Tag: 3BL

HAMILTON, Bermuda, April 19, 2023 /3BL Media/ – This Earth Day (April 22), family-owned Bacardi is unveiling a ‘greener makeover’ at its global headquarters in Bermuda to further cut its carbon footprint and to create a working environment that promotes even greater wellbeing for its employees.

The world’s largest privately-held international spirits company has recently installed new solar paneling on the office roof which will generate more than one third of the site’s energy requirements, while a new state-of-the-art chiller system will cut the building’s total energy usage by more than 40 percent annually. Together, these improvements will cut the building’s CO2 emissions by more than 70% every year.

Also on the roof, four large tanks capture rainwater used for the lawn and fire sprinklers; the beautiful fountains at the front of the building; and after careful filtration to clean the water, for the office bathrooms and kitchens.

Investing in these environmental upgrades will create spaces that promote even greater wellbeing at work too. The new chiller system improves indoor air quality, while newly installed LED lighting improves the quality of light, at the same time as creating further reductions in energy use. To encourage more outdoor time, additional seating and community spaces for hosting events and activities will be added outside.

“Doing the right thing by both people and planet is a top priority for us,” said Douglas Mello, Managing Director of Bacardi in Bermuda. “From planting trees, to helping reduce plastic pollution, to launching our Shake Your Future bartender training program – we take every opportunity to make a positive difference to the environment and communities in our home of Bermuda.”

Just last year, Bacardi partnered with the Beyond Plastic Bermuda campaign, a collaboration between Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce (BEST) and Keep Bermuda Beautiful (KBB), to educate the local community about the dangers of plastic pollution and encourage actions to reduce single-use plastic on the Island.

The focus on plastic and recycling extends to the company’s global headquarters, where all single-use plastic has been removed, and replaced with reusable cups, plates, and utensils.

“With our goal to be the most responsible global spirits company, we are constantly exploring opportunities to have a positive impact across our offices and production sites,” says Rodolfo Nervi, VP, Global Safety, Quality and Sustainability for Bacardi. “Taking these steps to invest in our planet, and to be more environmentally friendly at our global headquarters in Bermuda in celebration of Earth Day, is another fantastic example of that commitment in action as we continue this important journey.”

The team in Bermuda achieved Great Place to Work® certification last year, with 97% of employees saying they feel good about the many ways the company contributes to local communities.

Just this year, Bacardi launched its ‘Shake Your Future’ program in Bermuda as part of the program’s global expansion, helping unemployed people in Bermuda gain skills and training to secure jobs in the hospitality industry as bartenders. The company also celebrated its 161stanniversary in February by planting cedar trees in Bermuda’s Riddell’s Bay Gardens and Nature Reserve to help protect the biodiversity of the island.

Through its extensive Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) program, named Good Spirited, Bacardi has set itself ambitious targets. Find out more about the sustainability commitments of Bacardi and its vision to become the most environmentally responsible global spirits company at https://www.bacardilimited.com

-ENDS-

About Bacardi Limited

Bacardi Limited, the largest privately-held international spirits company in the world, produces and markets internationally recognized spirits and wines. The Bacardi Limited brand portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, GREY GOOSE® vodka, PATRÓN® tequila, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Scotch whisky, ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur, and ERISTOFF® vodka. Founded more than 161 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs approximately 9,000, operates production facilities in 10 countries, and sells its brands in more than 160 markets. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Visit http://www.bacardilimited.com or follow us on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Media enquiries:

Phillippa Williams, Communications Director, Global Supply Chain for Bacardi, pholmes@bacardi.com

Always drink responsibly.

LINCOLN, Neb., April 19, 2023 /3BL Media/ – A new national survey found that trees are something nearly all Americans can agree on. The survey, commissioned by the Arbor Day Foundation, found that 94% of Americans say trees are good for the planet.

“We expected people would feel positively about trees, but these results showcase so much more than that. This poll tells us that during this incredibly divisive time in our nation, trees can be something that unifies us all as Americans and that’s a reason to celebrate,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “We’re gratified to know that Americans from all backgrounds see trees as we do: a solution to the world’s most pressing problems.”

The survey was conducted by The Harris Poll, a nationally recognized market research organization on behalf of the Arbor Day Foundation among over 2,000 U.S. adults. U.S. adults were asked several questions about their attitudes toward trees and forests.

One of the survey’s key findings revealed nearly 9 in 10 Americans (88%) believe now is a critical time to be replanting our nation’s forests. The Arbor Day Foundation is already acting on this message of urgency as it works to help plant 500 million trees by the summer of 2027. The ambitious goal recognizes the need to accelerate tree planting with greater scale and focus.

Americans also believe that trees mitigate the effects of a warming climate. According to the survey’s results, 91% of U.S. adults agree trees help fight climate change. This response aligns with the perspective of scientists who have long pointed to trees as a cost-effective way to address threats facing the environment.

The results of the survey were released ahead of the Arbor Day national holiday on April 28. 57% of Americans say they’ve celebrated the “tree planter’s holiday” in the past.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation is the world’s largest membership nonprofit organization dedicated to planting trees. With a focus in communities and forests of greatest need, the Foundation — alongside its more than 1 million members, supporters and valued partners — has helped to plant nearly 500 million trees in more than 50 countries. Guided by its mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees, the Arbor Day Foundation is committed to unlocking the power of trees to help solve critical issues facing people and the planet. Learn more about the impact of the Arbor Day Foundation at arborday.org.

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Last week, Entergy joined the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, or LPIC, and United Way of Southeast Louisiana at the Louisiana State Capitol for the release of a new report, “A Modern History of Early Care and Education in Louisiana.” The report analyzes the modern history of early care and education in legislation and funding. The report was funded with support from Entergy.

Patty Riddlebarger, Entergy vice president of corporate social responsibility, attended a press conference alongside Gov. John Bel Edwards and Dr. Libbie Sonnier, executive director of the LPIC.

“At Entergy, we firmly believe that an investment in our children is an investment in our economy,” said Riddlebarger. “Over the past two decades, Entergy has worked with countless advocates, legislative champions, policy makers and community leaders to expand access to high quality early childhood education for Louisiana families. This report documents that progress, while also highlighting how much further we have to go.”

The report provides a comprehensive modern history of the early care and education, or ECE, reform movement in the state, including lessons learned. In the late 20th century, scientists concluded the vast majority of brain development takes place during the first three years of a child’s life. At the same time, increasingly, child care was becoming one of the most common contexts in which child development unfolds.

In the early 2000s, Louisiana served only 27% of 4-year-olds in pre-kindergarten (pre-K), and the state ranked last in the country for access to child care for 3-year-olds. The state’s ECE regulatory structures met only four out of 10 national benchmarks, with no required teacher professional development or minimum staff-child ratios. Yet Louisiana’s ECE advocates understood that affordable, high-quality ECE opportunities could be a game-changer for both children and their families, as well as for the state as a whole, and they began to organize themselves to support families with young children.

At the press conference, Edwards offered his remarks about the report.

“When I first took office, the state had spent years disinvesting in education. Now, we have the best budget for education in the history of the state,” said Edwards. “This year’s budget includes the largest investment of state general fund in early childhood education in state history. We all know how important increasing both access and quality of early childhood education in Louisiana is, and I’m incredibly proud of the strides we’ve made to put our children first.”

Last year, CNH Industrial reported that three of its Case IH brand tractors were close to completing an epic journey to a new, unique home: Antarctica. These special Steiger Quadtrac 500s have travelled across the Globe, making a number of stops to receive the modifications they need to perform in such a challenging environment.

And now, they have arrived at their final destination.

There, they are being used to support the Australian Antarctic Division’s (AAD) aviation operations.

The AAD is part of the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. It delivers operational, medical, science, policy and support functions.

And according to Jason Wood, High Horsepower Product Manager, Case IH, the machines have exceeded the expectations of the AAD operators.

Watch the video to hear what else Jason had to say – and chart the full journey of these extraordinary tractors.

About CNH Industrial 
CNH Industrial (NYSE: CNHI / MI: CNHI) is a world-class equipment and services company. Driven by its purpose of Breaking New Ground, which centers on Innovation, Sustainability and Productivity, the Company provides the strategic direction, R&D capabilities, and investments that enable the success of its global and regional Brands. Globally, Case IH and New Holland Agriculture supply 360° agriculture applications from machines to implements and the digital technologies that enhance them; and CASE and New Holland Construction Equipment deliver a full lineup of construction products that make the industry more productive. The Company’s regionally focused Brands include: STEYR, for agricultural tractors; Raven, a leader in digital agriculture, precision technology and the development of autonomous systems; Flexi-Coil, specializing in tillage and seeding systems; Miller, manufacturing application equipment; Kongskilde, providing tillage, seeding and hay & forage implements; and Eurocomach, producing a wide range of mini and midi excavators for the construction sector, including electric solutions. 

Across a history spanning over two centuries, CNH Industrial has always been a pioneer in its sectors and continues to passionately innovate and drive customer efficiency and success. As a truly global company, CNH Industrial’s 40,000+ employees form part of a diverse and inclusive workplace, focused on empowering customers to grow, and build, a better world. 

For more information and the latest financial and sustainability reports visit: cnhindustrial.com 

For news from CNH Industrial and its Brands visit: media.cnhindustrial.com

Our Associate Antea Group Netherlands is leading the way with green ammonia projects across the country. Other countries, such as Italy and the US, are looking more into Hydrogen instead of Ammonia-H right now, but the demand for consulting in the Netherlands on green ammonia projects is rising.

According to Monique Berrevoets-Steenbakker of Antea Group Netherlands (AGN), they are consulting on seven large developments surrounding green ammonia. In the past, ammonia has had a negative reputation in the country because of its toxicity. In a high concentration, it is highly dangerous to humans and nature. It is hard to ignite, but it is flammable, and its vapor cloud can travel a long distance, which could be a threat to any urban areas. Governments have been afraid to permit it in the past because of these reasons which resulted in a strict regulatory environment.

It takes one bad incident, such as a train derailment in Serbia last December that spilled ammonia, to scare governments and citizens alike away from using ammonia for energy transition. When surrounding countries reported on this Serbian train derailment and ammonia spill, it created fear in people and led them to believe ammonia is too dangerous to use.

However, many governments and urban areas don’t realize how much knowledge we already have surrounding ammonia. It’s a great substance to use in energy transition as a hydrogen carrier and as a primary fuel as long as its toxicity is taken into account.

The ammonia Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is mature, as people have been dealing with ammonia for over 100 years. That makes a difference, because other substances that are lower on the TLR scale can be more dangerous as we know less about them. With ammonia, the body of knowledge and research is much larger than with other substances, so the industry knows how to handle it safely at this point.

Challenges with Ammonia Energy Transition

Currently since ammonia is an existing technology used in industrial areas, it is used safely and correctly. However, as green ammonia becomes more common in energy transition, new (unproven) technologies are beginning to be used more. For example, an ammonia cracker is a machine that cracks ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen, which is a cost-effective way of generating those two substances. Hydrogen is then used for energy. While this cracking process isn’t new, it’s the fact that we are now doing this on a large industrial scale that brings us into unknown territory.

A lot of companies are working to develop a large-scale ammonia cracker. Another new thing is that ammonia is no longer only used in industrial areas, but it’s transported throughout the countries to where energy is needed. So, that brings ammonia close to urban areas, which hasn’t been done before on this scale.

How Antea Group Netherlands helps with Green Ammonia Projects

In offshore production, Antea Group Netherlands help companies get required legal registers, permit applications, and complete safety studies (for people working with it) and environmental studies (including risk analysis for humans but also for spills into the ocean / the effect on sea life).

In onshore production and storage, Antea Group Netherlands again provides advisory for legal registers and permit applications. Stakeholder management is also important in terms of safety and environmental issues, as well as the transport of ammonia. It’s key to look at all the stakeholders and how they use the ammonia. Antea Group Netherlands also helps with spatial planning, which includes how the location of the facility is planned and how the urban area that’s close to a facility is planned. Finally, Antea Group Netherlands advises governmental parties such as fire departments in how to deal with an incident in emergency planning.

Storage usually takes place in industrial areas in HSE storage terminals. Antea Group Netherlands does pretty much everything from terminal management to permitting to emergency response. They are building up a large amount of experience with this.

Now, as more companies look into ammonia cracking on an industrial scale, Antea Group Netherlands supports them with Hazard and Operability Analysis (HAZOP) support, engineering support, and risk studies. Typical clients include industrial clients and the national government and ministry, as AGN advises them on how to use ammonia in the energy transition sector.

What’s Changing with Green Ammonia

A few years ago, the Netherlands banned nearly all transport of ammonia through the country. Now, as green ammonia becomes a stronger player in the energy transition sector, that is rolling back. Western Europe needs carbon free energy, especially with the ongoing energy crisis, so at this moment the use of ammonia is inevitable. AGN advises them on the risks and making legislation.

Authorities sometimes ask for support because there are few people in the country that have the knowledge to give permits for green ammonia. That includes advising on how to apply for permits, pushing for legislation at the government level to allow ammonia transport, and even helping teach people who give permits what they need to know about permitting for ammonia. AGN is in a position to help companies and authorities throughout the entire process.

Similarly, green ammonia projects are rising in New Zealand, with the building and development of potentially the world’s largest green hydrogen production plant in Southland. Our Inogen Alliance associate Tonkin + Taylor is providing early-stage planning and consenting expertise to help make the project a reality. Green ammonia may not be center stage yet in other countries around the world, but with interest rising on an industrial scale and the need for carbon free energy around the world, it’s only a matter of time.

According to Monique Berrevoets-Steenbakker of Antea Group Netherlands, in “The current situation, ammonia is used for fertilizers. But… when I see the projects we are involved in, the landscape will be completely different. I think in the next 10-20 years we’ll see the landscape very much changing from oil to ammonia… we are involved in other sources, but they are not as developed as green ammonia is.” 
 

Inogen Alliance is a global network made up of dozens of independent local businesses and over 5,000 consultants around the world who can help make your project a success. Our Associates collaborate closely to serve multinational corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, and we share knowledge and industry experience to provide the highest quality service to our clients. If you want to learn more about how you can work with Inogen Alliance, you can explore our Associates or Contact Us. Watch for more News & Blog updates here and follow us on LinkedIn.

A new openSAP course, Designing a Circular Economy, addresses how we can create the products we need in a circular way, designing out the overwhelming waste, pollution, and harms to natural systems that are hallmarks of our current linear economy model.

The global waste problem is growing, with less than 8% of the 100 billion tons of materials we consume annually making it back into circulation. Plastic waste is one catastrophic example, with the equivalent of one garbage truck of plastic getting discarded in our oceans every minute, on top of the 200 million metric tons that have already accumulated. Once produced, plastic can endure for hundreds of years, breaking down into what are known as microplastics and slowly poisoning natural habitats and animals, which directly impact the well-being and economic livelihoods of millions of people. Despite this stark reality, global demand for plastic continues to rise, with production expected to triple by 2050.

This is a global crisis requiring immediate and sustained action. To tackle the plastic waste problem, we must commit to a circular economy model, where we eliminate waste and pollution, recirculate resources, and regenerate natural systems. The circular economy changes the way we source materials and make and use products.

What’s more, new regulations are putting pressure on global business to adopt a circular economy model. In March of last year, world leaders agreed to a historic resolution at the United Nations Environment Assembly to negotiate an international, legally binding instrument on plastic pollution by 2024. In the European Union (EU), the circular economy is a central feature of the European Green Deal, a set of policy initiatives signed in 2020 with the aim of making the EU carbon neutral by 2050 and setting new requirements to make products more reusable and energy and resource efficient.

With an estimated 80% of the environmental impact of a product determined at the design stage, a key element of the circular economy is in the design of products and their packaging. Circular design at its most strategic level is a huge lever for the overall reduction of the environmental and climate footprint of products, as it considers all aspects of product development, including materials used and the manufacturing process. Most significantly, circular design considers what becomes of the product or its component parts once it has reached the end of its usefulness.

As Sarah Gillespie, customer success manager for Circular Economy at SAP, says, “Design is an absolutely critical stage of product development where we can have an enormous impact for good. By following circular principles at the design stage, we can design out waste from the beginning instead of simply mitigating it.” Circular design can also help to address the growing climate issue, since an estimated 45% of all global greenhouse gas emissions are linked to how we manage material flows for products.

Circular design helps organizations to review their processes and take steps towards using less raw materials and with more efficiency. But one of the biggest challenges for business to implement circular design is getting accurate data, which is crucial for assessing material flows and resource productivity. For example, companies need data to understand whether an organic material they are using in their product was regeneratively grown. Technology will play a fundamental role in enabling businesses to access the data that they need to make optimal material choices, create better supply chain transparency, and comply with government requirements. SAP has both the technology and the responsibility to help global enterprises use the power of data, networks, and partnerships to achieve their targets and develop circular systems.

The new openSAP course, Designing a Circular Economy, offers customers, partners, and anyone interested in the topic a deeper understanding of how to apply circular design principles to their own business. SAP’s last course on this topic introduced the circular economy and how to implement circular business practices. This new course will focus on how to create the products we need in a circular way, using a systems approach that considers how the constituent parts work together and evolve over time. In this course, you will learn about circular design, what role design plays in products and packaging, what is meant by regenerative design, what nature can teach us about product design, and how technology can help.

The course features many external speakers, including experts in circular design, packaging, and biomimicry to name just a few, such as Joe Iles, circular design programme lead at Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Saskia van den Muijsenberg, cofounder of BioimicryNL, and Sian Sutherland, cofounder of PlasticFree.com.

Anyone can register for this free, on-demand, four-week course, which begins May 23, 2023, and involves just a few hours of coursework per week. During the course you can earn points, a record of achievement, and a digital badge that you can share on social media.

We encourage you to sign up here and share it with your networks. The global waste problem is a humanitarian crisis that we must confront together. Arming ourselves with the knowledge to develop urgently needed solutions is a wonderful place to start.

SAN FRANCISCO, April 18, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Turo, the world’s largest peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace, announced today that the company has been Carbon Neutral Certified by SCS Global Services, a pioneer and global leader in the field of sustainability certification assessment. This certification is a testament to Turo’s efforts in the fight against climate change, making the automotive and transportation industry more sustainable, and building a marketplace that puts the world’s 1.5 billion cars to better use.

“An important part of Turo’s mission in putting the 1.5 billion cars to better use is ensuring the world’s existing resources are put to better use,” said Turo CEO, Andre Haddad. “I’m proud of the steps we — our employees and vibrant community of hosts and guests — have collectively taken to reduce our environmental footprint while enjoying all that Turo has to offer.”

This Carbon Neutral certification completed by SCS Global Services and administered by the non-profit standards setting body, SCS Standards, verifies and formalizes Turo’s work in offsetting 100% of its annual 2022 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Turo intends to maintain carbon neutrality moving forward and plans to continue cutting back on greenhouse gas emissions through initiatives outlined in a GHG Reduction Management Plan:

Increase the number of electric and hybrid vehicles on Turo and the trips they support through EV financing partnerships for hosts and other initiatives; andDrive more hybrid and electric vehicle-based trips by elevating the existing offerings through an elevated product experience and partnership.

“Turo’s achievement of carbon neutrality, as confirmed through our third-party certification, ensures credibility of the company’s accurate carbon footprint measurement, its purchase of carbon credits that provide real climate mitigation, and a completely neutralized footprint,” said Dave Jonas, SCS Global Services Program Manager, Carbon Neutral Certification. “We applaud Turo for demonstrating sustainability leadership by achieving comprehensive carbon neutrality across Scopes 1, 2, and 3, including direct carbon emissions from its staff and offices, indirect emissions associated with energy usage in operations, and fuel used in shared vehicles.”

Investments that highlight Turo’s commitment to sustainability include participation in the J.B. Hunt Transportation Efficiency Project, which reduces the number of semi-trucks on US highways from coast to coast, resulting in lower air emissions, improved highway safety, and less wear and tear on overall roads and infrastructure. This project is anticipated to reduce GHG emissions from the transport of goods by 50 percent.

Turo has also invested in the Kootznoowoo Forestry Project, which protects 20,000 acres of forest on Prince of Wales Island in Alaska, including approximately 8,000 acres of old-growth forest. Owned by the native Tlingit and Haida people and managed alongside the US Forest Service, Turo’s investment will help preserve the woodland ecosystem, as well as support an education fund for the native community.

Turo has fueled eco-friendly adventures — roughly 14 percent of its Gross Booking Value (GBV) in 2022 came from trips taken with a vehicle running on alternative energy. Turo has offered access to a selection of electric vehicles since 2012, helping drive the adoption of electric vehicles, and has some of the most sought after and recently launched makes and models available to book today. Turo expects EV adoption to increase and will continue to champion this growth by building a rich supply of electric and hybrid vehicles on the platform.

In addition to new projects, investments, partnerships, and more, Turo remains committed to offsetting any emissions that cannot be addressed through operational changes across all markets where it currently operates and will be updating the plan at least every 12 months.

To learn more about Turo, please visit www.turo.com.

Forward-Looking Statements 
This press release contains forward-looking statements including, among other things, statements regarding Turo’s intention to maintain carbon neutrality through the end of 2023, Turo’s proposed initiatives to further reduce or offset greenhouse gas emissions, the anticipated effects of Turo’s participation and investment in certain third-party initiatives, Turo’s plans to grow the supply of electric and hybrid vehicles on its platform, and Turo’s intention to update its GHG Reduction Management plan every 12 months. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “looking ahead,” “look to,” “may,” “move into,” “plan,” “project,” “seek,” “target,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. You should not rely on forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The outcome of the events described in these forward-looking statements is subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors, including, among other things, market risks, trends, and conditions, changes in adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles, and changes in laws and regulations related to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. These risks are not exhaustive. If any of the risks materialize or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements relate only to events as of the date of this press release. Turo undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information, actual results, revised expectations, or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

About Turo 
Turo is the world’s largest car sharing marketplace where guests can book any car they want, wherever they want it, from a vibrant community of trusted hosts. Whether they’re flying in from afar or looking for a car down the street, searching for a rugged truck or something smooth and swanky for a once-in-a-lifetime event, guests can take the wheel of the perfect car for any occasion, while hosts can take the wheel of its futures by sharing its underutilized personal vehicles or building an accessible, flexible, and scalable car sharing business from the ground up. Turo is home to a supportive and collaborative community that shares thousands of vehicles across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia.

Source: Turo, Inc.

Media Contact 
Autumn Communications 
turo@autumncommunications.com

About SCS Global Services 
SCS Global Services is a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, and testing. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in climate mitigation, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, consumer products, and more. Headquartered in Emeryville, California, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to companies, agencies and advocacy organizations due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS, which stands for Scientific Certification Systems, is a chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. For more information, visit www.scsglobalservices.com.

Media Contact 
Nikki Helms 
nhelms@scsglobalservices.com

 

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Southwire is pleased to announce that its new Atlanta office has officially achieved Fitwel and LEED Silver certifications – two of the nation’s leading standards recognizing sustainable building practices that are designed to optimize environmental stewardship and support health.

Southwire’s new office at The Battery Atlanta was designed with the organization’s long-held commitment to sustainability as a primary focus. Many of the features included in the state-of-the-art facility were specifically implemented to advance the company’s Growing Green and Living Well initiatives.

“Our goal for our Atlanta community office was to bring our people together in a space that encourages collaboration and supports a best-in-class workforce. The pursuit of LEED and Fitwel designations aligned perfectly with these objectives,” said Christy Wright, senior vice president of corporate finance. “With these designations, Southwire continues to live up to its sustainability commitments to team members and the communities in which we reside.”

LEED, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Through design, construction and operation practices that improve environmental and human health, LEED-certified buildings are helping to make the world more sustainable.

Southwire achieved LEED Silver certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions in areas like sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

“The work of innovative building projects, like Southwire’s Atlanta Office, is a fundamental driving force in transforming the way our buildings are built, designed and operated,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO of USGBC. “Buildings that achieve LEED certification are lowering carbon emissions, reducing operating costs and conserving resources while prioritizing sustainable practices and human health.”

Fitwel is the world’s leading certification system for buildings and communities that optimize projects to support health. Fitwel is implementing a vision for a healthier future where all buildings and communities are enhanced to strengthen the health, well-being and workspace for all team members. employees.

“With more and more employees returning to the office, it is more important than ever to invest in healthy building strategies,” said Joanna Frank, CEO of Fitwel’s Center for Active Design. “Southwire’s achievement in gaining a Fitwel certification demonstrates its alignment with the best science available and demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of its team members.”

Some of the features that helped Southwire achieve these certifications include low volatile organic compounds (VOC) and low-emitting finishes, which are developed for healthier indoor air quality. In addition to these features, the facility also utilizes low-flow faucets and fixtures, contributing to more than 35 percent water use savings, which is projected to conserve nearly 43,000 gallons of water per year.

The office lighting system is specially designed by Southwire partner, Sinclair Digital Services, to utilize energy efficient Power over Ethernet, or PoE, capable of adjusting brightness based on the amount of natural light available, achieving significant energy savings. These benefits are a result of PoE technology’s simultaneous data and power flow and its leveraging of twisted pair Ethernet cabling. Team members working in the office at The Battery Atlanta can enjoy using adjustable height desks, adjustable monitor arms and ergonomic chairs along with a variety of meeting spaces that are designed to accommodate flexible work style options.

“We are proud to have earned both LEED Silver and Fitwel certifications at our new Atlanta office, and we hope to see it serve as inspiration for further innovation across our footprint at Southwire,” said Amy Hou, sustainability manager. “Incorporating features like abundant natural daylight, healthy food options and wellness spaces contributes to our goal of building a healthy, inclusive work environment for our team members, which is a core aspect of our sustainability strategy.”

To learn more about Southwire’s commitment to sustainability, visit www.southwire.com/sustainability. For more Southwire news, visit www.southwire.com/newsroom.

Originally published by Carton Council of Canada

Every year, Carton Council of Canada (CCC) publishes the national blended collection-recycling rate for cartons on its website. For 2022, we are pleased to report that this performance now stands at 57%, up from 55% in 2021.

How We Track Performance

The carton performance that we report annually is based on data shared by the various provincial and territorial organizations who operate recycling programs. Some jurisdictions report a recycling rate while others report a collection rate. For this reason, we cannot report a uniform national recycling or collection rate.

The recycling rate refers to the tonnes of cartons sent for recycling (i.e., once they have been sorted and baled at the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) or redeemed through a deposit return system) divided by the tonnes of cartons supplied to market. In contrast, the collection rate refers to the tonnes of cartons collected in the recycling stream and delivered to a MRF divided by the tonnes of cartons supplied to market.

The blended collection-recycling rate is a weighted average of Canada’s thirteen (13) jurisdictions. It is based on the latest available data. The data is compiled, and the calculations are carried out by, a qualified third-party on behalf of CCC.

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Caring is in Aflac’s DNA, and we are committed to addressing long-standing health inequities, including the cost of care. Our work to help close the health and wealth gap is a reflection of who we are and our belief in always striving to do what’s right for our policyholders and our communities.

Over the last year, we’ve been hard at work demonstrating this commitment by addressing the critical issue of medical debt, and we took it a step further to once again showcase our culture of caring to the world beyond Aflac’s walls. It started when we announced our CareGrants initiative, our intent to give away $1 million to families, individuals and organizations throughout 2022, shining a light on the urgent issue of medical debt.

The CareGrants program has two components:

Individual CareGrants are awarded to help families and individuals focus on their physical recovery instead of financial stressors.Community CareGrants are delivered to organizations that improve the medical outcomes for individuals in their local areas, prioritizing regions identified as high-need by the Aflac Care Index.

As we continue the CareGrants initiative into 2023, we also reflect on the impact these funds have had for those who receive them.

Now through April 30, Aflac is hosting its next individual CareGrants contest for non-policyholders nationwide to share their medical debt stories for the chance to win $10,000.*

Becoming a part of their stories

Our vision is to create a world where people are better prepared for unexpected health expenses — it’s our “why.” Our Individual CareGrant program is the demonstration of how we care for the underserved and underinsured, and it helps illustrate our collective mission to care on purpose.

Throughthe CareGrant programs, we’ve seen up close how these awards truly help change lives, like that of Lashandra Covington from Columbus, Georgia, who battled breast cancer twice during her 20s and was later diagnosed with colon cancer in 2021. Lashandra needed money to pay for a vital procedure, which our CareGrant helped fund.

Another powerful story came from John Shadock in Riverview, Florida, who was diagnosed with glioblastoma at age 35. John and his wife Allison were married only a short time before he received his diagnosis that changed the young couple’s life instantly. Allison, John and their two dogs had to relocate to be closer to John’s doctor, which meant leaving jobs and undergoing extremely expensive cancer treatments, MRIs and never-ending travel expenses.

Shortly after, John had a fall that forced them to seek around-the-clock care and lean even more on family and friends for support. The $5,000 grant they received from Aflac helped get the family back on their feet so they could focus more on John’s care, not finances.

In the communities

In January 2022, we announced the Aflac Care Index, a nationwide study that examined Americans’ awareness of and exposure to debt resulting from medical bills not covered by insurance. To support the highly vulnerable regions identified in the Care Index, Aflac distributed $500,000 in Community CareGrants throughout 2022 to select organizations that improve medical outcomes for individuals in these regions. In each community where we gave a grant — including Harlan, Kentucky; Lexington, Virginia; Orlando, Florida; Houston, Texas and Columbia, South Carolina — we installed an Aflac Park Bench to serve as a physical manifestation of the company’s commitments to education, support and advocacy to help close the gap.

Community CareGrants help organizations address key health issues unique to their communities. For example, Libby’s Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation in Orlando is using their CareGrant to increase access to breast health services such as diagnostic testing and biopsies for underserved and underinsured individuals.

Our first Community CareGrant and Aflac Park Bench installation was in Harlan, Kentucky, one of the most at-risk states, according to the Aflac Care Index. Within the state, Harlan County stood out for its high rate of cardiac conditions. Aflac contributed $100,000 to Harlan’s Appalachian Regional Hospital to help create better health and wealth equity among local residents. With Aflac’s $100,000 CareGrant, Harlan ARH Hospital is reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease in Harlan County by increasing residents’ access to disease education and providing access to AEDs.

More to come in 2023

As we extend our CareGrants program into 2023, non-policyholders nationwide can share their medical debt stories for the chance to win $10,000 by visiting www.aflac.com/aflac-cares/caregrant.aspx. The contest runs through April 30. Be sure to follow @Aflac and @AflacDuck across social platforms and stay tuned for the 2023 CareGrant winners.

THE AFLAC CAREGRANTS CONTEST: NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE CHANCES OF WINNING. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S./D.C., age 18+ (19+ in AL and NE, 21+ in MS), who as of the date listed in the applicable Appendix, are not insured under any policy issued or administered by Aflac, Inc. or its subsidiaries or affiliates (collectively “Aflac”), and who incurred a medical debt before the date listed in the applicable Appendix. Void where prohibited. Each Contest starts at the time and date listed in the applicable Appendix and ends at the time and date listed in the applicable Appendix (the “Contest Period”). Total ARV of all prizes: $200,000. Subject to full Official CareGrant Individual Contest Rules available here. Sponsor: American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus (Aflac), 1932 Wynnton Rd., Columbus, GA 31999.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation for insurance. Information is not intended to provide tax, legal, health or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations.

Aflac | Aflac New York | WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

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