Tag: 3BL

While one in three businesses worldwide are owned by women, they only get 1% of the procurement spend of big companies. This inequity means amazing women-owned businesses lose out on well deserved opportunity.

Here at Mary Kay, we’re changing the narrative through advocating for gender-responsive procurement. Our goal with the Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator is to equip both women-owned businesses and corporate procurement teams the right education for success! To learn more about the Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator and to read the full 2023 Special Report, please click here.

While one in three businesses worldwide are owned by women, they only get 1% of the procurement spend of big companies. This inequity means amazing women-owned businesses lose out on well deserved opportunity.

Here at Mary Kay, we’re changing the narrative through advocating for gender-responsive procurement. Our goal with the Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator is to equip both women-owned businesses and corporate procurement teams the right education for success! To learn more about the Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator and to read the full 2023 Special Report, please click here.

As previously seen on the CSRHub blog.

By Bahar Gidwani

Some sustainability experts have speculated that the consensus ratings for an entity are driven partly by how many sources rate it. In other words, the more that an entity reveals, shares, and collaborates with those who judge its sustainability, the more positively these sources will rate the entity.

This theory seems reasonable. As you can see below, CSRHub’s consensus ratings data broadly support this theory.

See graph measuring ratings by number of sources at low and high values.

The chart shows a positive connection for entities that have between 1 and around 30 sources. Then, there seems to be little additional benefit until we reach 70+ sources. There are relatively few entities that have 30 or more sources. So, the connection between ratings and source number is valid for the more than 90% of the entities we track that have fewer than 30 sources.

See table measuring number of sources and percentage of companies.

Why would there be a flat zone above 30 sources? We suspect it is because companies with many sources are well enough known and studied that adding more information doesn’t change how they are viewed. Why is there a further rise above 70 sources? There may be a few “premier” names who get excess attention—everyone wants to track and follow them.

What about the core group with between 3 and 29 sources. Are their ratings driven by the number of sources who track them? When we focus on entities in this range, there is a strong correlation between average ratings and sources. However, there is also a huge variation in the possible rating that an entity may have. As you can see below, 95% of the ratings for an entity with 10 sources are between 35 and 65. 95% of those with 15 sources are between 40 and 65. Even at the top end of the number of source range, there are entities within two standard deviations of the average who are rated below 50 (below average).

See graph measuring correlation and variation between 3 and 29 sources.

The general rise in ratings as an entity gains sources may not be driven by a true improvement in its performance. We previously showed (in a paper published in The Journal of Investing) that entities begin their rating journey with either high or low scores. After entering at the top or bottom of the ratings regime, their scores then “regress” towards the middle.

See graph measuring change in rating by year after entry.

Our explanation for this was that these new companies gained sources rapidly—in particular at the top. This table documents this phenomenon.

See table measuring increasing in number of company sources over time.

Those who rely on ratings (for benchmarking, supply chain, marketing, regulatory, or investment purposes) need to understand that there are systemic issues that may drive them up or down over time. How many sources are interested in an entity and when it began its ratings journey are two of these drivers. The true performance (and changes in performance) of an entity are another driver. We will continue looking for other non-performance-related factors as we seek to improve understanding of ESG ratings and how they change.

Bahar Gidwani is CTO and Co-founder of CSRHub. He has built and run large technology-based businesses for many years. Bahar holds a CFA, worked on Wall Street with Kidder, Peabody, and with McKinsey & Co. Bahar has consulted to a number of major companies and currently serves on the board of several software and Web companies. He has an MBA from Harvard Business School and an undergraduate degree in physics and astronomy. He plays bridge, races sailboats, and is based in New York City.

About CSRHub

CSRHub offers the most comprehensive global set of Consensus ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) ratings, information, and tools. CSRHub’s business intelligence system measures the ESG business impact that drives corporate and investor sustainability decisions. Founded in 2007, CSRHub covers 55,000 public and private companies, and provides ESG performance scores on over 35,000 companies from 135 industries in 210 countries. Our Big Data platform uses algorithms to aggregate, normalize and weight ESG metrics from 933 sources to produce a strong consensus signal on corporate sustainability performance.

As previously seen on the CSRHub blog.

By Bahar Gidwani

Some sustainability experts have speculated that the consensus ratings for an entity are driven partly by how many sources rate it. In other words, the more that an entity reveals, shares, and collaborates with those who judge its sustainability, the more positively these sources will rate the entity.

This theory seems reasonable. As you can see below, CSRHub’s consensus ratings data broadly support this theory.

See graph measuring ratings by number of sources at low and high values.

The chart shows a positive connection for entities that have between 1 and around 30 sources. Then, there seems to be little additional benefit until we reach 70+ sources. There are relatively few entities that have 30 or more sources. So, the connection between ratings and source number is valid for the more than 90% of the entities we track that have fewer than 30 sources.

See table measuring number of sources and percentage of companies.

Why would there be a flat zone above 30 sources? We suspect it is because companies with many sources are well enough known and studied that adding more information doesn’t change how they are viewed. Why is there a further rise above 70 sources? There may be a few “premier” names who get excess attention—everyone wants to track and follow them.

What about the core group with between 3 and 29 sources. Are their ratings driven by the number of sources who track them? When we focus on entities in this range, there is a strong correlation between average ratings and sources. However, there is also a huge variation in the possible rating that an entity may have. As you can see below, 95% of the ratings for an entity with 10 sources are between 35 and 65. 95% of those with 15 sources are between 40 and 65. Even at the top end of the number of source range, there are entities within two standard deviations of the average who are rated below 50 (below average).

See graph measuring correlation and variation between 3 and 29 sources.

The general rise in ratings as an entity gains sources may not be driven by a true improvement in its performance. We previously showed (in a paper published in The Journal of Investing) that entities begin their rating journey with either high or low scores. After entering at the top or bottom of the ratings regime, their scores then “regress” towards the middle.

See graph measuring change in rating by year after entry.

Our explanation for this was that these new companies gained sources rapidly—in particular at the top. This table documents this phenomenon.

See table measuring increasing in number of company sources over time.

Those who rely on ratings (for benchmarking, supply chain, marketing, regulatory, or investment purposes) need to understand that there are systemic issues that may drive them up or down over time. How many sources are interested in an entity and when it began its ratings journey are two of these drivers. The true performance (and changes in performance) of an entity are another driver. We will continue looking for other non-performance-related factors as we seek to improve understanding of ESG ratings and how they change.

Bahar Gidwani is CTO and Co-founder of CSRHub. He has built and run large technology-based businesses for many years. Bahar holds a CFA, worked on Wall Street with Kidder, Peabody, and with McKinsey & Co. Bahar has consulted to a number of major companies and currently serves on the board of several software and Web companies. He has an MBA from Harvard Business School and an undergraduate degree in physics and astronomy. He plays bridge, races sailboats, and is based in New York City.

About CSRHub

CSRHub offers the most comprehensive global set of Consensus ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) ratings, information, and tools. CSRHub’s business intelligence system measures the ESG business impact that drives corporate and investor sustainability decisions. Founded in 2007, CSRHub covers 55,000 public and private companies, and provides ESG performance scores on over 35,000 companies from 135 industries in 210 countries. Our Big Data platform uses algorithms to aggregate, normalize and weight ESG metrics from 933 sources to produce a strong consensus signal on corporate sustainability performance.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Recycling and Beyond Part 1 explores the challenges of waste management in countries on the frontline of dealing with plastic waste. With insights from Zoë Lenkiewicz, Waste Management and Sustainable Development Specialist at the United Nations Environment Program, and Chege Ngugi, Regional Director in Africa of ChildFund International, this episode takes a look at the impact, challenges and solutions of collection, sorting and recycling for communities most impacted by plastic waste in Africa.

EPISODE NOTES

In Recycling and Beyond Part 1, we explore the challenges of collecting and sorting plastic waste, and the necessity to build infrastructure while balancing the needs of communities dealing with waste. Featuring global waste management expert, author and technical editor of UNEP’s Global Waste Management Outlook 2, Zoë Lenkiewicz, and Regional Director in Africa for ChildFund International, Chege Ngugi, this episode dives into how children and communities in Africa are at the frontline of plastic waste and its mismanagement and what steps are being taken by public, private and civil society stakeholders to ensure plastic waste becomes a more circular solution for these communities.

SHOW CONTRIBUTORS 

Host: Maithreyi Seetharaman 
Show Producer: Lisa Desai 
Sound Production: PhiLipp Schweidler, Department of Noise 
Communications Advisor: Jonny West-Symes, Teneo 
Artwork: Dow Creative Element

EPISODE SUMMARY

Recycling and Beyond Part 1 explores the challenges of waste management in countries on the frontline of dealing with plastic waste. With insights from Zoë Lenkiewicz, Waste Management and Sustainable Development Specialist at the United Nations Environment Program, and Chege Ngugi, Regional Director in Africa of ChildFund International, this episode takes a look at the impact, challenges and solutions of collection, sorting and recycling for communities most impacted by plastic waste in Africa.

EPISODE NOTES

In Recycling and Beyond Part 1, we explore the challenges of collecting and sorting plastic waste, and the necessity to build infrastructure while balancing the needs of communities dealing with waste. Featuring global waste management expert, author and technical editor of UNEP’s Global Waste Management Outlook 2, Zoë Lenkiewicz, and Regional Director in Africa for ChildFund International, Chege Ngugi, this episode dives into how children and communities in Africa are at the frontline of plastic waste and its mismanagement and what steps are being taken by public, private and civil society stakeholders to ensure plastic waste becomes a more circular solution for these communities.

SHOW CONTRIBUTORS 

Host: Maithreyi Seetharaman 
Show Producer: Lisa Desai 
Sound Production: PhiLipp Schweidler, Department of Noise 
Communications Advisor: Jonny West-Symes, Teneo 
Artwork: Dow Creative Element

LONDON, April 18, 2024 /3BL/ – Pentair plc (NYSE: PNR), a leader in helping the world sustainably move, improve and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource, today released its 2023 Corporate Responsibility Report, reporting on the Company’s efforts and progress toward Making Better Essential.

“As a purpose-driven company, at Pentair we are energized each day by the positive impact we can make in creating a better world for people and the planet through smart, sustainable water solutions,” said John L. Stauch, Pentair President and CEO. “Improving the world around us is essential to the products we design, the solutions we create, the customers and communities we serve, and how we operate. We are inspired that we can make a positive impact through our mission to help the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource.”

The Report highlights progress towards Pentair’s Social Responsibility Strategic Targets which are designed to make a positive impact on people and the planet, including the following 2023 progress highlights:

Carbon Footprint Reduction Progress Highlights1: Pentair’s total Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions decreased 30.9% compared to the 2019 baseline.Water Withdrawal Reduction Progress Highlights1: Pentair’s absolute water withdrawal within its operations decreased 22.9% as compared to the 2019 baseline, which represents an approximately 22 percentage point improvement from 2022.Design for Sustainability Progress Highlights: Building on our success from 2022, we assessed 100% of new products with our product sustainability scorecard.2 We continued to consider product sustainability, along with other factors, as we weighed decisions in our commercialization process. We also laid the groundwork for new sustainability tools to aggregate product sustainability achievements for our customers.Responsible Supply Chain Progress Highlights: As part of new supplier screening, we assess each supplier’s ESG maturity and alignment with Pentair’s social responsibility strategy. In collaboration with a third-party expert, we assessed the ESG maturity of approximately 73% of our top 80% of existing suppliers by spend, and 50% of new suppliers with a projected spend greater than $1 million.Inclusion & Diversity Progress Highlights1: We continue to advance a diverse and inclusive workforce. Pentair achieved 31% female representation in the workforce (2019 baseline of 30%) and 31% female representation in leadership positions (2019 baseline of 28%). In the U.S., people of color (POC) representation in the workforce was 38% (2019 baseline of 39%) and U.S. POC representation in leadership positions was 24% (2019 baseline of 23%).

“In 2023, through the collective efforts of our dedicated employees, customers and partners, Pentair continued our contributions to positively impact the world,” said Karla Robertson, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary, and Chief Social Responsibility Officer. “I am proud of the progress we have made and grateful for the commitment to Making Better Essential. Together, we can make the world better and build a brighter future for all.”

The positive impact of Pentair’s products, solutions and workplace initiatives is further highlighted within the Report including efforts to advance a more sustainable future by helping customers reduce energy use and avoid single-use plastic water bottles. Pentair continues to be recognized for its leadership by ratings agencies such as MSCI, where we have maintained a AAA rating since 2022 and Sustainalytics, which has ranked Pentair in the top 17% or better of the Machinery Industry group since 2022.

Pentair engaged with a third party to assure the Scopes 1 and 2 GHG emissions, water withdrawal, energy consumption, safety injury frequency rate, and inclusion and diversity rates in the 2023 Corporate Responsibility Report. To learn more about Pentair’s Social Responsibility Strategic Targets and its 2023 Corporate Responsibility Report, visit Pentair.com/Impact.

1As of December 31, 2023.

2 Pentair’s product sustainability scorecard analyzes five impacts from a product’s lifecycle – water use, energy use, GHG emissions, resource use efficiency, and material health – and incorporates an assessment of these impacts as part of new product design.

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ABOUT PENTAIR

At Pentair, we help the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource. From our residential and commercial water solutions, to industrial water management and everything in between, Pentair is focused on smart, sustainable water solutions that help our planet and people thrive.

Pentair had revenue in 2023 of approximately $4.1 billion, and trades under the ticker symbol PNR. With approximately 10,500 global employees serving customers in more than 150 countries, we work to help improve lives and the environment around the world. To learn more, visit www.pentair.com.

CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains statements that we believe to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Without limitation, any statements preceded or followed by or that include the words “targets,” “plans,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “likely,” “may,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “positioned,” “strategy,” or “future” or words, phrases, or terms of similar substance or the negative thereof are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including the risk that we will be unable to execute our strategy or achieve our ESG goals or targets because of market or competitive conditions. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release. Pentair plc assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update the information contained in this release.

LONDON, April 18, 2024 /3BL/ – Pentair plc (NYSE: PNR), a leader in helping the world sustainably move, improve and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource, today released its 2023 Corporate Responsibility Report, reporting on the Company’s efforts and progress toward Making Better Essential.

“As a purpose-driven company, at Pentair we are energized each day by the positive impact we can make in creating a better world for people and the planet through smart, sustainable water solutions,” said John L. Stauch, Pentair President and CEO. “Improving the world around us is essential to the products we design, the solutions we create, the customers and communities we serve, and how we operate. We are inspired that we can make a positive impact through our mission to help the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource.”

The Report highlights progress towards Pentair’s Social Responsibility Strategic Targets which are designed to make a positive impact on people and the planet, including the following 2023 progress highlights:

Carbon Footprint Reduction Progress Highlights1: Pentair’s total Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions decreased 30.9% compared to the 2019 baseline.Water Withdrawal Reduction Progress Highlights1: Pentair’s absolute water withdrawal within its operations decreased 22.9% as compared to the 2019 baseline, which represents an approximately 22 percentage point improvement from 2022.Design for Sustainability Progress Highlights: Building on our success from 2022, we assessed 100% of new products with our product sustainability scorecard.2 We continued to consider product sustainability, along with other factors, as we weighed decisions in our commercialization process. We also laid the groundwork for new sustainability tools to aggregate product sustainability achievements for our customers.Responsible Supply Chain Progress Highlights: As part of new supplier screening, we assess each supplier’s ESG maturity and alignment with Pentair’s social responsibility strategy. In collaboration with a third-party expert, we assessed the ESG maturity of approximately 73% of our top 80% of existing suppliers by spend, and 50% of new suppliers with a projected spend greater than $1 million.Inclusion & Diversity Progress Highlights1: We continue to advance a diverse and inclusive workforce. Pentair achieved 31% female representation in the workforce (2019 baseline of 30%) and 31% female representation in leadership positions (2019 baseline of 28%). In the U.S., people of color (POC) representation in the workforce was 38% (2019 baseline of 39%) and U.S. POC representation in leadership positions was 24% (2019 baseline of 23%).

“In 2023, through the collective efforts of our dedicated employees, customers and partners, Pentair continued our contributions to positively impact the world,” said Karla Robertson, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary, and Chief Social Responsibility Officer. “I am proud of the progress we have made and grateful for the commitment to Making Better Essential. Together, we can make the world better and build a brighter future for all.”

The positive impact of Pentair’s products, solutions and workplace initiatives is further highlighted within the Report including efforts to advance a more sustainable future by helping customers reduce energy use and avoid single-use plastic water bottles. Pentair continues to be recognized for its leadership by ratings agencies such as MSCI, where we have maintained a AAA rating since 2022 and Sustainalytics, which has ranked Pentair in the top 17% or better of the Machinery Industry group since 2022.

Pentair engaged with a third party to assure the Scopes 1 and 2 GHG emissions, water withdrawal, energy consumption, safety injury frequency rate, and inclusion and diversity rates in the 2023 Corporate Responsibility Report. To learn more about Pentair’s Social Responsibility Strategic Targets and its 2023 Corporate Responsibility Report, visit Pentair.com/Impact.

1As of December 31, 2023.

2 Pentair’s product sustainability scorecard analyzes five impacts from a product’s lifecycle – water use, energy use, GHG emissions, resource use efficiency, and material health – and incorporates an assessment of these impacts as part of new product design.

###

ABOUT PENTAIR

At Pentair, we help the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource. From our residential and commercial water solutions, to industrial water management and everything in between, Pentair is focused on smart, sustainable water solutions that help our planet and people thrive.

Pentair had revenue in 2023 of approximately $4.1 billion, and trades under the ticker symbol PNR. With approximately 10,500 global employees serving customers in more than 150 countries, we work to help improve lives and the environment around the world. To learn more, visit www.pentair.com.

CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains statements that we believe to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Without limitation, any statements preceded or followed by or that include the words “targets,” “plans,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “likely,” “may,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “positioned,” “strategy,” or “future” or words, phrases, or terms of similar substance or the negative thereof are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including the risk that we will be unable to execute our strategy or achieve our ESG goals or targets because of market or competitive conditions. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release. Pentair plc assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update the information contained in this release.

EMERYVILLE, Calif., April 18, 2024 /3BL/ – SCS Global Services celebrated its 40th anniversary on the birthday of its founder and CEO, the late Dr. Stanley P. Rhodes. Staff gathered at the company headquarters in Emeryville, CA and around the globe via livestream to recognize the company’s many accomplishments as a pioneer and leader in the field of environmental and sustainability certification and standards development, and to pay homage to the man that led them with a day of environmental service.

The celebration, which kicked off with an assembly, featured company, public and private sector speakers, including senior SCS executives Jim Knutzon and Linda Brown, Emeryville City Councilman Kalimah Priforce, and Brian Durkee, CEO of longtime Bay Area ally Numi Tea. The event also featured special commendations for Dr. Rhodes from Congresswoman Barbara Lee (District 12) as well as from Alameda County. Following the morning assembly, staff participated in clean-up activities along the San Francisco Bay adjacent to SCS headquarters, a nod to Earth Day and SCS’ core commitment to environment protection. SCS staffers around the world likewise participated in clean-up actions, all in support of Earthday.org’s #GreatGlobalCleanup.

“What began as a small company at a kitchen table in 1984 has evolved into one of the world’s leading third-party sustainability auditing and standards-setting bodies. None of this could have been achieved without Stan’s leadership,” said Jim Knutzon, SCS’ acting CEO and board chairman. “Stan was a visionary scientist and unwavering champion of environmental and social responsibility, but did not seek the limelight himself. He would be very gratified to know of the commendations from Congressman Lee and the County of Alameda.”

“As we look back today on 40 years of achievement, we are grateful for Stan’s leadership, and proud of our client’s accomplishments to date,” said Linda Brown, senior vice president and company co-founder. “Yet as Stan would be the first to point out, there is much more work to do to. Our team is ready to roll up our sleeves to help drive sustainable development over the coming decades.”

“We are proud that SCS’ many contributions to a more sustainable economy have been centered right here in Emeryville for more than half of its 40 years,” said Emeryville City Councilman Kalimah Priforce.

Joseph Hansen, Field Representative from Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s office presented its commendation to Stan’s daughter, Sahar Priano, at the event. Ms. Priano, an economist based in Washington DC, serves on the SCS Board of Directors. The commendation recognized Dr. Rhodes’ outstanding contributions over a lifetime of service, making the world a safer and healthier place for all.

In addition, Amy Shrago, Chief of Staff for Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, presented a separate county commendation for Stan’s many contributions.

SCS has a roster of more than 15,000 clients, mostly in the private sector, many of whom represent the vanguard of sustainable thinking. One long-time client and ally, Numi Tea, which is also based in Alameda County, was on-hand to offer its own perspective.

“Numi Tea is proud to be part of Founder’s Day honoring the late Stan Rhodes,” said Numi Tea CEO Brian Durkee. “Stan inspired so many of us to think bigger, bolder, create new standards, and push the boundaries. The work we did with SCS over two decades resulted in standardized fair labor practices and sustainable sourcing for our tea which is key to our promise to our customers.”

About SCS Global Services

SCS Global Services is a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in climate mitigation, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, consumer products, and more. Headquartered in Emeryville, California and celebrating 40 years in business, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to companies, agencies, and advocacy organizations due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS is a chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. For more information, visit www.SCSGlobalServices.com.

Media Contact:

Karen Righthand
Vice President, Corporate Marketing
krighthand@scsglobalservices.com

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EMERYVILLE, Calif., April 18, 2024 /3BL/ – SCS Global Services celebrated its 40th anniversary on the birthday of its founder and CEO, the late Dr. Stanley P. Rhodes. Staff gathered at the company headquarters in Emeryville, CA and around the globe via livestream to recognize the company’s many accomplishments as a pioneer and leader in the field of environmental and sustainability certification and standards development, and to pay homage to the man that led them with a day of environmental service.

The celebration, which kicked off with an assembly, featured company, public and private sector speakers, including senior SCS executives Jim Knutzon and Linda Brown, Emeryville City Councilman Kalimah Priforce, and Brian Durkee, CEO of longtime Bay Area ally Numi Tea. The event also featured special commendations for Dr. Rhodes from Congresswoman Barbara Lee (District 12) as well as from Alameda County. Following the morning assembly, staff participated in clean-up activities along the San Francisco Bay adjacent to SCS headquarters, a nod to Earth Day and SCS’ core commitment to environment protection. SCS staffers around the world likewise participated in clean-up actions, all in support of Earthday.org’s #GreatGlobalCleanup.

“What began as a small company at a kitchen table in 1984 has evolved into one of the world’s leading third-party sustainability auditing and standards-setting bodies. None of this could have been achieved without Stan’s leadership,” said Jim Knutzon, SCS’ acting CEO and board chairman. “Stan was a visionary scientist and unwavering champion of environmental and social responsibility, but did not seek the limelight himself. He would be very gratified to know of the commendations from Congressman Lee and the County of Alameda.”

“As we look back today on 40 years of achievement, we are grateful for Stan’s leadership, and proud of our client’s accomplishments to date,” said Linda Brown, senior vice president and company co-founder. “Yet as Stan would be the first to point out, there is much more work to do to. Our team is ready to roll up our sleeves to help drive sustainable development over the coming decades.”

“We are proud that SCS’ many contributions to a more sustainable economy have been centered right here in Emeryville for more than half of its 40 years,” said Emeryville City Councilman Kalimah Priforce.

Joseph Hansen, Field Representative from Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s office presented its commendation to Stan’s daughter, Sahar Priano, at the event. Ms. Priano, an economist based in Washington DC, serves on the SCS Board of Directors. The commendation recognized Dr. Rhodes’ outstanding contributions over a lifetime of service, making the world a safer and healthier place for all.

In addition, Amy Shrago, Chief of Staff for Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, presented a separate county commendation for Stan’s many contributions.

SCS has a roster of more than 15,000 clients, mostly in the private sector, many of whom represent the vanguard of sustainable thinking. One long-time client and ally, Numi Tea, which is also based in Alameda County, was on-hand to offer its own perspective.

“Numi Tea is proud to be part of Founder’s Day honoring the late Stan Rhodes,” said Numi Tea CEO Brian Durkee. “Stan inspired so many of us to think bigger, bolder, create new standards, and push the boundaries. The work we did with SCS over two decades resulted in standardized fair labor practices and sustainable sourcing for our tea which is key to our promise to our customers.”

About SCS Global Services

SCS Global Services is a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in climate mitigation, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, consumer products, and more. Headquartered in Emeryville, California and celebrating 40 years in business, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to companies, agencies, and advocacy organizations due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS is a chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. For more information, visit www.SCSGlobalServices.com.

Media Contact:

Karen Righthand
Vice President, Corporate Marketing
krighthand@scsglobalservices.com

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