Tag: 3BL

September 29, 2025 /3BL/ – The Wells Fargo Foundation awarded a $550,000 grant to JUST Community, a statewide nonprofit that provides equitable access to capital and support to entrepreneurs. The funding, announced at the kick-off of El Paso Start-Up Week at the Garden Venue, will expand JUST’s financial empowerment and coaching model, which builds relationships with entrepreneurs and focuses on their character rather than just their credit score.

This grant will help small business owners in El Paso and across Texas start, grow, and sustain their businesses, providing the tools and support that lead to long-term financial stability and community impact.

“Trust is the foundation of everything we do,” said Steve Wanta, Co-Founder and CEO of JUST. “By building relationships with entrepreneurs and providing tools for credit, savings, and strategic investments, we help them build more than income. They gain ownership of their business, their homes, and their futures. That path to ownership creates sustainable wealth, which in turn builds stronger families and communities. With the support from the Wells Foundation, we can expand this work and help Texas entrepreneurs turn potential into lasting impact.”

The announcement coincided with JUST Community’s milestone of distributing over $1 million in loans to entrepreneurs in El Paso. The celebration also featured a local market showcasing local businesses, giving attendees the opportunity to see entrepreneurs thrive with support from JUST programs. Local business leaders, community partners, City of El Paso officials, Wells Fargo Foundation representatives, and small business owners attended to recognize the milestone and grant announcement.

JUST Community has provided over $40 million in loans to thousands of entrepreneurs across Texas. Its trust-based model, combined with capital, coaching, and a supportive network, has helped business owners strategically save and grow their business for long-term financial stability. Ninety percent of participants build sustainable businesses and can cover emergency expenses within the first 18-24 months.

“Chester was born out of my love for animals and the heartbreaking loss of my own dog Patricio, which pushed me to make a difference,” said Alma Gonzalez, Founder of Chester Homemade Dog Treats. “For so long, I felt invisible — no one believed in my idea because it was just a tiny dream. But JUST was the first to see beyond the numbers and trust in me. That trust gave me the courage to keep going, and today Chester is growing because someone finally believed that passion and purpose matter.”

In El Paso alone, over 100 entrepreneurs have leveraged JUST’s trust-based lending model to launch and grow their businesses. The grant announcement also marked the kickoff of El Paso Start-Up Week, highlighting new opportunities and celebrating the growth of local businesses across the city and state.

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JUST Community is a social venture that invests in ambitious Texas entrepreneurs, fostering financial stability and generational wealth through a trust-based financial system. JUST helps small businesses grow, thrive, and strengthen local economies. Visit www.hellojust.com to learn more.

Originally published on Verite News

For Entergy, the story of recovery after Katrina was never just about turning the lights back on; it was about laying the foundation for lasting stability and opportunity. In the two decades since Hurricane Katrina, Entergy has worked alongside local partners to invest in clean energy, financial empowerment, and economic development, creating pathways to prosperity for Gulf South communities while preparing them for a stronger, more sustainable future.

When Entergy rebuilds, it extends beyond poles and wires; it’s about building the community back stronger – whether equipping schools with solar panels, creating 130 miles of bike lanes or replanting almost 100,000 trees wiped out by the storm. 

The company has also made significant investments in solar energy, energy efficiency, and grid resilience, ensuring that families, schools, and businesses have access to power that is affordable, reliable, and clean.

“Since Katrina, Entergy has made significant investments in solar energy and energy efficiency programs as well as community partnerships that help increase resilience to the effects of climate change. Our focus is delivering affordable, reliable, and cleaner power that helps Gulf South communities thrive for generations to come,”

John Weiss, Entergy’s Vice President of Sustainability and Environmental Policy.

For more than twenty years, Entergy shareholders have invested nearly $44 million in environmentally beneficial projects and programs through the Environmental Initiatives Fund. The fund identifies projects or programs throughout Entergy’s service area that improve the environment by reducing emissions, protecting natural resources and restoring wetlands and forests. In the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the fund supported local organizations that made a big impact on the communities Entergy calls home. From coastal restoration to sustainable parade throws, Entergy’s support helped deliver real results.

Grounds Krewe, a nonprofit organization focused on waste prevention, is working to increase recycling efforts and expand the use of eco-friendly parade throws and consumable goods. “With continued support from Entergy’s Environmental Initiative Fund, the Entergy Charitable Foundation, and hundreds of volunteer hours from their staff, our non-profit has been able to provide over 760,000 eco-friendly, functional throw alternatives to Mardi Gras Krewes and divert 112,000 pounds of material from the landfill through parade recycling initiatives,” says Brett Davis, director of Grounds Krewe. “Entergy’s help was fundamental in getting us off the ground and has kept our programs thriving.”

These efforts are grounded in Entergy’s climate action plan, which includes a goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Through renewable energy, advanced battery storage, and smarter grid technology, Entergy is shaping a future where sustainability benefits everyone. Importantly, these innovations also create economic opportunities. By training local workers to install, maintain, and manage renewable energy infrastructure, Entergy connects environmental progress directly to jobs and workforce development, ensuring that economic growth and sustainability move forward together.

Just as Entergy invests in cleaner energy, it also empowers families to build financial stability and create generational wealth. Through partnerships with United Way of Southeast Louisiana, Entergy supports Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) centers, helping families claim the refunds and tax credits they deserve. From 2011 through 2024, Entergy volunteers have helped refund more than $354 million in earned income tax credits to customers across its system, with nearly half of those refunds going to Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans customers. Entergy’s pro bono legal program also assists residents in securing critical documents related to housing, helping them retain home ownership and access rebuilding funds – work that has had a transformative and generational impact on families across the region. Over the past decade, Entergy’s dedicated legal team has contributed more than 22,000 hours of pro bono work, resulting in a $6.1 million in-kind donation to the communities Entergy serves.

“Entergy’s dedicated pro bono volunteers have played a pivotal role in helping families retain their homes, guiding them through the process of securing essential paperwork to access rebuilding funds and foster family wealth,” said Christy Kane, Entergy Pro Bono Counsel. “This initiative not only bolsters economic stability within our region but, more importantly, provides immense relief to community members who can finally claim legal ownership of family homes.

Christy shared one particularly moving story: “One woman told me that locking the door at night now brings her peace, knowing her grandmother’s home is finally in her name. That sense of security ensures her family’s legacy will live on.” 

Kane was recently selected as a Daily Point of Light Award honoree for her pro bono work with Entergy by the Points of Light organization, an organization that honors U.S. companies that prioritize giving back, empowering volunteer work and creating sustainable community programs. Working on issues like these reinforces how personal this work can be for Kane, and everyone at Entergy.

Beyond helping families secure their homes, Entergy also extends its commitment to strengthening the Gulf South by supporting local businesses and fostering economic opportunities. Through mentorship programs, contracting partnerships, and financial tools, Entergy helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses and contribute to a thriving Gulf South economy. 

From reducing energy costs and strengthening infrastructure to supporting families and small businesses, Entergy’s work reflects a vision where environmental progress, economic empowerment, and community resilience are all connected.

Twenty years after Katrina, the company continues to partner with communities to create pathways from recovery to renewal, ensuring that the Gulf South’s future is one of strength, opportunity, and shared prosperity.

To learn more, explore our series:  Powering Life: Recovery to Renewal
Community Resilience
Power of Hope
Community Impact: Education & Affordable Housing
Community Impact: Sustainability and Local Economic Support

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Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

What comes to mind when you think of a bell? Perhaps it elicits memories of school days spent waiting for one to ring, or maybe you’re reminded of the Liberty Bell that symbolizes independence.

Bells have long represented important transitions and, in many cases, freedom. For cancer patients, it’s no different — the bell is a beacon of hope that echoes a sound of victory. For patients at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, it also marks the start of a new chapter to be filled with more time to simply be a kid. In its simplicity, the ringing of the bell transforms the end of cancer treatment into more than a medical milestone — it becomes a celebration of life, courage and the extraordinary strength of a child.

Take 4-year-old Austin, for example. He has a condition called adrenoleukodystrophy, a rare genetic condition affecting the nervous system and adrenal glands, which doctors have been monitoring since he was an infant. After learning to navigate the challenges of this disease, Austin and his family came to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for answers that would explain Austin’s repeat illnesses and infections. That’s when they discovered that Austin — who was just 2 years old at the time — also has B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After two years, Austin rang the end-of-treatment bell in May together with friends, family and the Cherokee County Fire Department, who have been by his side this entire journey.

Another special moment was with Noelle, who also recently completed her treatment journey. After fainting during what seemed to be a normal breakfast with her family, Noelle was rushed to her pediatrician for lab work. The next morning, her family received a call that changed everything — she was being sent to the emergency room because her bloodwork showed signs of leukemia. Noelle was admitted to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center after being diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After more than two years of active treatment consisting of countless medications and procedures, Noelle proudly rang the bell at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, marking her new beginning.

Since 1995, Aflac agents, employees and The Aflac Foundation, Inc. have given more than $191 million to The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, a national leader among childhood cancer, hematology and blood and marrow transplant programs. Behind these donations is a team of people cheering on each patient, which is why Aflac recently added an alert to their intranet that pops up every time a child rings the bell at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Now, every time a child completes their treatment and participates in the coveted tradition of ringing the bell, thousands of Aflac employees will get a notification, allowing them to take part in the celebration virtually. And even though they won’t know patients’ names or circumstances, the hope is that each time they’re notified that the bell has been rung, the Aflac family will be reminded that their support — big or small — is making a difference in the lives of children with cancer.

Learn more about how Aflac is building a bridge to brighter futures for children like Austin and Noelle by visiting Aflac.com/BridgeToBrighter.

Since 1995, Aflac agents, employees and The Aflac Foundation, Inc. have given more than $191 million to The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, a national leader among childhood cancer, hematology and blood and marrow transplant programs. Behind these donations is a team of people cheering on each patient, which is why Aflac recently added an alert to their intranet that pops up every time a child rings the bell at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Now, every time a child completes their treatment and participates in the coveted tradition of ringing the bell, thousands of Aflac employees will get a notification, allowing them to take part in the celebration virtually. And even though they won’t know patients’ names or circumstances, the hope is that each time they’re notified that the bell has been rung, the Aflac family will be reminded that their support — big or small — is making a difference in the lives of children with cancer.

Learn more about how Aflac is building a bridge to brighter futures for children like Austin and Noelle by visiting Aflac.com/BridgeToBrighter.

Aflac includes Aflac and/or Aflac New York and/or Continental American Insurance Company and /or Continental American Life Insurance Company.

WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2500920 Exp. 9/26

 

Key Points

• Joe Finlen, a professional truck driver for 48 years, was honored with the 2025 National Driver All-Star award for driving 3.5 million miles without any accidents, injuries, or moving violations.
• Finlen has worked at Marathon Petroleum’s Colton fleet in California for over 35 years and is known for his commitment to safety and professionalism.
• Marathon Petroleum has had a driver on the NPTC National Driver All-Star list for the past 16 years.

James “Joe” Finlen has been a professional truck driver for 48 years. He started as a demolition specialist and driver in the U.S. Army at the age of 17 and was responsible for transporting hazardous material at Fort Carson in Colorado. After three years in the military, he went home to California, where he continued his career as a driver.

“I love driving,” said Finlen. “My father was a driver, and he taught me to drive a tanker truck. He was always focused on safety and told me that ‘one oops takes away ten attaboys.’”

Finlen took that advice to heart over his decades-long career. In September, Finlen was presented with the 2025 National Driver All-Star award at the National Private Truck Council’s (NPTC) National Safety Conference in Florida. He was honored for achieving a record of driving 3.5 million miles without an accident, injury or moving violation and being 100% compliant with corporate safety expectations.

“I take pride in leading by example, advocating for safety among my peers, and actively promoting a safe and compliant environment.”

“I take pride in leading by example, advocating for safety among my peers, and actively promoting a safe and compliant environment,” said Finlen. “My professionalism and courtesy are integral to my role, reflecting Marathon’s values and ensuring a positive experience for every customer and colleague.”

Marathon Petroleum has had a driver on the NPTC National Driver All-Star list for the past 16 years.

“When I put this uniform on, I recognize that I represent not only myself, but also the legacy of drivers who have come before and those who will follow,” said Finlen. “I am a representative of Marathon, a standard bearer of excellence in our industry. My commitment is to uphold the highest standards in every customer interaction.”

Finlen has worked at Marathon’s Colton fleet in California for more than 35 years and still loves what he does for a living. He works four night shifts each week delivering products to stations in Southern California.

“As a driver, I operate independently, but I also represent a great company,” said Finlen. “My dad would be very proud of me.”

Montreal, QC – Friday, September 26, 2025 /3BL/ – Today, Saint-Gobain Canada officially marked the completion of its expansion and sustainable upgrade project at its CertainTeed Gypsum plant in Sainte-Catherine, Quebec, transforming the facility into North America’s first zero-carbon (scopes 1 and 2) gypsum wallboard plant and the largest in the world. First announced in 2022, Saint-Gobain completed major electrification upgrades allowing the plant to be solely powered by renewable electricity.

The numerous facility upgrades also helped decrease energy usage by up to 30% and boost production capacity by up to 40%, as Saint-Gobain works to provide gypsum wallboard in Canada to help respond to the increasing housing demand across the country.

With the new process and equipment, CertainTeed’s plant has reduced its CO₂ emissions by 44,000 tons per year – which is equivalent to the average emissions of 14,000 cars annually. This milestone also marks the launch of a new Infinaé gypsum wallboard category in Canada, within which CarbonLow, produced locally, is estimated to have up to 60% less embodied carbon cradle-to-gate.

Infinaé is Saint-Gobain’s highest performance, lowest climate impact range of gypsum solutions engineered to lead the way in construction with products made right here in Canada. It offers Canadian customers the freedom to surpass current green building standards.

“The ambitious electrification project we just completed in Canada is a tangible and impactful example of Saint-Gobain’s commitment to truly Making the World a Better Home,” shares Jean-Claude Lasserre, CEO, Saint-Gobain Canada. “We were also able to increase production capacity to help address one of Canada’s most pressing current challenges, addressing the housing shortage. This impressive feat shows that with commitment and determination, both productivity and sustainability can walk hand in hand to better the future for all Canadians.”

“Today’s ribbon cutting ceremony marks several years of hard work and dedication to build a sustainable and net-zero (scopes 1 and 2) plant that will be an example for the entire manufacturing industry,” said Mark Rayfield, President & CEO, Saint-Gobain North America. “This important investment will not only make Saint-Gobain North America the leader in sustainable drywall manufacturing, it will further our operations in Canada, where we remain committed to growth and providing light and sustainable building materials for all Canadians.”

Strong partnerships to further Quebec’s energy transition

The project represents a major investment that was conducted in partnership with both Quebec’s government and Hydro-Québec. Through the Ministry of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks’ EcoPerformance program, the Sainte-Catherine plant was granted $40M to support this important energy transition and energy efficiency project.

“Saint-Gobain shares our government’s commitment to accelerate the energy transition and decarbonize our economy. Establishing its zero-carbon gypsum wallboard plant is a great example of this, and we are extremely proud to see this important project come to fruition here, in the riding of Sanguinet,” stated Christine Fréchette, MNA for Sanguinet and Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy.

“Hydro-Québec is proud to have contributed to the creation of the first zero-carbon gypsum wallboard plant in North America, an inspiring model for the entire industry. CertainTeed is exemplary not only in terms of energy efficiency, with a 30% reduction in its consumption, but also in its efforts to help reduce consumption during peak periods.

To achieve Quebec’s energy transition, decarbonization must be done efficiently, and this project is a concrete example of that. From the ideation phase, our experts collaborated with CertainTeed to transform an innovative vision into a sustainable and high-performing reality.” — Caroline DeVit, Senior Director of Business Development and Performance, Hydro-Québec

A three-year transformation for the better

Overall, 80% of the plant’s equipment was upgraded through this three-year project and new processes were implemented to significantly reduce carbon emissions:

• Replacing natural gas burners with highly efficient electrical heating elements;
• Implementing real-time smart energy meters and management system;
• Implementing multiple heat recovery systems and upgrading equipment insulation;
• Adding process sensors to monitor and improve production quality;
• Improving compressed air design.

Additional improvements are being implemented and will be deployed in the near future to further improve sustainability at the site:

• Increasing recycled content by using pre- and post-consumer waste;
• Reducing inbound transportation of natural gypsum rock from various sources.

On the journey to net zero carbon by 2050

Saint-Gobain is committed to its global objective of reaching net zero carbon by 2050 and as such continues leading multiple sustainable projects across the country:

• With the success of Saint-Gobain’s recycling partnership with New West Gypsum in Vancouver, which surpassed 1,000,000 tons of recycled gypsum put back into production since 1985, Saint-Gobain Canada is working to expand its gypsum recycling activities to new regions in Canada.
  • This includes a pilot program in Quebec, with the intent to expand the program more largely to divert gypsum from landfills.
• Earlier this year, Saint-Gobain Canada introduced Lanaé, a new insulation technology with up to 82% of recycled content and a bio-sourced renewable binder. Production of Lanaé supports Saint-Gobain’s commitment to creating a circular economy in building materials, with production waste recycled into the Ultratherm regrind insulation product.
• Over the past year, CertainTeed Gypsum Winnipeg has spearheaded an innovative water usage reduction project that significantly optimized water and energy usage during gypsum wallboard production.
  • This unique project resulted in reducing water consumption by 240,000 less water gallons used per year, decreasing CO₂ emissions (scopes 1 & 2) by 5,000 tons per year and saving over 25 million kWh in energy consumption per year.
• With the support of FortisBC and British Columbia’s CleanBC Program for Industry, CertainTeed Vancouver invested nearly $7M to install a new heat recovery system. The sustainable innovation reduces carbon emissions (scope 1) by up to 15% during the production process by recycling some of the waste heat emitted from the dryer.
• Saint-Gobain Canada is also looking at significantly reducing transportation miles and Scope 3 carbon emissions, by strategically positioning its upcoming Antrim Gypsum Project in Nova Scotia to supply its Northeastern North America operations.
• The Group also initiated a permitting phase for a future rail loadout project for the Kootenay West Gypsum Mine, which will significantly reduce trucking distances from 4.5 million kilometers to 250,000 kilometers annually. This project would support Saint-Gobain’s sustainability goals by significantly reducing Scope 3 carbon emissions due to transportation of raw material.

*Scopes 1 and 2

About CertainTeed

With innovative building solutions made possible through its comprehensive offering of interior and exterior products, CertainTeed is transforming how the industry builds. As leaders in building science and sustainable construction, CertainTeed makes it easier than ever to create high-performance, energy-efficient places to live, work and play, so that together we can make the world a better home. 

A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, one of the world’s largest and oldest building products companies, CertainTeed has more than 6,900 employees and more than 60 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. www.certainteed.com

About Saint-Gobain

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group, celebrating its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.

€46.6 billion in sales in 2024
More than 161,000 employees, locations in 80 countries 
Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050

Contact for media only:
Alexandre Lainesse
Public Relations Manager, Canada, Saint-Gobain North America
alexandre.lainesse@saint-gobain.com
514-973-1187

 

• Nearly one year after hurricanes Helene and Milton impacted the state, Duke Energy Florida continues to complete energy infrastructure investments to boost power reliability, strengthen the grid

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., September 26, 2025 /3BL/ – Nearly one year ago, Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida within just weeks, impacting nearly 2 million customers. The two storms resulted in an unprecedented level of activation as Duke Energy Florida mobilized nearly 25,000 workers and resources to restore outages. Most outages were restored within 72 hours of the storm strikes.

Over the last several years following storm impacts, Duke Energy has been working year-round to strengthen its infrastructure, including investments in self-healing technology and grid hardening. This investment has enabled faster restoration and even saved 313 million minutes of outage time during storms in 2025.

Now, on the one-year anniversary of the storms, Duke Energy Florida reflects on storm response, shares its extensive investments in power reliability and looks ahead to the 2025 storm season.

Investments in customer power reliability

Year-round, Duke Energy Florida conducts infrastructure upgrades to further strengthen power reliability and reduce restoration times. The company has:

• Invested in self-healing technology throughout its service territory, which automatically detects power outages and reroutes power to other power lines to restore service faster for customers, often in less than a minute
   
• Replaced approximately 60% of its wooden transmission poles with more durable concrete or steel over the last five years, with a completion target of 2028
   
• Placed approximately 50% of its distribution system underground, shielded from some of the elements brought on by extreme weather conditions, while continuing to underground more of its existing overhead facilities in outage-prone areas 
   
• Completed distribution hardening projects across 38 substations, and over 30 more are currently in progress
   
• Completed more than 4,000 miles of vegetation maintenance trimming on Duke Energy Florida’s distribution lines, and this year, they plan to complete nearly 660 miles of work on the transmission side
   
• Executed an “Assess and Address” program to proactively identify and complete equipment upgrades before storms arise

Investments in energy infrastructure directly benefit Duke Energy Florida customers

“Duke Energy Florida stands ready to respond to any storm activity that impacts our state,” said Melissa Seixas, president, Duke Energy Florida. “We prepare for this time all year and every investment we make helps to keep our customers’ lights on and speed restoration when an outage does occur.”

“Particularly in Pinellas County, we are seeing significant improvements in our restoration times because of our grid hardening efforts over the last years,” said Antonio Price, vice president, zone operations, Duke Energy Florida. “In Pinellas County, 90% of our residents are served by self-healing technology, and that allows us to quickly restore outages without dispatching personnel. It also allows us to narrow down where the outages are so we can restore even more quickly.”

Duke Energy Florida

Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,300 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. 

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage. 

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition. 

Contact: Laitin Sterling
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

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Montréal, QC, Le vendredi 26 septembre 2025 /3BL/ – Aujourd’hui, Saint-Gobain Canada a officiellement marqué l’achèvement de son projet d’expansion et de mise à niveau durable à son usine CertainTeed Gypse à Sainte-Catherine, au Québec, transformant l’installation en la première usine de panneaux de gypse zéro carbone (portées 1 et 2) en Amérique du Nord et la plus grande au monde. Annoncé pour la première fois en 2022, Saint-Gobain a réalisé d’importantes mises à niveau d’électrification permettant à l’usine d’être alimentée uniquement par de l’électricité renouvelable.

Les nombreuses mises à niveau de l’installation ont également contribué à diminuer la consommation d’énergie de jusqu’à 30 % et à augmenter la capacité de production de jusqu’à 40 %, alors que Saint-Gobain s’efforce de fournir des panneaux de gypse au Canada pour répondre à la demande croissante de logements à travers le pays.

Avec le nouveau processus et l’équipement, l’usine a réduit ses émissions de CO₂ de 44 000 tonnes par an – ce qui équivaut aux émissions moyennes de 14 000 voitures chaque année. Ce moment important marque également le lancement d’une nouvelle catégorie de panneaux de gypse Infinaé au Canada, parmi laquelle BasCarbone, produit localement, contient désormais jusqu’à 60 % de carbone incorporé en moins, du berceau à la porte.

Infinaé est la gamme de solutions de gypse de Saint-Gobain offrant la plus haute performance et le plus faible impact climatique, conçue pour inspirer l’industrie de la construction avec des produits développés et bien faits, ici au Canada. Elle offre aux clients canadiens la liberté de surpasser les normes de bâtiment durable.

“Le projet d’électrification ambitieux que nous venons de réaliser au Canada est un exemple tangible et significatif de l’engagement de Saint-Gobain à véritablement Faire du monde une maison plus belle et plus durable”, déclare Jean-Claude Lasserre, PDG, Saint-Gobain Canada. “Nous avons également pu augmenter notre capacité de production pour aider à relever l’un des défis les plus pressants du Canada, à savoir la pénurie de logements. Cette prouesse impressionnante montre qu’avec engagement et détermination, la productivité et la durabilité peuvent aller de pair pour améliorer l’avenir de tous les Canadiens.”

“La cérémonie d’aujourd’hui marque plusieurs années de travail acharné et de dévouement pour construire une usine durable et zéro carbone (portées 1 et 2) qui sera un exemple pour toute l’industrie manufacturière”, a déclaré Mark Rayfield, Président et directeur général, Saint-Gobain Amérique du Nord. “Cet investissement important fera non seulement de Saint-Gobain Amérique du Nord le leader de la fabrication de panneaux de gypse durables, mais il renforcera également nos opérations au Canada, où nous restons engagés envers la croissance et l’offre de matériaux de construction légers et durables pour tous les Canadiens.”

Des partenariats solides pour faire avancer la transition énergétique du Québec

Le projet représente un important investissement réalisé en partenariat avec le gouvernement du Québec ainsi qu’avec Hydro-Québec. Grâce au programme ÉcoPerformance du ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs, l’usine de Sainte-Catherine a reçu une subvention de 40 millions de dollars pour soutenir ce projet majeur de transition et d’efficacité énergétique.

“Saint-Gobain partage avec notre gouvernement la volonté d’accélérer la transition énergétique et de décarboner notre économie. La mise en place de son usine de panneaux de gypse zéro carbone en témoigne de belle façon, et nous sommes extrêmement fiers de voir cet important projet se concrétiser ici, dans la circonscription de Sanguinet”, a fait savoir Christine Fréchette, députée de Sanguinet et ministre de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie.

“Hydro-Québec est fière d’avoir contribué à la création de la première usine de panneaux de gypse zéro carbone en Amérique du Nord, un modèle inspirant pour toute l’industrie. CertainTeed est exemplaire non seulement au chapitre de l’efficacité énergétique grâce à une diminution de sa consommation de 30 %, mais également par ses efforts afin de contribuer à diminuer sa consommation en période de pointe.

Afin de réaliser la transition énergétique du Québec, la décarbonation doit se faire de façon efficace et ce projet en est un exemple concret. Dès la phase d’idéation, nos experts ont collaboré avec CertainTeed pour transformer une vision innovante en une réalisation durable et performante.” — Caroline DeVit, Directrice principale développement des affaires et performance, Hydro-Québec

Une transformation de trois ans pour le mieux

Dans l’ensemble, 80 % de l’équipement de l’usine a été modernisé grâce à ce projet de trois ans et de nouveaux processus ont été mis en œuvre pour réduire significativement les émissions de carbone :

• Remplacement des brûleurs au gaz naturel par des éléments chauffants électriques très efficaces;
• Mise en œuvre de compteurs et d’un système de gestion de l’énergie en temps réel et intelligents;
• Installation de multiples systèmes de récupération de la chaleur et amélioration de l’isolation des équipements;
• Ajout de capteurs de processus pour surveiller et améliorer la qualité de la production;
• Amélioration de la conception de l’air comprimé.

Des améliorations supplémentaires sont en cours de mise en œuvre et seront déployées dans un avenir rapproché pour améliorer encore l’impact durable du site :

• Augmentation du contenu recyclé en utilisant des déchets pré- et post-consommation;
• Réduction du transport entrant de roches de gypse naturel provenant de diverses sources.

Sur la voie du zéro carbone d’ici 2050

Saint-Gobain est engagé envers son objectif mondial d’atteindre zéro carbone d’ici 2050 et continue de mettre en place plusieurs projets durables à travers le pays :

• Avec le succès du partenariat de recyclage de Saint-Gobain avec New West Gypsum à Vancouver, qui a permis de dépasser 1 000 000 tonnes de gypse recyclé remis en production depuis 1985, Saint-Gobain Canada travaille à étendre ses activités de recyclage de gypse à de nouvelles régions du Canada.
  • Cela inclut un programme pilote au Québec, avec l’intention d’étendre le programme plus largement pour détourner le gypse des sites d’enfouissement.
• Plus tôt cette année, Saint-Gobain Canada a lancé Lanaé, une nouvelle technologie d’isolation contenant jusqu’à 82 % de contenu recyclé et un liant renouvelable bio-sourcé. La production de Lanaé soutient l’engagement de Saint-Gobain à créer une économie circulaire dans les matériaux de construction, avec les déchets de production recyclés en un produit d’isolation soufflé, Ultratherm.
• Au cours de la dernière année, CertainTeed Gypse Winnipeg a implémenté un projet innovant de réduction de l’utilisation d’eau qui a significativement optimisé l’utilisation de l’eau et de l’énergie lors de la production de panneaux de gypse.
  • Ce projet unique a permis de réduire la consommation d’eau de 240 000 gallons d’eau par an, de diminuer les émissions de CO₂ (portées 1 et 2) de 5 000 tonnes par an et d’économiser plus de 25 millions de kWh de consommation d’énergie par an.
• Avec le soutien de FortisBC et du programme CleanBC pour l’industrie de la Colombie-Britannique, CertainTeed Vancouver a investi près de 7 millions de dollars pour installer un nouveau système de récupération de chaleur. L’innovation durable réduit les émissions de carbone (portée 1) jusqu’à 15 % lors du processus de production en recyclant une partie de la chaleur résiduelle émise par le séchoir.
• Saint-Gobain Canada envisage également de réduire considérablement les kilomètres de transport et les émissions de carbone de portée 3, en positionnant stratégiquement son projet de gypse à Antrim en Nouvelle-Écosse pour approvisionner ses opérations du Nord-Est de l’Amérique du Nord.
• Le Groupe est également en processus d’évaluation pour un futur projet de chargement ferroviaire pour la mine de gypse de Kootenay West en Colombie-Britannique, ce qui réduirait considérablement les distances de transport par camion de 4,5 millions de kilomètres à 250 000 kilomètres par an. Ce projet soutiendrait les objectifs de durabilité de Saint-Gobain en réduisant de façon significative les émissions de carbone de portée 3 dues au transport de la matière première.

À propos de CertainTeed

Avec des solutions de construction innovantes rendues possibles grâce à son offre complète de produits intérieurs et extérieurs, CertainTeed transforme la manière dont l’industrie construit. En tant que leaders en sciences de la construction et en construction durable, CertainTeed facilite plus que jamais la création d’espaces performants et écoénergétiques pour vivre, travailler et se divertir, afin qu’ensemble nous puissions faire du monde une maison plus belle et plus durable.

Filiale de Saint-Gobain, l’une des plus grandes et des plus anciennes entreprises de produits de construction au monde, CertainTeed compte plus de 6 900 employés et plus de 60 installations de fabrication à travers les États-Unis et le Canada. http://www.certainteed.com/

*Portées 1 et 2

À propos de Saint-Gobain

Leader mondial de la construction durable, Saint-Gobain conçoit, produit et distribue des matériaux et services pour les marchés de l’habitat et de l’industrie. Développées dans une dynamique d’innovation permanente, ses solutions intégrées pour la rénovation des bâtiments publics et privés, la construction légère et la décarbonation du monde de la construction et de l’industrie apportent durabilité et performance. Le Groupe, qui fête en 2025 ses 360 ans, est plus que jamais guidé par sa raison d’être FAIRE DU MONDE UNE MAISON PLUS BELLE ET PLUS DURABLE.

46,6 milliards d’euros de chiffre d’affaires en 2024 
Plus de 161 000 collaborateurs, présence dans 80 pays 
Engagé à être zéro émission nette de carbone d’ici 2050

Contact pour les médias seulement:
Alexandre Lainesse
Responsable des relations publiques, Canada, Saint-Gobain Amérique du Nord
alexandre.lainesse@saint-gobain.com
514-973-1187

 

Previously published by Forbes

As the world turns its attention to Climate Week NYC and COP30, much of the focus is on decarbonization and fossil fuels. Yet concentrating on energy only overlooks a critical lever: the circular economy. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 45% of emissions stem not from energy use but from the way we produce and consume products, materials, and food —areas that demand a circular approach.

Over the years, circularity has proved to be more than just a buzzword; it’s a strategic business play.

Continue reading here.

NEW YORK, September 26, 2025 /3BL/ – The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce has announced that the first participant of its Retail Storefront Accelerator program has signed a new lease agreement at Manhattan’s Oculus World Trade Center. The program is part of the Chamber’s Storefront Resurgence Project, a comprehensive initiative aimed at revitalizing Manhattan’s commercial corridors.

Calvin Martin has leased space at 185 Greenwich St., Suite LL3001 to open GÜDSPORT, a dynamic group fitness company designed for high performers and competitors, bringing the energy of team sports into a premium facility where members can train with like-minded individuals to maximize results. GÜDSPORT is expected to open in early 2026, marking Martin’s first brick-and-mortar location.

“Starting and maintaining a business is no easy task, particularly in such a competitive scene like New York City,” said Jessica Walker, President and CEO of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. “We launched this program to equip small business owners with the tools, mentorship, and strategies they need to open their first brick-and-mortar storefronts. Last year, our program empowered a group of exceptional retail business owners, and I look forward to seeing Calvin and others take their vision to reality this year and beyond.”

Through the program – which launched in July last year – the Chamber endeavors to assist small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) while also contributing to the commercial revitalization of Manhattan through storefront development. As of Q2 2025, the Chamber has reported that Manhattan vacancy rates are at 13.99%, higher than the New York City-wide vacancy rate of 11.21%, highlighting the importance of this program and others the Chamber is spearheading to drive the success of Manhattan’s local business environment. The program provides entrepreneurs and their businesses with the necessary resources and guidance to successfully launch and maintain a sustainable storefront business in Manhattan. Nearly all of the participating founders last year in the first cohort were women-owned businesses, and more than half were minority-owned, reflecting the program’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in Manhattan’s retail landscape.

“Launching GÜDSPORT and bringing my vision, purpose, and impact to life in this location means everything to me,” said Calvin Martin, founder of GÜDSPORT, a high-octane fitness brand built for former athletes, high-achievers, and competitors, located in the World Trade Center. “I’m honored to have worked with the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, Wells Fargo, and their partners, and I look forward to building with my team every day to deliver the ultimate experience for the people of NYC. This is truly just the beginning.”

The Storefront Resurgence Project sets out to drive foot traffic along key retail corridors throughout Manhattan, bolster the stability of more than 30,000 existing storefronts, and attract a new generation of entrepreneurs to Manhattan’s retail landscape. Key components of the initiative include business outreach, technical support, and the formation of a Storefront Business Coalition. As part of the project, the Chamber also recently unveiled the Storefront Improvement Program – the next phase in its project – which focuses on revitalizing storefront façades across four commercial corridors in Manhattan. Earlier this year at a branch opening in the Upper West Side, Wells Fargo – a business member of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce and supporter of the program – presented the Chamber with a $125,000 grant to support the Storefront Improvement Program this year.

“Wells Fargo is excited to celebrate the first signed lease from the Storefront Accelerator Program and help expand the program to other entrepreneurs,” said Krissy Moore, Wells Fargo’s senior vice president, Community Relations, Northeast region. “With the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce’s leadership, business owners are able to seek the necessary resources to open and maintain a storefront in Manhattan, one of the most competitive markets in the country.”

In early July, the Chamber also announced the launch of the 2026 Summer of Opportunity Coalition, which aims to maximize the economic impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 250^th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next summer. The events are estimated to generate more than $2 billion and attract 1M visitors to the region, and the Coalition will be encouraging tourism across all five boroughs and ensuring that local businesses benefit from them.

About the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce

The Manhattan Chamber is dedicated to empowering businesses, strengthening our local economy, and ensuring that New York remains the world’s most exciting and opportunity-rich place to do business. We help, connect, and fight for the 125,000+ businesses across Manhattan. Collectively, these businesses employ 2.4 million people and generate $939 billion in annual GDP.

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PERDUE HILL, Ala., September 26, 2025 /3BL/ – Georgia-Pacific today announced a new capital project for the company’s Alabama River Cellulose mill in Perdue Hill, Alabama. The $800 million investment will modernize, expand and streamline the facility’s production capabilities.

The project, scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025 and conclude in 2027, will enhance and expand essential manufacturing equipment. This is expected to augment the mill’s operational efficiency and increase its production capacity by about 300 tons per day. Close to one million tons of fluff and market pulps will be produced yearly at the mill. A state-of-the-art digester, new pulp dryer and a more efficient power boiler will be installed. Modifications and upgrades will also be made to the brown stock washing and recausticizing systems, recovery boiler, evaporators and lime kiln. Once the project is completed, the Alabama River Cellulose mill will be the largest and one of the most technologically advanced softwood pulp mills in the U.S.

Softwood fluff and market pulps are used to make vital consumer goods such as baby diapers, adult incontinence and feminine hygiene products, facial tissue, kitchen towels, paper cups and plates and more. Demand for softwood pulp products is projected to grow by 3% annually over the next several years, and Georgia-Pacific seeks to meet that need through its investments at Alabama River Cellulose.

Georgia-Pacific is also invested in improving the plant’s environmental performance. The planned improvements aim to reduce water usage, lower particulate emissions, make energy use more efficient, improve wastewater processing, capture more valuable byproducts and improve biomass recovery and utilization.

“Since it was acquired in 2010, Georgia-Pacific has invested more than $700 million in the Alabama River Cellulose mill, including an $80 million investment to expand fluff pulp capacity in 2022,” said Munir Abdallah, president of GP Cellulose, a subsidiary of Georgia-Pacific. “Combined with the new funding, the facility will have received more than $1.5 billion in investments. Modernizing this mill reinforces our commitment to meeting our customers’ current and long-term demand for high-quality fluff and market pulps. The investment also means our cellulose business will be well-positioned to meet the growing needs of emerging markets.”

Governor Kay Ivey said, “Georgia-Pacific’s $800 million investment in its Alabama River Cellulose mill represents a powerful vote of confidence in our state’s workforce and business climate. This project not only strengthens one of Monroe County’s cornerstone employers, but it also ensures that Alabama will continue to play a leading role in supplying the materials that go into essential everyday products used around the world.”

“This transformational investment by Georgia-Pacific is a clear signal that Alabama remains a smart, strategic choice for advanced manufacturing,” said Ellen McNair, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “With these cutting-edge upgrades, the Alabama River Cellulose facility will become the most technologically advanced softwood pulp mill in the nation — right here in Monroe County. Georgia-Pacific’s continued commitment to innovation, sustainability and workforce development aligns perfectly with our goals for long-term economic growth.”

“The investments in our mill enables Georgia-Pacific to continue being a safe and reliable local employer,” said Jeff Vermilyea, vice president of manufacturing at Alabama River Cellulose. “We appreciate the local support we’ve received over the years, and we look forward to the continued collaboration with our community partners for a long time to come.”

Georgia-Pacific directly employs close to 2,400 employees and operates six facilities in Alabama, providing $238 million in direct wages and benefits. As of this year, the economic impact of the company contributes to 9,060 additional indirect jobs, which translates to $710 million in labor income in the state. At the local level, the Alabama River Cellulose mill provides more than 3,000 direct and indirect jobs, and $188 million in direct and indirect compensation and benefits. Georgia-Pacific has invested more than $2.5 billion in capital improvement projects and acquisitions within the state of Alabama over the past decade.

Judge Sonya Stinson, Judge of Probate for Monroe County, Alabama, commented, “To say that I am thrilled to hear that Georgia-Pacific has approved full funding for this project is such an understatement. I will never be able to put into words how grateful I am to know that Alabama River Cellulose mill will be in operation in Monroe County for decades to come. Georgia-Pacific not only provides quality jobs here in our county but is also a huge community supporter as well. We are very blessed to have them here in Monroe County.”

Learn more about GP Cellulose here.

View original content here.