Tag: 3BL

The built environment has a direct impact on the daily lives of virtually every individual and community on the planet. The building industry itself, however, also has significant impacts on the environment. Owens Corning is among the companies in the sector that are looking to minimize their impact and push more sustainable practices forward.

As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of building materials, Owens Corning recognizes the impact its industry can have in the reduction, collection and reuse of waste through circular economy systems. The company’s European insulation brand Paroc, for example, has been running an insulation take-back program known as Rewool for nearly 20 years.

Paroc embraces insulation take-back to reduce waste 

Paroc’s stone wool insulation is a natural product that serves as an energy-efficient and fire-safe insulation solution for both new and renovated buildings, as well as heating and air conditioning, marine, offshore, and other industrial applications.

First introduced in Sweden in 1996, the Rewool program allows for collection of Paroc stone wool offcuts to be recycled back into Paroc’s manufacturing operations in an effort to reduce waste and incorporate recycled material into the production cycle.

The program allows Paroc’s Finland-based stone wool insulation manufacturing facility to implement circularity principles into its own operations, particularly as the collection of stone wool offcuts and scraps reduces the need for raw materials, turns customer waste into a valuable asset, and gives waste material a new life.

But the program also aids in the important task of helping Paroc customers reach their own sustainability goals, which is of particular importance for the brand’s European clients that are tasked with adhering to and adapting with the principles of the European Green Deal.

“Owens Corning and and its Paroc facilities set our own goal of zero waste to the landfill by 2030, but with the European Green Deal aiming for climate neutrality and a transition to a circular economy by 2050, there are a lot of incentives for our customers to move toward zero waste, as they have the same external pressures through the coming regulation,” said Beatrice Hallén, Owens Corning’s senior sustainability leader for insulation in Europe.

The business case for circularity 

While the Rewool program serves as a key example of a sustainable business practice as a means of corporate responsibility, there is also a direct business case to be made for both Paroc and its customers.

Landfills around the world implement fees, known as tipping fees, for every ton of waste. By sending stone wool offcuts and scraps back to Paroc’s stone wool plants, customers avoid these fees while also contributing to the beginnings of a more circular economy for insulation. Moreover, sending offcuts back to Paroc plants in lieu of sending them to the landfill increases a building’s score in environmental ratings such as the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification and international BREEAM certification.

Expanding Rewool to more customers 

The Rewool program now operates in Sweden and Finland, with plans to expand into new markets in the coming years. A takeback pilot is underway with select customers in Germany, but it is not without its challenges.

“With any new service, there are logistical considerations, and you have to roll out a huge development phase to make it successful,” said Thomas Kayser, Paroc’s European stone wool insulation circular economy lead.

Implementing circularity on a material level is also a tough task, particularly when it comes to ensuring cleanliness and integrity. “The challenge today is really to get the material sorted and clean, but that is a typical challenge in the transition to the circular economy,” Kayser said.

The circular economy as an asset 

While there are reasonable logistical and material challenges in expanding the program across Europe, Kayser highlighted that what was once a barrier to expansion is now an impetus for the success of the program, particularly in conjunction with the European Green Deal.

“Originally, generating awareness of the Rewool program with our clients was a challenge. But now that installers are trying to avoid landfill fees, the Rewool recycling service is something they are inquiring about,” he said. “What once was a sell from Paroc is now a frequent request from clients.”

By providing insulation take-back for offcuts, Owens Corning’s stone wool business in Europe gives its customers a practical way to reduce waste, avoid fees and lessen their environmental impact. The Rewool program also fits into Owens Corning’s broader strategy to be part of transitioning the building sector to a more circular economy.

“We are working to replace virgin materials in our products, and the Rewool program is a piece of that,” Hallén said. “We are also looking into other industries’ waste fractions to see what is suitable for our production, and by doing so, we are able to increase the so-called recycled content, which currently serves as a main indicator of a circular economy [system], particularly in Europe.”

The bottom line: Consistent commitment can change hearts and minds on circularity 

The Paroc Rewool program is a prime example of how reducing and reusing waste can support a company’s overall sustainability strategy. But more importantly, the program serves as a catalyst for the industrial and cultural shift toward a circularity mindset.

Programs like Rewool prove that incremental but consistent commitment to the circular economy and material innovation will get people engaged and, slowly but surely, make the lasting changes needed to shift the way the world thinks about waste.

This article series is sponsored by Owens Corning and produced by the TriplePundit editorial team.

Images courtesy of Owens Corning

What if instead of going to the landfill, your old mattress was recycled to find a second life in something new, like a sofa? By turning end-of-life mattresses into RENUVA™ polyols for use in new furniture and bedding, our RENUVA™ Mattress Recycling Program is contributing to both a circular and lower-carbon economy.

But Dow isn’t doing it alone. Collecting and recycling old mattresses into new polyols is a complex process, and we’ve engaged the entire value chain – from recyclers to materials manufacturers to brand owners – to make it happen.

“This project represents a fully circular investment across the value chain highlighting Dow’s materials science solutions to critical challenges facing the industry,” said Marcel Moeller, Global Sustainability Director, Dow Polyurethanes.

Here’s a look at the RENUVA™ Mattress Recycling Program and its benefits:

The Issue

In Europe, each year approximately 40 million discarded mattresses end up either as bulky waste in landfills or are incinerated to produce heat and electricity. However, incineration is a source of carbon dioxide (CO2) and a waste of valuable resources.

But by breaking down the foam into its base molecules through advanced processes that Dow uses to make RENUVA™ polyols, discarded mattresses stay out of the waste stream, and non-renewable resources that would have been used to make virgin products are saved.

In 2021, a cradle-to-gate ISO-certified external life cycle analysis study demonstrated that RENUVA™ polyols offer the potential for a significant reduction of the environmental footprint, resulting in a 54% equivalent CO2 reduction compared to standard polyol production.

Collaborating Across the Value Chain

To bring new value to old mattresses, the RENUVA™ Program brings the value chain together to create a new business ecosystem model. The collaboration started between Dow, the raw material producer and supplier, and H&S Anlagentechnik, the technology provider. Ecomaison supplies the polyurethane foam from dismantled post-consumer mattresses for the recycling unit. Orrion Chemicals Orgaform is Dow’s manufacturing partner and produces the RENUVA™ polyol for Dow. The Vita Group, Europe’s leading flexible polyurethane foam manufacturer, was the first customer to use the first batch of RENUVA™ polyol in their newly launched ORBIS foam, which replaces up to 30% of virgin polyol with RENUVA™ polyol.

Turning a Concept into a Reality

Construction of the first commercial RENUVA™ production plant started in early 2021. The RENUVA™ plant has the capacity to process the foam from 200,000 waste mattresses, avoiding these being incinerated or landfilled every year.

The plant was inaugurated in France in September 2021. In March 2022, the first sofa containing ORBIS foam and RENUVA™ polyol was commercialized in France. The RENUVA™ polyols are now being promoted to other key bedding and furniture customers in Europe as well.

“This program is part of Dow’s strong commitment to delivering solutions that help close the loop and protect our environment,” Moeller said.

By Lauren Humphreys, NCIDQ Senior Interior Designer, Valerie Boshoer, LEED GA Senior Interior Designer, and Viktoriya Lupareva, NCIDQ, WELL AP, LEED GA Interior Design Lead

Where science, creativity, and business are seamless.

We’re at a fascinating point in history where the work environment is being completely re-defined, and today’s workforce has higher expectations—and a greater influence—on the workspace than ever before. Where there was once a relatively standard approach, we’re now developing innovative solutions to manage hybrid and flexible work philosophies, incorporate digital and real-life experiences, manage employees’ concerns around health, and attract top talent, all while ensuring that a company’s brand is reflected throughout a space.

Beyond aesthetics, good design improves productivity, job satisfaction, collaboration, and creativity. It attracts new talent and entices workers to commute to their workplace. And it keeps people safe and healthy. What’s more, in a world where C-level compensation is increasingly tied to environmental, social and governance (ESG) objectives that include employee well-being and a reduced carbon footprint, there is increased focus on these qualities in interior design.

Nowhere is this more true than in the life sciences industry, where highly specialized technical areas and administrative environments must function seamlessly, opportunities for effective collaboration and ideation are essential, and the competition for talent and investment is high.

Interior design for the life sciences industry requires a unique skill set. It’s a mix of creative and strategic thinking, a finger on the pulse of design innovation and end-user expectations, and a keen knowledge of the needs of scientists and the regulations that affect the buildings they work in.

In short, designers provide the thread that brings all the disparate parts of a space together to build a cohesive experience. This piece is an introduction to the key areas of CRB’s interior design approach that enhances life sciences facilities:

Workplace StrategyDesign Process for Life SciencesSustainability and Wellness

From start to finish, our creative designers collaborate with architects and engineers. The complementary skills intertwine throughout a project to achieve a quality end result for our clients.

Starting with workplace strategy

Meeting the needs of a life sciences company in today’s work environment is part investigative, part innovative, and part communication skills. There are many layers of work that take place before anyone opens up a design file.

Interestingly, scientists are the original hybrid workers. While the technical aspects of their job take place in a highly regulated lab space, a large portion of their work requires writing reports, summarizing findings, and communicating with team members. They’ve moved smoothly between the lab, work desk, boardroom, and home office for years. Now, the rest of the life sciences team has joined the hybrid workforce, making interior designers’ role more complex, and even more essential. How we allocate the space is no longer a simple mathematical model of employees and growth projects, but of what percentage of people will be on-site on any given day, and how they would like to work while they are present.

What kind of space is required for people to feel comfortable and productive? How do we build in both flexibility and privacy? What level of collaboration must happen between the scientists and the business team, and how much of the science do we want ‘on display’? How do we ensure that meetings involving remote and on-site team members are productive for everyone?

This is just a taste of the complexities and issues we need to explore with clients at the outset of a project.

Our planning and programming begin with a visioning and discovery exercise. This is a series of utilization studies to evaluate the current workplace environment and needs for a new one. We conduct interviews, focus groups, online surveys, and workshops to gather input from employees, leaders, and HR to understand how people use the current space, where it’s lacking, and what they view as essential for an upgrade. Our designers also connect with business operations. Success in today’s marketplace requires agility, making an adaptable space essential to accommodate planned—and potential—growth and change.

With a clear picture of how a space is currently being utilized and where the opportunities lie for improvement, we create a planning optimization strategy. This leverages all the information we’ve gathered and our knowledge of current design approaches and trends, and incorporates adaptive reuse strategies to reduce environmental impact.

Programming concepts and test-fitting the space is the first step to verifying our strategic concepts and ideas and to understanding their impact on the practical layout. It’s also an opportunity for our clients to understand how the space will flow and function.

By conducting a thorough utilization analysis before implementing any changes, we can gain valuable insights and make adjustments to optimize the design. This allows us to evaluate the effectiveness of our plans, identify areas for improvement and eliminate any unnecessary components. Occasionally, we establish a designated beta testing area for certain user groups to evaluate our ideas and predictions about the workplace and its employees.

Workplace strategy is crucial to uncovering the best design approach for everyone involved—from company executives to the firm’s first point of contact at the reception desk. It allows us to gain alignment and create a plan that will help the company succeed as it grows or transforms over time.

A peek inside the interior design process

Our goal in the design process is to create a space that truly defines the experience and people’s interaction with the built environment. This is where vision meets function, aesthetics meets technical needs, and efficiency meets flexibility.

For our life sciences clients, the workflow between the technical and administrative spaces is key. Gone are the days of hiding the lab away in a windowless interior room. People are proud to be part of teams that are in some cases literally saving lives, and investors, partners, and clients enjoy a sneak peek at the process. With this in mind, security and privacy are important factors to consider. Protecting intellectual property and the privacy of your science team while at the same time boasting about their work is all part of our challenge.

Teams continue to look for collaborative spaces that stimulate creativity but are also now conscious of health concerns and airflow quality. It can be a puzzle—the process of moving people and materials safely into, out of, and through the lab space is complex. Safety is obviously paramount, as is the protection of the work—small changes to the environment can have large effects, particularly creating the potential for contamination, and not all interior designers possess knowledge of these obstacles and issues.

With a workplace strategy in place and all these considerations in mind, we create the overall design concept for the space. What will it feel like when you enter? Will it communicate a clinical environment, be modern or corporate, or perhaps offer a more natural, earthy vibe?

The design concept we create must align with the company’s corporate culture and brand identity. The physical structure of the building and its location also play a crucial role in the design concept and principles. For example, a building in an urban setting will require a different design approach than a greenfield project in a tech park. The regional location also impacts the design concept; a building in a warm climate will have different design needs than one in a colder climate. We must also account for environmental factors and regional influences to ensure that it is functional and practical for the specific location. Elements like the use of natural light and ventilation will be different for a building in a tropical region than one in a desert region.

As the team has gathered the insights and data points during the workplace planning stage, we have our working parameters: the number of people we need to accommodate, how they work, and what kind of functional spaces are required.

We look at workspaces, but also areas that encourage connection as people move throughout the building, places that will foster collaboration, meeting rooms, and quiet areas designed for maximum focus. In some cases, a company will require an impactful entranceway or large space for all-hands meetings.

These inputs form the basis of our schematic design. We determine what spaces need to be next to each other and why and bring that thinking to life through floor plans. Here’s where working with the other disciplines—architects; mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) and HVAC engineers; and lab planners—is key. We collaborate to ensure we are meeting the technical requirements for the space and work through any challenges as we progress. It’s an iterative process that often takes several drafts to get right.

Lab spaces warrant a special mention. These highly technical, process-oriented spaces are a project within a project. They need to be designed by specialists who understand the science that’s going to take place within them, and what that work means for utilities, hazardous waste storage and movement, specialist equipment, and bench orientation. And it’s not just the space itself that they consider, but how materials, people, and waste enter and exit the lab. Our role is to dialogue with the lab design team to ensure there is consistency across all of the spaces. There needs to be an easy connection between regulated, technical lab space, and what sits just outside of it. This is important not just for aesthetics, but to ensure the safety of employees and the work that takes place in the lab.

The schematic work is very practical, but, as we have already mapped out the design concept for the space and its look and feel, the placement and logistics of workspaces reflect aspects of the design concept. As we move into design development, we flesh out the design concept as it applies to the floorplan.

At this stage, we can begin to create photorealistic renderings to accurately depict what the space will look like. This is an important step as it sets expectations and allows for alignment before construction starts.

We create 3D renderings of the spaces for clients to fully comprehend the design, and we also provide fly-through videos for an even more realistic experience. This allows the client to experience the design before construction begins.

Many clients use these renderings and videos to aid with investment, recruitment, and local government meetings in the time between design approval and construction completion.

Lighting a space is not just a case of flipping a switch. It’s a highly technical part of the interior design process and has wide-ranging effects on productivity, energy efficiency, and well-being.

Light is tightly linked to the function of a space and how we move within it. Workstations, for example, are lit with task-based lighting of a cool temperature (more on this in a moment), whereas a meeting room will require lighting that allows a large group of people to work together, to see a screen on a wall, or to focus on a speaker.

Together with engineers, interior designers consider a vast range of variables when planning lighting:

Visual performance – what do we need to do in the space?Visual comfort – what is the right level of light for users?Daylighting – how can we maximize the use of natural light?Color appearance – how can we enhance focus and relaxation?Lighting controls – what will achieve efficiency and user comfort?Energy efficiency – are we minimizing energy use?Maintenance – how easy (or not) are maintenance and repair?Sustainability – are we doing the best for the environment?Mood – are we optimizing for psychological & biological considerations?Architectural integration – what is the most intuitive placement of lighting and controls?

Finish selection and furniture is the point in our process where things start to feel “real.” Fixtures, fittings, and furnishings are an important part of how people experience a space, and not just because they look good. Aesthetics are important, of course; this work reflects the approved design concept. But our team must also consider functionality, durability, accessibility, safety, acoustics, and flow. And, as always, managing a budget is a priority.

Different areas have different purposes, so, as with lighting, we consider these in our plans. High-traffic areas such as reception, hallways, and elevator lobbies take the most wear and tear and also include code considerations for safety reasons. Assembly spaces get a lot of attention from our clients. These areas, where people congregate for all-hands meetings, for example, tend to offer a “wow” factor for visitors and are often captured in video and photographs.

Furthermore, any time there is a potential for a large number to gather, crowd safety comes into play.

In selecting soft furnishings, we look to match function, ergonomics, frequency of use, and duration of use with each piece. Does the furniture need to be moved with ease? Can it be adjustable to suit diverse bodies? We perform sit tests and set up workstation mockups so clients can experience how the seating, desk space, and storage will work together.

Specialty wall design and window coverings are also part of the selection process. Again, form and function go hand in hand. A wall installation that offers a branding opportunity may double as a sound barrier. Window coverings add visual interest but also help control room temperature and light.

Flooring, ceilings, and walls play a crucial role in customizing the experience of a space while meeting the needs of its users. These elements have fire ratings and specialized flooring is required in clean rooms and labs. Accessibility is also important, and we work to ensure smooth transitions throughout different areas in compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design.

The design of indoor and outdoor spaces is becoming increasingly interconnected, and this requires extra care from our team as different materials are used for weather resistance and durability. Climate and location also play a role, such as considering flood zones and seismic conditions.

Sampling is a critical step in the process, as touch and feel make a real difference to the experience, and accurate color representation is crucial when selecting furniture, wall coverings, flooring, and paint. For highly custom pieces, our team visits showrooms and manufacturers’ headquarters to ensure everything meets specifications.

Once each piece is selected and approved by our clients, our design team adds all the information into the drawings, creating a technical specification document that includes materials, installation instructions, codes, regulations, and a finish schedule.

Promoting sustainability and wellness

Our clients are increasingly aware of the importance of a healthy work environment and the well-being of their employees.

While the health of the built environment includes strategies for airflow, water quality, and, in our case, the safe movement and storage of hazardous materials, a people-first space goes beyond this to include considerations such as chemical use in materials, allergens, acoustics, light/natural light, thermal conditions, and movement throughout the environment.

WELL Certification

The International Well Building Institute (IWBI) is an organization that promotes the creation of healthy buildings—those that foster physical and mental health. The IWBI offers WELL Certification to workspaces. Based on 10 core concepts, it’s a point-based system that’s applied for and renewed every three years.

Interior design impacts many WELL initiatives, ranging from selecting ergonomically sound furnishings, reviewing chemical content in finishes (fire retardants are essential for safety, but can also be hazardous to health, so striking a balance is key), and ensuring all spaces in the building are accessible. Our goal is to meet the needs of the diverse group of people that walk through the doors on a daily basis.

At CRB, we are as invested as our clients in building spaces that minimize carbon use and maximize sustainability. Sustainability initiatives are now a requirement of a company’s customers and investors, and business leaders look to design to help them meet or exceed industry standards.

LEED certification

In the life sciences industry, it is crucial to maintain a high level of cleanliness, safety, and sustainability to ensure the well-being of building occupants and the environment. This is why many life sciences companies choose to certify their buildings under the LEED rating system.

LEED certification provides a comprehensive approach to design, construction, and operation that takes into account the specific needs and concerns of the life sciences industry. These buildings are designed with features such as improved air quality and ventilation, low-emitting materials, and water-saving fixtures. By certifying under LEED, life sciences companies can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, as well as to the health and safety of building occupants.

Additionally, LEED certification can provide a competitive advantage and enhance the reputation of the company. With its focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility, LEED certification is a valuable choice.

From a LEED perspective, interior design can encompass energy-efficient lighting and controls, maximizing the use of daylight, selecting finishings that have a lower carbon footprint, and partnering with like-minded, green-focused partners.

Our team of designers continues to work closely with engineers, architects, and clients to meet these standards and facilitate all the required documentation to obtain certification.

Transforming life sciences through interior design

If we’ve learned anything over the past several years, it’s that life and work are unpredictable. Flexibility and future-proofing are essential to any great design—particularly in highly regulated industries.

At CRB, we embrace the spirit of innovation and creativity in all our interior design solutions for the life sciences industry. Our designs are both trend-forward and functional, reflecting the cutting-edge nature of the work taking place within these spaces.

We understand that life sciences companies are at the forefront of discovery and progress, and we strive to create environments that foster collaboration, inspiration, and visionary thinking. Our spaces are thoughtfully crafted to promote seamless flow, encourage intuitive connections, and cultivate an atmosphere of boundless possibility.

We believe that interior design has the power to ignite imaginations, spark new ideas, and drive breakthroughs in science and medicine. Our team of designers is dedicated to bringing your vision to life, creating spaces that are not only beautiful and functional but also truly transformative.

Interested in learning more about our interior design capabilities? Let’s talk.

Experts predict green hydrogen (H2) will be increasingly used as a clean alternative to natural gas and to meet net zero emission commitments worldwide.

The H2 economy represents a significant change to industrial manufacturing, power generation, mobility, and societal challenges around climate change. The decline in renewable energy costs, favorable government and corporate policies, regional hydrogen hubs, and society’s willingness to address climate change have set up promising conditions for the hydrogen economy to rapidly grow. To meet this growth, producers need experienced partners to help them successfully apply technology and navigate project execution while managing the risks involved.

Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) recently announced a new collaboration with Avid Solutions, Inc., to help companies more efficiently and rapidly produce green hydrogen. Avid, a longtime member of Rockwell’s PartnerNetwork™, works with clients on the forefront of the latest advances in sustainable manufacturing and production.

Rockwell technology has been key as Avid clients build and commission their first green hydrogen plants. Avid’s solution includes Rockwell’s PlantPAx® Distributed Control System for a standard high-performance HMI and integration platform, and FactoryTalk® Historian for data collection, trending, and dashboards.

Learn more about how Rockwell and Avid are working together to reduce time and cost for scaling green hydrogen production.

Apply HERE by July 10th

MIAMI, May 31, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Bacardi U.S.A. and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) launched today Visión Verde, a multi-year platform that will provide dedicated support to Hispanic/Latinx-owned businesses becoming more sustainable within the beverage alcohol service, sales, and hospitality industries in Greater Miami.

In the first year of the program, $100,000 will be granted across 10 recipients — $10,000 to each of the business. To learn more and apply by July 10th, please visit: http://hhf.page.link/jcgw. The recipients will be announced during the Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th – October 15th) and have access to Coctelería Consciente, a Hispanic owned sustainability consultancy with expertise in the hospitality sector. Coctelería Consciente will provide tailored consulting services for each business to implement practical sustainability initiatives that will drive positive impact.

“Latino small businesses are the fastest growing by far in the United States, and the Miami region is one of the leaders in the sector,” said Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of HHF. “Entrepreneurship is in our blood and despite challenges, we continue to make a significant impact through vision, creativity and ‘ganas’. Latino entrepreneurship is good for our community, our country and we want to make sure it’s also good for our globe. Through the innovative Visión Verde program with Bacardi, we want to support Latino business not only grow but become more sustainable as part of their business model.”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hispanics constitute a significant portion of Miami’s population, accounting for more than 70 percent of residents. A study conducted by the Pew Research Center found that Hispanics in the US are more likely to prioritize environmental protection compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Also, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) reports that Hispanic households in the U.S. are more likely to face energy burdens, spending a larger proportion of their income on energy bills. In addition, the 2020 U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Equity Report highlights that Hispanics are underrepresented in leadership positions within the green building industry, indicating a need for greater inclusivity and diversity in sustainability initiatives and research by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication reveals that 77 percent of Hispanics in the United States are worried about global warming and believe it is currently happening.

“Bacardi is a family-owned company of Latin roots, originally born in Cuba more than 160 years ago. Our legacy was built on giving back to communities and always doing the right thing for people and the planet. We are excited to help Hispanic business owners bring their green vision to life and support environmental sustainability – something we are extremely passionate about,” says Eddie Cutillas, VP Community Relations, Bacardi. 

Bacardi, the world’s largest privately held international spirits company, has set ambitious sustainability targets and commitments to supporting communities through its extensive Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) program, named Good Spirited.

About the Hispanic Heritage Foundation

HHF is a national nonprofit focused on education, workforce, and social impact through culture and leadership. Visit www.HispanicHeritage.org and follow HHF on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube.

About Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.

Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. is the United States import and distribution arm of family-owned Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held international spirits company in the world. The company boasts a portfolio of some of the most recognized and top-selling spirits brands in the United States including BACARDÍ® rum, GREY GOOSE® vodka, PATRÓN® tequila, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch Whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, MARTINI & ROSSI® vermouth and sparkling wines, and other leading and emerging brands. Visit www.bacardilimited.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram or Twitter.

Media Inquiries:

HHF: Nicolás Peña, Communications and Program Specialist, nicolas@hispanicheritage.com

Bacardi: Jessica Merz, VP Global Corporate Communications, Bacardi, jmerz@bacardi.com

On Sunday, May 28, Texas Capital Bank’s Texas Capital Bank’s VET ERG, standing for Veterans and Employees Together Employee Resource Group, was a proud supporter of the Dallas Memorial March with Carry the Load. This event is a two-day embodiment of the values and mission of the Dallas, Texas-based nonprofit, Carry the Load, to celebrate heroes, embrace the fallen, and educate communities on how to respectfully observe Memorial Day.

The event kicked off at Reverchon Park in Dallas, Texas, and continued on the historic Katy Trail. The iconic 20-hour march, intended to remind the nation of the sacrifices made for our freedom, began at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday and continued through Memorial Day. All participants were welcomed—whether they chose to walk for 20 hours or 20 minutes. The event included a DJ, live music, a kid zone, food trucks and more. Chris Lawrence, WFAA local news anchor, was also there to welcome the relay team as they passed the flags to our Dallas team. Texas Capital Bank’s sponsorship included a branded booth on-site for volunteers to join in the festivities or rest during the 20-hour walk.

The ERG exists to live out Texas Capital Bank’s values by delivering a culture of trust, inclusion, and respect. The group’s employee members provide service across Texas and provides mentorship to those at Texas Capital Bank who served. Building relationships with veteran-focused organizations, like Carry the Load, provides the opportunity for the ERG to evolve and grow.

Texas Capital Bank and Carry the Load will continue to partner throughout the year for additional veteran-related events. To learn more about the important work Carry the Load does in Texas communities, please visit www.carrytheload.org.

About Texas Capital Bank

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ®: TCBI), the holding company of Texas Capital Bank, is a full-service financial services firm that delivers customized solutions to businesses, entrepreneurs, and individual customers. Founded in 1998, the institution is headquartered in Dallas with offices in Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Fort Worth, and has built a network of clients across the country. With the ability to service clients through their entire lifecycles, Texas Capital Bank has established commercial banking, consumer banking, investment banking and wealth management capabilities. Member FDIC

Postúlese AQUÍ antes del 10 de julio

MIAMI, May 31, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Bacardi y la Fundación Herencia Hispana (HHF por sus siglas en inglés) anunciaron el lanzamiento del programa anual Visión Verde, cuya plataforma brindará apoyo para el crecimiento sostenible de pequeñas empresas de propiedad Latina/Hispana, dedicadas a la venta de productos y servicios en el área de hotelería y bebidas alcohólicas, en la región metropolitana de Miami, FL.

Durante el primer año se otorgarán $100.000 en subsidios a 10 (diez) empresarios (as): $10.000 c/u. Para obtener información adicional y postularse, visite: http://hhf.page.link/jcgw. Los (as) seleccionados (as), quienes serán anunciados durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana (Entre el 15 de septiembre y el 15 de octubre), ) recibirán además asesoría por parte de Coctelería Consciente, una empresa consultora hispana de amplia trayectoria en el sector hotelero. Coctelería Consciente proporcionará consultorías personalizadas con el propósito de que los (as) seleccionados (as) implemente iniciativas prácticas de desarrollo sostenible que impacten positivamente su entorno.

“Las pequeñas empresas latinas son las de más rápido crecimiento en Estados Unidos, y la región de Miami lidera este crecimiento”, señaló Antonio Tijerino, presidente y director ejecutivo de HHF. “El espíritu empresarial está en nuestra sangre y, a pesar de los desafíos, seguimos teniendo un impacto significativo a través de la visión, la creatividad y las ganas. El espíritu empresarial latino es bueno para nuestra comunidad, nuestro país y queremos asegurarnos de que también lo sea para el mundo entero. A través del programa innovador Visión Verde, y con el apoyo de Bacardi, apostamos no solo al crecimiento de las empresas latinas, sino además, a que sus modelos de negocio sean aún más sostenibles.”

Según la Oficina del Censo de EE.UU., los hispanos constituyen parte importante de la población de Miami y representan más del 70 por ciento de los residentes. Un estudio realizado por el centro Pew Research encontró que los hispanos en EE.UU., son más propensos a priorizar la protección ambiental en comparación con blancos no hispanos. Además, el Consejo Estadounidense para la Economía Eficiente en Energía (ACEEE, por sus siglas en inglés) reporta que los hogares hispanos en EE.UU., tienen más probabilidades de enfrentar cargas energéticas, gastando una mayor proporción de sus ingresos en facturas de energía.

Además, el Informe de Equidad del U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) de 2020 destacó que los hispanos están subrepresentados en posiciones de liderazgo dentro de la industria de la creación de modelos protección ambiental, lo que indica la necesidad de una mayor inclusión y diversidad en las iniciativas de sostenibilidad, y una investigación del Programa de Comunicación sobre el Cambio Climático de Yale revela que 77 % de los/las hispanos (as) en Estados Unidos está preocupados por el calentamiento global y creen que ya está generando consecuencias .

“Bacardi es una empresa familiar con raíces latinas, originalmente nacida en Cuba hace más de 160 años. Nuestro legado se basa en retribuir a las comunidades y hacer siempre lo correcto para las personas y el planeta. Estamos emocionados de ayudar a los dueños de negocios hispanos a materializar su visión ecológica, apoyando la sostenibilidad ambiental, algo que nos apasiona mucho”, resaltó Eddie Cutillas, vicepresidente de Relaciones Comunitarias de Bacardi.

Bacardi, la compañía internacional de bebidas espirituosas de propiedad privada más grande del mundo ha establecido ambiciosos objetivos y compromisos de sostenibilidad para apoyar a las comunidades a través de su amplio programa Ambiental, Social y de Gobernabilidad (ESG por sus siglas en ingles), llamado Good Spirited.

Sobre la Fundación para la Herencia Hispana

La misión de HHF se centra en la educación, la fuerza laboral, el impacto social y la cultura, a través del liderazgo y la cultura. Visite: www.HispanicHeritage.org, y siga HHF en Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube.

Sobre Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.

Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. es la división de importación y distribución en Estados Unidos de la empresa familiar Bacardi Limited, la empresa internacional privada de bebidas espirituosas más grande del mundo. La compañía cuenta con una cartera de algunas de las marcas de licores más reconocidas y de mayor venta en Estados Unidos, incluido el ron BACARDÍ®, el vodka GREY GOOSE®, el tequila PATRÓN®, el whisky escocés mezclado DEWAR’S®, la ginebra BOMBAY SAPPHIRE®, CAZADORES® 100% tequila de agave azul, vermut y vinos espumosos MARTINI & ROSSI®, entre otras marcas líderes y emergentes. Visite www.bacardilimited.com o síganos en LinkedIn, Instagram or Twitter.

Contactos para medios:

HHF: Nicolás Peña, Communications and Program Specialist, nicolas@hispanicheritage.com

Bacardi: Jessica Merz, VP Global Corporate Communications, Bacardi, jmerz@bacardi.com

After finishing medical school in the late 1990s, Bilal Piperdi wanted to follow his mentor into the field of thoracic oncology, the specialized area that focuses on lung cancer. Yet many of his peers and friends discouraged him due to its many challenges, including a lack of promising options for patients.

“During my residency, some physicians used to question whether metastatic lung cancer patients should even be treated,” says Bilal. “At that time, treatments had harsh side effects and were not very effective. Plus, the disease was stigmatized due to its association with smoking.”

But Bilal never wavered in his decision. He built a clinical research career in academia and heeded his mentor’s advice that to make a difference in this area he would need to think outside the box.

Years later, Bilal found himself joining Gilead as Vice President of Clinical Development Oncology, at the start of an exciting time for the company. Gilead had decided to build on its legacy in antiviral therapies and declared its intent to deliver 10 or more transformative medicines by 2030 by applying its strengths to cancer and other diseases.

Inspired by Gilead’s reputation for transforming care in HIV and its pioneering work that led to a cure for hepatitis C, Bilal was further drawn to the company’s diversity of talent and pipeline in lung cancer.

“Novel, unique transformations are what Gilead brings to the table and why I think we’ll make a difference in lung cancer,” he says. “There’s definitely a lot of momentum in this area.”

Gilead’s Focus on Unmet Needs and Challenges in Lung Cancer 
Lung cancer is a complex disease, and multiple mutations make it challenging to treat. Bilal says Gilead’s goal is to reduce the burden of this leading global cause of cancer, where 50% of the cases aren’t discovered until they have metastasized.

The initial focus is on extending life for people with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Currently, the standard of care for metastatic NSCLC is immunotherapy or immunotherapy in combination with chemotherapy. But in more than half of the people who receive these therapies, the disease progresses in less than a year. The Oncology team is working to change that by exploring next-generation therapies and clinical combinations that could help improve outcomes and quality of life.

“This is just the start of the journey,” explains Bilal. “Our goals are to move into earlier lines of treatment and eventually aim for a cure.”

The team plans to make the biggest impact on cancer, he says, by combining therapies with different mechanisms of action – essentially attacking cancer from multiple angles. For example, researchers are evaluating compounds that encourage tumor cell death in combination with those that enhance the ability of the immune system to target the cancer. Plus, Bilal notes that Gilead won’t be limited by what’s in its current pipeline.

“If there’s a drug company or an organization with access to a medicine that may work with our therapy to help patients, we’re ready to collaborate,” he says. “The ultimate goal is to deliver therapies to patients and their care team as soon as possible in order to help bring more life to people with cancer.”

Bilal’s Inspiration to Improve Outcomes 
Bilal says his desire to help improve patient outcomes in cancer was initially sparked by his father, a physicist who worked in radiation oncology during his childhood in Myanmar. His father was proud of Bilal’s career and often boasted about his son’s role in developing the next-generation of cancer therapies.

Bilal recently lost his father to metastatic kidney cancer, but his memory continues to inspire him in his work. He also credits his equally passionate team for Gilead’s ongoing progress in lung cancer.

“People here are tackling some of the most challenging diseases facing humanity,” he says. “We have an unwavering commitment to deliver treatment options that could help change the lives of people with lung cancer.”

Originally published by Gilead Sciences

Nurture everything around you — from your loved ones to what’s beneath your feet. That’s at the heart of the success on Kalb Farms, at least.

In the breezy hills of southeastern Indiana lies a farm teeming with life, both within the soil and between the among the family. Cover crops and worms mingle in anticipation of the planting season, and Kevin and Shawn prepare for warmer days with hopes for even better yields than seasons before.

The Kalbs, as well as their children, are known for their award-winning corn yields and healthy soil practices. Kevin himself boasts double-digit national awards from the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) yield contest, just to name one competition. But the family would never keep the methods behind their successes a secret. It’s quite the opposite — for what’s good for one farmer now can be beneficial for another, with impacts that last generations.

Watch above to meet the Kalb family and learn more about how they prioritize soil health in their operation.

Healthy soil is the heartbeat of our farm. 
– Kevin Kalb, 5th Generation Farmer, Kalb Farms

The foundation of a farm must be nurtured to produce at its best. It all starts in the soil.

When it’s done right (and the weather, machinery and etc. cooperate), prioritizing soil health can be easily seen in better yields and bottom lines. But it’s also evident in the scent of the soil, and the life that thrives within the roots. Those factors are further proof of a healthy farm now, but also a healthy future of farming.

We’re learning as we go that we can do a lot more with less. You want the earthworms in there. You want that biology. 
– Shawn Kalb, Farmer and Manager, Kalb Farms

But it’s a challenge to try new things in agriculture — that’s why the Kalbs started Midwest Advanced Crop Consulting (MACC), to consult with farmers around the world. With it they’re helping farmers find new solutions that produce results in the near future, and for the next generation.

At Bayer, we’re also striving to find new solutions for farmers, so together we can cultivate a healthy planet for generations to come.

Inspiration comes from farmers, like the Kalbs, as we keep innovating for better.

We’re focused on helping growers do more with less on their operations, this season and beyond. While they help feed the world, we’re right alongside them, driving toward a carbon-zero future for agriculture that benefits farmers and tackles climate change.

These positive changes happen from within the soil. Three major healthy soil practices can propel this forward: conservation tillage, carbon farming and biologicals.

Conservation tillage

With an integrated weed management system in place, many farmers use no-till or reduced-till methods, which can help restore balance to the land and let nature do its work.

More on conservation tillage:

Glyphosate enables farmers to reduce or eliminate tillage, keeping soil undisturbed. No-till practices allow organic material, nutrients and beneficial insects to build up in the soil, and can also help reduce erosion and run-off — keeping moisture in the ground and available to crops. No-till and low-till practices have been found to have a greater percentage of organic matter and water intake than conventional tillage methods.Our Bayer Carbon programs further encourage these efforts by working with farmers to accelerate the adoption of cover crops and reduced tillage practices. The programs also encourage collaboration throughout the value chain.

Carbon farming

While growers’ plants naturally pull carbon from the atmosphere and into the soil, carbon-smart agricultural practices keep this invisible, yet highly important element from escaping in the first place.

More on carbon farming:

Carbon-smart practices include several techniques,  including no-till and low-till farming, and cover cropping.With the platform ForGround by Bayer, farmers can benefit from expanding regenerative agricultural practices on their operations, opening potential new revenue streams and helping them capture more carbon in the soil.Bayer’s plant breeding methods produce innovative crop genetics that require fewer inputs like fertilizer and crop protection agents, allowing growers to pursue no- and low-till farming.

Biologicals

Biologicals are beneficial crop production and protection tools that are largely created from living organisms, derived from natural materials, contain them, or use naturally occurring processes. They help put nature’s own defense systems to use, complementing traditional crop protection tools.

More on biologicals:

Bayer’s collection of more than 125,000 microbial strains allows us to use genetic diversity to develop new and beneficial products for farmers all over the world.Biologicals can complement farm technologies — such as traditional crop protection, seeds, traits and digital tools — in an integrated crop management system to help growers achieve the best results in their fields.

If you’re going to do the job, do the job right. The work you put into it shows. 
– Shawn Kalb, Kalb Farms

Listening to farmers is key to helping them operate more efficiently, now and into the future.

As evidenced by the Kalbs, healthy soil practices can help farmers produce more with less. That’s why we work with farmers to accelerate the adoption of more regenerative agriculture practices and digital technology, developing new solutions for what many different farmers need today, and for their seasons beyond.

For Kevin, it’s also about the next generation. “I want the farm to be better than what it was when I received it,” he says. “Everything around our farm depends on how healthy our soil is. I know if it’s going to be in that kind of shape, then I know that it’s going to make it past the sixth generation. They’ll be able to pass it down.”

Special thanks to the Kalb family for sharing their story with us.

View original content here

May 31, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Inogen Alliance, a global network of Environment, Health & Safety, Sustainability and ESG consulting firms participates in “Vision 2045” led by TBD Media Group in support of the United Nations and published on The Economist. The documentary series aims to inspire businesses and people to take collective action to ensure a better future for all. Inogen Alliance was selected as a representative of EHS, Sustainability and ESG consulting services globally emphasizing the importance of reducing environmental footprint and protecting the earth for the future generations through collaborative approaches to help businesses lead the way.

VISION 2045 is a ground-breaking series of documentary films produced in collaboration with The Economist. This campaign is a collection of interviews and documentaries that aim to support the UN and its objectives by inspiring businesses and people to take collective action to ensure a better future for all. It brings together experts, business leaders and government officials to address the core challenges facing our society and planet and how we can collectively work to overcome them. The campaign is a comprehensive program that focuses on several key areas, including renewable energy, circular economy, responsible consumption and production, and climate action.

“We believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility, but also an opportunity for businesses to create value and drive innovation,” said Paolo Zanini, CEO of TBD Media Group. “Through the VISION 2045 campaign, we aim to demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and inspire others to join us in this journey towards a better future.”

The mission of Inogen Alliance is to provide superior environmental, health, safety, and sustainability consulting expertise to global organizations. Making your global commitments a local reality showcases the ability of the Alliance to really understand the cultural nuances and regulatory environments at a local level for global clients. Collaboration is a theme across the film interviews highlighting the importance of collectively working towards this sustainable future.

As Angelique Dickson, President of Inogen Alliance states “At Inogen Alliance we believe that collaboration is fundamental to achieving the goals and ambitions that we feel are most important to creating a safer, cleaner, more sustainable world. Without collaboration and long term partnerships you don’t have trust or shared outcomes but when those goals become aligned it’s amazing what we can do.” 

Main contents of the film include interviews with the below participants focusing on collaboration for a more sustainable future and how we are guiding our multinational clients with a focus on the APAC region.

Check out the film, bios of the interviewees and more behind-the-scenes on our website here. 

About Inogen Alliance: 
Inogen Alliance is a global network of environment, health, safety and sustainability consulting companies working together to provide one point of contact to guide multinational organizations to meet their global commitments locally. With offices located on every continent, more than 5,000 associates worldwide, and projects completed in more than 150 countries, Inogen Alliance provides unparalleled local consulting expertise, global consistency and 20+ years of experience building a cleaner, safer and more sustainable future. Global Thinking. Local Delivery. www.inogenalliance.com

About TBD Media Group: 
TBD Media Group is an international, purpose-driven media developer that helps businesses, organisations and governments tell their brand stories in a human and direct way. Learn more at https://www.tbdmediagroup.com/ 

Interviews in the film include: 
Angelique Dickson, President of Inogen Alliance; Richard Hancy, Executive Leader Tonkin + Taylor New Zealand; Lida Tan President of Anew Consulting China; Annika Taylor Sustainability Consultant Peter J. Ramsay & Associates Australia; Meehee Suk Partner IA Partners South Korea; Subba Rao CEO Chola MS Risk India; and Andrew Young Managing Director EnviroSolutions & Consulting Singapore.

Sponsoring Associates: 
From the 75+ independent Associate companies that make up Inogen Alliance, this campaign was co-sponsored by Anew Global Consulting, Brown & Green Environmental Services, Chola MS Risk Services, ESD Group, EnviroSolutions & Consulting, IA Partners, Pacific Risk Advisors, Peter J. Ramsay & Associates, Propharm Japan, and Tonkin + Taylor all in the Asia-Pacific Region.

Media contact: 
Kate Asleson 
Marketing Director, Inogen Alliance 
Kate.asleson@inogenalliance.com