Tag: 3BL

In an age where environmental responsibility is not just a preference but a necessity, industry leaders are constantly looking for new ways to transition from linear into more circular operations. This transition underscores the importance of not only ensuring efficient production, but also the conscientious disposal and reuse of waste materials.

DP World, a leading provider of end-to-end supply chain solutions, offers an example of how a global company is actively implementing strategies that reflect circular economic principles. Unlike the traditional linear model, where products are created, used, and then disposed of, the circular model focuses on creating systems where resources are reused, repurposed, and recycled continuously, minimizing waste and environmental impact.

This is particularly important in developing nations like the Dominican Republic, where DP World runs an extensive port facility on the Punta Caucedo peninsula.

In general, developing nations can face challenges in securing consistent and affordable access to raw materials, so implementing circular principles can help maximize the use of available resources. These nations are also, unfortunately, at higher risk from the adverse effects of environmental degradation, which can be mitigated by aggressive reuse and recycling.

DP World has significantly expanded its footprint in the Dominican Republic since initiating operations in 2003. The country’s prime geographical position makes it a key gateway for cargo redistribution throughout the U.S., Caribbean, and Central and South America. Today, DP World’s operations help make the Port of Caucedo a premier freight and logistics hub for global markets.

As a result, DP World is committed to reducing its carbon emissions and waste throughout the country. The company recently inked a deal with Cemex’s circular waste management business, Regenera, to enhance sustainable waste management in the Dominican Republic. Under the terms of the agreement, Regenera will transform waste tires from DP World’s operations into an environmentally friendly fossil fuel alternative that they will use to power their cement kilns.

Most people are unaware that tires have a high biomass content, making them an important resource in the production of alternative fuels. But when left in landfills, they release methane emissions, making them environmental hazards. Preventing the tires from hitting the landfill preempts the release of these harmful emissions, while turning them into alternative fuels helps reduce energy consumption and emissions – it’s a win-win.

As global industries continue to pivot towards sustainable models, pioneering partnerships like that of DP World and Regenera are lighting the way. Together, they’re not only redefining the future of waste management, they are providing a blueprint for a greener, more responsible global economy.

SCHENECTADY, NY, September 21, 2023 /3BL/ – KeyBank will open a new, full-service, state-of-the-art branch in Schenectady, NY. The new Altamont Avenue branch, located at 1703 Altamont Avenue, will open at 9:00 a.m. on Monday October 2, 2023, with a grand opening and ribbon cutting on Friday October 6, 2023 at Noon.

“This new branch is yet another way KeyBank is investing in the Capital Region. We look forward to meeting and working more closely with our new neighbors, clients and community partners,” said Fran O’Rourke, KeyBank Capital Region Market President. “We are excited about the opportunity this new branch provides for us to deepen the strong relationships we have in the Capital Region.”

In addition to high-touch banking services, this new state-of-the-art branch will offer full-service banking capabilities, feature digital video screens and a client hospitality area that can double as an area for financial seminars and group presentations with clients and the public, as well as a drive-up teller line, ATM and free parking. Longtime banker Kevin Eberz will serve as branch manager at the new location.

“KeyBank’s new Altamont Avenue branch is uniquely designed to give our clients a more personal banking experience, with even better access to a full suite of products and services,” said Eberz. “We are excited to bring this more consultative approach to Schenectady and demonstrate our commitment to helping our clients move forward on their financial journey.”

In addition to helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals, the new Altamont Avenue branch will also serve clients seeking to develop and grow businesses in the area.

As part of the opening of this new branch, KeyBank is consolidating its branches located at 3083 Carman Road in Rotterdam and 1708 Broadway in Schenectady into the new location on Altamont Avenue. Those locations will close at 3:00 p.m. on Friday September 29, 2023.

Since 2017, KeyBank has made more than $1.14 billion in investments in the Capital Region, supporting affordable housing and community development projects; small business and home lending to low-to-moderate income individuals and communities, and transformative philanthropy.

ABOUT KEYBANK
KeyBank’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 Member FDIC.

CFMA #230908-2237430

Nearly 70% of employees say it’s not enough for their employers to generate a profit. Employees believe their employers have a responsibility to positively impact society, from fellow employees to communities. In order to help companies better act on insights like this one, we developed a brief eBook exploring the many benefits of purpose to supercharge and enrich culture. Download your copy here.

Originally published on bloomberg.com

11-week philanthropic and corporate effort will champion climate solutions and mobilize action ahead of the UN climate summit in the United Arab Emirates

Bloomberg Countdown kicks off with historic announcement of the first-ever COP-hosted “Local Climate Action Summit” in Dubai to formally recognize local leaders’ critical role in the climate fight

NEW YORK, September 21, 2023 /3BL/ – Michael R. Bloomberg, UN Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions and founder of Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies, announced the Bloomberg Countdown to COP28, an annual effort designed to turbocharge climate progress from public, private, and civil society actors around the world. This year, Bloomberg L.P., Bloomberg Philanthropies, and their partners will embark on a countdown with a series of initiatives, reports, and partnerships to help deliver on UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ call for transformative and decisive action ahead of this year’s COP in Dubai.

COP28 will be a milestone moment as the world comes together to deliver the Global Stocktake – the first-ever comprehensive assessment of national contributions and progress against the goals of the Paris Agreement, including keeping global temperatures below 1.5 degrees.

“In the leadup to COP28, one thing is clear – we must move faster and do more, at every level and across every sector, to curb emissions,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions and founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies. “Across Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies, our teams will continue working with our partners to accelerate the clean energy transition, empower local climate action, and mobilize businesses and financial institutions. Given the threat of climate change to public health and the economy, there is no time to waste.”

“As we approach COP28, the global stocktake is our compass – telling us where we are and where we need to go,” said UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell. “The global stocktake is a critical opportunity for immediate course correction, a moment when the world can assess its trajectory and recalibrate its efforts. The urgency of this moment cannot be overstated. Our planet is in peril and this is our best chance to strengthen climate policies and turn commitments into action. Businesses, investors and cities all play a crucial role in delivering this action and mobilizing this action and these stakeholders is critical to delivery of the goals of the Paris Agreement.”

At the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Ambition Summit, Mike Bloomberg kicked off this year’s Bloomberg Countdown by announcing the COP28 Local Climate Action Summit alongside COP28 President-Designate Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, marking the first time a COP Presidency has announced a formal summit designed to bring subnational leaders into the COP program and process.

“Mike Bloomberg brings an unparalleled commitment to climate action. He has dedicated his life to building coalitions across the public and private sectors to drive meaningful climate impact,” said Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President-Designate. “As we continue moving towards this year’s COP28, one which is underpinned by a core pillar of full inclusivity, I look forward to working with Mike and cities, the private sector, and many more core constituencies in the COP process.”

In its third year, Bloomberg’s Countdown to COP28 builds on the actions taken by Bloomberg L.P., Bloomberg Philanthropies, and their partners in the leadup to COP27 in Egypt and COP26 in Glasgow. Bloomberg Philanthropies and Bloomberg L.P., the global business and financial information and news leader, will support the UAE Presidency as an official partner of COP28, with a focus around three priority themes: catalyzing cities, states, and subnational action; supporting the COP28 energy transition action agenda; and increasing clean energy development and capital mobilization. At COP28, Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies will continue its annual support of several pavilions across the Blue and Green Zones, including the UN Climate Change Pavilion, and host a series of sponsored events, installations, and engagement programs. This year will also deepen the legacy of Bloomberg’s work in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Catalyzing Cities, States, and Subnational Action

In line with the COP28 Presidency and UNFCCC’s commitment to an inclusive COP28, Bloomberg Philanthropies is working to facilitate an inaugural global delegation of mayors and governors at the World Climate Action Summit, which will firmly establish subnational governments’ voices in global climate talks. The complementary COP28 Local Climate Action Summit, co-hosted by Bloomberg Philanthropies and the COP28 Presidency, will unite subnational and national leaders to establish a new paradigm for fully integrated climate action between governments at all levels.

The Summit will be supported by world-class networks and organizations, including ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy, University of Maryland, The Climate Group, Under2 Coalition, UN-Habitat, United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) and others.

Additionally, Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies will collaborate with regional organizations and programs in the UAE on cultural and community-focused engagements that will inspire local climate action, engage young people, and create a lasting legacy for COP28 in the Middle East.

Bloomberg L.P. Editorial, Research and Media

Building on Mike Bloomberg’s longstanding commitment to delivering accurate, transparent climate and energy data to government, businesses, and financial leaders ahead of international policy negotiations, Bloomberg L.P. will help provide access to comprehensive data, insights, and expert analysis to ensure decision-makers around the world have the data points they need to take meaningful climate action.

BloombergNEF (BNEF) will provide key insights on the transition to a low-carbon economy and will publish timely new research throughout the countdown including: Climatescope, a market assessment tool, report and index that evaluates the relative readiness of individual nations to put energy transition investment to work effectively; a NetZero Pathfinders report on policies for greening heavy industry; the Zero-Emission Vehicles Factbook, which documents the progress that has been made towards global net zero in the road transport sector; as well as the Climate Policy Factbook: COP28 Edition, an annual report that evaluates the progress made by each G-20 nation and informs policy priorities ahead of COP28. 

Bloomberg Intelligence (BI) will deliver a suite of research reports and host events around key COP focus areas sharing insights, perspectives and implications for companies and investors.

Bloomberg Green, the editorial brand of Bloomberg L.P. focused on climate change and the energy transition, will lift its paywall to provide free content for the duration of COP28 and host live events in ​​Dubai. Audiences will find content powered by Bloomberg’s exclusive data and reporting across the Green website, two daily newsletters, a special section in the Bloomberg Green magazine, timely episodes of the Zero podcast, television, video, and more.

Through a Bloomberg for Education and Bloomberg Corporate Philanthropy partnership, students from across the globe will have free access to a series of interactive, e-learning courses – including a new ESG certificate – for the duration of COP28. The CPD-accredited courses feature financial case studies, real world data, and hands-on learning exercises for students of all levels. Across three distinct certificates, participants can gain a fundamental understanding of the financial ecosystem, and the different career paths available, learn how different markets develop and interact, and explore the principles of sustainable investing.

Improving Disclosure, Access and Transparency to Climate-related Data

To help inform financial markets and other stakeholders driving the transition to a net-zero economy, Mike Bloomberg established both the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) and the Climate Data Steering Committee (CDSC) to increase transparency and access to key climate-related information. Formed in 2015 by the Financial Stability Board, and Chaired by Mike Bloomberg, the TCFD’s disclosure framework helped increase consistency and comparability of climate-related financial disclosures for investors, lenders, and insurance underwriters around the world. After global adoption of the framework from companies, standard setters, and regulatory bodies, the TCFD will issue its final Status Report in October 2023.

Supported by Mike Bloomberg and recommended by the CDSC, the Net-Zero Data Public Utility (NZDPU) will bring greater transparency and data integrity to financial markets and consumers and provide the ability to monitor progress against emissions reductions targets. A proof of concept will be delivered by COP28 and once developed, the NZDPU is intended to ultimately be integrated with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)’s Global Climate Action Portal.

Accelerating the Clean Energy Transition and Capital Mobilization

Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies will continue their respective efforts to help move the world beyond coal, accelerate the clean energy transition, and advance stronger climate actions from carbon-intensive industries that help put them on net-zero pathways. Through ongoing stewardship of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) and the Climate Finance Leadership Initiative (CFLI), dedicated personnel from Bloomberg L.P. are helping both to harness the power of capital markets to support the transition to a net-zero economy.

Ahead of COP28, GFANZ will publish a set of resources that will help describe and measure transition finance, and will continue to work with public and private sector stakeholders to tackle the energy transition in hard-to-abate sectors. Working with international financial institutions, GFANZ will continue efforts to mobilize capital for just transitions in emerging markets and developing economies including ongoing support for the Indonesia and Viet Nam Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs). In parallel, CFLI – through its Country Pilots in India and Colombia – will continue to work with local and international financial institutions and corporates, and public finance institutions and governments, to mobilize private capital for country-tailored catalytic financing and policy solutions in sectors critical to supporting these countries’ climate ambitions.

Unlocking ESG Investment with Data and Solutions

Bloomberg L.P.’s Sustainable Finance Solutions team will continue to expand its award-winning range of ESG data and analytics to help investors understand their exposure to climate risk, including transition and physical risk, and make well informed investment decisions.

Bloomberg and COP

Globally recognized for his work to fight climate change and accelerate the energy transition, Mike Bloomberg has long been dedicated to strengthening climate capacity across the UN and promoting climate ambition and solutions at previous COPs. To date, Mike’s commitment to strengthen and support the UN’s climate agenda has included filling the funding gap created when the Trump Administration revoked federal financial support, publishing annual assessments of U.S. subnational action to reduce emissions consistent with the Paris Agreement, and bringing together influential change-makers and leaders from across government, business, finance, technology, media, and the arts to help accelerate the clean energy transition, inspire local climate action, mobilize climate finance, and protect the ocean.

To learn more about Bloomberg L.P.’s sustainability initiatives and to read the latest 2022 Impact Report, visit www.bloomberg.com/impact. Bloomberg Philanthropies’ 2022 Annual Report is available at https://annualreport.bloomberg.org/.

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About Bloomberg on Climate: 
Led by Michael R. Bloomberg, a global climate champion and Special Envoy to the UN Secretary-General on Climate Ambition and Solutions, Bloomberg Philanthropies and Bloomberg L.P. are tackling the climate crisis from every angle. Bloomberg Philanthropies is at the forefront of U.S. and global efforts to fight climate change and protect the environment, bringing together mayors and other government and business leaders, grassroots partners, and environmental advocates and scientists across a key array of issues. These philanthropic efforts are accelerating the transition from coal to clean energy, improving air quality and public health, advancing city and local climate action, protecting and preserving ocean ecosystems, and helping unlock billions of dollars in sustainable finance. At the same time, Bloomberg LP is providing the global financial community with data-driven insights, news, and analysis on climate-related issues. As a company, Bloomberg LP is also leading by example, including committing to 100% renewable energy by 2025 and taking action in the communities where its employees live and work. And through stewardship of the Climate Finance Leadership Initiative, the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero, and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, dedicated personnel from Bloomberg L.P. are helping to harness the power of the capital markets to address climate change and support the transition to a net-zero economy.

About Bloomberg Philanthropies: 
Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a pro bono consultancy that works in cities around the world. In 2022, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed US$ 1.7 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

About Bloomberg L.P.: 
Bloomberg is a global leader in business and financial information, delivering trusted data, news, and insights that bring transparency, efficiency, and fairness to markets. The company helps connect influential communities across the global financial ecosystem via reliable technology solutions that enable our customers to make more informed decisions and foster better collaboration. For more information, visit Bloomberg.com/company or request a demo.

Media Contacts: 
Oisin O Malley – Bloomberg LP 
oomalley2@bloomberg.net

Daphne Wang – Bloomberg Philanthropies 
daphne@bloomberg.org

There may not be street-style photographers, but NYC Climate Week has red carpets, VIPs and plenty of insider gossip! This annual global event dedicated to raising awareness and taking action on climate change is one of the most widely watched environmental moments in the world…kind of like seeing who’s sitting front row at NYFW. Climate Week is held in partnership with the United Nations during the start of the General Assembly, a series of sessions on topics crucial to the global population from September to December every year.

As a fashion company, it’s essential that we understand our role in this crucial initiative. You may have heard of Tapestry’s “ESG Strategy” (ESG stands for environmental, social, and governance) – what we call the Fabric of Change. We think of this as a blueprint for how we’ll weave together our business ambitions with our commitments to overcome some of the most pressing issues facing our industry and society at large. During Climate Week, the “E” or sustainability part of our blueprint comes into focus as we listen, learn, and share how the fashion industry can lead the way to a future that is both beautiful and responsible.

Real change requires bold action. Our journey to lasting, sustainable change includes deep analysis of all of our environmental impacts – emissions, water use and waste to landfill, as well as renewable energy adoption across our operations, environmentally preferred materials and a more resilient supply chain. As the impacts of climate change become more prominent, and in anticipation of the climate challenges of tomorrow, we are working to create a more responsible business model today.

Tapestry has four main focus areas, including regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, resource efficiency, and circularity. Scroll down to read more about about efforts in each area.

Regenerative agriculture is a set of farming and grazing techniques that provides environmental benefits, such as soil health and fertility, biodiversity, water quality, reduced impact on climate change, and social and economic support. Within food and farming systems, standard practices often strip soil of its nutrients and require external inputs to the environment that may cause long term harm. Regenerative agriculture is a different approach to these systems that aims to maintain and rejuvenate grasslands, increase biological diversity, soil health and productivity, and could lead to increased carbon absorption. At Tapestry, we want to source materials that don’t just mitigate harm but rather have a real, positive impact on their environment; our partnership with organizations like the Savory Institute that are leading the charge towards regenerative agriculture reflect this commitment.

Regenerative agriculture is part of our broader commitment to improving the sustainability of our leather supply chain. For example, we’ve committed to sourcing at least 90% of our leather from tanneries rated gold or silver by the Leather Working Group, which means that they have achieved the highest environmental standards in the industry. In FY2022, 96% of the leather we sourced was made from these tanneries. By seeking out suppliers that practice regenerative agriculture and produce materials, we are focused on the holistic impact of land management and grazing practices that not only reduce the impact of the leather we use in our products, but also have a net positive impact on the overall environment.

You can learn more about regenerative grazing here.

Want to see regenerative leather in action? Check out Coach’s Rogue bag that is made with regenerative leather.

Biodiversity: Fashion’s Connection to Nature 
Biodiversity – essentially all living things on Earth – is the cornerstone of a healthy planet is the cornerstone of a healthy planet, and fashion can play a crucial role in preserving it. The fashion industry relies on various natural fibers, such as cotton, viscose, hemp, and silk, which are derived from different plant species. Tapestry recognizes the impact our business has on our natural environments and know that we have a responsibility to reduce impact in a meaningful and measurable way.

We aim to attain 95% traceability and mapping of our raw materials to ensure a transparent and responsible supply chain, and identifying all low-, medium-, and high-risk impacts to biodiversity across our supply chain. Tapestry is a signatory of The Fashion Pact, a global initiative of fashion and textile companies that are committed to stopping global warming, protecting biodiversity, and protecting the oceans. Tapestry has also joined to Textile Exchange’s Deforestation-Free Call to Action, in which we commit to sourcing leather from deforestation/conversion-free supply chains by 2030.

In FY2022, we launched a $3 million four-year partnership between the Tapestry Foundation and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) designed to accelerate the development of an industry-wide standard to certify deforestation and conversion-free (DCF) leather originating from Brazil as part of Tapestry’s commitment to transparency and supply chain traceability.

In the first year, the project has restored nearly 11,000 acres of pasture and riparian areas and WWF has held seven training courses to initiate seed collection community projects with 125 rural people reached through these courses (67% women including settlers and local landowners). Native seed collection, which is a key step in the recovery of degraded areas, contributes directly to economic empowerment of rural families, the appreciation of local knowledge, and the empowerment of these women. Women who complete these courses and become involved in seed collection can substantially increase their household income.

You can read more about the WWF partnership here and here.

Resource Efficiency: Doing More with Less 
Resource efficiency is a critical aspect of combating climate change, and fashion can contribute by optimizing its production processes. By reducing waste and conserving resources, we can minimize our carbon footprint. This means adopting practices like lean manufacturing, where we only produce what is necessary, and using advanced technologies to maximize material utilization.

Tapestry has committed to procuring 100% renewable energy in our company stores, offices and fulfilment centers. Like our emissions reduction strategy, we’re focused on reducing our impact on climate change with a focus on renewable energy. For example, our global environments team has been prioritizing a transition to energy efficient LED lights in both new stores and store remodels.

In December of 2022, we joined The Fashion Pact’s Collective Virtual Power Purchasing Agreement (CVPPA) alongside 11 other brands. In doing so, we commit ourselves to accelerate renewable electricity adoption by investing in new clean energy infrastructure. In FY2022, Tapestry also procured 67% of our energy for stores, offices and fulfillment centers from renewable resources.

We also are working to engage directly with our suppliers to support their transition to renewable energy. According to Higg FEM and survey responses from LWG audits, our suppliers reported that 9% of their total electricity consumption came from renewable sources, compared to 7% the year prior.

Circularity: Closing the Loop 
Circularity in fashion is about creating a closed-loop system where products are designed, produced, and disposed of in a way that minimizes waste and extends the lifespan of fashion items. By embracing circularity, we reduce the need for constant production of new garments and decrease the environmental impact of fashion.

Longevity is a key factor in all products made by Tapestry’s iconic house of brands. We see this as an expression of a future that is both beautiful and responsible. This is one of the reasons Tapestry is staying the course on using leather as a component of so many of our products: Leather is one of the most durable natural materials that can last for generations.

In FY2023, Tapestry participated in an $18M funding round for Gen Phoenix, an innovative sustainable materials company. Gen Phoenix uses a patented hydroentanglement technology to create high-quality materials from recycled leather waste— specifically, offcuts from tanneries that might otherwise have been sent to landfill. Read more about our investment here.

On a brand level, Coach has offered repairs for their products for 30 years. This repair program supplements what is now a full portion of the brand’s business: Coach (Re)Loved. The (Re)Loved program takes Coach products and either restores them to their original glory, upcrafts them into a new, one-of-a-kind product, or repurposes damaged pieces into completely new products. The program has given over 10,000 products a second life and is currently being expanded into China, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

The launch of Coachtopia, a sub-brand of Coach that is driven by circular design, is another example of how Coach is implementing circularity into their business model. Coachtopia’s products are made from primarily recycled materials and designed to be repaired, reworked, and reimagined.

kate spade new york has partnered with ThredUp, one of the largest apparel resale platforms in the world, to create the Pre-Loved Program, in which customers can turn gently used clothes for kate spade shopping credit. In Spring 2023, to coincide with the brands 30th anniversary, we took new steps on our journey to drive progress including reimagining the Sam Icon bag using 100% recycled materials. The new Sam Icon is made with 100% recycled nylon shell on the outside and 100% recycled polyester lining (and love) on the inside.

Tapestry is a member of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Fashion Advisory Board, an international organization working to accelerate the transition towards a circular economy, as part of our commitment to innovating and scaling circular business models. As Network Partners as well as members of the foundation, we hope to find areas of opportunity within our businesses and within the fashion industry to implement circularity into how we operate.

Climate change affects us all, and it’s imperative that we take concrete steps to address it. Let’s embrace these sustainable practices not just during Climate Week but as a part of our everyday operations. By doing so, we can pave the way for a more responsible fashion industry and make a positive impact on the world we live in. Tapestry is shaping lifestyles to contribute to a culture of change that will help us realize a better-made future. We can use our collective strengths to help make the fashion industry more sustainable.

Originally published by the World Economic Forum on September 19, 2023 
By Neil Russell, Chief Administrative Officer, Sysco

We know that climate change contributes to agricultural land degradation, but it also has a ripple effect on the food ecosystem.Regenerative agriculture – a combination of farming techniques – can restore the land and sequester large amounts of carbon.Better collaboration along the food value chain and among other parties is needed to catalyze financial investment in regenerative practices, provide resources to farmers and drive market demand.

For decades, industrialized agriculture has been optimized for efficiency and increased yields to feed a growing global population. This industrialization has led to one-third of human-driven global greenhouse gas emissions being attributed to food systems, primarily from agriculture and land use changes, according to a UN study published in Nature Food.

Furthermore, it has led to our food system becoming under strain and less resilient to climate impacts. In 2019, the IPCC showed that climate change exacerbates land degradation and threatens food production. Increases in temperatures and extreme weather events, from droughts to floods, have threatened production yields and changed where crops can be grown. This impact has a ripple effect on the food ecosystem, causing short-term supply shocks and long-term shifts in yields and price volatility, ultimately impacting food security.

Agriculture can solve its own problem

Regenerative practices – a combination of farming techniques that look to reverse the impacts of mass farming – have been shown to restore the land and sequester carbon by up to 20 tons per acre per year, improving soil health and water retention, enhancing biodiversity, making farmland more resilient and improving food security.

In addition, following the transition and investment, regenerative farms have been shown to have more consistent and higher yields, higher-margin crops and lower input costs, unlocking more profitability for farmers – all while combating climate change.

Over the past decade, some players have slowly transitioned their production to regenerative agriculture. However, these innovative practices have only penetrated high-margin foods at a relatively low scale. We will need more collaboration among the food value chain and its stakeholders to increase adoption across the entire food ecosystem.

As the largest food distributor in the world, Sysco has a key role in connecting the food value chain to help drive this change and protect food security for generations to come. But we can’t do it alone. We need others to come to the table to support farmers and growers as they adopt regenerative agriculture practices and transform farming so that it is economically viable and benefits the planet and people.

“We need more companies across the food value chain, governments, industry experts, academia and non-profits to come together to empower farmers through education, financing and other resources required to make this transition.”— Neil Russell, Chief Administrative Officer, Sysco

Collaboration to catalyze regenerative agriculture

Three specific areas where collaboration is needed:

1. Develop effective policies that generate financial investment in regenerative practices

The transition to regenerative practices takes time. According to a recent report, it requires a three-to-five-year transition period, depending on the crop, before producing higher yields.

It’s also complex; applying these practices can vary by region, crop, product or farm. For these reasons, farmers can understandably be reluctant to adopt new practices. Collaboration to develop effective public policy can drive investment and enable farmers to make changes. Importantly, this approach will also help ensure new methods don’t cause further food inflation and reduce food security.

2. Empower farmers andmi ranchers through education, financial and technical resources

We need more companies across the food value chain, governments, industry experts, academia and non-profits to come together to empower farmers through education, financing and other resources required to make this transition.

Together, we can engage more farmers and share information about the benefits of regenerative practices and how to implement new techniques and equipment that facilitate regenerative practices. It will require suppliers that purchase agricultural goods to enable farmers to transition. Buyers of finished goods such as Sysco can also help by setting goals and expectations for regenerative practices from their suppliers, providing guidance on transitioning and driving connectivity between farmers and other stakeholders.

Sysco has been driving change in this way for decades. For example, in the Southern Great Plains, Sysco partnered with one of our key suppliers, Cargill and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to bring financial and technical resources to restore grasslands and protect wildlife habitats across 1 million acres in one of America’s most critical beef-producing regions.

Through these grants, conservation experts are working alongside ranchers and farmers in five states to improve soil health and promote biodiversity while sequestering carbon and strengthening the land’s resilience to extreme weather.

3. Drive market demand, increasing consumer awareness and defining regenerative agriculture standards

Ultimately, we must aim to drive market demand for products from regenerative practices. Consumer packaged goods, retail and food distributors such as Sysco must raise the profile of regenerative foods, highlight and explain certifications to customers and increase consumers’ understanding that regenerative benefits human health, nutrition and the environment.

To do this effectively, we must also clearly define regenerative standards. Today, there are varying frameworks, definitions and interpretations of regenerative agriculture standards. That makes it difficult to assess and measure outcomes, which can further hinder adoption by farmers. In addition, consumers appreciate clear market identifiers such as certifications, which makes it easier for them to make purchasing decisions.

Sysco is working to drive awareness with our customers about the general importance of regenerative processes and how they can find products grown using these practices within our assortment to enhance the sustainability of their menus. For example, we are working to identify regenerative certifications in our product assortment to make it easy to support these practices.

If we want to continue nourishing people with all our planet’s goodness, more collaboration is needed to drive sustainable food transformation while keeping costs affordable. At Sysco, we are committed to supporting the transition and leveraging our position at the centre of the food value chain to influence change in all three ways discussed above.

We have made progress but aim to help scale these practices throughout the food industry. These changes will help us secure food supply for generations to come.

View original content here.

Agricultural productivity is enormously complex. The success of each crop grown on a field depends on countless variables, including climatic factors, nutrient and water availability, pest and disease populations, crop protection inputs, on-farm practices, and more. Since we cannot see what happens below ground, an additional obstacle for growers is that they have no opportunity to inspect the quality of the plant’s root system during the growing season.

This is particularly important because roots play a crucial role in supporting plant health and crop yields. In fruits and vegetables, root systems affect yield and quality by 30-50%. A well-developed root network absorbs a greater volume of water and nutrients from the soil; it anchors the plant and protects it against the weather; it can store energy for growth; it interacts beneficially with a range of biotic and abiotic factors. But this does not happen automatically. Just as we pay attention to many visible indicators of foliar plant health, we must also work to secure the health of our plants’ roots, protecting them from pests, diseases, nematodes, and stresses.

What makes Root2Success work?

While many products or practices could make a difference to root health in isolation, Root2Success is a holistic approach. It uses a full toolbox of innovations to meet soil challenges on a localized, custom basis.

The Root2Success toolbox starts with seeds and rootstocks from the De Ruiter and Seminis portfolios, selected for yield potential and climatic suitability. Supporting these are crop protection products, including biologicals, complemented by a digital support tool, Nematool. Depending on local conditions and backed up by research data, the program is designed to best fit grower needs. As such, growers might choose a combination of Serenade, a biological fungicide; BioAct, a biological nematicide; Velum (Verango), a small molecule nematicide; Previcur Energy, a powerful solution for disease control; or Emesto Prime for control of Rhizoctonia fungi.

However, supplying customized product packages is only a half of the equation. Root2Success is also about using these products in the most efficient, sustainable way. That is why the concept also involves the use of a drip irrigation system. The growers who participate in the program use drip irrigation systems to water and feed their crops with nutrients. That is where Root2Success comes in: our tailored solution specifically developed to promote root health. It comprises a convenient package of seeds, crop protection products, biologicals, digital tools and other support services, curated at farm level. Improved root health maximizes plant productivity, resulting in higher marketable yield for growers, while minimizing environmental impact.

Once you have calibrated it for optimal delivery of water and nutrients, it stands to reason that you can also use it for optimal delivery of biological and chemical crop protection products.

Albert Schirring , Bayer strategy lead for vegetable crops

In partnership with irrigation specialist Netafim, Bayer created a training module for growers on how to calibrate their drip irrigation system.

Another practice Root2Success helps growers adopt is solarization: When sunlight heats the soil to high temperatures for a certain period, nematodes and fungi are eradicated without needing to apply chemical products. With the help of the temperature-based soil-sensor Nematool, growers receive real-time temperature data on their field.

Another practice Root2Success helps growers adopt is solarization: When sunlight heats the soil to high temperatures for a certain period, nematodes and fungi are eradicated without needing to apply chemical products. With the help of the temperature-based soil-sensor Nematool, growers receive real-time temperature data on their field.

This practice has actually been around for 30 years, but for most of that time it was not popular because of the costs involved. But now, especially in Europe, strict regulatory landscapes are reducing availability of crop protection products for the control of soil-borne pests and diseases, and growers are starting to rediscover soil solarization.

That’s why we are working to make this technology available to all growers who are interested in it, and to spread awareness of the best ways to use solarization to control pests and diseases.

Albert Schirring , Bayer strategy lead for vegetable crops

In fact, Nematool can be used for more than just tracking solarization. The data it generates can also be used during the growing season to gauge the timing of nematode outbreaks. It sends alerts to the grower’s smartphone, saying, “The critical nematode development stage has been reached – now is the right time to apply products,” or, “The soil temperature was not reached – please check solarization levels.” Either way, it powers smarter, timely and better decisions in growers’ fields.

Evolution and expansion

Root2Success has already undergone many improvements since its inception in 2016. Starting in Mexico, it has been taken up in the Mediterranean region, from Morocco to Türkiye. And it is going further still: Australia, Brazil, South Africa and Chile are among the countries conducting research into how Root2Success will work for them, aiming to replicate the successful field results to further develop the concept. Its crop portfolio is growing too: from tomatoes to peppers, potatoes, onions, melons, and cucumbers, with many more – including citrus, banana, apple and grape – coming into focus.

All this means more growers and more partners coming on board, too. A partnership with PepsiCo in Mexico has even broader horizons, employing Root2Success as part of an overall sustainable production concept that optimizes soil health and root health, boosting the performance of the crop while enrolling growers in certification schemes that demonstrate their knowledge in these subjects. Similar partnerships are being created in other countries, making the concept accessible to more and more growers.

Why is Root2Success so well-received?

“Because”, says Albert, “it puts the benefits for growers at its heart. What we do with Root2Success is to simplify on-farm operations, make what happens in the soil more visible, and identify ways to optimize when to apply different biological- or chemical-based crop protection products, together with improved genetics. Firstly, this secures marketable yield and quality; at the same time, it reduces environmental impacts of the crop protection being used; and it ensures that over time, root and soil health will improve, so we can sustain yields for the long term.”

Root2Success embodies the principle of regenerative agriculture: not just protecting roots but also healing them and activating their natural potential, so they can improve plant health year on year, while saving natural resources and sustaining soils. It’s a powerful concept – and it is ready to go global.

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Lee Green, the SAC’s Senior Director of Marketing & Communications, recently presented on intersection between emerging policies and packaging at the “Unlocking the Power of Packaging: From Supply Chain Efficiency to Improved Sustainability” dinner hosted by Billerud, a paper and packaging materials company based in Sweden. The presentation also included remarks from the company’s Business Relationship Manager, Adam Sarama, and Global Commercial Director, Robert Testa, as well as a case study in packaging optimization presented by Maja Midebo, Senior Packaging Designer, and Johan Matsson, Manager of the EMEA & US Account Management Team, followed by interactive roundtable discussions.

Green began his presentation with the caveat that, when it comes to packaging and policy, the SAC’s Higg tools should not be seen as compliance checklists. The tools, which measure and score a company’s sustainability performance, should instead be seen as analytical frameworks, designed to provide actionable insights for continuous improvement on sustainable practices across the supply chain — including packaging. “Imagine you’re a sailor navigating treacherous waters without a compass — that’s what sustainability efforts are like without the Higg Index,” Green said. “The Higg tools provide a high-resolution map of your environmental and social impacts, helping to guide the journey toward sustainability. They’re more than tools; they’re your sustainability North Star.”

With that idea in mind, Green shared that the Higg Product Module (PM) does request information on packaging — its materials, reusability, and overall lifecycle — which can aid in determining a product’s overall environmental footprint. SAC Member brands like ALDO used the Higg PM to help commit to reducing the environmental impact of packaging through the use of post-consumer recycled materials in mailers, redesigning shoeboxes with handles to eliminate the need for additional bags, and utilizing 100% recycled materials for e-commerce shipping bags; similarly, Nike used analysis from the PM in developing its One Box packaging concept, which ships shoes in a shoebox, eliminating the need for an additional outer box and reducing packaging waste by 50%, bringing the company closer to its target of cutting waste by 10% per unit by 2025. However, Green emphasized that the tool generates analysis, rather than a compliance checklist. “While it can indicate whether your packaging strategy aligns with your sustainability goals, the Higg PM does not provide a roadmap to phase out, for example, single-use plastics,” he said. “Those initiatives need to be separately formulated, often requiring in-depth lifecycle assessments and material flow analyses.”

Green noted that the SAC’s view on regulations is that more stringent regulations can incentivize collective action. “While regulations can be seen as challenges,” he said, “We see them as opportunities — a catalyst for change. They demand that industry leaders embrace sustainable innovation, which leads to collective action, which is critical to the SAC’s mission of transforming the global consumer goods industry into one that gives more than it takes — to the planet and its people.”

As Green shared, the evolution of this idea is that out of collective action comes an ethos of shared responsibility and innovation. When it comes to packaging, Green said, “Regulations might set the rules, but they also open up a realm of possibilities for sustainable advancements in material science, design, and circular economy models related to packaging. This is where your expertise and willingness to collaborate can create industry-transforming solutions.”

Green shared how the SAC’s collective action mandate focuses on impact, not just compliance, helping members to understand regulations and their business impacts. And he described how the Higg Index tools and frameworks go beyond minimum requirements, helping members contribute positively to societal and environmental changes and providing a space where companies can collaborate and pool resources.

Finally, he closed by describing how the SAC is in a state of evolution, moving from isolated tools to holistic programs that address sustainability at scale, built on pillars like combating climate change, ensuring decent work, and creating a nature-positive future — which are all extremely relevant to packaging, given its flow in product lifecycle and waste management. “Data isn’t just a tool; it’s a compass,” Green said. “It directs us towards actionable goals and validates our journey, allowing us to participate constructively in policy dialogues and to fine-tune our practices to meet and exceed regulatory guidelines — making systemic change not just possible but inevitable.”

As a leader in health care, Boston Scientific is dedicated to creating healthier communities in a wealth of ways, including large-scale programs like Close the Gap that help increase health equity in the U.S. and global corporate volunteer initiatives such as Season of Giving and a Week of Caring.

Then there’s the Boston Scientific Foundation, a separate non-profit organization that was established to provide strategic, targeted grant funding to enable non-profits to better serve those who need it most.

Read on to learn how the Boston Scientific Foundation and The Boston Scientific Foundation Europe support and sustain the areas where Boston Scientific employees live and work.

1. The Boston Scientific Foundation is a non-profit that works to help other non-profits.

Founded in 2001, the Boston Scientific Foundation is funded by an endowment that was established by private donors. Each year, it bestows grants to non-profit organizations within 60 miles of its largest U.S. facilities in four states.

“One of the key advantages is that we’re able to help smaller non-profits that the larger company cannot and therefore maximize the benefit we’re able to have in very specific communities,” says Dave Knapp, president of the Boston Scientific Foundation.

2. Non-profits that support the Boston Scientific Foundation mission may apply for funding.

Each year, organizations may submit proposals to the Boston Scientific Foundation to be considered for financial grants.

In particular, the Foundation awards grants to organizations that serve the economically disadvantaged in one of two areas: science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and programs that improve health.

Recent grantees include Community Servings – which delivers nutritious meals to the chronically ill in the Boston area – and CreateMPLS, which teaches crucial technology skills to students in Minnesota.

The Boston Scientific Foundation also offers an academic scholarship program for children of full-time company employees in the U.S.

3. Boston Scientific employees help to determine which organizations receive grants.

With many deserving non-profits submitting proposals to the Boston Scientific Foundation, it’s up to local community teams made up of over 75 employee volunteers to review them and recommend to the Boston Scientific Foundation Board of Directors how it should best distribute its funds.

“Our employee community teams are basically the engine for the Boston Scientific Foundation,” says Knapp. “They’re helping to make things happen for non-profits in their communities and I’m so inspired that they take their personal time to do this work.”

4. There is also a non-profit organization that specifically serves communities in Europe.

The Boston Scientific Foundation Europe was established five years ago to help non-profits based on that continent and is funded each year by local legal entities of the company in Europe.

The first grantee was Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque for their 5/5 program – a remote learning platform for doctors practicing in underserved African countries to improve the diagnoses of heart conditions in children. The Boston Scientific Foundation Europe has continued to prioritize innovative digital health solutions ever since.

“There’s so much that needs to be done in health care,” notes Simonetta Balbi, president of the Boston Scientific Foundation Europe. “We decided to create this focus so that we could address gaps in healthcare in a specific way and increase our ability to make an impact.”

Similar to the Boston Scientific Foundation, the Boston Scientific Foundation Europe relies on employee ambassadors representing countries across Europe who bring grant proposals to a board that includes six Boston Scientific employees and three senior representatives of patient organizations for their final review.

5. The work of the Boston Scientific Foundation and the Boston Scientific Foundation Europe affects the granters and the grantees alike.

In 2022, the Boston Scientific Foundation gave 34 STEM grants and 21 health grants as well as 118 college scholarships. It also made a one-time grant to Project HOPE to help refugees during the Ukraine crisis.

Additionally, in its first five years, the Boston Scientific Foundation Europe has funded 20 digital health initiatives and reached communities in more than 50 countries in Europe and EMEA, including humanitarian relief efforts for the people of Ukraine, Turkey and Syria.

Balbi and Knapp both say that the work they do to help people in need brings great personal reward.

“One project I loved this year is that we funded a mobile STEM bus in Indiana,” says Knapp. “In rural communities, people have to drive many miles to find resources for students to learn coding and other key skills. This bus can go from location to location to develop STEM talent at a high level.”

For Balbi, it’s the pediatric projects that are most moving.

“We are supporting a French hospital, the Centre Pediatrique de Cote, that takes care of seriously disabled children, many of whom cannot speak,” she says. “Our grant is funding special tablets so they can communicate. When we visited the hospital, we met a little girl that was using the technology to communicate with her eyes. She’s a great candidate for this tablet and we’ll be able to help her receive it.”

Learn about the work that Boston Scientific does to support its communities through donations and volunteer programs.

Visit the Boston Scientific Foundation and the Boston Scientific Foundation Europe to learn more about the work they do and their impact around the world.

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BATON ROUGE, La., September 20, 2023 /3BL/ – Entergy Louisiana has partnered with local agencies to offer bill payment assistance to qualifying residential customers. Entergy’s shareholders will contribute $1 million in bill relief across Entergy Louisiana’s service area in north, central, southeast and southwest Louisiana in order to address the higher-than-expected bills caused by this summer’s historic heat. Customers can apply through their local United Way website starting on Friday, Sept. 22, at noon.

Qualifying customers can apply online for a one-time $200 credit on their utility bill while funds are available and on a first come, first served basis. The following documentation will be required to apply for the one-time credit:

Photo ID (driver’s license or state-issued ID, passport)One of the following income options for each income earner age 18 or older:First page of 2022 tax return(s)2022 W2(s)Last paystub(s)Social Security Administration 1099 or 1042S form(s), or benefit-determination letters

The United Way’s online process will enable customers to upload these documents and submit their applications beginning Friday at noon. Applications will be reviewed and approved or denied through the following United Way partners:

United Way of Southeast Louisiana (Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington)Capital Area United Way (East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Livingston, Ascension, St. James, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, West Feliciana, East Feliciana and St. Helena)United Way South Louisiana (Assumption, Lafourche, and Terrebonne)United Way of Southwest Louisiana (Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Allen, and Beauregard)United Way Central Louisiana (Avoyelles, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Winn)United Way of Northeast Louisiana (Caldwell, East Carroll, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Union and West Carroll)United Way of Northwest Louisiana (Sabine, Bossier, Red River, Natchitoches, Bienville, Claiborne and Webster)United Way of Acadiana (Lafayette, Vermilion, Acadia, St. Martin, Iberia)St. John United Way (St. John)United Way of St. Charles (St. Charles)St. Landry-Evangeline United Way (St. Landry)

To qualify, customers must have a total household income of up to 250% of the federal poverty level, which equates to $75,000 for a family of four. Eligible customers are encouraged to apply as soon as possible due to high demand. $100,000 of the $1 million will go directly towards Entergy’s The Power to Care program to assist older adults and customers with disabilities.

Entergy Louisiana offers a number of payment options for all customers, such as level billing, deferred payment arrangements and more, as well as tools and programs designed to help customers manage energy usage. For more information, visit www.entergy.com/answers or call 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) to speak with a customer service representative.

About Entergy Louisiana

Entergy Louisiana, LLC provides electric service to more than 1 million customers in 58 parishes and natural gas service to more than 94,000 customers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Entergy Louisiana is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation, a Fortune 500 company. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees.