Tag: 3BL

As the world grapples with existential threats like climate change and biodiversity loss, the spotlight is increasingly turning toward the role of corporations in shaping our sustainable future.

In this context, last year’s New York Climate Week was a monumental occasion. One of its standout events was the public webinar hosted by the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). It marked the culmination of two years of development, four beta releases, and more than 3000 pieces of feedback. This event unveiled TNFD’s finalized disclosure recommendations and metrics, making it a must-watch for any corporation seeking to mitigate its biodiversity impact.

In this article, we’ll delve into why the TNFD framework is indispensable for corporate sustainability.

What is the TNFD?

Founded to mitigate nature-related risks and drive meaningful action, the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) has been a remarkable initiative. Its goal is to provide organizations with a comprehensive framework to report, locate, estimate and assess their nature-related risks. These risks include severe droughts, the disappearance of pollinators, or disruption of supply chains, due to overexploitation of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Over a two-year developmental phase that included multiple beta releases and extensive community input, the TNFD has emerged as a robust, transparent, and adaptable framework. Not merely a policy document or a list of best practices, the TNFD is an integrated roadmap that is designed to make biodiversity concerns an integral part of corporate decision-making. With this roadmap businesses can chart the course towards reducing their impact on nature, minimise risks of biodiversity loss and ensure they are resilient to climate and environmental shocks.

Why the TNFD is ImportantStandardising Disclosure

One of the greatest barriers to biodiversity action within the corporate sphere has been the lack of standardised disclosure norms. Many different methods and metrics have made it challenging for investors and stakeholders to gauge the real impact of companies on biodiversity.

Enter the TNFD. Its framework offers a standardised methodology that enables a uniform, accurate portrayal of a company’s environmental impact. This, in turn, allows stakeholders to make more informed decisions and levels the playing field for companies themselves, as they can better understand how they compare to peers in the industry.

Guiding Investments

Beyond disclosures, the TNFD framework is a strategic guide for corporations and financial institutions to funnel their investments.The TNFD offers guidelines for companies to understand its impacts and dependencies and translate them into risks and opportunities to allocate investments that are aligned with broader global sustainability goals, such as the Global Biodiversity Framework, or the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. It creates a ripple effect—disclosure prompts awareness, awareness prompts action, and action brings change.

Enhancing Corporate Accountability and materiality approach aligned with main relevant standards

Corporate accountability is another domain where the TNFD framework is poised to make impacts. Making companies more accountable for their actions on biodiversity loss puts a mechanism in place that raises internal corporate awareness of where major impacts can occur on the companies’ direct operations and value chain.

This accountability not only nudges companies towards positive action but also reassures investors and stakeholders that their involvement leads to tangible environmental benefits. In this sense, TNFD is based on the principle of double materiality, or the financial value of a company as well as it’s impact on the world, including biodiversity.

TNFD recommendations accommodate the different approaches to materiality under the ISSB´s IFRS Standards and TCFD recommendations, meeting the material information needed by capital providers, but also meeting the material information needed by stakeholders focused on impacts, aligned with a broader materiality approach, consistent with the GRI standards.

How It’s Going So Far

TNFD proposes a “leading indicators” approach to measurement. This approach leverages the best available science and cross-referencing metrics already in use by market participants through organisations such as Sustainability Accounting Standards Board ( now part of the International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation),Global Reporting Initiative and European Financial Reporting Advisory Group. They incorporate cross-sector and sector-specific metrics to provide a flexible approach for report preparers and a basis for comparative analysis by report users.

TNFD encourages the implementation of the LEAP (Locate, Estimate, Assess, Prepare) approach to better implement nature-related risks into the company’s decision-making process. The LEAP Approach, in particular, offers companies a structured way to understand the complexity of their impacts and dependencies, identify risks and opportunities material to the company, engage with stakeholders, and set measurable goals. The latest version of the methodology prioritises Indigenous People and Local Communities. These include recommendations to disclose the level and scope of engagement that the companies maintain with Indigenous People and Local Communities. In the case of target setting, the TNFD recommends the use of the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) guidance.

TNFD and SBTN. How do they fit together?

The SBTN and TNFD operate in related yet distinct capacities and have a mutually reinforcing relationship. SBTN provides the scientific grounding, and TNFD offers the financial framework for transparent disclosure and accountability, making both indispensable in the corporate quest for sustainability. The SBTN and TNFD work together by:

Aligning targets with financial risks: the science-based targets endorsed by SBTN can be used as benchmarks against which financial risks and opportunities are assessed in the TNFD framework. A company adhering to SBTN targets is likely to perform better in TNFD disclosures, showing less nature-related risk.
 Data and metrics: both initiatives are likely to benefit from shared data, insights, and methodologies that improve the accuracy and relevance of nature-related metrics. TNFD can employ science-based metrics established by SBTN in its disclosure guidelines.
 Leveraging stakeholder engagement: SBTN and TNFD can collaborate in stakeholder engagement activities, given their overlapping target audiences, which include corporates, financial institutions, and policy-makers.
 Integrating reporting: organisations could feasibly integrate their science-based targets into their TNFD disclosures, making for a more comprehensive and credible sustainability report.
 Policy synergy: given that both initiatives are multi-stakeholder and multi-disciplinary, they can mutually benefit from policy advocacy, urging governments and regulators to adopt frameworks that protect nature and ensure sustainable development.

As the SBTN target methods continue their development, they will generate data that will help companies to apply parts of the TNFD LEAP approach for the assessment of nature-related issues and to disclose in line with the TNFD recommendations.

What Are the Next Steps?

Any company, from any sector is encouraged to kick off its journey in biodiversity corporate action by implementing the TNFD. Yet, if the company does not possess the right quantity and quality of data to conduct an appropriate assessment, the important goal is to make a start since the refinement will come later, as companies become more aware of their impacts and dependencies and they set adequate data management systems to better support future iterations in the implementation of the TNFD framework. The first step is to internalise the framework by training and increasing knowledge across all key departments. Then comes the actual task of implementation—setting targets based on TNFD metrics, monitoring performance, and making adjustments as needed.

The TNFD will also continue to gather data, feedback, and adapt. Future iterations will likely integrate even more community feedback and real-world case studies, thereby refining the framework into an even more effective tool for corporate sustainability.

As we approach COP16 in Cali, Colombia, the Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity in the nexus between climate change and biodiversity loss. The TNFD is not just a set of recommendations; it’s a living, breathing framework that will continue to evolve. It’s designed to permeate the very DNA of a corporation’s strategy, operations, risk management and financial planning. The release of the final recommendations in September 2023 was a pivotal moment for companies to fully grasp these final recommendations and either kick-start or significantly enhance their own biodiversity journey. With the tools and the responsibility now clearly laid out, companies have a pathway to start their journey in corporate biodiversity action. Let’s seize this opportunity for transformative action and lasting impact.

At the heart of our mission lies a commitment to creating a more equitable and just world by transforming communities through people-first spaces. Central to this is integrating gender equity into the fabric of our work, advancing workplaces that are not just inclusive, but actively supportive of women.

Numerous features within the WELL Standard address gender equity in the workplace, from spaces and resources that support breastfeeding parents to policies that ensure pay equity. Current beta features also reward organizations for providing enhanced health benefits, including reproductive services and care, often excluded or only partially covered in many employer based health plans. Moreover, WELL strategies support women–and all individuals–impacted by domestic violence, further proof that a rising tide lifts all boats. Other WELL features address sufficient amounts of parental leave based upon research showing the positive impact of parental leave on both the well-being of the child and job continuity for women. In fact, encouraging the use of paternity leave is particularly crucial, as it helps level the playing field for women by not only promoting shared responsibility in caregiving, but also enhancing family bonding and better supporting equality in the workplace.

At IWBI, we view every step forward, including across each of our 74,000 commercial and residential locations that participate in WELL programs, as progress toward fostering change that promotes equity. And the future holds even greater possibilities, with extensive opportunities to deepen our commitments and drive greater impact.

Woonerf was the first organization in the world to achieve the WELL Equity Rating, a framework that helps companies take action toward their diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility goals, while improving company culture and employee health and well-being. On its career page, Woonerf showcases its values, clearly articulating benefits that align with or are based upon WELL features. They share employee statistics, including the rate of parental leave taken for those eligible. The figure of those who took leave? 100%.

And for us, creating a workplace where women can thrive isn’t just a goal—it’s our reality. IWBI’s executive team is majority female, with women comprising nearly 60% of our leadership. Research has shown that well-being and sustainability are topics where women historically feel a greater sense of inclusion, which is reflected across our global organization, as women make up a whopping 86% of our workforce. This representation at the top not only fosters diversity, but also serves as a powerful catalyst for attracting female talent, as women see themselves reflected in the leadership landscape.

But it’s not just about numbers—it’s about creating environments where everyone feels welcomed, supported and empowered to be their best selves. According to IWBI’s 2023 State of Workforce Well-Being Poll, conducted by The Harris Poll, female employees are more likely than males to feel most productive outside of a company-provided office–a nod to the case for hybrid and remote-work models, and an important signal to organizations to offer flexibility to their employees.

Designing workplaces with women in mind isn’t just a win for women—it’s a win for everyone. By prioritizing gender equity in workplace design, we’re not only creating, and inspiring the creation of, healthier and more vibrant communities, but leading the way toward a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

View original content here.

At the heart of our mission lies a commitment to creating a more equitable and just world by transforming communities through people-first spaces. Central to this is integrating gender equity into the fabric of our work, advancing workplaces that are not just inclusive, but actively supportive of women.

Numerous features within the WELL Standard address gender equity in the workplace, from spaces and resources that support breastfeeding parents to policies that ensure pay equity. Current beta features also reward organizations for providing enhanced health benefits, including reproductive services and care, often excluded or only partially covered in many employer based health plans. Moreover, WELL strategies support women–and all individuals–impacted by domestic violence, further proof that a rising tide lifts all boats. Other WELL features address sufficient amounts of parental leave based upon research showing the positive impact of parental leave on both the well-being of the child and job continuity for women. In fact, encouraging the use of paternity leave is particularly crucial, as it helps level the playing field for women by not only promoting shared responsibility in caregiving, but also enhancing family bonding and better supporting equality in the workplace.

At IWBI, we view every step forward, including across each of our 74,000 commercial and residential locations that participate in WELL programs, as progress toward fostering change that promotes equity. And the future holds even greater possibilities, with extensive opportunities to deepen our commitments and drive greater impact.

Woonerf was the first organization in the world to achieve the WELL Equity Rating, a framework that helps companies take action toward their diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility goals, while improving company culture and employee health and well-being. On its career page, Woonerf showcases its values, clearly articulating benefits that align with or are based upon WELL features. They share employee statistics, including the rate of parental leave taken for those eligible. The figure of those who took leave? 100%.

And for us, creating a workplace where women can thrive isn’t just a goal—it’s our reality. IWBI’s executive team is majority female, with women comprising nearly 60% of our leadership. Research has shown that well-being and sustainability are topics where women historically feel a greater sense of inclusion, which is reflected across our global organization, as women make up a whopping 86% of our workforce. This representation at the top not only fosters diversity, but also serves as a powerful catalyst for attracting female talent, as women see themselves reflected in the leadership landscape.

But it’s not just about numbers—it’s about creating environments where everyone feels welcomed, supported and empowered to be their best selves. According to IWBI’s 2023 State of Workforce Well-Being Poll, conducted by The Harris Poll, female employees are more likely than males to feel most productive outside of a company-provided office–a nod to the case for hybrid and remote-work models, and an important signal to organizations to offer flexibility to their employees.

Designing workplaces with women in mind isn’t just a win for women—it’s a win for everyone. By prioritizing gender equity in workplace design, we’re not only creating, and inspiring the creation of, healthier and more vibrant communities, but leading the way toward a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

View original content here.

Our plants in Dammam and Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have joined the more than 30 Clorox facilities around the world in achieving zero-waste-to-landfill, or ZWtL, status.

As we celebrate Global Recycling Day, we’re reminded of the crucial role that recycling and waste management play in our overarching environmental strategy. By responsibly managing our waste streams and minimizing the amount of material sent to landfills, we’re not only conserving valuable resources but also mitigating the harmful effects of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

That’s why we set an ambitious goal to achieve ZWtL in 100% of our plants by 2025 and in our global facilities by 2030. These most recent achievements mean that all our plants across Asia and the Middle East have officially achieved Clorox’s ZWtL criteria a full year before our deadline.

Critical to our teammates’ success has been their focus on upholding housekeeping and waste management processes that meet the specific needs of their operations. Like many sites before them, these teams implemented robust systems for handling waste to ensure that materials are reused or recycled onsite whenever possible.

The best force-multiplier for achieving zero waste is engaging teammates with awareness campaigns that foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for environmental conservation. Through education and empowerment — including the occasional fun activity — we hope to continue inspiring our workforce to embrace sustainable practices.

These latest achievements are a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of our teams to set new standards for excellence in environmental management.

EPISODE SUMMARY

What does design thinking plastics for a future of sustainability mean? In Design Thinking Plastics Part 1, Tony Chambers, Founder of TC & Friends and former editor-in-chief of Wallpaper, delves into how design thinking reimagines the role of plastics in our lives, helps drive solutions for its end of life and its future in a circular world.

EPISODE NOTES

In part one of Design Thinking Plastics, we explore the history of how designers helped plastic become a core part of modern life. Tony Chambers, Founder of TC & Friends and former editor-in-chief of Wallpaper, delves into how design thinking is reimagining the role of plastics and how designers are pivoting to give a new life to plastics. From the role of producers and their responsibility to hyper-aware consumers and their perception of plastics, Tony explores how design thinking from the very outset of a product’s life cycle can help address plastic waste and ensure its future in a circular world.

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

SHOW CONTRIBUTORS

Tony Chambers

Maithreyi Seetharaman

Once again, Kimberly-Clark was named to the As You Sow and Corporate Knights Carbon Clean200™ list. This is the fifth time that we have made the list.

The Clean200 list ranks the top 200 publicly traded companies worldwide that are leading the way with solutions for a clean energy present and future. The Clean200 utilizes the Corporate Knights Sustainable Revenue database, which tracks companies by their ‘clean revenues’ in U.S. dollars and recognizes companies that are putting sustainability at the heart of their products, services and investments.

We are honored to be recognized for our commitment to sustainability and must commend our hardworking teams around the world who deliver on our purpose of Better Care for a Better World.

About Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an understanding of people’s most essential needs, we create products that help individuals experience more of what’s important to them. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in approximately 70 countries. We use sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build strong communities, and ensure our business thrives for decades to come. We are proud to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere for the sixth year in a row. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company’s 150-year history of innovation, visit kimberly-clark.com or follow Kimberly-Clark on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

When Grupo PINSA began the ambitious task of bringing Edge Computing to their Pesca Azteca fishing fleet, they turned to Lenovo to help tackle the daunting task.

A Global Fishery

Grupo PINSA is one of the biggest players in Latin America’s Fishing industry, their fisheries arm Pesca Azteca operates the largest tuna fishing fleet in Latin America. As a vertically integrated business, the group handles every step in the seafood supply chain, catching, processing, and bringing end-products to markets in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Their 20+ fishing vessels operate at a harvesting capacity of over 75,000 tons annually. But the group wasn’t content with just being the biggest, they wanted to pursue their goals of sustainability and efficiency as far as possible.

“The objective of Pesca Azteca is to maintain leadership in catches of tuna,” says Evaristo Villa Michel, Director General of Pesca Azteca, Grupo PINSA. “And to capture sustainably with high standards of quality, efficiency, and optimal operation.”

Achieving the highest standards of efficiency and optimization meant embracing the capabilities of the latest technology. The group wanted new ways to capture and process data from its fleet, which could lead to less waste and safer, more efficient ventures for each vessel.

“We wanted to move away from precarious processes such as the spreadsheets that were used,” says Sergio Alcaráz Pérez, IT Infrastructure Manager at Grupo PINSA. “So, we looked for a solution, a technological innovation that could work in maritime conditions.”

However, those maritime conditions presented unique challenges of their own.

Edge Servers at Sea

One of the biggest challenges Grupo PINSA faced in updating its fleet was the distance and time vessels spent at sea and the difficulty that presents when equipping a crew. Whenever a fishing vessel embarks, it is almost impossible to predict the size of the catch they will return with. This left Grupo PINSA reliant on forecasting estimates to plan production and delivery. Discrepancies between anticipated and actual supply could be costly for the business.

“We would only know the true size of the catch once the fleet was back in the harbor,” explains Alcaráz Pérez. “It’s not easy to scale up to accommodate the increased supply at such short notice. The lack of timely, precise information was holding us back. We needed a more real-time view of supply levels, which could allow the group to make informed decisions around production and logistics well in advance.”

To accomplish that, Grupo PINSA went to work developing its own custom software application to manage ships and fishing production. But the ocean made implementing that software another challenge.

Weather conditions at sea are another near-unpredictable factor that placed strain on PINSA’s efforts to modernize their data collection. Sea storms and large waves, high sun and ubiquitous salt put strain on every piece of equipment the fishing fleet relies on. The weather not only put strain on the vessels and the crew, but any attempts to implement servers would have to account for that additional wear and tear.

“These are critical conditions,” explains Carlos Mercado, Deputy Director of Corporate IT. “We must always have communication data and servers working. The truth is, there is no other place where we have so many problems keeping equipment running. Technology is essential for fisheries management, and not just any server can support us.”

PINSA needed a server that was powerful, rugged, and small, since space on the fishing vessels was already at a premium. With all these specific and vital requirements, there weren’t many options for edge computing that could fit PINSA’s needs.

That’s when the group turned to Lenovo.

The ‘Cutting Edge’

“PINSA and Pesca Azteca had already decided which software to use,” says Lenovo Partner Javier Mehia Loera. “Only the hardware was missing. At that point, Lenovo came up with the perfect solution.”

The Lenovo SE350 edge servers fit the groups, needs, and the vessels’ small spaces perfectly. The edge server is built with a focus on smart connectivity and business security, but in a compact and rugged form factor that makes them the ideal server for harsh environments.

SE350 edge servers are also half the width and significantly shorter than traditional servers. This made them ideal for implementation in fishing vessels tight on space and hyperconscious of cargo loads.

“Lenovo Edge Servers are tough enough to withstand sea conditions,” lauds Mercado. “And they are so easy to implement that we can set up a new vessel in a single day.”

Working with a team from Lenovo, Grupo PINSA outfitted an initial group of three boats with the edge devices. It deployed two Lenovo ThinkEdge SE350 servers in a high-availability cluster on each vessel, running Windows Server and Microsoft Hyper-V virtualization. Every thirty minutes, the solution automatically relays the latest information on supply levels to a central server at group headquarters.

The Future of Fisheries

Edge Computing has made it possible for Grupo PINSA to embrace a more nuanced way of tracking fleet supplies and fishing catches. For the first time, the group has clear, reliable insight into fuel and food consumption on its vessels, as well as the size of each catch.

This is helping the group bring all the links of its seafood supply chain into closer alignment and propel the group towards more efficient, precise, and profitable operations.

“It’s impressive that such a small server helps us improve fishing so much,” says Mercado. “We have a much better grasp on all the information that goes into each trip. Having all this information assures you that the next fishing trip is going to be more productive. Information ultimately becomes savings, and the Lenovo Edge server gave us trust in the security of that data.”

Grupo PINSA’s endeavor into edge computing is only one facet of the group’s growing relationship with Lenovo. As a true technology partner, Lenovo supports PINSA across not only the seafood supply chain, but all aspects of the group’s business. From Thinkpad X1 Carbon laptops and mobile devices in the hands of its members, to the mission critical ThinkSystem SR850 servers that make up the group’s data center, to the new edge-enabled fishing fleet, Lenovo has become integral to the whole of Grupo PINSA’s technological infrastructure.

The recent success of Grupo PINSA’s latest engagement with edge computing has only strengthened the groups partnership with Lenovo and has spurred the group to explore further possibilities in the realm of edge computing, and beyond.

“We had a vision for making fleet and fishing production more effective,” says Alcaráz Pérez. “And Lenovo proved to be the perfect partner to bring it to life. Lenovo has been a great enabler for our business.”

For more customer success stories, case studies, and videos, click here or visit https://www.lenovo.com/customer-success/

With enviable scale, scope, connectivity and diversity, Enbridge is prepared to play a bigger role in the global energy transition.

On March 6, during our 2024 Enbridge Day investor community conference in New York, we announced a suite of accretive new capital investments focused on our U.S. Gulf Coast strategy.

By supplying abundant, cost-competitive and sustainable conventional and lower-carbon energy sources, we’re delivering the energy people need while also supporting local communities and helping nations meet global emission targets.

“Global demand for affordable, reliable and sustainable energy continues to rise—and North America has a critical role to play,” noted Greg Ebel, Enbridge’s President and CEO.

“At Enbridge, we’re building out our integrated infrastructure super systems to enable the continued delivery of energy in a planet-friendly way, everywhere people need it.”

The March 6th USGC announcements included:

The acquisition of two marine docks and a parcel of land adjacent to our Enbridge Ingleside Energy Center (EIEC) near Corpus Christi, TX, already the largest oil storage and export terminal by volume in the U.S., from Flint Hills Resources for about US$0.2 billion.Forming, with Shell Pipeline, the Oceanus Pipeline Company, LLC to develop offshore gas and oil pipelines serving Shell and Equinor’s offshore Sparta development off the Louisiana coast, at a capital cost of about US$0.2 billion.A planned expansion of the Gray Oak Pipeline, which connects to market centers in the Corpus Christi and Houston regions, of about 120,000 barrels per day, pending a successful open season.Sanctioning 2.5 million barrels of additional storage at EIEC, bringing the facility’s overall storage capacity to about 20 million barrels by 2025.

“These accretive investments provide near-term growth in the U.S. Gulf Coast and set the stage for the future expansion through high-quality partnerships and embedded organic opportunities,” said Mr. Ebel. “In combination with today’s announcements, our secured growth backlog sits at C$25 billion and is made up of more than 20 highly executable projects.”

Today’s Enbridge Day activities saw several Enbridge executives take part in the closing bell ceremony at the New York Stock Exchange, where Enbridge stock has been traded since 2001.

As a first-choice investment vehicle, Enbridge has long prided itself on consistency and predictability, said Mr. Ebel.

“Our business model has led to 29 consecutive years of dividend increases, and 18 years of meeting financial guidance. The visibility, duration and low-risk profile of our growth, which underpins our growing dividend, is stronger than ever,” he said.

“Looking forward, we are confident that our growth profile, industry-leading execution and disciplined capital allocation will continue to provide investors with strong total returns and make Enbridge the first-choice investment opportunity.”

See the PPT decks for our various business units from today’s 2024 Enbridge Day conference.

March 20, 2024 /3BL/ – The final emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles released today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will significantly reduce transportation-related pollution across the country and align federal policy with the priorities of leading businesses and investors that have long supported strong vehicle emission standards.

The new EPA standards will encourage an accelerated shift to cleaner cars and trucks starting with Model Year 2027 and are projected to result in two-thirds of new U.S. vehicle sales being zero-emission by 2032, delivering significant economic, climate, and public health benefits.

“We applaud the finalized EPA standards that will help ensure the U.S. is on track to achieve its climate goals. Stronger vehicle emission standards will reduce pollution, save lives and improve air quality across the country, especially in communities located near highways and busy roads, and bring significant economic benefits,” said Michael Kodransky, senior director of transportation at Ceres. “These standards will position the U.S. to continue attracting investment to build and deploy clean vehicles and infrastructure with good-paying careers in communities across America. Going forward, Ceres is committed to working with the private sector, as well as state and federal policymakers, to accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles in the clean transportation future.”

“As corporate demand for zero-emission vehicle fleets increases across the U.S. economy and throughout supply chains, businesses and investors have emerged as strong supporters of EPA vehicle emissions standards that provide a clear and predictable path to a clean transportation system,” said Sara Forni, director of electric vehicles and the Corporate Electric Vehicle Alliance (CEVA) at Ceres. “The EPA’s new standards will provide that clarity, expand the availability of the electric models that companies need to meet their climate goals, and enable companies to successfully electrify their light- and medium-duty fleets while reducing fuel and maintenance costs.”

“Tax credits and other strategic investments passed by Congress have sparked a private sector investment boom that is bringing manufacturing, supply chains, and jobs back to communities across the U.S.,” said Zach Friedman, director of federal policy, Ceres. “Strong vehicle standards provide U.S. businesses the certainty they need to accelerate the momentum toward an advanced and abundant clean energy future, ensure that the cost-saving technologies of growing domestic and global demand are built in the U.S., and benefit U.S. businesses, workers, communities, and consumers. The U.S. must compete and win in the global race to build the clean cars and trucks of today and tomorrow, and these standards are essential to building the necessary policy environment to maximize investment in America.”

While the standards announced today do not meet the most aggressive timeline of the EPA’s original proposal, which Ceres supported, they represent an ambitious and durable advancement that meets the needs of manufacturers, fleet owners, workers, and consumers. The new standards will still dramatically reduce emissions from transportation, the nation’s leading source of climate pollution.

As businesses increasingly seek clean vehicles to reduce pollution and lower fuel and maintenance costs, they have advocated for policies that support these goals, including stronger EPA emissions standards. Last year, more than 60 companies and investors — including Arapahoe Basin, Avocado Green Brands, Enel North America, Etsy, Friends Fiduciary Corporation, Hackensack Meridian Health, IKEA, Lucid, Lyft, New Belgium Brewing, Nestlé, Sierra Nevada Brewing, Siemens, Snowsports Industries of America, Unilever, and Zevin Asset Management — signed a letter to the EPA calling for robust standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles, as well as for heavy-duty vehicles. The EPA is expected to soon release its final standards for heavy-duty vehicle emissions as well.

“Transportation is the largest source of [greenhouse gas] emissions in the U.S. and represents a substantial component of our companies’ and portfolios’ carbon footprint. By enacting strong vehicle emissions standards that require vehicle manufacturers to produce increasingly efficient and clean vehicles and drive the electrification of the sector, EPA will help ensure the availability of the vehicles needed by companies to cut operating costs, reduce emissions consistent with our climate goals, and support healthy communities for our customers and employees,” the signatories wrote in the letter organized by Ceres.

The Corporate Electric Vehicle Alliance, which is led by Ceres and made up of 33 businesses working to increase electric vehicle availability to scale companies’ clean fleets, also called on the EPA to pass the strongest possible vehicle emission standards. Businesses and investors have also been essential advocates for state policies to expand zero-emission vehicle sales, like the Advanced Clean Cars and Advanced Clean Trucks rules, and public policy to expand the availability of charging infrastructure across the country.

Reducing emissions from the transportation sector is critical to the Ceres Ambition 2030 initiative, which aims to decarbonize six of the highest emitting sectors in the U.S.

About Ceres

Ceres is a nonprofit organization working with the most influential capital market leaders to solve the world’s greatest sustainability challenges. Through our powerful networks and global collaborations of investors, companies, and nonprofits, we drive action and inspire equitable market-based and policy solutions throughout the economy to build a just and sustainable future. For more information, visit ceres.org and follow @CeresNews.

Media Contact: Reginald Zimmerman, rzimmerman@ceres.org, 617-247-0700 ext. 136

Portfolio of 70+ transmission upgrade projects across Upstate NY will generate thousands of jobs and more than a billion dollars in regional economic growth over next 6 years, while delivering a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy grid for generations to come

National Grid plans to invest more than $4 billion to transform its energy delivery system and propel economic growth across Upstate New York. Called the Upstate Upgrade, the collection of transmission enhancement projects will deliver a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy grid to support a more resilient energy network for generations to come. The company is embarking on more than 70 projects through 2030 that will generate thousands of new jobs and more than a billion dollars in additional economic growth, while ensuring the energy grid is able to meet customers’ growing demand for electricity.

“The Upstate Upgrade represents a landmark investment and speaks to how National Grid is reinforcing the grid to meet our customers’ growing energy needs while leading the clean energy transition,” said Rudy Wynter, National Grid New York President. “This six-year portfolio of work will transform the grid, improve reliability and resilience and enable us to deliver renewable energy to homes and businesses across New York.”

In addition to helping reach the state’s climate goals as outlined in New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, the upgrades will deliver for Upstate New York customers by:

Improving the Energy Grid’s Resilience: By reinforcing and upgrading infrastructure like transmission lines and substations, the Upstate Upgrade will provide greater resilience in the face of increasingly frequent extreme weather, such as blizzards, tornadoes, and severe windstorms, which are destructive to grid infrastructure. That can mean fewer outages in the future and, when outages do happen, power can be restored quicker. Advanced security measures also will be implemented to safeguard our network from external threats.

Strengthening the Upstate Economy: The Upstate Upgrade will benefit local economies by bringing over 1,700 new construction jobs, and associated residual spending to local communities, which in turn will create thousands of additional jobs, and at least $1.9 billion in overall economic output during and after construction, according to a third-party analysis performed by the consultancy West Monroe. The analysis also forecasts the Upstate Upgrade will create up to 2% economic growth in the project areas through 2030.

Powering Upstate’s Energy Future: As new industry drives growth and revitalizes the region, the Upstate Upgrade will ensure that the electric grid can meet customers’ increasing day-to-day demands, including the needs of growing industries, while encouraging more investment and creating new jobs.

The full scope of the Upstate Upgrade, including projects and benefits, can be found at our dedicated website: UpstateUpgrade.NationalGrid.com.

Julie Tighe, President of New York League of Conservation Voters: “There is no transition without transmission. Decarbonizing the state’s grid will require more than just generating wind, solar, and hydro power; we also need the poles and wires to deliver all that electricity to our homes and businesses. We applaud National Grid for prioritizing clean energy delivery in New York State.”

Rob Simpson, President and CEO of CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity: “Recent economic development announcements in the Syracuse region and across Upstate demonstrate that the reliability of New York’s electric grid and the availability of abundant, clean energy is a competitive advantage, nationally and globally. The Upstate Upgrade will support New York’s increasing demand for electricity and encourage further investment and growth with a more efficient and resilient grid. With billions of dollars in new investment, and thousands of jobs generated directly and indirectly from National Grid’s efforts, the Upstate Upgrade will help our businesses thrive and communities prosper.”

Hui Peng Koh, GlobalFoundries VP and General Manager: “We applaud National Grid for sharing in our commitment to innovation, job creation and sustainability. The electricity and semiconductor industries rely on each other, and the Upstate Upgrade will help our region achieve a cutting-edge energy infrastructure to support future growth.”

Mark Eagan, President and CEO of the Capital Region Chamber and the Center for Economic Growth: “The Upstate Upgrade will transform our electric grid and make additional economic growth possible throughout the state and into the Capital Region. This $4 billion investment over the next six years will spur significant job creation and ensure our communities remain vibrant, prosperous, and growing for years to come. A more resilient, secure, and efficient grid will help drive growth for the Capital Region and all New Yorkers.”

Dottie Gallagher, President & CEO at the Buffalo Niagara Partnership: “The Buffalo Niagara Partnership welcomes National Grid’s comprehensive plan to invest in its electric infrastructure. Affordable, reliable energy is an essential component of economic development and National Grid’s investments will help Buffalo Niagara and all of Upstate build a stronger, more competitive, and more equitable economy.”

Nicholas Bruno, Vice President Business Development at Mohawk Valley EDGE: “We commend National Grid for their ambitious Upstate Upgrade initiative, a testament to their commitment to building a smarter, stronger, and cleaner energy grid for the Mohawk Valley and Upstate New York. These upgrades bolster our local economies by contributing to the Marcy Nanocenter’s prospective success, providing opportunities for additional industrial sites, creating new jobs, increasing property taxes, and ultimately contributing to a sustainable future aligned with New York’s CLCPA goals. By prioritizing economic development and community engagement, National Grid sets a commendable example of corporate responsibility and partnership that Mohawk Valley EDGE applauds, and we look forward to seeing the results of their efforts.”

Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce: “Ample and reliable power in the North Country has never been more important than it is now with the major transition to electric from other energy sources and with economic development opportunities increasingly needing larger scale power access. That’s why National Grid’s Upstate Upgrade is so welcome and important. It is a very timely and indisputably crucial investment in sustaining and growing our regional economy in the years ahead and we thank National Grid for this historic commitment.”

Anne Boles, Executive Director of the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce: “National Grid’s Upstate Upgrade will power the Southern Adirondacks and Mohawk Valley’s economic future. These critical upgrades will not only increase the capacity and resiliency of our electric grid, but will bring good-paying jobs, support existing businesses, and help spur new ones. Thanks to these investments, we can look forward to strengthening the region’s business climate, economy, and quality of life. It is our mission at the Chamber to support innovation, and to partner in business, workforce, and tourism & economic development.”

Patrick J. Kelly, Chief Executive Officer St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency: “Robust, dependable, and secure electric grid infrastructure is a competitive necessity today and is essential for future economic development success. The Upstate Upgrade being undertaken by National Grid will continue to position central and northern New York State on the leading edge of the transition to renewable and clean energy sources, while reinforcing the foundation of our traditional industrial base.”

The Upstate Upgrade website includes more perspectives from local leaders, as well as ways National Grid supports our communities.

Modernized Grid Will Deliver for Customers, Communities 

National Grid’s Upstate Upgrade focuses on modernizing the transmission system to meet the expanded electricity needs of the growing economy and to power more electrical devices than ever before, including electric vehicles and heat pumps. And, while the current network has served customers well for more than a century, it wasn’t designed to connect and transport the amounts of wind and solar power that will be produced across the region.

The company will construct or rebuild more than 1,000 miles of transmission line, 45 substations, and install new technologies that prevent load loss, monitor load fluctuations, and resolve congestion. This work also will protect the transmission grid against the increasing threat of extreme weather.

“The Upstate Upgrade is our largest investment in New York’s electricity transmission system since it was built more than 100 years ago.” Wynter said. “While the grid has served us well for over a century, it’s time to make the changes that will set us up for the next century of growth and success in New York.

“In addition, the Upstate Upgrade brings with it a different type of energy: economic growth,” Wynter said. “It will fuel local economies where our work will be concentrated with new jobs and spending, and expand the property tax base that supports local services, schools and communities.”

Economic analysis performed for National Grid by the consulting group West Monroe indicates that the Upstate Upgrade could generate nearly $2 billion in economic output across New York state.

Economic Benefits of the Upstate Upgrade 

Direct Jobs Created During Construction: More than 1,700

Total Economic Output: At least $1.9 billion resulting in up to 2% increase in expected growth across the project areas

Local Sourcing (During Construction): More than $300 million

“The Upstate Upgrade means thousands of new jobs for the region, not just boosting local businesses, but also increasing property values and the prospects for new storefronts in the region with improved energy infrastructure,” said Paul DeCotis, a senior partner at West Monroe. “As an Upstate New York resident, it’s a real win-win for community members and business owners with more reliable electric service, opportunities for greater economic expansion, and long-term prosperity in our counties for generations to come.”

Consistent, Transparent Information Sharing

To support this historic grid rebuild, the company has launched a new website UpstateUpgrade.NationalGrid.com – which will serve as a digital hub for details about the projects as they develop, including maps and updates, outreach events and how the Upstate Upgrade will benefit every New Yorker.

“National Grid is committed to working with and strengthening the communities we serve,” Wynter said. “One of the ways we do that is by conducting thoughtful, transparent outreach to residential and business customers, landowners, and elected officials to keep them informed about the Upstate Upgrade and offer them the opportunity to provide their thoughts. Our project website is another way we will be facilitating that conversation over the next six years.”

National Grid is the largest energy delivery company in Upstate New York, serving electricity to 1.7 million electricity customers across 25,000 square miles.

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About National Grid

National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy future — transforming our networks with more reliable and resilient energy solutions to meet state climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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