Tag: 3BL

CBRE

DALLAS, March 1, 2024 /3BL/ – CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE) climbed to No. 3 on the Barron’s list of the 100 most sustainable U.S.-based companies for 2024 – up from No. 4 last year. This is the seventh consecutive year that CBRE has made the top 100 list.

The 1,000 largest U.S.-based publicly traded companies are evaluated under the Barron’s program. They are scored on more than 230 environmental, social, and governance performance metrics across five categories: shareholders, employees, customers, community and the planet. Scores are weighted according to the financial materiality of each category to a company’s industry.

The Barron’s accolade follows CBRE’s achieving an A- performance score from CDP on its 2023 climate change disclosure. CDP’s annual climate change disclosure and scoring process is recognized as the global standard of corporate transparency on climate impacts, risks and opportunities. The A- score is within CDP’s Leadership band, reserved for companies implementing best practices in climate change governance.

CDP gave CBRE high marks in several categories, including emissions reduction initiatives and low carbon products; opportunity and risk disclosure; risk management processes; targets; and Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. CBRE’s partnership with Emitwise was also recently highlighted by CDP as an innovation in tackling one of climate change’s biggest hurdles—decarbonizing the supply chain.

“CBRE has a unique opportunity and obligation as the world’s largest commercial property manager to accelerate sustainability across the commercial real estate industry. It’s an honor to have our own sustainability efforts recognized, as we navigate many of the same challenges that our clients face and are focused on developing solutions that can be replicated to drive progress at scale,” said Rob Bernard, chief sustainability officer, CBRE.

CBRE was also recently recognized on Forbes’ inaugural Net Zero Leaders list as the highest-ranked commercial real estate company and appeared on 3BL’s annual 100 Best Corporate Citizens ranking for the fifth consecutive year.

About CBRE Group, Inc. 
CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2023 revenue). The company has more than 130,000 employees (including Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves a diverse range of clients with an integrated suite of services, including facilities, transaction and project management; property management; investment management; appraisal and valuation; property leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services and development services. Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.

CBRE

DALLAS, March 1, 2024 /3BL/ – CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE) climbed to No. 3 on the Barron’s list of the 100 most sustainable U.S.-based companies for 2024 – up from No. 4 last year. This is the seventh consecutive year that CBRE has made the top 100 list.

The 1,000 largest U.S.-based publicly traded companies are evaluated under the Barron’s program. They are scored on more than 230 environmental, social, and governance performance metrics across five categories: shareholders, employees, customers, community and the planet. Scores are weighted according to the financial materiality of each category to a company’s industry.

The Barron’s accolade follows CBRE’s achieving an A- performance score from CDP on its 2023 climate change disclosure. CDP’s annual climate change disclosure and scoring process is recognized as the global standard of corporate transparency on climate impacts, risks and opportunities. The A- score is within CDP’s Leadership band, reserved for companies implementing best practices in climate change governance.

CDP gave CBRE high marks in several categories, including emissions reduction initiatives and low carbon products; opportunity and risk disclosure; risk management processes; targets; and Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. CBRE’s partnership with Emitwise was also recently highlighted by CDP as an innovation in tackling one of climate change’s biggest hurdles—decarbonizing the supply chain.

“CBRE has a unique opportunity and obligation as the world’s largest commercial property manager to accelerate sustainability across the commercial real estate industry. It’s an honor to have our own sustainability efforts recognized, as we navigate many of the same challenges that our clients face and are focused on developing solutions that can be replicated to drive progress at scale,” said Rob Bernard, chief sustainability officer, CBRE.

CBRE was also recently recognized on Forbes’ inaugural Net Zero Leaders list as the highest-ranked commercial real estate company and appeared on 3BL’s annual 100 Best Corporate Citizens ranking for the fifth consecutive year.

About CBRE Group, Inc. 
CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2023 revenue). The company has more than 130,000 employees (including Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves a diverse range of clients with an integrated suite of services, including facilities, transaction and project management; property management; investment management; appraisal and valuation; property leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services and development services. Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.

One thing I’ve always appreciated about the tax field is that it’s always changing. Similarly, that’s one of the many reasons why I enjoy working at Covia – an organization that has grown immensely since I came on board as the Director of Taxation over six years ago. During that time, Covia has empowered me to tackle new challenges, learn new skills, and pursue my passion for volunteering.

When Opportunity Knocks

Back in 2013, friends of mine informed me about an open position for the director of taxation at Covia. It was the first time I had heard of the company, and they encouraged me to apply as they thought I would be a great fit for the role. I ended up passing on the opportunity because I was content in my current position and didn’t know if it was the right choice for me. Opportunity came knocking again when the position opened back up three years later. While I was still happy with my current job, I thought this would be a great chance to branch out into international taxation – a challenge that I was eager to learn more about. The company was going through a transformation at the time I applied. While this might have scared other candidates off, it felt like an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. Six years and several company updates later, I can confidently say that it was one of the best decisions of my professional career. My role consists of various non-payroll tax responsibilities in the United States, Canada and Mexico, ranging from income and property taxes to sales and use taxes. I also manage projects that deal with tax implications from corporate transactions. Due to the size and scope of my position, I get to collaborate with many other Covia Team Members throughout the organization – one of my favorite aspects of the job. I’m also responsible for planning and tracking upcoming legislation trends that might have a tax impact on the company. It may sound like a lot of 1’s and 0’s, but managing Covia’s tax responsibilities is never boring. It involves a lot of collaboration and communication with our domestic and international locations. My team is in charge of making sure all properties are fairly assessed for tax purposes. This process involves working with counties and local Team Members to ensure that each location is properly adjusted based on its geography, resources, and technological capabilities.

Project Highlight: Navigating Changing Tax Law

One project that I am rather proud of occurred early in my tenure. The US Congress had just passed some major tax law changes that would have a significant impact on Covia. The changes had to do with how losses were treated and whether a company could carry losses back to get taxes paid in previous years refunded. After several attempts over the span of three years, my team was able to recover a large sum plus interest for Covia. It was a challenging process, taking a lot of work preparing the right documents and forms to file with the IRS. It was especially rewarding as we were able to work alongside one of our US House Representatives to expedite the bureaucratic process to get that money back during a fiscally challenging year. With the funds secured, Covia was able to expand operations, improve processes, and upgrade the technological capabilities at facilities. I’m so proud of the tax team’s hard work as we navigated this policy change.

A Helping Hand

I’ve always been a big fan of volunteering and giving back to my community. In 2022 and again in 2023, I was one of several Covia Team Members who hit the milestone of volunteering for over 200 hours in the year. My appreciation for helping others really took off when my kids were growing up. From preschool through high school, I volunteered for activities related to their schooling and hobbies. Currently, I serve as the treasurer for the Aurora All Sports Boosters – helping to finance nearly 600 high school athletes each year. It is a lot of work to ensure every sport has the resources to afford up-to-date equipment, facility rentals, and team meals. Now that my youngest is in college, I am slowly transitioning the role to a current high school parent so that they can keep a closer eye on the current needs of the student-athletes. Additionally, I enjoy giving back at the college level through the organization College Now. Thanks to this program, I have been able to mentor an accounting student at Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) for the past three years. We talk several times a month about how they’re doing, class schedules, resumes, and sports. It’s been an incredible experience guiding this first-generation college student through the intricacies of the tax industry. College Now even recognized me for my volunteer work this past year, by naming me their 2023 Mentor of the Year. Professionally, I am involved with an organization of in-house tax professionals called Tax Executives Institute. I am grateful that Covia has supported me as I have become more involved with this organization. From attending and developing content for conferences to serving on committees, Covia has empowered me to further develop as a tax professional. I have also had the opportunity to hold numerous leadership positions at my local chapter and, for the last seven years, have organized and run a scholarship golf outing. The outing raises between $6,000 and $9,000 for scholarships at The University of Akron, Cleveland State, Kent State, and Hiram College for students considering a career in tax. My wonderful wife, Halle, helps volunteer with the outing as well, managing the day of the event so that I can enjoy the outing and a round of golf. Another organization that I frequently volunteer with is Believe in Dreams. Similar to the Make a Wish Foundation, they help to make dreams come true for kids facing nonmedical adversity. I really enjoy working with this organization and watching as they help lift these kids up to overcome the adversity in their lives so they can find success.

Opportunity Awaits

The future of Covia is bright. From a development standpoint – we have several exciting projects and evolutions on the horizon. At the personnel level, Team Members are continuing to break milestones in both their internal and external engagement. As an avid volunteer, I can’t help but smile as more Team Members join me in breaking the 200 hour milestone every year. With such extraordinary growth and change, I’m looking forward to whatever comes next.

For more information about joining the Covia team, visit us at https://www.coviacorp.com/careers/.

CNH-sponsored Team Innoptus recently won the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in Australia. The World Solar Challenge included an international assembly of solar powered cars driving 3,000 kilometers through the outback from Darwin to Adelaide.

Team Innoptus was recorded as the fastest team, with an average speed of 88 km per hour in five days. CNH was proud to sponsor Team Innoptus as they excelled in speed and innovative sustainable design.

“So, we spent fifteen months building a car, with a mindset like, okay, we’re going for that world championship title. But to actually achieve that now, that is… that’s unlikely, that’s really great,” said Ebert Kiekens, an Innoptus Team Member.

With this victory, CNH welcomed Team Innoptus to their Zedelgem plant in February 2024. In their visit, the Team provided a presentation on the mechanics of the solar car and the strategy that won them the World Championship title.

Meanwhile, the Team Innoptus solar car was left on display in the showroom, showcasing that its sustainable design is not only innovative, but stylish as well.

Students from the University KUL Bruges attended the presentation in the second half of the day, where they got special insights from the Team on their victory. The students and Team Innoptus members were invited on a guided tour of the plant where they had the chance to learn more about the plant and explore possible internships at Zedelgem with CNH.

Steven Devos, who managed the sponsorship of Team Innoptus on behalf of CNH, attended the event. “Many happy faces from participants. Colleagues found [the presentation] interesting to hear,’ said Steven, ‘And students were glad about the guided tour. After each presentation from the solar team, there were many questions from the audience, which showed their genuine interest.”

To learn more about their victory, check out the Team Innoptus aftermovie, a short film following their journey at the Bridgestone World Challenge. CNH’s support of Team Innoptus demonstrates the company’s firm commitment to sustainability and new paths of innovation.

Taco Bell blog

Black History Month started off as a one-week celebration founded by Carter G. Woodson in February 1926. Fifty years later, the week was extended into a month dedicated to honoring Black American history.

This year’s nationwide Black History Month’s focus is African Americans and the Arts, detailing African American artistic and cultural movements.

To celebrate our Black team members and these communities, we will share some of their stories. Get ready to be inspired, get involved and continue learning and celebrating the culture and achievements of the Black community.

Aaliyah S. (She/Her) – Live Más Scholar, Team Member, Franchise org. Hospitality Restaurant Group (HRG)

2023 Live Más Scholar Aaliyah S. believes Black History Month is a time that highlights the struggles and persistence of Black people against societal norms and an opportunity to preserve a culture and history that has been continuously re-written. For Aaliyah, it’s all about taking what her ancestors did and bringing the same energy in everything she does as she moves through life.

“I celebrate Black History not just throughout February, but every day. I live in remembrance of the perseverance it took for my people and myself to make it where I am today. It serves as a constant reminder that giving up has never and will never be an option.”

Aaliyah was born and raised in Rochester, New York. From the beginning of time, she always had a passion for math and science as she excelled in these subjects throughout her academic career. This led her to SUNY University at Buffalo for STEM.

“As I embark on my journey to become a Black woman in STEM, I hope to graduate with a professional Doctor of Pharmacy degree and pursue a career in either nuclear pharmacy or pharmaceutical academia. I would also love to spend a good portion of my career in retail pharmacy as I view this career path as the most direct opportunity to serve my community.”

So how did Aaliyah end up at Taco Bell and as a Live Más Scholar? For a long time, she knew the cost of higher education would be a heavy lift, so she spent the last few years of high school researching scholarships, working at Taco Bell to save up, and shaping herself into the best possible collegiate candidate she could be. In the end, Aaliyah was awarded her university’s Presidential Scholarship and the Live Más Scholarship!

“I applied for the Live Más Scholarship because my general manager at the time inspired me to. Throughout the application process, I never imagined I would actually become a recipient, but because Missy believed in me, I went through with it. I’m forever grateful I did!”

For Aaliyah, The Live Más Scholarship has empowered her to continue disrupting the educational boundaries as a Black woman in STEM.

“The Live Más Scholarship is far more than just the big check. Through the generosity of the Taco Bell Foundation and becoming a member of the Live Más scholar community, my eyes have been opened to all that our youth is achieving and inspired me to push myself even further!”

Looking to the future, Aaliyah hopes to continue to achieve academic success but also learn to prioritize her happiness and health. She hopes other students like her do the same!

“I aspire to live a healthier lifestyle. As a student, sometimes it can be easy to slip into bad habits of not taking care of oneself but it’s going to be different in the new year.”

If you own underground storage tanks (USTs), you probably already know that they are regulated to help protect the environment, public health, and safety. These regulations are designed to minimize the risks associated with the storage of hazardous substances in USTs and to ensure that UST owners / operators follow best practices to prevent leaks and respond effectively in the event of incidents.

Regulations governing USTs typically come from a combination of federal, state, and local agencies. In the United States, UST regulations are established and enforced either federally through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or through State run UST programs. The EPA sets forth federal regulations for USTs under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). These regulations provide a baseline of requirements that UST owners/operators must follow.

As a UST owner/operator, it’s important to keep in mind that UST regulations can change over time as new information becomes available or as environmental concerns evolve. Regulatory agencies regularly review and update UST regulations to address emerging issues, improve safety standards, and enhance environmental protection.

So, that’s why it’s essential to be aware of the specific Federal or State regulations or updates for your USTs, as compliance is mandatory and subject to enforcement actions, including fines and penalties. The last thing you want is to undergo an inspection, be caught off guard if you have deficiencies, and then face potential fines from the EPA.

The Crackdown from the EPA

Last year, the EPA settled fines with some companies that did have deficiencies. In 2022, inspections from the EPA revealed that two large companies and five smaller firms operating along the eastern coast of the US had deficiencies in their UST operation and maintenance programs. Because of this, in October 2023, those companies agreed to pay fines related to their alleged violations. Some of the violations included “…[failure] to meet operator training, record keeping, and leak detection requirements for USTs”, as well as one company violating “federal rules on spill prevention, inspections, and operator training”. The fines ranged from $26,500 to upwards of $40,000 per company.

Examples of Non-Compliance with UST Regulations

The EPA listed specific violations that led them to fine those companies with non-compliant USTs. What are some other examples of being non-compliant with UST regulations that you should be aware of? Some common violations include:

Failure to maintain leak detection systems or equipment.Inadequate corrosion protection measures for tank components.Failure to perform required inspections and testing.Improper handling and disposal of hazardous materials.Lack of documentation or recordkeeping for inspections, testing, or maintenance activities.Failure to demonstrate financial responsibility for cleanup and remediation in the event of a release.Non-compliance with requirements for tank closure and removal.Improper handling of UST system upgrades or modifications.

What are the UST requirements I need to Know?

Release Detection: UST owners / operators must have methods and equipment in place to detect releases or leaks from their USTs. Common methods include automatic tank gauging systems, groundwater monitoring, vapor monitoring, and statistical inventory reconciliation.Release Prevention: USTs must have spill and overfill prevention measures, such as spill buckets, overfill alarms, and emergency shutoff systems. USTs must also be designed and constructed to prevent releases due to corrosion.Corrosion Protection: UST systems installed after certain dates are required to have corrosion protection for metal components. This can be achieved through methods such as cathodic protection or fiberglass-reinforced plastic construction instead of metal.Financial Responsibility: UST owners / operators must demonstrate financial responsibility to cover the costs of cleanup and remediation in case of a release. This can be done through insurance, bonds, or other financial mechanisms.Notification: UST owners / operators are required to report suspected or confirmed releases to regulatory authorities promptly. This includes notifying the appropriate state and local agencies.UST Closure: When a UST is permanently closed, owners / operators must follow specific procedures for proper closure, including cleaning and removing the UST, sampling beneath the UST and piping, documenting these findings, possibly conducting soil and groundwater assessments, and notifying regulatory agencies.Operator Training: UST operators and employees responsible for tank operation, maintenance, and recordkeeping must be trained by a federal or state certified A, B, or C Operator training provider to ensure safe and compliant UST management.Recordkeeping: Detailed records must be maintained for UST systems, including installation, inspection, testing, maintenance, and release detection activities. Keep in mind, UST inspection and maintenance records must be kept for at least 3 years.Compatibility: UST systems must be compatible with the substances stored in them, including the use of compatible materials and equipment.Spill Reporting and Response: UST owners / operators must have procedures and equipment in place for responding to spills and releases promptly.Periodic Testing and Inspections: UST systems must undergo regular testing and inspections to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. This includes regular leak detection testing, monthly inspections and often 3rd party verification of compliance.

How do I know if my USTs are in Compliance?

Permit renewals often require proof of compliance such as documentation of lead detection and inspections. Regulations may require thirty party verification of permit operation requirements. An internal management system is also useful for tracking and documenting UST system requirements, inspections, testing, alarms, and other permit requirements. In addition to that, owners / operators could consider implementing a corporate UST operations program, utilizing a consultant for proper UST inspections, testing, and record keeping, and / or using a certified UST operator training platform.

Conclusion

Remember, non-compliance with regulations governing USTs can be found during various stages of UST operation, inspection, and regulatory oversight. Once non-compliance is identified, regulatory agencies typically take corrective actions, which may include issuing fines or penalties, requiring remediation efforts, issuing enforcement orders, or imposing additional compliance requirements. In summary, all UST owners / operators are responsible for addressing non-compliance promptly to avoid legal and financial consequences.

Do you need help with your UST compliance? Reach out to our team of experts today!

National Cyber Director Coker Remarks at Norfolk State University HBCU Roundtable

At a Black History Month Roundtable held in late February at Norfolk State University, Harry Coker, Jr., the White House’s National Cyber Director, highlighted the Cybersecurity Leadership Centers that IBM co-created with 20 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

The reference to IBM’s Cybersecurity Leadership Development Centers came during Mr. Coker’s remarks on creating a stronger and more diverse cybersecurity workforce. He shared best practices and encouragement for HBCUs laying the foundation for rewarding career opportunities for those who seek to keep the country’s data secure.

At these Leadership Deveopment Centers, where IBM SkillsBuild is used, “IBM is committing to help students and faculty at 20 HBCUs by providing course work lectures, immersive training experiences, [credentials], and more at no cost,” said Mr. Coker.

In 2022, at the National HBCU Week Conference convened by the U.S. Department of Education and the White House, IBM announced its collaboration with 20 HBCUs, including Norfolk State, to help them establish Cybersecurity Leadership Centers.

He cited the IBM cybersecurity leadership development centers as one example of the “unprecedented coordination among academic institutions, employers, nonprofits and incubators, and the Federal Government” to help the country’s meet its cybersecurity needs.

An enhanced version of IBM’s SkillsBuild — offering access to IBM software, immersive learning experiences, and professional development resources — lies at the heart of the IBM Cybersecurity Leadership Development Centers at the 20 participating HBCUs.

IBM SkillsBuild is a free education program focused on communities that have historically been underrepresented in technology. It helps adult learners, along with high school and university students and faculty, develop valuable new skills and access career opportunities. The program includes an online platform, complemented by customized practical learning experiences delivered in collaboration with a global network of partners.

Visit skillsbuild.org to learn more.

Farm Powered anaerobic digestion is a powerful process that recycles organic waste, mainly food and beverage waste from the manufacturing sector and dairy cow manure, into renewable natural gas (RNG). It’s a pretty simple process – think of it as a giant Crock-Pot that is full of methanogens – which are naturally found in cow manure – that gobbles up the food waste and the manure and creates biogas. That biogas is then cleaned, upgraded, and becomes a powerful tool to fight climate change – renewable natural gas. A drop-in replacement for fossil natural gas and is one of the tools in our toolbox to mitigate climate change.

How Does Farm Powered Anaerobic Digestion Work

Watch the fun explainer video above.

Waste is Only Waste if You Waste It

Food waste is a fact of life, whether it be in a home or at a factory. If a cookie manufacturer added baking powder instead of baking soda to their batter, that whole industrial batch of cookies would need to be discarded. That’s a lot of cookies that can’t be sent to feed those in need but would be sent to the landfill.

For dairy farmers, manure presents some smelly challenges. Like food waste, you can’t have dairy cows without cow manure. There are several ways that farmers and food and beverage companies can handle their unavoidable waste. We believe that recycling them together through anaerobic digestion provides a sustainable solution for both dairy farmers and food and beverage manufacturers.

There are many benefits of recycling food waste and dairy cow manure through anaerobic digestion, creating positive impacts on waste management, renewable energy generation, greenhouse gas reduction, and sustainable agriculture.

Waste Management and Environmental Benefits

Food waste and dairy cow manure can present waste management challenges. When it comes to manure from dairy cows, The U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service estimates “that the manure from 200 milking cows produces as much nitrogen as sewage from a community of 5,000 to 10,000 people.” While this manure is most commonly used as a beneficial source of nutrients for crops, inclusion of an anaerobic digester reduces emissions associated with manure storage and generates renewable energy.

Improper disposal of organic waste leads to harmful methane emissions, increased landfill volumes, and wasted resources. However, through anaerobic digestion, these organic materials can be efficiently converted into renewable energy and valuable byproducts such as a digestate that can be used as a low-carbon and nutrient dense fertilizer, and the solids which become bedding for the herd.

Biogas is a key product of anaerobic digestion, comprising primarily methane and carbon dioxide. By capturing and utilizing biogas as a renewable energy source, we can reduce reliance on fossil fuels, combat climate change, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The methane recovered from organic waste is a potent greenhouse gas, and preventing its release through anaerobic digestion significantly mitigates its environmental impact.

Digestate, the liquid left after anaerobic digestion, is a nutrient-rich material that can be used as a fertilizer. Applying digestate to croplands replenishes soil nutrients, reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, and promotes regenerative agriculture practices. This approach minimizes waste and contributes to a circular economy, enhancing overall resource efficiency.

Renewable Energy Generation

RNG can be combusted in engines or turbines to produce electricity, which can be utilized on-site or fed into the power grid. This renewable energy source can power homes, businesses, and even entire communities, reducing the dependence on fossil fuel-based electricity.

It can also be used for heat production in industrial processes, space heating, or water heating. By displacing conventional natural fossil heating fuels with RNG, we can reduce the carbon footprint of these applications, contributing to a more sustainable energy mix.

Recently, AstraZeneca and Vanguard Renewables entered a transformative partnership to fuel all their U.S. operations in the U.S. by 2026. Waste Dive has referred to the partnership as the “largest open market RNG deal yet.” This is a game changer for companies that are trying to reach their net zero carbon targets, by decarbonizing their thermal load.

RNG can also be upgraded to biomethane, a renewable natural gas, which can be used as a low-carbon fuel for vehicles. This presents an opportunity to decarbonize transportation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector.

Agricultural Sustainability and Nutrient Management

Dairy cow manure can be effectively managed through anaerobic digestion. Anaerobic digestion helps mitigate the environmental impact of manure by reducing methane emissions and minimizing odor issues. It also provides a means to manage the nutrient content of the manure more effectively.

Digestate, the nutrient-rich byproduct of anaerobic digestion, can be applied to cropland as a fertilizer, replenishing soil nutrients and improving soil health. This promotes sustainable agriculture practices, reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, and minimizes nutrient runoff, which can pollute water bodies. The digestate can be another source of cost savings for our farmers since they no longer have to rely on traditional fertilizers. Many of Vanguard’s host farms have seen an increase in crop yields, and they believe it is from the use of the digestate.

By recycling dairy cow manure through anaerobic digestion, farmers can enhance nutrient management, improve soil fertility, and reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional manure management practices.

Additionally, the solids that come from the pressing of the digestate can be used as bedding for the farmer’s herd, which is yet another cost savings for host farms.

Final Thoughts

Anaerobic digestion is a valuable solution for recycling food waste and dairy cow manure, turning these organic materials into renewable natural gas and nutrient-rich by-products. The benefits are far-reaching, encompassing waste management, renewable energy generation, greenhouse gas reduction, economic advantages, and agricultural sustainability. By adopting anaerobic digestion systems, we can contribute to a more sustainable future, where waste is minimized, renewable energy sources are embraced, and agriculture operates in harmony with the environment. It is crucial for stakeholders, including food producers, dairy farmers, waste management entities, and policymakers, to collaborate and invest in anaerobic digestion infrastructure to harness the full potential of these organic waste streams.

About Vanguard Renewables

Vanguard Renewables, based in Weston, Massachusetts, is a national leader in developing food and dairy waste-to-renewable energy projects. The Company owns and operates on-farm anaerobic digester facilities in the northeast and currently operates manure-only digesters in the south and west for Dominion Energy. Vanguard Renewables plans to expand nationwide to more than 150 anaerobic digestion facilities by 2026. Vanguard Renewables is committed to advancing decarbonization by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from farms and food waste, generating renewable energy, and supporting regenerative agriculture on partner farms via Farm Powered® anaerobic digestion. Vanguard Renewables is a portfolio company of BlackRock Real Assets.

Lenovo’s Environmental, Social and Governance Rating score was maintained at AAA by MSCI, the international ratings agency. This is the second consecutive year Lenovo has achieved AAA, which represents the highest possible rating for corporations leading in ESG programs. This announcement comes after Lenovo received a rating of AAA (on a scale of AAA-CCC) in the MSCI ESG Ratings assessment in 2023.

MSCI ESG Research provides in-depth research, ratings, and analysis of the environmental, social, and governance-related business practices of thousands of companies worldwide. Its research is designed to provide critical insights that can help institutional investors identify risks and opportunities that traditional investment research may overlook.

The MSCI ESG Ratings is also used to construct the MSCI ESG Indexes, produced by MSCI, Inc. For more information, click here. In alignment with MSCI’s methodology, these ratings demonstrate Lenovo’s ESG strengths relative to the China information technology industry.

MSCI is an index used by many financial decision-makers around the world. In addition to a AAA rating on MSCI’s ESG index, Lenovo was included on Bloomberg MSCI Green Bond Index in October 2022. Read Lenovo’s most recent ESG Report for more information on the latest environment, social and governance initiatives.

Disclaimer: THE USE BY LENOVO OF ANY MSCI ESG RESEARCH LLC OR ITS AFFILIATES (“MSCI”) DATA, AND THE USE OF MSCI LOGOS, TRADEMARKS, SERVICE MARKS OR INDEX NAMES HEREIN, DO NOT CONSTITUTE A SPONSORSHIP, ENDORSEMENT, RECOMMENDATION, OR PROMOTION OF LENOVO BY MSCI. MSCI SERVICES AND DATA ARE THE PROPERTY OF MSCI OR ITS INFORMATION PROVIDERS, AND ARE PROVIDED ‘AS-IS’ AND WITHOUT WARRANTY. MSCI NAMES AND LOGOS ARE TRADEMARKS OR SERVICE MARKS OF MSCI.

In honor of Rare Disease Day on February 29, we’re highlighting a program dedicated to diagnosing and treating patients in underserved communities in Southern California affected by the rare autoimmune diseases pemphigus and pemphigoid, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Last year, we announced that Quest Diagnostics teamed up with Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) to offer no-cost diagnostic testing services to support Biopsies Save Lives as part of the Quest for Health Equity (Q4HE) initiative. The program offers no-cost testing to patients who are low-income, uninsured, and/or underinsured and who also have rare erosive and blistering diseases, and enables faster diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

Since the collaboration between Q4HE and WesternU started, the Biopsies Save Lives program has helped lead to the potentially life-saving diagnosis of 3 patients affected by these rare diseases.

“We are very thankful to Quest Diagnostics and their Quest for Health Equity initiative for supporting the Biopsies Save Lives program,” said WesternU Health Oral Pathology Laboratory Director Mark Mintline, DDS. “Biopsies Save Lives breaks down financial barriers to laboratory testing and turns the scariest part of healthcare—waiting for results from a potentially life-changing test—into one that is most welcoming, supportive, and educational. The no-cost laboratory testing that Quest is providing has been critical for our patients, and the support has been a blessing for underserved communities with erosive and blistering diseases in Los Angeles County.”

Through Biopsies Save Lives, patients better understand their blistering diseases, how to ask their providers questions, and are connected to expert dermatologists.

“This is a great, real-world example of how we are working together to create a healthier world, one life at a time, and highlights the positive impact our work has on patients,” said Cynita Smith-Watson, Senior Manager, Regional Contracting for Q4HE.

Rare Disease Day is an observance held on the last day of February to raise awareness of rare diseases and improve access to treatment and medical representation for individuals with rare diseases and their families.

To learn more about the Biopsies Save Lives program, visit www.pemphigus.org/biopsies-save-lives/.