Tag: 3BL

SAN FRANCISCO, AMSTERDAM and HONG KONG, February 14, 2024 /3BL/ – The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) will host its first Manufacturer Forum of 2024 on March 6 in Dhaka, Bangladesh; the event will be held alongside the Sustainable Apparel Forum, which will be hosted by the Bangladesh Apparel Exchange on March 5. Reflecting the theme “Catalyst for Change,” the Manufacturer Forum: Dhaka will underscore the pivotal role of manufacturers to set and achieve goals that are transforming the consumer goods industry, highlighting the unique challenges they face and providing support for collaborative solutions.

Over 200 attendees are expected at the Manufacturer Forum: Dhaka, where they will gain insights into the newly launched Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP), the Higg Index suite of tools, and critical policy developments. Participants can also receive hands-on training in and get certified in setting Science-Based Targets (SBTs) for decarbonization, as well as join interactive workshops on completing the Higg Facilities Environmental Module (FEM) 4.0, health and safety remediation plans, and workers rights.

“We are thrilled to host our inaugural Manufacturer Forum of 2024 in Bangladesh and privileged that such an important sourcing hub, known for its craft and expertise, will be the first place we will showcase a new era for the SAC,” said Andrew Martin, executive vice president, SAC, who will give the opening address. “Solving complex sustainability challenges requires a holistic approach that depends on data, tools, and stakeholder collaboration. Manufacturers are the engine that drives the consumer goods industry and this event in Dhaka provides invaluable opportunities for connection, learning, and support as we work together to take collective action for industry progress.”

In 2023, the SAC announced the return of its flagship Manufacturer Forums after a hiatus of in-person events amid the pandemic. Since then, the SAC held its July forum in Shenzhen, China followed by Bangalore, India in December. The events bring together manufacturers – who are on the front lines of critical action – with business leaders and stakeholders to discuss the future of sustainability, supply chain compliance, verification, policy alignment, and more.

“SAC’s Manufacturer Forums are a valuable opportunity to connect and take action on the goals that unite us,” said Arindama Banerjee, associate director, client services/responsible sourcing at ELEVATE – An LRQA Company, the industry leader in sustainability and supply chain services globally. “We are thrilled to participate again this year.”

Dr. Vidhura Ralapanawe, executive vice president, Epic Group and SAC board director, and Dr. Laxmikant Jawale, regional lead, South Asia & Southeast Asia, Apparel Impact Institute (Aii), will speak at the event. Additional speakers include SAC global team members and SAC members Primark, ELEVATE, a LRQA Company, and CYCLO® recycled fibers, among others. Representatives from organizations with which SAC collaborates, including Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE), Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, and the Social & Labour Convergence Program (SLCP), among others, will also present.

SAC’s Manufacturer Forum: Dhaka is sponsored by Worldly, the leader in environmental and social impact data capture and analytics for the apparel and footwear industry, and the exclusive platform for the SAC’s Higg Index suite of tools; those interested in sponsorship can contact sacmeetings@apparelcoalition.org. The full list of speakers, as well as information on registration, is available on the SAC’s website. Collaborative opportunities at Manufacturer Forum: Dhaka are critical to driving equitable and restorative business practices related to the SAC’s three core pillars: Combat Climate Change, Decent Work for All, and Nature Positive Future.

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About the Sustainable Apparel Coalition

The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) is a global, non-profit alliance of over 300 organizations in global apparel and consumer goods. Initially formed to create standardized sustainability metrics, the SAC has sharpened its focus to driving pre-competitive, collective action across three foundational pillars. As an independent entity, the SAC brings together brands, retailers, manufacturers, NGOs, academics, and industry associations to combat climate change, ensure decent work, and contribute to a nature-positive future. Central to the SAC’s mission is the Higg Index, a suite of comprehensive tools that empower members to measure, evaluate, and improve sustainability performance across the supply chain. To support evolving industry needs, the SAC also brings together a focus in policy, transparency, and programs for collective action.

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Jackie MacDonald had been working at Boston Scientific for six years when her body started behaving in unexpected ways. Her feet drooped when she walked, causing her to stumble. Her balance felt off, too; if a gust of wind blew her hair over her face, she would lose her bearings.

“It was scary,” Jackie remembers of that uncertain moment back in 2010 – and not only because she was concerned for her health, but also because she worried about what others might think. Born with a rare muscular-skeletal disease called XLH, a degenerative condition which stunted the growth of her legs, Jackie had never wanted to call attention to her disability before. “I wanted people to judge me by my personality, or by my work, and not judge me physically,” she remembers. “I’d tried to hide my disability for so long, even though it was visible.”

Now, however, Jackie’s condition was causing neurological issues, which meant that hiding was no longer an option. She would need surgeries and treatment, which in turn would mean time off from her job as a quality systems engineer, accommodations in the workplace and supportive colleagues.

“And that’s where Boston Scientific has been phenomenal,” Jackie says with a big smile.

Receiving support and raising awareness

Boston Scientific aims to build a culture in which everyone has equal opportunities and can participate fully and meaningfully. That includes a commitment to disability inclusion and equality – for which Boston Scientific was recently recognized as a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion by Disability:IN for the eighth consecutive year and, for the fifth straight year, made the Seramount Inclusion Index for its best practices.

One way Boston Scientific helps support employees is through its disability-focused employee resource group, LEAD (Leadership, Education and Allies for Disabilities). With chapters all around the world, LEAD raises awareness for issues specific to people with disabilities – both visible and invisible – while creating a safe and supportive environment where people can learn, teach and share resources. In addition to organizing benefits webinars, speaker sessions and awareness events, the group helps Boston Scientific evolve to meet workforce needs by proposing and incorporating inclusive workplace modifications.

For Jackie, becoming active in LEAD was one important way to feel supported while also lending her voice to make a difference for others. “There’s been a lot of sensitivity, allyship and inclusive changes for employees with disabilities,” Jackie says, pointing to modifications Boston Scientific has incorporated to many sites like adding push buttons to busy bathrooms, lowering soap dispensers and installing closed captioning capabilities in conference rooms.

As for her own experience with inclusion at work, Jackie says, “it’s been fantastic,” starting with the very first time she reached out for support.

Funneling her passion for inclusion into patient care

Today, Jackie has been with Boston Scientific for 19 years and counting. Whenever the need has arisen, the company has been able to offer options that enable her to perform her job, including time off for various surgeries and a hybrid work schedule. At the office in Marlborough, MA, Jackie sometimes uses a crutch or a cane to get around, and although the cafeteria keeps a pair of grabbers to help people reach the higher shelves of the beverage aisle, her thoughtful coworkers rarely give her that opportunity. “Everyone is all, ‘Oh, can I reach something for you? Can I carry something for you?’” she says, laughing. “Of course, I like to do things for myself. But it’s nice to have people looking out for you. It’s wonderful to be a part of such a caring community.”

Jackie has also funneled her experiences with disability into a passion for her work at Boston Scientific. Knowing firsthand the importance of good medical care and sensitive to the nuances of the patient journey, she is earnest about her role in providing patients the highest level of quality. “These are life-changing procedures. In my case, I know what it’s like to go from, ‘Will I ever walk again?’ to ‘I will walk again,” she says. “It’s so important to me to help other patients. I’m definitely in the right place.”

Want to work at a company that values disability inclusion? Explore career opportunities at Boston Scientific

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We’re leading by example through responsible operations, reimagining our systems and taking action to have a restorative impact on the environment.

Project At-a-Glance:

The opportunity: Accelerate the path toward operational sustainability at Thermo King Galway through a multi-faceted carbon reduction strategy across the manufacturing plant, significantly reducing Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions and moving Trane Technologies closer to its 2030 Sustainability Commitment of carbon neutral operations.

The solutions: Replacing diesel fuel with HVO biodiesel; adopting reusable dollies and crates to further enhance zero waste to landfill commitment; innovating a state-of-the-art carbon-neutral Advancer production line; enhancing roof insulation; and installing 2,000 photovoltaic panels for renewable energy.

Sustainability outcomes: All metrics are based on prior year (2022) comparisons unless otherwise stated.

29% decrease in the facilities carbon emissions (CO2e)99% reduction of Scope 1 diesel fuel carbon emissions on multiple plant lines by transitioning to HVO biodiesel33% reduction in non-hazardous waste generationAnticipated generation of 1,000,000 kWh of green electricity from an onsite photovoltaic system; and saving €300k in site annual energy and maintenance costsAnnual savings of €56k per year via LED lightingZero waste to landfill since 2014

Accelerating a legacy of sustainability

Over nine years ago, our Thermo King manufacturing facility in Galway, Ireland became the first Trane Technologies site to achieve zero waste-to-landfill status. In the years since, the team has continued to innovate how we manufacture solutions for the cold chain while leading the way in sustainable operations.

In 2020, motivated by Trane Technologies’ 2030 Gigaton Challenge to reduce customers’ carbon emissions from use of products, Thermo King unveiled a new state-of-the-art Advancer A-series, a revolutionary approach to refrigerated transport that helps reduce the impact of the cold chain.

At the same time, the Galway team simultaneously revolutionized the production line on which the new Advancer A-series would be built, incorporating innovative technologies and practices like automation, reusable packaging, robotics, renewable energy sources and electrification into the manufacturing process. In 2021, the Advancer line became the first assembly line in the sector to be certified carbon neutral.

“The Advancer line is the future of the factory,” says Michael Stratford, Thermo King Operations Leader for Ireland. “It’s also the start of our electrical architecture and electrical journey in our operations.”

Sustainability across the board

Prioritizing sustainability in operations means Galway’s cross-functional teams are constantly monitoring and assessing energy efficiency, water, refrigerant and waste, as well as looking for new reduction strategies. Previous measures have included LED lighting, rainwater harvesting and adding greenfield areas and EV charging.

And in recent years, the company has accelerated its path to further reduce carbon emissions associated with operations, leading the way with bigger, groundbreaking projects.

Working with the design, procurement and waste-monitoring teams on site, the facility now prioritizes the use of returnable, stackable crates and the development of parts and dollies that no longer require single-use plastic. This strategy enhances Galway’s zero waste to landfill commitment by also significantly reducing the annual mass of recyclable materials. Since 2018, the site’s production of recyclable waste has been reduced by 60% – another big step in advancing the sites operating zero waste to landfill achievement.

Onsite generators now produce oxygen and nitrogen for soldering and brazing for production units, saving nearly $37K annually in gas transportation costs. Replacing the use of propane with bio propane for these processes has delivered over 90% carbon emissions reduction.

And one of the most impactful projects to date has been the installation of a 50,000-liter tank storing Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). By replacing the diesel used on production lines with HVO, the site has successfully reduced Scope 1 fossil fuel carbon emissions across three manufacturing lines by 99%. HVO carbon is categorized as biogenic and identified as a renewable fuel with a carbon neutral designation.

Next big steps in reductions

Additional investments are taking another big step in reducing the site’s carbon footprint.

With a 50-year-old single skin roof, the 170,000 sq ft factory building was losing heat, resulting in higher energy demands. The team saw an opportunity to reduce wasted heat while also shifting to a renewable energy source, replacing the roof’s thin top-skin with an insulated panel and also installing over 2,000 photovoltaic solar panels. Once fully installed, the solar panels will produce approximately 1,000,000 kWh of green electricity and improve the site’s resiliency for energy supply. While the site has purchased and used electricity generated 100 percent from renewable sources since 2020, the addition of the photovoltaic (PV) system will reduce the quantity of renewable electricity purchased. The PV system will also save the site over €300k in annual energy and maintenance costs.

“Opportunities to improve are still out there,” says David Honan, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Leader EMEA and Galway EHS Site Leader. One such priority is refrigerant. The Galway facility uses approximately 10,000 tons of refrigerant each month to charge into finished goods manufactured for customers. To significantly reduce Scope 1 emissions associated with refrigerant leaks, the site installed world class refrigerant storage, charging and monitoring equipment and shifted to a new refrigerant with a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP).

Sustainability beyond the factory

The Galway team also recognizes that sustainability means looking after the long-term well-being of people, both internally and in the surrounding community.

When a local school was looking for help to create a dedicated space for Autistic Spectrum Disorder students, the team invested in the building of a sensory room. And volunteers that make up the local Purple Team for the site, actively work with area students, supporting science fairs, robotics competitions, and partnerships that encourage young kids to pursue STEM careers.

“We’re on a good flight path in terms of sustainability,” affirms Michael Stratford. “We were on it for quite some time. We’re accelerating it now.”

Estampe, by O-I, weighs about 390g, well below the average of typical wine bottles in the French marketThe Estampe bottle has a reduced carbon footprint – about 25% less carbon emissions compared to conventional 500g wine bottlesCarbon footprint and reduction plan validated by Carbon Trust

PERRYSBURG, Ohio, February 13, 2024 /3BL/ – O-I Glass, Inc. (“O-I Glass” or “O-I”) has announced the launch of a lightweight glass wine bottle with reduced carbon impact in the French market, the latest proof point in O-I’s pursuit of its approved SBTi (Science Based Targets Initiative) target to reduce GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions 25% by 2030. 

Validated by the Carbon Trust, the innovative lightweight glass wine bottle, named Estampe, is a result of O-I’s vision to be the most sustainable producer of sustainable glass packaging.

At O-I, the company believes glass is already the most sustainable packaging solution, as it is 100% and infinitely recyclable, and made from natural materials. The innovative Estampe bottle strengthens the overall sustainability with a reduced carbon footprint – about 25% less carbon emissions compared to conventional 500g wine bottles. 

The Estampe bottle weighs about 390g, which is below the average of wine bottles in the French market. The R&D team at O-I developed Estampe to leverage greater recycled content, up to 80% or more on average – well above the current European average of 50% recycled content. 

To maximize the credibility and overall sustainability of Estampe, O-I worked with the Carbon Trust to achieve the first validated, eco-designed 75 cl bottle to meet their criteria for low carbon packaging. The residual footprint offset by the purchase of carbon credits supports such things as orchard planning in France and reforestation projects in Brazil. 

“Our customers and consumers alike continue to seek sustainable packaging solutions. The addition of a lower carbon lightweight bottle that’s validated by the Carbon Trust demonstrates how we’re innovating to create brand-building, iconic, sustainable solutions,” says Arnaud Aujouannet, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for O-I. “O-I has been innovating glass bottles for more than a century, and as the demand for lightweight, lower impact packaging rises, we’re focused on transforming our processes and technology to meet that need without compromising on design.”

Estampe is designed to be right-weighted, functional, sustainable, and stunning. It joins an array of O-I’s existing lighter weight glass bottles across the company’s global portfolio. Lightweight wine bottles have been designed by O-I to meet customer demands for smaller impact while still protecting the taste and experience of the wine. 

“At O-I, our sustainability goals are purposefully ambitious and aspirational because that’s what drives innovation and transformation,” says Randy Burns, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer for O-I. “The thoughtful, diligent work in creating this lower impact wine bottle that’s validated by the Carbon Trust demonstrates O-I’s commitment to a sustainable tomorrow.” 

O-I has the vision to be the most innovative, sustainable, and chosen supplier of brand-building packaging solutions. The road to sustainability is paved by innovation. The launch of a lightweight lower carbon impact glass wine bottle for French wine makers, validated by the Carbon Trust, demonstrates how O-I is innovating packaging to create sustainable solutions.

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ABOUT O-I GLASS 

At O-I Glass, Inc. (NYSE: OI), we love glass, and we are proud to be one of the leading producers of glass bottles and jars around the globe. Glass is not only beautiful, it is also pure, healthy, and completely recyclable, making it the most sustainable rigid packaging material. Headquartered in Perrysburg, Ohio (USA), O-I is the preferred partner for many of the world’s leading food and beverage brands. We innovate in line with customers’ needs to create iconic packaging that builds brands around the world. Led by our diverse team of approximately 23,000 people across 68 plants in 19 countries, O-I achieved revenues of $7.1 billion in 2023. Learn more about us:  
o-i.com / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking” statements related to O-I Glass, Inc. (“O-I Glass” or the “company”) within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Forward-looking statements reflect the company’s current expectations and projections about future events at the time, and thus involve uncertainty and risk. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “may,” “plan,” “estimate,” “intend,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” and the negatives of these words and other similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements.

It is possible that the Company’s future financial performance may differ from expectations due to a variety of factors including, but not limited to the following: (1) the general political, economic and competitive conditions in markets and countries where the Company has operations, including uncertainties related to economic and social conditions, trade disputes, disruptions in the supply chain, competitive pricing pressures, inflation or deflation, changes in tax rates and laws, war, civil disturbance or acts of terrorism, natural disasters, public health issues and weather, (2) cost and availability of raw materials, labor, energy and transportation (including impacts related to the current Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Hamas conflicts and disruptions in supply of raw materials caused by transportation delays), (3) competitive pressures, consumer preferences for alternative forms of packaging or consolidation among competitors and customers, (4) changes in consumer preferences or customer inventory management practices, (5) the continuing consolidation of the Company’s customer base, (6) the Company’s ability to improve its glass melting technology, known as the MAGMA program, and implement it within the timeframe expected, (7) unanticipated supply chain and operational disruptions, including higher capital spending, (8) seasonability of customer demand, (9) the failure of the Company’s joint venture partners to meet their obligations or commit additional capital to the joint venture, (10) labor shortages, labor cost increases or strikes, (11) the Company’s ability to acquire or divest businesses, acquire and expand plants, integrate operations of acquired businesses and achieve expected benefits from acquisitions, divestitures or expansions, (12) the Company’s ability to generate sufficient future cash flows to ensure the Company’s goodwill is not impaired, (13) any increases in the underfunded status of the Company’s pension plans, (14) any failure or disruption of the Company’s information technology, or those of third parties on which the Company relies, or any cybersecurity or data privacy incidents affecting the Company or its third-party service providers, (15) risks related to the Company’s indebtedness or changes in capital availability or cost, including interest rate fluctuations and the ability of the Company to generate cash to service indebtedness and refinance debt on favorable terms, (16) risks associated with operating in foreign countries, (17) foreign currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar, (18) changes in tax laws or U.S. trade policies, (19) the Company’s ability to comply with various environmental legal requirements, (20) risks related to recycling and recycled content laws and regulations, (21) risks related to climate-change and air emissions, including related laws or regulations and increased ESG scrutiny and changing expectations from stakeholders and the other risk factors discussed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

It is not possible to foresee or identify all such factors. Any forward-looking statements in this document are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments, and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from expectations. While the Company continually reviews trends and uncertainties affecting the Company’s results of operations and financial condition, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or supplement any particular forward-looking statements contained in this document.

NEW YORK and LONDON, February 13, 2024 /3BL/ – AccountAbility, a trusted global ESG Consulting and Standards Firm for 30 years, will announce a series of initiatives to enhance the quality of global sustainability assurance. With these enhancements, AccountAbility licensed assurance providers will receive market-leading solutions to deliver the world’s most innovative, user-friendly, and trusted sustainability assurance standard – the AA1000 Assurance Standard v3 (AA1000AS v3). 

Today marks the first of these initiatives – the launch of a revamped e-licensing platform for licensed assurance providers, incorporating additional checks on ethics, independence, quality, and ease-of-use features. 

Ethics, independence, quality, and ease of use have been central to AccountAbility’s AA1000 Series of Standards since inception, and the firm continues to apply its deep expertise and experience, integration of quality assurance technology, strategic global partnerships, and continuous enhancements to the tools and resources provided to its Standards users.

The new platform will include:

• Enhancements to the pre-approval process that Licensed Assurance Providers are required to complete before commencing assurance engagements 
• Updates to compliance and validation requirements Assurance Providers must meet when issuing Assurance Statements to Reporting Companies 
• Improvements to the back-end system that strengthen cybersecurity 
• Improvements to the user interface that make for a better user experience 
• Preparation for future AI integration for automated, streamlined, and scalable license and statement validation processes

The AA1000AS v3 requires AccountAbility licensed assurance providers to follow a robust process before issuing Assurance Statements to reporting companies in order to ensure quality and transparency. All assured sustainability disclosures, which numbered more than 1,150+ in 2023, are added to a public web list on the AccountAbility Standards website, accessible via – https://www.accountability.org/standards/aa1000-assurance-standard/aa1000as-reports/ 

Licensed assurance providers and assurance practitioners involved in all AA1000AS v3 assurance engagements complete a license agreement and must operate in accordance with and be bound by the AA1000AS v3 Code of Practice. Values associated with this commitment deepen and reinforce assurance, professionalism, and effectiveness while safeguarding the high-quality application of the AA1000AS v3.

Planned quality enhancement updates to the AA1000 Series will also align with the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) Internal Control-Integrated Framework (ICIF) and the latest and upcoming developments in the standards ecosystem to meet rigorous assurance requirements comparable to financial information.

In order to ensure relevance to its global assurance providers, AccountAbility’s Standards team actively monitors developments in the standards and assurance landscape across jurisdictions, including:

• International Sustainability Standards Board’s (ISSB) standards 
• International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) proposed new standards 
• U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) proposed Climate Disclosure Rule 
• EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) 
• Proposed EU Green Claims Directive 
• Mandatory sustainability disclosures required nationally, such as in India and South Korea, as well as the requirements by the Singapore Exchange (SGX) and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), among others

“We are witnessing intensifying regulatory mandates and stakeholder expectations regarding the assurance of non-financial information. AccountAbility is responding with several significant developments to meet the needs of its global users,” comments Mr. Dongsoo Kim, AccountAbility Standards Board Member and the former Executive Director of Korea Productivity Center (KPC).

“The AA1000AS v3 is trusted globally for its universal applicability in assuring sustainability data. We understand the implications that global assurance trends have for practitioners and providers alike, and we are constantly working to provide the clarity and resources that our expanding roster of AA1000AS v3 users need to meet the needs of their clients and advance the sustainability standards agenda,” says Ms. Peppi-Emilia Airike, AccountAbility Head of Standards & Research.

Other upcoming initiatives AccountAbility has undertaken to enhance the quality of sustainability assurance globally include:

• GHG Guidance Document – A guide to applying the AA1000 Assurance Standard v3 to assure climate-related data and reporting (expected Q2 2024) 
AccountAbility will release supplementary Guidance on Assuring GHG Emissions with the AA1000 Assurance Standard (AA1000AS v3) in Q2 2024. The Guidance Document will provide users of the AA1000AS v3 with direction regarding the application of AccountAbility’s Principles-based assurance methodology to assure climate-related data and reporting. This is intended to arm assurance providers with the guidance needed to respond to the increasing volume of assurance mandates worldwide, such as the EU’s CSRD, the SEC’s proposed Climate Disclosure Rule, and several other future requirements globally.

• Assurance Standards Bridging Document – An overview of the alignment between the AA1000AS v3 and ISAE 3000 (expected Q2 2024) 
AccountAbility will publish a Bridging Document, which details the alignment between AA1000AS v3 and the International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3000 (Revised) Assurance Engagements Other Than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial Information. The Bridging Document will clarify the application of the two assurance standards and establish the equivalence of accounting assurance levels (Limited + Reasonable) with AA1000AS v3 levels (Moderate + High).

• Advancing Ethical Sustainability Reporting 
AccountAbility has joined the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) Sustainability Reference Group, supporting global roundtables as part of its ongoing Sustainability Project to develop ethics and independence standards for sustainability reporting and assurance.

About AccountAbility 

AccountAbility is a global consulting and standards firm that works with businesses, investors, governments, and multilateral organizations to innovate and advance the global sustainability / ESG agenda by improving organizations’ practices, performance, and impact. The firm focuses on delivering practical, effective, and enduring results that enable our clients to succeed. AccountAbility is a Public Benefit Corporation operating globally through a highly qualified team from offices in New York, London, Riyadh, and Dubai. The firm is the recipient of multiple business awards from the Financial Times, Forbes, and Capital Finance International.

Contact:

Mr. Gavin Doran 
AccountAbility 
Global Head of Marketing & Communications 
Phone: +1 850 502 3098 
Email: gavin.doran@accountability.org 
Web: www.accountability.org

CNH brand New Holland, together with its partner AGROTEC Magyarország Kft recently participated in the biggest agricultural trade exhibition in Hungary, AGROmashEXPO. The event took place at the Budapest Congress and Exhibition Center from January 24 to 27, 2024.

The brand displayed its latest innovation including the brand new CR11 Combine Harvester. First unveiled at Agritechnica 2023 in Hanover, it was presented this time in its track version featuring the signature yellow color, updated to a more modern look and feel.

The New Holland T7.340 HD with PLM Intelligence was also featured, taking home a Special International Product Development Award in the Machining category. The winners were announced in mid-December 2023.

On the New Holland stand, visitors of AGROmashEXPO witnessed the T8.435 Genesis SmartTrax tractor with Auto Command transmission, the premium tractor from the T8 range that first adopted the most sophisticated Precision Land Management packages, representing one of the most advanced models in the New Holland high horsepower tractor portfolio.

CNH’s attendance and recognition at AGROmashEXPO is testament to the company’s commitment to sustainable product innovation for the future of farmers everywhere.

In the new Estimated Emissions dashboard in Total Control®, the United Rentals worksite management system, companies can quickly and easily identify the equipment types and jobsites that produce the most carbon dioxide and make informed, data-based decisions on how best to improve the sustainability of their operations. The new dashboard adds to an existing feature in Total Control that allows users to run estimated emissions reports on individual pieces of equipment.

Dynamic data visualizations

Users can choose to view estimated emissions data—specifically, estimated metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent—by equipment category class, time or jobsite.

Choosing the cat class view reveals a tree map showing the top 20 emitters by equipment category class, such as earthmoving equipment, forklifts, aerial work platforms and power and HVAC equipment. In the time view, color-coded charts illustrate at a glance how estimated total emissions have increased or decreased over specific months and years. The jobsite view shows a bar chart of jobsites and their estimated total emissions.

From any view, users can further filter the data by time period (such as this month, last month, year to date and last year), by account, by jobsite and by cat class. Helpful data cards on every view highlight important information such as the total estimated emissions of all rental equipment, the highest estimated emissions in a single month and the cat class with the highest total estimated emissions.

Turning actionable data into cleaner jobsites

When it comes to replacing heavy-emissions equipment with cleaner alternatives, companies have more rental options than ever before. These include cleaner generators, stand-alone batteries and solar arrays for off-grid power needs; battery energy storage systems for storing extra energy; and a wide range of electric and hybrid machines, from forklifts to mini excavators to telehandlers. But swapping out an entire fossil fuel-based fleet for greener alternatives isn’t realistic. Focusing on the highest-emissions equipment lets companies enact the changes that will yield the biggest results.

For example, if the data reveals that diesel generators are a company’s biggest emitters, sustainability managers can choose to incorporate cleaner portable power options, such as propane generators and hybrid power systems. If diesel boom lifts are producing most of the carbon emissions on a jobsite, battery electric boom lifts are an option worth exploring. Reductions in emissions that result from equipment swaps can easily be tracked via the time, jobsite or cat class views.

To make the process of choosing cleaner-burning equipment more seamless, United Rentals is developing a tool that will suggest lower-emission alternatives for the equipment customers are currently renting and estimate the associated emissions savings.

Meeting sustainability goals

With the Estimated Emissions dashboard, companies that are making progress toward lowering their projects’ carbon emissions have the data to prove it to owners and investors. They can provide owners with data for sustainability or environmental impact reporting. And they can show potential customers that they’re doing their part to help the planet.

Ready access to easily digestible, shareable data on estimated emissions is a potential game-changer in the drive to reduce the carbon footprint of jobsites. United Rentals puts this data, and the power to act on it, at customers’ fingertips.

To start gaining insights into your projects’ carbon emissions, request information on Total Control and the Estimated Emissions dashboard today.

In the new Estimated Emissions dashboard in Total Control®, the United Rentals worksite management system, companies can quickly and easily identify the equipment types and jobsites that produce the most carbon dioxide and make informed, data-based decisions on how best to improve the sustainability of their operations. The new dashboard adds to an existing feature in Total Control that allows users to run estimated emissions reports on individual pieces of equipment.

Dynamic data visualizations

Users can choose to view estimated emissions data—specifically, estimated metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent—by equipment category class, time or jobsite.

Choosing the cat class view reveals a tree map showing the top 20 emitters by equipment category class, such as earthmoving equipment, forklifts, aerial work platforms and power and HVAC equipment. In the time view, color-coded charts illustrate at a glance how estimated total emissions have increased or decreased over specific months and years. The jobsite view shows a bar chart of jobsites and their estimated total emissions.

From any view, users can further filter the data by time period (such as this month, last month, year to date and last year), by account, by jobsite and by cat class. Helpful data cards on every view highlight important information such as the total estimated emissions of all rental equipment, the highest estimated emissions in a single month and the cat class with the highest total estimated emissions.

Turning actionable data into cleaner jobsites

When it comes to replacing heavy-emissions equipment with cleaner alternatives, companies have more rental options than ever before. These include cleaner generators, stand-alone batteries and solar arrays for off-grid power needs; battery energy storage systems for storing extra energy; and a wide range of electric and hybrid machines, from forklifts to mini excavators to telehandlers. But swapping out an entire fossil fuel-based fleet for greener alternatives isn’t realistic. Focusing on the highest-emissions equipment lets companies enact the changes that will yield the biggest results.

For example, if the data reveals that diesel generators are a company’s biggest emitters, sustainability managers can choose to incorporate cleaner portable power options, such as propane generators and hybrid power systems. If diesel boom lifts are producing most of the carbon emissions on a jobsite, battery electric boom lifts are an option worth exploring. Reductions in emissions that result from equipment swaps can easily be tracked via the time, jobsite or cat class views.

To make the process of choosing cleaner-burning equipment more seamless, United Rentals is developing a tool that will suggest lower-emission alternatives for the equipment customers are currently renting and estimate the associated emissions savings.

Meeting sustainability goals

With the Estimated Emissions dashboard, companies that are making progress toward lowering their projects’ carbon emissions have the data to prove it to owners and investors. They can provide owners with data for sustainability or environmental impact reporting. And they can show potential customers that they’re doing their part to help the planet.

Ready access to easily digestible, shareable data on estimated emissions is a potential game-changer in the drive to reduce the carbon footprint of jobsites. United Rentals puts this data, and the power to act on it, at customers’ fingertips.

To start gaining insights into your projects’ carbon emissions, request information on Total Control and the Estimated Emissions dashboard today.

Through their volunteer efforts in Thailand, Team Dow is helping support the Company’s sustainability targets to protect the climate, transform plastic waste and close the recycling loop.

For more than a decade, Dow Thailand volunteers have worked to protect the defenders of the coastline – mangrove trees. Just as the seedlings they’ve planted have taken root and grown, so has the impact of the team’s protection and restoration efforts.

Today, the Dow & Thailand Mangrove Alliance is taking mangrove conservation to the next level and engaging both public and private sectors as well as surrounding communities in reducing the impact of climate change and marine debris.

As we celebrate International Volunteer Day, we recognize that more than 75% of Team Dow volunteered at least once in the past year, which correlates with a more positive employee experience and higher satisfaction levels.

In Thailand, Team Dow is taking action together with local governments, the community and NGOs, the impact has grown from planting trees to educating local people about the value of the mangrove forest, while initiating sustainable tourism to support the local economy.

THE CHALLENGE

Mangroves are woody trees or shrubs that live on muddy coasts between land and sea. Their strong and complicated root systems enable them to protect shorelines from damaging waves and floods, reduce coastal erosion, improve water quality by filtering pollutants and act as nurseries for marine life.

Part of the “blue carbon” ecosystem, mangroves also can help capture greenhouse gases and help mitigate climate change impact by acting as powerful carbon sinks. That is, they absorb carbon dioxide from the air and store the carbon in their roots, branches and surrounding sediment – for up to a millennium, if left undisturbed.

That is why mangroves need our protection and restoration. But mangrove ecosystems in Thailand and across the world are under threat – damaged by coastal development, harmful fishing and farming practices, as well as pollution.

THE SOLUTION

Our team in Thailand has taken a multifaceted approach to conserve mangroves. Many of its efforts are conducted through the Dow & Thailand Mangrove Alliance, a collaboration between Dow Thailand, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Actions include:

Ongoing reforestation: About 15 years ago, Dow volunteers started to plant mangrove trees near our manufacturing site in the Pak Nam Prasae sub-district of the Rayong province, transforming a degraded land into a rich forest. Today, the Alliance aims to advance the conservation of mangroves along the coast of Thailand, covering five provinces on more than 5,000 rai (approximately 2,000 acres) of land.Raising awareness and promoting eco-tourism: With the support of local communities, we are helping promote the Pak Nam Prasae mangrove forest as a tourist attraction. The forest acts as a natural classroom and includes name cards identifying plants and signage explaining the forest’s ecological benefits. In 2022, we also worked with other partners to launch the iNaturalist application, which enables young people and the public to safely and sustainably explore mangrove wildlife.Collaborating with partners to tackle marine debris: Mangroves retain marine debris and prevent it from entering the sea. Team Dow volunteers regularly participate in cleanups, and the Alliance has created a model for waste management in the Pak Nam Prasae conservation area, passing on knowledge to the communities and visitors.Promoting carbon credit mechanisms for mangroves: Last year in Thailand, we sponsored the first “Blue Carbon Conference,” inviting government authorities, businesses, academic sectors, NGOs and local communities to brainstorm for collaborative ways to protect the wetlands and reduce climate change.

The holistic mangrove conservation program not only is beneficial to carbon reduction and biodiversity, but also creates economic and social benefits for local communities through income from a carbon credit system and tourism.

Inspiring others to act

Mangrove protection is a collective and long-term journey, calling for the efforts of individuals and organizations. Through their volunteer efforts in Thailand, Team Dow is helping support the Company’s sustainability targets to protect the climate, transform plastic waste and close the recycling loop.

On #IVD2023, we celebrate our volunteers in Thailand and worldwide who harness collective power to make an impact and exemplify the spirit of #IfEveryoneDid.

In the United States women represent 50.4% of the population, yet in the STEM field only 35% of jobs are filled by women. Every year, the number of women and girls in STEM is increasing, with a 31% increase from 2011 to 2021. We are proud to be an organization that not only uplifts and supports women in STEM but is led by an impressive group of female scientists who pave the way for future generations.

In celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Henkel is excited to announce the launch of the application period for its 2024 Martha Schwarzkopf Award for Women in Science. This award, a tribute to one of the first female business leaders in Germany and a founder of the Institute for Hair Research, commemorates Martha’s entrepreneurial and innovative spirit as well as the empathy and dedication with which she supported her fellow female scientists.

We also want to celebrate this day with a big thank you to all the female scientists at Henkel. Their innovations and accomplishments improve life and create value for our customers and consumers. Not only do they excel at their jobs, they are also advocates for women and girls in STEM to raise the tide for all.

Here are a few recent stories of their advocacy, skill and mentorship:

Alice Cheung and Alexis Kriegl: As high-performing scientists at Henkel, Alice and Alexis are inspiring the next generation of scientists. Alice and Alexis both volunteer as Henkel Sustainability Ambassadors where they visit schools and teach children about sustainable behavior at home. They also volunteer as Henkel Researchers’ World instructors to introduce young minds to science education. Read more about their passion for science and mentoring the next generation.

Carmen Patricia Brito: Carmen is a skillful, adaptable and courageous IT leader who is driving success at Henkel. She is an active member of Employee Resource Groups (ERG’s) ‘Henkel Women’s Network’ (HWN) and ‘Unidos’ for the Hispanic Community. Learn more about how her experiences of moving to new countries, learning new cultures and developing impactful relationships helped her find a bigger purpose within her role.

Martina Spinatsch: When it comes to women in STEM, Martina is a pioneering role model at Henkel. Throughout her 30-year career, she has consistently challenged the status quo for what it means to be a woman in engineering and R&D and was one of the founding members of an Employee Resource Group (ERG) for women leadership at Henkel. Read more about how she strives to open doors and empower female employees at all levels to pursue their career dreams.