_Arup-Lendlease_EA-LP.html 
 Climate Risk and the Opportunity for Real Estate. B. Boland, C. Levy, R. Palter, D. Stephens. February 2022. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/real-estate/our-insights/climate-risk-and-the-opportunity-for-real-estate

Schneider Electric, Lendlease, and Arup collaborate to explore sustainable, adaptable building services to boost commercial real estate returns.Study shows the potential to generate up to AU$1B in additional revenues and save over 1500 tons of CO2 over 30 years.

RUEIL-MALMAISON, France, June 13, 2024 /3BL/ – Office building owners and managers can save money and cut carbon emissions while adapting to modern, flexible work patterns; a new joint study has revealed.

Globally integrated real estate group Lendlease, global sustainable consultancy firm Arup, and Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, detail innovative strategies to add commercial Real Estate Value (CRE) in a new white paper titled, “Get more from your core investments: How faster fit-outs can drive higher returns for commercial properties.” It shows how to balance flexible occupancy opportunities with addressing sustainability challenges.

The urgency of this initiative is clear. “As a recent McKinsey report points out, buildings account for almost 40% of global carbon emissions,” notes Estelle Monod, Global Buildings President at Schneider Electric. “This reality requires immediate action, especially as CRE companies navigate stringent environmental regulations, shifting tenant and investor expectations, and a volatile market landscape. We recognize these pressures and are committed to offering solutions that facilitate this transition.”

As key players in the CRE market, Lendlease, Arup, and Schneider Electric combine their expertise to propose practical solutions for the industry’s evolving demands. The study focuses on leveraging technological advancements to create adaptable building services that reduce waste and improve environmental performance.

Andy Hodgson, Global Advisory Services Leader at Arup, comments, “Trying to cut carbon while also tackling fluctuating office occupancy with post-COVID work patterns is a major challenge for the commercial office real estate market. But with a new approach to building construction, a flexible design can bring financial benefits alongside unlocking shorter and more flexible leasing arrangements.”

Traditional building design and construction methods often struggle to address sustainability and carbon accounting. In response, Schneider Electric, Lendlease, and Arup collaborated on a practical guide that illustrates how an adaptable approach can help strike a balance between flexible occupancy and reduced carbon emissions with a solution that enhances building adaptability and reduces material waste.

The white paper introduces a new method for designing and implementing integrated building services within commercial office space. This method was applied to one floor within a major office tower building in Sydney, Australia, and demonstrated tangible benefits.

Modeled scenarios for a single building show the potential to generate significant lifecycle cost reductions, additional revenues, and savings of more than 1,500 tons of carbon dioxide over 30 years. Andy Hodgson, Global Advisory Leader at Arup, highlighted the financial advantages: “Reducing costs (which can lead to higher rental value) and shorter vacancy periods were key considerations in the model. Interestingly, the current model doesn’t account for energy savings, yet the solution inherently provides this additional benefit.”

For landlords, the benefits extend beyond financial gains. Advanced apps and automation offer improved space utilization and increased tenant comfort. Tenants also gain insights into space usage and can adapt their environment for maximum efficiency and comfort.

Download the complete white paper here to explore this innovative project’s full findings and implications.

Related resources.

Get more from your core investments: How faster fit-outs can drive higher returns for commercial properties. A. Radja, T. Boorman, G. Ahuja, D. Zhu, R. Kempton, S. Van Dolah-Evans. May 2024. https://go.schneider-electric.com/WW_202406_Get-more-from-your-core-investments-how-faster-fit-outs-can-drive-higher-returns-for-commercial-properties_Arup-Lendlease_EA-LP.html 
 Climate Risk and the Opportunity for Real Estate. B. Boland, C. Levy, R. Palter, D. Stephens. February 2022. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/real-estate/our-insights/climate-risk-and-the-opportunity-for-real-estate

Originally published in the SEE Impact Report 2022

Timi Fadiran, Ph.D. is a manager on SEE’s sustainability technology innovation team and is responsible for identifying and advancing new technologies to accelerate transitions to circular business models. He leads SEE’s collaboration efforts with advanced recycling technology providers, investigating the acceptability of essential packaging in these processes and establishing specifications for advanced recycling technologies. Timi was featured as one of America’s Change Makers in the American Chemistry Council’s campaign recognizing those who are leading sustainable change in the plastics industry.

Why is circularity so important to SEE?

Circularity may sound like a new term, but many of us have been practicing it for a while. Those who drop off shopping bags and other flexible plastics at storefront bins are participating in a form of circularity. We’re allowing those materials to be remade into new products. Many people understand it’s irresponsible to waste products and see the value in repurposing materials when they have reached end of use. This is why the concept of recycling is attractive to most consumers. Circularity is simply renewing or regenerating products rather than wasting and discarding them.

SEE believes achieving circularity is critical to keeping plastic waste out of landfills and our environment, as well as reducing the need for fossil resources. SEE’s packaging solutions are made to reduce waste, but we must continue to innovate to eliminate plastic waste. If we are not able to achieve circularity of flexible packaging, the problem of plastic waste will only continue to grow.

How is SEE driving the industry in creating circular value chains that prevent waste, enable the recovery of materials, and reduce dependence on natural resources?

SEE is uniquely positioned to drive circularity in the flexible packaging industry because of relationships with plastic producers and customers. Our position in the value chain allows us to understand the life cycle of products from raw materials manufacturing to final end use or disposal.

SEE has established in-house testing capabilities to assess the recyclability of our products in the mechanical recycling infrastructure that exists today. We are also looking past the current recycling infrastructure and exploring emerging solutions such as advanced recycling (i.e., chemical or molecular recycling) to process hard-to-recycle plastic waste and remanufacture it into plastics that can be used over and over again. Advanced recycling refers to several technologies that use chemistry to enable a broader range of plastic products to be recycled, including hard-to-recycle flexibles with multiple layers and packaging solutions that have contacted food.

SEE can further enable circularity by manufacturing its solutions with recycled content produced from recovered flexible packaging, thus reducing our dependence on natural resources. SEE is driving the industry through demonstrations such as the circular solution collaboration with ExxonMobil and Ahold Delhaize USA where food packaging waste was diverted from landfill, processed through an advanced recycling process, and attributed to new food-grade packaging materials for poultry. This collaboration demonstrated the technical, economic, and scalable feasibility of solutions based on advanced recycling and circular economy business models.

In what ways has SEE been investing and collaborating to accelerate scalable circularity solutions?

Investments and collaborations present opportunities to accelerate speed to market of scalable solutions while leveraging innovation to create a sustainable competitive advantage. SEE has participated in a number of projects that have proven advanced recycling is a viable circular solution for hard-to-recycle food packaging waste.

SEE made an equity investment in 2020 in Plastic Energy (an industry-leading company in advanced recycling technology) to drive materials circularity and expand the recyclability of packaging. The research collaboration is ongoing and resulted in a successful closed-loop demonstration that took flexible plastics collected from store drop-off locations and recycled them into new food packaging. SEE has also made investments in the Alliance to End Plastic Waste and Closed Loop Partners to advance circularity initiatives that address plastic waste.

SEE is a member of the REMADE Institute, which brings together industry innovators, academic researchers, trade organizations, and national labs to lead the transition to a circular economy in the U.S. Through the institute, we piloted a project with Michigan State University exploring the development of more effective ways to sort and clean contaminated plastic waste.

Our activity in this space makes one thing clear: Collaboration is essential. No one member in the value chain can do this alone. Industry experts, competitors, academia, trade organizations, and other groups must work together to innovate, scale the lack of robust recycling infrastructure, and drive toward a more circular economy. Cross-collaboration is critical to solve the complex challenge of eliminating plastic waste.

How are you and your team contributing to the SEE’s circularity efforts?

My team is at the forefront of identifying and advancing new technologies such as pyrolysis and gasification to enable the recovery, processing, and repurposing of SEE’s flexible packaging solutions. We collaborate with customers to understand their plastic-waste challenges, including the amount of different types of plastic in the waste they generate, the level of food contamination present in waste, and viable options for recycling plastic waste.

We collaborate with circular technology providers to evaluate things such as the required preparation of plastic waste, the impact of hard-to-recycle flexible packaging made of multiple plastics, and the tolerance for food contamination in their processes. We use chemistry to help us determine the limits of hard-to-recycle plastics and food contamination in advanced recycling processes. We are working to establish new outlets for recycling flexible plastics and enabling SEE and its customers to achieve ambitious sustainability goals and reduce environmental impacts.

Read the full SEE Impact Report 2022

After years of selling goods at local farmer’s markets, Blissful Seeds will open its first retail location at Regency’s Twin Peaks in Poway, California.

Based in San Diego, Blissful Seeds is a local nonprofit dedicated to helping people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) thrive through employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. The organization recognizes the potential in each individual, providing comprehensive job coaching, work skills training, and career development programs to help them “plant the seeds of blissful lives.”

The unique concept was spearheaded by Rita Nasrallah after her son was diagnosed with autism in 2012. In the years that followed, she gained firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by the ASD community, specifically when it came to finding and keeping a job. Just as schools have tailored curriculums to create learning opportunities for children with autism, she set out to open a small business tailored to providing adults with meaningful employment.

“We all aspire for our children to be happy and accomplished in life, with or without special needs,” said Rita Sabita Nasrallah, Founder. “As a mother of a child with autism, I want others to understand that being differently abled is not a barrier to success, but an opportunity to thrive.”

The Blissful Seeds retail location will be an art gallery and studio, selling products and crafts made by youth and adults with autism. With an inventory that includes all-natural bath bombs, candles, soaps, and resin art, products reflect the talents and strengths of their artisans, and will expand as the organization continues to employ more individuals with developmental disabilities.

“Not only is this a unique way to fill a retail space, but it’s a first for Regency’s portfolio in Southern California,” said Parker Rosen, Leasing Representative. “It’s truly inspiring to see how Blissful Seeds fuels the entrepreneurial spirit. I’m thrilled we can help them provide a platform to empower young adults with disabilities through entrepreneurship and employment.”

Blissful Seeds is slated to open at Twin Peaks in September 2023, rounding out a merchandising mix that includes Amazon Fresh, Target, and CorePower Yoga. For additional leasing information, contact ParkerRosen@regencycenters.com.

View original content here.

EMERYVILLE, Calif., June 13, 2024 – SCS Standards, an ANSI-accredited standard development organization, is pleased to announce the publication of SCS-116, the Certification Standard for Water Stewardship and Resiliency. The Standard provides requirements for an organization to measure its baseline water performance, set relevant targets, implement practices, and monitor progress year over year.

SCS-116 is applicable to organizations of all sizes worldwide seeking to demonstrate their commitment to implementing effective water stewardship and resiliency practices at the site level. The Standard also encourages organizations to go above and beyond to achieve trailblazer recognition in the following categories:

Natural Habitat and Biodiversity ImpactsNature Based SolutionsInnovative TechnologiesWater CircularityNet-Zero Water Use Net-Positive Water UseWater Quality ImprovementCommunity Engagement

“This comprehensive environmental standard incorporates input from a wide range of stakeholders who provided comments, including experts from academia, nonprofits, consulting firms, and other private sector industries,” said Victoria Norman, Executive Director of SCS Standards. “The enthusiastic involvement of the stakeholder community resulted in a robust and practical standard for use by organizations in diverse industry sectors.”

To download a copy of the standard, please visit the SCS Standards Website https://www.scsstandards.org/standards/certification-standard-water-stewardship-and-resiliency

For SCS-116 Certification Services, please visit the SCS Global Services Website https://www.scsglobalservices.com/services/water-stewardship-and-resiliency-certification

Read More

About SCS Standards

SCS Standards is a non-profit organization committed to the development of standards that advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Standards are developed in alignment with best practices and guidelines provided by internationally recognized bodies to ensure a robust, transparent and collaborative approach. SCS Standards is an affiliate of Scientific Certification Systems, Inc., and is its official affiliate standards development body.

Media Contact 
Victoria Norman  
Executive Director 
Send an email