Tag: 3BL

Originally published by Jazz Pharmaceuticals

Purple Day spotlights epilepsy and the challenges that people face when living with the condition.

Jazz wants the epilepsy community know that they are not alone and showed support by sporting purple in some surprising places!

We are also proud to be the presenting sponsor for the Fifth Annual Purple Day® For Epilepsy Awareness Around The World Expo in Florida. The expo brings the epilepsy community together to spread awareness of the condition and learn more about the support available. We were delighted to be able to attend this year’s event and meet some of the members of this inspiring movement.

Originally published on Black & Veatch Insights

Three Reasons Energy Utilities Should Consider Using UAVs

Virtually every industry is utilizing Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and reality capture technology. First responders, environmental scientists and even farmers use UAVs and thermal imaging to streamline their operations. In the power sector, forward-thinking engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firms are using UAVs and reality capture technology to optimize design, permitting, construction and maintenance for utilities across the country. Energy utilities should consider the following three reasons to utilize UAVs for the construction of new infrastructure and operations of existing assets:

1. Prioritize Safety

Since utility poles were first conceived decades ago, it’s been an iconic image: an energy utility’s lineman carefully climbs to perilous heights to assess transmission lines and hardware. With the application of aerial UAV technology, the risk of this labor-intensive and potentially dangerous work can be reduced. These are a few cases where energy utilities may consider leveraging UAVs and reality capture technology to prioritize personnel safety:

Assess high-voltage power line damage after a severe weather eventMonitor equipment located in confined spacesEvaluate the structural integrity of tower-mounted equipmentPerform vegetation management to reduce wildfire riskMake informed, data-based decisions during emergency situations

Mitigate Access Limitations

Access limitations of infrastructure assets (due to location or asset type) are increasing the use of ground-based UAV technology to minimize risk to utility personnel. With UAVs and other remote-enabled technology, these types of inspections can be done without placing humans at dangerous heights. Aerial footage can be reviewed in real-time from the ground. These concepts don’t just apply to operations and maintenance (O&M) but for the construction of new infrastructure as well.

Manage Outages

Energy utilities deliver essential services to our communities; even the most well-planned service outage has associated safety concerns. Without reliable power, everything in our society comes to a screeching halt. Businesses cannot operate and the safety and well-being of community members is at risk. UAVs reduce risks to community members by allowing utilities to detect, isolate and repair damaged infrastructure with minimal and more effective shutoff procedures. By optimizing O&M practices, UAVs reduce outages and equipment downtime.

2. Save Time and Money

UAVs and reality capture technology replace outdated and inefficient methods of surveying and inspections. Before beginning a construction project, UAVs can be used for accurate photographic site investigations and terrain monitoring. With this new data, engineers can proactively mitigate construction issues by making design changes ahead of time – saving money by eliminating re-work in the field and optimizing the project schedule. The benefits extend beyond the construction timeline; this technology offers a new way to visualize data, creating a topographic and underground utilities digital twin that can be used throughout the infrastructure lifecycle.

Optimize Efficiency

UAVs save time and money on equipment inspections and structural evaluations. For example, a power plant may typically need to schedule an outage and rent scaffolding to inspect equipment high off the ground; using UAVs instead eliminates the scaffolding costs and associated manpower, in addition to the revenue that would have been lost during equipment downtime.

Collecting data via ground-based UAVs is faster than collecting data on foot; this data can be assessed on a handheld tablet in real-time, empowering energy utilities to make informed O&M decisions. During construction, efficiency improvements may include:

Quality control monitoring for change-order managementVolumetric calculations of dirt cut/fill to managing hauling costs during constructionTerrain change assessments after storms to facilitate re-design of grading plans as necessary (mitigating schedule delays)

Increase Accuracy

The growing number of operating assets creates unique challenges for energy utilities. O&M is evolving, with geographically dispersed assets and reliability expected from customers. UAVs, combined with advanced analytics of the data collected, help utilities detect issues, prioritize responses, balance the costs and generate the most effective return on investment (ROI). This ROI from UAVs and reality capture technology is further realized through quicker schedules, reduced outages and equipment downtime, less on-site personnel and more reliable data. As geospatial technology continues to advance, the overall accuracy of ground-based UAV data increases as well. Sophisticated cameras, sensors and GPS integrated within UAVs are becoming more affordable — enabling highly accurate data at a lower cost. With the appropriate data processing techniques, accuracy can be expected to be within less than a quarter of an inch.

3. Enhance Transparency

UAVs and reality capture technology expose the activities of EPC firms – in a good way. Energy utilities often choose to contract with EPC firms not only for construction projects, but also for O&M of existing assets either in an advisory or staff augmentation capacity.

Monitor Construction Activities

During the construction process, the EPC firm can monitor project site activity and materials management, closely manage subcontractors and hold the team accountable by carefully documenting on-site safety and progress in alignment with the schedule. As clients, energy utilities have access to the same data mapping program to monitor the construction progress and schedule with their own leadership teams. From an environmental perspective, UAVs and reality capture technology facilitate compliance with regulatory requirements. For example, UAVs can be used to monitor and mitigate water runoff and erosion concerns to protect surrounding farmland, wetlands, and rivers.

Support the Full Infrastructure Lifecycle

Data visualization drives action throughout the infrastructure lifecycle. The real magic happens after a UAV flight has been completed. For example, energy utilities can use UAVs to create a geospatially accurate digital twin of the entire construction site; this 3D model can be continuously updated to optimize O&M throughout the infrastructure lifecycle. By deploying UAVs for O&M purposes, stakeholders can see performance outliers, address them as needed and integrate feedback loops into operational best practices. Sharing historic and current data with all project stakeholders encourages effective communication and planning; accurate, consistent, and clear data visualization allows personnel to identify issues or risks that would otherwise be missed.

Next Steps: Collaborate with an Expert Advisory Partner to Guide the UAV Technology Journey

Leveraging innovations in UAV technology and capabilities offers energy utilities a significant ROI through minimized risk, informed decision-making, optimized schedules and operational transparency. Organizations that are interested in implementing UAV technology may be concerned about training personnel, making major process changes, and procuring equipment and software. Fortunately, expert advisory partners are available to make the process easy so utilities can enjoy the benefits without the hassle. Consider working with an established EPC firm that offers the following in-house capabilities:

Established UAV fleet management system with emphasis on safetyAirspace regulation considerationsSupport in navigating regulatory agency permit and waiver applicationsIn-house subject matter experts that are knowledgeable about a variety of aircraft typesRigid competency training and testing for uncrewed aircraft pilotsAccessible cloud-based software to collect and visualize dataTopographic digital twins, capturing all vegetation and underground utilities

Backed by over 100 years of innovation in the construction industry, Black & Veatch employs a growing network of FAA-certified UAV pilots to better serve our power, water and telecommunication clients. We employ uncrewed aircraft pilots across North America, with expertise in 3D point cloud mapping, Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) mapping, Post-Processing Kinematic (PPK) mapping, LiDAR and infrared. Having pilots who specialize in different aspects of projects makes Black & Veatch UAV Charter and team of pilots uniquely qualified to provide recommendations throughout all phases of the infrastructure lifecycle. Contact us to discuss how UAVs can be used to address construction, engineering and O&M for energy utilities.

Originally published by the Memorial University Gazette

As technology advances and industries evolve, skill building is integral to any student or professional’s toolkit.

It can sometimes feel daunting to keep up. You might wonder: am I communicating effectively? What is ChatGPT? Should I be using it at work or school?

Thanks to a partnership with IBM Canada, the Memorial community now can access a free, digital training program, IBM SkillsBuild.

Continue reading here. 

Originally published in Qualcomm’s 2023 Corporate Responsibility Report

Our Operational Resilience function orchestrates the Company’s emergency operations, business resilience, IT incident response and IT service resilience disciplines. The proper adoption of these resilience disciplines enhances our capability to mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from operational disruptions.

We have established a vision and holistic approach to operational resilience based on leading industry standards. Our program is designed to provide agile decision-making in the face of potential threats, disasters and during an event. Disasters include local incidents such as building fires, regional physical incidents such as earthquakes or hurricanes/typhoons, technology disruptions and national incidents such as pandemic illnesses and events that occur due to climate change. Our approach is driven by Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) assessments, Company strategy, and regulatory and stakeholder requirements.

Our ERM program is integral to executing our strategic objectives. The program is driven by the ERM Operating Committee, which includes approximately 20 members in senior leadership positions across various functional areas, including Engineering, Finance, HR, IT, Legal, Marketing and Supply Chain. On an annual basis, this committee compiles, evaluates and tiers enterprise risks, including climate change-related risks, before developing associated mitigation plans. Oversight is provided by both the ERM Executive Committee and the Board, and mitigation plans are reviewed by the executive leadership bi-annually for continued relevance.

Our Operational Resilience team utilizes a threat risk assessment process to identify and evaluate risks on a regional basis that may affect the Company’s resilience. The threat risk assessment process ranks more than 30 environmental, operational and man-made risks based on the likelihood and impact of an occurrence. We consult with resilience leads based on the potential size and scope of specific impacts. This process is completed annually, with the results presented to executive sponsors. A roadmap is then developed by the operational resilience team and presented to the Governance Committee of the Board of Directors.

Operational Resilience leverages this data when determining the potential impacts from operational disruptions and documents recovery requirements, and devises strategies to enable the Company to continue critical business operations in the event of disaster. Operational Resilience evaluates the effectiveness of plans, assessments and risks identified with training and simulations. The overall program is aligned with ISO 22301, an international standard for business continuity management systems.

Learn more about how Qualcomm is driving innovation, societal advancement and sustainability in the 2023 Corporate Responsibility Report

Originally published in the IBM 2023 Impact Report

Pollinators are critical for maintaining a diverse ecosystem, and they are fundamental for food production.

That’s why IBM established a global program involving creating, enhancing, and restoring pollinator habitats. Andrea Sarudi, from IBM Corporate Environmental Affairs, worked with IBMers to implement 50 pollinator gardens at IBM locations globally from 2021 to 2023. One such garden involved replacing grass with flower beds in Bogota, Colombia’s capital. This and other pollinator projects required different strategies according to each location and they help not only bees but also flies, moths, butterflies, wasps, beetles, hummingbirds and even bats and small mammals.

By the end of 2023, IBM established 70 pollinator gardens across 26 countries, surpassing the goal of 50.

Learn more about IBM’s commitment to creating, enhancing, and restoring habitats to support biodiversity in the 2023 Impact Report

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

The U.S. Bank Magnolia Place Financial Education Center is designed to provide a welcoming environment for individuals and families with limited access to financial education and services who are looking to expand their knowledge and work toward financial stability.

“The U.S. Bank Magnolia Place Financial Education Center embodies the bank’s commitment to financial inclusion and access to financial services,” said Flory Martinez, who works in community outreach for U.S. Bank and is based at the center, which is in downtown Los Angeles. “We not only educate and empower individuals but also actively work to remove barriers to financial services and provide opportunities to achieve financial stability and prosperity.”

Located in the Children’s Bureau’s Magnolia Place Family Center building, which provides a variety of health, educational, economic and social services, the financial education center serves a low- to moderate-income community – the majority of whom speak Spanish as their primary language.

The centralized location allows the financial education center to reach the many visitors who come to the building for other services and also may benefit from financial workshops and coaching.

Covering topics such as building emergency savings, budgeting, using credit wisely, homebuying, establishing banking relationships and more, the programs the center offers are designed to empower individuals and families to break the generational cycle of poverty, plan for the unforeseen and make the financial system easier to understand.

Participants can build upon the knowledge they gain through workshops by scheduling one-on-one coaching sessions as well.

“People really value the opportunity to receive personalized guidance tailored to their own circumstances and goals,” Martinez said. “It helps simplify complex financial concepts and strategies.”

The center opened in 2018, as the Union Bank Magnolia Place Financial Education Center, when a Union Bank employee who lived in the area recognized the bank could provide valuable services to the local community. After the acquisition of Union Bank, U.S. Bank saw the value of the center and rebranded it to the U.S. Bank Magnolia Place Financial Education Center.

While the financial education center doesn’t process banking transactions, Martinez is able to connect community members who are interested in acquiring banking products and services with U.S. Bank employees at nearby branches.

Martinez said she also has forged strong relationships with nonprofit organizations that serve the same community – including from the same building.

When nonprofit LIFT-Los Angeles, which also is located in the Magnolia Place building, started a Community Business Academy in 2022 to help emerging entrepreneurs get their businesses started, she quickly connected with LIFT staff to collaborate on workshops and provide information to participants who have questions about banking products and services.

“We’re both in the trenches serving the community. We complement each other,” said Carlos Vasquez, director of entrepreneurship at LIFT-Los Angeles. “There are individuals who want to open a bank account and we don’t offer banking services, so we let Flory know. She can come in and talk to them and connect them to the right individuals.”

Haven Neighborhood Services serves individuals and families experiencing financial and housing instability and frequently works with the U.S. Bank Magnolia Place Financial Education Center on programs and activities designed to boost their financial acumen and work toward their financial goals.

CEO Erika Toriz said she appreciates the spirit of collaboration and commitment to helping the community through activities like recruiting volunteers to help families file tax returns.

“It’s important to have someone who really understands the community and the work being done on the ground, and is passionate about going beyond their duties,” Toriz said of Martinez.

With more than 50 financial workshops and coaching sessions completed in 2023, Martinez said she is witnessing the positive impact these programs have in the community. She sees more people setting and following budgets, saving regularly and using credit wisely, as well as using banking services that may have seemed inaccessible in the past – benefiting individuals, families and the community as a whole.

“The center has played a pivotal role in fostering a sense of empowerment within the community,” Martinez said. “As families become more financially secure, they are better positioned to support one another, invest in local businesses and contribute to the community’s economic development.”

While the financial education center has only carried the U.S. Bank name for a relatively short time, the bank has a long history with the facility. In 2008, U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance (then called U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation) invested $7.02 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) equity to finance the 46,000-square-foot Magnolia Place Family Center building where the financial education center is located. NMTCs encourage private capital investment in underserved urban and rural communities, supporting business growth and job creation.

Originally published on DICK’S Sporting Goods Newsroom

PITTSBURGH, April 23, 2024 /3BL/ — Recently, The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation announced a new $2 million grant initiative in honor of the 10 year anniversary of its Sports Matter Program. The year-long initiative is funded by DSG’s giveback program. DSG offers clothing and gear for the whole family and is one of DICK’S Sporting Goods’ vertical brands, in which 1% of all sales go directly to The Foundation’s Sports Matter Program.

The 10 Year Anniversary Sports Matter Grants symbolize a decade of collective effort and community support to ensure that more young athletes have access to sport and can thrive both on and off the field. Since 2014, DICK’S Sporting Goods and The DICK’S Foundation has helped over 2 million kids and committed over $100 million to support young athletes with equipment, registration fees, league costs and playing fields through its Sports Matter Program.

“At The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of sports and its ability to shape futures,” said Rick Jordan, Vice President, DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation, “As we celebrate a decade of Sports Matter and our commitment to provide opportunities for youth to play sports, we’re thrilled to launch this new grant initiative extending our reach and impact to even more communities across the country.”

To kick off the 10 Year Anniversary initiative, The DICK’S Foundation’s Sports Matter Program will award 20 grants for $10,000 each to 10 Pittsburgh-based organizations at the Pittsburgh DICK’S House of Sport grand opening on Friday, April 5, and 10 Boston-based organizations at the Boston DICK’S House of Sport grand opening on Friday, April 19. Additional 10 Year Anniversary Sports Matter Grants will be awarded to youth sports organizations throughout the year.

In 2024, The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation will also partner with several organizations including:

Every Kid Sports to help cover the cost of registration feesGood Sports to provide equipment to youth in under-resourced communitiesLISC to build 20 fields, courts, and additional infrastructures in high-need neighborhoods, andDonorsChoose to support educators and coaches helping keep kids in the game

For more information about the Sports Matter program, to join our Sports Matter Community or to donate to Sports Matter, please visit SportsMatter.org.

About DICK’S Sporting Goods 
DICK’S Sporting Goods (NYSE: DKS) creates confidence and excitement by inspiring, supporting and personally equipping all athletes to achieve their dreams. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, the leading omnichannel retailer serves athletes and outdoor enthusiasts in more than 850 DICK’S Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy, Public Lands, Going Going Gone! and Warehouse Sale stores, online, and through the DICK’S mobile app. DICK’S also owns and operates DICK’S House of Sport and Golf Galaxy Performance Center, as well as GameChanger, a youth sports mobile platform for live streaming, scheduling, communications and scorekeeping.

Driven by its belief that sports have the power to change lives, DICK’S has been a longtime champion for youth sports and, together with its Foundation, has donated millions of dollars to support under-resourced teams and athletes through the Sports Matter program and other community-based initiatives. Additional information about DICK’S business, corporate giving, sustainability efforts and employment opportunities can be found on dicks.com, investors.dicks.com, sportsmatter.org, dickssportinggoods.jobs and on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X.

About The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation 
The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with a mission to inspire and enable sports participation. It was created by DICK’S Sporting Goods as a private corporate foundation to support DICK’S charitable and philanthropic activities. Driven by its belief that sports have the power to change lives, The DICK’S Foundation champions youth sports and provides grants and support to under-resourced teams and athletes through its Sports Matter program and other community-based initiatives. Additional information about The DICK’S Foundation can be found on sportsmatter.org and on Instagram, Facebook and X.

Media Contact 
DICK’S Sporting Goods – press@dcsg.com

“If a check would fix the problem, I would’ve written that check already,” said Sam Johnson, founder of Johnson Outdoors. These words embody the company’s ethos founded with a reverence for nature and a commitment to its preservation. Since its inception, Johnson Outdoors has steadfastly safeguarded the outdoors while nurturing consumers’ passion for outdoor adventure and enjoyment.

At the heart of Johnson Outdoors’ success lies an unwavering commitment to its founding principles. As a family company, its leadership understands and protects the company’s values and purpose. As an employer, the company hires individuals who share this deep-rooted respect for nature, helping foster a culture united in environmental stewardship and a love for spending time outdoors.

We invited Connor Leipold, Johnson Outdoors Spokesman and SCUBAPRO Brand Manager, to share his insights. This initiative continues to inspire and empower outdoor enthusiasts worldwide, demonstrating our collective commitment to preserving the natural wonders that serve as our playground.

Listen for insights on:

How tapping into employee passions can inspire innovationSurpassing goals in the consumer and employee-driven Clean Earth ChallengeIdentifying like-minded partnerships and creating innovative preservation solutions

Listen to this and other episodes of Purpose 360 Podcast here.

Purpose 360 Podcast is a masterclass in unlocking the potential of purpose to ignite business and social impact. Hosted by Carol Cone, CEO of Carol Cone ON PURPOSE, Purpose 360 illuminates the impact of purpose, from engaging employees and fostering deeper consumer loyalty to inspiring product innovation and increasing market share.

Carol Cone ON PURPOSE (CCOP) is a pioneering social impact consultancy helping companies, brands, and nonprofits harness the power of purpose to advance their business and societal impact. CCOP’s proven approach, developed over decades and hundreds of purpose assignments, meets clients at any point on their purpose journey to unlock opportunities to build reputation, inspire and engage employees, ignite organizational culture for innovation and growth, while supporting the greater good.

Whirlpool Corporation recently hosted 30 youths with Youth Solutions, Inc. Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) from Benton Harbor High School to participate in a hands-on “Grill Empire” simulation. Informed by company observations, Whirlpool Corp. developed the supply and demand game to demonstrate how to solve problems collectively.

JMG youth and their Whirlpool Corp. mentors used model grills made out of LEGOs and were tasked with creating a process to plan, sell, and ship products to consumers. The “Grill Empire” experience was a chefs-kiss success that brought mentorship, process improvement, and project-based learning together.

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is committed to being the best global kitchen and laundry company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. In an increasingly digital world, the company is driving purposeful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, JennAir, Indesit and InSinkErator. In 2023, the company reported approximately $19 billion in annual sales, 59,000 employees and 55 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.

View original content here.

EMERYVILLE, Calif., April 23, 2024 /3BL/ – SCS Standards, a non-profit standard development organization, is pleased to announce the publication of SCS-115, Certification Standard for Product Carbon Intensity and Reduction for Chemicals and Co-products. SCS-115 was developed by SCS Standards in collaboration with Shell Chemicals, Berry Global Group, Inc., and X, the moonshot factory. The standard provides a methodology for third-party certification of the greenhouse gas intensity and reduction in carbon dioxide equivalents of a chemical material. SCS-115 applies to any chemical material used in a product for which a carbon intensity claim is being made, and to any organization who wishes to demonstrate the carbon intensity reduction of their products containing chemicals.

The baseline calculation method used in the SCS-115 standard, follows ISO 14076:2018 covering all Kyoto Protocol gases, and ‘Together for Sustainability’ (TfS) guidance. The core standard provides the framework and methodology, while requirements specific to each decarbonization lever are contained in the separate modules (module A is published, modules B-E are in development):

Module A: Renewable ElectricityModule B: Biofeedstock and Recycled ContentModule C: Carbon Capture, Utilization and StorageModule D: Renewable EnergyModule E: Asset Efficiency Improvement

“SCS Standards commends the work of the standards development committee and the industry leaders, experts and stakeholders who collaborated, reviewed and commented on SCS-115. These collective efforts have produced a credible, cradle-to-gate standard that will allow organizations to transparently and accurately communicate their decarbonizations efforts,” said Victoria Norman, Executive Director of SCS Standards, who led the multi-stakeholder standard development process.

SCS Global Services, a global leader in the field of third-party certification, working across the economy in the natural resources, built environment, food safety and agriculture, consumer products and climate sectors, has conducted the first pilot certification under the SCS-115 standard and organizations can now submit applications to commence the certification process.

“Our team of experts are ready to work with interested organizations by providing certification services under the SCS-115 standard which can be applied to all members of the supply chain including operators, suppliers, producers and processors who wish to make a claim about the carbon intensity of their product,” said Matt Rudolf, Vice President, Energy, Biomaterials and Circularity at SCS Global Services.

To download a copy of the standard, please visit the SCS Standards Website: https://www.scsstandards.org/standards/certification-standard-product-carbon-intensity-and-reduction

For SCS-115 Certification Services, please visit the SCS Global Services Website: https://www.scsglobalservices.com/services/product-carbon-intensity-and-reduction

About SCS Global Services and SCS Standards Development

SCS Global Services is an internationally recognized leader in third-party certification of environmental and sustainability claims. Headquartered in Emeryville, California, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe and Africa. It is the certification arm of Scientific Certification Systems, Inc., a chartered benefit corporation. Additional information is available at www.scsglobalservices.com.

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

Media Contact 
Victoria Norman  
Executive Director 
Send an email