Tag: 3BL

Leidos and EVERFI from Blackbaud, an organization tackling social issues through education and technology, are empowering teenagers in Maryland and West Virginia with mental health literacy.

Why you should know: It’s a response to the teenage mental health crisis which is worsening amid a nationwide shortage of mental health professionals:

According to the CDC, teenagers in the U.S. are experiencing unprecedented levels of mental distress.According to recent data, intentional self-harm is the third-leading cause of death among teenagers.According to the U.S. Surgeon General, mental health disorders are the leading cause of disability and poor life outcomes for young people.

Mental health basics: Through the strategic partnership, which began in 2020, nearly 3,500 middle school and high school students at nearly 60 schools have completed a first-of-its-kind digital learning course called Understanding Mental Wellness.

Veronica Lee, Sr. Director of Enterprise Account Management at EVERFI, said the course is designed to destigmatize mental health topics and help students develop skills to support their emotional wellbeing.

“We know the mental wellbeing of teenagers impacts every aspect of their lives,” says Lee, “and we know there’s a direct correlation between mental wellness and academic performance. We’re really supporting the ‘whole student approach’ in education.”

Early success: Lee said after completing the course, 90% of students say they feel more confident in managing a mental health crisis, 83% say they have a better understanding of how to stay mentally healthy and 75% say they feel more comfortable talking to a friend about mental health challenges.

“It’s a high-quality, interactive and engaging tool that helps students become more literate on these topics,” she said. “We have phenomenal experts in digital curriculums and instructional design who make sure we’re speaking to today’s student and that our content is relevant and fresh. And because of strategic partners like Leidos, this resource is available at no cost to schools.”

Daniel Pellegrom, Leidos Director of Environment, Sustainability and Governance (ESG) said the program has shown meaningful success.

“Supporting youth is so important when we’re talking about this crisis,” says Pellegrom. “What I love about this strategic partnership is it allows us to act locally, impact our communities and help give our children the support they need.”

Pellegrom added the program is part of the company’s broader Mission for the Mind campaign to advance mental health solutions.

Most importantly: If you’re having suicidal thoughts, there are people who want to help you. You can speak to someone at the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. If you’re a veteran in crisis, please contact the Veterans Crisis Line.

October 10 is World Mental Health Day.

Please contact the Leidos media relations team for more information.

Laptop donation for Epilepsy Classroom within Toronto’s SickKids Hospital boosts access to curriculum for students with epilepsy

At Lenovo, our vision to provide smarter technology for all starts in the classroom. This means breaking down barriers, fostering equitable learning experiences, and enabling learners of all ages, abilities, and means to fulfill their potential. Earlier this year, Lenovo donated 10 Lenovo laptops to the Epilepsy Classroom within SickKids Hospital in Toronto, supporting access to curriculum for students living with epilepsy and demonstrating the capacity of technology to cultivate an inclusive learning environment.

Open to elementary-grade children with epilepsy who struggle at school or learn differently than their peers, the SickKids Epilepsy Classroom – the only one of its kind worldwide – offers a safe environment to better understand the impact of epilepsy on their development and to care for their unique special education and social-emotional needs. Similar to Lenovo’s aim of developing technology that champions inclusivity and removes barriers in education, the SickKids Epilepsy Classroom provides children with epilepsy access to specialized care that can help them reach their full potential.

Equipped with new Lenovo laptops, SickKids Epilepsy Classroom students can now use Assistive Technology to access speech-to-text, text- to-voice, and organizational software. With this, students have become more independent with their written expression, and were able to write personal narrative stories this year. With the same speech-to-text software, students conducted online research that helped them build three-dimensional plasticine models of animal habitats. Moreover, the touch screen functionality of the laptops has supported students with fine motor issues or other physical challenges, through online matching activities, as well as drag and drop or trivia games.

“Computer technology is essential for our students to access the Ontario curriculum,” said Dr. Elizabeth Kerr, Director of the Epilepsy Classroom and Clinical Neuropsychologist Epilepsy Surgery Program at SickKids. “This donation allows our students to gain proficiency in assistive technology in a safe and supportive environment and exposes them to a broad range of educational activities to meet their learning needs. We are extremely grateful.”

Formed in 2019 and launched in 2020, Lenovo’s Product Diversity Office (PDO) was established to ensure that Lenovo products and solutions are both inclusive and accessible. By 2025, 75% of Lenovo’s products will be vetted by inclusive design experts to ensure they meet the needs for everyone, regardless of physical attributes or abilities. “At Lenovo, we believe that every student deserves the advantages of education technology,” said Libby Richards, Community Engagement Manager at Lenovo North America. “The SickKids Epilepsy Classroom is a great example of how the right technology can promote equitable access for all learners.”

In addition to the 10 laptops provided to the Epilepsy Classroom, Lenovo gifted another 10 devices to Toronto District School Board (TDSB) classrooms within SickKids. These laptops have supported shared learning experiences for students and are helping them stay connected to classmates and friends at their home school.

Southern Company

Southern Power, a leading U.S. wholesale energy provider and subsidiary of Southern Company, recently acquired two solar facilities, continuing the growth of the company’s clean generating assets and increasing its overall portfolio to more than 2,740 MW of solar generation.

The acquisition of the 200-megawatt Millers Branch Solar Facility in Haskell County, Texas, and the 150-megawatt South Cheyenne Solar Facility in Wyoming, is part of Southern Power’s overall 5,280 MW renewable fleet, which now consists of 30 solar and 15 wind facilities operating or under construction.

“These two acquisitions represent a significant milestone for Southern Power as we are entering these projects with expansion opportunities,” said Southern Power President Robin Boren. “The Millers Branch and South Cheyene facilities enhance our solar portfolio and exemplify our commitment to the continued growth of Southern Power as we build the future of energy.”

The two investments come as Southern Company’s overall portfolio of renewable energy solutions continues to grow. As we continue to make progress toward our goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, Southern Company expects to have approximately 20,000 MWs of renewable capacity by 2030.

The solar projects align with Southern Power’s overall business strategy of strengthening its wholesale business by acquiring and developing generating assets that are covered by long-term contracts with creditworthy counterparties.

Millers Branch is expected to achieve commercial operation in the fourth quarter of 2025. Once operational, the electricity and associated renewable energy credits generated by the facility will be sold under a 20-year virtual power purchase agreement with Thermo Fisher Scientific, which uses the renewable energy certificates to drive progress toward its net zero-by-2050 commitment.

Construction of the South Cheyenne Solar Facility, Southern Power’s first solar facility in the state, is currently underway. The project was developed by Qcells USA, which is also providing the engineering, procurement and construction of the project, as well as serving as the module supplier, is expected to achieve commercial operation in the first quarter of 2024.

FORT WORTH, Texas, October 10, 2023 /3BL/ – Through this year’s annual fundraising campaign with Stand Up To Cancer® (SU2C), American Airlines raised nearly $4 million for innovative and life-saving cancer research, the most successful fundraising campaign the airline has contributed to since joining forces with SU2C in 2016.

Stand Up To Cancer enables scientific breakthroughs by funding collaborative, multidisciplinary, multi-institutional scientific cancer research teams and investigators. Over its seven-year collaboration, American has raised more than $20 million to benefit SU2C and its mission to make every cancer patient a long-term survivor.

“Thanks to the tremendous support from our generous team members and customers, American was able to make its largest contribution in a single campaign to Stand Up To Cancer to date,” American Airlines Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, Ron DeFeo said. “The impact we can make when we unite in the fight against cancer is humbling and American is honored to be a part of that fight.”

Since the campaign kicked off on Aug. 19, customers received 25 bonus American Airlines AAdvantage® miles for every dollar donated. Additionally, thanks to Mastercard, anyone who used their American Airlines AAdvantage® Mastercard® credit card when donating received 50 bonus AAdvantage® miles per dollar, up to $3 million in donations.

The funds raised will go toward continuing to accelerate the pace of groundbreaking research.

This year, in addition to the fundraising campaign, American supported SU2C in various moments. To kick-off the yearly campaign, Isom and American team members participated in the eighth SU2C biennial roadblock televised fundraising special and reflected on the airline’s collaboration with and commitment to the long-standing relationship with SU2C. Additionally, American team members, whose lives were impacted by cancer participated in an on-field recognition at a Texas Rangers baseball game and a Chicago Cubs baseball game. Each game featured placard moments, where audience members and players took a moment to recognize who they were standing up for.

“We are so grateful for the support of American Airlines and their customers, who’ve played a major role in propelling our mission forward,” said Rusty Robertson, SU2C co-founder. “Through our donors’ generosity, we can save more lives now and keep moving critical cancer research forward – to make every patient a long-term survivor. Stand Up To Cancer looks forward to reaching more milestones together.”

For more information about the ways in which American gives back to the community, visit aa.com/letgoodtakeflight.

About American Airlines Group
To Care for People on Life’s Journey®. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL and the company’s stock is included in the S&P 500. Learn more about what’s happening at American by visiting news.aa.com and connect with American @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines.

Originally published on the Pentair blog

by Karla Robertson, EVP, General Counsel, Secretary and Chief Social Responsibility Officer

In recognition of our commitment to sustainability and demonstrated progress in making a positive impact, I am pleased to share that Pentair has been named one of America’s Greenest Companies 2024 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group in collaboration with GIST Impact. This recognition evaluated Pentair’s environmental performance in relation to our industry, assessing our progress against key environmental factors including greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, waste profile and commitment to disclosing sustainability data. 

The top 300 list was created by Newsweek as a way to help “consumers identify the companies that are conscious of their impact on the environment and are working to protect the Earth and its resources.” 

At Pentair, we aim to create a better world for people and the planet through smart, sustainable water solutions. We believe that the decisions we make, the products we create, the solutions we offer, and the partnerships we form, are opportunities to make the world better. We take this responsibility seriously as we believe that making life better for people and our planet is essential. <<embed Making Better Essential video>>

I’m very proud of the work we’ve accomplished to help make a positive impact on people and the planet. Earlier this year, we published our 2022 Corporate Responsibility Report and Highlights Report where we reported on our continued progress through the end of 2022, including:

A 29% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions compared to our 2019 baselineA 0.7% decrease in water withdrawal compared to our 2019 baseline, representing a 9.3% decrease compared to 202137% of total electricity usage came from renewable resources, representing 18% of our total energy usageTotal waste generated decreased by 20% compared to the 2019 baseline, with 77% of total waste avoiding landfill through recycling and reuse100% of new products were assessed using our new Sustainability Scorecard

We could not have done any of this important work without our engaged and committed employees. I am grateful to them as well as to our customers, shareholders, and Board of Directors for their continued support. Together, we have an opportunity to make life’s essential resources better — for people and the planet. 

Read more about our Social Responsibility efforts at Pentair.com/Impact.

About the Award

Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group recognized the “America’s Greenest Companies” in the United States by conducting research and analysis of public sustainability data from organizations with a market capitalization of larger than $5 billion dollars in the USA. The ranking identified the top 300 companies in the U.S. based on environmental sustainability. It was compiled in partnership with market data researcher Plant A and data and analytics firm GIST Impact, and scored companies on more than 25 parameters in four categories: greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, waste generation and sustainability data disclosures and commitments.

An uptick in media coverage and public conversations surrounding mental health have spurred greater awareness of mental health challenges. At the same time, a confluence of difficult world events has created an urgent need for mental health resources – both at home and in the workplace. 

A global survey by McKinsey found that even though roughly three-quarters of organizations surveyed are prioritizing workplace mental health programs, employee burnout remains high. Their research also found that “positive outcomes—such as job satisfaction and work engagement—are correlated with feeling included and supported, and with freedom from stigma or overwhelming workloads.”

As an Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) leader, understanding the benefits and key elements of creating a holistic mental health program in your workplace enables you to effectively address workplace culture and offers beneficial resources to your employees.

Benefits of EHS Mental Health Programs

A healthy mind is vital for maintaining both employee wellness and workplace productivity.

How workplace mental health programs benefit your employees

Workers gain several benefits from quality mental health programs in the workplace.

Reduced stress: Comprehensive mental health programs provide employees with tools to manage stress effectively. This leads to lower stress levels and better coping mechanisms.Better work-life balance: These programs often include resources for achieving a healthier work-life balance. This helps workers avoid burnout and maintain personal relationships.Enhanced workplace relationships: Improved mental health translates to better interactions with colleagues. Workers are more likely to communicate effectively, collaborate, and contribute positively to team dynamics.Increased job satisfaction: Feeling supported in terms of mental health enhances overall job satisfaction. Employees who are content and fulfilled are more likely to remain committed to their roles and the organization.Greater focus on wellness: Mental health initiatives are often part of broader wellness programs. These programs encourage healthier lifestyles, encompassing both physical and mental well-being.

How workplace mental health programs benefit your organization

Here are a few ways your organization can benefit from implementing a holistic mental health program.

Increased productivity: A mentally healthy workforce is a more productive one. Employees who have the resources to manage their mental well-being are better equipped to stay focused, make informed decisions, and perform at their best.Improved talent retention: Organizations that prioritize mental health create a positive and supportive workplace culture. This fosters employee loyalty and reduces turnover rates, leading to cost savings associated with recruitment and training.Reduced absenteeism: Mental health programs help employees manage stress and mental health challenges, reducing absenteeism due to mental health-related issues.Risk mitigation: Addressing mental health issues early can prevent larger problems from arising. Mental health programs help identify potential challenges and provide interventions before they escalate.

A Holistic Approach to Workplace Mental Health Programs

A holistic employee mental health program examines broader workplace culture to promote well-being at multiple levels. Such a program addresses the fundamental aspects of the work environment, fostering an authentic culture of support, inclusivity, and overall mental well-being.

Here are a few key elements for this approach.

Cultural assessment

The program would start with a comprehensive assessment of the existing workplace culture. This involves evaluating factors such as communication patterns, leadership styles, and attitudes toward mental health. A workplace culture assessment provides insights into areas that require improvement and informs the development of targeted strategies.

C-suite buy-in

As the bridge between the C-suite and the workforce, EHS leaders play a vital role in prioritizing worker mental health programs. Securing commitment from leadership through integrating mental health considerations into the company’s core values and mission sets a clear tone of support for your current and future workforce.

Leadership training

Holistic mental health programs prioritize leadership development. Training managers and leaders in empathetic communication, active listening, and stress management equips them to create a supportive environment and respond effectively to employees’ mental health concerns.

Policy review and development

The program would involve a thorough review of existing policies to ensure they support mental well-being. New policies could be developed to address work-life balance, remote work flexibility, and accommodation for mental health needs.

Wellness initiatives

A holistic program extends to physical health as well. Initiatives like fitness classes, mindfulness workshops, and healthy eating options contribute to overall well-being and mental health.

Workload management

Ensuring workloads are manageable and realistic reduces stress and burnout. Encouraging breaks, setting reasonable expectations, and providing opportunities for skill development contribute to a healthier work-life balance.

Global Mental Health Regulations and Guidelines

Global employers need to be aware of regulations that impact their workforce across jurisdictions. Here are some examples of workplace mental health regulations and guidelines from around the world.

Australia

Model Code of Practice for Bullying at Work

Australia has a Model Code of Practice on Preventing and Responding to Workplace Bullying. This code provides guidelines for employers to prevent and address workplace bullying, which can have significant mental health implications. It includes recommendations for risk assessment, creating policies, and providing training.

Model Code of Practice for Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work

Some States and Territories have now included the requirement to manage psychosocial risks in the workplace in the regulations (e.g. New South Wales).

United Kingdom

Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

The HSE in the UK provides guidelines for managing work-related stress. Employers are required to assess and manage the risk of stress-related ill health arising from work activities. This includes identifying stressors, implementing control measures, and providing appropriate support.

Canada

National Standard

Canada developed a voluntary standard that provides guidelines for promoting psychological health and safety in the workplace. It addresses factors such as workload management, work-life balance, and supportive leadership to prevent mental health issues.

There are also a few specific province acts related to mental health including:

Stronger, Healthier Ontario Act

(Bill 127) which amended several provisions of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act,

those governing the circumstances in which workers are entitled to benefits as a result of mental stress These amendments took effect on January 1, 2018. Workers are entitled to benefits for both traumatic and chronic mental stress that arises out of and in the course of the employment.

Working for Workers Act 2021

Workers in Ontario now have a right to disconnect when their regular work day is completed, which means not engaging in work-related communications or the sending or reviewing of other messages, so as to be free from the performance of work.

New Zealand

WorkSafe New Zealand

WorkSafe New Zealand provides resources for addressing work-related stress and mental health. Employers are encouraged to create a supportive work environment and identify and manage stressors that could impact employees’ mental well-being.

Mental Health Foundation New Zealand

The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand is a charity that works towards creating a society free from discrimination. They encourage policies, systems and laws that protect and promote wellbeing alongside providing resources and best practice guidelines for businesses.

Discover how Inogen Alliance can help you stay on top of global workforce needs through our EHS Management Systems

Inogen Alliance is a global network made up of dozens of independent local businesses and over 6,000 consultants around the world who can help make your project a success. Our Associates collaborate closely to serve multinational corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, and we share knowledge and industry experience to provide the highest quality service to our clients. If you want to learn more about how you can work with Inogen Alliance, you can explore our Associates or Contact Us. Watch for more News & Blog updates here and follow us on LinkedIn.

PORTLAND, Ore., October 10, 2023 /3BL/ – KeyBank has partnered with the Portland Thorns and Team Captain Meghan Klingenberg during the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) regular season to create “Assist Off the Pitch.” Throughout the regular season, for every assist recorded by the Thorns, KeyBank donated $5,000 up to $200,000. With the season coming to an end, KeyBank has proudly awarded four local Oregon-based nonprofits with $50,000 donations to support programs dedicated to women and girls in sports.

Recipients include The Portland Thorns Academy, She Flies, Girls Inc., and New Avenues for Youth, each of whom joined KeyBank on the pitch during the Thorns game October 7 for a special ceremony. KeyBank also partnered with the Thorns to create a video series where each organization had the opportunity to share more about their mission, goals and the communities they impact.

“We are honored to partner with the Thorns on this great initiative,” said Josh Lyons, KeyBank’s Market President for Oregon and S.W. Washington and Commercial Banking leader. “Not only did we get to celebrate each assist throughout the season, we knew they would make an impact on women and girls across the region. We proudly support each of these nonprofits and the work they do in our community. And of course, Go Thorns!”

“The Portland Thorns are proud to partner with KeyBank on this initiative,” said Todd Spear, SVP of Corporate Partnerships for the Portland Timbers & Thorns. “Each recipient nonprofit deserve these funds and we look forward to watching them make true impact.”

ABOUT PORTLAND THORNS FC 
Portland Thorns FC is an American professional women’s soccer team based in Portland, Oregon that plays their home matches at the iconic Providence Park. Established in 2012, the team began play in 2013 as one of the founding teams of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – the top-ranked professional women’s soccer league in the United States. Thorns FC rank among the best globally in attendance across male and female professional soccer clubs. The team has won eight trophies – three NWSL Championships (2013, 2017, 2022), two NWSL Shields (2016, 2021), NWSL Challenge Cup (2021), Women’s International Champions Cup (2021), NWSL Community Shield (2020).

ABOUT KEYCORP 
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.

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CONTACT: KeyBank | Laura Suter | 206.343.6953 | laura_suter@keybank.com

The world continues to grapple with new and evolving challenges. But with each challenge comes the opportunity to reinvent and innovate for people and the planet. Our latest Sustainability Report outlines our work to make progress on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. 

Here are four stories that highlight our work to support our global communities: 

1. Accelerating access to healthcare 

Medtronic LABS accelerates access to healthcare in underserved communities around the world through technology. And now, the code behind its digital health platform SPICE is open source — making it available to anyone and searchable in the United Nations Development Program Digital X Solution Catalogue. Read about how LABS is also broadening its scope to expand access.  

2. Supporting conservation from the heart 

Every year, our therapies improve the lives of over 70 million people. Since 1999, we have also helped a different type of patient: wild animals. Tim Laske, Ph.D., Vice President of Research in Medtronic Cardiac Ablation Solutions, has combined his passions for engineering and wildlife biology to co-develop the Rhythm of Life study in partnership with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and the Conservation Biology Institute. The program donates Reveal LINQ™ Insertable Cardiac Monitors (ICM) to support species conservation efforts. In our 2023 fiscal year alone, Tim and team deployed 85 ICMs for 11 species of varying shapes and sizes, ranging from jaguars to penguins. Read more about how we’re supporting wildlife conservation. 

3. Building communities with diverse suppliers 

We know that diverse-owned* suppliers bring varied perspectives that help us better serve patients. And we have a role to play in helping those suppliers thrive. Springfield Spring and Stamping is a supplier of precision mechanical springs, wire forms, and stampings, which are used in many of our products. They knew obtaining corporate clients was key to growth. The owner, Norman Rodrigues, connected with the Medtronic Hispanic Latino Network, which helped guide the company to successfully meet our stringent criteria for quality, innovation, and supply chain standards. Read more about our partnership with Springfield Spring. 

4. Accelerating innovation in stroke care 

Last year, we launched the Medtronic Neurovascular Co-LabTM Platform, a virtual portal to accelerate innovation in stroke treatment by inviting doctors, individual inventors, entrepreneurs, startup companies, or anyone else passionate about improving stroke care to submit their ideas.  We received numerous submissions for groundbreaking innovations and invited a select group to present at the Co-Lab summit in August. The result was a rich forum for discussion and exchanging ideas that will advance what we know about stroke treatment. Read more about the launch of the Co-Lab Platform. 

Read more about our year-round sustainability efforts and impact in the full 2023 Sustainability Report and highlights.

International Olympic Committee news

Launched by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in September 2022, the Olympic Forest Network is adding an ambitious ecological restoration project in India’s eastern state of Odisha – an area with one of the largest populations of tribal communities and home to a wealth of biodiversity and endangered species.

Led by the Odisha Forest Department, the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust and The Habitats Trust, and driven by IOC Athletes’ Commission member and Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra, the Odisha Ridley Forest initiative aims to plant one million trees over an area covering 1,500 hectares.

Inspired by the IOC’s Olympic Forest project, the Olympic Forest Network is part of the Olympic Movement’s wider response to the global climate crisis. It aims to protect and restore existing forests, wildlife corridors and coastal watersheds, and to encourage regenerative agriculture. This latest addition means that the Olympic Forest Network now totals six initiatives, the others being in Brazil, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain.

“We are delighted that the Olympic Forest Network has inspired National Olympic Committees around the world to create impactful projects to protect and restore nature,” said IOC President Thomas Bach. “India’s ambitious Odisha Ridley Forest initiative demonstrates the wide-ranging social benefits that this can bring to local communities. Sport depends on a healthy environment and a stable climate, and it must be part of the solution to safeguard them. It gives it a special meaning that this project has been initiated by an Olympic champion who is also a member of the IOC Athletes’ Commission. I would like to congratulate Abhinav Bindra on his initiative to make this impressive project part of the Olympic Forest Network. I would also like to thank the state of Odisha for their great leadership.”

Supported by the Indian Olympic Association, the Odisha Ridley Forest initiative will support the ecological restoration of a variety of forest types, including grasslands and wetlands, and protect local plant and animal species. Community-based forest management is central to the project, which is aimed at improving the lives of the local tribes, many of whom rely heavily on forest resources for their livelihoods.

The project is located in the eastern state of Odisha, home to a diverse range of tribal groups, many of whom have a deep cultural and historical connection to the region’s forests. Some 37 per cent of the state’s population depend on non-timber forest products for food and medicine, and almost half the rural community rely on selling forest produce for their income.

“Sport and the environment share core values of discipline, respect, and perseverance,” said Abhinav Bindra, Olympic gold medallist, member of the IOC Athletes’ Commission and founder of the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust. “My Olympic journey and the ‘Odisha Ridley Forest’ project both reflect these principles. The Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust is proud to support this effort, blending the spirit of sportsmanship with ecological commitment. Together, we aim for a future where nature and sport unite for our planet’s betterment.”

“As we embark on the Odisha Ridley Forest project, we not only commit ourselves to ecological restoration but also set the stage for a brighter future,” said the Honourable Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Naveen Patnaik. “Odisha envisions a world where sport inspires our youth, and our youth, in turn, become the champions of a sustainable tomorrow. This initiative reflects our unwavering dedication to preserving our environment and nurturing the values of sportsmanship. Together, we shall lead the way in creating a harmonious blend of nature and human endeavour, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

Global green shoots of the Olympic Forest Network

Since the Network’s inception just over a year ago, five other projects have been included. Beyond tree planting, the Olympic Forest Network projects can include protection or restoration of existing forests, wildlife corridors, and coastal watersheds and ecosystems, together with regenerative agriculture.

Healthy forests, wetlands and other ecosystems not only capture carbon from the atmosphere. They also safeguard nature and help communities become more resilient and adapt to the effects of climate change, such as droughts, heatwaves, floods and landslides.

Brazil

The NOC will restore 10 hectares of degraded forest within the Tefé National Forest, located in the heart of the Amazon. The Tefé National Forest had been significantly deforested but was designated as a Protected Area some 20 years ago. It is an area which allows natural resources to be used by local traditional/ancient populations in accordance with sustainable management techniques. Working with a local community to plant native trees, the project aims to absorb about 1,400 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year.

Papua New Guinea

The NOC has partnered with local communities, the National Fisheries Authority and the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority to restore a 3km strip of endangered mangroves and support a vital ecosystem. The project will be extended in the coming years and is connected to the Love Your Coast programme, which involves athletes in advocacy and education.

Portugal

The NOC will contribute to the Natura 2000 network of legally protected areas. In March 2023, 811 trees were planted in partnership with Worldwide Olympic Partner Procter & Gamble (P&G), and with the technical support of the Plantar uma Árvore association. In the same month, a further 10,000 trees were planted in partnership with Worldwide Olympic Partner Toyota, with the technical support of the governmental institute ICNF (Institute for Nature and Forest Conservation) and the Abramud e Sentido Verde association. Looking ahead, the objective is to conduct reforesting actions between October and February each year, through to and including 2028.

Slovenia

The NOC has organised the planting of 16,000 trees by athletes and local communities, restoring woodland areas in four locations across the country.

Spain

The NOC is planting 5,000 trees at five locations across the country. Reforested areas incorporate educational and sports-related elements, such as bicycle tracks, exercise circuits and onsite educational programmes. Planting started in March 2023.

The Olympic Forest Network requires that NOCs submit formal annual reports about their projects. Under the principles set up by the IOC Executive Board, the projects are required to:

Contribute to enhancing climate and nature protection and resilience;Support and be delivered in partnership with local communities;Be developed and implemented in collaboration with the relevant experts and authorities; andHave a long-term maintenance plan in place.

The launch of the Olympic Forest Network was inspired by the IOC’s Olympic Forest project, which involves planting around 600,000 trees across 90 villages in Mali and Senegal, creating social, economic and environmental benefits for local communities.

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The International Olympic Committee is a not-for-profit, civil, non-governmental, international organisation made up of volunteers which is committed to building a better world through sport. It redistributes more than 90 per cent of its income to the wider sporting movement, which means that every day the equivalent of USD 4.2 million goes to help athletes and sports organisations at all levels around the world.

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For more information, please contact the IOC Media Relations Team: 
Tel: +41 21 621 6000, email: pressoffice@olympic.org, or visit our web site at www.ioc.org.

Broadcast quality footage

The IOC Newsroom: https://newsroom.olympics.com/

Videos

YouTube: www.youtube.com/iocmedia

Photos

For an extensive selection of photos available shortly after each event, please follow us on Flickr.

To request archive photos and footage, please contact our Images team at: images@olympic.org.

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Many groups are pushing corporations and other large entities to gather and publish data on their carbon emissions. The stated purpose of these efforts is that this data will inform public policy decisions on carbon use and drive investment capital towards carbon reduction efforts.

A large number of carbon emission estimates are already available. Even a cursory review of this information shows little agreement between each estimation system. The charts below show comparisons of the carbon emission energy estimates for three (unnamed) major ESG data providers. As you can see, they disagree on how intense the emissions are on these entities, more than they agree! There is almost no correlation between the carbon intensity readings for these 500+ entities.

See Low Correlation Between Sources A and B

See Low Correlation Between Sources B and C

See Low Correlation Between Sources A and C

These data sets don’t disagree because the analysts who built them are lazy or sloppy. They disagree because carbon output is systematically difficult to measure. As you may have noted, we compared “intensity” measures rather than “absolute emission” measures. This is because total carbon emission is connected to the size of an entity (in general, large entities emit more). However, other factors create other large variations.

1. Certain industries emit more carbon than others. Some industries have bigger opportunities to reduce their carbon emissions than others. Some industries began reducing emissions long ago—other are just starting.

2. Business structure. Does an entity outsource production to independent suppliers (and shift emissions to them)? Does it own or lease its buildings? Is some carbon emitted by a subsidiary or joint venture who is not included in the business’ emissions report?

3. What method is the entity using to measure emissions? There are hundreds of software platforms and tracking systems. Even if an entity “assures” the number it reports, differences arise because each assurance system uses different measurement methods.

4. How recently was the data gathered? Many entities are only just now (in 2023) reporting their 2021 emissions.

5. How complete is the data for a country or industry? According to Bloomberg, only about 20% of the 15,000 entities they track have disclosed their Scope 3 carbon.

6. Does the reported data stand up under scrutiny? Many ESG data providers (including those we used for the illustration above), attempt to check the quality of an entity’s reporting against the values suggested by their own proprietary models. When the entity’s report is substantially different from what a model predicts, data providers ask questions to see if they can determine the source for the difference. In many cases, data sources consider their model’s estimate more reliable than what an entity reports.

Regulated disclosure of emission numbers may result in more data from more entities. Over time we need reliable information to drive good decision-making. Both data source modeled estimates of GHG emissions and internal company self reported metrics are useful for decision making at a global, societal level. And this data may increasingly drive better performance at the company level. Both modeled and company reported sources should show direction and adjustments to reflect activities that have been done and the speed of change. Of course, they may disagree on direction and speed of change over the short term. But, their signals should converge over the long term, since truth will eventually drive them towards each other.

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