Tag: 3BL

Bennett College was founded in 1873 in the basement of St. Matthews Methodist Episcopal Church in Greensboro, NC. They are one of only two all-women, Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States — and their mission is to prepare “women of color through a transformative liberal arts education to lead with purpose, integrity, and a strong sense of self-worth.” I encourage you to read more about their rich “herstory” in honor of Women’s History Month.

At Cisco, we’ve taken considerable steps to fight injustice and inequity around the world. One of the most powerful examples of the bold actions we’re taking is our $150 million commitment to preserve the legacy and sustainability of HBCUs through Social Justice Action 8.

While that commitment includes driving technology modernization and improving STEM education at HBCUs, Cisco is actively investing into the future of their students as well — and I am proud to say that those investments continued earlier this month at Bennett College.

We are building a bridge with Bennett College

Bennett College has been a private, four-year historically black liberal arts college for women since 1926. Over the course of our relationship, we have worked to establish Bennett College as a Networking Academy, provided student recruiting support, offered guidance on funding grants, and helped enhance their network security for remote learning through a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Assessment. In addition, Bennett College has requested mentorship, job shadowing, and guest lectures by Cisco professionals to prepare Bennett students for life after college. These opportunities align with Action 8 initiatives and will enable Cisco to continue to support the sustainability and legacy of Bennett College.

Women of color often face racism and discrimination in academic and professional environments. HBCUs like Bennett College offer the advantage of providing a supportive, inclusive, and justice-oriented approach to education. Bennett College operationalizes student support through special convocations, lectures, and seminars that comprise their Academic Cultural Enrichment Series (ACES) series, which is designed to enhance the cultural and intellectual development of the student population. Cisco’s commitment to delivering student success, accelerating young AA/B talent, and making a lasting impact for generations to come provides an excellent foundation for a symbiotic partnership with Bennett College and augments student support.

As the Executive Sponsor for Bennett College, I worked with Wesley Carter, CX Sr. Program Manager, and Bennett College to create an ACES event that delivered an important message to Bennett’s liberal arts students:

  You don’t have to major in the computer sciences field to be valuable to a technology company like Cisco! 

It’s a powerful message, and one that we can continually build upon to show Bennett students that even entry-level digital and cybersecurity skills can enhance their competitive edge, no matter what they choose for their career path. Dr. Santiba Campbell, Director of Academic Special Initiatives for Bennett College, suggested an all-woman panel and focus on liberal arts, instead of STEM, because Bennett College is predominately a liberal arts college.

An overview of our Women in Cisco Panel Discussion in March of 2023 

One of the most important aspects of this event was the evidence-based approach. It was kicked off by our own Shaina Tamburr, VP, CX Programs & Compliance, and featured a panel of diverse, liberal arts-educated, successful women from different areas within Cisco — ranging from project management to sales and marketing. These successful women came together to share their unique career stories and life experiences, as well as welcome Bennett College’s liberal arts students to engage with Cisco. We doubled down on Cisco’s commitment to student success by inviting our Emerging Talent Diversity Engagement Team to create a portal specifically for students to upload their resume and be considered for future Cisco opportunities!

The connection between the speakers and students was palpable — and after sharing their stories, our panelists had a chance to answer these insightful questions in front of students:

What has been the most significant barrier in your career? How have mentors helped you grow as a leader? What was your path to get there? What advice would you give your 21-year-old self? 

As the event concluded, the students were provided with contact information for all the panelists so they could reach out and ask questions to prepare themselves for a career in the tech industry.

This was an incredible event for Bennett College

The Women in Cisco event was a success for Bennett College because it provided students with valuable insights into working in the tech industry, as well as an opportunity to network with successful liberal arts majors — including two alumnae from Bennett College!

But most of all, this was a great step in strengthening the relationship between Bennett College and Cisco:

“I hope both of you are doing well and still glowing from a great experience Friday at Bennett College! Thank you for all of the hard work in planning, organizing and communicating for the Women in Cisco ACES panel. I look forward to more opportunities and sponsorships for us to work together.”
— Dr. Santiba Campbell, Director of Academic Special Initiatives, Bennett College

I am genuinely proud to be part of a company that is committed to not only creating opportunity and exposure in the IT field to non-technical students, but also to the strategic recovery, sustainability, and legacy of HBCUs like Bennett College.

Let’s continue to work together to power an inclusive future for all by identifying more ways to transform our beliefs into action, especially as we celebrate Women’s History Month.

Register now for our upcoming Women Rock-IT event to learn how
amazing women are using technology to address climate change.

International Girls in ICT Day

 April 27th, 2023

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WILMINGTON, Del., April 18, 2023 /3BL Media/ – The Chemours Company (“Chemours”) (NYSE: CC), a global chemistry company, with First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP), today announced their recognition on the Philadelphia Business Journal’s 2023 Faces of Philanthropy list. The annual list recognizes Greater Philadelphia-area organizations seeking to better the communities they work in and serve through their social and charitable initiatives. Chemours and FCFP were honored for a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) educational program–part of Chemours’ ChemFEST school partnership program–and a $4 million investment benefiting Wilmington, Delaware-based EastSide Charter School (ESCS).

ChemFEST is a nationwide, multi-year partnership to create sustainable STEM programs with underserved middle schools by dedicating Chemours’ time, talent, and financial resources to nurture the next generation of STEM professionals. Working directly with schools like ESCS, Chemours identifies individual needs and creates a unique ChemFEST program to meet those needs. As a part of the ChemFEST partnership with ESCS, Chemours is a leading investor in developing the Chemours STEM Hub at EastSide Charter School. The new Hub will serve as a premier access point for STEM education and other development opportunities in the Wilmington community and includes a maker’s space, 3D printing, engineering, and other STEM-related activities, in addition to doubling as a community center after-school, weekends, and in the summer.

“At Chemours, we’re dedicated to investing in the communities where we operate and leading the way on social responsibility for our industry. Our investment in EastSide Charter School is one way we’re living our commitment to create vibrant communities and ensure students from diverse backgrounds are exposed to, excited by, and interested in STEM early on in their educational journey,” said Mark Newman, President and CEO at Chemours. “With every school and student we reach, we nurture a more capable, inclusive, and diverse future STEM workforce that will be ready for the more than 800,000 job openings in STEM-related fields over the next 20 years. Shaping the world’s future requires great innovators and problem solvers from all backgrounds. So we’re especially excited by the impact we can have on the local community by investing in the Chemours STEM Hub at EastSide Charter School.”

“In a region with an impressive amount of STEM career opportunities, we lack community spaces to prepare our students and citizens for these opportunities,” said Aaron Bass, CEO of EastSide Charter School. “With the Chemours STEM Hub that we are building at EastSide Charter School, we hope to one day see the young people that attended EastSide or from the surrounding community become the executives, scientists, and technicians who work for Chemours or other local titans of industry. We are stronger and better when we work together, and we are confident that the bright young minds touched by this partnership and investment from Chemours will drive innovation that will create a better future for all of us.”

The 2023 Philadelphia Business Journal Faces of Philanthropy honorees were celebrated during a special event held on April 13, 2023.

About The Chemours Company 
The Chemours Company (NYSE: CC) is a global leader in Titanium Technologies, Thermal & Specialized Solutions, and Advanced Performance Materials providing its customers with solutions in a wide range of industries with market-defining products, application expertise and chemistry-based innovations. We deliver customized solutions with a wide range of industrial and specialty chemicals products for markets, including coatings, plastics, refrigeration and air conditioning, transportation, semiconductor and consumer electronics, general industrial, and oil and gas. Our flagship products are sold under prominent brands such as Ti-Pure™, Opteon™, Freon™, Teflon™, Viton™, Nafion™, and Krytox™. The company has approximately 6,600 employees and 29 manufacturing sites serving approximately 2,900 customers in approximately 120 countries. Chemours is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware and is listed on the NYSE under the symbol CC.

For more information, we invite you to visit chemours.com or follow us on Twitter @Chemours or LinkedIn.

CONTACTS:

INVESTORS 
Jonathan Lock 
SVP, Chief Development Officer 
+1.302.773.2263 
investor@chemours.com

Kurt Bonner 
Manager, Investor Relations 
+1.302.773.0026 
investor@chemours.com

NEWS MEDIA 
Thomas Sueta 
Director, Corporate Communications 
+1.302.773.3903 
media@chemours.com

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LONDON, April 18, 2023, /3BL Media/ – Pentair, (NYSE: PNR) a leader in helping the world sustainably move, improve and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource, today released its 2022 Corporate Responsibility Report, reporting on the Company’s efforts toward Making Better Essential through its products and solutions, for people and the planet.

“At Pentair, our social responsibility efforts and corporate responsibility program are guided by ‘Making Better Essential,’” said John L. Stauch, Pentair President and CEO. “Minimizing the impact on the environment is essential to the products we create, the solutions we offer, the customers we serve, and how we operate. With our mission of helping the world sustainably move, improve and enjoy water, we believe that we can make our planet better and address the world’s toughest water challenges.”

The Report highlights progress towards Pentair’s Social Responsibility Strategic Targets that are focused in the areas that matter to employees, customers and shareholders, including the following highlights from 2022:

Carbon Footprint Reduction Progress Highlights*: Pentair’s total Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions decreased 29% compared to the 2019 baseline.Water Reduction Progress Highlights*: Pentair’s absolute water withdrawal within its operations decreased 0.7% compared to the 2019 baseline, and represents a 9.3% decrease compared to 2021.Design for Sustainability Progress Highlights: 100% of Pentair’s new products were assessed through a Product Sustainability Scorecard. In addition:Pentair further advanced its innovation process by including sustainability as a required factor for review, along with the review of other product attributes, as part of the product commercialization process.Pentair developed standard processes for assessing product sustainability impact claims and implemented a life cycle assessment tool.Responsible Supply Chain Progress Highlights: Pentair successfully launched a refreshed and enhanced Supplier Code of Conduct. The Company also launched a new supplier Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) assessment process in collaboration with a third-party expert and assessed the ESG maturity of approximately 46% of its top 80% of existing suppliers by spend.Inclusion & Diversity Progress Highlights*: Focused efforts continue to improve diversity representation:Pentair’s representation of women in its workforce was 32% (2019 baseline of 30%), and women in leadership positions was 32% (2019 baseline of 28%).Its U.S. people of color (POC) representation in its workforce was 40% (2019 baseline of 39%) and its U.S. POC representation in leadership positions was 25% (2019 baseline of 23%).

“This past year was an exciting one for Pentair as we continued our advancements toward being a leading sustainability company. I am proud of our accomplishments as we drove critical progress across our strategic targets,” said Karla Robertson, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary, and Chief Social Responsibility Officer. “We look forward to furthering our positive impact while delivering products and solutions that help the world sustainably move, improve and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource.”

The positive impact of Pentair’s products and solutions and workplace initiatives in 2022 is meaningful, as further highlighted within the Report:

83% of solutions supported energy efficiency by requiring less energy to operate or by aiding broader systems to operate more efficiently**71% of solutions supported water efficiency, helping reduce, reuse, or recover water, directly or indirectly***Residential water filtration capacity helped avoid 7,767,579,509 single-use plastic bottlesSupplied customers with Carbon Dioxide Recovery Solutions with capacity to recover 7.61 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually37% of Pentair’s total electricity usage came from renewable resources, representing 18% of total energy useFor the eleventh consecutive year, recognized as ENERGY STAR Partner of the YearNamed one of Forbes’ 2022 Best Employers for WomenReceived an MSCI ESG Rating of AAA

Pentair engaged with a third party to assure the GHG, water, safety, and diversity, inclusion and equity (DEI) data in the 2022 Corporate Responsibility Report. To learn more about Pentair’s Social Responsibility Strategic Targets and its 2022 Corporate Responsibility Report, visit Pentair.com/Impact.

*As of December 31, 2022.

**Products subject to DOE standards, effective July 2021, are not included if the model sold did not comply with the upcoming efficiency requirements. “Less” is defined as less than a prior version, less than a competitor (as known), or less than industry standard /norm.

***This is based on total sales in 2022 of Pentair’s brands meeting this definition, as a percentage of total revenue.

###

ABOUT PENTAIR PLC  
At Pentair, we help the world sustainably move, improve and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource. From our residential and commercial water solutions, to industrial water management and everything in between, Pentair is focused on smart, sustainable water solutions that help the planet and people thrive.

Pentair had revenue in 2022 of approximately $4.1 billion, and trades under the ticker symbol PNR. With approximately 11,250 global employees serving customers in more than 150 countries, we work to help improve lives and the environment around the world. To learn more, visit Pentair.com.

CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS  
This release contains statements that we believe to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Without limitation, any statements preceded or followed by or that include the words “targets,” “plans,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “likely,” “may,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “positioned,” “strategy,” or “future” or words, phrases, or terms of similar substance or the negative thereof are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including the risk that we will be unable to execute our strategy or achieve our ESG goals because of market or competitive conditions. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release. Pentair plc assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update the information contained in this release.

April 17, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Kellogg and Albertsons Companies, one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States, are teaming up to help change customers’ recycling habits in honor of Earth Day.

What’s happening: The companies have created special signage for in-store recycling bins utilizing iconic Kellogg characters Tony the Tiger(R) and Toucan Sam(R) and will hold a series of in-store events to promote Albertsons Cos.’ in-store recycling programs in Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions stores in Southern California and Safeway, ACME, Kings Food Markets and Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market stores in the Northeast. Packaging that includes the appropriate How2Recycle® Store Drop-off label, including some of your favorite Kellogg foods, can be returned to these bins at participating stores. A full list of what is accepted is available here.

The opportunity: Certain plastic bags, wraps and films cannot be placed in curbside recycling bins at home. By improving customer education on what can be brought back to participating Albertsons Companies stores for recycling, we can give plastic packaging a new life.

“Kellogg Company envisions a day when the planet thrives. We’re doing our part by taking steps to help make our packaging more sustainable, partnering with our customers and helping to educate consumers about how to properly dispose of packaging. Providing solutions like this this are important to making real change,” said Oli Morton, Kellogg Company’s U.S. Chief Customer Officer. “We recognize the power of partnerships and that’s why we are proud to partner with Albertsons Companies on this initiative, as together we can make a positive impact on the planet.”

“Albertsons Companies understands our consumers’ concerns about plastic and packaging waste, which is why we developed Recipe for Change,” said Suzanne Long, Chief Sustainability and Transformation Officer. “Recipe for Change is our commitment to make a real difference in the communities we serve and the planet we share. Educating customers on how to recycle plastic packaging helps us to accelerate our transition to a more circular economy.”

Initiatives such as these are part of Kellogg’s Better Days(R) Promise to advance sustainable and equitable access to food, creating better days for 3 billion people by the end of 2030.

—-

About Kellogg Company  
At Kellogg Company (NYSE: K), our vision is a good and just world where people are not just fed but fulfilled. We are creating better days and a place at the table for everyone through our trusted food brands. Our beloved brands include Pringles®, Cheez-It®, Special K®, Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes®, Pop-Tarts®, Kellogg’s Corn Flakes®, Rice Krispies®, Eggo®, Mini-Wheats®, Kashi®, RXBAR®, MorningStar Farms® and more. Net sales in 2022 were over $15.3 billion, comprised principally of snacks as well as convenience foods like cereal, frozen foods, and noodles. As part of our Kellogg’s Better Days® Promise ESG strategy, we’re addressing the interconnected issues of wellbeing, climate and food security, creating Better Days for 3 billion people by the end of 2030. Visit www.KelloggCompany.com.

About Albertsons Companies   
Albertsons Companies is a leading food and drug retailer in the United States. As of December 3, 2022, the Company operated 2,270 retail food and drug stores with 1,720 pharmacies, 402 associated fuel centers, 22 dedicated distribution centers and 19 manufacturing facilities. The Company operates stores across 34 states and the District of Columbia with 24 banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci’s Food Lovers Market. The Company is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood. In 2021, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the Company contributed nearly $200 million in food and financial support, including approximately $40 million through our Nourishing Neighbors Program to ensure those living in our communities have enough to eat.

See original press release here. 

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 17, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Atrium Health announced today a $5.05 million gift to the Atrium Health Foundation “Giving Hope” campaign from the Truist Charitable Fund and Truist Foundation, which will advance several community-driven programs aimed at improving health outcomes and economic mobility for vulnerable community members in the Charlotte area.

“Our purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities,” said Truist Chairman and CEO Bill Rogers. “We are committed to the well-being and vitality of the clients and communities we serve. Atrium Health’s mission to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing for all is very much in line with our purpose; together, I believe we truly can make a difference.”

A significant portion of the gift will support development of a medical neighborhood – a clinical-community partnership that includes the medical and social supports necessary to address disparities in care – in underserved areas of Charlotte. Additional funds will be designated to help build career pathways for justice-involved individuals and entry-level teammates.

“From launching two new mobile primary care units, to expanding perinatal support for mothers, to creating a STEM learning laboratory for our local middle and high school students, this gift from Truist represents both vision and generosity,” said Eugene A. Woods, chief executive officer of Advocate Health, of which Atrium Health is now part. “We are grateful for Bill Rogers’ leadership and the partnership with Truist. This is yet another example of how their ‘purpose-driven’ mission continues to transform countless lives and make our communities better and healthier.”

The Truist Charitable Fund has designated $4.5 million over three years to support three significant community-based initiatives focused on mobile primary care, community doulas and STEM learning. The new funds will:

Launch two new mobile primary care units in Atrium Health’s Center City and Northeast/Lake Norman areas. The units will serve as an entry point into the health care system by traveling to high-need, at-risk communities. Atrium Health will provide direct care inside the mobile units, in addition to establishing connections to a primary care medical hub and additional wellness and social support services. Over the next three years, Atrium Health projects serving more than 8,700 community members via these units. 
 Expand Atrium Health’s community doulas program, which provides full-spectrum perinatal support, addressing social determinants of health and birth outcomes. The program will connect birthing women of color from low-income and underserved neighborhoods with doulas from their own communities, trained to provide individualized, equitable care and support. 
 Create a STEM learning laboratory that will be housed in Atrium Health’s “The Pearl” innovation district, near Midtown. With Truist’s support, STEM learning opportunities will be offered in advance of the laboratory’s opening, training local middle and high school students from Title-I Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools through mentorship and learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Truist Foundation has designated $550,000 over three years to support Atrium Health’s Restorative Pathways and Sterile Processing Career Pathways programs, both of which target the career prospects and lifelong economic mobility of individuals who may otherwise lack opportunities for training and career growth. Truist Foundation’s support will:

Extend Atrium Health’s diversity, equity and inclusion goals by hiring – over the next three years – 60 previously incarcerated or justice-involved individuals. Atrium Health’s Restorative Pathways program aims to disrupt the cycle of disenfranchisement by offering those individuals a fair chance at employment and a strategy for long-term career progression. 
 Boost Atrium Health’s Sterile Processing Career Pathways program, which will enable 150 high-performing environmental services, materials management, dietary and guest services teammates learn new skills. With support from Truist Foundation, the program will help advance entry-level Atrium Health teammates onto a pathway toward increasingly skilled roles, thus improving the diversity and cultural competency of Atrium Health’s workforce.

“Together, Atrium Health and Truist are committed to improving access to health care and extending opportunities to build a productive work force, for now and in years to come,” said Heath Campbell, Metrolina regional president at Truist. “By joining forces and leading with care, we hope to build a better Charlotte for all.” 

About Truist Foundation 
Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. Established in 2020, the foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to help ensure the communities it serves have more opportunities for a better quality of life. Truist Foundation’s grants and activities focus on building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses. Learn more at truist.com/foundation.

About Truist Charitable Fund 
The Truist Charitable Fund is a donor-advised fund advised by Truist and administered by The Winston-Salem Foundation.

About Truist 
Truist Financial Corporation is a purpose-driven financial services company committed to inspiring and building better lives and communities. Truist has leading market share in many high-growth markets in the country, and offers a wide range of products and services through our retail and small business banking, commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, insurance, wealth management, and specialized lending businesses. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist is a top 10 U.S. commercial bank with total assets of $555 billion as of December 31, 2022. Truist Bank, Member FDIC. Learn more at Truist.com. 

About Atrium Health 
Atrium Health is a nationally recognized leader in shaping health outcomes through innovative research, education and compassionate patient care. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Atrium Health is part of Advocate Health, the fifth-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, which was created from the combination with Advocate Aurora Health. A recognized leader in experiential medical education and groundbreaking research, Wake Forest University School of Medicine is its academic core. Atrium Health is renowned for its top-ranked pediatric, cancer and heart care, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs Atrium Health is also a leading-edge innovator in virtual care and mobile medicine, providing care close to home and in the home. Ranked nationally among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals in eight pediatric specialties and for rehabilitation, Atrium Health has also received the American Hospital Association’s Quest for Quality Prize and its 2021 Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award, as well as the 2020 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Health Equity Award for its efforts to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in care. With a commitment to every community it serves, Atrium Health seeks to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing – for all, providing $2.46 billion last year in free and uncompensated care and other community benefits. 

About Advocate Health 
Advocate Health is the fifth-largest nonprofit integrated health system in the United States – created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois, Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama, and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health serves nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs nearly 150,000 team members across 67 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides nearly $5 billion in annual community benefits.

###

Contacts: 
Kirstin Ashford, Atrium Health 
Kirstin.Ashford@AtriumHealth.org

Kristen Fraser, Truist 
Kristen.Fraser@Truist.com

We are already into the third year of the Climate Decade, and it is imperative for organizations to start transitioning to 100% renewable electricity as early as possible. Switching to 100% renewable electricity not only helps organizations mitigate the looming threat of climate change, but it also makes them more resilient to rising energy costs. A study by the International Renewable Energy Agency states that “doubling the share of renewables in the energy mix by 2030 would increase global GDP by up to 1.1%, improve welfare by up to 3.7%, and support over 24 million jobs in the sector.”

RE100, a global initiative led by the Climate Group in partnership with the CDP, unifies companies with an annual electricity demand over 100,000 megawatt hours that are committed to 100% renewable electricity. These businesses must match 100% of their electricity used globally with renewable sources by 2050. Renewable energy can either be produced in-house or be procured from suppliers and generators in the form of green tariffs, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and energy attribute certificates (EACs). However, to avoid greenwashing, it is important that the credibility of the energy produced and purchased is validated by quality labels through strict sustainability criteria.

In 2013, the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation in collaboration with other environmental NGOs launched EKOenergy, an international not-for-profit ecolabel for energy, envisioning a world where energy is generated and consumed sustainably. EKOenergy aims at helping businesses speed up the transition to 100% renewable energy through the EKOenergy label, an internationally recognized mark of quality for renewable energy. The EKOenergy label is described by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, LEED for green buildings, CDP, and RE100 as a solution for companies that want to take a step towards 100% renewable energy. EKOenergy was also awarded the European Citizen’s Prize 2020 by the European Parliament in March 2021.

The label acts as a communication tool to demonstrate companies’ commitments towards renewable energy. EKOenergy’s secretariat annually checks if all labeled megawatt hours are reliably tracked and if EKOenergy’s additional sustainability criteria have been fulfilled. These annual audits are based on reliable proofs, such as documents issued by public authorities or reliable third-party certification organizations. The label ensures that the production and the consumption of the energy takes place in the same market. EKOenergy-labeled energy is always 100% renewable.

The EKOenergy ecolabel adds a positive impact to consumers’ renewable energy choice and can be combined with energies procured through green tariffs, PPAs, or unbundled energy certificates. It can also be used on energies that are produced in-house. Since the launch of the label, EKOenergy has aided disadvantaged communities by financing 79 new renewable energy projects in 29 developing countries through its Climate Fund.

“In many countries, EKOenergy was amongst the first to endorse renewable energy solutions to businesses that are looking for sustainable solutions. SAP is a good example of this,” Steven Vanholme, program manager at EKOenergy, says. “In 2016, when EKOenergy became available in China, EKOenergy worked with SAP to identify renewable energy solutions in China. This, in turn, helped and encouraged us to focus more on Asia, to translate parts of our texts to Chinese and other Asian languages, and to reach out to more local companies.”

With sustainability at the heart of its strategy, SAP has already identified and aligned existing initiatives with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainability Development Goals. SAP is committed to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to reduce emissions by 85% by 2050 compared to the base-year level 2016, including its entire Scope 3 value chain emissions such as products-in-use emissions at customers. SAP has further accelerated its climate ambitions by committing to become a net-zero emissions enterprise by 2030, achieving a balance between the greenhouse gases put into the atmosphere and those taken out.

SAP has been using 100% renewable electricity to power all its data centers and offices since 2014. In the journey to 100% renewable electricity, SAP chose the internationally recognized EKOenergy label. For each megawatt hour of EKOenergy-labeled electricity, SAP contributes 0.10€ to EKOenergy’s Climate Fund, which focuses on alleviating energy poverty and contributing to climate protection and renewable energy.

HAMILTON, Bermuda, April 17, 2023 /3BL Media/ – In response to the growing demand for trained bartenders, family-owned Bacardi, today announced that it is expanding Shake Your Future, its special initiative giving young, unemployed adults the life-changing opportunity to train as a professional mixologist.

With an industry-wide shortage of skilled bartenders, Bacardi is launching the program in Madrid for the first time, following a successful return to Barcelona in March. A total of 30 young adults – 15 in each city – are taking part in the 10-week diploma course which will give them the skills and experience they need to start a new career in the hospitality industry.

The first-ever launch of Shake Your Future in Madrid builds on the program’s debut in Barcelona, when 10 students took part and after graduating in 2022 are now pursuing careers in the hospitality industry.

Participants in the 10-week program are trained in the art of bartending and mixology, as well as gaining invaluable work experience in some of the industry’s leading bars and restaurants. Shake Your Future graduates receive an internationally recognized diploma and access to permanent employment opportunities within the sector, empowering them to transform their lives and build a brighter future.

Bacardi is running Shake Your Future in partnership with the European Bartender School in Madrid and Barcelona.

Bacardi launched Shake Your Future as a pilot in 2018 to help address the youth unemployment crisis on the doorstep of its French office, which at the time was in the Parisian suburb of Saint-Ouen. Since then it has expanded to Spain, Italy, South Africa, India and Bermuda, home to the company’s global headquarters. In the coming months, Shake Your Future will roll out to Germany, Belgium and many more countries as part of a plan to bring the same opportunity to 10,000 young adults around the world by 2030.

Sebastian ten Berge, Bar Manager, ENTOURAGE GROUP, owner of bar & restaurant MR PORTER Barcelona, said: “The timing of this launch from Bacardi is perfect. It is extremely difficult to find trained bartenders and so it is a pleasure to support the Shake Your Future initiative. Hopefully Shake Your Future will lead to many young people enjoying a long and successful career in the industry.”

Amanda Almond, Managing Director, Bacardi Iberia & Greece, added: “Following the global pandemic, the hospitality industry is facing an unprecedented shortage of trained bartenders making it even more of a win-win for these young adults looking for a fresh start and our fantastic partners in the bar industry who are very supportive and give them that opportunity. Shake Your Future has already changed people’s lives for the better and I’m looking forward to it doing the same for many more in the months and years ahead.” 

Shake Your Future will run annually in each of the cities where it is launched, with an ever-growing number of bar and restaurant partners pledging their support and giving the trainees the all-important experience they need to change their lives.

Always drink responsibly.

Media contact 

Andrew Carney
Communications Director Europe, Bacardi
acarney@bacardi.com

About Bacardi 

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, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, GREY GOOSE® vodka, PATRÓN® 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 www.bacardilimited.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram.

Cummins

On June 18, 2022, locals gathered at Cummins Inc.’s Jamestown Engine Plant (JEP) for its annual Community Recycling Day. Some started arriving as early as 5:30 a.m., eager to safely dispose of the unwanted items they’d been storing.

Over 950 cars showed up at the event toting automotive batteries, light bulbs, scrap metals, electronics, used tires and more. JEP’s Community Recycling Day is a sister event to the Cummins Columbus Engine Plant (CEP) Recycling Day that took place on September 15th. Between the two events, an estimated 140 tons of unwanted items were collected and diverted from landfills. 

A look back at JEP Recycling Day 2022 Numbers

The JEP event alone brought in: 

2,526 gallons of paint4,275 pounds of automotive batteries1,297 pounds of other types of batteries734 pounds of light bulbs3,160 pounds of scrap metal66,844 pounds of electronics950 gallons of used oil65,820 pounds of used tires

The steady rise of electronic waste

The growing popularity of handheld devices like cellphones, tablets and smartwatches has contributed to a vast amount of electronic waste, also known as e-waste globally. E-waste can be broken into six categories: lamps, small IT and telecom equipment, monitors/screens, temperature exchange equipment, large equipment and small equipment.

E-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world, with over 50 million tons generated per year. Of those 50 million tons, only 17% is reported as properly recycled.

Cummins plants have implemented systems to reduce this waste. Community recycling days, however, help limit the number of discarded items, including e-waste, that end up at landfills and incinerators, while energizing communities around a common environmental cause. The event shows people how their individual actions can make a greater impact.

Waste reduction a JEP and Cummins 

At JEP, recycling days are just one aspect of an overall waste reduction culture. JEP is one of Cummins’ zero-landfill sites – sites that reuse or recycle all materials in a useful way.

As part of the Planet 2050 Strategy, Cummins aims to achieve a 25% reduction in waste by the year 2030, with longer-term aspirations for 2050. This includes a reduction in packaging waste, process waste and general trash. 

Cummins plans to do this by recycling used oils, batteries, e-waste, cardboard, steel and other materials. They also are forming partnerships with organizations like the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), and plan to transition away from single-use packaging and toward reusable plastic packaging.

Jamestown Engine Plant’s Community Recycling Day 2023

This year, Jamestown Engine Plant will host their Community Recycling Day on Saturday, June 10. 

Generation Change (GenChange) is an audience-inspired, audience-led initiative at Paramount designed to elevate and empower young people who are driving change around the world. Generation Change creates tailored programming in collaboration with our brands and markets by young agents of change who are passionate about improving their communities.

In direct response to some of the overt transgressive and oppressive acts endured by women in recent times, GenChange is producing a new digital campaign focusing in on the ways society polices the bodies of women for Women’s History Month. The campaign titled, “Hands Off [my body, my rights, my future, my choice] includes a video series, PSAs, and a short documentary profiling gender equality change-makers based in the UK.

Watch the featured video for a showcase of Hands Off! These PSAs emphasize ways to take action for those wanting to get involved with efforts on gender equality being made around the world. Activist and founder of The Fat Zine, Gina Tonic delivers her message for International Women’s Day 2023 and Women’s History Month, acknowledging the struggles her mom experienced during a more fat-phobic time, through the 90s and 00s, and calls out airlines and other institutions for their fat-phobic systemic practices.

As part of GenChange’s commitment to provide resources and platforms, the campaign encouraged conversation amongst audiences using the IWD #EmbraceEquity hashtag and signposted people to helplines for information. Additionally, in partnership with our change makers, this campaign will promote local (to the U.K.) organizations for those seeking resources for themselves or others. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised, please visit mtv.co.uk/helpline

Fifth Third’s Finance Academy program, one of its Fifth Third L.I.F.E. (Lives Improved through Financial Empowerment®) programs, reached nearly 70,000 students that attend schools in low- and moderate-income communities in the 2021-2022 school year. Program-wide, 59% of students who took Fifth Third Finance Academy courses were LMI students.

Delivery of Finance Academy courses to schools in the highest-need communities at no-cost to students, schools or taxpayers is a mission shared by Fifth Third Bank and EverFi. The courses students receive as part of Fifth Third Finance Academy align with state, national and Jump$tart Coalition education standards. They also are recognized by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as being trusted educational resources.

Fifth Third Finance Academy, powered by EverFi, has educated 603,000 students through its foundational financial education and entrepreneurship classes for high school students. Fifth Third Finance Academy’s digital courses are designed to empower students with the skills to make financial decisions that lead to successful lives. Finance Academy is one of the Fifth Third Bank L.I.F.E. (Lives Improved through Financial Empowerment®) programs offered at no charge to people at every age and stage of life.