This ESG Talk mini-series highlights episodes with Bob Eccles, a leading authority on integrated reporting, and Maher Al-Haffar, the chief financial officer of Cemex. Both guests join co-host Mandi McReynolds to discuss how the roles of the chief sustainability officer and chief financial officer are evolving alongside ESG.
Looking for more? Subscribe to the ESG Talk podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, and YouTube.
When Eddy Campos-Molina’s mother bought Veronica’s Bakery & Café from her sister in 2017, she also inherited its outdated air conditioner. Unfortunately, it did not properly cool the popular Silver Spring, Md., restaurant, which was a concern because the comfort of employees and customers was a top priority.
Eddy, the restaurant’s director of Marketing and Community Relations, hoped for an option that could help with the business’s operational costs and energy efficiency. However, finding a financially practical solution wasn’t easy, with quotes for a new HVAC system running as high as $35,000.
After a local business alliance connected him with a Pepco Energy Savings for Business program representative, Eddy was reassured to learn that they could install a new, energy-efficient HVAC system that would effectively cool their space while also fitting their budget. He received a reduction in the cost of the project through financial incentives and was able to make interest-free monthly payments to cover the rest of the project costs, thanks to our Small Business Energy Advance.
“Pepco really worked hard to support us,” said Eddy. “The project contractor was also amazing. He knew what he was doing, he took care of most of the logistics, and was overall great to work with.”
With their new HVAC system, Veronica’s Bakery & Café is now able to focus on serving up the tasty Latin American, Salvadoran, and Mexican pastries and cuisine for which the family-run business is known.
“We noticed a big difference right away,” said Eddy. “Staff and guests are a lot more comfortable, and we’ve seen a reduction in the energy bill.”
Veronica’s Bakery & Café is proud to lead by example with its energy efficiency improvements. Eddy and his team are already looking forward to their next project – upgrading to LED lighting. “We’re passionate about helping the environment,” said Eddy, “and we hope to inspire other businesses to do their part as well.”
Our Energy Savings for Business program provides financial incentives and technical assistance to help businesses maximize energy efficiency and reduce energy costs. Financial incentives can cover up to 70% of project costs. For more information, visit pepco.com/Business or call 866-353-5798.
December 15, 2023 /3BL/ – Acclaimed interdisciplinary design firm HGA and Consigli Construction Co., Inc., a leading construction manager in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, announce the opening of Barry Mills Hall and the John and Lile Gibbons Center for Arctic Studies at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine.
The new buildings offer a combined 46,000 square feet of teaching, research, and museum space to Bowdoin’s historic coastal Maine campus. They also lay claim to being the first commercially-scaled mass timber buildings in a state known for its abundant forests.
Early in the design process, an HGA structural analysis estimated that a timber frame system would reduce the buildings’ embodied carbon footprint by approximately 75 percent when compared to a traditional steel structure. As a college that prides itself on environmental research and stewardship, Bowdoin enthusiastically embraced this approach, despite the lack of local precedent.
“This project was an opportunity for Bowdoin to further demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, not only through high performance buildings, but also by investing in generous, flexible learning, teaching, and research spaces.” said Rebecca Celis, principal and arts, community and education sector leader at HGA. “These buildings will grow Bowdoin’s education and research capabilities while embracing the college’s environmental ethos.”
Anchoring the southeast corner of Bowdoin’s campus, Mills Hall and the Gibbons Center replace an existing parking lot while fronting a grove of mature white pines. Although both buildings share a consistent timber expression on the interior, each has a distinct exterior presence. Mills Hall is campus red; the Gibbons Center is mottled black. Their steeply pitched rooflines play off each other from different vantage points, framing a new campus gateway from the north that meanders southwards into the Dudley Coe Quad.
With nods to Bowdoin’s red-brick campus fabric, Mills Hall is a two-story academic building that houses the Digital and Computational Studies and Anthropology departments. It features a 60-person cinema, four active-learning classrooms, 12 faculty offices, huddle spaces for student collaboration, and a vaulted event space that holds up to 300 people. Classrooms and offices afford views, plentiful daylight, tall ceilings, and operable windows for natural ventilation.
The Gibbons Center for Arctic Studies is a cross-disciplinary hub dedicated to Arctic research and education, which includes new home for Bowdoin’s Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum. Besides two flexible museum galleries, the program houses a generous lobby, collections storage and support, as well as offices, classrooms, and an archeology lab. A robust, high-performance building envelope and rigorous environmental controls allow the museum to protect and display sensitive artifacts.
Because of these environmental criteria, “Gibbons has a more mysterious, introverted quality,” says Nat Madson, design principal at HGA. “The black brick renders the building like a silhouette, while the beacon-like window overlooks the quad, revealing views of the galleries from campus.”
The site design takes its cues from the tundra and ice flows of the Arctic. Excess soil from excavation was used to form mounds which were sculpted to look like snow drifts while discarded marble blocks were salvaged from a regional quarry and used for seating.
Site elements and regional granite pavers create “ice flows” that lead pedestrians through the site. River rock surrounds both buildings for stormwater retention. Surrounding the site is a grove of white pines. These trees were preserved and bolstered with new plantings—more than 80 regional trees to replace those lost during construction—to provide a more resilient pine grove for future generations.
Consigli began construction of both buildings in April 2021. The HGA-engineered mass timber structural system reduces the buildings’ embodied carbon footprint by approximately 75 percent when compared to a traditional steel structure, while the all-electric building systems promote a low net operational carbon footprint to power the development without the use of fossil fuels. Thanks to Bowdoin’s recent and ongoing investments in renewable energy near campus and elsewhere, this allows the buildings to operate using 100 percent renewable clean energy.
“As a leader in sustainable building approaches like mass timber, Consigli was well-equipped to deliver this project for Bowdoin College that will support the continued growth and development of its students, faculty and community for years to come,” said Matthew Tonello, director of operations for Consigli Construction Co., Inc. “We were proud to work alongside HGA and all of our partners on these innovative buildings, which will serve as models for excellence in sustainability not just on higher education campuses, but throughout the state and beyond.”
Besides the low embodied carbon materials strategy, the project also de-coupled from the campus steam plant, providing heating and cooling through 100 percent all electric mechanical systems tied to Bowdoin’s nearby solar PV array.
“Bowdoin, Consigli, and HGA were motivated to pursue timber both for its environmental benefits, and for Maine’s cultural identity as a ‘working forest,’ and the potential for positive economic impact within the region,” said Matt Orlando, Bowdoin’s senior vice president for finance and administration. “This project moves us forward on the path towards being fossil fuel free on campus, but it’s also a way to showcase mass timber and sustainable design for Maine.”
Bowdoin College is one of ten institutions to receive funding from the U.S. Forest Service in partnership with the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, Inc., a nonprofit corporation that works collaboratively with partners in the public and private sectors to advance systemic, transformative, and sustainable change for the health and vitality of the nation’s working forests and forest-reliant communities. Bowdoin also achieved carbon neutrality in 2018, two years ahead of schedule, and continues to prioritize decreasing its reliance on fossil fuels in operational decisions.
Learn more at www.hga.com.
My Green Lab, the world’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the sustainability of scientific research, is proud to announce the appointment of Penny James to its Board of Directors. As Chief Operating Officer in R&D BioPharmaceuticals at AstraZeneca, Penny’s extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries will help My Green Lab continue to build a global culture of sustainability in science.
“We are thrilled to welcome Penny James to the My Green Lab Board of Directors. Penny’s wealth of experience at AstraZeneca, coupled with her deep commitment to sustainability and her leadership capabilities, align perfectly with My Green Lab’s mission. Her strategic vision and extensive background in driving process efficiency will undoubtedly enrich our organization as we continue to advance sustainability practices in laboratories worldwide,” said James Connelly, CEO, My Green Lab. “Penny’s dedication to environmental stewardship will be a valuable asset as we work towards a greener and more sustainable future for the scientific community.”
With a 30 year career marked by impactful leadership, Penny assumed the role of COO BioPharma R&D at AstraZeneca in 2019, following her tenure as Vice President Operations for the IMED Biotech Unit. She has played a pivotal role in driving process efficiency and effectiveness, leading Lean Sigma programs across Europe and the US at the Eastman Chemical company. Penny also holds positions on the boards of Cambridge Biomedical Campus Ltd, One Nucleus, and the MRC Environmental Sustainability Council. With a Master’s in Medical Statistics and as a Chartered Statistician and Lean Sigma Master Black Belt, Penny is well-equipped to contribute significantly to My Green Lab’s mission and initiatives.
“I am delighted to join the My Green Lab Board of Directors. Having worked closely with the organization to bring sustainability best practice to AstraZeneca’s R&D laboratories, I believe in their commitment to advancing sustainability across the scientific community. I am eager to contribute to My Green Lab’s impactful initiatives and collaborate with fellow board members to drive further positive change. Together, we will champion sustainable practices that make a meaningful difference in laboratories around the world,” said Penny.
Recognized as one of the most sustainable biopharmaceutical companies, AstraZeneca understands the importance of bringing a culture of sustainability to science and beyond. Collaborating closely with My Green Lab, they have undertaken key initiatives that showcase their commitment to protecting the environment. This partnership includes AstraZeneca’s active participation in the International Freezer Challenge, a program that has saved over 44 million kWh of energy in laboratories across the globe since 2017. Through Penny’s leadership, AstraZeneca has also achieved My Green Lab Certification for all its R&D lab facilities, a program that is considered the gold standard for laboratory sustainability best practices around the world. In partnership with My Green Lab, AstraZeneca is leading the charge for sustainable science, establishing standards that facilitate the creation and distribution of new medicines in the most environmentally responsible manner possible.
About My Green Lab
My Green Lab® is a nonprofit environmental organization with a mission to build a global culture of sustainability in science. The organization is the world leader in developing internationally recognized sustainability standards for laboratories and laboratory products—bringing sustainability to the community responsible for the world’s life-changing medical and technical innovations. Laboratories are some of the most resource-intensive spaces in any industry, but they don’t have to be. By introducing a new perspective and proven best practices within a carefully crafted framework, My Green Lab has inspired tens of thousands of scientists and lab professionals to make positive changes in their labs by reducing the environmental impact of their work.
For media requests, contact Namrata Jain at namrata@mygreenlab.org.
December 3 marks the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPwD). Treating all people equitably is about more than justice. Inclusivity means that everyone can achieve their true potential, which is a benefit to society as a whole.
Inclusivity is at the core of Cisco Networking Academy, but challenges remain.
Merely collecting data about people with disabilities is a challenge, however. The Washington Group on Disability Statistics was established in 2001 to address the issue, with the objective of providing basic information on disability that is comparable worldwide.
A World of Untapped Resources
According to the World Health Organization, 16 percent of people globally experience significant disability, but the World Economic Forum (WEF) says only four percent of businesses are focused on making offerings inclusive of disability.
The cost of exclusion of people with disabilities is significant. The WEF suggests that exclusionary policies could cost up to seven percent of GDP in some countries. Incentives to do the right thing are strong, as disability-inclusive businesses enjoy:
28 percent higher revenue30 percent higher profit marginsbetter talent acquisition and retention
And while some progress is being made towards a more inclusive work environment, there remains a lot of work to do for true equality. For instance, employment for people with disabilities in the U.S. recently hit a record high, but that record high comes from a low base: people with disabilities remain nearly twice as likely to be unemployed.
Education also presents a barrier for people with disabilities. A 2018 UNESCO report on Education and Disability concludes that disabled people between 15 and 29 were less likely to have attended school than those without disabilities in almost all of the 37 countries for which data were available.
Partnering for an Inclusive Education
At Cisco our purpose is to power an inclusive future for all.
Cisco Networking Academy is committed to creating and delivering accessible curriculum designs. Our design vision is that all students should be able to access all web content. We continue to make enhancements across Skills for All, a powerful resource for our 11,700 global education partners, that align with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and standards, moving us toward our vision of inclusiveness.
Cisco works with wonderful partners who routinely push new boundaries in delivering an inclusive education for all.
Partners, such as Sight Savers in Kenya, do amazing work through The Bridge Academy. The impact they are having for learners like Benson, Divinah, Jacklyne, and Shanice in Nairobi, Kenya is inspirational.
And they’re not alone. Last year, I highlighted the work done by UT de Santa Catarina in Mexico, Cisco Access for the Visually Impaired in Australia, The Royal National College for the Blind in the United Kingdom, and the abilITy Cisco Networking Academy in New York.
And there are so many inspirational stories of Cisco Networking Academy graduates living with disabilities who have gone on to help others.
188 thousand students have declared disabilities at the Cisco Networking Academy since 2019.
Success Stories
After his vision started to change and he was no longer working, Jaques enrolled at college and undertook Cisco Networking Academy studies, which lead to a job as a United Airlines Cybersecurity and Incident Response Analyst in the United States.
Jacques subsequently volunteered to mentor teams from Wheaton Warrenville South High School for the Air Force Association’s CyberPatriot youth cyber education program, earning Mentor of the Year for his efforts.
In Australia, Neil studied with Cisco Networking Academy after losing 35 percent of his vision, and went on to become an instructor at Cisco Academy for the Vision Impaired (CAVI) in Perth, Australia.CAVI provides information and communications technology training to students with varying and wide degrees of disability.
Neil has been a lecturer for over 13 years. He describes life before his vision loss as being carefree and feeling bulletproof.
“CAVI had a very profound effect on my life considering where I was going. I didn’t really have a pathway, as opposed to now. Having a career and a pathway, that certainly wasn’t there when I lost part of my vision.”
“My students don’t know that I’m visually impaired when I start teaching them. It usually comes out. And my running gag is that if you want to get away with anything, do it on the right side of my face so I won’t see you do it.”
One of the adaptive teaching tools Neil uses is a peg board to provide students with a tactile way to peg out an IP address which logically identifies a client on the network. And Neil’s advice for others?
“I miss having vision, but I look at what I gained by the loss, the loss is not a loss anymore.”
What Neil gained from Cisco Networking Academy after losing 35 percent of his vision
View original content here.
Chief Supply Chain Officer Tamera Fenske recently provided insights for Consumer Goods Technology’s 2023 Supply Chain Special Report. In an interview, Tamera discussed Kimberly-Clark’s commitment to elevating supply chain capabilities sustainably while maintaining quality. She highlighted the strategic use of data and generative AI as key components of this process.
“As the backbone of the company, the supply chain plays an outsized role in sustainability. In procurement, manufacturing, planning, and fulfillment, we’re aiming to build a connected system that brings real-time visibility and action to the entire supply chain,” Tamera said.
Download and read the full report here: https://consumergoods.com/inside-supply-chains-step-change
About Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) 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, Neve, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in approximately 80 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 fifth 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.
Chief Supply Chain Officer Tamera Fenske recently provided insights for Consumer Goods Technology’s 2023 Supply Chain Special Report. In an interview, Tamera discussed Kimberly-Clark’s commitment to elevating supply chain capabilities sustainably while maintaining quality. She highlighted the strategic use of data and generative AI as key components of this process.
“As the backbone of the company, the supply chain plays an outsized role in sustainability. In procurement, manufacturing, planning, and fulfillment, we’re aiming to build a connected system that brings real-time visibility and action to the entire supply chain,” Tamera said.
Download and read the full report here: https://consumergoods.com/inside-supply-chains-step-change
About Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) 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, Neve, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in approximately 80 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 fifth 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.
Chief Supply Chain Officer Tamera Fenske recently provided insights for Consumer Goods Technology’s 2023 Supply Chain Special Report. In an interview, Tamera discussed Kimberly-Clark’s commitment to elevating supply chain capabilities sustainably while maintaining quality. She highlighted the strategic use of data and generative AI as key components of this process.
“As the backbone of the company, the supply chain plays an outsized role in sustainability. In procurement, manufacturing, planning, and fulfillment, we’re aiming to build a connected system that brings real-time visibility and action to the entire supply chain,” Tamera said.
Download and read the full report here: https://consumergoods.com/inside-supply-chains-step-change
About Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) 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, Neve, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in approximately 80 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 fifth 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.
For the second year in a row, Entergy participated in EmPOWERing Pro Bono Day, an industry-wide service day that we helped found to provide pro bono legal support for low-income, vulnerable community members in electric companies’ service areas. The event was launched in 2022 by the Pro Bono Institute in partnership with Entergy’s legal department and the Edison Electric Institute. The event serves to spotlight the need to increase access to justice by providing legal services to marginalized communities and promote in-house pro bono collaboration with law firms and legal services organizations.
“While our attorneys prioritize incorporating pro bono efforts into our work year-round, we also feel it’s important to create these opportunities to join our colleagues across the company and the industry in a focused effort to make a positive impact,” said Pro Bono Counsel Christy Kane. “We feel privileged to be able to use our skills and training to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the most vulnerable members of our community.”
During the day of service, more than 30 Entergy volunteers assisted more than 60 clients with life-planning documents for seniors, small succession affidavits for low-income homeowners, expungement of criminal records, brief advice hotlines, clinics, and more. This event followed Entergy’s internal company-wide day of service on Oct. 24 in honor of National Pro Bono Week.
Since 2012, Entergy attorneys have contributed more than 20,000 hours of pro bono services, for an in-kind donation to the community of over $5.6 million. These attorneys offer free legal advice and representation to community members in need on matters ranging from life-planning documents for first responders, to FEMA claims after natural disasters, to veterans’ benefits access, to family law issues, to post-conviction relief for incarcerated survivors of domestic violence, to assistance for non-profits and minority and women-owned small businesses.
Learn more about our legal department’s recent pro bono work here.
NORWALK, Conn., December 14, 2023 /3BL/ – Managing the holidays can be challenging for individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs), as this time of year often involves social gatherings and increased stress. Shatterproof, a national nonprofit focused on transforming addiction treatment and helping people with SUDs have access to life-saving treatment, resources and research, developed the following recommendations and strategies based on input from its 3,000+ ambassador network of people in recovery and people who have lost a loved one.
1. Build a Support System:
Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who understand your situation. Share your concerns with them and tell them how they can help you during the holidays.
2. Set Realistic Expectations:
Manage your expectations for the holiday season. It’s okay if everything doesn’t go perfectly. Set realistic goals for yourself and focus on what you can control.
3. Plan Ahead:
Plan your schedule in advance, including social events and potential triggers. Inform family and friends prior to being invited to any holiday parties that you are in recovery. Have an exit strategy if you feel uncomfortable or triggered, and communicate your plans with someone you trust. Remember, you don’t owe anyone an explanation. You can simply say no, goodnight, etc. and transition your exit.
4. Avoid Triggers:
Identify and avoid situations that may trigger cravings or temptations. If certain people, places, or events are associated with substance use, consider limiting your exposure or finding alternative plans. Meditate when stressed and know that every craving or trigger will pass.
5. Practice Self-Care:
Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Prioritize self-care to manage stress and cravings. Buy yourself a holiday gift!
6. Attend Support Meetings:
If you are part of a support group or a 12-step program, make attending meetings a priority, especially during the holidays. Connect with others who understand your struggles and lean on each other. Stay close to your people, whether with a therapist or another support network.
7. Have a Sober Buddy:
Have a sober friend or family member accompany you to holiday gatherings. Having someone who understands your commitment to sobriety can be a source of strength and accountability.
8. Create New Traditions:
Consider creating new holiday traditions that don’t involve substance use. Focus on activities that bring joy and fulfillment without the need for alcohol or drugs.
9. Practice Mindfulness and Stress Reduction:
Incorporate mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, to manage stress and anxiety. Mindfulness can help you stay present and avoid falling into old coping patterns.
10. Seek Professional Help:
If you find the holidays particularly challenging, consider seeking support from a therapist, counselor, or an addiction specialist. Professional help can provide coping strategies and additional resources to navigate this time successfully.
Everyone’s journey to recovery is unique, and finding what works best for you is crucial. If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance use disorder, reaching out for professional help is an essential step toward recovery. Shatterproof Treatment Atlas is a platform that helps individuals with SUDs and their loved ones, as well as health care providers and insurers, search for and compare licensed treatment facilities throughout the U.S. to make informed decisions for their care based on location, use of best practices, types of treatment offered, accepted insurers, payment options, specialty populations served, and more.
To learn more about navigating the holiday season in recovery and the resources offered by Shatterproof, please visit shatterproof.org.
CONTACT:
Lauren Lawson-Zilai
Shatterproof PR
press@shatterproof.org
