Tag: 3BL

“As a company built on trust, it is imperative that we continue to be a leader in responsible business practices. Through science-based climate action, investing in our global workforce and communities, and operating with integrity, we are helping protect our digital way of life.” – Nikesh Arora, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Palo Alto Networks

Today Palo Alto Networks released its fiscal 2023 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report. With the report Palo Alto Networks, the global cybersecurity leader, underscores how transparent corporate responsibility initiatives are imperative to making a lasting impact and powering a world where each day is safer and more secure than the one before. 

The report provides a complete view of Palo Alto Networks’ commitment to an ambitious science-based climate strategy, building an employee-centric culture, extending the culture of responsibility to its supply chain, enabling its communities to thrive, and operating with purpose. 

Features of the report include:

In 2023, Palo Alto Networks’ science-based targets were validated by the globally recognized Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), aligned to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) guidance.

As of January 1, 2023, Palo Alto Networks partnered with its local utility to procure 100% renewable electricity to power its Santa Clara, California headquarters.

Palo Alto Networks made the 2022 CDP A-List and was recognized as a CDP 2022 Supplier Engagement Leader for its efforts to engage suppliers on environmental sustainability.

In fiscal 2023 Palo Alto Networks introduced Global Hiring Committees, with a focus on elevating hiring standards and ensuring the recruitment of diverse talent. The committees create quality and equity throughout the hiring process.

2,400+ academic institutions and nonprofits leveraged Palo Alto Networks’ Cybersecurity Academy program globally, delivered through partnerships with nonprofits and academic institutions to prepare young professionals for careers in cybersecurity. 

In fiscal 2023 Palo Alto Networks took California’s Equal Pay Pledge to reduce unconscious bias and structural barriers, promoting best practices aimed at closing the pay gap and promoting fundamental equity for employees. 

50% of the company’s Board Directors are diverse based on Directors’ gender, race, ethnicity or nationality.

Palo Alto Networks 2023 ESG Report is available here.

Media Contact: Palo Alto Networks, Inc.

Read More

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

Giraffes can’t dance … or can they?

Eager pre-K through 2nd grade students from MLK Elementary School in Columbus skipped, hopped and meandered in lines from their big yellow school buses into the RiverCenter for Performing Arts recently, excited to find out just that. The morning field trip to see a stage musical adaptation of the popular children’s book, ‘Giraffes Can’t Dance’ by Giles Andreae, was for most of the 290 students not only their first visit to a grand performing arts landmark, but also their very first time seeing a live stage production.

Aflac and the power of relationships made it happen.

When Aflac’s Lanita Lucas, whose job includes engagement with community schools in Columbus, Georgia, learned of the Title I school’s desire to expose more of their students to the arts, she set out to help make it possible.

“I knew that Aflac was a season sponsor of the RiverCenter, so I reached out to our Corporate Social Responsibility team to see if we could help the school receive a discount on tickets so they could afford to send such a big group of students,” said Lucas. The end result to her inquiry, she admitted, was far greater than she anticipated.

“The team offered to pay for tickets for all of the 290 students and teachers. There was absolutely no cost to the school or parents,” she said. “The power of relationships made this happen — community relationships and relationships between departments at Aflac. I am thankful to work for a company where a single question sparked a series of events that led to these kids being able to experience something new and exciting.”

The awe on students’ faces as they entered the grand RiverCenter lobby in the entertainment section of Columbus wasn’t anything that can be easily described, Lucas added. “One student looked around and said, ‘Wow! Is this New York?’ The whole experience made such a difference to so many of them.”

MLK Jr. Elementary Instructional Dean, Cassandra Hippolyte, agreed.

“The Giraffes Can’t Dance show was truly a memorable experience for both the kids and teachers alike,” Hippolyte said. “Witnessing the joy and wonder on the children’s faces as they immersed themselves in the musical was incredibly rewarding. It’s moments like these that reaffirm the importance of providing enriching educational opportunities that spark creativity and imagination.”

The 60-minute production following Gerald the Giraffe and friends on a journey of self-discovery captivated the MLK students and nearly 1,000 other children and adults from throughout the community with positive messages. The moral: Courage and self-confidence can help you overcome obstacles and shine brightly in your own unique way.

Hippolyte thanked Aflac for the opportunity to expose their students to the experience. “I am proud to be associated with a company that prioritizes bringing cultural experiences to students and helping foster a love of learning,” she said. “It’s evident that initiatives like these have a meaningful impact on their educational journey.”

So, can giraffes dance? Actually, they can. As Gerald the Giraffe learned, with a little help from friends, anything is possible.

Aflac includes Aflac and/or Aflac New York and/or Continental American Insurance Company and /or Continental American Life Insurance Company.

WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2400283

For many NGOs around the world, the future of artificial intelligence (AI) could seem both promising and uncertain. Will AI widen the digital divide or lead to more social inclusion? Can AI help NGOs increase their social impact or does it require too many resources?

With these questions in mind, Lenovo Foundation hosted the AI for Social Impact webinar on February 8, 2024, the first in a series of webinars that will explore how non-profits can adopt emerging technology to increase their impact. The session provided a keynote on the basics of AI from Scott Tease, Lenovo Vice President of Infrastructure Solutions Group, High Performance Computing and Artificial Intelligence. Scott’s keynote session was followed by a panel of Lenovo’s charitable partners from around the world: Sajit Joseph, Chief Innovation Officer of the American Red Cross; Janine Teo, CEO of Solve Education! Foundation; and Jacek Siadkowski, Co-founder and Managing Director of Tech to the Rescue. Moderated by Charlotte West, Executive Director of Global External Communications and Lenovo Foundation Board Director, the NGO experts discussed how they are working to integrate AI into their organizations at various paces and scales.

Here are the three key takeaways for NGOs interested in adopting more AI capabilities in their operations:

1. AI can be applied to a wide range of non-profit causes and solutions.

The applicability of AI in the non-profit sector is expansive and can be leveraged for diverse causes. For example, Sajit Joseph shared how AI has been applied to American Red Cross’s blood services function in the United States to not only optimize the end-to-end supply chain but also improve the donor experience. In another application, the team at Tech To the Rescue continuously reviews impactful ideas for applying AI solutions to social problems. “We are working with Thailand Clean Air Network to focus on air quality improvement,” Siadkowski shared. “Many people don’t understand the problem (of air quality) …so we’re building a tool to help the organization explain the potential impact of air quality solutions for the local community.”

2. Benefits of AI can be realized without a huge investment.

Implementing or integrating AI doesn’t necessarily have to be demanding or consume a significant amount of resources. At Solve Education! Foundation, Janine Teo was able to experiment and implement solutions herself without additional expertise by strategically designing pilot phases for solutions before scaling them. The American Red Cross was also able to implement sophisticated solutions with just one data scientist. In a particularly compelling offering for non-profits, Tech To the Rescue presented a solution that aligns with financial constraints, utilizing the skills of software engineers who volunteer their expertise pro bono.

3. NGOs beginning to use AI should stay focused and specific in early applications of AI.

AI can lead to unforeseen outcomes from users. By staying focused on specific solutions, NGO leaders can focus on managing the incredible scaling, participation and engagement that AI enables. Janine Teo shared Solve Education’s journey of moving to AI chatbots to enable education. Students accelerated their adoption when interactions were personal and authentic, and engaged more readily with AI chatbots when they were given human names. The personalization alone took a chatroom from 20 students to 1,000 students overnight. “I am so excited about the personalized elements that socialize AI,” Teo shared. “It is motivating people to come back again and again, which is so important in communities where students have so much on their shoulders.”

As we explore the potential of what AI can unlock when it comes to addressing societal challenges, it’s clear that the road ahead involves not just technology but a thoughtful consideration of its social and resource implications. The future of AI in social impact is a collective endeavor, and as we move forward, dialogue and collaboration will play a crucial role in shaping the path ahead.

NGOs, charities and social impact organizations are invited to share their thoughts on AI in the AI for Social Impact Survey. Those who complete the form will be invited to any future resource webinars hosted by Lenovo Foundation.

For many NGOs around the world, the future of artificial intelligence (AI) could seem both promising and uncertain. Will AI widen the digital divide or lead to more social inclusion? Can AI help NGOs increase their social impact or does it require too many resources?

With these questions in mind, Lenovo Foundation hosted the AI for Social Impact webinar on February 8, 2024, the first in a series of webinars that will explore how non-profits can adopt emerging technology to increase their impact. The session provided a keynote on the basics of AI from Scott Tease, Lenovo Vice President of Infrastructure Solutions Group, High Performance Computing and Artificial Intelligence. Scott’s keynote session was followed by a panel of Lenovo’s charitable partners from around the world: Sajit Joseph, Chief Innovation Officer of the American Red Cross; Janine Teo, CEO of Solve Education! Foundation; and Jacek Siadkowski, Co-founder and Managing Director of Tech to the Rescue. Moderated by Charlotte West, Executive Director of Global External Communications and Lenovo Foundation Board Director, the NGO experts discussed how they are working to integrate AI into their organizations at various paces and scales.

Here are the three key takeaways for NGOs interested in adopting more AI capabilities in their operations:

1. AI can be applied to a wide range of non-profit causes and solutions.

The applicability of AI in the non-profit sector is expansive and can be leveraged for diverse causes. For example, Sajit Joseph shared how AI has been applied to American Red Cross’s blood services function in the United States to not only optimize the end-to-end supply chain but also improve the donor experience. In another application, the team at Tech To the Rescue continuously reviews impactful ideas for applying AI solutions to social problems. “We are working with Thailand Clean Air Network to focus on air quality improvement,” Siadkowski shared. “Many people don’t understand the problem (of air quality) …so we’re building a tool to help the organization explain the potential impact of air quality solutions for the local community.”

2. Benefits of AI can be realized without a huge investment.

Implementing or integrating AI doesn’t necessarily have to be demanding or consume a significant amount of resources. At Solve Education! Foundation, Janine Teo was able to experiment and implement solutions herself without additional expertise by strategically designing pilot phases for solutions before scaling them. The American Red Cross was also able to implement sophisticated solutions with just one data scientist. In a particularly compelling offering for non-profits, Tech To the Rescue presented a solution that aligns with financial constraints, utilizing the skills of software engineers who volunteer their expertise pro bono.

3. NGOs beginning to use AI should stay focused and specific in early applications of AI.

AI can lead to unforeseen outcomes from users. By staying focused on specific solutions, NGO leaders can focus on managing the incredible scaling, participation and engagement that AI enables. Janine Teo shared Solve Education’s journey of moving to AI chatbots to enable education. Students accelerated their adoption when interactions were personal and authentic, and engaged more readily with AI chatbots when they were given human names. The personalization alone took a chatroom from 20 students to 1,000 students overnight. “I am so excited about the personalized elements that socialize AI,” Teo shared. “It is motivating people to come back again and again, which is so important in communities where students have so much on their shoulders.”

As we explore the potential of what AI can unlock when it comes to addressing societal challenges, it’s clear that the road ahead involves not just technology but a thoughtful consideration of its social and resource implications. The future of AI in social impact is a collective endeavor, and as we move forward, dialogue and collaboration will play a crucial role in shaping the path ahead.

NGOs, charities and social impact organizations are invited to share their thoughts on AI in the AI for Social Impact Survey. Those who complete the form will be invited to any future resource webinars hosted by Lenovo Foundation.

Baltimore held its breath as the news spread. The bridge collapse threw the city into chaos. First responders swarmed the scene, a beehive of activity in the dark of night. But amidst the flashing lights and sirens, a familiar sight brought some welcome relief – the red and white Salvation Army canteen truck was there.

This wasn’t just any canteen truck. It was one of 23 specially equipped vehicles donated by FedEx to The Salvation Army across the globe. Part of the FedEx “Delivering for Good” initiative, this partnership exemplifies a strategic fit: The Salvation Army, with its unwavering motto of “Doing the Most Good,” and FedEx, anticipating and delivering what’s needed, where and when it’s needed.

The canteen truck hummed with activity. Volunteers bustled around, their practiced movements filling the air with the clinking of mugs and the warm aroma of coffee. Exhausted firefighters and police officers found a much-needed respite. A steaming cup of coffee, a hot sandwich, and a supportive word from the volunteers – these small acts of kindness fueled the first responders as they tirelessly worked through the night.

The Salvation Army canteen, a symbol of this powerful partnership, wasn’t just serving meals in Baltimore. It was a testament to their combined ability to respond to disasters, big and small. These trucks are lifelines after fires, floods, hurricanes – wherever tragedy strikes, The Salvation Army, with support from FedEx, is often the first to arrive, offering a helping hand and a warm meal to those in need.

Baltimore held its breath as the news spread. The bridge collapse threw the city into chaos. First responders swarmed the scene, a beehive of activity in the dark of night. But amidst the flashing lights and sirens, a familiar sight brought some welcome relief – the red and white Salvation Army canteen truck was there.

This wasn’t just any canteen truck. It was one of 23 specially equipped vehicles donated by FedEx to The Salvation Army across the globe. Part of the FedEx “Delivering for Good” initiative, this partnership exemplifies a strategic fit: The Salvation Army, with its unwavering motto of “Doing the Most Good,” and FedEx, anticipating and delivering what’s needed, where and when it’s needed.

The canteen truck hummed with activity. Volunteers bustled around, their practiced movements filling the air with the clinking of mugs and the warm aroma of coffee. Exhausted firefighters and police officers found a much-needed respite. A steaming cup of coffee, a hot sandwich, and a supportive word from the volunteers – these small acts of kindness fueled the first responders as they tirelessly worked through the night.

The Salvation Army canteen, a symbol of this powerful partnership, wasn’t just serving meals in Baltimore. It was a testament to their combined ability to respond to disasters, big and small. These trucks are lifelines after fires, floods, hurricanes – wherever tragedy strikes, The Salvation Army, with support from FedEx, is often the first to arrive, offering a helping hand and a warm meal to those in need.

About 86,000 Wyoming residents have trouble keeping the fridge and the pantry stocked at home.

That number is both surprising and troubling to Jennie Gordon, First Lady of Wyoming, who leads the Wyoming Hunger Initiative to address food insecurity by increasing awareness and support for the work of local anti-hunger organizations statewide.

“The prevalence of food insecurity became apparent when my husband (Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon) and I were on the campaign trail when I noticed that so many communities had pantries set up,” says the First Lady. “It was a much bigger issue throughout the state than I had realized.”

The Wyoming Hunger Initiative’s approach is simple—provide support to the existing food pantries and agencies in all 23 counties in Wyoming and the Wind River Reservation, without reinventing the wheel.

Through infrastructure grants and emergency funding, 200 anti-hunger organizations across the state are supported by the initiative, providing a funding source for a necessary gap in the fight against food insecurity.

“These organizations have their boots on the ground, and they know how to do their work the best,” says First Lady Gordon. “We’re here to maximize impact by supporting them and connecting them with partners across the state to share resources.”

The initiative, which began in 2019, is one that First Lady Gordon has particular heart and passion for, as her family’s personal experience with food insecurity brings the cause that much closer to home.

“I grew up in a big family, and although we always had enough food growing up, my parents did not have the same experience,” says First Lady Gordon. “It not only taught me to be thankful for what we had, but also motivated me to give back.”

The Wyoming Hunger Initiative falls under the umbrella of the Wyoming Governor’s Residence Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization tasked with enhancement of the Wyoming Governor’s Residence and support of the initiatives of the First Spouse.

Enbridge recently gave a $10,000 Fueling Futures grant to the Wyoming Hunger Initiative as part of our commitment to building vibrant and sustainable communities. The funding supports the initiative’s emergency fund, which allows for expedited processing and approval of grants to respond to urgent food pantry and agency requests.

“The emergency funding comes at a time when help is needed quickly, like if a fridge breaks down or if an agency receives a large supply of produce with nowhere to store it,” says the First Lady. “The grants are small but very significant—I am always amazed at what these agencies can make happen with them.”

With the initiative reaching its five-year mark, First Lady Gordon has plans to spin the initiative to an independent nonprofit and hopes to host the first ever statewide summit for agency partners in 2025.

Though the initiative audience began with a focus on children, it expanded its mandate in 2022 to all Wyoming residents.

“We know that if you have a hungry child, you have a hungry family,” says First Lady Gordon. “You probably also have a hungry senior or veteran, and these vulnerable populations need our help.”

No matter the geographic location, anyone can give where they live. The Wyoming’ Hunger Initiative encourages action in a variety of ways: by donating time, money or by simply spreading awareness.

“It’s important to realize that everybody could just be one emergency away from being that person in need,” she says.

About 86,000 Wyoming residents have trouble keeping the fridge and the pantry stocked at home.

That number is both surprising and troubling to Jennie Gordon, First Lady of Wyoming, who leads the Wyoming Hunger Initiative to address food insecurity by increasing awareness and support for the work of local anti-hunger organizations statewide.

“The prevalence of food insecurity became apparent when my husband (Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon) and I were on the campaign trail when I noticed that so many communities had pantries set up,” says the First Lady. “It was a much bigger issue throughout the state than I had realized.”

The Wyoming Hunger Initiative’s approach is simple—provide support to the existing food pantries and agencies in all 23 counties in Wyoming and the Wind River Reservation, without reinventing the wheel.

Through infrastructure grants and emergency funding, 200 anti-hunger organizations across the state are supported by the initiative, providing a funding source for a necessary gap in the fight against food insecurity.

“These organizations have their boots on the ground, and they know how to do their work the best,” says First Lady Gordon. “We’re here to maximize impact by supporting them and connecting them with partners across the state to share resources.”

The initiative, which began in 2019, is one that First Lady Gordon has particular heart and passion for, as her family’s personal experience with food insecurity brings the cause that much closer to home.

“I grew up in a big family, and although we always had enough food growing up, my parents did not have the same experience,” says First Lady Gordon. “It not only taught me to be thankful for what we had, but also motivated me to give back.”

The Wyoming Hunger Initiative falls under the umbrella of the Wyoming Governor’s Residence Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization tasked with enhancement of the Wyoming Governor’s Residence and support of the initiatives of the First Spouse.

Enbridge recently gave a $10,000 Fueling Futures grant to the Wyoming Hunger Initiative as part of our commitment to building vibrant and sustainable communities. The funding supports the initiative’s emergency fund, which allows for expedited processing and approval of grants to respond to urgent food pantry and agency requests.

“The emergency funding comes at a time when help is needed quickly, like if a fridge breaks down or if an agency receives a large supply of produce with nowhere to store it,” says the First Lady. “The grants are small but very significant—I am always amazed at what these agencies can make happen with them.”

With the initiative reaching its five-year mark, First Lady Gordon has plans to spin the initiative to an independent nonprofit and hopes to host the first ever statewide summit for agency partners in 2025.

Though the initiative audience began with a focus on children, it expanded its mandate in 2022 to all Wyoming residents.

“We know that if you have a hungry child, you have a hungry family,” says First Lady Gordon. “You probably also have a hungry senior or veteran, and these vulnerable populations need our help.”

No matter the geographic location, anyone can give where they live. The Wyoming’ Hunger Initiative encourages action in a variety of ways: by donating time, money or by simply spreading awareness.

“It’s important to realize that everybody could just be one emergency away from being that person in need,” she says.

NEW ORLEANS, April 3, 2024 /3BL/ – Today, Entergy announced its 2023 Performance Report, titled “Energy for a Better Future.” This detailed report integrates a comprehensive overview of the company’s 2023 achievements, including financial results with economic, environmental, governance, and social performance and impacts. Entergy’s strategic approach, outlined in the report, is designed to drive growth, enhance sustainability and build a more resilient system for the benefit of all our stakeholders.

“As we build upon a successful 2023, Entergy is well-positioned to amplify our impact and power life in the years ahead,” said Drew Marsh, Entergy’s chair and chief executive officer. “Our proactive investments in customer-centric solutions, including system resilience, clean energy and renewables, demonstrate our dedication to meeting evolving customer and community needs. We are nurturing a workforce that not only supports our growth and investments but also mirrors the vibrant diversity of the communities we serve, paving the way for a sustainable energy transition and a brighter future.”

Highlights from 2023 include:

A customer-centric focus. We’re committed to creating sustainable value for our customers, employees, communities and owners. Over the next three years, we plan to invest nearly $19.8 billion in the energy delivery system for the benefit of our customers. Affordability for our customers remains a priority, and we’re actively pursuing ways to manage bill growth through programs like the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and other solutions.
 Creating a cleaner energy future. We continue to make progress on our commitment to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. We achieved 23% toward our 2030 goal of 50% carbon-free capacity and our utility carbon dioxide emission rate is 38% lower than in 2000, inclusive of purchased power. And approximately 1,900 megawatts of renewable energy projects are approved and in development.
 Fostering a diverse and talented workforce. We strive to foster an inclusive workforce culture that values a diversity of ideas, backgrounds, perspectives and skills. We’re working to increase the diversity of our workforce and management through long-term effective strategies to attract, develop and retain females and racially/ethnically underrepresented employees while maintaining our commitment to hiring the most qualified candidates.
 Empowering our communities. Our commitment to corporate social responsibility resulted in an economic impact of nearly $140 million for our customers and communities. Through strategic community partnerships, we implemented a range of initiatives aimed at addressing poverty, promoting education and workforce development, providing financial assistance to vulnerable customers, improving our communities and caring for the environment. Our dedicated employees played a pivotal role in our economic impact, contributing more than 120,000 hours of volunteer service valued at $3.8 million across our service areas.
 Expanding our region’s economic impact. Entergy helped attract or expand 63 economic development projects to our utility service area representing a capital investment in local communities of more than $17.7 billion and 3,316 new jobs in our region.
 Delivering on our financial commitments. Financially, we again delivered steady, predictable financial growth that benefited our stakeholders. We grew our quarterly dividend per share by approximately 6% and we finished in the top half of our guidance range. This was the eighth year in a row that our financial results have come in above our guidance midpoint.

Explore the report to see our progress and learn how we provide energy for a better future.

About Entergy

Entergy (NYSE: ETR) is a Fortune 500 company that powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at entergy.com and follow @Entergy on social media. #WePowerLife

Forward-looking information

Entergy’s statements concerning its environmental plans, goals, beliefs and expectations, including statements regarding its capital plans and climate transition goals or commitments, and other statements of Entergy’s plans, beliefs, or expectations included in this news release are “forward-looking statements” which apply only as of the dates indicated. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements, including, among other things, uncertainties associated with regulatory proceedings and other cost recovery mechanisms; operation and relicensing of nuclear facilities; major storms and other catastrophic events; risks associated with executing on our business strategies; effects of changes in laws, regulations or policies; risks and uncertainties associated with executing on business strategies; the effects of technological change, including the costs, pace of development and commercialization of new and emerging technologies, uncertainties and other factors discussed in Entergy’s most recent Annual Report or Form 10-K and subsequent reports and filings made under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

NEW ORLEANS, April 3, 2024 /3BL/ – Today, Entergy announced its 2023 Performance Report, titled “Energy for a Better Future.” This detailed report integrates a comprehensive overview of the company’s 2023 achievements, including financial results with economic, environmental, governance, and social performance and impacts. Entergy’s strategic approach, outlined in the report, is designed to drive growth, enhance sustainability and build a more resilient system for the benefit of all our stakeholders.

“As we build upon a successful 2023, Entergy is well-positioned to amplify our impact and power life in the years ahead,” said Drew Marsh, Entergy’s chair and chief executive officer. “Our proactive investments in customer-centric solutions, including system resilience, clean energy and renewables, demonstrate our dedication to meeting evolving customer and community needs. We are nurturing a workforce that not only supports our growth and investments but also mirrors the vibrant diversity of the communities we serve, paving the way for a sustainable energy transition and a brighter future.”

Highlights from 2023 include:

A customer-centric focus. We’re committed to creating sustainable value for our customers, employees, communities and owners. Over the next three years, we plan to invest nearly $19.8 billion in the energy delivery system for the benefit of our customers. Affordability for our customers remains a priority, and we’re actively pursuing ways to manage bill growth through programs like the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and other solutions.
 Creating a cleaner energy future. We continue to make progress on our commitment to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. We achieved 23% toward our 2030 goal of 50% carbon-free capacity and our utility carbon dioxide emission rate is 38% lower than in 2000, inclusive of purchased power. And approximately 1,900 megawatts of renewable energy projects are approved and in development.
 Fostering a diverse and talented workforce. We strive to foster an inclusive workforce culture that values a diversity of ideas, backgrounds, perspectives and skills. We’re working to increase the diversity of our workforce and management through long-term effective strategies to attract, develop and retain females and racially/ethnically underrepresented employees while maintaining our commitment to hiring the most qualified candidates.
 Empowering our communities. Our commitment to corporate social responsibility resulted in an economic impact of nearly $140 million for our customers and communities. Through strategic community partnerships, we implemented a range of initiatives aimed at addressing poverty, promoting education and workforce development, providing financial assistance to vulnerable customers, improving our communities and caring for the environment. Our dedicated employees played a pivotal role in our economic impact, contributing more than 120,000 hours of volunteer service valued at $3.8 million across our service areas.
 Expanding our region’s economic impact. Entergy helped attract or expand 63 economic development projects to our utility service area representing a capital investment in local communities of more than $17.7 billion and 3,316 new jobs in our region.
 Delivering on our financial commitments. Financially, we again delivered steady, predictable financial growth that benefited our stakeholders. We grew our quarterly dividend per share by approximately 6% and we finished in the top half of our guidance range. This was the eighth year in a row that our financial results have come in above our guidance midpoint.

Explore the report to see our progress and learn how we provide energy for a better future.

About Entergy

Entergy (NYSE: ETR) is a Fortune 500 company that powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at entergy.com and follow @Entergy on social media. #WePowerLife

Forward-looking information

Entergy’s statements concerning its environmental plans, goals, beliefs and expectations, including statements regarding its capital plans and climate transition goals or commitments, and other statements of Entergy’s plans, beliefs, or expectations included in this news release are “forward-looking statements” which apply only as of the dates indicated. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements, including, among other things, uncertainties associated with regulatory proceedings and other cost recovery mechanisms; operation and relicensing of nuclear facilities; major storms and other catastrophic events; risks associated with executing on our business strategies; effects of changes in laws, regulations or policies; risks and uncertainties associated with executing on business strategies; the effects of technological change, including the costs, pace of development and commercialization of new and emerging technologies, uncertainties and other factors discussed in Entergy’s most recent Annual Report or Form 10-K and subsequent reports and filings made under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.