Tag: 3BL

PITTSBURGH, May 16, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Viatris Inc. (NASDAQ: VTRS), a global healthcare company, today published its 2022 Sustainability Report showcasing its commitment, impact and progress on building sustainable access to medicine as it continues to make a positive difference across key areas including Access and Global Health, Our People, the Environment and the Community.

“At Viatris, access is fundamental to our mission of empowering people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life,” said Scott A. Smith, CEO, Viatris. “It begins with our ability to sustainably deliver high-quality medicines and health solutions at scale to people, regardless of geography or circumstance. Our commitment is both practical and aspirational and goes beyond developing, making and distributing medicines. We also work with partners to help support healthy communities, a healthy environment and resilient healthcare systems. The passion and dedication of our global workforce is remarkable and clearly on display in this report, which highlights the progress we are making to build more sustainable access to medicine across the globe.”

Listen above to a preview of Viatris’ 2022 Sustainability report from Lina Andersson, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility for Viatris.

Viatris is a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and is committed to the Compact’s 10 principles related to human rights, labor, the environment and anti-corruption and supports the Sustainable Development Goals.

The following are some highlights of Viatris’ work and initiatives across its multiple areas of impact in 2022:

Access and Global Health

Supplied medicines to approximately 1 billion patients globally.Provided treatments for approximately 8 million people living with HIV/AIDS, including almost 600,000 children.Provided >250 medicines on the World Health Organization (WHO) Essential Medicines List and 62 products on the WHO Pre-Qualification List.Promoted and strengthened healthcare professional education and training to build more resilient healthcare systems and address the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for nearly 75% of global deaths annually. More than 300 million patients were impacted by Viatris’ outreach to healthcare professionals in 2022.

Our People

Conducted our first global Viatris Voice Survey with a participation rate of 89%. The baseline survey marked a milestone in our commitment to engage colleagues by listening to their perspectives on overall engagement; diversity, equity and inclusion; health and wellbeing; and transformation and change.Named one of Forbes’ World’s Best Employers for 2022, ranking in the top 10% of the 800 employers who made the list.

The Environment

Committed to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions 42% by 2030 from a 2020 base year and further, to reduce absolute Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions covering purchased goods and services, capital goods, fuel and energy related activities, and upstream transportation and distribution 25% within the same timeframe.Received validation and approval of Viatris’ scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The SBTi classified Viatris’ scope 1 and 2 target ambition and has determined that it is in line with the 1.5°C trajectory.Performed five water risk assessments — four in facilities in India and one in Türkiye.Increased the number of zero-waste landfill locations to a total of 16.

The Community

Donated more than 450 million doses of medicines through our partners around the world and provided a total of $1 million to aid in supporting access to healthcare, food security and water stewardship to four organizations: Direct Relief, World Central Kitchen (WCK), WaterAid and World Food Program USA, partner of the United Nations World Food Programme.Supported communities across the globe, including helping to evacuate and relocate people at the onset of the conflict in Ukraine and provided funds, medical donations and supplies to communities devastated by the earthquakes in parts of Türkiye and Syria in February 2023.

Watch how access takes on deep meaning at Viatris.

“We understand our conduct and actions affect the stakeholders and communities we serve,” said Lara Ramsburg, Head of Corporate Affairs of Viatris. “We are proud to continue our work as a trusted partner of key stakeholders as we help to close gaps to equal access to care, build more resilient healthcare systems, uphold a reliable global supply of medicines, curb climate change and protect the environment.”

Viatris is dedicated to transparent annual reporting on environmental, social and governance matters, continuously working to further enhance its disclosures. Click here to view more information or to read our 2022 Sustainability Report.

About Viatris 
Viatris Inc. (NASDAQ: VTRS) is a global healthcare company empowering people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life. We provide access to medicines, advance sustainable operations, develop innovative solutions and leverage our collective expertise to connect more people to more products and services through our one-of-a-kind Global Healthcare Gateway®. Formed in November 2020, Viatris brings together scientific, manufacturing and distribution expertise with proven regulatory, medical, and commercial capabilities to deliver high-quality medicines to patients in more than 165 countries and territories. Viatris’ portfolio comprises more than 1,400 approved molecules across a wide range of therapeutic areas, spanning both non-communicable and infectious diseases, including globally recognized brands, complex generic and branded medicines and a variety of over-the-counter consumer products. With more than 38,000 colleagues globally, Viatris is headquartered in the U.S., with global centers in Pittsburgh, Shanghai and Hyderabad, India. Learn more at viatris.com and investor.viatris.com, and connect with us on Twitter at @ViatrisInc, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Forward-looking Statements 
This press release includes statements that constitute “forward-looking statements.” These statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward looking statements may include statements about our sustainability goals and initiatives. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: the possibility that the Company may be unable to realize the intended benefits of, or achieve the intended goals or outlooks with respect to, its strategic initiatives; the possibility that the Company may be unable to achieve expected benefits, synergies and operating efficiencies in connection with acquisitions, divestitures, or its global restructuring program, within the expected timeframe or at all; impairment charges or other losses related to the divestiture or sale of businesses or assets; the Company’s failure to achieve expected or targeted future financial and operating performance and results; the potential impact of public health outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics, including the ongoing challenges and uncertainties posed by COVID-19; actions and decisions of healthcare and pharmaceutical regulators; changes in healthcare and pharmaceutical laws and regulations in the U.S. and abroad; any regulatory, legal or other impediments to Viatris’ ability to bring new products to market, including but not limited to “at-risk” launches; Viatris’ or its partners’ ability to develop, manufacture, and commercialize products; the scope, timing and outcome of any ongoing legal proceedings, and the impact of any such proceedings; any significant breach of data security or data privacy or disruptions to our information technology systems; risks associated with international operations; the ability to protect intellectual property and preserve intellectual property rights; changes in third-party relationships; the effect of any changes in Viatris’ or its partners’ customer and supplier relationships and customer purchasing patterns; the impacts of competition; changes in the economic and financial conditions of Viatris or its partners; uncertainties and matters beyond the control of management, including general economic conditions, inflation and exchange rates; failure to execute stock repurchases consistent with current expectations; stock price volatility; and the other risks described in Viatris’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Viatris routinely uses its website as a means of disclosing material information to the public in a broad, non-exclusionary manner for purposes of the SEC’s Regulation Fair Disclosure (Reg FD). Viatris undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release other than as required by law.

For further information: MEDIA, +1.724.514.1968, Communications@viatris.com, Jennifer Mauer, Jennifer.Mauer@viatris.com, Matt Klein, Matthew.Klein@viatris.com; INVESTORS, +1.412.707.2866, InvestorRelations@viatris.com; Bill Szablewski, William.Szablewski@viatris.com

Gen Blog

By Amanda Davis | Sr. Manager, CR and Environment

Today, Gen™ received SEAL’s 2023 Environmental Initiatives Award for our Sustainable Home Improvement Program (SHIP). SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement & Leadership) is a top environmental advocacy organization that honors leadership through its business sustainability and environmental journalism awards while funding research and pursuing environmental impact campaigns.

Our Sustainable Home Improvement Program (SHIP) is a benefit we began offering on Earth Day 2022 that provides our colleagues at Gen all over the world cash incentives for home improvement projects that help reduce environmental impacts. 

SHIP was born out of the understanding that as our team members shifted to remote work, Gen’s environmental footprint was shifting too. We conceived the program to empower employees to bring home the culture of sustainability they’d helped create at work and to help address Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions.  

We received more than 300 project proposals in its first three months since we started SHIP, and nearly 30% of our workforce participated by the first anniversary of the program. Projects range from energy-saving appliance replacements and heating/cooling upgrades to home garden installations, electric vehicle charging, composting, and installing energy-saving LED lightbulbs. We believe there truly is no project too small to have an impact on our collective future, and that is a core tenet of the program.  

Our Social Impact team reviews each proposal and once projects are approved and complete, Gen reimburses costs up to $500. SHIP accepts applications on a rolling basis, and participants are eligible to take advantage of the benefit every calendar year. 

SHIP is one example of how we do our part to protect the planet. In addition to programs that inspire, engage, and educate our workforce (including our environmental employee resource group TERRA), we focus on reducing GHG emissions and operating a low-carbon business, as well as amplifying our environmental impact through nonprofit partnerships.

We are honored by the recognition of our program and to be in such good company of our fellow award winners. 

You can read more about this year’s awards, as well as SEAL Awards’ year-round efforts, here.

Welcoming our Director, Inclusion and Diversity

Desyra Highsmith Holcomb recently joined Quest as Director, Inclusion and Diversity (I&D). This central New Jersey native and Rutgers graduate came to us from RWJBarnabas Health, where she was Director of Diversity and Inclusion, HR Strategic Initiatives. Core to Desyra’s role is working with Quest leaders to establish and implement I&D priorities and goals throughout the business. She leads the ongoing development and implementation of our inclusion and diversity strategies that are critical to our business, in partnership with executive, business, regional, and Human Resources leadership. Desyra serves as a leader in the development of effective strategies, practices, and policies to facilitate a more inclusive environment that benefits our business, colleagues, communities, and all additional stakeholders. In addition, she acts as an advisor to the Quest Inclusion and Diversity Council (QIDC).

Culture
What leaders say and do, the stories we share, and the principles we live by

Talent
How we identify, hire, develop, and listen to top diverse talent

Communities
How we incorporate diverse insights for the benefit of our clients and communities

Fostering our culture

At Quest Diagnostics, I&D is woven into who we are and what we do. We consistently invite new perspectives and embrace new experiences, which helps us to create an inclusive and empathetic workplace where our employees feel like they belong.

In 2020, we developed our CTC framework to help formalize our approach to I&D across the entire talent lifecycle. We continue to leverage and renew our focus on the CTC model to further strengthen Quest’s culture of trust, collaboration, and belonging at all levels.

Creating community

Our 2021 score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2021 Corporate Equality Index—our fifth consecutive year earning the highest possible score— reflects that Quest fosters a safe and supportive workplace for all employees regardless of identity. Core to our approach of nurturing an inclusive and diverse workplace is our commitment to Everyday Equity, a strategy that embodies our commitment to instill equity practices in everything we do at Quest Diagnostics.

Among our key initiatives in 2021, we introduced company-wide trainings on how to recognize and overcome unconscious bias and develop stronger allyship behaviors across the organization, empowering employees to speak up for others and practice inclusive behaviors.

Our I&D learning journey

Employees responded favorably in 2020 to opportunities to talk about how racism and other biases continue to impact our society, leading to the introduction of a new training series in 2021. Introduced by Executive Director and Human Resources Business Partner Ebony David, the series is meant to deepen awareness of implicit and unconscious bias in our work and interpersonal relationships. The first module was designed to develop a common understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion among all employees, encourage self-reflection, and initiate meaningful conversations about how I&D shows up at Quest.

Module 2 spotlighted how understanding and addressing unconscious bias is crucial for supporting a collaborative work environment, building strong relationships, and breaking down barriers and stigmas. This module included a welcome message from 2 of our Employee Business Network leaders, Koko Adeniran, past co-chair of African-American Business Leaders EBN, and Madhuri Korimilli, co-chair of Pan-Asian Leaders EBN.

The third module in the series aimed to unpack what allyship means at Quest, providing real-life scenarios to empower our employees to feel comfortable speaking up for others and practicing inclusive behaviors. This module also featured a personal welcome message from CEO-elect Jim Davis reflecting on how allyship has impacted his professional and personal life.

We released additional resources for leaders to get conversations started within their teams around these topics and offered these modules in Spanish to reach our Quest colleagues in Puerto Rico and Mexico. These trainings are helping to continue to embed I&D as a critical part of our company culture.

Continuing “The Conversation”

In 2020, we engaged with our leaders on how to address racism, biases, and inequities. Part of our approach included “The Conversation,” a 2-hour virtual training for senior leaders, and “Real Talk” for Human Resources leaders. These trainings help improve understanding of how racism and privilege may appear at work, align leadership actions to support a culture of inclusion, and empower leaders to communicate their authentic view of the importance of I&D at Quest.

In 2021, Quest leaders participated in these critical trainings, including ~300 in “The Conversation” and ~80 in “Real Talk.”

The trainings concluded with a call to action outlining several recommendations to keep Quest leaders accountable for continuing this work, stressing that “accountability is the only way to achieve sustainability.”

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Energized by Edison

By Ben Gallagher ENERGIZED by Edison Writer

Spring brings new life to Southern California Edison’s service area, often too close to the company’s infrastructure. That makes nesting season, March 1-Oct. 31, a busy time for Kara Donohue, who oversees SCE’s Avian Protection Program. 

“Ultimately, we all have the same goal in mind, which is to protect wildlife and ensure that we mitigate any potential disturbance to their nesting period,” Donohue said. 

Large nests on electric transmission and distribution equipment can cause power outages and be a threat to the birds. Donohue works with specially trained crews to safely relocate these nests onto a platform attached to the utility pole or another nearby location.

Once the nest’s transition is complete, an on-site biologist observes the nest from a distance to ensure the adult birds return and continue to tend the nest. If it’s simply impossible to relocate a nest or the adults abandon it, SCE’s team then takes the eggs or chicks to a wildlife rehabilitator to raise and release the birds back into the wild. 

“We have built great relationships with wildlife rehabilitators throughout our service area,” said Donohue, noting that SCE’s environmental team also meets regularly with wildlife agencies to share environmental practices and partner on stewardship opportunities. 

The Ojai Raptor Center is one of SCE’s wildlife protection partners. The nonprofit focuses on wildlife rehabilitation and educates local children on the importance of habitat conservation. The group also takes in abandoned eggs or chicks and is a longtime SCE sustainability partner.

Through grant funding from SCE’s parent company, Edison International, the Ojai Raptor Center has held programs for underfunded schools to teach children about conservation and locally native species. The group also used SCE grant funds to build the largest flight pen in California for large birds of prey, which is used to rehabilitate eagles, red-tailed hawks, vultures and other large avian species. 

“SCE has done a lot to help us not only in our work to rehabilitate birds but to educate local children about the importance of conservation,” said Kim Stroud, executive director and founder of the Ojai Raptor Center. “It’s obviously vital to our mission to help our local bird populations, but it’s equally important that we preserve their habitats for future generations.”

SCE has maintained an active Avian Protection Program since 1988. The program ensures that crews and contractors are trained annually to check for nesting birds and wildlife year-round before beginning work. It also guides when and where work is conducted, including establishing a buffer zone in some instances to minimize disruption to nearby nesting species. 

Program guidelines also take into consideration the type of work that is planned near an active nest. In cases where the work is not critical, crews sometimes wait until hatchling birds mature and leave the nest before beginning the project. 

Learn more about the work SCE is doing to protect avian and other wildlife habitats.

NEW YORK and MELBOURNE, Australia, May 16, 2023 /3BL Media/ – The world’s leading International advocacy organization Global Citizen, and the Waislitz Foundation, who create positive social impact through innovative projects that empower individuals to achieve their full potential, have announced that applications are now open for the Waislitz Global Citizen Awards 2023. 

The Waislitz Global Citizen Awards distribute annual cash prizes totaling USD$250,000 to support changemakers around the world and their grassroots work to end extreme poverty and its systemic causes. Applicants for the grand prize of USD$100,000, and two additional awards of USD$75,000, are judged on their ability to excel in five key areas: global citizenship, proof of concept, disruption, scalability, and adaptability.

Additional prizes include the Waislitz Global Citizen Disruptor Award, given to the applicant who has created a measurable impact through innovation that disrupts the systems that perpetuate extreme poverty; and the Waislitz Global Citizens’ Choice Award, which is selected with input from public online voting via Global Citizen online. The awards are open to individuals or individual representatives of global organizations working to end extreme poverty and its many causes and consequences.

The awards are presented by the Waislitz Foundation and Global Citizen, supported by leading U.S. and Australian-based cellular medicines company Mesoblast Ltd, and Unico Capital Holdings.

Winners of the Waislitz Awards are individuals who not only disrupt the status quo, but also serve their communities in a crucial time of need. Past winners include changemakers who have revolutionized access to education using technology and TV broadcast, distributed birth kits and manufactured PPE for frontline health care workers, reduced food spoilage with 100 percent solar-powered walk-in cold rooms, and converted women-led food carts into mobile disinfectant units to help combat COVID-19.

“Ending extreme poverty is not a choice — it’s an obligation,” said Alex Waislitz, Chairman and Founder of the Melbourne-based Waislitz Foundation. “My hope is that the awards will inspire many thousands of people around the world to do what they can to improve the living standards of those in dire need.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the continuing support from Alex and the Waislitz Foundation, who inspire and equip changemakers everywhere to continue their vital work in the fight against extreme poverty,” said Hugh Evans, Co-Founder and CEO of Global Citizen. “Grassroots innovators are the key to community-based change, and these award winners will impact many lives and encourage others to do the same.”

Since 2014, The Waislitz Foundation has committed almost $2 million to the Waislitz Global Citizen Awards and their efforts to end extreme poverty NOW.

The application process is now open, and closes on May 31, 2023, at 20:00 p.m. EDT. 

Previous Waislitz Global Citizen Award winners include: 
Kristin Kagetsu, Co-Founder and CEO, Saathi 
Bina Shrestha, Co-Founder Build up Nepal 
Haroon Yasin, Co-Founder and Chairperson of Orenda 
Charlot Magayi, Founder and CEO of Mukuru Clean Stoves 
Koketso Moeti, Founder and Executive Director of amandla.mobi 
Caitlin Barrett, CEO of Love Mercy Foundation 
Tabitha Mpamira-Kaguri, Founder and Executive Director of EDJA Foundation 
Wilma Rodrigues, Founder, and CEO of Saahas Zero Waste 
Clarisse Uwineza, for her work converting organic waste into fertilizer in Rwanda 
Twesigye Jackson Kaguri, Director of Nyaka AIDS Orphans Project, working to make education more accessible to AIDS orphans in Uganda 
Anoop Jain, Founder of Humanure Power, for his work in rural India building sanitation facilities.

Click here for more information about the 2023 Waislitz Global Citizen Awards.

– Ends –

About Global Citizen: 
Global Citizen is the world’s leading international advocacy organization on a mission to end extreme poverty NOW. Powered by a worldwide community of everyday activists raising their voices and taking action, the movement is amplified by campaigns and events that convene leaders in music, entertainment, public policy, media, philanthropy and the corporate sector. Over the past 10 years, $43.6 billion in commitments announced on Global Citizen platforms has been deployed, impacting nearly 1.3 billion lives. Established in Australia in 2008, Global Citizen’s team operates from New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Berlin, Melbourne, Toronto, Johannesburg, Lagos and beyond. Join the movement at globalcitizen.org, download the Global Citizen app, and follow Global Citizen on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and Twitter.

About The Waislitz Foundation: 
After many years of involvement in private philanthropic giving, Australian investor and businessman Alex Waislitz founded the Waislitz Foundation in 2013. The foundation represents a new approach to giving. It aims to invest in, and have a direct social impact on, some of the world’s biggest social problems through active participation in the projects it supports. It aims to improve the quality of people’s lives through innovative initiatives and partnerships.

CONTACT: 
Global Citizen Inquiries: media@globalcitizen.org

Media Toolkit 

May 16, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Dozens of large companies and investors are taking to Capitol Hill this week to participate in LEAD on a Clean Economy 2023, a two-day advocacy event that will bring business leaders into direct meetings with members of Congress and the Biden administration. Participants will urge policymakers to invest in America by taking action that further establishes the U.S. as a global leader in advanced manufacturing supply chains, clean energy deployment, and resilient agriculture practices.

The fifth annual LEAD (Lawmaker Education and Advocacy Day) event will take place May 17-18, with 59 participating companies, 12 investors, and five trade groups scheduled for 60 meetings with members of Congress from both parties, as well as federal administration officials.

Participants include representatives from Adobe, Best Buy, Boyne Resorts, CommonSpirit Health, Diageo, Enel North America, Holcim US, HP, JLL, Microsoft, National Grid, Nestlé, Netflix, Oatly, PepsiCo, PSEG, Salesforce, Siemens, Starbucks, U.S. Steel, Workday, and many more companies from sectors across the economy.

A full list of participating companies and investors is available here.

“As the national leader in sustainable building solutions, Holcim US is eager to work with municipalities and contractors to help them capitalize on the Inflation Reduction Act’s much-needed investment in green infrastructure,” said Michael LeMonds, Holcim US Vice President, ESG and Chief Sustainability Officer. “Today we encouraged the federal policymakers at LEAD on a Clean Economy 2023 to expand upon this momentum by continuing to support action that will invest in manufacturing jobs and climate solutions.”

“As a long-time investor in the energy transition, HASI recognizes the power of strong public policy and private sector collaboration. We are witnessing historic growth and momentum in the clean energy sector following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act last year, but we must continue working to fully realize these economic gains and ensure our decarbonization trajectory is sound,” said Susan Nickey, Chief Client Officer of HASI. “One of the most crucial policies that require attention is energy permitting. It plays a vital role in expediting the development of a robust transmission infrastructure, which is essential to harnessing America’s abundant domestic clean energy sources. We are proud to join with business leaders once again at LEAD on a Clean Economy 2023 to call upon Congress to unite on a bipartisan basis and enact the necessary reforms required to modernize our electricity grid effectively.”

“These transformational investments in infrastructure and industry are powerful tools to help us shape a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future,” said Barbara Humpton, President & CEO, Siemens USA. “Our technology at Siemens supports the backbone of the economy and we’re proud to be working with local, state, and national partners to help strengthen power grids, modernize manufacturing, decarbonize buildings, and build a national EV charging network.”

“As the largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium has been investing in climate resilience for several decades. We are committed to further efforts in our operations and our supply chain – but at this point can only do so much on our own,” said Steve Fechheimer, CEO, New Belgium Brewing. “Federal investments are poised to incentivize our growers’ transition to more profitable low carbon practices, accelerate the transition to clean trucks, improve rural economies, and preserve the American tradition of brewing and drinking beer. That’s why we are excited to share our support for federal action at LEAD on a Clean Economy 2023.”

LEAD on a Clean Economy 2023 participants collectively generate more than $1 trillion in annual revenue and employ more than 1.7 million people. Many of them participated in last year’s LEAD event to encourage lawmakers to support the clean energy, clean transportation, clean industry, environmental justice, resilient agriculture, and conservation investments that ultimately comprised the Inflation Reduction Act.

This year, participants will urge policymakers to ensure the U.S. fully capitalizes on the opportunity presented by the Inflation Reduction Act, other state and federal policies, and the ongoing surge of private sector clean energy investment. In particular, they will call for bipartisan solutions that:

Maximize return on investment to create U.S. manufacturing jobs and build an advanced, clean economy;Reform permitting processes to responsibly accelerate deployment of clean energy infrastructure;Craft a Farm Bill that invests in all U.S. farmers, ranchers, and land.

The meetings come at an opportune time for federal policymaking. The Biden administration is still implementing landmark legislation from the last Congress that is unlocking U.S. clean energy manufacturing investments, including the Inflation Reduction Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act. Lawmakers are considering additional legislation to strengthen U.S. competitiveness such as a border adjustment or foreign pollution fee based on carbon emissions for heavy industrial products made in countries with weaker environmental standards. Meanwhile, multiple proposals related to energy permitting and transmission reform are pending in Congress, and negotiations over the 2023 Farm Bill reauthorization are well underway.

“The U.S. has seen a wave of private investment in clean energy manufacturing and deployment, with jobs and other economic benefits that are being felt across the country — in red states and blue states alike,” said Zach Friedman, director of federal policy, Ceres. “America’s business community knows this is no time to let up. That’s why dozens of companies and investors are coming to LEAD on a Clean Economy 2023, making the urgent case to policymakers from both parties to invest in America. They see a massive opportunity for the U.S. to establish itself as the global leader in advanced manufacturing and clean energy supply chains, accelerate the roll-out of domestic clean energy resources, and invest in our nation’s farmers and rural communities.”

Ceres, a sustainability nonprofit that works with companies and investors to advance sustainability practices and policies, has organized hundreds of meetings with lawmakers at LEAD events since 2019. Corporate advocacy for robust climate policy is of growing importance to investors, who see the climate crisis as a major financial risk and clean energy as a massive economic opportunity, and they have pushed companies to make these issues central to their public policy engagement. Research conducted by Ceres has shown that America’s largest companies are increasingly lobbying in support of strong climate policies that align with the goals of the Paris Agreement. LEAD events provide companies with an opportunity to hone and expand their climate advocacy as they look to strengthen their policy engagement practices.

“Companies and investors have proven themselves as highly influential policy advocates with credibility on both sides of the aisle. We are excited to bring them back to Capitol Hill for LEAD on a Clean Economy 2023 to make the case that the transition to clean energy is not ideological, but rather a business imperative that is good for the climate, the economy, and their bottom lines,” said Anne Kelly, vice president of government relations, Ceres. “In a divided government, we can all agree that this is a time to invest America — and to champion American clean energy technologies that will keep the U.S. competitive and resilient going forward.”

About Ceres 

Ceres is a nonprofit organization working with the most influential capital market leaders to solve the world’s greatest sustainability challenges. Through our powerful networks and global collaborations of investors, companies and nonprofits, we drive action and inspire equitable market-based and policy solutions throughout the economy to build a just and sustainable future. For more information, visit ceres.org and follow @CeresNews.

May 16, 2023 /3BL Media/ – On Friday, as part of its efforts to help prevent the indoor transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) introduced its first-ever recommended minimum ventilation target for occupied indoor spaces, setting its guidance at 5 air changes per hour (ACH).

The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) issued the following statement today from its President and CEO Rachel Hodgdon regarding the new ventilation guidance:

“We commend the Biden Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for their latest effort – setting CDC’s first-ever minimum ventilation guidance for indoor spaces which, if widely implemented, has the potential to dramatically improve our collective health, well-being and productivity, especially during cold and flu season.

“Improving ventilation will help fortify our buildings and ourselves in the face of future threats. We spend approximately 90% of our lives indoors, which is why improving indoor air quality in all the places we live our lives is so vitally important. At IWBI, we recognize the significance of the CDC establishing minimum standards to drive progress while market transformation systems like WELL set performance thresholds for leadership. Working together to advance this recommended CDC baseline for ventilation, we can help owners and operators optimize building performance, reduce the transmission of respiratory diseases and generally improve occupant health.”

media@wellcertified.com

View original content here.

At Wintergreen Lake, a bevy of trumpeter swans performs in concert, their unmistakeable call echoing across the water. Nesting pairs raise their young and juveniles practise fishing as tens of thousands of visitors watch every year, charmed by the majestic white waterfowl with jet-black bills.

Just 30 years ago, this lake in southwest Michigan was devoid of trumpeter swans, as were nearly all waterways from Wisconsin to Mississippi along the Mississippi Flyway bird migration route. In the 1980s and ’90s, overhunting and deaths by blood poisoning from toxins decimated the population of North America’s largest native bird species.

But thanks to conservation efforts led by Augusta’s W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, the trumpeter swan population has been restored.

The hundreds of swans that stop over in Wintergreen Lake today are part of the lineage of the restored population, explains Sarah Carroll, a development coordinator with the 180-acre Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, which includes Wintergreen Lake.

Now, multiple generations of visitors, including thousands of schoolchildren, flock to the Sanctuary to visit the trumpeter swans, as well as Canada geese, eastern screech owls, red-tailed hawks, bluebirds and hummingbirds.

“The best stories are meeting people who came as kids, then brought their own children, and now are coming back with their grandchildren,” says Carroll.

The Sanctuary was established in 1927 by W.K. Kellogg of Kellogg’s cereal fame. He donated the property a year later to Michigan State University, whose main campus is in East Lansing, an hour northeast of the Sanctuary. In addition to being a green space preserving species and habitat, the Sanctuary serves as a research lab for the university’s scholars and students.

In the 1960s, the university built a welcome center with an auditorium to enhance visitors’ educational experience. Schoolchildren in Grades 1 to 12 take part in programs that expand on the state’s science curricula relating to ecology, birds and habitats. The public attends talks and workshops, such as bird identification courses.

After more than a half century of welcoming learners, the center needs an upgrade to expand its educational capacity, update technology, and comply with the American Disability Act. The upgrade will also see the creation of two new learning spaces.

“In these different spaces, people will learn from our volunteers and educators before they go out on the trail to see the birds on a field-trip experience,” explains Carroll.

To help with the upgrade, Enbridge contributed a $10,000 Fueling Futures grant to Michigan State in 2022 as part of our commitment to sustainability projects that help improve, grow and nurture the environment. We’ve also supported a second ornithological project through MSU, with a $25,000 Fueling Futures grant directed toward a research project studying the movement and migration of red-tailed hawks in the Straits of Mackinac.

As shown with the restoration of trumpeter swan populations, the Sanctuary’s work is having a significant impact on bird populations and is helping the next generation learn to care for the environment.

Carroll herself was influenced by childhood visits to the Sanctuary. Her first job was greeting guests in the welcome center. Now, she supports conservation and restoration efforts.

MSU researchers doing cutting-edge conservation work often present their work in public talks at the center, she notes.

As the Sanctuary approaches its 100th anniversary, generations of families have experienced memorable moments to cherish—spotting tiny hummingbird nests, feeding the swans at Wintergreen Lake, watching owlets learn to fly.

Says Carroll: “The Sanctuary is a place to connect with family and connect with nature, to walk together and appreciate the beauty of Wintergreen Lake and the species that live here.”

Originally published on 3M News Center

It’s not every day that a world-famous innovator asks to visit your company.

William Kamkwamba did just that during a recent trip to the Twin Cities.

Best known for his New York Times bestselling memoir and Netflix film ‘The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind,’ William asked to visit 3M headquarters to learn about the company’s history of innovation, explore its technologies and connect with 3M scientists.

William was joined by his wife and business partner, Olivia Scott Kamkwamba. They run a Malawi-based organization called ‘Moving Windmills Project’ that works in partnership with local leaders and farmers to secure a viable future for Malawians. Their efforts have led to construction of low-cost water wells, solar powered pumps and new facilities for schools.

The duo is now embarking on an ambitious new campaign to build an innovation center in Malawi designed to further inspire and empower African innovators.

William and Olivia received a hands-on tour of 3M’s technology platforms and shared their story and aspirations with several 3M leaders.

“It was very natural for us at 3M to connect with William’s story because he’s an innovator,” said Jayshree Seth, a 3M corporate scientist and chief science advocate. “We were heartened to learn about how William and Olivia are supporting young changemakers in Malawi. Their work is truly inspiring.”

HOUSTON, May 9, 2023 /3BL Media/ – LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) and Veolia Belgium have signed an agreement to restructure the ownership of Quality Circular Polymers (QCP) BV recycling facilities, with locations in Belgium and the Netherlands. Veolia will sell its 50% share to LyondellBasell which will become 100% owner of QCP.

With full ownership of QCP, LyondellBasell is progressing its strategy to build a profitable circular and low carbon solutions business, to meet customer demand for more sustainable products and solutions. LyondellBasell is well-positioned to continue working with its customers to supply the products and solutions needed, to meet their own goals.

“The demand for circular solutions continues to grow, and LyondellBasell is committed to creating solutions for everyday sustainable living,” said Yvonne van der Laan, executive vice president, Circular & Low Carbon Solutions of LyondellBasell. “Full ownership of QCP supports our goal to produce and market at least 2 million metric tons of recycled and renewable-based polymers. We thank Veolia for their collaboration over the past five years and look forward to continuing to work with them as a feedstock supplier.”

The QCP mechanical recycling facilities produce special blends, using household plastic waste. QCP’s recycled materials are used to make items such as bottles, buckets, caps and closures as well as strollers and suitcases. LyondellBasell will continue to offer QCP polymers under its CirculenRecover brand, with QCP as its growth platform to enable circular solutions.

“Veolia’s strategy is to grow its presence across the entire value chain in Europe and worldwide. The divestment of our participation in the QCP is in line with this strategy as it will allow us to internalize additional volumes in our plastics recycling plants in Europe. We will continue cooperation with LyondellBasell, notably by remaining a QCP feedstock supplier for several years,” said Eric Troudoux, senior vice president Solid Waste Recycling & Recovery.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements in this release relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially based on factors including, but not limited to, our ability to meet our sustainability goals, including the ability to increase production of recycled and renewable-based polymers to meet our targets and forecasts and our ability to procure feedstock to meet these goals. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the “Risk Factors” section of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, which can be found at www.LyondellBasell.com on the Investor Relations page and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. There is no assurance that any of the actions, events or results of the forward-looking statements will occur, or if any of them do, what impact they will have on our results of operations or financial condition. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made and are based on the estimates and opinions of management of LyondellBasell at the time the statements are made. LyondellBasell does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions change, except as required by law.

Veolia and plastics recycling

Global leader in plastics recycling, Veolia operates about 200 sorting centers, 40 recycling and compounding plants and delivers almost 500 thousand tons of circular polymers to thousands of customers over the globe.

Veolia is active across the entire plastics value chain, from ecodesign to the production of ready to use highly performing circular resins. With its dedicated global offer, PlastiLoop, Veolia is committed to implement efficient and low CO2 recycling processes, engage within long term sustainable business models, promote collective responsible cooperation schemes and invest in development and innovation to the service of demanding and safe products, to the benefit of our planet.

About LyondellBasell

We are LyondellBasell – a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. Through advanced technology and focused investments, we are enabling a circular and low carbon economy. Across all we do, we aim to unlock value for our customers, investors and society. As one of the world’s largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, we develop, manufacture and market high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. For more information, please visit www.lyondellbasell.com or follow @LyondellBasell on LinkedIn.