Tag: 3BL

Widespread change over the past few years has transformed the business landscape. A surge in hybrid and remote working, with 20% of organisations looking to implement additional measures to enable more hybrid or homeworking in the next six to 12 months alone[1], coupled with a growing focus on sustainability, has driven companies to rethink their tech habits.

Notably, Device as a Service (DaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) are gaining traction. A Fortune Business Insights survey predicts a colossal leap in the DaaS market, for example, soaring from $22 billion in 2022 to nearly $155 billion by 2030[2].

So, what is DaaS and IaaS all about, and how can as-a-Service (aaS) subscriptions help businesses to meet their sustainability targets? As-a-service models such as DaaS deliver a broad range of digital workplace solutions, flexible payment options, and reliable, high-quality equipment.

Meanwhile, IaaS solutions provide the power and strategic advantage of the latest data centre hardware through a pay-as-you-go business model. Evergreen solutions can be quickly scaled without incremental capital investments, ensuring organizations always have access to the technology they need without the risk of excess capacity. Proactive monitoring, management, and service support is also available 24/7 with solutions such as TruScale IaaS.

Such flexibility has seen as-a-Service solutions become increasingly popular. In a recent survey, it was noted that 7 out of 10 CIOs are currently using up to 50% aaS solutions within their tech stacks[3]. Furthermore, 60% of IT leaders are interested in as-a-service solutions for sustainability management[4].

This can have a big impact on hitting sustainability targets – companies who link their sustainability and digital transformation goals are 2.5 times more likely to be strong-performing businesses than those who do not[5].

How Lenovo TruScale can help

Lenovo TruScale is a great example of how technology and sustainability goals can be united through as-a-Service. TruScale is the industry’s broadest as-a-Service portfolio, from pocket to the cloud, available anywhere in the world, eliminating excess capacity and driving efficiencies throughout the IT lifecycle.

TruScale can optimise technology consumption, help companies scale technology needs with ease, improve energy efficiency and help manage their carbon footprint. Organisations can use TruScale to embrace a circular economy and avoid the burden of returns when it is time to refresh. This means devices are taken back, data sanitized, securely refurbished or recycled, thus helping divert e-waste and keeping resources circular.

The pay-as-you-go model is also a cost-effective solution for organisations. It shifts costs from from CapEx (Capital Expenditure) to OpEx (Operating Expenditure), helping to free up capital. It is also an efficient way to manage the footprint of end-user devices, eliminating overprovisioning and optimising resources and costs.

TruScale IaaS solutions with metering capabilities can also make it easy to monitor power consumption, utilisation, and temperature in your data centre. This means you have real-time visibility of your infrastructure’s health and energy use and optimising your datacentre using with Lenovo TruScale IaaS can help reduce CO2 emissions and power by up to 20%[6].

Access to the latest fully integrated solutions empowers teams to carry out their roles as efficiently as possible, and this can make a huge difference to any business. According to Forrester, 50% of employees surveyed said their PCs are out of date or insufficient[7], while Lenovo found 92% of organizations would definitely or probably consider adding new as-a-Service offerings over the next two years as a result of a changing business model[8].

Embracing the resources you need

Whether you’re opting for end-user devices that can be flexed as per your tech requirements, or need an on-prem data centre with a cloud-like flexibility, an aaS solution means you’ll only deploy the resources you need.

By inserting predictability into your IT management, as a Service models give you the flexibility you need for your business to evolve. But the real joy of an aaS solution is that it can also drive tangible sustainable outcomes and manage the carbon footprint of your IT environment.

[1] CIPD, Flexible and hybrid working practices in 2023

[2] Fortune Business Insights Device as a Service Market Research Report, 2023

[3] Lenovo, Human-centered Insights to Fuel IT’s vision

[4] Lenovo, Global study of CIOs

[5] WEF: Bridging Digital and Environmental goals

[6] TruScale IaaS accurately reports on power and CO2 emissions allowing managed infrastructures to be designed, implemented and tuned not only for performance and capacity but also for CO2 emissions. Ongoing monitoring of the system using Lenovo XClarity Power Monitor and systems performance figures are used to optimise power consumption by the infrastructure. CO2 emissions will be calculated based on the localised carbon footprint of the power source used

[7] Forrester, ‘Invest in EX, Drive your bottom line growth, 2020

[8] Lenovo, ‘The rise of the resilient CIO’, 2022

CINCINNATI, April 29, 2024 /3BL/ – Cintas Corporation (Nasdaq: CTAS) has been recognized on the Forbes list of the Best Employers for Diversity 2024 for its efforts in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. This prestigious award is presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.

“Diversity is a crucial part of our culture and success here at Cintas,” said Todd Schneider, Cintas President and CEO. “When we uplift and empower our employee-partners, we see innovation, solutions and better outcomes for our organization. We are thrilled to be recognized for this significant achievement.”

The Best Employers for Diversity 2024 were identified in an independent survey from a vast sample of over 170,000 U.S.-based employees working for companies employing at least 1,000 people within the U.S. The evaluation was based on three different criteria:   

Personal Recommendations: Employees were asked to give their opinions on a series of statements regarding Age, Gender, Ethnicity, Disability, LGBTQIA+ & General Diversity in their current workplace.   Public Recommendations: Participants were also given the chance to evaluate other employers in their respective industries that stand out either positively or negatively with regard to diversity.   KPIs: Extensive research was carried out to evaluate how companies fared across a range of diversity-related best practices. This included things like Representation, Accountability & Communication, Internal Initiatives, and External Involvement. 

This is the second time this year that Cintas has been recognized for being one of the best employers for diversity in the U.S. Cintas was also recognized as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity by Newsweek earlier this year.

“This award reflects our efforts in fostering a diverse work environment and shows how our employee-partners can see and feel the positive impact it makes,” said Max Langenkamp, Cintas Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Diversity Officer. “Bringing diverse experiences and perspectives helps us be better equipped for a changing landscape to better serve our customers and our employee-partners.”

About Cintas Corporation
Cintas Corporation helps more than one million businesses of all types and sizes get Ready™ to open their doors with confidence every day by providing products and services that help keep their customers’ facilities and employees clean, safe, and looking their best. With offerings including uniforms, mats, mops, towels, restroom supplies, workplace water services, first aid and safety products, eye-wash stations, safety training, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and alarm service, Cintas helps customers get Ready for the Workday®. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas is a publicly held Fortune 500 company traded over the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CTAS and is a component of both the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and Nasdaq-100 Index.

Cintas Media Contact:
Michelle Goret, Cintas Vice President of Corporate Affairs | goretm@cintas.com, 513-972-4155

Originally published on Illumina News Center

On April 25, Illumina opened its doors in Granta Park, Cambridge, to celebrate DNA Day. This annual event marks a significant milestone in the history of science: the successful completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 and the groundbreaking discovery of DNA’s double helix structure by James Watson and Francis Crick, along with Rosalind Franklin, in 1953.

This year’s DNA Day festivities at Illumina were joined by 150 enthusiastic children from schools in underserved areas of Cambridgeshire. The learners engaged in hands-on science activities, including extracting DNA from strawberries, and toured one of Illumina’s state-of-the-art laboratories. This behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of genomic research was designed to inspire young scientists who may one day play pioneering roles in research and innovation at companies like Illumina.

During the event, the Illumina team was honored to welcome Anne, The Princess Royal, to Illumina’s Europe regional headquarters in Cambridge. The visit gave the students a unique opportunity to interact with King Charles’s sister as well as learn about the importance of genomics firsthand. The Princess Royal champions STEM education, encouraging kids to explore the world of science and increasing the presence of women in the field.

In keeping with the spirit of DNA Day, Illumina hosted their annual global genomic literacy initiative, The Future Is Bright, which exemplifies the company’s commitment to promoting equitable access to STEM education and inspiring the next generation of scientists. Throughout April, Illumina partners with schools and nonprofit organizations, such as Form the Future and Cambridge Science Centre, to provide educational programs and activities for learners of all ages.

Anne Bailey, CEO of Form the Future, says, “We are immensely grateful for Illumina’s support as our corporate partner, enabling us to engage primary school students in stimulating STEM activities. Their funding and dedication to releasing staff to work alongside us are instrumental in inspiring young minds and fostering a belief that a future in STEM is within reach, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Together, we’re bridging the gap in our local economy, empowering a diverse array of students to pursue rewarding careers in the life sciences and beyond.”

In 2024, an expected 100,000 learners globally will participate in The Future Is Bright; in the UK alone, some 10,000 pupils benefited from the campaign and its spirit of collaboration and service. Watch the video below to see the highlights of the day.

Last year, The Future Is Bright hosted 130 events, reaching students in six countries and every US state. The program was powered by 1500 employee volunteer hours and 2300 donated strawberry DNA extraction kits. More than 1600 community partners and schools participated, and 71% of the American classrooms were part of Title 1 schools where low-income families make up at least 40% of enrollment. As of December 2023, Illumina has reached a total of 1.6 million STEM learners, as part of its target to reach 5 million by 2030. The Future Is Bright campaign is a key program in achieving this goal.

Through hands-on activities, engaging interactions, and valuable partnerships, Illumina continues its commitment to empowering young scientists and paving the way for a brighter future fueled by science and innovation.

Is your Uber Eats or DoorDash driver safe at work? Maybe not as much as you’d hope. Although injuries at work have fallen in the U.S. over the past 50 years, delivery drivers experience more fatal work injuries than any other group, making their job even riskier than construction or mining.

Coincidentally, concerns about safety at work is something they have in common with others who also deliver food, but in very different contexts: humanitarian aid workers.

Rising Risks

Humanitarian workers provide assistance to civilians affected by natural disasters and conflicts, without taking sides or advancing a political agenda. As frontline workers in times of crisis, humanitarians provide potentially lifesaving services like food, shelter, healthcare, and sanitation. We also can help communities achieve the level of stability that is essential for long-term recovery and growth.

This work often involves significant safety risks, which can include:

Natural disasters: Natural disasters expose aid workers to hazards ranging from flood waters to post-earthquake infrastructure instability and aftershocks. As people who can flee often do, humanitarian workers stay to help in a dangerous work environment. The climate crisis is making things worse, with more frequent and severe storms as well as extreme and increasingly deadly heat in many places.Health risks: Working in places with typically high disease burdens and limited sanitation or healthcare infrastructure can expose humanitarians to infectious diseases such as malaria or cholera. The demanding, often heartbreaking, work itself can take a toll on mental health, as well.Violence and injury: In areas of conflict or post-conflict instability, humanitarian workers can face direct threats from armed groups as well as the unintended impact of military operations and even unexploded ordnance such as land mines. In high-conflict areas, drivers are usually responsible for negotiating security checkpoints as they transport other staff and life-saving supplies, making drivers particularly important and potentially vulnerable.

While all of these risks are serious, violence may be uniquely preventable. Yet, the number of attacks on aid workers has surged since 2015, with more humanitarians being robbed, assaulted, abducted, and killed. There was a staggering 45% year-over-year increase in violence in 2022 (the last full year on record), which marked a decade-long highpoint. While official data aren’t yet available, we fear things are getting worse.

In Gaza alone, at least 196 humanitarian workers have been killed since October 2023, which is nearly triple the annual death toll recorded in any other conflict. We continue to mourn the tragic deaths of seven of our counterparts from World Central Kitchen, an organization that shares our dedication to getting emergency food aid to people in desperate need. Sadly, they are not alone.

Last year, South Sudan was the most dangerous context for humanitarian workers, with Haiti and Ukraine now joining the short list of countries with the highest number of reported incidents. The situation isn’t just an outrage: it’s illegal.

The too-short arm of the law

International law is clear: the safety of humanitarian workers is not negotiable. Donors, diplomats and the general public can have meaningful influence in encouraging safe access for humanitarian workers–as well as the safety of the people they support. How?

A recent report from a group of NGOs and other experts, including Action Against Hunger, identified several priorities. They include:

Safeguard humanitarian space: Humanitarian workers have the right to safely access the civilians they aim to help. Breaches of international humanitarian law should always be addressed, from the UN Security Council, at the highest levels of governments, by donors and other influencers. Together, we can systematically call for and fund investigations to ensure humanitarians are protected and any crimes against them are punished, fully, publicly and routinely.Unlock the power of data: In this era of AI and predictive analytics, data could be a powerful tool that helps promote safety. Better data collection and analysis could help pinpoint potential pain points and overcome logistical challenges in conflict zones and remote regions, which increase the vulnerability of humanitarian workers during travel or field operations.Prioritize local workers: The global community too often prioritizes international staff, when national personnel—people who provide critical humanitarian assistance in the countries where they’re from—are the most frequent victims of attacks. Donors and others must ensure that local organizations, including women’s rights and women-led organizations, receive attention and enough funding to promote safety. That’s particularly important in areas that international staff cannot access, which is often the case in conflict zones.

Everyone should be safe at work, whether they are delivering emergency aid, delivering groceries, or doing something else altogether. Today, not everyone is. Progress is possible, and that starts with awareness – and outrage. The World Day for Safety and Health at Work, April 28th, should be a time for both.

About Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 28 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 55 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

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Photo by Toby Madden

April 29, 2024 /3BL/ – The Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council and Alliance to End Plastic Waste are partnering with Methodist Hospital in effort to demonstrate cross value chain collaboration and divert single-use plastics from landfill or incineration.

The Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council (HPRC), a private, technical coalition of industry peers across manufacturing, healthcare, and recycling industries seeking to improve recyclability of plastic products ​within healthcare, has entered into partnership with the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW), a global nonprofit with the mission to end plastic waste in the environment and to advance a circular economy for plastics, to jointly establish a healthcare plastics recycling program in the Houston area, starting with select hospitals within the Houston Methodist network.

The objective of the pilot is to create a program model that demonstrates effective collaboration across the plastics value chain and establishes responsible plastic recycling practices within a geographical network of hospitals with the end goal of serving as a blueprint for other regions. More specifically, the pilot will seek to:

Establish collection pilots in hospitals in the Greater Houston area;Identify logistics partners to collect and transport waste;Identify sortation needs and partners for feedstock preparation; andLeverage existing end markets and new markets for material.

The pilot is expected to begin Summer 2024.

“Our experience has shown that there are cost-prohibitive challenges to recycling plastics from individual healthcare facilities,” said Peylina Chu, Executive Director of HPRC. “Small quantities, sorting requirements, availability of logistics providers and end-market demand for recycled material, can undermine even the most sustainability-minded hospitals from implementing a healthcare plastics recycling program. Through this pilot work in Houston, we want to take the expertise of HPRC in setting up plastic collection programs at hospitals and combine it with the expertise of AEPW in reverse logistics and working with end processors. Together, with Houston Methodist, we hope to develop a replicable playbook for how other regions can implement economically viable and self-sustaining healthcare plastic recycling programs that achieve meaningful diversion rates and support circularity of these materials.”

Nicholas Kolesch, Vice President of Projects at the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, said, “Plastic is an increasingly critical material in essential industries, including its application in medical devices, health service provision, personal protective equipment, and packaging. At the same time, we must address the waste challenge that arises with increased plastic usage. We are interested in exploring ways to support HPRC in valorizing the plastic waste generated by healthcare providers, to extract value from the material, and limit its landfilling or environmental leakage. Recycling is an essential component in turning plastic into a sustainable material by keeping materials in use for as long as possible and enabling the transition into a circular economy.”

“Houston Methodist has long been a leader in health care, providing world-class medical care to our patients while also striving to be a responsible corporate citizen,” said Jason Fischer, Director, Office of Sustainability at Houston Methodist. “It is critical that we lead by example and honor the physician Hippocratic Oath to “Do No Harm.” Today, our Office of Sustainability, with a focus on green initiatives, is leading the charge in reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices throughout the organization. We are excited to pursue opportunities to further reduce the impact of our waste streams in collaboration with the Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council and Alliance to End Plastic Waste. Together, we plan to review plastic waste streams and current recycling operations in an effort to optimize and develop state-of-the-art healthcare recycling infrastructure and diversion processes.”

 

About Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council

HPRC is a private technical coalition of industry peers across manufacturing, healthcare and recycling industries seeking to improve the recyclability of plastic products within healthcare. Made up of brand-leading and globally recognized members, HPRC explores ways to enhance the economics, efficiency, and ultimately the quality and quantity of healthcare plastics collected for recycling in support of a circular plastics economy. HPRC is active across the United States and Europe working with key stakeholders, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and participating in industry events and forums. For more information, visit www.hprc.org and follow HPRC on LinkedIn.

 

About the Alliance to End Plastic Waste

The Alliance to End Plastic Waste is a global non-profit organisation with the mission to end plastic waste in the environment and to advance a circular economy for plastics. The Alliance convenes more than 70 companies across the plastic value chain with local communities, civil society groups, intergovernmental organisations, and governments. The collective know-how, experience and resources of this global network enable the current portfolio of more than 50 projects. Together, we work towards economically viable, environmentally beneficial, and socially responsible solutions. Find out more: endplasticwaste.org.

 

About Houston Methodist

Houston Methodist is one of the nation’s leading health systems and academic medical centers. The health system consists of eight hospitals: Houston Methodist Hospital, its flagship academic hospital in the Texas Medical Center; six community hospitals; and one long-term acute care hospital throughout the Greater Houston area. Houston Methodist also includes a research institute; a comprehensive residency program; a physician organization; international patient services; freestanding comprehensive care, emergency care and imaging centers; and outpatient facilities. Houston Methodist employs approximately 32,000 people and has had more than 1.9 million outpatient visits and more than 138,000 admissions in 2022. U.S. News & World Report has named Houston Methodist Hospital the Best Hospital in Texas (*In a two-way tie) for 2023 while ranking No. 1 in Texas the previous 11 years in a row and recognized on the Honor Roll seven times as a top 20 hospital nationally. Visit www.houstonmethodist.org.

 

Media Contacts:

Alison Bryant 
Communications Director, HPRC 
alison.bryant@anteagroup.us

Louise Lam 
Corporate Communications, Alliance to End Plastic Waste 
louise.lam@endplasticwaste.org

Southern Company

Georgia Power declared today that Plant Vogtle Unit 4 has entered commercial operation and is now serving customers and the State of Georgia. The new unit, which can produce enough electricity to power an estimated 500,000 homes and businesses, will provide reliable, emissions-free energy to customers for at least 60 to 80 years. Vogtle Unit 3 entered commercial operation on July 31, 2023. (read more)

With all four units now in operation, Plant Vogtle is the largest generator of clean energy in the nation, expected to produce more than 30 million megawatt hours of electricity each year. The plant is operated by Southern Nuclear on behalf of the co-owners including Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power, MEAG Power and Dalton Utilities. Nuclear energy is the only zero-emission baseload energy source available today – offering high reliability and efficient operations around the clock – and, for 2023, provided more than 25% of Georgia Power’s generation, including Plant Vogtle and Plant Hatch in Baxley, Georgia.

The construction of Vogtle 3 & 4 was originally approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) as part of the continuous Integrated Resource Plan process. This regulatory process includes robust analysis and discussion of the company’s plan, typically filed every three years, outlining how it will continue delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy for millions of customers over a 20-year planning horizon. In addition to the Vogtle expansion, this process has helped bring thousands of megawatts of new renewable energy to Georgia in recent years, as well as new technologies such as battery energy storage systems.

“It’s an exciting time to be a Georgian as our state continues to grow and thrive, with new demand for more clean energy each year. The new Vogtle units are a key piece of our strategy to meet the energy needs of our customers not only tomorrow, but 20 years from now,” said Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power. “As we mark the completion of the Vogtle 3 & 4 expansion, we’re grateful for the leadership and foresight of the Georgia PSC, as well as the steadfast dedication from all of the project’s co-owners. I’m also so proud of the teams who have worked tirelessly to deliver the first newly constructed nuclear units in the U.S. in more than 30 years – representing a long-term investment that will benefit our customers and the state of Georgia for decades to come.”

In addition to providing a new source of clean, reliable energy for Georgia, the construction of the new units at Plant Vogtle has provided billions of dollars of positive economic impact for Georgia and local communities. In addition to the 800 permanent jobs created by the new units, the site employed more than 9,000 onsite jobs at the peak of construction including engineers, welders, electricians, pipefitters, plumbers and many more.

“The completion of the expansion of the Vogtle nuclear generation plant to include Unit 3 and now Unit 4 is a hallmark achievement for Southern Company, the state of Georgia and the entire United States,” said Chris Womack, chairman, president and CEO of Southern Company. “Working with our partners across government, industry, labor and beyond, we have added new nuclear generation to the diverse energy resources that enhance the reliability, resiliency and affordability of our system as we work to achieve our goal to be net zero by 2050. These new Vogtle units not only will support the economy within our communities now and in the future, they demonstrate our global nuclear leadership.”

Learn more about Vogtle 3 & 4.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained in this release is forward-looking information based on current expectations and plans that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information includes, among other things, statements concerning the expected service life for Plant Vogtle Unit 3 & 4. Georgia Power cautions that there are certain factors that can cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information that has been provided. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Georgia Power; accordingly, there can be no assurance that such suggested results will be realized. The following factors, in addition to those discussed in Georgia Power’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and subsequent securities filings, could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations as suggested by such forward-looking information: the inherent risks involved in operating and constructing nuclear generating facilities; the direct or indirect effect on Georgia Power’s business resulting from cyber intrusion or physical attack and the threat of cyber and physical attacks; catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and other storms, droughts, pandemic health events, political unrest, wars or other similar occurrences; and the direct or indirect effects on Georgia Power’s business resulting from incidents affecting the U.S. electric grid or operation of generating or storage resources. Georgia Power expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information.

Originally published in Northwestern Mutual 2023 Sustainability and Social Impact Report Executive Summary

At Northwestern Mutual, every aspect of our business centers on doing what’s right for our employees, financial advisors and representatives, clients, and the communities we serve – delivering the business results our stakeholders expect today and building a better tomorrow. 

As a 167-year-old company that takes a long-term approach to managing our business, we integrate sustainability principles and social impact practices into our strategy to consistently generate long-term value, growth and positive societal impact. Our commitment to sustainability, social impact and sound governance is one more way we live our mutual values, driving positive, lasting outcomes for generations to come.

Delivering Financial Security and Expanding Financial Access 

Our company is in the business of doing good; we exist to improve lives through financial security, so people can live the life they want both today and tomorrow.

One way we honor this commitment is by investing in expanding financial access to help reduce the wealth gap in underserved communities. We’re taking bold steps to increase financial knowledge, improve access to capital for small businesses and advance the ability to build generational wealth. 

$20M goal each for investing in women and African American/Black entrepreneurs through Northwestern Mutual Future Ventures $175M Impact Investment Fund to increase access to capital for entrepreneurs in underserved communities, locally and nationally 30 entrepreneurs from a diversity of backgrounds supported in 18 communities nationwide since 2021 through the Northwestern Mutual Black Founder Accelerator® program

Investing in Our Communities 

We invest in transformational and sustainable community outcomes that improve lives.

Through the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, we invest in the future to drive better outcomes where our people and our clients live and work. That includes advancing childhood cancer research nationally, and in Milwaukee, expanding access to quality education, revitalizing underserved neighborhoods and making cultural attractions even more inclusive. 

$50M+ donated to fight childhood cancer and support children and families since 2012 $60M+ invested in Milwaukee-area students over 25+ years 4,600+ students mentored by Northwestern Mutual employees in 2023 $3.5M dedicated in 2023 to help residents in underserved communities become homeowners

Strengthening Our Culture of Belonging 

Our unique corporate culture enables everyone’s success, making Northwestern Mutual an employer and workplace of choice.

Employing diversity and inclusion as a growth strategy is critical to relevance, competitiveness and long-term policyowner value. We’re committed to creating community through inclusion, building a diverse talent pipeline and empowering employees to develop their full potential. 

30% of our corporate employees are people of color—the highest percentage in company history ~50% of employees across our corporate offices are women 3,000+ employees participate across eight award-winning Employee Resource Groups 1,800 financial advisors, representatives, teams and allies participated in our 2023 Multicultural and Women’s Affinity Summits 83% of employees say managers understand their professional goals

Reducing Our Environmental Impact 

We ensure our actions and investments demonstrate commitment to people and planet.

We manage our day-to-day facility operations to reduce our climate impact through energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management and a continued focus on our carbon footprint. Our commitment to sustainability carries through to the design of our spaces, our investment strategy and the investment products we offer consumers. 

75% of construction waste from our updated North Office Building to be diverted from landfills 40%+ of corporate office space LEED Gold certified $24.8B in socially and environmentally responsible investments without compromising returns 34,000 square feet of rooftop plantings divert 500,000+ gallons of stormwater runoff a year

Earning Trust Through Corporate Governance and Accountability 

We operate ethically, honestly and transparently to safeguard our policyowners and clients

Trust is Northwestern Mutual’s most valued currency. Our governance and accountability policies and reporting practices are designed to maintain that trust, promoting ethical operation and safeguarding client assets, privacy and data. We also file an annual Task Force on ClimateRelated Financial Disclosures (TCFD) report. 

HIGHEST RATINGS for financial strength from A.M. Best, Fitch, Moody’s, and S&P1 5M+ Americans served $7.3B in record-setting dividends to policyowners expected in 2024

Learn more about Northwestern Mutual’s commitment and impact. Get the 2023 Sustainability and Social Impact Report.
 

1. Among U.S. life insurers. Ratings are for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company, as of the most recent review and report by each rating agency. Ratings as of: 11/23 (Moody’s Investors Service) Aaa (highest), 08/23 (AM Best Company) A++(highest), 08/23 (Fitch Ratings) AAA (highest), 05/23 (S&P Global Ratings) AA+ (second highest) Ratings are subject to change. 

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (long-term care insurance) is a subsidiary of NM.

By Allison Aicher 

Regions Bank associates gathered in early 2024 to celebrate the Year of the Dragon at the Lunar New Year event, hosted by the Atlanta Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Network.

Regions has established a growing number of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Networks for associates throughout the bank’s geographic footprint, The associate-led networks strive to create a workplace where everyone can thrive, supporting associate development through interactive programming, workshops and the availability of network leaders.

This is the 11th year that Regions associates have gathered to learn more about the Lunar New Year and share the favorite traditions and cultures of those who celebrate every year. Atlanta associates gathered for an in-person lunch with treats and a photo booth before a companywide virtual event was held.

Approximately 55 people joined in person while the virtual event reached over 600 associates.

“We started this event 11 years ago, then took it virtual during COVID,” says Consumer Credit Risk Executive Tom Bloetscher, who serves as executive sponsor for the event. “It’s amazing to see what it has grown into and how it gets better and better each year.”

Vivian Xiong has led the planning on this event for 11 years, along with a team of her colleagues from Data and Analytics and Consumer Credit Risk, and with support from the Atlanta DEI Workplace subcommittee. Approximately 55 people joined in person while the virtual event reached over 600 associates. Associates had a lively chat during the event, making this an incredibly interactive time for remote and in-person attendees.

Associates learned fun facts about Lunar New Year traditions, and how the representation of dragons in American culture differs from Asian cultures. Sasha Li and Xiang Li gave presentations highlighting the delicious foods eaten throughout the holiday throughout Asia. Associates learned the difference in the solar and lunar calendars as well as what predictions 2024 held for the different animal signs of the lunar zodiac. Henry Wu even gave a quick martial arts lesson! The event ended with a compilation video from previous Regions associates wishing everyone a Happy Lunar New Year. It really tied it all together in how we are all one Regions family and life is so much brighter when we support one another.

Regions DEI Areas of Impact

Diversity, equity and inclusion activities at Regions are focused on three areas of impact: workforce, workplace and marketplace.

Workforce: We view diversity as a competitive advantage that enhances business performance and generates innovative solutions by fostering a broader range of perspectives and ideas.

Workplace: We create and maintain a work environment that is inclusive, and where associates are encouraged to collaborate across differences.

Marketplace: We leverage DEI and social responsibility focus to strengthen our relationships with communities, clients, customers and external stakeholders.

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

Omaha, Nebraska residents, community leaders, government officials and key collaborators, including U.S. Bank, recently gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of MLK Square, the final phase of the North 30th Street Choice Neighborhoods Implementation effort.

U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance, a subsidiary of U.S. Bank, provided a federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity commitment of $18.1 million to Malcom’s Place to finance 62 affordable housing units. Malcom’s Place features 95 units overall, including some at market rates.

“This development is significant to the Omaha community because it not only provides much-needed affordable housing, but it also offers programs and services to residents and makes investments in the neighborhood,” said Kellie Johnston Dorsey, assistant director, Housing & Community Development, for the City of Omaha Planning Department.

The housing is provided in a mixed-income format, with about one-third project-based voucher units, one-third affordable units and one-third market rate units, so units are available at multiple rent levels.

Malcolm’s Place is located at the former Spencer Homes West site in North Omaha and is expected to be completed this summer. Some phases of the neighborhood are finished while others are still in development.

The Choice Neighborhoods program uses public and private dollars to support local strategies designed to address struggling neighborhoods with distressed public or HUD-assisted housing through a comprehensive approach to neighborhood transformation.

“Choice Neighborhoods Implementation brings hope to communities and is a wide-scale revitalization centered around housing,” said Vihar Sheth, Impact Finance managing director of Affordable Housing. “U.S. Bank is a reliable partner through the life of these neighborhoods because there are multiple phases of the investment, and we are both big enough and committed enough to be there for the long haul and bring all parts of the bank to the overall effort.”

A video featuring the neighborhood shares local perspectives.

At completion, North 30th Street will contain nearly 450 units of new mixed-income, energy-efficient housing and include new infrastructure, playgrounds, retail storefronts, and community space.

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

Omaha, Nebraska residents, community leaders, government officials and key collaborators, including U.S. Bank, recently gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of MLK Square, the final phase of the North 30th Street Choice Neighborhoods Implementation effort.

U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance, a subsidiary of U.S. Bank, provided a federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity commitment of $18.1 million to Malcom’s Place to finance 62 affordable housing units. Malcom’s Place features 95 units overall, including some at market rates.

“This development is significant to the Omaha community because it not only provides much-needed affordable housing, but it also offers programs and services to residents and makes investments in the neighborhood,” said Kellie Johnston Dorsey, assistant director, Housing & Community Development, for the City of Omaha Planning Department.

The housing is provided in a mixed-income format, with about one-third project-based voucher units, one-third affordable units and one-third market rate units, so units are available at multiple rent levels.

Malcolm’s Place is located at the former Spencer Homes West site in North Omaha and is expected to be completed this summer. Some phases of the neighborhood are finished while others are still in development.

The Choice Neighborhoods program uses public and private dollars to support local strategies designed to address struggling neighborhoods with distressed public or HUD-assisted housing through a comprehensive approach to neighborhood transformation.

“Choice Neighborhoods Implementation brings hope to communities and is a wide-scale revitalization centered around housing,” said Vihar Sheth, Impact Finance managing director of Affordable Housing. “U.S. Bank is a reliable partner through the life of these neighborhoods because there are multiple phases of the investment, and we are both big enough and committed enough to be there for the long haul and bring all parts of the bank to the overall effort.”

A video featuring the neighborhood shares local perspectives.

At completion, North 30th Street will contain nearly 450 units of new mixed-income, energy-efficient housing and include new infrastructure, playgrounds, retail storefronts, and community space.