Tag: 3BL

PARIS, April 12, 2024 /3BL/ – The Consumer Goods Forum’s (CGF) Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI) is pleased to announce that Florverde® Sustainable Flowers (FSF) has successfully completed the SSCI Benchmarking process and achieved SSCI Recognition. FSF has successfully benchmarked against the SSCI Benchmarking Requirements for the Primary Production scope. In achieving SSCI Recognition, FSF demonstrates leadership in the effort to build credibility among sustainability standards worldwide.

FSF is an independent social and environmental standard which ensures that flowers certified under this scheme have been responsibly produced. This requires flower growers to adopt measures that will protect and enable worker’s rights, implement best environmental practices, and comply with national regulations. FSF also helps safeguard quality by requiring the proper care and handling of flowers.

Daniela España, Director of Florverde® Sustainable Flowers, said “I am deeply honoured and inspired by our journey toward achieving recognition from the Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI). Our dedication to sustainability and ethical practices has always been at the core of everything we do. This recognition not only validates our efforts but also fuels our passion to continue striving for excellence and positive impact. By closely aligning with recognized certification bodies and global standards, we are not only reducing costs and streamlining processes but also covering the way for a more sustainable future for the entire flower industry. Together, with our partners and stakeholders, we are shaping a world where ethical labour practices and environmental stewardship are not just aspirations, but realities. This recognition is not the end of our journey but rather a milestone that drives us forward with renewed energy and determination to make a meaningful difference in the world.”

As it ‘verifies the verifiers,’ the SSCI awards an additional, yet essential, layer of trust to sustainability standards that demonstrate alignment with the SSCI Benchmark Criteria and achieve SSCI Recognition. As SSCI-Recognised standards, third-party auditing, monitoring, and certification schemes and programmes signal a strong commitment to raising the bar in their certification processes and driving harmonisation in a diverse field of sustainability standards, while at the same time remain free to innovate their approaches to ensure sustainability in a dynamic way. Today’s announcement demonstrates that FSF meets the industry’s expectations and FSF is now fully recognised by the SSCI.

Learn More and Apply

Third-party auditing and monitoring schemes and programs are invited to apply for SSCI recognition and demonstrate their commitment to industry-defined expectations for social responsibility. Learn more about the SSCI Benchmark and download the application kits at benchmark.tcgfssci.com.

For more information about the SSCI, please visit www.tcgfssci.com or contact the SSCI team at ssci@theconsumergoodsforum.com

– Ends –

About the Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative

The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI) builds trust in sustainability standards worldwide by benchmarking third-party auditing and certification programs and recognizing schemes that meet industry expectations. By providing an open-source list of recognized programs, the SSCI delivers clear guidance on which schemes cover key sustainability criteria and apply relevant verification practices. The SSCI improves transparency in the market, facilitates decision-making on schemes at both buyer and supplier level and sets the responsible sourcing expectations for the industry. The Initiative initially focuses on social compliance with the potential to expand the scope to environmental compliance. For more information, visit www.tcgfssci.com.

About The Consumer Goods Forum 
The Consumer Goods Forum (“CGF”) is a global, parity-based industry network that is driven by its members to encourage the global adoption of practices and standards that serves the consumer goods industry worldwide. It brings together the CEOs and senior management of some 400 retailers, manufacturers, service providers, and other stakeholders across 70 countries, and it reflects the diversity of the industry in geography, size, product category and format. Its member companies have combined sales of EUR 3.5 trillion and directly employ nearly 10 million people, with a further 90 million related jobs estimated along the value chain. It is governed by its Board of Directors, which comprises more than 55 manufacturer and retailer CEOs. For more information, please visit: www.theconsumergoodsforum.com.

For more info, please contact:

Luiza Reguse 
Senior Manager, SSCI 
The Consumer Goods Forum

Originally Published by Retail Times

KFC U.K. & Ireland and food redistribution charity FareShare today reveal a new ‘Bucket Bike’ designed to raise awareness of community kitchens and the need for more of the volunteers who power them. This comes as KFC hits the milestone of 1 million meals redistributed via FareShare.

The joint action is being driven by shocking new research commissioned by KFC and FareShare revealing that 51% of Brits don’t know if there is a community kitchen in their area. Indeed, whilst 31% of us could confidently locate a local food bank and 26% a local animal welfare charity, just one in ten (10%) could say the same for a community kitchen.

Continue reading here. 

CNH has long nurtured a partnership with Politecnico di Torino to support the education of aspiring young farmers. This strategic alliance continues with the recent signing of a collaboration agreement for the Master’s Degree in AgriTech Engineering.

“We are pleased to consolidate our partnership with the Polytechnic University of Turin as part of the new Laurea Magistrale in AgriTech Engineering,” said Carlo Alberto Sisto, CNH EMEA President. “This course represents a unique opportunity for students who wish to pursue a career in AgriTech, a fast-growing sector that combines agriculture and technology in innovative ways. Open innovation is at the heart of this collaboration: together with the Polytechnic of Turin, we are opening the doors to creativity, knowledge sharing and building sustainable solutions for tomorrow’s agriculture.”

Agricultural Engineering Studies has long been a staple at Politecnico di Torino to further educate the next generation of farmers in Italy. With an everchanging industry, forming a program that addresses the recent advancements in tech is essential. That’s why this program represents a unique opportunity for students who want to pursue a career in AgriTech, a quickly expanding sector that innovatively combines agriculture and technology.

In addition to technological development within the agriculture sector, the programs will focus on sustainability and address the challenges of our time: promoting skills that can drive efficient and environmentally friendly product development.

With the introduction of this program and the continued alliance with Politecnico di Torino, CNH demonstrates its commitment to educating the future of farming in Italy, and across the globe.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., April 11 2024 /3BL/ – Global liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure solutions leader Black & Veatch, in partnership with high-tech shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), has received full notice to proceed from Cedar LNG LP partners to begin constructing Cedar LNG’s floating liquefaction facility to be located in Kitimat, British Columbia. 

Black & Veatch will be responsible for complete topside design and equipment supply, including its market leading PRICO® technology. SHI will be providing the hull with the containment system, and fabrication and integration of all topsides modules. 

“Cedar FLNG has achieved another milestone of notice to proceed, solidifying an excellent partnership between SHI and Black & Veatch,” said S.I. Oh, Samsung Heavy Industries executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “Both of our firms continue to excel in FLNG market.”

Cedar LNG is strategically positioned to leverage Canada’s abundant natural gas supply and British Columbia’s growing LNG infrastructure to produce industry-leading, low-carbon and cost-competitive LNG for overseas markets. The near-shore export facility will feature electric-driven equipment powered by renewable energy, making it one of the lowest-carbon-intensity LNG facilities in the world. 

“Black & Veatch is committed to helping our clients and the communities they serve make meaningful progress on their decarbonization journey,” said Laszlo von Lazar, president of Black & Veatch’s Energy and Process Industries business. “The Cedar LNG project represents important first steps toward reducing carbon emissions through lower-carbon LNG facilities, which can supply customers looking to move away from more carbon-intensive feedstocks.”

The project represents a number of firsts: Cedar LNG will be world’s first indigenous majority-owned LNG project, the world’s first electric driven FLNG powered by renewable energy, the first air cooled FLNG facility, and Canada’s first FLNG export facility. Cedar LNG also will be one of the world’s lowest carbon intensity LNG facilities because its electric driven refrigeration compressors, boil-off gas compressors and six centrifugal pumps are all powered by renewable electricity. 

The Cedar LNG project brings together the Haisla Nation and Pembina to develop the Haisla Nation-led project while strengthening the partnership between SHI and Black & Veatch. The project is a key element of the Haisla Nation’s economic and social development strategy and will further advance indigenous economic reconciliation by allowing the Haisla Nation, for the first time ever, to directly own and participate in a major industrial development in its territory.

Editor’s Notes:

The Cedar LNG project leverages Canada’s abundant natural gas supply and is the world’s first indigenous majority-owned LNG project.PRICO® LNG liquefaction technology expands on its already dominant share of the FLNG market.For more information about Black & Veatch’s LNG solutions, click here.To download Black & Veatch’s eBook “LNG: Fueling the Future,” click here.

About Black & Veatch
Black & Veatch is a 100-percent employee-owned global engineering, procurement, consulting and construction company with a more than 100-year track record of innovation in sustainable infrastructure. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people around the world by addressing the resilience and reliability of our most important infrastructure assets. Follow us on www.bv.com  and on social media.

About Cedar LNG
The Cedar LNG project is a partnership between the Haisla Nation and Pembina to develop a floating liquefied natural gas facility in Kitimat, British Columbia, Canada, within the traditional territory of the Haisla Nation. Strategically positioned to leverage Canada’s abundant natural gas supply and BC’s LNG infrastructure, Cedar LNG will be powered by renewable electricity from BC Hydro, making it one of the lowest carbon intensity LNG facilities in the world. More information on Cedar LNG can be found at www.cedarlng.com. 

About Haisla Nation
The Haisla Nation is the band government of the Haisla people. Our mission is to build a powerful, prosperous and proud community, healthy in mind, body and spirit. We believe in building a strong and thriving community, with healthy and happy members and a sustained and prosperous environment. We are about 1700 people, with the majority living in Kitamaat Village. We have lived off the land and waters of our traditional territory for thousands of years, and it remains the focus of all we do. We believe that careful and appropriate economic development will bring our people necessary self-sufficiency. Sustainable and realistic economic opportunities are increasingly available and promise benefits for our people – and for every British Columbian. We know that in order to attain strength and independence our Nation must work together – with government, business, the community, and internally – with a spirit of respect and partnership. For more information, visit www.haisla.ca/. 

About Pembina Pipeline Corporation
Pembina Pipeline Corporation is a leading energy transportation and midstream service provider that has served North America’s energy industry for 70 years. Pembina owns an integrated network of hydrocarbon liquids and natural gas pipelines, gas gathering and processing facilities, oil and natural gas liquids infrastructure and logistics services, and an export terminals business. Through our integrated value chain, we seek to provide safe and reliable energy solutions that connect producers and consumers across the world, support a more sustainable future and benefit our customers, investors, employees and communities. For more information, visit www.pembina.com. 

Media Contact Information:

JIM SUHR | +1 913-458-6995 P | SuhrJ@BV.com
24-HOUR MEDIA CONTACT | Media@bv.com

By Liz Peters

At the WELL Conference–less than a month away–attendees can look forward to a series of thought-provoking sessions, inspiring speakers and invaluable insights, all aimed at shaping a healthier, more inclusive future for everyone. At IWBI’s inaugural global gathering on May 7-9, visionaries, thought leaders and changemakers are primed to take the stage and reshape the way we think about our buildings.

From world-renowned architects and designers to globally recognized public health experts and sustainability pioneers, come prepared to explore cutting-edge strategies, share transformative insights and collaborate on solutions that prioritize well-being for people through our places and spaces.

Five can’t-miss moments in Long Beach, Calif., include:

1. Visionary women reshaping the future of design.

On the MainStage: Design and the Future of the Human Experience

Human-centric innovation, intentional inclusion, designing for tomorrow. Explore innovative approaches and emerging trends in creating spaces that promote both physical well-being and inclusivity with leading experts in design, architecture and the creation of people-first places.

Featuring:

Cheryl Durst, Executive Vice President and CEO, IIDA, moderatorMaya Bird-Murphy, Founder and Executive Director, Mobile MakersGabrielle Bullock, Principal Director of Global Diversity, Perkins&WillYiselle Santos Rivera, Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion and Principal, HKS

2. Pioneering leaders of the healthy building movement exploring just how “smart” buildings can be.

On the MainStage: How Smart is Your Smart Building? Innovations for Planetary and Human Health

The spotlight is on the future of high-performance buildings and the pursuit of the sweet spot known as the energy-health nexus. This session will explore:

Transformative solutions at the intersection of health and decarbonizationLeveraging sensors, IoT and AI for enhanced productivity and optimized performanceData harmonization, real-time monitoring and immersive analysis through digital twinningAccelerating the trajectory to net zero and resilience

Featuring:

Eran Chen, AIA, Founder and Executive Director, ODAGeorge R. Oliver, Chairman and CEO, Johnson Controls InternationalRachel Hodgdon, President & CEO, IWBI

3. It’s back! PechaKucha stories of experiences that move us.

On the MainStage: WELL PechaKucha: Stories that Transform and Transcend

Members of our community from various sectors–including Olympic Gold medalists and leading consultants–will share their impactful stories about the influence of WELL on their businesses and lives. Through visually compelling presentations in the fast-paced PechaKucha format, discover the transformative effects of wellness-focused design in just 400 seconds.

Featuring:

Ramy Kim, Designing Justice, Designing Spaces,Kimberly Lewis Inkumsah, International WELL Building InstituteAnnemarie Lombard, Sensory IntelligenceMichael Przytula, AccentureKyle Steele, Global Wave IntegrationDana Vollmer Grant, ELS Architecture & Urban Design, Olympian

4. Learn, gain and earn: sharpening your knowledge of WELL.

With WELL Connects roundtables and scores of WELL Speaks sessions, the WELL Conference presents an opportunity to gain new technical skills, as well as explore how emerging technologies are impacting the industry. Under the California skies, earn all of your required continuing education credits for 2024 through fast-paced technical sessions.

5. Immersing yourself in a place curated for you.

Whether you’re a night owl or a morning lark, we have something for everyone.

Discover the benefits of mindfulness and breath techniques for both business and life in sessions led by Sandy Abrams, C.E.Om founder and TEDx speaker.Optimize your conference experience with Sensory Intelligence® and take the Senses@Work™ personalized DNA assessment, free for all attendees.Experience special installations designed to transport attendees into a world where technology and wellness converge, creating a uniquely captivating experience.

Join us at the WELL Conference

View original content here.

St. Paul, Minn., April 11, 2024 /3BL/ – On April 10, 2024, The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six PFAS.

This decision comes after evaluation of over 120,000 public comments, alongside extensive consultations, and stakeholder engagements. The finalized rule sets forth legally enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFAS in drinking water, including individual MCLs for PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA, as well as a Hazard Index MCL for PFAS mixtures. Additionally, the EPA has established health-based, non-enforceable Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs) for these substances.

Under the provisions of the final rule:

Public water systems are mandated to monitor these PFAS, with an initial monitoring period to be completed by 2027, followed by ongoing compliance checks.Within five years, starting from 2029, water systems must implement solutions to mitigate PFAS levels if they exceed the prescribed MCLs.Public notification regarding PFAS levels in drinking water must commence by 2027, ensuring transparency and accountability.

EPA estimates that over the coming years, the implementation of this rule will protect approximately 100 million individuals from PFAS exposure, prevent numerous fatalities, and mitigate tens of thousands of PFAS-related illnesses. Furthermore, EPA is allocating $1 billion, made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to support states and territories in conducting PFAS testing and treatment at public water systems, as well as aiding owners of private wells in addressing PFAS contamination.

This comprehensive regulation marks a significant stride towards ensuring clean and safe drinking water for all Americans.

“Based on this new regulation, it is estimated up to 10% of public water systems will have to implement PFAS reduction or treatment measures,” shares Jack Sheldon, PFAS Service Leader at Antea Group USA. “Now is the right time to understand how PFAS might be present in your operations and evaluate your risk as a potential source of release to the environment. This regulation will likely prompt additional PFAS actions at a state level that could further impact your business.”

To learn more and read the full press release, head over to the EPA’s website.

Do you have questions about emerging PFAS regulations or PFAS risk management? Antea Group is here to help. Reach out to our team of PFAS experts today!

About Antea Group

Antea®Group is an environment, health, safety, and sustainability consulting firm. By combining strategic thinking with technical expertise, we do more than effectively solve client challenges; we deliver sustainable results for a better future. We work in partnership with and advise many of the world’s most sustainable companies to address ESG-business challenges in a way that fits their pace and unique objectives. Our consultants equip organizations to better understand threats, capture opportunities and find their position of strength. Lastly, we maintain a global perspective on ESG issues through not only our work with multinational clients, but also through our sister organizations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America and as a founding member of the Inogen Alliance.

In 2024, Lenovo’s presence at MWC Barcelona is delivering more than a phenomenal product experience. By making thoughtful updates to the design, working with local suppliers, and prioritizing sustainability, Lenovo is counting MWC 2024 as a milestone in its journey toward more sustainable events. In this article, we cover Q&A with Adrien Vincent, Lenovo’s Director of Events who is leading Lenovo’s presence in Barcelona about how the event space is changing to not just reflect, but prioritize a more sustainable future.

So, what about Lenovo’s MWC presence in 2024 is different than years past?

With the support of our events vendor, Event Strategy Group (ESG), we were able to take a holistic approach and redesign our event stand to be constructed with fewer materials for construction, eliminate separate HVAC systems for the space, and decrease the amount of production lighting and LED walls used in the space. The goal was to create a more sustainable and efficient space while maintaining the engagement, comfortable, and inspiring in-person experience our visitors are used to at Lenovo events.

Why did you and the Lenovo events team decide to make these changes?

The events world has been through a lot in recent years. After the dramatic shift to virtual events during the pandemic, the slow return through hybrid events, and the innovation required to create a quality experience both in-person and virtually, I think I speak for all event professionals when I say that we no longer take these industry-defining events for granted. We need to make sure that our event experiences are delivering against customer priorities, and sustainability has definitely emerged as a customer priority. We’re taking every step we can to make sustainable choices and improve the experience for our customers. After all the change and adaptation we’ve been through, changes to make our events more sustainable seem more like natural “no-brainers” than significant add-ons. We’re grateful to have an events partner in ESG who shares our vision and makes integrating sustainability easy and we’ve enjoyed the added benefits of designing for sustainability and efficiency. From shipping costs of materials being streamlined to the set-up logistics being simplified, we’re seeing many added benefits of the redesigned space.

Other than redesigning the space to be more sustainable, are there other details that will make Lenovo’s MWC 2024 experience more sustainable?

Our team is working to evaluate every detail of the event experience and determine how it could be more sustainable and decrease the overall environmental impact of our presence and the presence of everyone who attends. We also see more sustainable options embedded in the options of our vendors. When I started my career, single use plastics and wasted food were commonplace at events the size of MWC. Today, we’re working with vendors to ensure that onsite food and beverage is served with compostable materials, that as much plastic or aluminum is recycled as possible, and that we’re minimizing food waste and sourcing local ingredients as much as possible. In Barcelona, we’re even working with an organization called Fundacion Aurea to ensure any leftover food is safely donated to mitigate waste and support local people in need.

Other than making strides in event sustainability, what’s the thing you’re most excited about for Lenovo’s presence at MWC 2024?

As always, our product teams will be showcasing very exciting innovations in the space. We’ll have innovative new devices, AI solutions, and demonstrations of how our technology is becoming more sustainable (alongside our event design)! I’m particularly looking forward to a smarter cities model that will allow users to test different simulations that demonstrate how Lenovo technology can create a smarter, more sustainable future. We know our visitors love these types of interactive experiences, and I look forward to watching people enjoy our space in Barcelona!

Originally published by The Wall Street Journal

Yum! Brands has a vision for “AI-powered” fast-food in which artificial intelligence shapes nearly every aspect of how its Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC and Habit Burger Grill restaurants are run.

Led by Joe Park, Yum!’s new chief digital and technology officer, the fast-food giant has been increasing its investment in technology and automation. About 45%, or about $30 billion, of Louisville, Ky.-based Yum!’s sales are digital, Park said, roughly double the level in 2019.

Continue reading here.

ROCHESTER, N.Y., April 11, 2024 /3BL/ – Paychex, Inc., a leading provider of integrated human capital management software solutions for human resources, employee benefits, insurance services, and payroll, has again been named among the Business Group on Health’s Best Employers for Excellence in Health & Well-being. For the 10th time, Paychex has been recognized for the company’s commitment to providing comprehensive and innovative benefits programs that advance the health and well-being of over 16,000 employees.

Paychex is one of 54 large U.S. employers to be recognized by a committee of judges based on comprehensive award criteria, including:

Holistic well-being strategy, including mental health, financial security, physical health, social connectedness, job satisfaction, flexibility, and time awayEngagement and the employee experienceMetrics and program evaluation

The organizations honored all demonstrate a well-being strategy with measurable objectives and incorporate the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion into their health and well-being programs. 

Paychex is also one of 10 companies to earn additional acknowledgment for a commitment to employees’ emotional well-being through mental health programs.

“This is the 10thtime Paychex has been honored by Business Group on Health for delivering strategic health and well-being programs that support our employees,” said John Gibson, Paychex president and CEO. “Receiving additional recognition for how we are addressing employees’ emotional well-being is especially meaningful. We understand that mental health is as important as physical health and will continue to provide Paychex employees and their families with programs that support stress management, mindfulness, and overall happiness. At Paychex, we believe that happier and healthier employees create more engaged and productive teams that best serve our customers and our communities.”

Gibson added, “This strong commitment to our own benefits and well-being programs has allowed us to develop the deep insight and expertise needed to help our small and medium-sized business customers build affordable benefits strategies for their employees. Offering a competitive benefits package is critical for them to successfully compete against larger businesses for quality talent in a tight labor market.”

Paychex offers employees holistic benefits like world-class training, comprehensive medical and dental insurance, retirement savings and financial wellness programs, and extended mental, emotional, and physical resources such as the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), resilience training, and virtual meditation.

The company also supports well-being within the communities the company serves by contributing to local non-profit organizations that address mental health, physical health, financial health, and professional skills development. In 2023, the Paychex Charitable Foundation awarded four $1 million grants in funding to Mental Health America, Feeding America®, Junior Achievement USA®, and the National Urban League.

“I am delighted to honor each and every one of these employers, which demonstrably enhanced the health and well-being of employees and their families through leading-edge initiatives,” said Ellen Kelsay, Business Group on Health president and CEO. “In addition, their novel and impactful approaches focused on critical workforce issues, such as mental health and health equity. We congratulate all the winners.”

A full list of winners is available here. To learn more about Paychex employee benefits and well-being programs, visit our benefits page.

About Paychex 
Paychex, Inc. (Nasdaq: PAYX) is an industry-leading HCM company delivering a full suite of technology and advisory services in human resources, employee benefit solutions, insurance, and payroll. The company serves approximately 740,000 customers in the U.S. and Europe and pays one out of every 12 American private sector employees. The more than 16,000 people at Paychex are committed to helping businesses succeed and building thriving communities where they work and live. To learn more, visit paychex.com.

About Business Group on Health 
Business Group on Health is the leading non-profit organization representing large employers’ perspectives on optimizing workforce strategy through innovative health, benefits and well-being solutions and on health policy issues. The Business Group keeps its membership informed of leading-edge thinking and action on health care cost and delivery, financing, affordability and experience with the health care system. Business Group members include the majority of Fortune 100 companies, mid-sized companies, as well as large public-sector employers, which collectively provide health and well-being programs for more than 60 million individuals in 200 countries. For more information, visit www.businessgrouphealth.org.

View original content here

Last year, the Global Sustainability Standards Board (GSSB) – the independent body responsible for setting the GRI Standards – announced a new project to revise economic-related impact disclosures. This decision stemmed from feedback collected from reporters and other standards users, revealing challenges with ambiguity, inconsistent interpretation- suggesting that a comprehensive review would significantly improve the current disclosures.

In addition, the revision aims to better align the Standards with internationally agreed best practices. It’s important to note that the last update to economic impact disclosures took place in 2006, and since then, there has been a number of international developments related to how organizations should identify, manage, and report on their impacts on the economy including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct. Both set clear expectations for businesses to take responsibility for the impacts they cause and those they contribute to or are linked to their business relationships.

Furthermore, this initiative is also motivated by the prevailing challenges that organizations of all sizes are facing: the ramifications of the pandemic persist, manifesting in a delicate global economy characterized by slow growth, high interest rates, rising debt levels, and pressure on global trade. This situation urgently calls for a reconsideration of the state-of-the-art approach to reporting organizational impacts on the economy, where GDP growth, profitability, and shareholder returns are primary measures of economic impact. However, there is a need for a more comprehensive approach that considers the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) along with broader societal and environmental factors.

GRI Standards are developed through a robust and transparent multi-stakeholder process, ensuring participation and expertise of diverse stakeholders. In January, the GSSB took a significant step forward by appointing a diverse Working Group to revise GRI’s Economic Impact-related Topic Standards. The working group is comprised of 17 members from various geographies and constituency groups representing business, investors, civil society, labor, and mediating institutions. Multi-stakeholder representation ensures that the standards are developed with a global perspective and in the public interest. GRI North America is pleased that the revision will incorporate North American interests, in part because of the invaluable contributions of North American stakeholders serving as Technical Committee members. The North American members hail from a diverse spectrum of backgrounds and organizations including representatives from Bank of America, The Predistribution Initiative, Deloitte, Columbia Business School, and Oxfam America.

Oxfam America’s representative, Sharmeen Contractor, shared her perspectives on the importance of the GRI Standard and the work to update the Economic Impact disclosures.

“Oxfam has been calling for corporate transparency for decades, and is a strong supporter of the disclosure standards as developed by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) especially its current efforts at enhancing the Economic Impact Standards. GRI has been steps ahead from most other reporting frameworks used by businesses as it is one of the few that does not only consider the risk of external factors to the company, but also the impact of the company on external environmental and social issues. Unmanaged potential or actual adverse climatic and human rights issues can not only harm the people and the planet, but also expose companies to significant legal, regulatory, operational, and reputational risks. The GRI’s consideration of impacts provides companies and investors essential information that is essential for risk mitigation.”

Sharmeen Contractor Lead, Market Systems and Investors, Oxfam America
Working group member

About GRI

GRI is the global, independent, standard setter that helps organizations be transparent and accountable for their impacts on the world. Our GRI Standards are a free public good that provides the global common language for organizations to communicate their environmental, social, and economic impacts.

GRI North America advances the use of the GRI Standards, credible impact reporting, and corporate transparency through stakeholder engagement activities and resource offerings such as GRI Community, GRI Academy, Licensed Software Partners.