Tag: 3BL

As a healthcare company with a global reach, we are committed to taking action against climate change, which poses health dangers on a worldwide scale. Our work to reduce the effects of climate change helps improve the health of those we serve, build resilience in our operations and protect the communities where we live and work.

Setting Science-Based Targets

The SBTi independently assessed and approved our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets in line with its strict, globally recognized criteria in 2022. Science-based targets provide clearly defined pathways to reduce GHG emissions in line with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C of preindustrial levels. Having the targets validated and approved by the SBTi provides credibility to the relevance of our targets as we continue to work to do our part to fight climate change. The SBTi classified Viatris’ scope 1 and 2 target ambition and has determined that it is in line with the 1.5°C trajectory.

To establish our science-based targets, we collaborated with internal and external stakeholders over an eight-month period to review and validate the data required. The process included three phases:

Discovery: Industry review, peer benchmarking, internal stakeholder interviews, emission data screening.Analysis: SBTi target calculations, climate scenario analysis (key risk/opportunities), internal stakeholder reviews.Strategy: Emission reduction strategies to achieve our target. Specifically, our strategy holds three key areas: Increasing the use of renewable electricity, enhancing operational efficiencies and equipment upgrades and alternative fuel usage.

We are also working to reduce carbon emissions across our supply chain. We work across all three of our freight transportation modes – road, ocean and air – to that end. Transport efficiency is a primary objective. We focus on full truck loads and double stacking of pallets where possible. Full truck loads are considered the most efficient mode of transit. The sourcing of transportation providers considers sustainability as a factor. Our key logistics suppliers have sustainability programs and are active in reducing GHG emissions. To enable the shift to ocean and road freight – which is less GHG intensive than air – we have been building in more time for transportation into our processes, which hinges on good demand data and forecast planning. We have a rapid response system and have established a standard operating procedure to make ocean freight our standard mode. In 2022, road and ocean represented 89% of all transport. As timely access to medicine is the priority, there are exceptions when speed is of the essence.

Building Readiness via Climate Scenario Analysis

Building readiness and improvement where needed starts with information. Viatris concluded its climate scenario analysis in 2022 to re-assess and better understand our exposure to physical and economic risk drivers based on different climate change scenarios. With a global operational presence and supply chain, understanding how the exposure to climate-related events looks across geographies and to what extent locations are vulnerable to these impacts helps us understand our associated risks and opportunities. Using this information will help inform future business strategies. Our areas of focus have been protecting and enabling stable access to water, helping protect public water resources and maintaining operations during extreme weather events. The climate scenario analysis confirmed the relevance of these activities.

Renewable Electricity

A key strategy to achieve our GHG-reduction goal is to take advantage of cost-effective renewable electricity. The supply of renewable electricity and low-carbon fuels looks very different across the world, which informs our approach in different geographies. Examples of actions implemented across our sites includes the following:

In 2022, the Hosur Injectables facility in India initiated a new power purchase agreement, enabling it to source 34% of its electricity requirements from renewable sources. Previously, the site used only electricity from the local grid.At API Unit 8 in India, 3,200 kWp ground-mounted solar panels were commissioned, which, along with a power purchase agreement, amounted to more than 13 million kWh of renewable electricity. That represents more than 25% of the total electricity consumed, an increase of renewable electricity by 8% since the prior year.Our Carole Park site in Australia, which produces oral solid doses, is in process of installing a 99 kW solar PV system. This is estimated to generate 158,000 kWh a year. The site anticipates expanding its solar capabilities.

Optimizing Operations

Continually working to make improvements, finding ways to be more efficient and optimizing processes and operations are key to reducing environmental impact overall and to reducing the impact on and from climate change. Viatris’ sciencebased targets confirm and underscore the importance of this approach, which has always been a focus of our environmental standards and management system. Some examples from 2022 include:

As part of a project to replace a thermal oxidizer heat exchanger, the team at our St. Albans site in the U.S. identified that the upgraded unit was able to maintain the required destruction efficiency while operating at 100° F lower temperature. This change reduces the energy use of the system by about 5%.With our global operations network, continuing to implement LED lighting projects throughout remains important to reduce energy consumption, reduce GHG emissions and lower operating costs.We engaged sites to replace end-of-life equipment with more efficient versions capable of reducing energy use, operating costs and GHG emissions. We completed multiple projects to upgrade or replace our industrial chillers, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and boilers — three essential utility components of pharmaceutical manufacturing operations.

We have reported to the CDP climate program since 2017 and make our climate and water responses available on CDP’s public response web page to better inform stakeholders.

2022 CDP Scores
Water security B
Climate change B–

Introducing Cleaner Fuel Sources in Our India Facilities

In August 2022, we began using liquid petroleum gas (LPG) at our injectables facility in Hosur, decreasing scope 1 GHG emissions by approximately 7% compared to the prior year. A full year of using the LPG should reduce scope 1 GHG emissions by approximately 18%.Our facilities in Nashik and Indore have installed agro-based briquette-fired boilers for generating plant steam. This is in addition to our facility in Aurangabad, which started using the briquettes in 2020 as a fuel.To reduce sulphurdioxide emissions, the site located in Ahmedabad replaced furnace oil with low-sulphur content fuel.

In 2022, we introduced heat pump technology at two facilities: the OSD facility in Chatillon, France, and the Injectable facility in Bangalore, India. These systems enable us to transfer waste heat from one process to support another, thereby minimizing the need for boiler-supplied heat. The two systems combined to reduce our carbon emission by approximately 1,170 mt.

View the full 2022 Sustainability Report here.

My journey into the realm of scientific communication began by pure chance. I had been focusing on video creation for my YouTube channel for several years prior and sharing gaming-related content. As much as I enjoyed playing video games, I was eager to explore my passion for science and enrolled in a chemistry class at Università degli Studi di Milano. I grew more and more fascinated in the subject with every lesson I attended, and the shift from posting video game content to sharing my newfound academic knowledge began.

Emergence of New Horizons: From Hobby to Career through Mentorship

When I started my channel in 2015, there were only a few noticeable names in Italy who managed to earn a living as content creators. Due to this, I felt the notion of turning scientific communication on social media into a profession was beyond consideration. My initial content was mostly improvised and not well developed, so, for me, circulating educational information was limited to a small circle of like-minded friends. No matter whether you create content for fun or try to make it into a career, you’re always learning and improving your skills.

As my channel began to grow, I had a greater interest in not only the subjects I was covering, but the quality of the content I was producing. There were smaller scale events taking place in Milan for YouTubers who only had over a thousand subscribers – a rarity today. It was at one of those gatherings that I met Dario Bressanini, an established Italian chemist, science writer and communicator who authored books, maintained a blog and contributed to scientific magazines. It was largely thanks to him that I broadened my horizons and dove into the works of many other science communications professionals across Italy. This is where my mentality shift began to take place, transforming my career and facilitating personal growth. In a sense, Dario served as my mentor, and it was during this period that I knew I wanted to pursue scientific dissemination. It made such a difference having someone I could exchange ideas with, explore social media dynamics, contemplate future prospects and dissect potential challenges. I knew I had to keep building momentum, so I chose to study the theory of scientific communication and became fully captivated by its charm.

Elevating Work Through Mentorship: Learning from a Master Communicator

Around the same time I was studying, I was introduced to individuals who propelled my work and professional growth. An Italian TV show was seeking young talent for a new scientific dissemination program, with the goal of being published online. I was fortunate enough to be selected among the five people for the program, called Superquark+.

This was the online platform for Italy’s premier scientific communication TV show and was curated by Piero Angela, who unfortunately passed away in August 2022. Throughout my time on the show, I soaked up the skills and art behind writing science scripts for television. Working with Piero and his team of writers was an immense privilege. One thing about Piero that I will carry with me for the rest of my life is the profound respect he held for his audience. He always made it clear that science communicators serve their audiences with the utmost rigor and diligence to ensure complex concepts are understandable.

Nurturing Excellence and Aspiring to Inspire

I have been a science communicator for over eight years, and there’s one thing I am certain of: If you surround yourself with skilled, respectable and efficient people, your professional work and personal growth will improve. Working in synergistic collaborations will result in a product that is unparalleled to individual contributions. And, in my role as a Lenovo Innovator, I take pride in utilizing their technology to generate content that helps people learn more about science.

I have been fortunate enough to benefit from learning directly from remarkable figures such as Dario and Piero. Looking to the future, I hope to guide and inspire others along their career paths. For now, I’m committed to giving my best to my followers and honoring the trust of those who have believed in me over the years.

If you’re interested in my work and want to keep up with my #LenovoInnovators journey, follow along on Instagram @RuggeroRollini.

Through the SAP Sustainability portfolio, we envision helping our customers and partners become a network of intelligent, sustainable enterprises. We continuously work towards leading by example in our sustainable business practices and are providing products and services that help other companies meet their sustainability goals. To succeed in our efforts, it is essential to engage employees around the world, build their awareness, understanding, and sustainability action.

The Sustainability Funding Round, hosted by our Chief Sustainability Officer, Daniel Schmid, brings together SAP sustainability leaders from over 60 SAP sites worldwide to promote and finance sustainability initiatives brought forward by the SAP sustainability champions and environmental management system leads. This year’s funding round was dedicated to supporting SAP’s transition to a low-carbon, circular business and saw record-breaking participation.

More than 60 proposals were submitted from sustainability champions across the globe, including ideas on improving our physical office environment, enabling employee volunteering, and raising sustainability awareness for zero emissions and zero waste. A jury consisting of experts from Global Real Estate & Facilities (GRF), Sustainability, Global Sourcing & Procurement, SAP Corporate Social Responsibility (SAP CSR), Global Communications, and winners of last year’s funding round thoroughly evaluated all submissions. The 25 highest-rated ideas have received funding from sustainability leaders across the globe and are being implemented until the end of the year.

Here is a look at some of the funding winners.

“2tonnes” Immersive Workshop, France

What is measured can be managed. Understanding the size of our actions and collective decisions and calling for a lead to action is a good practice. The “2tonnes” immersive workshop helps us understand our carbon footprint and how to reach two tons per person by 2050. 2tonnes is a best-of-breed carbon awareness workshop used by the French government. Around 350 SAP employees have already been trained across multiple workshops.

One of the main challenges was to find like-minded people to take part in the workshops. This was mitigated with the help of leaders motivating their respective teams and adding the workshop as a part of their team activity. The aim is to continue the project in 2024 and train another 500 employees, accounting for 50% of the total number of employees in Levallois, France.

Waterloo and Montreal 4 Trees, Canada

To foster climate action, contribute to SAP’s goal to plant 21 million trees, improve air quality, protect biodiversity, and support the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration initiative, this initiative focused on planting trees in Montreal and Waterloo, Canada.

Around 130 native trees were planted in Waterloo in collaboration with Let’s Tree Wilmot, a non-profit organization part of Wilmot Horticulture Society. The project will contribute to community establishment and support reforestation efforts to reestablish a missing forest stratum or prevent erosion due to illicit trial creation. Around 75 trees and shrubs were planted in September in Montreal to enhance Mount Royal, an urban forest at the center of Montreal that is visited by more than 6 million people every year. The project will contribute to the conservation of the mountains and keep the ecosystem strong and resilient.

Green Art, Argentina

This project aims to use the circular economy to transform waste into a work of art to show we can add value to things considered unusable. The idea is to work with sustainable artists to create a piece of art using recycled materials that will be displayed permanently at the SAP offices in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The materials will be obtained in a cleanup with employees from Buenos Aires and e-waste from our offices. The project envisions reusing waste, transforming it into art, and spreading awareness about reducing and recycling waste among employees when they take part in waste collection and when they view the art. Employees have already cleaned up a river and have gathered the necessary waste materials for the project. Creating the artwork will start as soon as the artist is onboarded as a supplier.

The 2023 funding round was a tremendous success and showed that employees from all fields and locations can help lead the way towards zero emissions and zero waste.

Poughkeepsie, NY – October 12, 2023 /3BL/ – KeyBank employees visited Family Services Inc.’s Teen Resource Activity Center (TRAC) in Poughkeepsie to meet with students and present the nonprofit with a $10,000 grant from KeyBank Foundation, the bank’s charitable foundation. The grant supports Family Services’ holistic approach to meeting the recreational, social, and emotional needs of Poughkeepsie youth. TRAC provides a free, trauma-informed place for teens to receive mentorship and support after school.

TRAC offers its after school program weekdays at The Family Partnership Center at 29 N. Hamilton Street in Poughkeepsie. The program provides caring mentoring in a safe and supportive space and gives teens access to a variety of activities and enrichment, including tutoring services, athletics, music and art programs, nutrition and cooking instruction, community service opportunities, CPR training, entrepreneurial workshops, field trips, and more. TRAC also provides violence prevention and life skills workshops to develop resiliency and offers opportunities for leadership and youth voice. In addition, Youth Outreach Workers mentor the highest risk youth and implement risk reduction plans to address teen violence and provide resources and other social services.

Local KeyBank leaders toured the center and spoke with students about their personal journeys, career aspirations, and the value of having caring adults in their lives. “I never miss an opportunity to spend time with the youth in our community, because they are our future,” said KeyBank Area Retail Leader, Irenee Paul Provenzano. In addition to her bank leadership role, Provenzano serves as chair of Key’s African American employee resource group and leads many of the bank’s local Diversity, Equity and Inclusion outreach initiatives. “I came today because I know my presence can be impactful to these teens. Representation matters, and its important for kids to see people who look like them in leadership roles.”

KeyBank Red Hook Branch Manager Anthony Guzzo spoke to the students about his career journey. “I started at community college and worked all through school to pay for my education and achieve my goals.” He encouraged the students to pursue their own career dreams and take advantage of the resources that the TRAC program offers them.

Rita McPeck, KeyBank Business Banking Senior Service Officer had a personal connection to teen center. “I went to high school in this very building and it’s wonderful to see the good things happening here,” she said. “I emphasized to the students how valuable it is to have counselors who care about them and their well-being, especially those who had gone through the program themselves and came back to be mentors, as a number of the counselors have.”

KeyBank has been a long-time supporter of Family Services and the clients it serves. Leah Feldman CEO of Family Services said, “We are so grateful for KeyBank’s steadfast commitment to the youth in our community. Their generous support enables us to continue our vital work at the Teen Resource Activity Center (TRAC), where we nurture not only young minds but also the hopes and dreams of the next generation. Together, we are creating a brighter future for Poughkeepsie’s youth, ensuring everyone has the right to thrive.”

KeyBank Foundation’s grant is part of its philanthropic efforts targeted toward education, workforce development, and safe, vital neighborhoods. In 2022, KeyBank Foundation donated more than $1.1 million in charitable grants to nonprofit organizations supporting low- and moderate-income populations and communities throughout Key’s Hudson Valley and Metro New York market.

About Family Services Inc.:

Founded in 1879, Family Services brings people together to find the support they need, improving their lives and communities, and building a stronger, safer Hudson Valley. Our program areas include Behavioral Health, Victim Services, Family Programs, Youth Services, Community Safety, and Prevention. Last year, nearly 17,000 children, adults, and families benefited from Family Services programs in Dutchess, Ulster, and Orange counties.

Family Services also manages the Family Partnership Center as a location where the community can come together for conversation and the exchange of ideas, participate in athletics and arts programming, and where a variety of nonprofits and related organizations can co-locate and collaborate to offer enhanced services that create real access. Last year over 70,000 people took advantage of services or activities on this 100,000+ square foot campus.

About KeyBank Foundation:

KeyBank Foundation serves to fulfill KeyBank’s purpose to help clients and communities thrive, and its mission is to support organizations and programs that prepare people for thriving futures. The Foundation’s mission is advanced through three funding priorities – neighbors, education, and workforce – and through community service. To provide meaningful philanthropy that transforms lives, KeyBank Foundation listens carefully to understand the unique characteristics and needs of its communities and then backs solutions with targeted philanthropic investments. KeyBank Foundation is a nonprofit charitable foundation, funded by KeyCorp.

About KeyCorp/KeyBank 

KeyCorp’s roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $195 billion at June 30, 2023. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,300 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

Media contacts: 
Family Services Inc., Kerri Minet, Manager of Marketing & Events | 845-250-5272 | kminet@familyservicesny.org 
KeyBank: Karen Crane, Communications Manager | 203-789-2752 | karen_crane@keybank.com

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are not just words but values that are exemplified through our culture at Cadence. In the DEI@Cadence blog series, you’ll find a community where employees share their perspectives and experiences. By providing a glimpse of their personal stories, we celebrate our One Cadence—One Team culture and the importance of sustaining it as we learn from diverse perspectives.

“We pride ourselves on creating an environment where diversity, equity, and inclusion are celebrated and embraced. This is core to our One Cadence—One Team culture.” – Anirudh Devgan, president and CEO of Cadence

An essential part of the One Cadence culture is to accept each other’s differences and respect them, which means to avoid offending or hurting others. I have lived a relatively charmed life. I cannot readily recall a situation where someone was inadvertently disrespectful or offensive. However, I have also realized that the measurement of what is offensive cannot be what I don’t find offensive.

But how do we know what could hurt or offend others?

One way is to simply ask. I have found that it is critical to ask people with whom I am collaborating about their opinions in a true spirit of desiring to understand a phrase, term, or action. Just because I am not offended, or even because a majority are not offended, does not make the phrase/term/action acceptable.

In one recent instance, I realized that a phrase I used in my youth could be hurtful or offensive to others. For most of my life, I have owned cars that have lacked reliability. Because of this, I have often traveled with a few spare tools and parts in the trunk. And if something didn’t sound right, or the car wouldn’t start, I would open the engine compartment and see if I could understand the problem. I often stated that I would “check under the hood” or “look under the hood” (i.e., to understand what was wrong).

I’m a part of the Words Matter Initiative, a Cadence-wide effort to encourage respectful language in our code and communication. “Under the hood” came up in our efforts to research phrases for consideration for the initiative, so I wanted to understand the context and why this could be offensive. I wanted to understand the story from another’s point of view.

I don’t know who brought up the phrase for consideration; however, I found someone who could explain their interpretation of it. This person is passionate about cars, like me, and understands my interpretation, BUT they are also someone who has been the target of racism. This individual explained an alternate meaning. The phrase has reference to removing the hood worn by members of racist groups who often wear hoods to hide their identity. By hearing another’s interpretation, I could understand how this phrase would elicit emotions and meanings that I never intended. What I say is not nearly as important as what people hear.

In many engineering communication protocols, communication requires both a transmitter and a receiver. Most protocols also ensure that there isn’t data loss between the transmitter and receiver (i.e., the message sent is the same as the message received). When humans communicate, we should strive for the same: to ensure that when we are either talking or listening, or writing or reading, we are not confusing the message by introducing a term that others may interpret with a bias that could change the message (or worse yet, harm a relationship). One protocol that people often use to encourage accurate communication is reflective listening—actively listening and restating what the other person said to confirm understanding.

The biggest challenge therefore where communication hurts a relationship is not when someone is offended by something I say and voice their displeasure but when I offend someone who doesn’t say anything. In the latter situation, the relationship is damaged, with minimal chance for repair and change. And that is something we must all avoid because our differences in background, thought, and ideas make us stronger. By listening to all the ideas from a diverse group, we start with a much larger solution set and, therefore, can find the best solutions. We must ensure that our language does not unconsciously prune that solution set.

As a member of the Cadence Academic Network team, I get the opportunity to meet amazing diverse students and passionate educators. While talking with these persons, whether virtually, in person, or through this blog, I represent Cadence and cause those future customers or employees to form an opinion of who Cadence is. I have a responsibility, as we all do, to ensure that our communication demonstrates the respectful, inclusive One Cadence—One Team we are, and being aware of the words we use is an important step in this journey.

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Trade is the lifeblood of the global economy, with ports serving as the epicenters of international trade and shipping. However, their extensive activities and emissions from cargo handling and transportation result in a significant carbon footprint. According to the International Maritime Organization, shipping accounts for almost 3% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, a number that is predicted to rise.

As one of the world’s leading port operators, we are embracing the challenge of decarbonizing our operations. We’re taking action to reduce emissions by venturing into hydrogen electric technology, beginning with a pilot for our rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs) at Canada’s Port of Vancouver. 

A clean and efficient fuel, hydrogen is a proven technology and a viable choice for powering heavy-duty machinery. Given that RTGs contribute to nearly half of ports’ shore-based carbon emissions, transitioning them from diesel to electric can substantially decrease their environmental impact.

Slated to kick off in Q2 2024, the hydrogen pilot will gauge the feasibility of electrifying our global fleet of 1,500 RTGs. If the pilot project is successful, it will be a significant step towards our global efforts to reduce emissions and decarbonize operations, helping to make a significant environmental impact on the port industry.

The science behind this is compelling: hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen emitting only water vapor as a byproduct. Hydrogen fuel cells are efficient and flexible, producing zero emissions other than water vapor, making them a prime candidate for powering heavy machinery in eco-sensitive settings. 

To execute the technology behind the pilot, we selected TYCROP Manufacturing Ltd, an industrial manufacturing and engineering company, in collaboration with Loop Energy, a hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer, to design and manufacture the equipment for this initiative.

The pilot involves outfitting our RTGs with a TYCROP-designed dual fuel system powered by two of Loop Energy’s T505 fuel cell systems. This unique dual system offers the flexibility to run the RTG on either hydrogen or diesel, depending on hydrogen availability. 

We chose the Port of Vancouver specifically for this pilot due to its thriving hydrogen and fuel cell ecosystem, which was buoyed further by substantial support from the Province of BC. The pilot promises real-world testing in genuine port conditions, ensuring the utmost efficacy and reliability. This pilot could eventually signal potential broader electrification throughout our global fleet of RTGs. 

Commitment to Sustainability

The move is in line with our ambitious decarbonization goals. As announced last year at COP27, we are investing USD$500 million to cut carbon emissions by nearly 700,000 tons over the next five years, with the goal of achieving net-zero status by 2050. (The planned reduction represents a 20% cut from 2021 levels.)

To get there, we’re focusing our roadmap on three main initiatives: the electrification of our ports and terminals equipment; investment into renewable energy; and research and development projects that investigate alternative fuels, vessels, and vehicles across our portfolio. 

In Europe, Rotterdam World Gateway is almost fully electric and is our first net-zero terminal, while our South Korea operations are well on the way. In South America, we have 20 electric terminal tractors on order for DP World Callao in Peru, with more on the way for the Port of Santos in Brazil. We also have Britain’s first all-electric terminal tractor at our London Gateway port.

Electricity from renewable sources will also be key. In Europe, half of our electricity comes from renewables, with many ports running on 100% renewable energy. Last year, DP World Chile became the first port operator in South America to receive a renewable energy certification; all its electricity comes from hydropower. Meanwhile, Jebel Ali boasts the largest rooftop solar panel installation in the Middle East.

We’re also investing in the digital side; our intelligent High Bay Storage system, known as BoxBay, eliminates unnecessary reshuffling of containers and promotes energy efficiency. We have invested $4 billion in technology since 2016, and 70% of our ports use cutting-edge automation software.

Pioneering a Sustainable Future in Port Operations

There’s no question that ports have an essential role to play in mitigating their environmental impact. One of our largest challenges comes from our marine services and logistics businesses, which represent a significant chunk of our total carbon footprint. Decarbonizing will require rewiring the entire system, with new supply chains and structures in place. 

It is a huge undertaking, but we are embracing this responsibility by continuing to intensify our decarbonization efforts. Our foray into hydrogen electric technology, as illustrated by the pilot project at the Port of Vancouver, underscores our commitment to a net-zero future. If successful, this pilot could be a cornerstone in our broader strategy to decarbonize and electrify operations on a global scale. In meeting our own ambitious goals, we hope to set a precedent that helps the entire maritime industry move towards a decisively more sustainable future.

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Originally published on bnef.com

Staying on track for net-zero emissions requires at least $4 dollars to be spent on low-carbon energy supply for every dollar that goes to fossil fuels throughout this decade. But this global picture, derived from BloombergNEF analysis of commonly referenced climate scenarios, masks the regional nuances in the capital expenditure needed to limit global warming to 1.5C.

New research from BNEF explores these variations, revealing that China, for example, must achieve a ratio of 10-to-1 by 2030, while for the Middle East it is just 1.1-to-1. No market’s investment mix is currently aligned to the pathways necessary to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Download the report here.

Parity achieved

Globally, the energy transition is moving in the right direction. Investment in low-carbon and fossil-fuel energy supply hit parity for the second time ever in 2022, based on BNEF’s aggregation of the International Energy Agency’s World Energy Investment data. That’s up from 0.5-to-1 in 2015, the year the Paris Agreement was signed.

China and Europe have led the investment shift, with their ratios reaching 1.6-to-1 and 1.7-to-1, respectively, last year. North America lagged at 0.9-to-1, mainly due to a strong oil and gas production footprint, while major fossil-fuel exporters like the Middle East and Eurasia saw spending on low-carbon energy amount to just a fraction of their oil and gas investment. These regional differences reflect the availability of energy supply resources and associated government policies.

Not on track for 1.5C

Much more must be done to scale up investment in low-carbon supply and enable a reduction in fossil-fuel spending this decade. A linear increase from 2022 signals the need for the ratio to rise by 0.74 each year to match the 4-to-1 balance required.

BNEF has reconciled historical energy investment data from the IEA with a forward-looking regional dataset from the Network for Greening the Financial system to explore the outlook by market.

Net fossil-fuel importers China and Europe have the highest implied average ratios across 2021 to 2030 at over 10-to-1 and 6.5-to-1. This illustrates the large opportunity they have to scale their low-carbon supply investment most rapidly. Conversely, the Middle East and Africa and Eurasia have the lowest implied decadal ratios at 0.9-to-1, reflecting the expectation that they will continue to produce and export fossil fuels.

The investment outlook differs across regions due to a multitude of underlying factors, such as economic development, population growth and varying energy mixes. No region is currently on track to meet these ratios.

Financial institutions active in different regions of the world may wish to consider this and Nationally Determined Contributions – countries’ plans to help meet the goals of the Paris Agreement – when formulating their investment and financing policies.

Download the report here.

About BloombergNEF

BloombergNEF (BNEF) is a strategic research provider covering global commodity markets and the disruptive technologies driving the transition to a low-carbon economy. Our expert coverage assesses pathways for the power, transport, industry, buildings and agriculture sectors to adapt to the energy transition. We help commodity trading, corporate strategy, finance and policy professionals navigate change and generate opportunities.

For the second year in a row, Southern Company provided 100% renewable energy for the TOUR Championship — and that’s no small feat.

The PGA TOUR season finale at Atlanta’s East Lake Golf Club is the culminating event of the FedExCup Playoffs. The tournament is a massive operation. But longtime partner Southern Company has been driven to create the most sustainable TOUR Championship yet.

Sustainable solutions touched every facet of the tournament’s operation, including:

500,000-kilowatt hours of renewable energy credits to avoid emissions generated from fossil fuel-based electricity used on courseRenewable natural gas (RNG) to avoid emissions from the clubhouse’s natural gas appliances by integrating environmental credits from carbon neutral RNG captured from landfillsZero-emission Moxion Power battery energy storage in Southern Company’s spectator area, the SO Cool Zone, and select hospitality areas90% of golf carts are electric11,000 gallons of renewable diesel (R99) to replace traditional dieselBattery- and solar-powered cellphone charging stations for fan useElectric vehicle (EV) chargers in the East Lake Golf Club parking lotRenewable and recyclable materials in Southern Company’s Good Energy Pavilion fan experience.

“I’m very excited about the innovations that we have been able to bring to the TOUR Championship,” says Robin Lanier, Southern Company’s Director of New Ventures. “These solutions combined are equivalent to removing about 245 gasoline-powered vehicles off the road per year.” 

“Without Southern Company, the TOUR Championship wouldn’t be able to hit our sustainability goals,” says Brazos Barber, Director of Sustainability for the PGA Tour. “It’s invaluable in reducing emissions and moving away from fossil fuels.”

Driving sustainability on the course connects with Southern Company’s goal off the course — to achieve net zero emissions across the company’s electric and gas businesses by 2050.

View original content here.

Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a highly versatile chemical that is widely used in many industrial and consumer applications. It is commonly used as a sterilizing agent in the medical industry, as well as in the production of plastics, textiles, and other materials. However, recent studies have linked inhalation exposure to ethylene oxide with a range of health problems, including cancer, respiratory issues, and reproductive disorders. In fact, in 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified EtO as “carcinogenic to humans” when inhaled.

Recently, there has been an increase in lawsuits related to ethylene oxide exposure, with individuals and communities seeking compensation for the health effects they have suffered from occupational or other environmental exposures. For example, cancers like Lymphoma and leukemia have been reported from occupational exposure to ethylene oxide, and stomach and breast cancers may also be associated with exposure. In this blog, we will explore the risks associated with ethylene oxide exposure, current legal ramifications on the horizon, and present an overview of five measures to address and raise awareness for risk and liability for this growing public health concern.

Occupational ethylene oxide lawsuits typically involve workers who have been exposed to ethylene oxide on the job and have developed health problems as a result. These lawsuits may be filed against employers, manufacturers, or other parties who are responsible for the worker’s exposure.

Recent Ethylene Oxide Lawsuits 

In 2020, a group of Illinois residents filed a lawsuit against a medical sterilization company alleging that their ethylene oxide emissions had caused them to develop cancer and other health problems. The lawsuit alleged that the company knew about the potential dangers of ethylene oxide but failed to take appropriate measures to protect the community and its employees. Additionally, the company was accused of not properly disclosing the risks associated with ethylene oxide emissions to the public. The lawsuit was eventually settled for $408 million.

Also in 2020, a group of former employees who worked in Lithia Springs, Georgia at a medical device manufacturer filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging that they had been exposed to unsafe levels of ethylene oxide on the job and had suffered health problems as a result. They allege that the manufacturer stored products that had recently been sterilized with EtO. The lawsuit says these stored products then released EtO into the worker’s environment while the products sat on warehouse shelves. The workers say they were never told they were being exposed to EtO from these shelved products, and they never even knew about the health dangers EtO can pose. The lawsuit is ongoing.

In August 2018, the EPA’s National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) identified a number of areas (census tracts) in the USA with potentially elevated risk from continuous exposure to EtO in the outdoor air. One of these identified areas includes Grand Rapids, Michigan. There, another manufacturer of medical devices used EtO in its sterilization processes up until 2020. According to a story from the Chicago Tribune, a swath of the Grand Rapids area has a cancer risk of nearly four times the nation’s average due to ethylene oxide emissions from this plant.

In 2018, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) cited this manufacturer in violation of the permitted emission limit, with several other violation notices also being issued to the company. Eventually, the company signed a consent order to stop sterilizing medical devices using ethylene oxide (EtO) at its plant in Grand Rapids, Mich. by Dec. 31, 2020.

The company also agreed to conduct monthly air sampling through February 2020, and to pay a penalty of $110,000. This consent order stemmed from EGLE’s findings that the manufacturer allowed more than the permitted amount of EtO to be released into the air around its Grand Rapids plant. These lawsuits highlight the growing concern over the health risks associated with ethylene oxide exposure, and the need for stronger regulations and enforcement to protect workers and the broader community.

Changes to EtO Environmental Regulations 

Recently, there have been several changes to environmental regulations regarding ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions. In 2020, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released an updated risk assessment for EtO, which found that the chemical poses a higher cancer risk than previously thought. As a result, the EPA has been working to strengthen regulations related to EtO emissions.

One notable change has been the EPA’s proposal to lower the EtO NESHAP emission limit from 1 part per million (ppm) to 0.2 ppm. This proposal is currently under review and is expected to be finalized in 2023. In addition, the EPA has also proposed to add EtO to its list of hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act, which would trigger additional regulations and oversight.

Several states have also taken action to address EtO emissions. For example, in Illinois, the Department of Public Health has established new regulations for medical sterilization facilities, requiring them to install additional emissions control measures and to reduce emissions to as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). Similarly, in Georgia, a new law requires the state Environmental Protection Division to conduct regular air monitoring for EtO emissions around sterilization facilities.

These regulatory changes reflect a growing recognition of the health risks associated with EtO exposure and the need for more stringent controls to protect public health and the environment.

How to Minimize Risk 

In conclusion, the widespread use of ethylene oxide (EtO) in various industrial and consumer applications has raised significant concerns about its potential health risks. The surge in ethylene oxide-related lawsuits, both occupational and environmental, highlights the urgency of addressing this growing public health concern. Moreover, changes in environmental regulations and heightened awareness of EtO’s health risks are encouraging steps toward safeguarding public health.

To minimize the risk of EtO exposure, facilities that use EtO should stay up to date on these changes and take appropriate measures to minimize emissions and ensure compliance with regulations. Occupational risk assessments conducted by Industrial Hygienists can identify potential exposure sources and develop protective strategies. Environmental justice initiatives can address the financial and ethical responsibilities of industry emitters. Furthermore, air permitting and EPA environmental tools can assist in assessing the environmental risks associated with EtO.

By implementing these strategies, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of ethylene oxide exposure to their workers and create a safer working environment. It is essential to consult with industrial hygiene experts and follow regulatory requirements to ensure the best possible practices for worker safety.

Our team of Industrial Hygienists can help identify and address potential ethylene oxide exposure sources and develop a plan to ensure that everyone is protected from exposure to this chemical and create safer working environments for all.

About Antea Group

Antea®Group is an environment, health, safety, and sustainability consulting firm. By combining strategic thinking with technical expertise, we do more than effectively solve client challenges; we deliver sustainable results for a better future. We work in partnership with and advise many of the world’s most sustainable companies to address ESG-business challenges in a way that fits their pace and unique objectives. Our consultants equip organizations to better understand threats, capture opportunities and find their position of strength. Lastly, we maintain a global perspective on ESG issues through not only our work with multinational clients, but also through our sister organizations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America and as a founding member of the Inogen Alliance. Learn more at us.anteagroup.com. 

Excitement surrounding Tony’s Chocolonely golden shares may be reminiscent of the fictional Willy Wonka’s golden tickets, but the Dutch chocolate firm’s rewards will see greater longevity and social impact.

The purpose-led company has developed a new legal governance structure called ‘Tony’s Mission Lock’ to ensure the company mission remains firmly set in stone with no amendments, unless agreed by specially appointed guardians.

Who is Tony’s Chocolonely?

Tony’s Chocolonely is one of the world’s fastest growing chocolate companies, with rapid expansion in North America and Europe.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, you will be familiar with its Fairtrade-certified chunky bars and vibrant packaging.

The chocolate firm is ending exploitation in the cocoa industry across all chocolate (not just Tony’s products), by building solid relationships with cocoa farmers in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. It pays farmers a higher living wage and they work together to prevent modern slavery and child labour to redefine best practice.

Based in the Netherlands, the B-Corp business wants to ensure that it remains as impactful as possible, staying true to its mission of eliminating child labour and all illegal labour throughout the entire chocolate supply chain.

Why introduce a mission lock?

This will give a golden share in the business to a separate, independent entity overseen by ‘mission guardians’ empowered to protect against any clause changes.

They will oversee the entire process and the trio of experts comprises Seth Goldman, Founder of Honest Tea and Chair of vegan brand Beyond Meat, Anne Wil Dijkstra, ex-Co-Captain of Tony’s, and British-Nigerian lawyer, social and climate activist and TV presenter Ikenna Azuike.

Golden shares will have no economic value, cannot be removed, and the trio can publicise any concerns in the company’s annual FAIR report and in national newspapers.

Douglas Lamont, Chief Executive at Tony’s Chocolonely, said: “It’s no secret that I’m a big supporter of purpose-led business. My firm belief is that any company, no matter its size, should place positive impact at the heart of its business.

“In my personal journey as a B-Corp leader, I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to work for – and with – truly purpose-driven companies and individuals that are paving the way to doing better business.

“But many times, we have witnessed mission-led businesses losing their way. Passionate founders sell down their shares and are replaced at the helm, over time things dissipate, and in the end the very foundation of the company, its mission, crumbles.

“That is why I’m extremely excited and proud to announce Tony’s Mission Lock.”

Which other innovators are disrupting the confectionary industry?

While Tony’s has assessed the treatment of cocoa farmers and works tirelessly to ban exploitation, another brand has innovated by removing the main ingredient entirely.

Food tech start-up WNWN (pronounced ‘win win’) claims to have created the world’s first plant-based cocoa-free chocolate bars that are also palm oil-free. This introduces an alternative solution to protecting ethical issues surrounding regular chocolate production, such as deforestation and habitat loss, as well as the labour exploitation concerns.

The London-based firm, founded by a former financier and global fermentation expert, aims to halt mass-produced cocoa for a more sustainable and ethical treat.

Ruth Smith, Senior Consultant – Sustainable Business at Acre UK, said: “To achieve complete sustainability in chocolate, all ingredients, practices, and related activity should be sustainable, which is hard to achieve.

“Seeing multiple different chocolate organisations including Tony’s and WNWN take innovative approaches to this challenge now rather than later is great and essential to tackling the ongoing issues in chocolate – both environmentally and socially.”

Does this inspire you to safeguard your own company mission?

What are your views on embedding a structure, similar to Tony’s, to ensure your company mission remains on track for continued, effective social and environmental development? I welcome your perspective exploring other ways in which this can be successfully achieved without the mission being diluted over time.

Ruth is a Senior Consultant at Acre, supporting organisations across Consumer Goods and Retail, embedding Sustainability through consulting, team development and recruitment. This fast-growing sector is something that aligns closely with Ruth’s core values, alongside her prior professional and educational experience.

Ruth has experience recruiting internationally in the Renewables and Clean Energy space, focused on the core value of Sustainability. She holds a 2:1 in BA Geography from the University of Brighton. This was specialised on Sustainable Development, EIA and Geographical Politics, which she applies daily to her practice in recruiting in the Sustainability space.

About Acre

At Acre, we work with the most aspirational businesses with potential to make real change; from those who are just starting out to those who are well on the journey to crafting a legacy.

Our 18 years’ experience in sustainability recruitment, combined with our extensive global network, enables us to provide talent solutions that are designed to deliver this change.

Through our unique behavioural assessment technology, we understand the types of people, skills and behaviours required to create impact. We can develop these qualities within your existing teams too.

We find talented people and develop their skills to ensure they make a true impact in ambitious, progressive organisations.

Acre. Making companies ready for tomorrow.