Tag: 3BL

November 30, 2023 /3BL/ – SkysTheLimit.org is set to host two shopping events this season: an in-person Tulsa Holiday Marketplace; and an online Marketplace LIVE. The events celebrate and uplift entrepreneurs, offering a platform for shoppers to meet the faces behind emerging businesses and support their endeavors during this festive season.

The in-person Tulsa Holiday Marketplace will be at 36 Degrees North on 36 East Cameron Street in Tulsa at 5:30pm CST on December 6.

The online Marketplace LIVE will be hosted on Zoom at 10am PST/ 1pm EST on December 6.

Shoppers will have an immersive experience at both, mingling face to face and virtually with entrepreneurs and will have the opportunity to learn more about their products and services and purchase directly from small business founders through the nonprofit organization’s 3rd annual showcase. The Tulsa event will also feature short videos honoring the founders to recognize their substantial contributions to Tulsa’s entrepreneurial landscape in 2023.

Bo Ghirardelli, CEO of Sky’s the Limit, remarked, “The Tulsa Marketplace and Marketplace LIVE represent a vibrant celebration of innovation, creativity, and community. It is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit thriving across our communities, fostering growth and economic impact. And it’s a great way to find and purchase creative gifts for the holiday season!”

Among the entrepreneurs showcased at the Tulsa event are:

Malerie Harvey, Founder of Celestial Dreams Events and Party Rentals, pioneering luxury party rentals and event planningBryan McGruder, Founder of SneakerER, offering shoe care and restoration services to keep footwear looking fresh and stylishAshley Samupunga, Founder of Oh Honey Cookie Co., creating unique gourmet cookies that are growing in popularity locally.

To attend the event, sign up here.

Sky’s the Limit online Marketplace, showcases 100+ creator-led brands and spotlights founders from diverse backgrounds, including women, LGBTQI+, BIPOC, disabled, and low-income communities.

Marketplace LIVE presents an exclusive opportunity to interact with these rising entrepreneurs from Marketplace including:

Erica Stephens, Founder of Founder of Bereisheet 129 Vegan Plant-Based Cuisine & Catering, catering to the growing vegan community with plant-based alternatives, meal planning services, and educational resources.Shantel Caudill, Founder of Royalicious LLC, offering affordable, gently loved clothing to redefine personal style without breaking the bank.Kimberly Parris, Founder of ‘Cuterie by The CaribDiva Company, amplifying historically underrepresented food entrepreneurs through innovative snacking experiences.

Sign up here to get your spot for Marketplace LIVE.

Running through December 31, 2023, the online marketplace continues to expand its offerings weekly, including product-based businesses, professional services, and nonprofits supporting various cause areas.

To explore the diverse range of products and services offered by these talented creators and to support their businesses, visit Sky’s the Limit’s Marketplace.

Sky’s the Limit offers opportunities for traditionally marginalized entrepreneurs – typically those who identify as LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, women, veterans, disabled people, and people from low-income backgrounds – to connect with mentors to come together to foster, grow, and shape modern and future enterprise. The organization has also provided over $450,000 in startup grants and educated tens of thousands of diverse entrepreneurs.

For more information about partnerships and how to get involved, please visit skysthelimit.org/partnerships.

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About SkysTheLimit.org: SkysTheLimit.org is a digital platform that connects young, historically excluded entrepreneurs with one-on-one support from experienced business advisors and mentors, entrepreneurship training, and community-voted startup grants. SkysTheLimit.org is a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

During Lenovo’s Tech World event, a software developer named Gabriel crossed the stage and warmly greeted chairman and CEO Yuanqing Yang using Libras, the official Brazilian Sign Language. While YY, as he’s known at Lenovo, does not know Libras, he understood Gabriel perfectly—through the power of AI. A camera captured the precise movements of Gabriel’s hands while an original AI engine created a real-time text and voice translation. The language barrier between Gabriel and YY dissolved almost instantly, creating seamless and personal connection.

This quick interaction showcased a groundbreaking accessibility solution pioneered by Lenovo researchers. The new technology is poised to transform the lives of countless individuals, among them the 2.3 million people in Brazil who are deaf or hard of hearing.

“This scalable solution exemplifies the potential to create a new AI-powered paradigm for accessibility and inclusion,” said Hildebrando Lima, Lenovo’s director of research and development in Brazil. “It’s a privilege to do such meaningful work serving our communities in Brazil and deliver Lenovo’s vision of AI for all.”

The R&D team built the AI solution to facilitate interactions where a sign language interpreter may be unavailable—from retail spaces to hospitals—to increase autonomy and create connection.

Unseen on the Tech World stage, Lenovo edge servers provided the computing power needed to run the AI and interpret the dense data captured as Gabriel signed a greeting. While cloud computation is an option, the edge servers provide greater speed and reliability at the precise location the AI is needed.

The demonstration was partly a proof of concept—especially Gabriel’s AI voice, which was selected by his own family from 13 custom options—but the underlying technology is quite mature after four years of development. Already, dozens of deaf and hard of hearing individuals using Libras contributed thousands of hours of anonymized video data to build the training set and advance the AI.

Core accessibility R&D

During an internal team discussion at Lenovo in 2019, a software developer fluent in Libras pointed out many day-to-day accessibility issues, and she challenged Lenovo to do more to improve independence and quality of life for the deaf community.

“As a company, we are committed to delivering smarter technology for all, and that means prioritizing inclusivity and considering the diversity of our customers and communities,” Lima said. “We embraced the challenge.”

The Lenovo team in Brazil began thinking about developing a solution: a real-time translation chat tool that lets deaf or hard of hearing people sign to a device’s camera while an algorithm performs the instantaneous translation from Libras into written or spoken Portuguese text. Now, thanks to the ubiquity of generative AI and multilingual data sets, translation can be made into many more languages.

However, achieving real-time video capture and translation between languages presents a staggering amount of data—not the least of which are the individual gestures for each word and the syntax of each sentence. Just as regional accents within a spoken language like English can be dramatically different, movements and styles can be distinct to individuals within Libras.

“There are so many hurdles involved with the video capture alone – including the person’s skin color, background color, lighting, clothing, the speed of a signer’s gestures, and hand positions relative to the body – to name just a few,” Lima said. “On top of that, not every camera has the same level of depth perception.”

To tackle the data challenge, Lenovo collaborated with Brazilian innovation center CESAR, sharing expertise on capturing and cataloguing video to lay the foundation for the AI. Lenovo and CESAR have since created a dataset of thousands of Libras videos to train the core algorithm to identify and contextualize individual gestures. Then Lenovo led the way to develop the breakthrough AI at the heart of the solution.

The AI recognizes both hand positions and the digital articulation points of the signer’s fingers. After processing these movements and gestures, the AI can accurately identify the flow of a sentence and rapidly convert the sign language into text.

The team also collaborated with Lenovo’s Product Diversity Office (PDO), whose mission is to ensure Lenovo products work for everyone, regardless of their physical attributes or abilities. The PDO’s inclusive design experts helped to identify areas of potential concern—skin tone, hair style, corrective lenses, and limb differences, for example—and to make sure product testing accounted for these characteristics.

Delivering real, reliable solutions for all

At a recent internal event in Brazil exploring inclusion in Lenovo workspaces, a member of the Lenovo R&D team heard the story of a deaf person who was unable to fully communicate with her parents throughout childhood. She faced major challenges, relying heavily on sign-language interpreters who could not be available all the time—especially at home.

“Imagine being unable to talk easily to your friends or parents for your entire childhood, or with your colleagues at work,” Lima said. “It’s the kind of intimate, family, education, and workplace inclusion scenario where this solution can change so much.”

The Lenovo R&D team emphasized that the solution is not intended to replace more people learning Libras or other sign languages—instead, it bridges existing communication gaps. Beyond that, the AI might actually be used to accelerate learning sign language, using computer vision to track the accuracy of gestures and “instruct” users to make adjustments. Deployed on wearable tech or through augmented reality, people could have immersive learning experiences with the AI acting as coach.

Lima’s R&D team partnered with Lenovo’s Infrastructure Solutions Group to find an edge computing solution. Relying exclusively on the cloud—and consequently very fast Internet speed—works in some but not all instances. Potential users at a hospital or airport, for example, where time is at a premium, would not want to rely on unpredictable connection. Computing at the edge is also in line with Lenovo’s pocket-to-cloud portfolio that brings AI to the source of the data and into the hands of users.

The next step is to scale the project beyond internal testing. More data points will be needed to roll out a real-time sign language translation interface at scale. The team is exploring self-learning algorithms and other technology to accelerate development, especially as the user base and data sets grow.

Lenovo is also exploring ways to tailor the translation solution to specific industry verticals, such as finance or retail, as the data sets can be more finely tuned and optimized to provide an ideal user experience. As the solution develops and inspires more inclusive technology, the more than 430 million deaf and hard of hearing individuals around the globe may feel the profound potential of AI.

Love is in the air for a pair of jaguars at the Oakland Zoo! There was an extensive search for the purrfect compatible female for Lucha, a male jaguar at Oakland Zoo. Lucky for him, five-year-old Emma of Miami, Florida, caught a flight to Oakland, California, courtesy of FedEx.

Newly arrived Emma began to curiously explore her new habitat in the night house. Separated by a fence, Emma and Lucha could still see, smell, and interact with each other. With hope in their hearts, the zoo staff monitored their interactions closely to give them the best chance of making a love match. After months of slowly getting to know each other, the zoo is optimistic the pair will have kittens at some point in the future.

“It is always an honor to transport precious cargo like Emma and lend a hand to organizations dedicated to saving species in danger of extinction,” said Jose Perez, FedEx Teamleader.

Jaguars are critically endangered in the wild, and their numbers are decreasing in captivity as well. Emma’s move to the Oakland Zoo is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums “Species Survival Plan,” to ensure breeding so that they don’t go extinct. With the positive momentum seen so far, Emma and Lucha’s love connection is only building.

The move is part of the company’s FedEx Cares “Delivering for Good” initiative, in which FedEx lends its global network and unparalleled logistics expertise to organizations with precious cargo requests and helps communities before, during, and after crises.

On its continued mission to Champion a better tomorrow, this innovative collection kicks off the brand’s “Eco Future” project stream — a product pipeline that prioritizes environmental and community impact.

Originally published on HBI Sustainability

WINSTON SALEM, N.C., November 29, 2023 /3BL/ — Today, Champion® Athleticwear, the iconic lifestyle brand born from sport in 1919, announced its newest innovation: Eco Future Reverse Weave with CiCLO® technology, a patented and science-based solution that allows synthetic textiles to behave more like natural fibers when they enter the environment.

Champion has a rich history of addressing athlete and consumer problems head-on through product innovation. With an understanding that knowledge and consumer needs are constantly evolving, Champion is using cutting-edge design and technology to craft with purpose and create a better tomorrow.

Over 60% of today’s textiles are made with plastic-based synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon, which remain indefinitely in the environment because they are not inherently biodegradable. By incorporating CiCLO® technology, the Eco Future Reverse Weave reduces plastic textile fibers in the environment by giving polyester an eventual expiration date. The collection also features dyes with ingredients derived from nature, including pomegranate, annatto fruit and terminalia chebula fruit. The new collection lets fans feel even better about purchasing their favorite hoodie knowing that they can reduce microplastic pollution caused by the shedding of synthetic textiles reducing the impact on our environment.

“As we continue to innovate and evolve, Champion is dedicated to creating solutions through products that will ensure a better tomorrow for our planet and the people living on it,” said Vanessa LeFebvre, President of Global Activewear at Champion. “Through our partnership with CICLO®, we aim to be a catalyst for positive change in the fashion industry, driving conscious choices, responsible actions and continuous improvements, while providing every Champion a canvas to live their true purpose.”

The product launch comes on the heels of Champion’s first global brand campaign, “Champion What Moves You”, which redefines what it means to Championbyshifting the brand name from a title or indication of winning, toward a means to take action and create something with real impact.

The Eco Future Reverse Weave with CiCLO® includes crewnecks and joggers. The collection will be available in-store and on Champion.com beginning December 6.

ABOUT CHAMPION® ATHLETICWEAR:

Since 1919, Champion has offered a full line of innovative athletic apparel for men and women, including activewear, sweats, tees, sports bras, team uniforms, footwear and accessories. Today, as a lifestyle brand born from sport, Champion uses innovative design and state-of-the-art product testing to ensure uncompromised quality and innovative apparel for consumers. Beyond its products, the brand’s mission is to provide every Champion a canvas to live their true purpose; rooted in the belief that Champions are defined not by what they make, but by what they do with it. Champion wants to inspire others to not just win, but to Champion a better tomorrow, and is dedicated to supporting creators by giving them a platform to tell their stories, support their values, and communities.

Champion apparel can be purchased at department stores, sporting goods, specialty retailers, and at Champion.com. For more information, visit us at Facebook.com/Champion, follow us on Twitter @Championusa or on Instagram @Champion. Champion is part of HanesBrands’ (NYSE:HBI) portfolio, a company recognized for its sustainability achievements around the world. Learn more about HanesBrands’ global sustainability goals at HBIsustains.com.

ABOUT CiCLO® TECHNOLOGY:

Launched in 2017, CiCLO® technology is a textile ingredient designed to mitigate synthetic microfiber pollution, the most prevalent form of microplastic pollution found in environments across the globe. When added to polyester or nylon, CiCLO® technology allows fibers that end up fugitive in the environment to behave like natural fibers such as wool and cotton.

Conventional polyester and nylon are plastics that persist indefinitely, but microorganisms can completely break down CiCLO® polyester and nylon, leaving behind only basic natural elements. The chemistry used to make CiCLO® technology is OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT certified and rigorously studied for biodegradation by multiple third-party labs using internationally recognized ASTM and ISO Test Methods.

CiCLO® technology is owned, manufactured and distributed by Intrinsic Advanced Materials, a joint venture between Intrinsic Textiles Group, a startup based in Silicon Valley, and Parkdale Advanced Materials, the innovative fiber and yarns division of global textiles giant, Parkdale Mills. For more information, visit https://ciclotextiles.com/.

Nicole Ducouer
HanesBrands Inc.
Nicole.Ducouer@hanes.com

Kim Murphy
Citizen Relations
Kim.Murphy@citizenrelations.com

Source: HanesBrands

Originally published in Dow’s 2022 INtersections Progress Report

Dow is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within its supply chain. We believe that a diverse and inclusive supplier base not only benefits our business, but also the communities where we operate. We offer supplier training and development programs, mentorship opportunities, and events and networking opportunities for diverse suppliers. Dow’s goal is to exceed $500 million in global diverse supplier spend by 2025. In 2022, we set a year-end target of $245 million and surpassed this target and achieved approximately $275 million.

LAUNCH OF DOW ACCELERATOR PROGRAM FOR DIVERSE BUSINESSES 

The first-ever Dow Accelerator Program was developed to support and empower diverse suppliers globally. In 2022, the program was launched in the U.S. & Canada, Latin America and Asia Pacific, with a planned expansion to the EMEAI region in 2023.

WBENC CHEMICALS INDUSTRY GROUP ACCELERATOR PROGRAM 

In 2022, Dow co-created and led the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Accelerator program alongside BASF and Ecolab. The purpose of this mentorship program is to help fill the gap in diverse suppliers in the chemicals industry. More than 80 businesses applied to the program and 12 were selected for the first cohort.

DOW AND CITIBANK SUPPLY CHAIN FINANCING PROGRAM 

In 2022, Dow and Citibank joined forces to launch a supply chain financing program that provides incentivized rates for loans to diverse suppliers. The overall mission is to aid our certified diverse suppliers in cash flow and reduce their financial risk.

Read more

Originally published in Dow’s 2022 INtersections Progress Report

Dow is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within its supply chain. We believe that a diverse and inclusive supplier base not only benefits our business, but also the communities where we operate. We offer supplier training and development programs, mentorship opportunities, and events and networking opportunities for diverse suppliers. Dow’s goal is to exceed $500 million in global diverse supplier spend by 2025. In 2022, we set a year-end target of $245 million and surpassed this target and achieved approximately $275 million.

LAUNCH OF DOW ACCELERATOR PROGRAM FOR DIVERSE BUSINESSES 

The first-ever Dow Accelerator Program was developed to support and empower diverse suppliers globally. In 2022, the program was launched in the U.S. & Canada, Latin America and Asia Pacific, with a planned expansion to the EMEAI region in 2023.

WBENC CHEMICALS INDUSTRY GROUP ACCELERATOR PROGRAM 

In 2022, Dow co-created and led the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Accelerator program alongside BASF and Ecolab. The purpose of this mentorship program is to help fill the gap in diverse suppliers in the chemicals industry. More than 80 businesses applied to the program and 12 were selected for the first cohort.

DOW AND CITIBANK SUPPLY CHAIN FINANCING PROGRAM 

In 2022, Dow and Citibank joined forces to launch a supply chain financing program that provides incentivized rates for loans to diverse suppliers. The overall mission is to aid our certified diverse suppliers in cash flow and reduce their financial risk.

Read more

Specialized center to focus on digital technologies for distributed energy resourcesEaton chooses Quebec for its longstanding customers in the region, established education partnerships and strong talent pipelineCollaboration with regional universities and technical schools advances industry workforce development and training 

PITTSBURGH, November 30, 2023 /3BL/ – Intelligent power management company Eaton announced the opening of its newest global Innovation Center near Montreal in Brossard, Quebec, following nearly four decades of developing cutting-edge software in the region. At the 35,000-square-foot space, Eaton will accelerate the research and development of distributed energy resource (DER) technologies enabling sustainable electricity for buildings, homes, industry and the electric grid. Eaton is bringing approximately 150 highly specialized jobs to Brossard, creating a local hub for power industry professionals with plans to grow in the region.

Availability of renewable energy is soaring globally and expected to reach a total installed capacity of more than 440 gigawatts this year, the largest increase to date. The latest Eaton Innovation Center focuses on developing advanced solutions to optimize DERs by bringing together multiple disciplines, including cybersecurity, software, human-centered design and automation experts.

“At Eaton, we’re investing $3 billion in research and development targeted at sustainable solutions by 2030. The work we’ll do here will break traditional boundaries of what electrical systems can do and enable far more flexibility in how electricity is generated, distributed and used to accelerate a more sustainable future,” said Michael Regelski, senior vice president and chief technology officer, Electrical Sector at Eaton.

“Investments in innovation and industry education are crucial to meet clean energy and electrification goals. We need our industry collaborators, like Eaton, working alongside us to test and develop the new solutions needed to integrate more renewables faster, while also inspiring and training the next generation of engineers,” Alexandre Roy, manager, strategic sourcing at Hydro-Québec.

Eaton will continue its longtime relationships with ÉTS Montréal, Polytechnique Montréal, Université de Sherbrooke, McGill, Université Concordia, Université de Montréal and others to increase the industry workforce. Many of Eaton’s employees in the area are alumni of these institutions.

“We have a long history of developing pioneering IT enterprise systems for utility customers in this region, and collaborating with the world-class universities based here,” said Thierry Godart, Eaton vice president and general manager for energy automation solutions. “We’re excited to open the doors in Canada to our latest state-of-the-art research center, where our diverse and bilingual population will foster collaboration around the world.”

“We are thrilled that Eaton has chosen Brossard to open its first Innovation Center in Canada. We take pride in knowing that cutting-edge technologies developed in this facility will enable the production of even more sustainable electricity. Knowing that this new Innovation Center will provide quality jobs in our community is great news by itself. But knowing that these jobs will have a positive impact on our environment for years to come is something we should all rejoice in,” says Doreen Assaad, mayor, City of Brossard.

“L’ÉTS is proud to develop innovative research projects with Eaton. The energy transition and the development of optimization solutions are undeniable challenges for which companies like Eaton and technological universities like ÉTS have a strong interest in collaborating. The inauguration of the new Eaton Innovation Center in Brossard is excellent news and certainly represents an opportunity to develop ambitious research programs between our organizations,” stated Christian Casanova, executive director of research and partnerships at the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS).

Eaton has a network of manufacturing locations in Canada that build medium- and low-voltage power distribution equipment for commercial, residential and industrial applications. The company is focused on developing innovative solutions that enable customers to conserve resources, decrease emissions and energy consumption, and make smart energy decisions—all while increasing safety, reliability and resilience. Learn more about Eaton’s approach to the energy transition.

Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to improving the quality of life and protecting the environment for people everywhere. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re accelerating the planet’s transition to renewable energy, helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges, and doing what’s best for our stakeholders and all of society.

Founded in 1911, Eaton is marking its 100th anniversary of being listed on the New York Stock Exchange. We reported revenues of $20.8 billion in 2022 and serve customers in more than 170 countries. For more information, visit Eaton.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

Contact:

Kristin Somers 
+1.919.345.3714 
Kristincsomers@eaton.com

Regina Parundik 
Cobblestone Communications 
+1.412.559.1614 
Regina@cobblecreative.com

Specialized center to focus on digital technologies for distributed energy resourcesEaton chooses Quebec for its longstanding customers in the region, established education partnerships and strong talent pipelineCollaboration with regional universities and technical schools advances industry workforce development and training 

PITTSBURGH, November 30, 2023 /3BL/ – Intelligent power management company Eaton announced the opening of its newest global Innovation Center near Montreal in Brossard, Quebec, following nearly four decades of developing cutting-edge software in the region. At the 35,000-square-foot space, Eaton will accelerate the research and development of distributed energy resource (DER) technologies enabling sustainable electricity for buildings, homes, industry and the electric grid. Eaton is bringing approximately 150 highly specialized jobs to Brossard, creating a local hub for power industry professionals with plans to grow in the region.

Availability of renewable energy is soaring globally and expected to reach a total installed capacity of more than 440 gigawatts this year, the largest increase to date. The latest Eaton Innovation Center focuses on developing advanced solutions to optimize DERs by bringing together multiple disciplines, including cybersecurity, software, human-centered design and automation experts.

“At Eaton, we’re investing $3 billion in research and development targeted at sustainable solutions by 2030. The work we’ll do here will break traditional boundaries of what electrical systems can do and enable far more flexibility in how electricity is generated, distributed and used to accelerate a more sustainable future,” said Michael Regelski, senior vice president and chief technology officer, Electrical Sector at Eaton.

“Investments in innovation and industry education are crucial to meet clean energy and electrification goals. We need our industry collaborators, like Eaton, working alongside us to test and develop the new solutions needed to integrate more renewables faster, while also inspiring and training the next generation of engineers,” Alexandre Roy, manager, strategic sourcing at Hydro-Québec.

Eaton will continue its longtime relationships with ÉTS Montréal, Polytechnique Montréal, Université de Sherbrooke, McGill, Université Concordia, Université de Montréal and others to increase the industry workforce. Many of Eaton’s employees in the area are alumni of these institutions.

“We have a long history of developing pioneering IT enterprise systems for utility customers in this region, and collaborating with the world-class universities based here,” said Thierry Godart, Eaton vice president and general manager for energy automation solutions. “We’re excited to open the doors in Canada to our latest state-of-the-art research center, where our diverse and bilingual population will foster collaboration around the world.”

“We are thrilled that Eaton has chosen Brossard to open its first Innovation Center in Canada. We take pride in knowing that cutting-edge technologies developed in this facility will enable the production of even more sustainable electricity. Knowing that this new Innovation Center will provide quality jobs in our community is great news by itself. But knowing that these jobs will have a positive impact on our environment for years to come is something we should all rejoice in,” says Doreen Assaad, mayor, City of Brossard.

“L’ÉTS is proud to develop innovative research projects with Eaton. The energy transition and the development of optimization solutions are undeniable challenges for which companies like Eaton and technological universities like ÉTS have a strong interest in collaborating. The inauguration of the new Eaton Innovation Center in Brossard is excellent news and certainly represents an opportunity to develop ambitious research programs between our organizations,” stated Christian Casanova, executive director of research and partnerships at the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS).

Eaton has a network of manufacturing locations in Canada that build medium- and low-voltage power distribution equipment for commercial, residential and industrial applications. The company is focused on developing innovative solutions that enable customers to conserve resources, decrease emissions and energy consumption, and make smart energy decisions—all while increasing safety, reliability and resilience. Learn more about Eaton’s approach to the energy transition.

Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to improving the quality of life and protecting the environment for people everywhere. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re accelerating the planet’s transition to renewable energy, helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges, and doing what’s best for our stakeholders and all of society.

Founded in 1911, Eaton is marking its 100th anniversary of being listed on the New York Stock Exchange. We reported revenues of $20.8 billion in 2022 and serve customers in more than 170 countries. For more information, visit Eaton.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

Contact:

Kristin Somers 
+1.919.345.3714 
Kristincsomers@eaton.com

Regina Parundik 
Cobblestone Communications 
+1.412.559.1614 
Regina@cobblecreative.com

Industrial developments and related technological advancements have been an important determinant in the course of our history. Over the last century and more, industry has revolutionized our economies and helped drive our societies.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise that industry plays an even more ineluctable role in scripting the future of humanity, one that involves sustainable social, environmental, and economic development.

As a global challenge, the climate crisis calls for businesses and countries to move beyond their siloed approaches, commitments, and climate pledges to fully embrace sustainability. The 2030 Agenda philosophy of “no one left behind” requires global partnerships.

With more and more countries investing in resilient infrastructure, there is a growing need to improve our existing industrial infrastructure. Here, technological innovation will be key. Technology is no longer the limiting factor for organizations to become sustainable businesses, rather it is the enabling agent in going green.

Calculate extended producer responsibility obligations, plastic taxes, and corporate commitments to optimize material choices

Learn how

Sustainable development calls for institutional and value changes as well as cultural adjustments. As organizations worldwide look to don the green cape, behavioral change and transformation in business processes will be critical in making green technology mainstream. It must be incorporated into mainstream policies to promote national and international cooperation.

In 2024, sustainability will not just be the right thing to do, it will become a core strategic imperative for businesses. In addition to managing top- and bottom-line, forward-looking organizations are now focusing on sustainability as the third dimension to drive business growth. Managing the green ledger will be critical to enterprise success as customers, employees, and even investors increasingly turn toward companies that are pro-actively deploying sustainable business practices.

A Shared Responsibility Between Private Sector and Technology Leaders

In the battle against climate change, the private sector and technology leaders bear a significant responsibility. The crucial role businesses play in contributing to environmental goals underscores the importance of partnerships with key stakeholders — be it ecosystem partners, governments, non-governmental organizations, or citizens. The focus is on global and local examples where collaborative efforts have illustrated tangible impact achievable through cross-sector collaboration.

Partnerships that leverage the distinctive strengths and resources of each sector demonstrate how collective action can lead to meaningful change. The collaborative approach is presented as imperative for tackling the complexity of climate challenges.

Governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and citizens are not merely spectators, but active participants in the collective effort to combat climate change.

Governments wield significant influence in shaping policies and regulations that set the tone for environmental stewardship. Their commitment to sustainable practices and climate-friendly policies is pivotal. Businesses, as drivers of economic activity, hold a dual responsibility – not only to operate profitably but also to do so in an environmentally conscious manner. NGOs play a crucial role in advocacy and action, acting as watchdogs and catalysts for change. Citizens, too, are integral, as consumers and advocates who influence the demand for sustainable practices.

The Path to a Low-Carbon Future Is Circular

The path to a low-carbon future is circular. The good news is that a circular economy is not just about fixing environmental wrongs but brings about opportunities and drives positive impact across industries, sectors, and lives. Working toward a circular economy can protect human health and biodiversity in many ways, including better use of natural resources, such as protecting water and land, thus mitigating the climate crisis.

Organizations like SAP are leading this shift with an aim to become carbon-neutral in their own operations by 2023.

At SAP Labs India, 97% of the energy consumed at the Bengaluru campus comes from green energy sources. Additionally, 70% of the transport services are run on electric vehicles with a network of 65 charging stations at the campus for employees. This environmentally conscious approach extends to food sourcing, actively supporting local farmers and communities. Moreover, there has been a seamless replacement of disposable items like cutlery and containers with sustainable alternatives. Dedication to paperless operations is evident in the success of apps like Appane, Physio app, and the digital printing and stationery request system, which collectively contribute to a substantial reduction in paper consumption. The transition from traditional paper food coupons to a user-friendly app developed externally is a clear demonstration of an innovative approach to sustainable practices.

To drive sustainable business practice, it is important to first measure carbon footprint, assess and reduce emissions, increase resource productivity through circular processes, and run safer, sustainable business processes. SAP is uniquely positioned to help firms tackle this challenge and become sustainable enterprises with its suite of technology solutions.

Through partnerships, innovative practices, and a holistic approach to sustainability, all the stakeholders need to come together to shape a future where businesses thrive in harmony with the environment.

Sindhu Gangadharan is senior vice president and managing director of SAP Labs India and head of SAP User Enablement.

Industrial developments and related technological advancements have been an important determinant in the course of our history. Over the last century and more, industry has revolutionized our economies and helped drive our societies.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise that industry plays an even more ineluctable role in scripting the future of humanity, one that involves sustainable social, environmental, and economic development.

As a global challenge, the climate crisis calls for businesses and countries to move beyond their siloed approaches, commitments, and climate pledges to fully embrace sustainability. The 2030 Agenda philosophy of “no one left behind” requires global partnerships.

With more and more countries investing in resilient infrastructure, there is a growing need to improve our existing industrial infrastructure. Here, technological innovation will be key. Technology is no longer the limiting factor for organizations to become sustainable businesses, rather it is the enabling agent in going green.

Calculate extended producer responsibility obligations, plastic taxes, and corporate commitments to optimize material choices

Learn how

Sustainable development calls for institutional and value changes as well as cultural adjustments. As organizations worldwide look to don the green cape, behavioral change and transformation in business processes will be critical in making green technology mainstream. It must be incorporated into mainstream policies to promote national and international cooperation.

In 2024, sustainability will not just be the right thing to do, it will become a core strategic imperative for businesses. In addition to managing top- and bottom-line, forward-looking organizations are now focusing on sustainability as the third dimension to drive business growth. Managing the green ledger will be critical to enterprise success as customers, employees, and even investors increasingly turn toward companies that are pro-actively deploying sustainable business practices.

A Shared Responsibility Between Private Sector and Technology Leaders

In the battle against climate change, the private sector and technology leaders bear a significant responsibility. The crucial role businesses play in contributing to environmental goals underscores the importance of partnerships with key stakeholders — be it ecosystem partners, governments, non-governmental organizations, or citizens. The focus is on global and local examples where collaborative efforts have illustrated tangible impact achievable through cross-sector collaboration.

Partnerships that leverage the distinctive strengths and resources of each sector demonstrate how collective action can lead to meaningful change. The collaborative approach is presented as imperative for tackling the complexity of climate challenges.

Governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and citizens are not merely spectators, but active participants in the collective effort to combat climate change.

Governments wield significant influence in shaping policies and regulations that set the tone for environmental stewardship. Their commitment to sustainable practices and climate-friendly policies is pivotal. Businesses, as drivers of economic activity, hold a dual responsibility – not only to operate profitably but also to do so in an environmentally conscious manner. NGOs play a crucial role in advocacy and action, acting as watchdogs and catalysts for change. Citizens, too, are integral, as consumers and advocates who influence the demand for sustainable practices.

The Path to a Low-Carbon Future Is Circular

The path to a low-carbon future is circular. The good news is that a circular economy is not just about fixing environmental wrongs but brings about opportunities and drives positive impact across industries, sectors, and lives. Working toward a circular economy can protect human health and biodiversity in many ways, including better use of natural resources, such as protecting water and land, thus mitigating the climate crisis.

Organizations like SAP are leading this shift with an aim to become carbon-neutral in their own operations by 2023.

At SAP Labs India, 97% of the energy consumed at the Bengaluru campus comes from green energy sources. Additionally, 70% of the transport services are run on electric vehicles with a network of 65 charging stations at the campus for employees. This environmentally conscious approach extends to food sourcing, actively supporting local farmers and communities. Moreover, there has been a seamless replacement of disposable items like cutlery and containers with sustainable alternatives. Dedication to paperless operations is evident in the success of apps like Appane, Physio app, and the digital printing and stationery request system, which collectively contribute to a substantial reduction in paper consumption. The transition from traditional paper food coupons to a user-friendly app developed externally is a clear demonstration of an innovative approach to sustainable practices.

To drive sustainable business practice, it is important to first measure carbon footprint, assess and reduce emissions, increase resource productivity through circular processes, and run safer, sustainable business processes. SAP is uniquely positioned to help firms tackle this challenge and become sustainable enterprises with its suite of technology solutions.

Through partnerships, innovative practices, and a holistic approach to sustainability, all the stakeholders need to come together to shape a future where businesses thrive in harmony with the environment.

Sindhu Gangadharan is senior vice president and managing director of SAP Labs India and head of SAP User Enablement.