Tag: 3BL

May 13, 2024 /3BL/ – Ceres welcomes the final regional transmission planning rule approved today by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which will reshape the way regional transmission lines are planned and paid for to ensure a more reliable and cleaner electric grid in the coming decades.

“At a time of growing electricity demand, worsening extreme weather, and a wave of investment in advanced manufacturing and energy infrastructure, the U.S. risks falling short of its economic and energy goals without transmission to deliver reliable, affordable, and clean power across the country,” said Zach Friedman, director of federal policy, Ceres. “Ceres and the businesses we work with applaud FERC commissioners for finalizing this important rule, which promises to help unlock critical transmission projects by assessing their many benefits and the long-term needs of the electric grid. This is a necessary step to maximize the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, key state policies, and the surge of private-sector investments in America to build out an abundant and prosperous clean energy economy.”

Recognizing the critical role of an accelerated transmission buildout to connect businesses with the reliable, affordable homegrown clean energy the economy demands, Ceres has worked throughout 2024 to organize corporate support for a robust FERC transmission rule.

In March, during its premiere annual advocacy event LEAD on a Clean Economy 2024 Ceres brought representatives from several key companies to meet with FERC commissioners, including Apple, Best Buy, HASI, Microsoft, Nucor, Salesforce, and Workday.

Ceres also submitted comments to commissioners with recommendations for the final rule, noting that “inefficiency and disorganization in transmission is the Achilles heel of our national effort to create a strong, sustainable, and equitable economy powered by clean energy.”

Ceres is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more just, and sustainable world. United under a shared vision, our powerful networks of investors and companies are proving sustainability is the bottom line — changing markets and sectors from the inside out. For more information, visit ceres.org.

Media Contact: Helen Booth-Tobin, booth-tobin@ceres.org

The fashion industry has a vital role to play in finding solutions to critical global issues, like climate change. At Tapestry, we believe that sustainability is a business imperative and we are taking action. The global scientific community has urgently called for limiting global temperature rise to 1.5⁰C above pre-industrial levels, as outlined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC),

Today, we are proud to announce that the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has validated Tapestry’s near- and long-term greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions targets.

The SBTi is an international organization that helps businesses set emissions reductions goals that follow the latest climate science. Validation by the SBTi confirms that our targets are in line with what is needed to meet the urgent need to keep global warming to 1.5⁰C.

As a result, we are proud to share Tapestry’s science-based targets:

Reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 64% by FY2030 from a FY2021 baseline.Reduce absolute Scope 3 Industry GHG emissions 42% by FY2030 from a FY2021 baseline.Reduce absolute Scope 3 Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) GHG emissions 30% by FY2030 from a FY2021 baseline.Achieve net-zero GHG emissions across the value chain by 2050.

SBTi’s FLAG guidance acknowledges that to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, the legally binding international treaty on climate change adopted in Paris in 2015, companies in the FLAG sector require specific mitigation measures. Over half of the materials sourced at Tapestry come from land-related materials, such as leather. We know that climate and nature are intertwined, so we have set specific targets according to SBTi’s FLAG guidance. Tapestry is one of the first companies in the fashion industry to have validated FLAG emissions reductions targets.

Receiving validation of these targets follows Tapestry’s commitment in 2021 to the SBTi’s Business Ambition for 1.5⁰C, a campaign consisting of over 1,000 companies that represents over $23 trillion in market capitalization.

Tapestry’s corporate responsibility strategy, The Fabric of Change, is our ambition to make every beautiful choice a responsible choice, built upon our four pillars: Power of Our People, Sustain the Planet, Create Products with Care, and Uplift our Communities. The two pillars dedicated to our planet and product outline Tapestry’s strategy to achieve these climate goals. For more information, check out our most recent Annual Corporate Responsibility Report.

Monster Energy Cares was proud to sponsor a very important event with the Department of Defense: The Enlisted Aide of the Year Award.

Enlisted Aides act as the right hand of the United State Military Leadership, assisting Admirals and Generals in day to day operations.

The 20th anniversary ceremony, supported by the Veteran’s Support Network, the Robert Irvine Foundation and Monster Energy, was held at The Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes, attended by many of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Also present were Monster Athlete Ambassadors Rob Gronkowski and Donald Cerrone — aka Gronk and Cowboy — to meet and thank our servicemen and women. Cowboy even picked up an award of his own: a stunning engravement made by Monster’s very own master artist Hank “Hanro” Robinson, to mark the MMA legend’s retirement from the Octagon.

But top honor of the evening went to the Enlisted Aide of the year: Master Sergeant Michael “Bo” Bogle, of the US Army. Bo’s operational deployments include Operation Iraqi Freedom (2 tours) and Operation Enduring Freedom (2 tours) in Afghanistan. Bo has earned 2 Bronze stars — possibly a record for a military cook! — and as legend goes, would have also been awarded a Purple Heart but for a technicality, after suffering a battlefield headwound from a rock struck by a bullet (but not the bullet itself — so technically not enemy fire!)

Bo’s award means the Army now have the most Enlisted Aides of the Year with 6, edging ahead of the Coast Guard with 5, and the Marine Corps with 4, while the Air Force and Navy have 3 each.

Congratulations to Master Sergeant Bogle!

Learn more about Robert Irvine Foundation

Last month on Earth Day, Pete Bowker and Daniel Usher trialed brand new e-bikes that the Northern Trust Guernsey team now have readily available for all their team.

The e-bikes are a sustainable and alternative solution for staff intraday local commutes, these e-bikes allow traffic-beating routes to meetings and can avail of the abundant parking solutions across the island.

“So pleased to have secured the two e-bikes for the Guernsey office. On such a small island, with most meetings held just a ten-minute cycle away, it makes sense to replace the car and taxi journeys we had relied on with these easy-to-use alternatives. Uptake and engagement from the whole team has been positive and I expect this to increase as the weather improves!” Pete Bowker.

Logitech Blog

Logitech is proud to announce its partnership with TechLit Africa, a tech non-profit that teaches digital skills to students in rural African schools. Logitech and TechLit Africa have joined forces to support technological development with the distribution of Logitech products to children currently in TechLit’s program.

TechLit was founded by two software engineers; Nelly Cheboi, a native Kenyan who grew up in poverty and Tyler Cinnamon , a self-taught programmer who grew up immersed in technology. Identified as part of the Logitech MX series #WomenWhoMaster, Nelly is an inspiration to Logitech, as she continues her mission to bring more Kenyans into the digital economy and develop effective, scalable solutions to poverty.

“Growing up in poverty myself, I believe strongly in the power of remote work and outsourcing to lift communities out of poverty and give them meaningful careers,” said Nelly Cheboi, founder of TechLit Africa. “This work, however, does take significant investment and it can be difficult to find genuine supporters. When we went out into the world to pitch this story and realized it was not going to be as easy as we had hoped, along came Logitech. Logitech has supported our mission every step of the way. For the children in particular, it has made the biggest impact. Many of these kids may not have the best uniforms and their families may be struggling to make ends meet, but from an education and technology standpoint, they are using and learning from the most sophisticated devices. This means so much to them, because it shows that someone is invested in their futures, and that the poverty that they are experiencing is only temporary.”

Honored to donate new and “open box” products to TechLit Africa, these products, often with out of date branding, damaged boxes or potentially returned items, are fully functional, but might otherwise be recycled before the end of their working lifecycle. This program extends the lifecycle in a sustainable way that benefits the environment and communities – in this case schools in underserved areas.

As an additional initiative with TechLit, the #WomenWhoMaster movement, led by Logitech MX, is supporting TechLit Africa’s mission to eradicate poverty in Kenya through technical literacy by funding all of the computer classes at its Logiri School.

“We’re always looking to give back to communities in a meaningful and sustainable way. TechLit is an incredible organization that is doing so much to positively impact children in Africa and we’re honored to be supporting these efforts,” said Elaine Laird, Head of People & Culture at Logitech. “Giving in this way, while also extending the lifecycle of our open box products, not only reduces our own carbon footprint, but also helps provide advancement opportunities in technology for all.”

Since 2021, TechLit has partnered with 33 schools, across Kenya and Uganda giving over 10,000 kids opportunities to learn a variety of programs and gain technical skills that will position them for family-sustaining jobs and brighter futures. TechLit provides the tech, curriculum and educators, while the schools cover the local operations, making the projects sustainable and long-term.

Originally published by Walgreens Boots Alliance

DEERFIELD, Ill., May 13, 2024 /3BL/ – Today, Walgreens announces a new partnership with Dion’s Chicago Dream to address social determinants of health for families in the Chicagoland area, who are struggling with access to healthy food.

Over the next year, the goal of the partnership is to provide over 275 households and about 1,000 Chicago residents with fresh produce every week for one year. In doing so, this collaboration will address food insecurity and improve health outcomes and create jobs.

Founded by visionary Dion Dawson, Dion’s Chicago Dream aims to improve health outcomes & center health equity through its industry-leading approach to addressing food security at the intersection of last-mile delivery and logistics.

Alethia Jackson, Senior Vice President of ESG and Chief DEI Officer, Walgreens Boots Alliance said: “We understand that our work entails us taking a local approach to meet the specific needs of communities and that’s where partnerships are invaluable. The Walgreens Foundation is dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of the communities Walgreens serves. The passion and commitment of the team at Dion’s Chicago Dream is making a tangible impact in our hometown of Chicago at an important moment, and we are delighted to support their work.”

Dion Dawson, Founder of Dion’s Dream Chicago said: “In these challenging times, our communities are grappling with the harsh reality of stretched budgets and limited access to nutritious food. This creates daunting barriers that are hard to overcome alone. At Dion’s Chicago Dream, we’ve dedicated ourselves to enhancing both access and quality of food in a world-class manner, prioritizing the recipient experience—a commitment we share together deeply. Our partnership is a powerful step forward, allowing us to extend our reach to more neighborhoods and demonstrate the transformative potential of collaboration between the business and nonprofit sectors. Together, we are setting a standard for innovation and quality, showing what’s possible when we unite for the common good.”

The food will be provided through their Dream Vault and Dream Delivery program. This includes weekly deliveries or vault access to fresh produce for each household:

Dream Deliveries ensures quality and accessibility by delivering fresh produce directly to Chicagoland residents’ doorsteps. With a focus on environmental consciousness, the services minimize waste by providing pre-measured packages of fruits and vegetables to families facing food insecurity. Their delivery services supply underserved families with a 5-day supply of healthy options, effectively transitioning households from food insecure to food secure.Dream Vault explores expanded scale in combating food insecurity through advanced logistics and destination solutions. This networked locker system allows customers to access a weekly Dream Delivery box filled with five days’ worth of pre-measured fruits and vegetables using a unique electronic code.

About Walgreens Boots Alliance

Walgreens Boots Alliance (Nasdaq: WBA) is an integrated healthcare, pharmacy and retail leader serving millions of customers and patients every day, with a 170-year heritage of caring for communities.

A trusted, global innovator in retail pharmacy with approximately 12,500 locations across the U.S., Europe and Latin America, WBA plays a critical role in the healthcare ecosystem. The Company is reimagining local healthcare and well-being for all as part of its purpose – to create more joyful lives through better health. Through dispensing medicines, improving access to a wide range of health services, providing high quality health and beauty products and offering anytime, anywhere convenience across its digital platforms, WBA is shaping the future of healthcare.

WBA employs more than 315,000 people and has a presence in eight countries through its portfolio of consumer brands: Walgreens, Boots, Duane Reade, the No7 Beauty Company and Benavides in Mexico. Additionally, WBA has a portfolio of healthcare-focused investments located in several countries, including China and the U.S.

The Company is proud of its contributions to healthy communities, a healthy planet, an inclusive workplace and a sustainable marketplace. WBA has been recognized for its commitment to operating sustainably: the Company is an index component of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) and was named to the 100 Best Corporate Citizens 2022.

More Company information is available at www.walgreensbootsalliance.com.

Media Contact

Molly Sheehan 
media@walgreens.com

Originally published on Booster Newsroom

by Booster Insights

Renewable diesel is gaining attention for its environmental benefits. It dramatically reduces emissions when compared to regular diesel. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center notes its cleaner profile. This is due to its production from organic sources like fats and oils. This fuel is similar to traditional diesel but is made from renewable resources. It can be used in current engines and infrastructure without any changes. Its compatibility with existing technologies makes it a practical choice for fuel replacement.

In the U.S., the demand for renewable fuels is growing. This growth is encouraged by government policies, tax benefits, and refinery conversions. The U.S. Energy Information Administration expects its production to hit 5.1 billion gallons annually by 2024. New projects and potential developments fuel this increase.

Renewable fuel is critical to meeting the Low Carbon Fuel Standard in California. This standard seeks to lower the carbon footprint of fuels since 2011. The use of renewable fuels in California has significantly increased. It shows how renewable fuel can help achieve lower emissions targets.

The Growing Threat of Pollution

Pollution threats are rising, with air pollution at the forefront. Facts from trusted sources back this. The World Health Organization (WHO) finds nearly everyone (99%) breathes polluted air. This air breached WHO’s safety limits and is worse in poorer countries. The main culprit is fossil fuel use, which also adds to greenhouse gases. Cutting air pollution helps health and the climate.

Our World in Data reveals air pollution’s deadly impact. It causes millions of deaths annually, hitting poorer nations hardest. Yet, air pollution deaths are decreasing, thanks to better indoor air quality.

WHO urges urgent action against air pollution. Despite many cities monitoring air, pollution levels still need to be lowered. WHO calls for more substantial air quality standards and cleaner energy investments.

These facts highlight the critical need to fight air pollution’s health and environmental harm. Cleaner energy and stricter pollution rules are essential.

What is Renewable Diesel?

Renewable diesel is becoming a key player in the push for greener energy. It stands out from traditional diesel fuel. This new type of fuel comes from sustainable sources. These sources include vegetable oils, animal fats, and waste products. The production of renewable diesel uses advanced methods. These methods turn organic materials into a fuel similar to petroleum diesel.

Renewable diesel differs from biodiesel in engine compatibility. Biodiesel needs specific blends or engine changes for best performance. It does not need these changes. It works well in current diesel engines. This makes it appealing to reduce carbon emissions without extra costs.

Renewable Diesel & Pollution

Using renewable diesel helps cut down on pollution. This green fuel reduces our need for oil and cuts harmful gases. It comes from plants, animals, and used oils, making it a cleaner choice. Switching to it helps the planet and our air.

Many studies show renewable diesel’s positive effects, primarily on air cleanliness. For example, buses and fleets using it emit fewer pollutants. This switch improves air quality and health, proving it’s a good alternative.

The move to renewable diesel also fights climate change by lowering vehicle carbon output, a significant pollution source. It helps countries and groups meet eco-friendly goals. This shift reduces oil reliance, making energy supplies more varied and secure.

In short, choosing renewable diesel tackles pollution effectively. It lessens greenhouse gases and boosts air quality, which is crucial in eco-friendly efforts. Its success in various areas highlights its role in a greener future.

How Renewable Diesel Is Made?

The production of renewable diesel is a fascinating process. It involves advanced biochemical technologies. This eco-friendly fuel is carefully made from organic materials. These materials are turned into a high-quality diesel alternative. The choice of raw materials is comprehensive and well-planned. It supports environmental health and reduces waste.

Renewable diesel comes from various organic sources. These include vegetable oils, animal fats, and used cooking oil. The variety of sources shows the process’s flexibility and creativity. It also shows its role in cutting down waste. Using these otherwise discarded materials helps manage waste. It lowers the environmental impact of energy production.

The process of making renewable diesel is complex. It uses sophisticated biochemical techniques. A standard method is hydrotreating. This involves treating feedstocks with hydrogen at high conditions. It cleans the materials and breaks them into shorter chains. These chains are like those in traditional diesel. The outcome is a top-notch fuel. It works in diesel engines without needing changes. This makes switching to greener fuel options easier.

Renewable diesel also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It uses renewable feedstocks. This leads to a balanced carbon cycle. The CO2 emitted during burning is about the same as what the plants absorb. This balance means a smaller carbon footprint. So, renewable diesel is critical in moving to cleaner energy.

In summary, renewable diesel production showcases the progress in sustainable technology. It turns organic materials into an eco-friendly diesel option. This process is vital for waste reduction, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and pursuing sustainable energy solutions. Renewable diesel is an important and effective alternative to fossil fuels.

Benefits of Renewable Diesel

Renewable diesel offers many advantages. It works well with current diesel engines. It also dramatically cuts greenhouse gases. Using renewable diesel can lower emissions by up to 80%. This is due to its green source and carbon capture during plant growth.

Additionally, making renewable diesel reduces waste. It turns unused fats and oils into energy. This process supports waste management and promotes recycling.

The renewable diesel sector is growing. Production is increasing worldwide. This growth comes from higher demand for clean fuel, government support, and better technology.

Challenges and Considerations

The path to widely accepting renewable diesel faces many challenges. These must be carefully managed. One major challenge is increasing production to meet demand. This means growing current plants and building new ones. It needs a lot of money and time. Other sectors also want these materials, causing potential shortages and price changes.

Another critical aspect is getting the market ready for renewable diesel. This includes ensuring the infrastructure can handle it and that people are willing to switch from traditional fuels. Laws and regulations also play a big part in helping or blocking the use of renewable diesel. The public needs to know and accept renewable diesel as a good alternative.

Economic factors also significantly affect the switch to renewable diesel. While it’s better for the environment, producing and moving it can be costly. The starting costs and higher prices for raw materials might make the final product more expensive. So, it’s vital to look at the economics of renewable diesel, considering both immediate costs and long-term benefits, including less pollution and possible government help.

Renewable Diesel in Transportation

The transport sector benefits significantly from renewable diesel. It uses public and private vehicles. This fuel comes from vegetable oils, animal fats, and used restaurant grease. It offers a green way to cut vehicular travel’s carbon emissions. Using this eco-friendly fuel instead of regular diesel can lower harmful emissions from buses, trucks, cars, and more.

Renewable diesel also has other pluses. It burns cleaner, improving engine performance. This means engines run more efficiently and with less buildup. So, there’s less need for repairs, and engines last longer. This cuts costs and boosts reliability. Renewable diesel is a crucial step as the transport world moves towards being more green. It helps us meet environmental and financial goals, leading us towards a greener future.

Global Adoption of Renewable Diesel

The world is moving towards greener energy. Renewable diesel is becoming essential in this change. Countries like the United States, Sweden, and Finland are leading this shift. They use renewable diesel widely.

Governments are supporting this with policies and incentives. These efforts aim to make energy cleaner and more sustainable. In the United States, there are tax credits and grants. These encourage using renewable diesel. It’s part of a plan to cut carbon emissions and reduce reliance on oil.

Sweden and Finland have similar strategies. They are boosting renewable energy use, including diesel. Their policies support the switch to green energy. This has made renewable diesel popular in these countries.

Laws and incentives play a key role in this success. They cut greenhouse gases and boost the economy. They create jobs in the green energy field. Also, they make energy sources more varied. This reduces the need for imported oil.

The move to renewable diesel shows a commitment to sustainable energy. By supporting green policies, countries are working towards a better future. This effort shows the value of government action in environmental progress. It serves as a model for others aiming for a cleaner world.

The Future of Renewable Diesel

Looking ahead, the potential for renewable diesel is immense. Technological advancements promise even greater efficiencies and lower production costs, making it an increasingly attractive option for producers and consumers. The journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable future is paved with green innovations like renewable diesel.

Impact of Renewable Diesel

Renewable Diesel’s Key Role in Fighting Climate Change

Renewable diesel is vital in battling climate change. It helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a significant cause of global warming. By using renewable diesel, we move closer to global climate goals. This fuel helps preserve our planet for future generations. Adopting renewable diesel is a step towards lessening the impact of climate change. It offers hope for a greener future.

Economic Benefits of Choosing Renewable Diesel

Switching to renewable diesel has significant economic effects. At first, it costs more than fossil fuels. This is due to the need for new technology and infrastructure. But, the long-term benefits are clear. Renewable diesel leads to less environmental damage. This means future climate change costs will be lower. It also costs less to maintain engines, as this fuel burns cleaner. So, renewable diesel is an innovative and strategic choice for our future energy needs.

Consumers and Renewable Diesel

People are choosing renewable diesel more as they learn about its benefits. Awareness of its environmental advantages is growing. This fuel reduces emissions and has a minor ecological impact. Educating consumers about the benefits of renewable diesel is critical. The more people know, the more they’ll use it. This interest in renewable diesel helps the environment. It also encourages more innovation in green technology.

Conclusion

Renewable diesel presents a powerful answer to pollution. It merges environmental gains with economic and technological advances. In the quest for sustainable energy, renewable diesel emerges as crucial. It fights climate change and supports a healthier Earth. The path forward is challenging yet hopeful. With more funding and new ideas in renewable diesel, we can move towards a brighter, more eco-friendly future.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What sets renewable diesel apart from biodiesel? 
Renewable diesel matches the chemical makeup of regular diesel. This allows it to work in current engines with no changes. Biodiesel, on the other hand, often needs to be mixed.

2. Can every diesel engine use renewable diesel? 
Indeed, renewable diesel can replace standard diesel in any engine. There’s no need for modifications.

3. What materials are used to produce renewable diesel? 
Vegetable oils, animal fats, and used oils are the key ingredients. These make renewable diesel an eco-friendly choice.

4. What effects does renewable diesel have on engine performance? 
Engines run cleaner on renewable diesel. This means less wear on the engine and a longer life for the engine.

Sofidel, a leading global provider of paper for hygiene and household use, has been awarded the prestigious SEAL Environmental Initiatives Award for its exemplary work on the Amazonia project. The SEAL Awards, an environmental advocacy organization, recognize and honor individual programs that drive environmental progress and demonstrate leadership and commitment to a sustainable future.

The Amazonia project, a collaborative effort between Sofidel and Suzano, marks a significant milestone in environmental conservation and community development in the Amazon region. This pilot program aims to protect biodiversity and support local communities through habitat restoration, agroforestry projects, and structured social initiatives.

Key highlights of the Amazonia project include:

Partnership for Impact: Suzano and Sofidel have joined forces to demonstrate the value of collaboration across the supply chain in scaling up environmental and socio-economic impact. By leveraging their resources and expertise, both organizations are committed to making a tangible difference in the Amazon region.Biodiversity Corridor: The project includes habitat restoration and agroforestry initiatives aimed at creating an essential biodiversity corridor. Covering an area of 2,210 square kilometers of rainforest, these efforts will enhance connectivity and promote the conservation of precious ecosystems.Community Empowerment: Through structured social projects, the Amazonia project seeks to uplift local communities by implementing sustainable business models. Initiatives such as the cultivation and commercialization of Brazilian native plant species like açaí and babassu are integral to supporting economic growth and reducing poverty.

The SEAL Environmental Initiatives Award celebrates Sofidel’s dedication to driving meaningful change and advancing global sustainability. By championing initiatives like the Amazonia project, Sofidel consistently demonstrates a commitment to corporate environmental responsibility and stewardship.

For further information regarding the SEAL Awards and our commitment to environmental preservation, please refer to their website: https://sealawards.com/2024-seal-business-sustainability-awards/

About The Sofidel Group 

The Sofidel Group, a privately held company, is a world leader in the manufacture of paper for hygienic and domestic use. Founded in 1966, the Group has subsidiaries in 13 countries – Italy, Spain, the UK, France, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Hungary, Greece, Romania, and the USA – with more than 6,800 employees. A member of the UN Global Compact, the Sofidel Group considers sustainability a strategic imperative and is committed to promoting sustainable development. For more information, visit www.sofidel.com.

Quest colleagues from coast-to-coast marked Lab Week 2024 with a week full of activities to celebrate our medical laboratory professionals and pathologists. As part of the celebration, we also featured highlights of the professional journeys of Quest colleagues from across the country.

—

From Route Service Representative (RSR) to Logistics Manager
Nearly 12 years at Quest
Southeast Region – Atlanta, Ga

Q: What did you initially want out of your career?
Javarus: I came to Quest because I believed in the work that we do.

Q: How has what you wanted changed over the years?
Javarus: My passion is still the same. Knowing that what we do affects patients’ lives is what keeps me going.

Q: Did you ever take any risks with taking on a new role, and were you encouraged to move into different roles or did you move on your own?
Javarus: I got lucky. The operation I started in was a really small operation. Quest acquired another lab and onboarded a huge hospital system as I was starting and so I was able to learn more. I made myself available to come in early and work late. I worked as needed on the weekends and holidays for the first 3-4 years. I learned stops and routes that weren’t on my route. I did it just to be able to help out but, that began my career progression.

Q: What tools or offerings from Quest did you utilize to help you in your career progression? (tuition reimbursement, EMPower trainings, etc.)
Javarus: I’ve completed LQSMA and I use EMPower as often as I can. I do plan on utilizing the tuition reimbursement in the near future.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who desires more from their current career?
Javarus: Be flexible. I tell my team all the time if they are willing to learn more and even relocate, Quest has limitless opportunities. I helped one of my RSRs transfer to another region, and within 3 years he was a supervisor. That is one of my proudest accomplishments.

Q: Which of our 5Cs do you connect with most, and why? (Customer First, Care, Collaboration, Continuous Improvement, Curiosity)
Javarus: Honestly, I think all of them. I always keep a line of communication open with clients. I’m genuine in my efforts when it comes to working with my team and collaborating with other functions. My team and I are always looking at ways to do something better. We routinely optimize our own routes to ensure we are being as effective as possible. And as far as curiosity, I’m always trying and willing to learn more.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share?
Javarus: Encourage people to find an EBN that fits them. I am the Community Outreach Chair for ABL. It is fulfilling work that helps me stay grounded at Quest.

Earlier this year, Southern Company joined Incubatenergy Labs, a program administered by EPRI.

Incubatenergy Labs, or IEL, is focused on identifying emerging companies and innovative new energy solutions, and facilitating pilot programs with utilities to implement those solutions. The program connects start-up companies leading the advancement of electrification, decarbonization and grid modernization with energy providers who have the capacity and desire to demonstrate and scale those innovations.

Since its founding, the IEL network has supported more than 1,000 early-stage companies working in clean energy, transportation, precision agriculture and other electrification-focused sectors. Through IEL, EPRI has facilitated hundreds of engagements of innovative startups collaborating with utilities and other industry stakeholders.

Southern Company was the host sponsor of EPRI’s recent Electrification 2024 International Conference and Exhibition in Savannah, where 20 emerging companies participated in an IEL-facilitated showcase. With conference attendees looking on, each company made a “Shark Tank-style” pitch for a potential utility engagement or demonstration project.

“I am thrilled about our participation in Incubatenergy Labs,” said New Ventures Director Robin Lanier. “During EPRI Electrification 2024, we witnessed the collective efforts of IEL members in vetting top startups for pilot projects and demonstrations. This collaboration exemplifies Southern Company’s commitment to shaping the future of energy through active engagement and innovation.”

Following the final selection of companies for this start-up cohort, Southern Company will be working to scope and advance pilots across the business.