Complimentary Webinar: Scaling Tech‑Enabled Rainwater Harvesting for Verified Water Positive Outcomes

Complimentary Webinar:

Scaling Tech‑Enabled Rainwater Harvesting for Verified Water Positive Outcomes

Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 8:30 AM PST (11:30 AM EST)

Register Here

Join SCS Global Services for an in-depth look at how rainwater harvesting has evolved from a niche sustainability initiative into a scalable water stewardship solution. Rainwater is a renewable resource, and harvesting it turns a variable local flow into a usable supply when designed with adequate storage, demand matching, digital tech, and basin context in mind. When designed effectively, these systems reduce reliance on stressed water sources, mitigate runoff and flooding, and create climate-resilient local supply.

Deployed strategically across portfolios, rainwater harvesting becomes a repeatable tool for managing water risk and strengthening basin resilience. Through the partnership of rainwater implementation experts, Heart Water and water project development platform, Aqua Positive, companies can design high-impact projects that deliver shared value, benefiting both business operations and surrounding communities.

As scrutiny of these water claims increases, impact must be measurable and defensible. Volumetric Water Benefit Accounting (VWBA) provides a transparent, standardized method to quantify, attribute, and compare water benefits across projects and geographies. Independent verification by SCS Global Services transforms water stewardship investments into credible, disclosure-ready evidence that supports robust, auditable water-positive claims.

Featured Speakers:

  • William Sarni (Earth Finance) 
    An expert on the evolving water finance and disclosure landscape
     
  • Alejandro Sturniolo (Aqua Positive)
    Discussing water project development and VWBA methodology
     
  • Belal Elbanna (Heart Water) 
    Highlighting tech-enabled rainwater harvesting at a portfolio scale
     
  • Lauren Enright (SCS Global Services) 
    Providing insights into the necessity of third-party verification for disclosure-ready evidence

Why Attend?

Rainwater harvesting is no longer a niche initiative; it is a repeatable solution for climate resilience. Through collaboration between implementation experts and project developers, companies can now design high-impact projects that deliver shared value. This webinar will provide a clear path from project design to credible, audit-ready water-positive claims.

Join us to explore how rainwater harvesting, VWBA, and third-party verification work together to turn water ambition into verified impact.

REGISTER HERE

By registering, you will get access to the webinar recording.

For inquiries, contact:

Shyama Devarajan 
Senior Marketing Analyst, SCS Global Services 
sdevarajan@scsglobalservices.com

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SLR Acquires Geobiota

SANTIAGO, Chile, March 10, 2026 /3BL/ – This strategic acquisition strengthens market trust, amplifies impact, and expands influence across our Latin American region. With Geobiota, SLR enhances its technical consultancy practice by combining nearly 400 highly skilled specialists with real-world experience and creating one of the largest pure-play environmental consulting firms in Chile. This acquisition reinforces SLR’s long‑term commitment to Latin America and to clients operating across the region’s most critical mining markets, including Chile, Peru, Brazil, and Mexico – building a dedicated, end‑to‑end sustainability centre of excellence in the region, uniting strategic advisory, technical expertise, and data-driven foresight into an integrated experience that empowers clients to make informed decisions, de‑risk operations, and seize emerging opportunities across the value chain.

Mauricio Venturin, SLR’s Regional Managing Director for LATAM, commented “The acquisition of Geobiota is a strategic move that enables us to deliver more comprehensive and specialized solutions. Together, we strengthen our ability to support clients in meeting ESG challenges and advancing toward sustainable projects, consolidating SLR as the leader in integrated environmental consulting in the region.”

Geobiota brings a multidisciplinary team of environmental engineers, ecologists, agronomists, sociologists, and forestry specialists. The company’s strong track record of long-standing client relationships and technical excellence is fully complementary to SLR’s existing business in LATAM. This synergy has already been proven through major projects, such as Conexión Kimal–Lo Aguirre, Chile’s first high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line, which showcased technical alignment and strong, shared delivery culture, scientific rigor, and client engagement.

Carlos Prado, Geobiota’s General Manager and owner, said: “Joining SLR allows us to combine our expertise in biodiversity and ecological restoration with the global reach and technical strength of a leading firm. This alliance will enable us to continue delivering value to complex projects and contribute to sustainability in key sectors such as mining and energy.”

– Ends –

 

For further information please contact: Gonzalo Huerta, Head of Marketing (LATAM), SLR: gonzalo.huerta@slrconsulting.com

 

Notes to editors:

About SLR

SLR is a leading global environmental and advisory consultancy, with a team of 4,500+ talented professionals operating from a network of offices in Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.

Our purpose – Making Sustainability Happen – means delivering outcomes that are grounded in evidence, shaped by experience, and built to last. Our team of scientists, engineers, economists, data modellers, and technicians work across our clients’ full sustainability journeys, from strategy through to on-the-ground project planning, execution and ongoing operations, all supported by robust data and science-based modelling.

Guided by our philosophy of Rational Sustainability, SLR specialises in the energy, mining, finance, industry & technology, government & infrastructure, and built environment sectors. Operating across more than 50+ technical disciplines, we’re helping a growing base of business, regulatory and government clients navigate the ever-shifting context of sustainable business.

Find out more: www.slrconsulting.com

 

About Geobiota

Geobiota provides specialized consulting services and solutions in the areas of Environmental Engineering and Natural Resources. Geobiota’s experience is based on the design and implementation of environmental technologies for the development of energy, mining, industrial, forestry, infrastructure projects, and wildlife management.

Find out more: www.geobiota.com

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Entergy Advocates Energy Affordability During LIHEAP Action Day in Washington D.C.

group photo from event

On Feb. 25, 2026, Entergy joined customers, community action agencies, and national advocates in Washington, D.C., for LIHEAP Action Day. In partnership with the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition, or NEUAC, our delegation met with members of Congress to deliver a unified message — access to affordable energy is essential to health, safety and economic stability.

group photo from event

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, is a federally funded block grant that helps low-income households pay electric bills, address energy crises and improve home efficiency through weatherization. In 2024, nearly six million households nationwide received assistance.

“For many families, energy assistance can mean the difference between stability and crisis,” said Sandra Miller-Diggs, vice president of consumer and advocacy programs at Entergy. “That’s why it’s always important for us to put our advocacy into action and work alongside community partners and policymakers to strengthen programs like LIHEAP. Our presence on Capitol Hill reflects our commitment to making sure customers across our service area have access to the energy assistance they need for generations to come.”

group photo from event

Highlighting customer impact

The need for energy assistance is significant across Entergy’s service territory. In Louisiana alone, more than 551,311 households are eligible for LIHEAP support, yet only one in six receive assistance. In total, 93,645 Louisiana households within Entergy’s service territory were served through the program in 2025.

During the visit, Entergy’s delegation conducted 28 meetings with congressional offices representing Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. The meetings featured bipartisan participation and strong support for LIHEAP, with lawmakers acknowledging that while the program is vital, current funding levels do not meet growing demand.

A customer from Entergy’s Mississippi service area and LIHEAP recipient attended the meetings and shared her personal experience. Due to unexpected medical expenses, she was unable to pay her electric bill. LIHEAP funding bridged the gap and provided stability during a time of urgent need. Her testimony highlighted the direct connection between energy security and public health.

Representatives from community agencies throughout our service territories also participated in the meetings, offering a frontline perspective on the program’s impact.

group photo from event

Federal funding allocations

Federal funding developments this year reflect growing recognition of LIHEAP’s importance. Congress recently approved an appropriations package that includes a $20 million increase for LIHEAP, the first increase in funding since 2024.

Despite earlier proposals to eliminate LIHEAP funding for fiscal year 2026, bipartisan support remains strong due to consistent advocacy efforts. Lawmakers across the political spectrum recognize that energy affordability impacts families in every district.

Building on our advocacy efforts

Entergy also supports vulnerable customers through programs like The Power to Care, which provides bill payment assistance to seniors and customers with disabilities, and Beat the Heat, which helps distribute fans to low-income households during the summer. The company also hosts Super Tax Day events that offer free tax preparation and assistance in claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit

LIHEAP Action Day reinforces the powerful message that energy assistance protects health, stabilizes families, and strengthens communities. Advocacy is not a single event, but an ongoing commitment. Entergy will continue to engage policymakers and partners to protect and strengthen this vital program.

About Entergy

Entergy (NYSE: ETR) generates, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for more than 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re focused on keeping costs for our customers as low as possible while providing reliable energy that our communities count on. We’re also investing in growth for the future with a more resilient, cleaner energy system that includes modern natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy generation. As a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at Entergy.com and connect with @Entergy on social media.

View original content here.

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Raising the American Flag With Team USA

As the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games get underway, Comcast is helping keep American flags flying proudly in communities across the country through Operation Old Glory.

In January, U.S. Paralympic Gold Medalist and military veteran Jen Lee joined Comcast employee volunteers for a flag replacement ceremony in Centennial, Colorado. Together, they lowered a worn American flag, folded it with care, and raised a new one in its place, creating a meaningful moment for student athletes from the Vista Hockey Club and members of the American Legion who gathered to witness the tribute.

“The American flag is so much more than a symbol. It represents the people who serve, the families who support them, and the values that connect us as Americans,” Lee said.

“It was an honor to participate in Operation Old Glory and to see the pride and purpose Comcast’s veteran employees bring to their communities.” 
Jen Lee, U.S. Paralympic Gold Medalist and U.S. Army veteran

Born in Taiwan, Lee moved with his family to San Francisco when he was eight. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as an aircraft mechanic in Hawaii before deploying to Iraq. His service also opened the door to U.S. citizenship, and he was sworn in following his deployment.

In 2009, while stationed stateside, a motorcycle accident resulted in the loss of his left leg above the knee. During his recovery, Lee was introduced to sled hockey through Operation Comfort at Brooke Army Medical Center, setting him on a path that would eventually lead to Team USA.

“What Jen Lee has accomplished, both in uniform and on the ice, is inspiring. As he prepares to represent Team USA on the world’s biggest stage, we’re grateful he took time to help us honor the flag here at home. His presence made this ceremony truly special for everyone who attended.”
— Mona Dexter, Vice President of Military and Veteran Affairs, Comcast

Created and led by military-connected employees at Comcast, Operation Old Glory mobilizes volunteers—called Flag Ambassadors—to replace worn or damaged American flags at no cost to homeowners or businesses. There’s no catch, no fine print, and no requirement to be an Xfinity customer.

Since the program’s launch, our Flag Ambassadors have replaced thousands of flags nationwide. Every new flag we provide is American-made and sourced from a veteran-owned business, and every replacement follows proper customs and ceremony.

“Operation Old Glory is my way of continuing to serve. I’ve replaced hundreds of flags, and I still feel the same pride every time we raise a new one. Doing this alongside Jen Lee made it even more meaningful.”
— Jonathan Robertson, Comcast Flag Ambassador and U.S. Army veteran

Supporting the military community is a year-round commitment at Comcast. We are proud to create special experiences for military customers, hire military-connected talent, and partner with organizations that serve veterans and their families.

Service members and veterans worldwide can enjoy free access to NBCUniversal’s full coverage of the Winter Paralympics, courtesy of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Comcast NBCUniversal. Visit the Exchange’s Olympic Hub to learn more.

About Comcast
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

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‘Letter to a Soccer Nation’ – U.S. Soccer Legend, Alex Morgan and Henkel Release Inspirational Rallying-Cry for Soccer Fans

  • Celebrating Henkel’s commitment to Soccer, Alex Morgan’s passionate ‘Letter to a Soccer Nation’ reveals her excitement for the U.S. hosting a major tournament on home soil in 2026
  • As a proud parent, Alex Morgan shares how soccer has shaped her life, teaching life lessons on the importance of everyday rituals to ensure that Winning Starts at Home

As one of the sport’s greatest ever players, Alex Morgan has released an inspiring ‘Letter to a Soccer Nation‘, a powerful statement of what the sport means to her and how it has shaped who she is as a person and as a mother.

As a proud Official Partner of U.S. Soccer, Henkel’s partnership with Alex Morgan is celebrating this exciting year of soccer across all generations and levels of fandom. Henkel empowers fans, players, and communities to win both on and off the field, through its well-known consumer brand portfolio, including Dial® soap, all® free clear and Persil® laundry detergents, Snuggle® fabric softeners, göt2b® hair products and Loctite® adhesives.

2026 is a pivotal year for soccer, with North America hosting the biggest major global tournament for the Beautiful Game. The release of ‘Letter to a Soccer Nation‘ is timed to inspire fans, players, coaches and families during SheBelieves Cup, where Alex Morgan starred for the U.S. Women’s National team, winning six winner’s medals for the competition during her career. The campaign will be followed with additional programming this Spring with Henkel’s all® free clear laundry brand, the Official Laundry Partner of U.S. Soccer.

Being a two-time World Champion, and with 224 appearances and 123 goals for her country, Alex Morgan enthusiastically shares the importance of home rituals driving teams to victory: “Every cheer, every chant, every early-morning wake-up and late-night celebration starts right here – at home. In the routines we repeat. In the care we put into the everyday. And as someone who’s worn the crest and felt the power of a home crowd behind me, I can tell you this: Winning doesn’t begin at kickoff, Winning Starts at Home,“ said Alex Morgan, U.S. Soccer Legend and Henkel Ambassador.

The emotive letter and video provide reflections from Alex Morgan on life beyond the field, detailing the impact the sport had on her from childhood, to today, as a soccer icon. This journey includes the positive relationships forged with her parents, friends, family, teammates and now her children, as they become the next generation of fans. Revealing her positive and real outlook, Alex shares her belief that winning is more than the moment everyone sees – it is the habits, care and consistency that lead to the winning moment.

“I’ve been inspired by Soccer from the age of 5. It made me who I am today and it gave me lessons that I’ll always carry with me. I proudly learned about the rituals at home that shape you, from taking care of yourself and your soccer gear, to having the support of my parents as a family. The game may be played on the field, but it’s won in the everyday, and that does not always involve a soccer ball or crossing the white line. Winning for me today is about my relationships, my joy in life and shaping my children‘s lives to be the best they can be“, said Alex Morgan. 

“As a wife and mother who uses Henkel products at home, and a former player dedicated to advocating for the game and celebrating the fans, teammates and community who have played such a special role in my career and life, I am proud to team up with a purpose-driven company leading up to this summer’s excitement and through many more celebrations to come for our Soccer Nation,“ added Alex Morgan.

“We are excited and inspired to partner with Alex Morgan. Her passion to win and her commitment to expand access to the sport for the next generations reflects Henkel‘s future ready strategy, and our committment to performance, respect and diversity,“ said Jenny Schiavone, Vice President Corporate Communications, Americas at Henkel. “From her first moments in soccer to becoming a legend, her story mirrors the bond we have with fans. Because while the game is played on the field, it’s won in the everyday – and our products proudly stand beside fans as trusted teammates at home.“

Please watch and enjoy Alex Morgan’s ‘Letter to a Soccer Nation‘ Video here:

Incorporating in-person appearances, signed merchandise for fans and energetic social content to Alex Morgan’s 13 million+ followers, Henkel’s multi-year partnership with Alex is designed to celebrate the impact of the game and compliments Henkel’s existing programs that underpin its U.S. Soccer partnership, with a focus to improve access to the game of soccer by creating moments of community, inclusion and opportunity:

  • Henkel is working with U.S. Soccer and the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) to expand access to the game through free youth clinics. Alongside Henkel’s community equipment drives that provide needed gear and the Dial® Clean Sheet program supporting classrooms nationwide – these efforts create opportunities for kids to play, grow and thrive on and off the field
  • In support of the future generations of soccer, a portion of Henkel’s U.S. Soccer partnership investment directly supports resources at the new state-of-the-art Arthur M. Blank National Training Center. Located just outside of Atlanta, the facility will open this Spring and will be the Federation’s new headquarters and home to its 27 National Teams

Henkel’s partnership with U.S. Soccer is its first-ever portfolio partnership, where a range of its more than 30 popular brands in North America, promote the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams, as well as the Youth and Extended National Teams.

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Medtronic Spark Onsite: A Day of Innovation, Collaboration, and Discovery

Medtronic welcomed 200 fifth-grade students to its campus for a half-day, immersive learning experience powered by Medtronic Spark and led by employee volunteers. Through hands-on activities and real-world challenges, students explored healthcare technology, collaborated with peers, and connected classroom learning to potential careers in STEM. The experience is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and help students see themselves as future innovators in health tech.

Watch the video to learn more about the experience and its impact:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVLVbGhKh4g

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KeyBank Foundation Supports Rural Workforce Development Efforts With a $400,000 Grant to on Point for College, Inc.

The KeyBank Foundation is investing $400,000 to support the strategic expansion of workforce development efforts in rural areas of 6 counties in Central New York through On Point for College, Inc.

This funding will help support On Point’s “Rural Workforce Development Initiative”, which will provide the support, advising and upskilling that young people need to become the next generation of producers and leaders in our communities.

Meeting a Critical Workforce Need in Central New York

“Central New York has experienced unprecedented economic growth in recent years, with forecasts predicting continued expansion as the manufacturing sector thrives. On Point’s robust service offerings meet a critical need in our region by equipping students with the resources they need to pursue an education, enter the workforce and put down roots in CNY—helping drive our region’s economic growth,” said Stephen Fournier, KeyBank Syracuse Market President. “KeyBank is proud to partner with On Point to invest in this program and support its work to create brighter futures for young people in our communities.”

On Point’s mission is to break down barriers that prevent young, underserved individuals from achieving education and career success. The non-profit helps students apply to, prepare for and enroll in college. On Point then offers success services to students that ensure that they remain enrolled through graduation.

Throughout the journey, On Point helps students understand the pathway toward their chosen career and build skills to compete successfully in the job market. On Point builds relationships with trade unions, apprenticeship programs and other training opportunities that could prepare students for jobs in healthcare, manufacturing, energy and other growing industries.

Strengthening Communities Through Education and Workforce Alignment

“Key Bank’s extraordinary $400,000 investment is more than a donation—it is a powerful affirmation of the potential that exists within our rural communities,” said Tiffany C. Rush, Director of Rural Initiatives for On Point for College, Inc. “This support will allow On Point for College to reach more students who often face the greatest barriers to postsecondary options, providing them with guidance, resources, and opportunities that can change the course of their lives. We are deeply grateful for KeyBank’s partnership and their belief in our mission to ensure that every student, no matter where they live, has a pathway to success.”

“The Rural Workforce Development Initiative will have a transformational impact on the students On Point serves through its programming. On Point is championing education and support services to close the gap between schooling and entering the workforce for young people in Central New York, meeting them where they are and helping them overcome adversity with a solid foundation for education and a successful career,” said Tamika Otis, KeyBank Syracuse Corporate Responsibility and Community Relations Officer.

Shaping the Future of Central New York

This latest investment builds on KeyBank’s broader history of community-driven philanthropy, economic mobility initiatives, and inclusive banking investments. Since 2017, KeyBank has invested more than $821.8 million in Syracuse and Central New York, supporting affordable housing, small business and home lending, and transformational philanthropic initiatives.

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Research Shows Recyclability Now Top Feature in Packaging

"recyclable packaging matters"

Research from McKinsey shows that recyclability is now the top feature people look for in packaging. Additionally, PWC found that 80% of consumers are willing to pay more for products that are made and sourced responsibly.

"80% of customers say that they are willing to pay more for sustainably produced or sourced goods"

ScottsMiracle-Gro listens to consumers, so they developed a packaging line with O.M. Scott & Sons to fulfill this need. This paper packaging combines the quality consumers expect and achieves the 85% pulp recovery threshold for curbside recyclability. 

quote from Ray Severa on Packaging World

Ray Severa recently spoke with Packaging World about how they are making this shift. He and Anne Marie Mohan discussed the practical side of sustainability and how they moved from an idea to a finished product that works for both the consumer and the planet.

quote about How2Recycle certificaiton

Explore more in the slides below and listen to the full podcast here.

View original content here.

"Listen at Packaging World"

About ScottsMiracle-Gro
With approximately $3.4  billion in sales, the Company is the leading marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden products in North America.  The Company’s brands are among the most recognized in the industry. The Company’s Scotts®, Miracle-Gro®, Ortho® and Tomcat®  brands are market-leading in their categories. For additional information, visit us at www.scottsmiraclegro.com.

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Workforce Development in Action: Sands Employs a Holistic Well-Being Approach to Support Team Member Advancement

Las Vegas Sands

At the end of last year, the Sands corporate office culminated the 2025 Wellness Challenge: Pause and Presence for Team Members, representative of the company’s efforts aimed at promoting wellness and positive mental health among its global workforce.

Held during the holiday season, the program featured live guided meditation sessions, an expert-led seminar on breathwork and meditation practices, and a chat function with motivational and wellness-focused prompts. Participants logged their efforts in an activity tracker to encourage accountability and commitment to the program’s practices.

Like the corporate holiday wellness challenge, all Sands regions provide a broad set of initiatives to support Team Members in creating positive physical and mental health practices, work-life balance, and social connections among fellow colleagues and within their families and other

close relationships. These programs complement the company’s training and professional development programs, delivering a holistic approach to advancement and well-being.

“We place Team Member well-being at the heart of our people strategy,” Chan Yit Foon, senior vice president of human resources at Marina Bay Sands, said. “With close to 40 sessions of wellness activities hosted last year, we provided a diverse calendar of health and fitness activities to meet the varied interests of our large workforce.”

people meeting together

Physical Health

In support of physical well-being, sports and fitness programs help Team Members improve health while building relationships with colleagues. Regions facilitate clubs for running, basketball, bowling and more, as well as promote participation in classes such as Vinyasa yoga, fun runs, walks and fitness challenges.

In addition, health clinics and seminars along with access to monitoring tools further promote physical well-being. Occupational safety and health (OSH) is also a global company priority, and Sands’ regions provide education and awareness activities related to workplace topics throughout the year.

During OSH Month in 2025, Sands China leveraged the observance to promote overall physical well-being. The company’s OSH month initiative introduced expanded chronic disease screenings to help Team Members identify potential health risks. Among the new offerings was the use of AI retinal scanning technology to assess dozens of health risk indicators related to cardiovascular, endocrine, metabolic and nervous systems, as well as eye health.

people exercising together

Holistic Well-Being Programs

While sports, fitness and health fair activities also promote mental and social wellness, Sands’ regions host specialized initiatives to hone in on physical and mental health, mindsets, connections and creativity. In Singapore, Marina Bay Sands has offered unique activities such as Shoe Art Jamming and Sushi Making to provide outlets for stress release and balance.

Highlighting its annual wellness slate, the integrated resort’s annual Wellness Festival curates offerings under the four pillars of well-being: physical, mental, social and financial wellness.

Last year, the festival attracted more than 1,200 Team Member participants who enjoyed complimentary health screenings and flu vaccinations, specialized wellness opportunities such as stretch therapy, and wide-ranging sessions on topics such as mindfulness, nutrition and financial planning.

In Macao, Sands China places strong emphasis on family and social connections through annual activities such as the Amazing Summer event series for Team Members and their families, which encompassed sports taster sessions, art workshops, behind-the-scenes property tours and culinary classes last year.

In addition, the company’s 2025 series of family activities included a baking workshop for parents and their children, a carnival that promoted family values through team games and quiz challenges, a parenting road show held in partnership with the Parent Education Centre, and a

storytelling workshop organized by Macao’s Education and Youth Development Bureau to equip Team Members with tools for balancing work and family life and strengthening family bonds.

Finally, one of Sands China’s long-standing wellness initiatives is Happy 360 Month, a 16-day event that promotes physical and mental well-being through roadshows, workshops and lectures in heart-of-house areas across the company’s integrated resorts.

Last year’s attractions placed emphasis on the 5S Model: self-questioning, stopping negative thinking, self-talk, shuffling your thoughts and staying attentive to body responses. Team Members learned techniques for embracing positive thinking, releasing stress, managing emotions, and building a warm and caring workplace. Since its launch in 2021, Happy 360 Month has attracted over 38,000 participants across more than 200 wellness activities.

“Happy 360 Month provides positive energy to support the physical and mental well-being of our Team Members in every respect,” Dr. Wilfred Wong, Sands China executive vice chairman, said. “We have over 27,000 Team Members. If each of them has three or four family members, this positive energy is in fact indirectly reaching nearly 100,000 people. When Team Members are happy, their family life naturally becomes more harmonious and society as a whole becomes more stable.”

Sands’ priority on Team Member well-being is a critical component of the company’s focus on maintaining a culture of advancement. For more information on Sands’ workforce development initiatives, read the latest ESG report: https://www.sands.com/resources/reports/.

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AllianceBernstein – Full Speed Ahead: Energy Demand Overpowers Policy Shifts

Xiaoyu Gu| Managing Director—AB CarVal
Jonathan Hunt| Principal—AB CarVal
Alex Flamm| Managing Director—Clean Energy

As policy uncertainty recedes, the focus returns to capital deployment.

The global energy transition is accelerating, and 2026 is shaping up to be an active year for renewable energy development. As we see it, private credit’s central role in financing the power build-out and its ability to structure flexible solutions for borrowers is likely to generate attractive return opportunities for investors.

Global investment in the energy transition hit a record $2.3 trillion in 2025, up 8% from 2024, according to data from BloombergNEF. The growth came despite significant changes to US trade, energy and industrial policy, including the sunsetting of extensive tax credits for clean-energy production and investment.

Those alterations and higher tariffs on imported goods, including solar panels and the lithium-ion batteries used in utility-scale battery storage, may shift some manufacturing activity to Europe and markets outside of China. What they aren’t likely to do is slow demand for the electricity needed to power artificial intelligence, build out electric-vehicle infrastructure, and fuel economic growth and urbanization. Projected growth in annual US electricity demand has increased sharply in recent years. It’s projected to grow between 1.6% to 1.9% per year until 2050. Between 2008 and 2024, the rate was about 0.2% per year (Display).

AI Build-Out to Swell Electricity Demand chart

In fact, we expect falling renewable power costs to expand the opportunity set for investors on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

US Policy: Still Cloudy, but Getting Clearer

In the US, the energy sector is adjusting to a new landscape of higher tariffs, the phaseout of federal tax credits for solar and wind generation, and stricter sourcing rules for projects using technology from foreign countries, including China.

But these policy shifts haven’t stopped activity. Rather, they’ve reshaped project timelines and increased the need for capital—developments that have led to improved terms and more negotiating leverage for lenders.

We think policy uncertainty has largely passed. Many developers are pushing to meet the July 4, 2026, deadline to begin construction to remain eligible for US federal tax-credit incentives. Developers who had delayed financing in 2025 are also ramping up activity, creating openings for lenders with disciplined underwriting capabilities and loan-structuring expertise.

Modernizing the Grid Powers Financing Opportunities

The opportunity set is likely to stretch beyond new construction. The need to modernize existing infrastructure and make an aging grid more reliable will also be top of mind, as will boosting transmission and energy-storage capacity. State incentives and decarbonization goals should add support.

Meanwhile, the utility-scale battery storage needed to smooth out the availability of power from intermittent generation sources remains supported by tax incentives, as do nuclear and geothermal power.

In our view, investors should be bracing for a multiyear opportunity in energy financing that is likely to favor lenders that can structure deals with strong return potential strengthened by terms designed to mitigate downside risk.

Renewables Remain Economically Viable

Will higher tariffs and stricter sourcing rules create speed bumps? Some, perhaps. But we don’t think this changes the broader landscape.

Even without federal support, solar and wind are the cheapest power sources in most markets, undercutting fossil fuels, and have accounted for the bulk of new US power generation over the last decade. In 2025, roughly 90% of new US electricity capacity came from solar, wind and storage, and the cost curves for these underlying technologies continue to improve.

These are powerful tailwinds for investment. And as demand for power and capital needs increase, we think private lenders will be best placed to price risk appropriately and capture returns. Investment hurdles for future projects that can’t take advantage of tax credits may be higher, but if they’re priced properly, we expect them to be attractive.

Full Speed Ahead in Europe’s Energy Market

In Europe, where national energy policy is a tailwind for development, the investment opportunity remains attractive. Across the European Union last year, combined wind and solar overtook fossil fuels as the main source of electricity generation.

Declining costs and government incentives to promote clean energy should continue to provide opportunities for investment. Energy-security issues should add another layer of support as countries seek to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.

As in the US, we expect to see attractive value for investors in developer and asset-portfolio financings with top-tier partners in scalable European markets involving low-tech assets like solar and energy storage

Assessing the Risks of More Complex Loan Execution

Still, evolving incentive frameworks, new compliance requirements, and rising grid and permitting constraints across the US and Europe make projects more complex and increase execution risk. This calls for lenders who can provide capital solutions for borrowers while structuring loans based on an accurate assessment of the risks that can arise across the development and construction lifecycle of complex energy projects.

Overall, we expect 2026 to be an active year across the energy-transition spectrum, from the greenfield development with new projects to operating infrastructure. Recent experience reminds us that there will be policy bumps along the way. But we don’t expect them to stop the energy transition from accelerating. In our view, the need for capital will continue to rise, and private credit will play a key role in providing it.

Learn more about AB’s approach to responsibility here.

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