Tag: 3BL

Originally published on Built from Scratch

For the first time, The Home Depot appears as No. 64 on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) National Top 100 List of the largest green power users from the Green Power Partnership.

The Home Depot is using nearly 225 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power annually, which represents 8% of the company’s total power needs. The Home Depot is also No. 8 on the EPA’s Top 30 Retail List and No. 36 on EPA’s list of Green Power Partners from the Fortune 500. This choice to use green power helps advance the voluntary market for green power, as well as the development of those sources.  

“We are proud to be recognized by the EPA for our green power use,” says Ron Jarvis, chief sustainability officer at The Home Depot. “By making the choice to use green power, the company reduces its emissions footprint, while also sending a message to others across the nation that using green power is smart business.” 

By moving the needle in the voluntary green power market, The Home Depot and other Green Power Partners are helping to reduce the negative health impacts of air emissions, including those related to ozone, fine particles, acid rain and regional haze. 

“This list of the largest users of green power across the nation is proof that good business practices can also benefit the environment,” says James Critchfield, program manager of EPA’s Green Power Partnership. “EPA applauds the leading organizations in the Green Power Partnership’s Top Partner Rankings for their notable commitment to expanding their use of green power and protecting the environment.” 

According to the U.S. EPA, The Home Depot’s green power use of nearly 225 million kWh is equivalent to the annual electricity use of more than 21,000 average American homes. To learn more about the company’s commitment to sustainability, visit the 2022 ESG Report.

Keep up with all the latest Home Depot news! Subscribe to our bi-weekly news update and get the top Built from Scratch stories delivered straight to your inbox.

Originally published in Southern Company’s 2021 Corporate Responsibility Executive Summary Report

Southern Company is focused on having the right people with the right skills who are trained to perform their jobs safely and ethically to meet current and future business requirements. This focus is exemplified through Our Values and our Code of Ethics. We uphold our values, ethics and human capital beliefs in all we do and remain cognizant of what they mean to our workforce’s culture and well-being.

Our uncompromising values and ethics are key to our sustained successPeople are the power behind a safe workplaceOur people are central to all we do

Spotlight: Safety First – Southern Company’s No. 1 Value

Safety First is a pledge to our employees, customers, contractors and communities that our actions will contribute to a safe environment for everyone. Our system has long had a commitment to completing every job, every day, safely. We are dedicated to continuous safety improvement to advance our safety culture.

As part of our focus on continuous improvement, in 2018 we recognized that our “Target Zero” safety initiative to pursue zero workplace injuries, set with the best of intentions, had unintended consequences – a hesitance to report minor incidents and near-misses. While we continue to measure rates of recordable injuries, lost-time rate and days away, we have modified a portion of our compensation goals to focus on serious injuries rather than total injuries. We have come to recognize that lessons learned from reporting all incidents provide the best opportunities to build trust, apply human performance principles and advance our safety program. Better understanding the precursors of potentially serious incidents helps us identify and implement the critical controls necessary to prevent serious injuries. We hone and build on our safety culture by engaging all employees in our solutions, continuing to share and build on learnings, and contributing to continuous process improvement to enhance safety. Our programs and processes resulted in a reduction to serious injuries and the best safety performance in our history in 2021.

Our commitment is to Safety First. We work hard every day to live up to this core element of Our Values and to sustain a culture in which our employees are empowered to contribute to making us better.

Demographics and Transparency

To demonstrate our commitment to human capital and all it encompasses, it is essential to transparently share information about our workforce demographics and data. In 2021, 27,300 employees worked at Southern Company.

Of those employees in 2021, the following is representative:

27,300 Total Headcount (99.8% full-time employees)

25% Women

29% People of Color

32% Employees Covered by Union Agreements

58% Underrepresented Groups as % of New Hires

58% Promotions to People of Color and Women

45 yrs. Average Age

15 yrs. Average Tenure

7.7% Low Turnover Rate (Majority retirements)

Beginning with the 2020 reporting year, Southern Company committed to disclose annually an aggregate summary of workforce data each Southern Company subsidiary submits to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) through Form EEO-1.

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We are excited to invite you to join us at The Power of Communications: Driving Business Results, which we are hosting in New York on Thursday, March 16 and Friday, March 17 at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge. Communicators representing a wide variety of industries and perspectives will be gathering for two action-packed days of programming centered on some of the most pressing issues confronting the profession today, with topics ranging from the disruptive potential of AI, breaking through with distracted audiences, and navigating both an unpredictable economy and the continuing transition to remote and hybrid work. 
 

[ Register now ] 
USE CODE 3BLVIP AND SAVE $500 
 

We’re especially looking forward to hearing from 3BL Media’s Dave Armon when he takes the stage with Tapestry’s Jackie Albano for the following timely discussion: 
 

The Future of Sustainability in the Corporate Narrative 
Increasingly, consumers in America expect companies to be taking actions on critical topics of sustainability with research quantifying 60% to 70% identifying that as a priority. Sustainability, in the minds of the consumer, means environmental issues ranging from emissions and pollution to energy use and sourcing. It also involves social issues such as labor conditions, equitable pay, and DEI initiatives. The “corporate narrative” needs to engage other stakeholders beyond just their customers, especially when expectations diverge. Increasing pressure from investor activists is surfacing on environmental investments, and boards are also now playing defense against criticism of greenwashing. 

As these tensions continue to grow, how do communications leaders shape the corporate narrative to not only stay future-focused but also positively address the expectations of multiple stakeholders? 

Jackie Albano, Director, ESG Communications, Tapestry 

Moderator: Dave Armon, Chief Executive Officer, 3BL Media 
 

To learn what other leading brands like Citi, CVS Health, Etsy, Lockheed Martin, and Microsoft will be contributing to the conversation, you can review the rest of our agenda here. 

This special event is designed as an opportunity to examine the latest best practices during this pivotal moment for the communications function and to expand and enrich our professional networks along the way. 

We hope to see you there! 

The Conference Board Programming Team

Register Now

Originally published on Forbes.com

At the recent SAP.iO Foundries Sustainable Agriculture Latin America Demo Day, three startups presented solutions that can help farmers improve the quality of their crops, optimize farming strategies through personalization, and improve biological capital by managing soil more efficiently. These tactics can all play a role in successfully feeding 9 billion people for the next decades.

“All parties involved in developing these innovative solutions – the startups, the SAP.iO Foundry teams, venture capitalists and the teams responsible for SAP Solutions for Agribusiness and Commodity Management – agree that collaboration is the one key element for success in such endeavors,” said Kange Kaneene, VP SAP.iO Foundries North and Latin America, Caribbean. “Only by working together can the big issues of the day be solved.”

Watch the video here

Continue reading here

Cummins

March 1, 2023 /3BL Media/ – The importance of the trucking industry plays in our daily lives has been on full display during the COVID-19 pandemic. Just as vital as the machines moving goods are the highly skilled professionals maintaining the technology keeping these vehicles on the road.

Cummins Advocating for Racial Equity (CARE), a U.S. strategic community initiative, supported the Cummins TEC team as they selected Indianapolis, and other U.S. cities to expand Cummins TEC. The aim of the expansion is to improve pathways for Black youth into prosperous careers in the identified cities.

Cummins partnered with the Indianapolis Public School (IPS) system’s Arsenal Technical High School, local business, government , education and community leaders to launch Cummins TEC: Technical Education for Communities in Indianapolis.

“Cummins TEC seeks to transform lives through technical vocational education by training disadvantaged youth in employable skills to gain good jobs,” said Tracy Embree, Vice President and President, Cummins Distribution segment. “Businesses around the world are experiencing critical shortages of skilled technical workers; there are also significant gaps in soft skills such as problem-solving, analytical ability and the proper attitudes and belief systems necessary for job success, and Cummins Tec wants to expose and train youth to fill these gaps.”

Cummins and its partners including, Allison Transmission, IndyGo, Ivy Tech Community College, EmployIndy, Indiana Department of Workforce Development, Automotive Apprenticeship Group, McAlister Machinery-Caterpillar, Palmer Trucking-Kenworth, Pat O’brien Toyota, Truck Country-Freightliner Trucks, Jasper Engines, and others, have provided equipment and tools to the schools’ Diesel Powered Equipment Technology and Automotive programs to enrich the students’ hands-on learning experience.

The Indianapolis Cummins TEC program will be the fifth located in the United States and will become part of the 26 programs located across the globe.

“Cummins TEC is the first global strategic community program built by Cummins from the ground up. It targets the technical skills gap through local vocational education programs,” said Mary Chandler, Vice President, Community Relations and Corporate Responsibility for Cummins. “The program helps disadvantaged youth around the world secure good jobs through school-based, industry-supported skills training, while delivering a standardized education platform to help school partners develop market-relevant curriculum, teacher training, career guidance and the practical experience needed by students.”

-END

The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) has today released a major update to the Higg Brand & Retail Module (BRM) to more effectively deliver on industry needs and drive positive impact.The update follows a process of rigorous consultation between the SAC, its members, Apparel Alliance partners Textile Exchange and ZDHC and other industry experts.The result is a tool which will help brands and retailers to better assess their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance along their entire global value chain, in order to improve performance.In order to drive positive impact at scale the tool now has greater alignment with ‘best in class’ frameworks on issues such as biodiversity, or responsible purchasing practices. 

SAN FRANCISCO, AMSTERDAM, and HONG KONG, March 01, 2023 /3BL Media/ – The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), in collaboration with technology partner Higg, has today released the latest version of the Higg Brand & Retail Module (BRM), one of the five assessment tools in the Higg Index. The Higg BRM is a leading, holistic framework that creates an industry specific method for brands and retailers to evaluate, report on and improve Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance along their global value chains. The SAC has invested in a major update of the tool which will feature a new assessment structure and updated methodology, underpinned by a due diligence approach. The update will encourage brands and retailers to focus on real action, impact and results.

Recent findings from The Industry We Want, in partnership with Fair Wear, the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) and the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), have revealed the apparel and footwear industry is not making fast enough progress on purchasing practices, supply chain wages and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In order to drive the scale of transformation needed, brands and retailers need a clear and standardized picture of their environmental and social hotspots, to create a clear roadmap for transformation.

This new version of the assessment has been reorganized across 11 key areas, split across three pillars (environmental impacts, social impacts, governance) to be more relevant to where the industry needs to drive change, faster. The assessment has added biodiversity as a new impact area and now features more in depth questions on water and circularity as key impact areas and levers of change in the tool. The questions have also been revised to align with best in class standards; for example, alignment with best practice guidance on responsible purchasing practices. Additionally, the scoring methodology has been simplified so it can be shared with users openly. The Higg BRM now provides one finite score out of 100, in addition to score breakdowns per pillar and impact area, making it easier to understand, communicate and benchmark against peers.

The assessment has been restructured to provide greater value for different organizations to prioritize our industry’s pressing ESG issues and focusing on impacts and results. Other benefits include the reduction of reporting burden through alignment with relevant frameworks and by eliminating duplication across the entire questionnaire.

The update is based on research by the SAC’s Higg BRM team and is the result of one year of consultations and with over 75 stakeholders including members and industry experts to ensure close alignment with standard assessment protocols. It has been developed in collaboration with members, key partner organizations including Apparel Alliance members Textile Exchange and ZDHC who contributed to the development of specific content on materials, biodiversity, circularity and chemicals. The SAC also engaged STTI and the Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives Working Group of the Common Framework of Responsible Purchasing Practice (CFRPP), represented by Fair Wear, who provided input and feedback on the responsible purchasing practices section of the assessment. SAC members across all territories were also consulted and the SAC hosted three regional roundtables to ensure all geographies were represented.

Jeremy Lardeau, Vice President, Higg Index at the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, said: “We are excited to release the latest version of our Higg Brand & Retail Module, which marks a major milestone for the SAC. This update is the result of an incredible level of engagement with experts and stakeholders from across the industry, to whom we are truly grateful for the time and input provided. This process has allowed us to better align with existing industry assessment frameworks, and make sure we are addressing the needs and expectations of our members and the industry at large. Our tools must evolve to continuously improve, and while this update is a step in that direction, we will continue to iterate the BRM as the industry progresses, legislation evolves and we continue to gather insights and feedback from BRM users and other stakeholders.”

Maravillas Rodriguez Zarco, Director, Higg Brand & Retail, at the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, said: “The release of the latest version of our Higg Brand & Retail Module is a clear reflection of our mission at the SAC to transform business for exponential impact through groundbreaking tools, collaborative partnerships, and trusted leadership for industry sustainability. From the new assessment structure, to the updated methodology, we are proud of the work we have done to get to this point, we believe the latest version will provide deeper insights and value for brands and retailers and we look forward to continuing supporting them on their sustainability journeys.”

Magnus Dorsch, Head of Corporate Sustainability, About You said: “The launch of the updated Higg BRM marks a major milestone for the SAC, its members, and the industry at large. We are honored to have contributed to the work that went into the development of the new version. Since joining the SAC in January 2021 and adopting the Higg BRM, we have supported our brand partners in aligning on a unified approach towards sustainable practices, helping them understand where they stand regarding their sustainability journeys and how to continue to support them to improve and drive progress. We believe the updated Higg BRM will serve to help us continue calibrating our ESG strategy to ensure consistency in our progress and reporting and look forward to seeing how it continues to evolve to meet the needs of the industry.”

Sarah Needham, Director of Stakeholder Engagement, Textile Exchange said: “It is exciting to see the Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s investment to move the Higg Brand & Retail Module in this direction, adding crucial updates including biodiversity as a new impact area and moving to closer alignment with our Materials Benchmark program (formally known as Corporate Fiber and Material Benchmark). We are pleased that as a part of the apparel alliance, we can continue to support on progressing our shared goal of moving the industry towards 45% GHG reduction by 2030 by providing a source for raw materials uptake information, and collaborate to streamline reporting across the fashion, apparel and textile industry.”

Klaas Nuttbohm, ZDHC Implementation Director said: “We are excited for the opportunity to collaborate with the SAC and create greater alignment between the two organizations. The integration of the ZDHC Brands to Zero Assessment (BtZ) into the Higg BRM means a big step forward for both our organizations. This is a major advance for the apparel alliance partners to align the programmes and tools which will lead to the opportunity for our Contributor Brands to benefit from utilizing the BtZ results in the BRM reporting.”

Margreet Vrieling Fair Wear, chair of the Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives Working Group on the CFRPP, said: “We welcome the efforts of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition to seek closer alignment to the Common Framework for Responsible Purchasing Practices, developed by the MSI working group, within its Higg Brand & Retail Module. Identifying and assessing the risks and negative impacts of purchasing practices in the buyer-supplier relationship is key to mitigate negative effects on suppliers and workers. By using the responsible purchasing practices as they have been laid down in the Common Framework as input for the BRM responsible purchasing practices questions, the SAC reinforces the importance of collaboration and convergence to drive progress within our industry.”

Karin Ekberg GmbH, Founder & CEO Leadership & Sustainability said: “The launch of the new BRM module is a great step forward for SAC and its members. It has been a pleasure for us at Leadership & Sustainability to be part of the process to develop the new BRM. As it is now aligned with international ESG standards and expectations, we believe this version will meet market demands, will support brands and retailers to measure and improve their ESG performance as well as communicate their efforts in a transparent and trustworthy manner. Congratulations to the SAC team and all contributing members!”

Brands and retailers can use the Higg BRM to understand their performance in these areas: Environment: climate, water, waste, biodiversity and chemicals; Social: workers, employees, consumers and communities; Governance: structure and management, ethics and behavior.

The updated Higg BRM is now available for brands and retailers to measure and report on their ESG impacts to understand their progress and identify areas for improvement with clarity and transparency. If your organization is interested in using the Higg BRM, please find more information here.

— ENDS –

About the Sustainable Apparel Coalition: 
The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) is an independent and impact-creating organization that aims to lead the industry toward a shared vision of sustainability based upon a joint approach for measuring, evaluating, and improving performance.

As a non-profit organization, it has members from across the apparel, footwear and textile sector, but exists independently outside any one company so that it can drive progress. The SAC’s collective action efforts bring more than 280 global brands, retailers, manufacturers, NGOs, academics and industry associations together. They represent about half of the apparel and footwear industry along the whole supply chain – from sustainability pioneers to organizations just getting started.

Before the SAC existed, companies worked in a siloed way, using their own programs and measurements that lacked standardization and an ability to drive collective action. In 2009, Walmart and Patagonia identified this as a serious problem. Joining forces, they brought together peers and competitors from across the sector, to develop a universal approach to measuring sustainability performance and founded the Sustainable Apparel Coalition.

Before becoming a district sales coordinator in Southern California for Aflac nearly 20 years ago, Antawong Thompson worked at the local post office and spent much of his free time with family. In 2001, he went skateboarding with his two sons. Their fun outing ended abruptly when Antawong fell and broke his leg. His injury was severe, so he spent three days in the hospital. Antawong and his wife, Shamon, were filled with worry about how they would pay their medical bills. Then they remembered Shamon had an accident policy with Aflac through her employer.

“When Shamon first told me about the Aflac policy years prior to my accident, I told her we didn’t need it and to cancel it. Thankfully, she never did. We filed a claim, Aflac paid and I was hooked,” said Antawong.

Antawong was so moved by his experience with Aflac, he walked into the local Aflac office a few days later — on crutches — to ask how he could work with the company. The local team invited Antawong and his family to an upcoming Aflac picnic. Twenty years later, Antawong fondly remembers the warm welcome they received that day. Soon, Antawong formally went through the steps to become a licensed Aflac agent. He quickly stepped into a district sales coordinator position, one that he continues to find rewarding and fulfilling. 

Stepping up and giving back: Leading by example

Antawong is a coach, trainer and advocate for his team of agents. He gives them a solid foundation that’s deeply rooted in trust and honesty. He encourages his team to spread their wings and feels it’s important for them to see the broader picture of Aflac through community connections and giving back. For many years, Antawong and his team have volunteered and participated in fundraising activities and special events for Children’s Hospital of Orange County and Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. To recognize his service work, Aflac named Antawong Children’s Hospital Ambassador of California South Coast.

“I believe in Aflac. I believe in the promise we make to policyholders and our communities. I continue to fulfill the promise I made 20 years ago. This is my legacy. And I am living proof that an accident or illness can happen to anyone, and it’s better when you have help with coverage from a company like Aflac,” said Antawong.

Aflac agents are independent agents and are not employees of Aflac. Aflac’s family of insurers American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and/or American Family Life Assurance Company of New York, and/or Continental American Insurance Company (CAIC) and/or Continental American Life Insurance Company.

WWHQ 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2300102 EXP 2/24

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., March 1, 2023 /3BL Media/– More than a century since two University of Kansas (KU) engineering graduates launched Black & Veatch, that global critical infrastructure solutions leader has donated renewable energy infrastructure that now powers the university’s new welcome center on its main Lawrence campus.

As an asset meant to enhance KU’s recruitment competitiveness in attracting tomorrow’s engineers and other students, the Jayhawk Welcome Center unveiled last Saturday has a powerhouse behind the scenes: rooftop solar panels and complementary battery storage, courtesy of Black & Veatch. 

The 30,000-square-foot center — privately funded and attached to the newly renovated Adams Alumni Center – will enhance engagement for all Jayhawks, including current student leaders and the global alumni network, which has grown by 40 percent since 1983. 

Black & Veatch’s participation in the welcome center is the latest KU connection in a long history that began when late Jayhawks Ernest Bateman Black and Nathan Thomas Veatch founded the company, now a global leader in innovative, resilient and sustainable infrastructure solutions. 

“Our deep history with the University of Kansas dates to the 1915 origin of our company and its growth from just 12 professionals to more than 10,000 today. This Jayhawk Welcome Center extends those ties in a very modern way through sustainable energy,” said Mario Azar, Black & Veatch’s Chairman and CEO. “We’ve taken what we do best in sustainability and invested it in the promise of tomorrow’s leaders who will walk through those doors, pursue their careers and innovate.”

The sustainable energy provided by the welcome center’s solar panels will not only lower the university’s carbon footprint but also power digital exhibits, including a board detailing how the renewable power is generated and how much is being stored — for example, the annual solar power made possible by Black & Veatch is enough to power the field lights at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium for 50 football games.

According to the university, recent enrollment trends confirm that the campus visit is pivotal in attracting prospective students; in 2019 and 2020, students who visited the university enrolled at twice the rate of those who did not tour the campus.

“The Jayhawk Welcome Center is a showcase for our broader views on sustainability that factor in not only the environment but promote economic prosperity for all, ensuring that all members of society are treated with equality and respect” said Douglas A. Girod, the university’s chancellor. “The center, with the support of Black & Veatch and many partners and contributors, will be a real game-changer for our university and our mission.”

Features of the Jayhawk Welcome Center and renovated Adams Alumni Center highlight the university’s research, discoveries, innovations and economic impact, in addition to stories of accomplished alumni.

It also features expansive views of campus — including the football stadium and World War II Memorial Campanile — along with a 360-degree virtual exhibit capturing experiences in classrooms, laboratories and Allen Fieldhouse. A two-story LED screen will offer personalized greetings for visitors and customized videos, photo slideshows, animations and social media feeds. 

Editor’s Notes: 

Black & Veatch designed, procured and installed a complete 57.95kW PV/30 kWh battery energy storage system (BESS).For more information about the Jayhawk Welcome Center, visit jayhawkwelcomecenter.org.To read more about Black & Veatch’s renewable energy solutions, click here.

About Black & Veatch
Black & Veatch is a 100-percent employee-owned global engineering, procurement, consulting and construction company with a more than 100-year track record of innovation in sustainable infrastructure. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people around the world by addressing the resilience and reliability of our most important infrastructure assets. Our revenues in 2022 were US$4.3 billion. Follow us on www.bv.com and on social media.

About the University of Kansas
The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. The university’s mission is to lift students and society by educating leaders, building healthy communities and making discoveries that change the world. The KU News Service is the central public relations office for the Lawrence campus.

About the KU Alumni Association
Through the support of members and donors, the KU Alumni Association advocates for the University of Kansas, communicates with Jayhawks in all media, recruits students and volunteers, serves the KU community and unites Jayhawks. For more information, visit kualumni.org

Media Contact Information:

JIM SUHR | +1 913-458-6995 P | +1 314-422-6927 M | SuhrJ@BV.com
24-HOUR MEDIA CONTACT | Media@bv.com.

SWORDS, Ireland, March 1, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT), a global climate innovator, is pleased to announce Vinitha Nalla and Rashmi Vadlakonda as recipients of The Manufacturing Institute’s 2023 Women MAKE Awards, a national award program that honors women across all levels of the manufacturing industry who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers.

Vinitha was named a Women MAKE Awards Honoree, which honors women who’ve made a significant impact in the manufacturing industry. Rashmi was named a Women MAKE Awards Emerging Leader, which honors young women in manufacturing who’ve excelled early in their career.

“We are excited to see Vinitha and Rashmi honored with this prestigious and well-deserved award,” said Mairéad Magner, Trane Technologies senior vice president and chief human resources officer. “They continuously inspire others with their leadership, hard work and dedicated promotion of STEM opportunities for women, exemplifying our purpose to boldly challenging what’s possible for a sustainable world.”

Vinitha is a senior systems engineer, Controls Systems with Trane Technologies’ Thermo King business. She recently played a leadership role in the company’s product development program, helping drive complex development of a system that allowed early testing. With a passion for supporting under-represented groups and serving as a mentor to others, Vinitha founded Thermo King’s Women Engineers group and was featured in Trane Technologies’ Sustainable Futures Virtual Field Trip – giving students an up-close look at how sustainable innovation can be embraced in everyday life. She has been instrumental in introducing young girls to STEM by working with Project Scientist and participating in the 2022 Youth Science Day.

Rashmi is a manufacturing engineer who played an integral role in the company’s adoption and implementation of 3D printing technology at its manufacturing facilities and engineering centers. She works closely with young students in her community, including representing Trane Technologies in CreatorsWanted, a campaign by the National Association of Manufacturers to inspire students to pursue careers in manufacturing. Rashmi also serves as Vice Chair of Women in Manufacturing’s (WiM) South Carolina chapter and is a member of the WiM Internal Steering Committee for Trane Technologies.

Today’s announcement comes on the very first day of Women’s History Month. Throughout the month, Trane Technologies will recognize the many contributions that women have made to the world through events centered around the theme “Embrace Equity.”

Trane Technologies is committed to cultivating a workforce reflective of the communities it serves. The company was the first in its industry to join Paradigm for Parity, a coalition of businesses dedicated to addressing the leadership gender gap. The company has increased its commitment to diverse recruiting and development through initiatives including ReLaunch, a “returnship” program that provides support and resources to people re-entering the workforce after a career gap, and numerous leadership development programs.

# # # 

About Trane Technologies

Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane and Thermo King, and our environmentally responsible portfolio of products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes, and transportation. Learn more at tranetechnologies.com.

About The Manufacturing Institute
The Manufacturing Institute builds, diversifies and strengthens the modern manufacturing workforce, with the goal of furthering individual opportunity, community prosperity and a more competitive manufacturing industry. The MI engages underrepresented communities and shifts perceptions about careers in modern manufacturing, leads skilled training and career development programs, provides thought leadership and research on the changing state of the workforce and builds partnerships to scale up its impact on manufacturing in the United States. As the 501(c)3 nonprofit workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, the MI is a trusted adviser to manufacturers, equipping them with solutions for the industry’s toughest challenges. For more information, please visit themanufacturinginstitute.org.

Andrea Caceres, O-I Plant Manager, selected for Women MAKE AwardThe Award by The Manufacturing Institute recognizes women in science, technology, engineering and production careers who exemplify leadership within their companiesCaceres recognized with 130 women leaders, under 30, who have achieved unique accomplishments at the start of their careers

PERRYSBURG, Ohio, March 1, 2023 /3BL Media/ – O-I Glass, Inc. (“O-I Glass” or “O-I”) announced today that plant manager, Andrea Caceres, has been selected as a 2023 Women MAKE Honoree by the Manufacturing Institute. The Award honors women in science, technology, engineering and production careers who exemplify leadership within their companies. Women selected for the Award represent top talent in the manufacturing industry, showcasing opportunities for women.

As plant lead at O-I’s Lurin, Peru Manufacturing facility, Caceres leads a team focused on safely, and sustainably, producing the highest quality glass packaging. She was the first female engineer to earn key leadership positions in at her facility, including the first female line leader in Peru, the first female unit plant manager in Peru and the first plant manager in the Latin American region.

“Andrea is achieving outstanding results in her position as Plant Lead at O-I’s Lurin Manufacturing facility,” said Ludovic Valette, vice president, technology and engineering at O-I. “She engages her plant team to deliver fantastic results while training and inspiring women, company-wide to reach for leadership positions.”

Caceres is credited with driving key improvements in her facility, including improved plant safety, reduction in environmental impact areas and increased engagement of employees. She is also credited with making a difference in her community.

“When local students needed technology to learn from home amid the pandemic, Andrea led the Lurin plant’s efforts to donate tablets and laptops to support education,” said Eduardo Restrepo, vice president of Global Manufacturing for O-I. “Andrea and her team have organized community education programs to promote recycling and educate others on living more sustainably. And, she is dedicated to supporting the next generation of women in her industry, providing mentorship for another female engineer in the facility, as well as providing leadership for another female mentee in the marketing department. She is to be congratulated for the impact she has made and continues to make at O-I by delivering superior levels of factory performance and inspiring other females across the enterprise.”

Caceres began her career with O-I as a manufacturing trainee in 2013. She holds an undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering from Universidad de Lima and earned her MBA at Universidad del Pacífico, along with executive training at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Wharton School of Business.

“I am honored to be recognized among so many talented women in manufacturing and representing the talented females that are making a difference at O-I,” said Caceres. “I want to encourage women to embrace educational opportunities in STEM and pursue careers in manufacturing, leading the way for future generations.”

About O-I Glass

At O-I Glass, Inc. (NYSE: OI), we love glass and we’re proud to be one of the leading producers of glass bottles and jars around the globe. Glass is not only beautiful, it’s also pure and completely recyclable, making it the most sustainable rigid packaging material. Headquartered in Perrysburg, Ohio (USA), O-I is the preferred partner for many of the world’s leading food and beverage brands. We innovate in line with customers’ needs to create iconic packaging that builds brands around the world. Led by our diverse team of more than 24,000 people across 69 plants in 19 countries, O-I achieved net sales of $6.9 billion in 2022. Learn more about us: o-i.com / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn

contact: 
JIM WOODS 
Public Relations Lead 
James.Woods@o-i.com 
724.732.5748