Tag: 3BL

Originally published by Southern Company

Georgia Power recently announced that hot functional testing has begun for Vogtle Unit 4. Hot functional testing marks the last series of major tests underway for the new nuclear unit ahead of initial fuel load. The testing represents a significant step towards operations and providing customers with a reliable, carbon-free energy source for the next 60 to 80 years.

Hot functional testing is conducted to verify the successful operation of reactor components and systems together and confirm the reactor is ready for fuel load. As part of the testing, the site team will begin running Unit 4 plant systems, without nuclear fuel in the reactor, and advance through the testing process towards reaching normal operating pressure and temperature.

As part of the testing process, nuclear operators will use the heat generated by the unit’s four reactor coolant pumps to raise the temperature and pressure of plant systems to normal operating levels. Once normal operating temperature and pressure levels are achieved and sustained, the unit’s main turbine will be raised to normal operating speed using steam from the plant. During these series of tests, nuclear operators will be able to exercise and validate procedures as required ahead of fuel load.

Vogtle Unit 4 is projected to enter service in late fourth quarter 2023 or first quarter 2024.

The new Vogtle units are an essential part of Georgia Power’s commitment to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy to its 2.7 million customers. Once operating, the two new units, which will be clean energy sources that produce zero air pollution, are expected to power more than 500,000 homes and businesses. Southern Nuclear will operate the new units on behalf of the co-owners: Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power, MEAG Power and Dalton Utilities.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained in this release is forward-looking information based on current expectations and plans that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information includes, among other things, statements concerning the projected in-service date for Plant Vogtle Unit 4. Georgia Power cautions that there are certain factors that can cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information that has been provided. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Georgia Power; accordingly, there can be no assurance that such suggested results will be realized. The following factors, in addition to those discussed in Georgia Power’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and subsequent securities filings, could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations as suggested by such forward-looking information: the potential effects of the continued COVID-19 pandemic; the ability to control costs and avoid cost and schedule overruns during the development, construction, and operation of facilities or other projects, including Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, which includes components based on new technology that only within the last few years began initial operation in the global nuclear industry at this scale, due to current and/or future challenges which include, but are not limited to, changes in labor costs, availability and productivity, challenges with the management of contractors or vendors, subcontractor performance, adverse weather conditions, shortages, delays, increased costs, or inconsistent quality of equipment, materials, and labor, contractor or supplier delay, the impacts of inflation, delays due to judicial or regulatory action, nonperformance under construction, operating, or other agreements, operational readiness, including specialized operator training and required site safety programs, engineering or design problems or any remediation related thereto, design and other licensing-based compliance matters, including, for Plant Vogtle Unit 4, inspections and the timely submittal by Southern Nuclear of the Inspections, Tests, Analyses, and Acceptance Criteria documentation and the related investigations, reviews and approvals by the NRC necessary to support NRC authorization to load fuel, challenges with start-up activities, including major equipment failure, or system integration, and/or operational performance, continued challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic or future pandemic health events, continued public and policymaker support for projects, environmental and geological conditions, delays or increased costs to interconnect facilities to transmission grids, and increased financing costs as a result of changes in market interest rates or as a result of project delays; the ability to overcome or mitigate the current challenges at Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 that could further impact the cost and schedule for the project; legal proceedings and regulatory approvals and actions related to construction projects, such as Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, including Public Service Commission approvals and NRC actions; under certain specified circumstances, a decision by holders of more than 10% of the ownership interests of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 not to proceed with construction; the notice of tender by Oglethorpe Power Corporation and the City of Dalton of a portion of their ownership interests in Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 to Georgia Power, including related litigation; the ability to construct facilities in accordance with the requirements of permits and licenses (including satisfaction of NRC requirements), to satisfy any environmental performance standards and the requirements of tax credits and other incentives, and to integrate facilities into the Southern Company system upon completion of construction; the inherent risks involved in operating and constructing nuclear generating facilities; the ability of counterparties of Georgia Power to make payments as and when due and to perform as required; the direct or indirect effect on Georgia Power’s business resulting from cyber intrusion or physical attack and the threat of cyber and physical attacks; catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and other storms, droughts, pandemic health events, political unrest, wars or other similar occurrences; and the direct or indirect effects on Georgia Power’s business resulting from incidents affecting the U.S. electric grid or operation of generating or storage resources. Georgia Power expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward–looking information.

(Editor’s note: Feb. 5 to 11 is Shriners Children’s Burn Awareness Week. Learn more here about staying safe from burns.)

Four-year-old Avery came to Shriners Children’s Ohio (SCO) several weeks after a fiery car crash near her home in Tennessee. Burns covered more than 60% of her tiny body, including her face.

When she arrived at SCO, she could barely move.

But Avery’s determination, combined with SCO’s skilled medical team, led to major strides in her recovery. Within a month, she could sit up. Soon after, she began to play, and then giggle. Her personality started to come back as her healing progressed. Now she is renowned among the medical staff for her hugs.

“It was very emotional to see the journey she took in such a short period of time,” says Mike Caldwell, Shriners Children’s Ohio’s regional director of marketing and communications.

“Avery is a fighter for sure. She is a resilient little girl and doing really wonderful today,” he notes. “And she has a long journey ahead.”

SCO specializes in treating pediatric burns, which is why Avery’s doctor in Tennessee recommended the child receive care at the facility in Dayton. Burn patients travel from near and far for treatment; since the burn ward was established in 1968, it has welcomed patients from more than 28 states and 35 countries.

Thanks in part to fundraising efforts and the generosity of donors, SCO provides life-changing burn and plastic surgery care, regardless of families’ ability to pay or their insurance status.

For young burn victims to have the best possible outcomes, treatment should begin immediately after the injury occurs. But when SCO conducted a community health assessment on the subject, they found health care providers lacked up-to-date education on how to care for a child with a burn injury. The hospital stepped in to fill the knowledge gap.

Debbie Harrell, SCO’s director of professional relations and a registered nurse, travels to nearby states to deliver education programs on burn treatment and safety for children.

She speaks directly to health care providers in communities big and small, meeting with emergency room physicians and nurses, firefighters, first responders and EMTs, as well as groups like school nurses and the Ohio National Guard.

Recognizing the importance of this work to make communities safer, Enbridge recently awarded SCO a $5,500 Fueling Futures grant to help fund the hospital’s education efforts. In addition to safety, which is the very foundation of our business, education is a value we share with Shriners; it’s one of the pillars of the 22 Shriners hospitals in North America, along with care and research.

“When (first responders) are in these emergency situations, we want them to understand the steps they can take to help the child have a better outcome later and prevent future complications,” explains Cambry Gossett, a philanthropy officer with SCO.

When tragedy strikes, kids like Avery will be in good hands.

Viridos’ technology extracts algae oil from algae for potential future production of sustainable aviation fuel

United has invested in more future SAF production than any other airline1

Viridos investment is first by airline’s new UAV Sustainable Flight Fund since its launch

CHICAGO, April 12, 2023 /3BL Media/ – United wants to turn microalgae into SAF through the first new investment of its recently announced UAV Sustainable Flight FundSM since its launch: algae biofuel company Viridos. This $5 million investment will support the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) made from algae, an abundant and scalable resource that can be grown and harvested without impacting the food supply chain.

Viridos specializes in the bioengineering of microalgae and its proprietary technology accelerates the amount of oil that can produced from microalgae. This algae oil could then be used to scale the future production of SAF.

SAF is an alternative to conventional jet fuel that, on a lifecycle basis, reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with air travel compared to conventional jet fuel alone.¹ SAF is made from used cooking oil and agricultural waste, and, in the future, could be made from other feedstocks, including household trash, forest waste, or algae. To date, United has invested in the future production of over three billion gallons of SAF – the most of any airline in the world.²

“SAF is proven, scalable, and the best tool we have to reduce our carbon emissions from flying, but we face a significant shortage of available feedstock,” said United Airlines Ventures President Mike Leskinen. “As the global aviation leader in SAF production investment United remains committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions, without relying on traditional carbon offsets, by 2050. Viridos’ algae-based biofuel technology has the potential to help solve our supply problem without the need for farmland or other agricultural resources and marks our inaugural investment in our new cross-industry UAV Sustainable Flight Fund.”

Viridos, a biofuel company focused on decarbonizing industries, is leading the bioengineering of microalgae and has already achieved seven times the oil productivity compared to typical wild-type algae. This creates an opportunity for potentially scalable and more sustainable production of algae oil, that could later be used to produce SAF. Based on current estimates, SAF created by Viridos’ algae oil is expected to have a 70% reduced carbon footprint on a lifecycle basis when compared to traditional jet fuel.

Viridos’ bioengineering technology combines several important and unique attributes contributing to better scalability and sustainability compared with traditional jet fuel production:

Surface area oil productivities of Viridos algae far exceed any traditional oil crop, achieving high algae oil output on comparatively small areas.Viridos algae are grown in vessels containing seawater. This allows contained deployment in hot and dry locations without taxing scarce freshwater and arable land resources, while eliminating runoff.Viridos algae have extremely high oil contents facilitating downstream processing to algae oil.Viridos algae oil is a quality plant oil allowing existing bio-refineries to process the oil with high yield.

“By establishing production sites to grow Viridos-engineered microalgae in saltwater, we are creating the foundation for a biofuel future that moves away from fossil fuels without competing for precious resources such as fresh water and arable land. We are excited to have the support from United Airlines. Together we can build the ecosystem needed to bring algae biofuels to the market,” said Oliver Fetzer, Viridos Chief Executive Officer.

About the UAV Sustainable Flight Fund

The UAV Sustainable Flight Fund is a first-of-its-kind investment vehicle that is designed to leverage support from cross-industry businesses in order to support start-ups focused on decarbonizing air travel through SAF research, technology and production. The fund is starting with more than $100 million in investments from United and inaugural corporate partners Air Canada, Boeing, GE Aerospace, JPMorgan Chase and Honeywell. To date, nearly 6,000 United customers have contributed to supplement United’s investment in the fund while purchasing tickets.

The Federal Government Recognizes the Value of SAF

The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act includes the largest governmental climate change investments in U.S. history – a new blender’s tax credit specifically for SAF along with other critical incentives for clean energy and carbon capture – that will help spur an increase in SAF infrastructure and supply while lowering costs for SAF consumers.

The U.S. military currently uses nearly five billion gallons of jet fuel annually and the Department of Defense will use a jet fuel blend containing at least 10% SAF by 2028 because of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.

And according to the U.S. Department of Energy, the country’s vast feedstock resources are enough to meet the projected SAF demand of the entire U.S. aviation industry.

United’s Commitment to Net Zero Emissions by 2050

United aims to be 100% green by reducing its GHG emissions 100% by 2050, without relying on traditional carbon offsets. In addition to the UAV Sustainable Flight Fund, United has launched a SAF purchasing program called the Eco-Skies Alliance and established a venture fund – United Airlines Ventures – to identify and invest in companies and technologies that can decarbonize air travel. These strategic investments include carbon capture, hydrogen-electric engines, electric regional aircraft and air taxis.

About United

United’s shared purpose is “Connecting People. Uniting the World.” From our U.S. hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., United operates the most comprehensive global route network among North American carriers. United is bringing back our customers’ favorite destinations and adding new ones on its way to becoming the world’s best airline. For more about how to join the United team, please visit www.united.com/careers and more information about the company is at www.united.com. United Airlines Holdings, Inc., the parent company of United Airlines, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol “UAL”. For further information about our environmental impact, review United’s Corporate Responsibility Report and Annual Report on Form 10-K, available at crreport.united.com and ir.united.com.

United Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Other Important Information

This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 relating to, among other things, plans and projections regarding the company’s business strategy as well as its ESG goals, targets, commitments, strategies and initiatives and related business and stakeholder impacts. All statements that are not statements of historical facts are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on historical performance and current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about our future financial results, plans, objectives, goals, targets, commitments, strategies and initiatives and involve inherent risks, assumptions and uncertainties, known or unknown, including internal or external factors that could delay, divert or change any of them, that are difficult to predict, may be beyond our control and could cause our future financial results, plans, objectives, goals, targets, commitments, strategies and initiatives to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the statements. These risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors include, among others, any failure to meet stated ESG goals, targets, commitments, strategies and initiatives in the time frame expected or at all as a result of many factors, including changing societal, market, competitive, regulatory or stakeholder expectations; any delay or inability of United Airlines to realize the expected benefits of the investment, including from a delay or failure of any project to be fully developed or become operational or to produce sustainable aviation fuel or other ESG-related product in the amounts contemplated or at all. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many risks and uncertainties that affect United’s business and market, particularly those identified in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Risk Factors” sections in United’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as updated by our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Risks and uncertainties related to United’s environmental compliance, climate commitments and climate strategy are further described in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors of United’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022—”We are subject to many forms of environmental regulation and liability and risks associated with climate change and may incur substantial costs as a result. In addition, failure to achieve or demonstrate progress towards our climate goals may expose us to liability and reputational harm.”

The statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release and except as otherwise required by applicable law or regulation, United Airlines undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise. In particular, United Airlines reserves the right to change, amend, supplement or abandon some or all of the statements regarding goals, targets, commitments, strategies, initiatives, intentions and other statements from time to time without notice.

In addition, some of our disclosures in this press release are estimates or based on assumptions due to inherent measurement uncertainties. For example, United’s statement that it has already invested in the future production of more than three billion gallons of SAF—the most of any airline in the world—is based on publicly announced future purchase agreements for SAF of certain airlines as of the date hereof.

1 SAF must be blended with conventional jet fuel to meet regulatory requirements for use within the aircraft. 
2 Based on publicly announced airline offtake agreements for future purchases of SAF

In 1972, Bonnie Tiburzi wrote to every major airline carrier in the United States asking for a job, and every single airline turned her down, except for one. In March of 1973, American Airlines offered Bonnie a position as First Officer — making her the first woman to fly for a major commercial airline at the early age of 24.

Bonnie bravely broke barriers in the male-dominated profession and paved the path for women aviators to follow. As we celebrate 50 years since she started flying for American, we honor the women that inspired her and those she has inspired to take the controls on the flight deck.

Host Mandi McReynolds shares insights from Reuters’ flagship event, Responsible Business USA 2023, where she moderated a panel on collecting audit-ready ESG data. Mandi shares key takeaways from her time in New York, including using technology to balance business and societal impact and aligning ESG and financial statements.

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Looking for more? Subscribe to the ESG Talk podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, and YouTube.

“Being an employer of of choice is about the entire package—the right fit, competitive compensation and relevant benefits, and a culture that values and celebrates diversity.”

Noreen M. Farrell Vice President, Rewards and Analytics

As an organization, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that welcomes new perspectives, complementary experiences, and diverse expertise. We know that these attributes strengthen our ability to surpass our customers’ and our communities’ expectations. That commitment includes providing all our employees with equitable compensation and development opportunities.

Our equitable compensation program

Our compensation programs are designed to attract, retain, and motivate a wide variety of employees and to help drive the execution of our business objectives and strategic goals. Our competitive base pay reflects several factors, including individual roles and responsibilities, skills, experience, and performance. We also have designed our compensation programs to align with market compensation (in the relevant geography, as appropriate) based on robust market benchmarking. Beyond salary, Quest’s compensation package includes variable pay, other forms of financial recognition, and a comprehensive benefits offering, including 401K, paid time off, workplace flexibility, remote work options, and healthcare coverage. We also compensate nonexempt employees with overtime pay and pay shift differentials when appropriate.

Identifying, hiring, and managing talent

Our ability to evolve, expand, and develop world-class innovations relies on a culture that respects all employees and supports their contributions.

Quest’s Talent Acquisition team proactively sources talented candidates with unique skills, backgrounds, experiences, and expertise from multiple ethnicities, ages, and cultures to fill open positions. We work to identify and recruit people whose strong skill sets and perspectives represent our company. When Quest hires or promotes from within, we consider each candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as market-based information, as we strive to be externally competitive and internally equitable. Quest uses narrow role-based salary ranges for new hires and continuing employees alike. Our Human Resources function oversees our annual talent review process so that performance reviews are fair, well-documented, and unbiased.

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The list recognizes 100 companies with the best corporate responsibility reputations in the world

Whirlpool Corporation announced that is has been included in the Global RepTrak 100 for 2023, which recognizes companies for their ability to build and communicate their commitment to corporate responsibility as well as develop positive relationships with consumers, employees, and the community.

“We are proud to be recognized by RepTrak for our efforts to bring our corporate vision to life and be the best kitchen and laundry company in constant pursuit of improving life at home,” said Pam Klyn, senior vice president of corporate relations and sustainability at Whirlpool Corporation. “This accomplishment would not be possible without our employees who work every day to earn trust by innovating for our consumers, nurturing our talent to bring out the best ideas, protecting our environment, and helping our communities thrive.”

This accomplishment would not be possible without our employees who work every day to earn trust by innovating for our consumers, nurturing our talent to bring out the best ideas, protecting our environment, and helping our communities thrive.”

For over 111 years, Whirlpool Corp. has remained committed to corporate social responsibility, resulting in the company’s House+Home strategy. Through this framework, the company continues to prioritize its 23-year-old global relationship with Habitat for Humanity, recently concluding the first two phases of a three-phase commitment to Habitat’s BuildBetter with Whirlpool Initiative, a commitment to build 250 climate-resilient and energy efficient homes in the United States, including donating energy efficient appliances. At the onset of the war in Ukraine, the company’s EMEA employees, with Habitat for Humanity, worked tirelessly to provide shelter and monetary assistance to displaced families in Hungary, Poland, Moldova and Slovakia.

Whirlpool Corp. also continued to advance local communities through education and neighborhood revitalization, leveraging the collective impact of collaborations with the United Way, Consul brand’s Consulado da Mulher, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Whirlpool brand’s Care Counts and the Feel Good Fridge programs sponsored by its U.S. Sales team and Maytag brand.

Whirlpool Corp. is also frequently recognized for its efforts related to corporate responsibility and company culture. So far this year, the company was named one of Fortune’s Admired Companies and included on America’s Most JUST Companies list for 2023.

The Global RepTrak 100 measures perceptions of a company’s key drivers of corporate responsibility, including Citizenship, Governance and Workplace, and assesses its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) credentials. The list is based on data collected from 230,000 ratings across 14 global economies and is pulled from online surveys, media content, and third-party sources. Data collection takes place from December 2022 through January 2023.

Click here to learn more and see the full Global RepTrak 100 for 2023.

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April 12, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Ceres welcomes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s newly proposed greenhouse gas emissions standards for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles as crucial steps toward achieving national climate goals and further capitalizing on the opportunity to establish the U.S. as a global leader in the clean energy transition.

“As the clean vehicle transition gains speed across the U.S., the EPA’s proposed greenhouse gas emissions standards will be crucial to harnessing and steering this momentum to meet our national climate, economic, and equity goals,” said Michael Kodransky, senior director of clean transportation, Ceres. “Consumers and companies alike are eager to transition to zero-emission cars, vans, and trucks to reduce their fuel and maintenance costs and to benefit from federal and state incentives. Strong standards will set clear expectations for automakers and their customers. We urge the EPA to finalize the most ambitious standards.”

The EPA’s proposed light- and medium-duty vehicle emissions standards, which will be finalized after a public feedback period, would spur electric vehicle production and sales by effectively ensuring that zero-emission vehicles account for as much as two-thirds of new vehicle sales by 2032.

The EPA is also considering new emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles, such as large trucks, that would help meet the growing market demand for zero-emission commercial vehicles. A 2022 survey of the Corporate Electric Vehicle Alliance — a coalition of major U.S. businesses organized by Ceres to accelerate electric commercial vehicle deployment — found that member companies are planning to order more than 330,000 zero-emission vehicles within the next five years and that nearly all members would consider changing manufacturers to purchase them.

“Between the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, and various state laws and policies, the U.S. is well-positioned to become the best place in the world to build and buy electric vehicles and their components,” said Zach Friedman, director of federal policy, Ceres. “Strong federal vehicle emissions standards are the crucial next step to put the U.S. at the forefront of the competition to lead this historic transition, and America’s consumers, companies, and workers all stand to benefit. We applaud the administration for today’s announcement and encourage the EPA to adopt the most ambitious version of these standards.”

Transportation is the leading cause of climate and air pollution in the U.S. and zero-emission vehicles are critical to limiting the impacts of both. While passenger vehicles represent the single largest source of transportation emissions, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles have an outsized impact, accounting for more than 20% of transportation-related emissions despite representing about 5% of vehicles on U.S. roads. Rapid growth in zero-emission vehicle sales would dramatically reduce both greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change and harmful air pollution that especially affects communities located near highways, busy roads, and major freight centers.

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: Helen Booth-Tobin

Award-winning OneBox

International Paper’s OneBox packaging, designed and produced at our Chalon, France facility, won the won 2021 French Packaging Innovation Award (organized by G.I.S.I) in the corrugated board category. OneBox — a wine-shipping container — was lauded for its innovative functional features, which include maximum protection of the product it is shipping, and its sustainability advantages, which include the recyclability of its corrugated board construction.

Connective Packaging Solutions

Through our collaboration with OHMEGA™ + Touchcode™, we offer a connected packaging solution that lets vendors turn a shipping package into a portal to exclusive digital customer experiences. IP’s OHMEGA™ Ink prints a unique code on packages that are ready to be shipped and, on receipt, the customer unlocks their customized interactive content to enjoy. The unique code is also the gateway to enhanced package security, providing a platform for authentication and anti-counterfeiting protection.

Fiber Cement and Concrete

Our Global Cellulose Fiber team is continuously exploring opportunities to improve our fiber innovations to serve the needs of our customers. Our Matrix® portfolio is designed for use as reinforcement fiber in a wide range of concrete applications. Sustainably sourced cellulose fiber, like the southern softwood pulp used in Matrix Impact, offers exceptional length and tensile strength that results in reduced shrinkage and cracking and increased durability compared to concrete containing polypropylene fibers.

Award-winning EMEA Recycling

International Paper’s Europe, Middle East and Africa recycling business, located at our Madrid Mill, is one of the largest collectors of old corrugated containers and other waste fiber in the Madrid region, collecting approximately 12,000 metric tons each month. The waste fiber is turned into new containerboard at the mill and then into new boxes by our packaging plant network. In 2021 International Paper was recognized by the Community of Madrid Sustainability Awards and El Suplemento Sustainability Awards for our commitment to bring the circular economy to life.

Logistic Optimization of Waste

In Pomezia, Italy our team collaborated with our customer Colgate Anzio to create a closed loop packaging system that cuts 20,990 kilograms of GHG emissions annually with a simple shift to a regional waste-processing vendor linked by a network contract. Our Pomezia plant ships 5,000 tons of corrugated packaging to Colgate Palmolive. Colgate Palmolive recycles 874 tons of packaging. Our waste-processing vendor transforms recycled waste into material for new cardboard and packaging, which is shipped back to Pomezia.

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. See how we’re building a better future for people, the planet, and our company at internationalpaper.com/Vision-2030.

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World’s largest cruise company releases annual sustainability report highlighting continued strong environmental performance and decarbonization momentum

Report details far-reaching sustainability achievements, including new technologies and smart solutions to deliver on aggressive sustainability roadmap

MIAMI, April 12, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest cruise company, released its 13th annual sustainability report, detailing industry-leading initiatives and momentum across environmental, social and governance focus areas. The report also describes significant progress made by the company toward its aspirations of carbon neutral operations by 2050 and a circular economy model focused on waste reduction, recycling and management. Titled “Sustainable from Ship to Shore,” Carnival Corporation’s full 2022 report is available on the company’s sustainability website at www.CarnivalSustainability.com.

“As the global leader in the cruise industry, we are setting the pace with the industry’s smartest solutions for sustainable cruising that will help deliver on our aggressive roadmap to reduce our carbon impact, maximize our use of resources and further enhance our operations to be even more efficient by 2030,” said Josh Weinstein, CEO and chief climate officer for Carnival Corporation. “Our future depends on us being good corporate citizens and stewards of the environment, because without the incredible communities, healthy marine ecosystems, and scenic spaces we operate in, it would be impossible to deliver unforgettable happiness to our guests through extraordinary cruise vacations.”

In 2022, as almost 100% of Carnival Corporation’s full fleet returned to guest cruise operations, the company continued prioritizing sustainability, making major strides toward its 2030 goals and setting the pace with industrywide leadership in pursuing carbon-neutral operations by 2050 – well ahead of current International Maritime Organization targets. Throughout the year, the company achieved important milestones in environmental performance, including in the key areas of decarbonization, food waste and single-use plastic reduction, detailed below.

Advancements in Decarbonization Pathway

Carnival Corporation remains the only major cruise operator producing fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions today than in 2011, despite adding substantial guest capacity to its fleet since that time. The company is on track to achieve a 40% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030 (vs. 2008), and a 20% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030 vs. 2019, resulting from strong momentum in its four-part decarbonization strategy: fleet optimization; energy efficiency; itinerary efficiency; and new technologies and alternative fuels. Collectively, these strategic initiatives are expected to drive a 15% reduction in fuel consumption per available lower berth day (ALBD) in 2023, along with a 15% reduction in emissions per ALBD, both relative to 2019.

Additionally, the company completed its first inventory of Scope 3 “value-chain” emissions associated with purchased goods and services, fuel and energy distribution/delivery, and waste management, among others. Using the GHG Protocol standard, in the future, the company will track these emissions annually vs. a full-year 2019 operations baseline.

Other 2022 decarbonization highlights include:

Investing in Energy-Efficient Solutions: 

Service Power Packages: Continued the fleetwide rollout of eco-friendly upgrades (LED lights, HVAC automation, variable speed drives on pumps and fans, etc.) for an average 5% fuel consumption savings per ship, and expected to generate over $100 million in annual fuel cost savings upon completion).Shore Power: 57% of the global fleet is now able to “plug in” to reduce emissions and noise in port where connections to electric power are available.Air Lubrication Systems (ALS): Expanded this technology to more ships to help them glide on air bubbles with ~5% less friction, for fuel consumption savings and reduced emissions (five ships installed, six in progress and eight on order).

Pioneering New Technologies & Alternative Fuels: 

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Leading the industry in new fuel propulsion with eight LNG-capable ships in service with three more on order to account for 20% of fleet capacity by 2025.Batteries & Fuel Cells: Piloting the world’s largest ever battery installation on a passenger ship with a first-of-its-kind lithium-ion battery storage system on AIDAprima and pioneering a new generation of power in the industry with fuel cell technology using methanol-derived hydrogen on AIDAnova. Biofuels: Leading the industry in piloting biofuels as a replacement for fossil fuel with successful trials on AIDAprima and Holland America Line’s Volendam.Partnerships: Driving decarbonization pathways for the industry as part of the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, Getting to Zero Coalition and Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative, among others. 

Contributing to Circular Economy

Carnival Corporation has continued optimizing its circular economy model to use fewer resources, produce less waste, and maximize recycling. 2022 highlights include:

Shrinking the Company’s Food Print: 

Surplus Food: Achieving per-passenger food waste reduction of more than 30% in 2022 (vs. 2019) and establishing a new goal to reduce food waste by 40% per person by 2025.Biodigesters: Leading the industry with over 600 food biodigesters installed on ships to break down and liquify uneaten food and sustainably return it to nature.Dehydrators: Installing 25-plus food dehydrators across the fleet to remove excess water from leftover food, reducing waste volume by upwards of 90%.

Removing & Replacing Items with Sustainable Alternatives:

Single Use Items: Reduced single-use plastic by more than 50%, removing over 500 million single-use items since 2018 and replaced items with sustainable alternatives.Supply Chain Partners: Continued collaborating with supply chain partners on sustainable product strategies, such as purchasing products in bulk instead of buying single-use containers and reducing packaging volumes.

In addition to achievements in environmental performance, Carnival Corporation continued cultivating a workforce mirroring the diversity of the 700 ports and destinations it visits worldwide. Of the 800 top-performing global employers listed as the World’s Best Employers for talent development, gender equality and social responsibility, Carnival Corporation was the only cruise company. It was also named one of the World’s Top Female-Friendly Companies.

“Our approach to sustainability is backed by science and driven by data, which allows us to take decisive actions that make a truly meaningful impact and inspire real change,” said Weinstein. “It is a monumental undertaking that requires collective focus and tireless dedication of our entire organization. We are fortunate to have a global team of 160,000 talented people who are passionately committed to honoring the integrity of every ocean we sail, place we visit, and life we touch. We are incredibly proud of the considerable progress we have made so far and look forward to continuing our collective work together toward a sustainable future for cruising and tourism.”

Carnival Corporation’s 2022 sustainability report is based on the widely recognized Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standard, incorporates the company’s third annual disclosure in line with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and highlights the company’s disclosure in accordance with the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). For more information on the company’s long-term sustainability vision and progress under its six focus areas: climate action; circular economy; sustainable tourism; good health and well-being; diversity, equity and inclusion; and biodiversity and conservation – visit Carnival Corporation’s dedicated sustainability website (CarnivalSustainability.com).

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About Carnival Corporation & plc 
Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest global cruise company, and among the largest leisure travel companies, with a portfolio of world-class cruise lines – AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises (Australia), P&O Cruises (UK), Princess Cruises, and Seabourn.

Additional information can be found on www.carnivalcorp.com, www.aida.de, www.carnival.com, www.costacruise.com, www.cunard.com, www.hollandamerica.com, www.pocruises.com.au, www.pocruises.com, www.princess.com, and www.seabourn.com.

For information on Carnival Corporation’s industry-leading sustainability initiatives, visit www.carnivalsustainability.com.

Carnival Corporation Media Contacts: 
Jody Venturoni, Carnival Corporation, jventuroni@carnival.com 
Ellie Beuerman, LDWW, ellie@ldww.co