Tag: 3BL

NEW YORK, November 14, 2023 /3BL/ – Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose invites media, companies, and investors to attend the CEO Investor Forum—a free live-streamed and in-person event—focused on corporate climate action.

What: Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose’s (CECP) 11th CEO Investor Forum focused on climate will be held November 14-15, 2023. CEOs will share their Integrated Long-Term Plans including key forward-looking metrics on their company’s future growth, strategy, and risk, three to five years out, with institutional investors and companies.

Why: To meet the needs of institutional investors exceeding $25 trillion in AUM looking for companies’ forward-looking strategies on climate, including material financial, as well as non-financial, metrics around sustainability efforts and risks.

Who: The audience of leading institutional investors will see CEOs present their Integrated Long-Term Plan presentations and hear from subject matter experts on climate action:

Sandy Nessing, Vice President & Chief Sustainability Officer, American Electric PowerTom Polen, Chairman, CEO, and President, BD (NYSE: BDX)Beth Bafford, Vice President, Strategy, Calvert ImpactNili Gilbert, Vice Chairwoman, Carbon DirectDaryl Brewster, CEO, CECP Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas, Managing Director and COO, CECPNandika Madgavkar, Chief Growth Officer, CECPKristen Sullivan, Sustainability and ESG Services Leader, DeloitteEmilio Tenuta, Senior Vice President & Chief Sustainability Officer, EcolabAvipsa Mahapatra, Climate Campaign Director, Environmental Investigation AgencyCalvin Butler, President and CEO, Exelon (NASDAQ: EXC),Steven Wade, Head of Content, IR MagazineDan Crowley, Partner, K&L GatesStephen Brown, Senior Advisor, KPMG Board Leadership CenterTetsuo Kawate, President and CEO, Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas) (OTCMKTS: MSBHF)Vijay Manthripragada, President and CEO, Montrose Environmental Group (NYSE: MEG)Mark Schneider, CEO, Nestlé (OTCMKTS: NSRGY)Mauricio Gutiérrez, President and CEO, NRG EnergyJacek Olczak, CEO, Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM)Jennifer Motles, Chief Sustainability Officer, Philip Morris International Robert Eccles, Visiting Professor of Management Practice, Said Business School, University of OxfordBarbara Humpton, CEO, Siemens USA (OTCMKTS: SIEGY)Moses Choi, Director, RBC Capital Markets, Sustainable Finance GroupYusuf George, Co-Head of Engagement and Active Ownership, The TCW GroupLeo E. Strine, Jr., Of Counsel in the Corporate Department, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz 

Where: Convene, 75 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY

When: November 14 (hybrid) & November 15 (online only), 2023

How: Investors, companies, and media can register for free and watch in person or virtually. Those interested can register here. Attendees must be registered to enter the building for the in-person event.

Editors’ Note: speakers are available for interviews before and after the sessions, on site or virtually.

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Global climate change is causing a dangerous rise in sea levels, erratic and wild weather, environmental damage, and consequently, a state of worsening human health. Extreme temperatures and air pollution contribute to climate change’s impact on human health. Mitigating climate change and its associated health effects requires bold efforts and a better understanding of the interdependent forces at play.

How Does Climate Change Impact Our Health?

Extreme heatwaves, melting glaciers, widescale droughts, ruinous wildfires, and increasing carbon dioxide levels are just some of the serious side effects of a planet in distress. In a vast and interdependent ecosystem like Earth’s in which humans, animals, plants, and weather work together to sustain life, any radical shifts in climate trigger a ripple effect of harm to all life forms – a link that is now well established. 

In the past 20 years, global warming has been the culprit behind a growing incidence of many different health complications, especially among older populations, ethnic minorities, and the poor.1 

For example, rising temperatures are associated with a more than 50% increase in heat-related death among people over 65 years of age and are just one of many climate change health effects. An increase in heart and lung conditions, mental illness, immune system reactions such as allergies, and many other disorders are also associated with it.2 “We need to start thinking about the environment as a social determinant of health,” said Daniella Foster, Global Vice President and Head of Public Affairs, Science and Sustainability for Bayer’s Consumer Health division. “We know that climate change has caused a lot of health issues like respiratory illnesses and heart disease, and that people in underserved communities are most vulnerable. The work we’re doing to help protect the environment today is critical in creating a healthier society.”

Climate Change and the Domino Effect on the Heart

Cardiovascular diseases rank as the leading cause of death worldwide. Among other factors, climate change has a significant impact on our heart health.3 Spikes in our core body temperature cause us to breath faster and force our hearts to work harder, which in turn impacts the dilatation of our blood vessels which regulates our blood pressure and our body’s blood-clotting mechanisms. These imbalances can trigger heart attacks and heat strokes, especially among people with underlying health conditions.4

Further, the negative impact of climate change on air quality – which is driven in part by an increased occurrence of drought-fueled wildfires and higher concentrations of toxic particle matter in the air – is also associated with heart damage.4

The Influence of Climate Change on Our Mental Health

In 2014, the U.S. Global Change Research Program published its first scientific assessment focused solely on climate change health effects, which notably included a section about mental health.5 For example, the team of more than 300 experts found that vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, children, the economically disadvantaged, and people with pre-existing mental illness face a higher risk of mental health consequences from exposure to climate-related disasters such as floods, hurricanes and wildfires.5 These traumatic and sometimes life-threatening events can also cause anxiety and depression among people with no history of mental illness.5

The Hidden Impact of Climate Change on Cancer

Climate change is already increasing cancer risk. Skin cancer as a result of increased UV radiation and lung cancer due to air pollution are two straightforward examples, but there are additional less-obvious factors at play.

Higher temperatures, droughts, floods and other weather phenomena caused by climate change also have an impact on the quality and availability of our food. According to a modeling study it is predicted there could be 534,000 climate-related deaths worldwide, including deaths from cancer, by 2050, as a result of changes in the food supply and the reduced consumption of healthy foods like fruits and vegetables.9

Another aspect not to be ignored is access to cancer care. Weather-related disasters can lead to disruptions in the healthcare system. Existing inequities are further exacerbated by the implications of climate change.9 In low- and middle-income countries access to optimal care and systems is already limited today, and extreme weather conditions will make access to basic cancer screening or treatment even more difficult.

Learn more about the pollen problem and why more of us are seemingly susceptible to hay fever.

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More Pollen Problems Due to Climate Change

According to The World Allergy Organization, allergic reactions to pollen have increased in frequency and severity in some geographic regions over the last few decades.6,7 There are many interdependent drivers, including a longer growing season, and humans emitting more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which may contribute to ragweed growing faster, producing more pollen per plant, and having a higher allergenic content.8 Global warming may also aid the growth of trees that produce more allergenic pollen, as well as a rise in carbon dioxide emissions which can substantially worsen mold allergies. Increased urbanization around the world is also generating more pollutants which in turn trigger airborne allergies.8

Setting Targets and Taking Action Against Climate Change

International governments, healthcare organizations and businesses are marshaling their forces to curb the devastating impact of climate change before it’s too late. Keeping the global temperature rise below 1.5°C is a paramount goal. To achieve this, many countries are setting ambitious targets to reach net-zero emissions (a balance between the greenhouse gases put into the atmosphere and those taken out) and to protect at least 30% of the world’s land and oceans by 2030.3, 10

Bayer’s Efforts to Combat Climate Change

As a science-based company, Bayer recognizes the risks posed by global climate change and we’re tackling this from two aspects. First, we aim to continuously reduce greenhouse gas emissions and are proud to be one of 950 companies worldwide to have joined the independent Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a collaboration between Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), the United Nations Global Compact, the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF).11 As part of this commitment, and many other partnerships and initiatives, Bayer is playing its part in limiting global warming to 1.5°C by reducing its emissions by 42% by 2029 and we have aim to achieve net zero emissions including our entire value chain by 2050 or sooner.11 In addition to our ambitious climate goals, we also recognize people need help living healthier lives today. For many people in underserved communities, preventative care and over-the-counter medications serve as their first and only lifeline for healthcare due to lack of access to basic and essential health services. As such, we have set a goal to expand access to everyday health solutions for 100 million underserved consumers by 2030.

Delivering Better Cancer Care for Those in Need

In partnership with leading organizations across the world, Bayer is committed to driving forward innovative and impactful initiatives to help address inequities in cancer care across the world by improving access to quality cancer care for large, underserved communities in low- and middle-income countries. The initiative “Delivering Better Cancer Care” provides the opportunity to reach over 300 million patients worldwide who experience disparities in access to cancer care.

References

1The New England Journal of Medicine. Call for Emergency Action to Limit Global Temperature Increases, Restore Biodiversity, and Protect Health. September 16, 2021. 
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMe2113200?query=featured_home. Viewed October 5, 2021.

2The New England Journal of Medicine. Call for Emergency Action to Limit Global Temperature Increases, Restore Biodiversity, and Protect Health. September 16, 2021. 
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMe2113200?query=featured_home. Viewed October 5, 2021.

3Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart Disease Facts. Page Last Updated September 27, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm Viewed October 12, 2021.

4Nature Reviews Cardiology. Cardiovascular risks of climate change. 18, 1–2 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41569-020-00473-5. Viewed October 12, 2021.

5U.S. Global Change Research Program. Ch. 9: Human Health. Climate Change Impacts in the United States: The Third National Climate Assessment, 2014. 220-256. doi:10.7930/J0PN93H5. http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/report/sectors/human-health. Viewed October 13, 2021.

6The World Allergy Association. WAO White Book on Allergy 2013 Handbook. https://www.worldallergy.org/wao-white-book-on-allergy. Viewed October 5, 2021.

7Climate Change and Pollen Allergies. In: Marselle M., Stadler J., Korn H., Irvine K., Bonn A. (eds) Biodiversity and Health in the Face of Climate Change. June 2019. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-02318-8_3. Viewed October 5, 2021.

8Bayer. The Pollen Problem. https://www.bayer.com/en/news-stories/the-pollen-problem. Last updated: September 14, 2021. Viewed October 5, 2021.

9The ASCO Post: How Climate Change Is Impacting Cancer Care and What Can Be Done to Reduce Oncology’s Footprint on the Environment https://ascopost.com/issues/august-10-2021/how-climate-change-is-impacting-cancer-care/

10High Ambition Coalition (HAC) for Nature and People home page. https://www.hacfornatureandpeople.org. Viewed October 5, 2021.

11/Bayer. Science Based Targets initiative endorses climate protection targets of Bayer AG. August 21, 2020. https://www.media.bayer.com/baynews/baynews.nsf/id/Science-Based-Targets-initiative-endorses-climate-protection-targets-of-Bayer-AG. Viewed October 5, 2021.

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McDonald’s has served up special moments that feed and foster communities all across the world for decades. Amidst a global footprint, the community of Chicago will always hold a special place, with our roots in the community dating back to 1955. It’s why now, as one of the largest employers headquartered in the Second City, we’re continuing to support Chicago’s neighborhood organizations.

In 2022, we introduced a Chicago Community Impact Grants Program in partnership with The Chicago Community Trust, investing in grants to neighborhood organizations advancing youth opportunities. Take a look at the impact made through McDonald’s grants to-date across youth-serving organizations over the past year:

Grant partners across Chicago reached 54,087 youth ages 16-24, with 13,464 youth participating in programming through the funding support. Youth pursued career and educational pathways while receiving counseling, mentoring and financial literacy education.Grant partners provided 21,415 hours of coaching and mentoring, building 1,493 young people’s confidence, skills, and networks. McDonald’s grants also funded organizations connecting 6,834 youth to workforce development and training in fields, such as green energy, banking, healthcare, and culinary arts.To further the impact of McDonald’s grantmaking in communities, 1,430 McDonald’s volunteers engaged with youth at the funded organizations through 4,995 hours of service.

In 2023, McDonald’s is deepening its commitment to 18 of the organizations ensuring that these partners have the resources to build skills and capacities of youth to prepare them for career pathways.

“Expanding support for youth organizations in our city is critical – by uplifting young people, providing tools and resources they need to succeed, we’re creating opportunity for the next generation of Chicago,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “And it’s with the help of companies and businesses like McDonald’s that we’re able to make a true, and lasting impact when it comes to Chicago youth opportunity in our communities.”

“And it’s with the help of companies and businesses like McDonald’s that we’re able to make a true, and lasting impact when it comes to Chicago youth opportunity in our communities.”

Addressing inequities and empowering the communities we serve is integral to building the change we want to see. The program will continue to benefit nonprofit organizations that are actively advancing safe, healthy and thriving community support systems while working to reduce barriers to employment and education opportunities for Black and Latinx youth in the South and West sides of Chicago. We have been committed to Youth Opportunity for a number of years around the world and this is one hometown example of how that comes to life.

Want to know more about the organizations McDonald’s is supporting through the latest Chicago Community Impact Grants Program? Take a look below at the local nonprofits who are helping us break down barriers to employment.

A Safe Haven

Association House

Build Chicago

By the Hand

Center on Halsted

Chicago Cred

Chicago Scholars

Chicago Urban League

Chicago Youth Centers

Hope Chicago

Instituto del Progreso Latino

Junior Achievement of Chicago

La Casa Norte

Metropolitan Family Services

North Lawndale Employment Network

Project Syncere

UCAN

YMCA Chicago Metro

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United States, November 14, 2023 /3BL/ – On Giving Tuesday, The National Diversity Council (NDC) is focusing on being a catalyst for change by driving forward initiatives that promote diversity, ensure equity and foster inclusion. Giving Tuesday promotes generosity locally and within communities through a network of grassroots leaders committed to a global cause and shared purpose: to do good.

For over 15 years, the National Diversity Council has been committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in workplaces and communities. NDC has engaged close to one million people through DEI events, workshops and programs as well as:

Established 1,000+ partnerships, across the private, public and nonprofit sectorsGraduated 1,500+ NDC Certified Diversity Professionals since developing curriculum over seven years agoDeveloped the leadership potential of over 1,000 diverse leaders through board and volunteer opportunities

“As we continue to serve our communities, it is imperative for us to all join together to highlight the beauty in diversity and the strength in inclusion through giving to DEI initiatives that are making a significant impact”, said Anika Rahman, Chief Executive Officer, National Diversity Council. “Together, let us ignite radical change in our workplaces and communities!”

NDC’s Giving Tuesday Campaign will commence on Monday, November 20, 2023 to Friday, January 5, 2024. The purpose of the You Belong Here campaign is to create a safe space for all to be included and valued. Further, it highlights the diverse voices, perspectives and lived experiences of various communities including veterans, LGBTQ+, women, varied abilities, multicultural and religion. In addition, the campaign highlights the various initiatives that support DEI through certifications, conferences and webinars.

If you are interested in joining the National Diversity Council for their Giving Tuesday movement, please visit https://nationaldiversitycouncil.org/donate/. For updates on the You Belong Here campaign, visit NDC’s LinkedIn (@National Diversity Council); Facebook (@National Diversity Council); X (@NDC_Diversity) and Instagram (@National Diversity Council) or #YouBelongHere.

About The National Diversity Council

A non-profit organization committed to fostering a learning environment for organizations to grow in their knowledge of diversity. The council affords opportunities for organizations to share best practices and learn from top leaders in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion. More information about the National Diversity Council is available at: www.nationaldiversitycouncil.org.

About GivingTuesday

GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past eleven years, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to give. GivingTuesday strives to build a world in which the catalytic power of generosity is at the heart of the society we build together, unlocking dignity, opportunity, and equity around the globe.

Media Contact:

Kamaria Monmouth 
Senior Communications Specialist 
kamaria.monmouth@nationaldiversitycouncil.org

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Register now for Taproot Live: Giving Back on #GivingTuesday

November 14, 2023 /3BL/ – #GivingTuesday is the single largest day of giving across the globe. It’s a movement rooted in creating community during the holiday season and doing what we can to make this world a better place. It has also become an incredibly important fundraising day for nonprofit organizations kicking off their holiday giving campaigns. Taproot is celebrating #GivingTuesday with donations of time and valuable professional skills going towards critical social causes!

Taproot is a US-based nonprofit that gets social good organizations the support they need, for free. Our organization is advancing resource equity for nonprofits by mobilizing volunteerism across the private sector. Taproot’s goal: get as many talented volunteers connected with nonprofits in need as possible during this extremely special day.

Join in the #GivingTuesday celebrations on Tuesday, November 28, as Taproot hosts a live volunteerism drive starting at 12 PM ET. During this event, you’ll chat with Taproot staff members about your social issue interests and the skills you’re comfortable donating, and our team will find you relevant virtual volunteer opportunities on the spot! There are currently 400+ nonprofits seeking support through Taproot. We’ll help you find the perfect fit.

Register now for Taproot Live: Giving Back on #GivingTuesday

Sign up now to join Taproot’s #GivingTuesday volunteerism drive and invite a friend or colleague! This day is all about making a difference and building community. Introducing someone to skills-based volunteerism is a great form of nonprofit advocacy. Bring your holiday cheer, questions about virtual volunteering, and excitement to donate an hour (or more!) of your time to a great cause.

Not able to participate in Taproot’s #GivingTuesday event but still interested in donating your skills to social change organizations? Create your volunteer profile here to indicate interest in pro bono consulting opportunities.

Taproot is a US-based nonprofit that helps mission-driven organizations amplify their impact by mobilizing skilled volunteers to advance resource equity. Since 2001, our community has served over 19,000 social change organizations and provided almost 2 million hours of service worth over $300 million. By ensuring nonprofits have access to skilled resources at no cost, we facilitate HR, finance, marketing, and strategy projects that can help them achieve their mission. Volunteers get to support causes they care about in meaningful ways. And the corporations we help to develop skilled volunteering programs boost employee engagement and support their local communities and causes their teams care about.

www.taprootfoundation.org

YKK Corporation has released “This is YKK 2023,” a comprehensive report that combines financial and non-financial insights, offering a holistic view of YKK’s management and business endeavors guided by the Cycle of Goodness® corporate philosophy as well as the company’s sustainability initiatives.

This year’s report, available on the company’s website at https://www.ykk.com/english/corporate/csr/eco/report/index.html, shares the company’s progress in addressing five sustainability themes: climate change, material resources, water resources, chemical management, and respect for people. These efforts are aimed at realizing ten Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) in line with the targets set forth in the YKK Sustainability Vision 2050, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Additionally, YKK has compiled a separate Data Book that provides detailed data on the company’s environmental, social, and governance efforts, as well as its finances. In 2019, YKK declared its support for the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and has been disclosing information according to the core elements of governance, strategy, risk management, and targets and metrics elements advocated by the TCFD framework.

“The Cycle of Goodness places sustainability at the center of our management approach, with the primary objective of meeting the needs of our customers and local communities,” said Hiroaki Otani, President of YKK Corporation. “Our company’s purpose is to be a socially responsible organization that not only benefits the natural environment but also contributes to the well-being of society, fostering shared prosperity. We are committed to practicing the Cycle of Goodness in order to fulfill the needs of our customers and communities while playing a vital role in building a sustainable society.”

■ Results of FY2022 Progress Toward Achieving the Goals of the YKK Sustainability Vision 2050

Climate Change

46.9% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions and 20.9% reduction in Scope 3 GHG emissions (from a FY2018 baseline)31 locations worldwide operating on purchased power derived from 100% renewable energy (increase of 20 locations, year-on-year)

Material Resources

26% of textiles in fastening products use recycled, plant-derived, and other sustainable materials (up 14 points year-on-year)27.6% of packaging materials transitioned to sustainable packaging alternativesLandfill waste reduced by 525-tons year-on-yearWaste resource conversion rate increased to 87.3% (up 0.3 points year-on-year)Target year to reach a 90% waste resource conversion rate moved up from 2030 to 2025

Water Resources

1,338,000-ton water intake reduction compared to FY2018 baseline (10,086,000-ton water intake in FY2022)Cooperation with Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) certification and testing programs approved to form guidelines for ZDHC-compliant zippers and buttons

Chemical Management

Annual revision to the YKK standards (known as YKK RSL [1]) to include AFIRM [2] RSL based on customer requirements and to incorporate guidelines for compliance with Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) regulationsThe adoption of ZDHC MRSL [3] approved for chemical management in manufacturing processesRestricted substance management incorporated into the development flow when developing new products or changing materialsAnnual renewal of the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification for YKK fastening productsExpansion of products produced using YKK’s new AcroPlating® technology [4]

Respect for People

Implemented YKK Global Criteria of Compliance self-checks and audits at all applicable locationsReviewed and revised the items and scope of YKK Global Criteria of ComplianceRevised the YKK Group Human Rights Policy

■ Major topics covered in This is YKK 2023

The Cycle of Goodness and Sustainability / President’s Message / Executive Dialogues / Cycle of Goodness and Value Creation / Sixth Mid-term Business Policy and Business Strategy / Results of FY2022 Progress Toward Achieving the Goals of the YKK Sustainability Vision 2050, FY2023 Planned Initiatives / Management Principles Promotion / Governance / Financial and Non-Financial Highlights

About YKK

YKK solves the most complex fastening and attaching challenges. Since the company’s founding in Tokyo in 1934, YKK has continuously set industry standards for quality, innovation, and sustainability in the production of zippers, plastic hardware, hook and loop fasteners, webbing tapes, and snap and buttons. YKK’s “solutions-first” approach leverages its extensive product and machinery portfolio, engineering expertise, and integrated production, service, and supply chain solutions in 70+ countries/regions, leaving it well-positioned to support the growth of customers of all sizes and adapt to their evolving business needs. Guided by the CYCLE OF GOODNESS® philosophy – no one prospers without rendering benefit to others – YKK aims to contribute to a sustainable society.

“YKK”, “YKK Little Parts. Big Difference.”, “CYCLE OF GOODNESS” and “AcroPlating” are registered trademarks or trademarks of YKK CORPORATION in Japan and other countries/regions.

“OEKOTEX” is trademark of ÖTI – Institut Für Ökologie, Technik und Innovation GmbH.

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Media contact:
Jessica Cork, YKK Corporation of America
(+1) 770-261-6123

1. Restricted Substances List
2. Apparel and Footwear International RSL Management Group
3. Manufacturing Restricted Substances List
4. A new plating technology for brass that eliminates 100% of hazardous substances such as cyanide, chromium, and selenium.

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WASHINGTON, November 14, 2023 /3BL/ – As winter approaches, Pepco is readying the local energy grid by performing essential work to help meet increased customer demand and keep homes and businesses warm and bright all season long.

The company is working to harden the system and increase reliability and performing maintenance and inspections ahead of potential severe winter storms. On the electric grid, this work includes inspecting nearly 850 miles of overhead power lines and 200 underground manholes, upgrading equipment, trimming trees, installing new underground equipment, and installing stronger, tree-resistant aerial cable. Pepco also continues to install smart technologies to improve system reliability, such as specialized equipment that can automatically restore service faster or isolate damage.

“Our customers count on us every day for dependable energy that can power a safe, comfortable environment for their homes and businesses,” said Tamla Olivier, chief operating officer for Pepco Holdings, which includes Pepco. “Our teams are working diligently to prepare and strengthen the local energy grid, making it more resilient against harsh weather conditions, so that we can meet that need throughout the colder winter season. We also urge our customers to take proactive measures to prepare for potential winter storms and have a plan should adverse weather impact our region.”

Just as Pepco prepares, the company encourages customers to also be ready for severe weather and offers the following tips:

Assemble an emergency storm kit. Include battery-powered radio, flashlight, a first-aid kit, blankets, battery-powered or windup clock, extra batteries, medications, multi-purpose tool and list of important/emergency phone numbers.Have a supply of bottled water and easy-to-prepare, non-perishable foods available to last at least 72 hours.Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries on each floor of your home.Identify an alternate location for you and/or your family in case of an extended outage.Review the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operations of your generator. Do not connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring. Never use a generator indoors or any enclosed area.

In addition, customers can visit pepco.com/alerts before winter weather grips the region and sign up to receive updates on their energy usage and information regarding power outages via text, email, or phone, including when power is out, when service is expected to be restored, or when power is restored. Customers can also text “ADD OUTAGE” to 48710 to enroll in the company’s two-way texting program to report outages and check the status of their outage. More tips and storm preparedness information is available at pepco.com/StormPrep.

To learn more about Pepco, visit The Source, Pepco’s online newsroom. Find additional information by visiting pepco.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/PepcoConnect on Twitter at twitter.com/PepcoConnect. Pepco’s mobile app is available at pepco.com/MobileApp.

# # #

Pepco is a unit of Exelon (Nasdaq: EXC), a Fortune 250 company and the nation’s largest utility company, serving more than 10 million customers. Pepco provides safe and reliable energy service to approximately 919,000 customers in the District of Columbia and Maryland.

Contact:
Rod Wilson
Pepco Communications
202-872-2680 (media hotline)

WAXAHACHIE, Texas, November 14, 2023 /3BL/ – Brad Bolin may not have the word “coach” in his job title, but he certainly talks like one.

The director of operations for the Georgia-Pacific corrugated facility in Waxahachie, Texas, is a lifelong college baseball fan. He loves to use sports analogies and talks often about building the right kind of culture. A sign above the doors to the facility floor bears a slogan he borrowed from the Arkansas Razorbacks baseball program: Win as one team.

That axiom guides how Brad leads the plant. It’s not about just working together. It’s about winning together, sharing the same vision to create superior value by applying the principles that make GP unique.

“You can play as a team but still lose,” Brad said. “So how do we keep improving together so that we can go farther and win as a team?”

Brad believes it starts with humility, particularly from him as a leader. That means admitting when he doesn’t know something, and there were a lot of things he didn’t know when he arrived in Waxahachie two years ago. All his previous experience at GP was in consumer products, not packaging.

“I don’t know how to make a box,” he said with a smile. But he doesn’t view that as a problem. Instead, it frees him to rely on the expertise of others, like Terry Hill.

Terry has worked at the Waxahachie facility for 34 years, and he’s held most of the positions at the plant at some point. Clamp driver, stacker operator, control room operator, maintenance coordinator, corrugator superintendent and scheduler. His decades of experience and institutional knowledge have been invaluable for Brad and the rest of the team.

Terry’s current role as scheduler puts him in the office most of the day, interacting with customers and making sure their orders are fulfilled correctly and on time. But when there’s an issue with a piece of equipment on the floor, Brad knows he can count on Terry to help troubleshoot.

Brad’s commitment to humility and inviting respectful challenge also means Terry and other employees have the license to disagree with a decision or to voice different opinions on how to best solve problems.

“Brad will let you challenge the process when you don’t agree,” Terry said. “Sometimes the conversations can get a little heated, but they’re always respectful, and the results are positive.”

Soliciting that input helps Brad understand who has the necessary knowledge and comparative advantage to help the plant improve in certain areas. For instance, Terry’s familiarity with all the machinery has positioned him to work on solutions to reduce waste. The result is a team where everyone is contributing and owning the solutions together.

Brad wants his team members to self-actualize, which means realizing their potential by contributing in a way that is meaningful to them and valuable to the company. When he came to Waxahachie, he worked to understand what everyone did well and what they enjoyed doing. Then, whenever appropriate, he moved people into roles that better fit their talents and interests while making the team stronger.

Self-actualization also happens outside of work, according to Brad. He wants his employees to have a work-home life balance that allows them to pursue their passions and interests outside of their jobs. Then they can come back to work motivated and energized.

For Terry, his passion is vintage Chevrolet C10 trucks. He owns a 1987 Chevy Silverado and runs an annual truck show in Waxahachie called C10s in the Park. What began in 2015 as a small local event showcasing 60 trucks has become a national attraction that has been featured on MAVTV and the MotorTrend+ series Shorty’s Dream Shop.

The 2023 show will feature more than 1,200 trucks from all over the U.S., Canada and Mexico. It brings in an estimated 10,000 attendees and benefits local businesses, earning Terry and his wife, Becky, the 2022 Mabel Frame Award from the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce. The award goes to people who make a positive impact on Waxahachie tourism.

By fostering an environment where employees feel cared for personally and empowered to do what excites them, Brad has created a team that is constantly improving and that is attracting and retaining high-quality talent in Waxahachie and the surrounding area.

“The population of Ellis County is 212,000, but I don’t need 212,000 people,” Brad said. “I need 125 good employees with the right values and virtues and beliefs to be successful. And that’s our goal, to be the best place of employment in Ellis County.”

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Healthy Spaces comes to you live from Climate Week NYC, with a special bonus episode featuring the “Building Net-Zero Heroes” panel hosted by Trane Technologies. Three climate leaders joined moderator and sustainability expert Ashlee Piper for a discussion on building concrete strategies and broader coalitions around climate solutions.

“We’re on the front lines of a lot of conversations about policy, about technology, but at the end of the day, it’s not about us. We really need our friends, families, colleagues, and customers to be on this journey with us,” says Lisa Jacobson, President of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy.

One pathway to broader investment is authenticity from climate leaders, adds co-CEO of Green Jobs Board Kristy Drutman. “Talk about the gaps. Talk about the barriers and make that very transparent.”

Listen to the full episode to learn practical strategies to accelerate decarbonization of the built environment; harness the power of storytelling to effect real change; and understand the importance of diversity and inclusion in climate technology.

Guests: 
Kristy Drutman, co-CEO of Green Jobs Board 
Lisa Jacobson, President, Business Council for Sustainable Energy 
Ali Mize, Senior Director of ESG, Belonging, and Corporate Philanthropy, Neiman Marcus Group

Moderator: 
Ashlee Piper, sustainability expert, author, and speaker

Host: 
Dominique Silva, Innovation Initiatives Leader, Trane Technologies

Subscribe: Find all episodes on your favorite podcast platforms: 
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Learn more about the Healthy Spaces with Trane Technologies podcast.

November 14, 2023 /3BL/ – Ceres today published strategic guidance to help U.S. banks and credit unions generate revenue while seizing on financing opportunities presented by the transition to a low carbon economy.

Sustainable Finance Opportunities: A Guide for Financial Institutions provides step-by-step instructions and helpful practitioner case studies on how financial institutions of all sizes can position themselves to engage existing borrowers, onboard new clients, and drive revenue growth by capitalizing on sustainable finance opportunities.

“By better positioning themselves for the transition to a low-carbon economy, banks have a unique opportunity to help their borrowers adopt more sustainable business models, while also driving long-term shareholder value,” said Jim Scott, CFA, Senior Advisor to the Ceres Accelerator for Sustainable Capital Markets. “The financial institutions that work their way up the sustainable finance opportunity ladder will not only thrive, but will have a unique first mover advantage.”

Sustainable Finance Opportunities specifically outlines how financial institutions can:

Engage borrowers with new sustainable finance products and services – including those that take full advantage of legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act,Drive new revenue opportunities through transition finance,Optimize their institution by deploying new profitability models like a return on carbon metric.

“To secure their future, banks must get ready to compete in the new energy economy,” said Blair Bateson, CFA, Director of the Ceres Company Network. “Financial institutions willing to act decisively position themselves as leaders in the global transition and as preferred banking partners for the corporate leaders of today and tomorrow.”

Ceres is a nonprofit organization working with the most influential capital market leaders to solve the world’s greatest sustainability challenges. The Ceres Accelerator for Sustainable Capital Markets is a center of excellence within Ceres that aims to transform the practices and policies that govern capital markets to reduce the worst financial impacts of the climate crisis. It spurs action on climate change as a systemic financial risk—driving the large-scale behavior and systems change needed to achieve a net zero emissions economy through key financial actors including investors, banks, and insurers. The Ceres Accelerator also works with corporate boards of directors on improving governance of climate change and other sustainability issues. For more information, visit ceres.org and ceres.org/accelerator and follow @CeresNews.

Media Contact: Diane May, dmay@ceres.org