Tag: 3BL

Originally published by Southern Company

Several Southern Company system attorneys have been selected to participate in two prestigious programs with the Leadership Council for Legal Diversity (LCLD).

Nitin Datt, chief counsel at Southern Company Gas, and Julia Yun, senior counsel at Southern Company Services, will participate in the LCLD Fellows program. Jamillah Pritchett, contract agent III at Southern Company Services, and Danielle Hines, senior specialist in real estate at Alabama Power Company, will participate in the LCLD Pathfinders program.

The year-long Fellows program is designed to build relationships and leadership skills in experienced high-potential attorneys from diverse backgrounds, while the Pathfinders program focuses on building these skills in early-career attorneys from diverse backgrounds.

“Nitin, Julia, Jamillah and Danielle have demonstrated strong leadership skills and have shown a commitment to Southern Company’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Through these programs, they will have the opportunity to further refine these skills, build relationships and expand their network,” said Jim Kerr, Southern Company executive vice president and chief legal officer.

LCLD is a non-profit organization whose goal is building a more equitable and diverse legal profession and is comprised of more than 400 members, including corporations and law firms. The members participate in programs that prepare diverse talent for leadership positions. Southern Company has been an active participant and sponsor of LCLD for the past seven years.

“LCLD is an excellent organization and their programs have helped build strong leaders at Southern and within the community. I am excited to have more of our talented people participate in their programs,” Kerr said.

Once the attorneys complete the program, they will continue their professional development by attending pro bono, networking and continuing legal education events organized by the program’s active alumni.

April 18, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Ceres announced today a new commitment to expand its work to support major companies in the transition to electric vehicles (EV), as part of its participation in the White House’s EV Acceleration Challenge. The challenge is designed to accelerate the U.S. transition to EVs and meet the Biden administration’s goal of having 50% of all new passenger vehicle sales be electric by 2030.

In response to the administration’s call urging public and private sector leaders to dedicate resources to accelerate the nation’s transition to EVs, Ceres committed to support the 32+ major global and U.S. member companies of its Corporate Electric Vehicle Alliance in transitioning to EVs.

Specifically, Ceres plans to develop a resource and advocacy guide for companies to promote sustainable EV supply chain practices and provide a platform for peer-to-peer dialogue on commercial fleet electrification best practices by the end of 2023. Alliance members, which include Amazon, DHL, Hertz, and Otis, among others, collectively own, lease, or operate over 2.5 million on-road vehicles in the U.S. alone.

“Ceres is honored to be included in the White House’s new round of major EV commitments. The tide is certainly turning on internal combustion engines and Ceres and the Corporate EV Alliance are proud to be part of the shift to zero emission vehicles and a cleaner transportation system,” said Sara Forni, director of clean vehicles at Ceres, and leader of the Ceres Corporate Electric Vehicle Alliance.

Ceres is working to decarbonize the transportation sector through the work it is leading with the Alliance and through its Ceres Ambition 2030 initiative, an effort to decarbonize the six highest emitting sectors in the U.S. economy.

Ceres is among the dozens of participants that announced new public and private sector commitments in April as part of the White House’s EV Acceleration Challenge. Ceres also applauds the ambitious new EV commitments made by five Alliance members for the challenge:

Amazon: Announced it has rolled out over 3,000 electric delivery vehicles as part of its commitment to bring 100,000 electric delivery vehicles to the road by 2030.Exelon: Expand its customer-facing tools and resources in the second half of 2023 by offering a comprehensive fleet electrification assessment service through its EVsmart Program designed to help customers and businesses navigate vehicle electrification, create fleet electrification plans, and estimate total costs of ownership savings.Hertz: Substantially increase its electric vehicle rentals this year—forecasting nearly two million EV rentals in 2023, approximately five times the number of EV rentals in 2022—and extend the electric vehicle experience to leisure and business travelers and rideshare drivers across the country.Siemens: Install charging stations across the U.S. at its facilities and employees’ homes to support the electric conversion of its 10,000-vehicle fleet by 2030 and to set a requirement that 10% of parking spaces include EV charging stations at all new company facility construction projects.Uber: Reach 400 million EV miles driven on its platform in the U.S. by the end of 2023 by distributing resources through its Green Future program to help hundreds of thousands of drivers transition to EVs and through its partnerships with automakers, rental companies, and charging companies.

Ceres looks forward to continuing to support major corporate fleets as they transition to clean zero emission vehicles and develop a robust domestic EV supply chain that is responsibly and sustainably sourced.

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.

Media Contact: Reginald Zimmerman

One in nine central Pennsylvanians face hunger every day.

“We are at very high levels of need for food assistance, and there are a lot of factors weighing on families right now,” says Joe Arthur, executive director at Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.

The Food Bank works to provide healthy food through an extensive network of partners across 27 counties and enlists the help of more than 16,000 volunteers to serve more than 150,000 people each month who might otherwise go hungry.

“We don’t just provide the typical dry goods that you’d expect in a pantry, but also fresh and frozen foods, as well as produce and dairy,” says Arthur.

The Food Bank and its partners have established a sophisticated operation. After collecting food donations from farms, orchards and even grocery store suppliers, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank sorts and packages food at its two Healthy Food Hub locations in Williamsport, PA and Harrisburg, PA. The packages are distributed to more than 1,200 partner agencies who ultimately get them into the hands of those in-need.

In the past 10 years, effectively since Arthur assumed his role as executive director, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank has grown to distribute approximately five times the amount of food to communities and neighbors in need.

“We saw an extraordinary increase in demand in about 2009 following the Great Recession, so we really needed to expand,” says Arthur. “We turned our attention to growing our operations and focusing on healthy eating by building our fresh produce and dairy product operations.”

He adds: “The last decade has been really transformational for the Food Bank and the people and families we serve.”

Enbridge provided financial support to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank in 2021 and 2022 through our Fueling Futures grants, which support initiatives that contribute to a sustainable future by helping to improve, grow and nurture the environment. Each donation of $5,000 has been directed toward the Food Bank’s general operations.

In addition to funding, Enbridge employees participated in a volunteer day during Hunger Action Month last September to pack 360 food boxes for seniors in need.

“Volunteering our time and skills is one of the most powerful ways to make a difference in our local community, and it can be just as rewarding for you as it is for those you are helping,” says Kim Trois, a regional field analyst at Enbridge. “As it turns out, we had a ton of fun too.”

Daily volunteer sessions highlight the current need for food security across the state, and donors can give in many ways—such as time, food or funds—to support the efforts.

Beyond working with countless passionate volunteers every day to serve the Food Bank’s mission, Arthur notes the real impact his work has every day across central PA.

“I love going home at night knowing we are helping thousands of people get enough healthy food in their kitchen and pantries to serve good meals.”

Language arts educators don’t necessarily view themselves as teaching STEM skills alongside grammar and vocabulary. Yet when teaching reading and writing, adding technology only increases student learning and engagement.

When Ameel Attallah, a Verizon Innovative Learning Schools coach at Secrist Middle School in Tucson, Arizona, wants to enrich student learning and increase engagement, he knows what to reach for: technology. Access to technology allows students “to be exposed to a plethora of resources and supplements beyond the textbook,” Attallah says.

Verizon Innovative Learning provides that access. Students receive one-on-one devices with data plans, which connect them to the internet both at school and at home. For schools that also have an innovation lab as part of the initiative, students gain experience with next-gen tech, including 3D printers, virtual reality headsets and augmented reality apps.

With devices and data plans in students’ hands, technology can then act as a link between fields of study. “[The Verizon Innovative Learning] Lab includes all the core subjects: English, math, science, history,” explains Theresa Spencer, English interventionist with Irving Independent School District in Texas. “It’s all in there together, helping the kids synergize their learning, put it together and build on the things they’re learning in each class.”

Within the context of learning English, technology aids students on their way to mastery. Julia Hochman Glees, a Verizon Innovative Learning Schools coach and English teacher, says that the technology provided by Verizon has made an impact on students at Berendo Middle School in Los Angeles, California. “[Working with media equipment] has been especially helpful with English language learners being able to use their voices. It empowers them to practice speaking skills, [and] working with that technology helps them stay motivated and use their talents in creative ways.”

Incorporating technology into a language arts curriculum is not only beneficial for students, but it allows teachers to take on the role of facilitator, allowing for more individualized student instruction. “The use of technology in language learning helps teachers individualize learning to achieve differentiation,” Attallah says.

Free lesson plans that weave together STEM standards and language arts, such as the examples below, can be found on Verizon Innovative Learning HQ.

Digital Storytelling: Interactive Biographies

To practice writing a biography in narrative form, students create an interactive alien using web-based software and then create a backstory for their character. The alien’s biography may be completely original, based off of a historical figure or modeled after the student’s own life. The possibilities are endless, but most importantly, students practice writing skills alongside STEM principles.

Become a Technology Superhero

What middle school student doesn’t love superheroes and comic books? In this lesson (the first of five), students interact with VilBot, a sarcastic robot assistant who guides them through the process of imagining a superhero and creating a comic book. This lesson combines writing, art and technology and allows students to work independently, creatively and at their own pace.

Pitching and Presenting with Adobe Spark: Futuristic Logos

Students learn the ins and outs of pitching and presenting an idea while becoming familiar with Adobe Spark. After watching a video on the elements of a successful logo, students design their own futuristic clothing brand using Adobe Spark, which allows them to practice writing, design work and persuasive skills.

Design Thinking: Seasick with Empathy

Design thinking includes empathizing with the end user in order to create a successful product or service. In this lesson, students work with partners to complete an “empathy interview” and then record their partner’s answers and map out their responses. They practice interviewing, take time to learn about one another, reflect on the importance of empathy and practice verbal and written language skills — all through the angle of design thinking.

For more free language arts lessons that include STEM standards, visit Verizon Innovative Learning HQ.

American Airlines is working to make its operations more sustainable with more-fuel efficient aircraft powered increasingly by low-carbon fuel and new technology. To achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, the airline has set a number of ambitious intermediate targets. To do so, the airline is working to drive progress in several key areas — some of which the airline can influence directly, and some of which will require action and collaboration within the aviation industry, across sectors and by policymakers.

Discover the many ways the airline is leading the industry in its focus on sustainability — with investments in planes, products and operations — garnering a number of accolades along the way.

Youngest Fleet Among U.S. Network Carriers

American operates the youngest fleet among U.S. network carriers, resulting from substantial investment and re-fleeting decisions in recent years. In 2020, American accelerated its fleet simplification efforts by retiring more than 150 older, less fuel-efficient aircraft and saying farewell to several fleet types.

Fleet Age Matters

As of 2022, more than 50% of American’s fleet is less than 10 years old with an average fleet age of 12 years, the youngest among U.S. network carriers. Last year, American welcomed nine new Boeing 787-8 aircraft that are almost 20% more fuel efficient than the planes they replaced and 24 new Airbus A321neos designed with sharklets and engines that help make the aircraft 15% more fuel efficient than previous generation. More new planes are on the way: Over the next five years, American is scheduled to take delivery of more than 170 new mainline aircraft, including more Boeing 787-9s and 737 MAXs, and 50 Airbus A321XLRs.

Sustainable Air Traffic Management Practices

American is working with the FAA to design and execute more efficient descent procedures that allow aircraft to safely glide to airports from cruising altitude, instead of more traditional stair-step descents that require more thrust. It is estimated that these procedures could save up to 11 million gallons of fuel annually at our CLT and PHX hubs. American has also worked with the FAA to develop a program called Terminal Flight Data Manager that saved more than 275,000 gallons of fuel annually at its second-largest hub, CLT, by significantly reducing taxi times.

Prioritizing Fuel Efficiency

American’s ongoing fleet renewal efforts have helped the airline improve fuel efficiency by more than 10% since 2013, which is an estimated more than 22 million metric tons of carbon dioxide.

Thoughtfully Made Onboard Products and Dining

American teamed up with sleepwear brand RECLINER to produce sustainable sleep suits for use on international long-haul flights. The suits are made by a process that minimizes water waste and uses sustainably recycled plastic bottles (RPET) blended with cotton. Each sleep suit is made from 12 400-ml bottles rescued from landfills. Overall, this program equates to an estimated daily saving of 4,821 bottles from landfills. In flight, American provides bamboo cutlery to Main Cabin customers on select international flights and meal containers made with recycled RPET materials. In partnership with the James Beard Foundation, everything from suppliers to seafood vendors for inflight fish offerings are Smart Catch & Waste Not accredited.

Ramping Up Sustainable Aviation Fuel Usage

American used more than 2.5 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in 2022 and nearly doubled its usage year over year. SAF agreements for current and future delivery bring the airline’s total low-carbon fuel commitments to more than 620 million gallons.

Agreements with Aemetis and Gevo fulfill roughly 20% of the airline’s goal to replace 10% of its jet fuel with SAF in 2030. SAF deliveries under these agreements are expected to begin in 2025 and 2026.

Smart Gating Added at Several Hubs

American has built new smart gating technology that reduces taxiway congestion and the time aircraft spend waiting for available gates. The tool uses real-time routing, runway information and other data, along with machine learning, to automatically assign aircraft to the nearest available gate. Smart gating is currently in use at several hubs and is projected to save more than 1.4 million gallons of fuel annually —enough to fill up 29 Boeing 777-300 aircraft. This reduces carbon dioxide emissions by more than 13,400 metric tons annually.

Lounges Designed with Sustainable Materials

American sources renewable American-made materials for its lounges. The airline evaluates design details for maximum durability and to mitigate landfill accumulation. It also uses LED lighting to maximize energy efficiency. New and redesigned lounges incorporate low-flow plumbing fixtures and building automation, and they maximize the use of natural light and views to the outside.

Cargo Transitions to Biodegradable Plastic

American’s cargo division is transitioning to biodegradable plastic wrap for use in its operations, which, in 2022, reduced long-term plastic waste by more than 130,000 lbs., equal to 6.4 million plastic water bottles. While traditional plastic can take up to 1,000 years to break down, the BioNatur Plastics™ wrap now used by American biodegrades in 5 to 10 years in normal landfill conditions. Learn more in Cargo News.

American Named 2023 Eco-Airline of the Year

Air Transport World (ATW) named American Airlines its 2023 Eco-Airline of the Year. With the airline’s fleet renewal effort — the most extensive among U.S. network carriers — and rising consumption of sustainable aviation fuel, ATW recognized American’s work to run a more fuel-efficient operation with more fuel-efficient aircraft powered increasingly by low-carbon fuel.

First Airline to Receive Validation from Science Based Targets Initiative

American is the first airline in the world to receive validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its intermediate emissions reduction goal. American’s science-based target is to reduce its carbon intensity by 45% by 2035 compared to a 2019 baseline.

Second Consecutive Year on 2022 Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index

For the second year in a row, the airline appeared on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index in 2022, improving its score by more than 20% year over year. The 2022 DJSI comprises North American sustainability leaders as identified by S&P Global through the Corporate Sustainability Assessment. The Index represents the top 20% of the largest 600 North American companies in the S&P Global Broad Market Index (BMI) based on long-term economic, environmental and social criteria.

High CDP Score in Environmental Disclosure

In 2022, American received an A- score on CDP’s climate change questionnaire — the highest score among passenger airlines in North America. The airline’s disclosures put American among a few companies worldwide to score that high.

Investing in Forward-Looking Industries

American is helping to catalyze the development of hydrogen to help aviation reach net-zero. American is the only airline to invest in both ZeroAvia a leader in hydrogen-electric, zero-emission aviation, and Universal Hydrogen, which is building a green hydrogen distribution and logistics network for aviation. Both have recently completed successful test flights of their cutting-edge technologies.

Buildings Designed with LEED-Certification in Mind

Sustainable practices at American’s headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, extend from its operation to its facilities. The campus includes eight buildings that span 300 acres, with the newest buildings designed with sustainability in mind. The newest addition —Skyview 6, the campus Hospitality Complex —is designed to meet LEED Gold standards. Materials used for the new facility are intended to mitigate heat island effects, light pollution and energy usage. As of 2022, 100% of the electricity powering American’s North Texas campus facilities comes from renewable sources.

Life on Robert L. Crandall Campus

American’s campus boasts a rich native Texas botanical experience that protects sensitive lands and reduces outdoor water usage. Ninety acres of the campus are preserved woodlands with more than 3,000 newly planted trees onsite and 9.3 miles of walking trails.

Team Members Choosing to Live Green

American’s Living Green Employee Business Resource Group includes more than 480 team members who partner with internal and industry partners to educate team members about sustainability. In 2022 and 2023, the group organized sessions about local water supply, water conservation and sustainable landscaping.

We have seen a considerable step change in the importance of ESG and sustainability within the core operating models of financial services providers since 2019.

Due to the continued increase in expectations from governments, investors, shareholders, customers, and clients, businesses are having to refocus, ensuring they are operating more responsibly, while still growing, maintaining, and protecting their commercial outcomes and profits.

Since the PRA (Prudential Regulation Authority, which regulates around 1,500 banks and insurance companies) announced back in 2019 that those working in the banking and insurance space will need to assess their non-financial related disclosures in relation to climate, we’ve seen a significant transformation in the landscape of ESG hiring and how these professionals are being renumerated.

As the demand for sustainability expertise grows across organisations, we’re witnessing the development of a new function in the form of a sustainability centre of excellence, with the leader typically reporting to or sitting on the executive board of the organisation. This reflects how sustainability has evolved and emphasises that businesses are allocating notable resources to ensure sustainability is being prioritised as a core part of their strategic and corporate agenda.

According to the latest salary benchmarking report conducted by Acre’s Advisory Team; sustainable finance compensation packages have increased by a minimum of 25 per cent in the last 18 months.

Candidates and jobs are both in high demand and with sustainability being the lynchpin to shareholders and investors, firms need to secure dedicated ESG, climate, and biodiversity specialists in order to achieve their 2030 and 2050 targets.

Consequently, Acre has seen an increased demand in businesses looking to expand their sustainability capabilities internally, while also trying to retain existing internal talent. Over the last two years, there has been previously unseen dynamism amongst the talent market. As sustainability employees are more aware of their worth in the market, they are commanding increased renumeration packages to move externally, while also being offered exceptional counter-offers to stay. Furthermore, the nature of the role, its alignment with the company sustainability strategy and approach, and career progression are crucial to securing top talent.

Engaging those working in sectors outside of financial services will dip deeper into the talent pool, highlighting the greater emphasis on the level of credibility surrounding sustainability rather than concentrating solely on financial expertise.

If you or your colleagues are looking for support with resourcing for 2023 or would like to have an informal conversation about the market, please feel free to contact Kate O’Rourke, Head of Banking & Insurance at Acre on kate.orourke@acre.com or on 02031488708.

About Acre

At Acre, we work with the most aspirational businesses with potential to make real change; from those who are just starting out to those who are well on the journey to crafting a legacy.

Our 18 years’ experience in sustainability recruitment, combined with our extensive global network, enables us to provide talent solutions that are designed to deliver this change.

Through our unique behavioural assessment technology, we understand the types of people, skills and behaviours required to create impact. We can develop these qualities within your existing teams too.

We find talented people and develop their skills to ensure they make a true impact in ambitious, progressive organisations.

Acre. Making companies ready for tomorrow.

Originally published on TriplePundit.

In many ways, private equity is made to be invested in environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives. But it takes thoughtful strategies to ensure those investments generate maximum value for both business and society.

Record levels of cash reserves — including $1.1 trillion in the U.S. and another $6.3 trillion in assets under management — combined with increased investor focus on ESG could make private equity an attractive vehicle for creating real impact.  

Why private equity is well-suited to ESG investment

ESG topics are important to limited partners and their stakeholders, especially those dealing in pension funds and sovereign wealth funds. Ninety-three percent of limited partners said they would walk away from an investment opportunity if it posed an ESG concern, according to a 2022 survey from Bain and the Institutional Limited Partners Association.

Continue reading here.

About Chris Hagler and Independence Point Advisors 
Chris brings more than 20 years of business expertise in the advancement of Environmental Social Governance (ESG) from the board level, throughout the organization and down to the bottom line. Chris is a Partner and Head of ESG at Independence Point Advisors. Previously she was with EY (Ernst & Young) in Atlanta for over 10 years where she was the Executive Director & Southeast Leader in the Climate Change and Sustainability Services Practice. She holds a Master of Science in the Management of Technology from Georgia Institute of Technology and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo.

Independence Point Advisors (“IPA”) is a women-owned investment bank and advisory firm that was founded on the belief that today’s clients have a diversity of opportunities and challenges that require a diversity of talent to navigate. Through a strategic alliance with Lazard, IPA has created an unrivaled combination of diverse perspectives and experience with Lazard’s preeminent brand in strategic advisory. IPA intends to have a women-owned broker dealer with best-in-class equity and debt capital markets talent. IPA has also formed a team of experts at the intersection of global risk, geostrategy, cyber security, ESG, human capital and board diversity – top of mind issues facing corporate leaders today. For more information about IPA, please visit www.independencepoint.com

About Land Betterment Corporation 
Land Betterment Corporation, an Indiana Benefit Corporation and Pending B-Corp, is an environmental solutions company focused on fostering a positive impact through upcycling former coal mining sites to create sustainable community development and job creation. The Company utilizes a complete solution-based lifecycle program to restore and rehabilitate the environment and revitalize communities in need of change and opportunity. Land Betterment accomplishes this by identifying un-reclaimed, run-down and neglected coal mining sites, fixing the environment through reclamation and remediation, and then repurposing the land to support a sustainable business that serves the community. Land Betterment firmly believes that with real solutions it is possible for restoration of impacted areas to live side-by-side long term employment, while building sustainable and safe surroundings for communities and our planet. For more information visit landbetterment.com or connect with the Company on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results, performance, or achievements or industry results to differ materially from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Land Betterment Corporation’s control. The words “believes”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “would”, “could”, “continue”, “seeks”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “expects”, “intends”, “estimates”, or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Any forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this release. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. The Company cannot assure you that the projected results or events will be achieved.

Company Contacts: 
Mark LaVerghetta 
317.537.0492 ext. 0 
Chief Governance Officer, Corporate Finance 
info@landbetterment.com

Stephanie Conzelman 
207.205.0790 
Stakeholder Engagement Director 
info@landbetterment.com

As brands and retailers, consumer goods companies rely on forest ecosystems to provide essential commodities, along with the millions of people employed in global supply chains who live and work in forests. However, they are often far away from the landscapes and regions where these commodities are sourced. To transform the consumer goods industry to forest positive and meet emerging targets, including the COP15 Global Biodiversity Framework’s 30×30 goal, businesses need to look beyond their individual supply chains to ensure these landscapes can both survive and thrive.

Through engagement and collaboration with place-based initiatives, businesses and their foundations can help support and drive action on the ground to end commodity-driven deforestation and achieve positive impacts for climate, people, and nature. This area of action is a key part of the Forest Positive Coalition of Action’s strategy to create a forest positive future for the consumer goods industry. At COP26, the Coalition launched its ambition to take collective action in production landscapes and help transform them to forest positive, meaning businesses practice deforestation- and conversion-free agricultural production while actively supporting thriving natural environments, resilient forest communities, a carbon-free climate, and responsible business growth.

To achieve this ambition, Coalition members are individually and collectively engaging in production landscapes by supporting jurisdictional- and landscape-level initiatives driving the transformation of agricultural practices to forest positive. In doing so these initiatives are also supporting sustainable forest livelihoods, protecting precious natural resources, and contributing to decarbonisation efforts.

In 2022, Coalition members reported collective investments in dozens of programmes focused on driving forest positive production of palm oil; soy; paper, pulp, and fibre-based packaging (PPP), and beef. Many of these programmes are among the 22 initiatives the Coalition identified as key drivers of forest positive transformation in their respective landscapes based on a set of Ten Principles for Collective Action in Production Landscapes.

Notably, the principles recognise the importance of driving positive outcomes for all life on earth – people, animals, and nature alike. To mark International Day of Forests, the theme of which for 2023 is ‘forests and health’, here are some of the initiatives Forest Positive Coalition members are supporting and how they are creating landscapes that are ForestPositiveForAll.

Brazil

In Mato Grosso, Jerónimo Martins and Nestlé are working with Instituto de Pesquisa Ambiental da Amazonia (the Amazon Environmental Research Institute, or IPAM) to develop a local governance model that enables the implementation of the state’s groundbreaking PCI (Protect, Conserve, Include) approach, which sets jurisdictional targets with 2030 goals to increase the sustainable production of commodities, conserve forests and include family farmers and indigenous people.

Similarly, Carrefour, METRO AG, and Nestlé are investing in a project led by Conservation International Brazil in partnership with EMBRAPA in the Tocantins state to build the capacity of 53 rural producers and 40 rural extension experts on almost 60,000 hectares for implementing Low-carbon, regenerative soy and beef farming practices. In doing so, the project helps farmers improve their land use practices to help restore and conserve degraded land. In addition, by facilitating workshops with local financial institutions and disseminating information on climate finance opportunities, the project aims to increase producers’ financial stability by creating incentives for improved access to credit.

In a new, 11-million USD venture to promote sustainable soy production in the Cerrado, Sainsbury’s and Tesco are two of the three main contributors to the Responsible Commodities Facility (RCF) operated by SIM. The RCF will provide financial incentives to farmers that commit to DCF practices, starting with 32 farms in the Cerrado in its first phase. Through participation in the RCF, farmers will conserve approximately 10,000 ha of native vegetation over the next four years.

Click on the image to learn about the RCF.

Indonesia

Mars, Mondelēz International, PepsiCo, Unilever, and the Walmart Foundation are supporting the Coalition for Sustainable Livelihoods (CSL) in Aceh and North Sumatra. CSL members work together to find solutions and demonstrate positive impacts for livelihoods and forests by strengthening coordination and communication across stakeholder groups, facilitating shared learning to replicate and scale successful models, and encouraging improved integration of livelihoods, production, and conservation across current initiatives. Through this approach, the CSL aims to enhance collaboration and collective action to achieve common objectives for strengthening smallholder livelihoods, sustainable production, and conservation in Aceh and North Sumatra.

Also in Aceh Singkil, General Mills and Nestlé are among a group of companies investing in Musim Mas’ Smallholder Hub Programme designed to help include independent smallholders in the critical Leuser ecosystem into Indonesia’s sustainable palm oil supply chains. Thus far, the projects have provided capacity-building education on sustainable agricultural practices, financial literacy, and no deforestation, peat or expansion (NDPE) to 75 illage extension officers and who with the assistance of Musim Mas Field staff have then trained 1050 smallholders in Aceh Singkil.”

In Siak and Pelalawan districts of Riau, Siak Pelalawan Landscape Program (SPLP) is supported by a coalition of companies including Danone, Neste, PepsiCo, and Unilever. The programme also received a collective investment from the entire Forest Positive Coalition in 2021. The Riau district includes 700,000 hectares of palm oil plantations and the project convenes stakeholders to implement forest positive land use practices and engage villages in participatory community resilience projects.

Also in Siak, Asia Pulp & Paper, Nestlé, and Sodexo are working with Winrock International to support the sustainable peatland management of land reallocated to local communities as part of Indonesia’s TORA agrarian reform programme (Tanah Obyek Reforma Agraira). The programme will improve the quality of land, help reduce peat fire and land subsidence in a 4,000 hectare environment and its surrounding areas; improve the livelihoods of 4,000 farmers; and help increase food security in local communities by promoting local sustainable wetland-friendly commodities.

Across Indonesia, Nestlé, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, and Unilever are the Founding Partners, with Lestari Capital, of the Rimba Collective. Starting in Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea, the Collective aims to provide US$1 billion to protect or restore 500,000 hectares of forest, supporting 32,000 individuals in forest communities in Southeast Asia over 30 years. In its first year since launch, the Collective has funded over 75,000ha of conservation and restoration projects within its portfolio, whose projects span across 21 areas of critical importance to securing forest protection in deforestation-risk areas. The scale up continues with 200,000ha of projects to be included by the end of 2023. The Collective aims to welcome new Partners in 2023 from across the supply chain to continue momentum and ultimately go above and beyond its initial target of 500,000ha.

Click on the images to learn about the Siak Pelalawan Landscape Programme and the Rimba Collective.

Mexico

In La Encrucijada Biosphere Reserve and Marques de Comillas, Colgate-Palmolive and Grupo Bimbo are taking collective action with Earthworm Foundation in the Chiapas Landscape to protect critical forest and mangrove ecosystems by educating local farmers on sustainable land use management practices. By 2025, the project aims to protect 60,000 hectares of forest and mangroves through voluntary and legal commitments and empower 550 farmers with increased financial literacy and agency as well as 400 households with increased income and food security.

Malaysia

In Sabah, Colgate-Palmolive, Nestlé, and Reckitt are working with Earthworm Foundation to support the livelihoods and resilience of local communities, particularly by respecting the rights of workers and children; increase inclusivity for more than 2,000 smallholders in the supply chain and protect migrant workers’ rights; and protect local elephant populations.

Also in Sabah, Unilever is collaborating with WWF in the region as well to achieve key objectives including zero loss of natural habitat, zero extinction of wildlife, and halving the negative impacts of production and consumption by taking several actions, such as restoring a 14-kilometre (1,086 Ha) wildlife corridor and 250 Ha habitats and riparian river reintroducing varieties of native plants such as figs, laran, binuang, elephant apple, pulai, durian and many more to improve the degraded habitats and food sources for oranguatans. Procter & Gamble also engages with WWF-Malaysia to support local stakeholders protect their critically endangered Malayan Tiger population and restore ecosystems by first planting an initial 5,000 seedlings of native vegetation in Sungai Yu, Pahang State.

These are just some examples of how businesses and their foundations are engaging with stakeholders from governments, civil society, and local supply chains to drive forest positive transformation from the ground up. As we mark International Day of Forests and its theme around forests and health, we encourage all businesses with a forest footprint to participate in the landscape approach. Healthy forests are home to healthy communities, help create healthy businesses, and are the foundation of a healthy planet – and it’s on all of us to keep them thriving. 

For more information about how to start the landscape approach, view our Coalition’s strategy for engagement in production landscapes here.

International Paper Recycling team members recently volunteered with FeedMore, central Virginia’s core hunger relief organization. East region plant general managers and Richmond recycling sales representatives worked to prepare, portion and package afternoon meals at the Bayard Community Kitchen for children in the local area. The kitchen serves 4,000 meals a day for the Kids Cafe and Meals on Wheels programs. The meals are homemade and based on the availability of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

“Not only was it a fun team building event but it was an honor having my east region peers come along side and serve my local community,” said Danny Peck, plant general manager, Richmond Recycling. “There is a lot of need in Central Virginia; one out of every nine individuals in the service area is food insecure.”

Feed More serves clients who are distributing food through more than 250 nonprofit and community partners.

About International Paper 
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a leading global supplier of renewable fiber-based products. We produce corrugated packaging products that protect and promote goods, and enable worldwide commerce, and pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal care products that promote health and wellness. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 38,000 colleagues globally. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2021 were $19.4 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting InternationalPaper.com.

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

Shana Pearson-Henry, a U.S. Bank employee for 20 years, holds one cause particularly close to her heart: autism awareness.

“My youngest son Jacob is autistic,” said Pearson-Henry, who lives in Rogersville, Tennessee, with her family of five. Jacob, 17, is a senior in high school. “Schoolwork is challenging for him, but he loves art. He also spends a lot of time bowling for the high school team and works at a local grocery store a few days a week.”

Jacob, in fact, won overall first place at a regional competition and qualified for the state bowling tournament at a Special Olympics event last fall. At the Tennessee competition, he was named state champion.

“It was a proud and exciting moment for Jacob,” she said.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. One in 36 children were identified with autism in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Autism Awareness Month, held in April, is intended to promote inclusion and connectedness for people with autism to help them achieve optimal health and reach their full potential. 

When Pearson-Henry heard that U.S. Bank this year was sponsoring a Knoxville-area Autism Acceptance Family Fun Day, presented by the Autism Society of East Tennessee and Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville, she was thrilled to get involved with Jacob.

“It showed me that U.S. Bank cares about causes that affect me,” she said.

About 15 employees and their families volunteered at the Family Fun Day, including Pearson-Henry and Jacob.

“Jacob said he had so much fun. He loved helping with the games and meeting all the people.”U.S. Bank Branch Manager Crystal Pierce added, “Throughout this process, I have learned more about the organization, their purpose and their goals to enable individuals with autism to lead full and purposeful lives. The organization’s purpose and cause has touched many individuals who work with us and we have had a constant stream of requests for information both for volunteering and many who are interested in involvement with the organization beyond the event.

U.S. Bank Fraud Investigator Kevin Carpenter also volunteered and led interactive activities for attendees. “The event offered a great opportunity for us to get out into the community,” he said. “We work for an amazing company that encourages us to get out and to contribute. Volunteering is a great way to help those who may not be able to help themselves or need that extra assistance which is the best part about partnering with Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville.”

U.S. Bank honors Autism Awareness Month in various ways, including hosting an employee event led by an internal panel where a group of autistic U.S. Bank employees shared their knowledge and experience of autism to reduce stigma and offer insights into how to create a more inclusive and accepting work environment for everyone.

Pearson-Henry added, “I personally know how autism impacts a family, so the more acceptance we have in our community, the better it is for all of us.”