Tag: 3BL

Among the many treasures of this beautiful land that I also call home, there is a Greek word that resonates deeply with me: Philoxenia (Φιλοξενία). It’s often translated simply as hospitality, but it encompasses so much more than that. Philoxenia, literally “love of strangers,” embodies a profound, unconditional generosity – offering food, shelter, and comfort to anyone, without expectation of anything in return. It embodies a spirit of genuine warmth, open-hearted connection, and a deep respect for every individual. 

This was precisely the atmosphere I envisioned, and indeed felt, permeating our Europe Cisco Networking Academy Partner Conference in Thessaloniki this past week. This annual conference brings together Cisco Networking Academy teachers, government leaders, and public/private sector collaborators from across the region to celebrate the achievements of the past year and to anticipate even greater successes ahead. 

My hope, as Senior Regional Manager for Cisco Networking Academy in Europe, was to foster an environment where every participant, whether a long-standing partner or a new face, felt not just welcomed, but truly valued, heard, and an integral part of our shared mission. It was an inspiring gathering, a true testament to our collective commitment to shaping the future of technology education across Europe. 

The Imperative for Our Future Workforce

The main theme of this year’s program was, of course, Artificial Intelligence (AI). We are living through a profound technological revolution that stands to shape not only the world of work and education, but society itself. The compelling 2025 report from the AI Workforce Consortium, proudly led by Cisco, clearly articulates the urgent need for a skilled workforce capable of navigating, innovating, and leading within this new paradigm.

At Cisco, we don’t just understand this imperative; we embrace it. Through our Cisco Networking Academy program, we are  creating new AI literacy and practical skills courses to enrich curricula throughout the region, and crucially, to allow any European to take their digital future into their own hands. My personal commitment, and that of my team, is to ensure we are providing our learners with the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience they need to thrive in an AI-driven world. This isn’t just about understanding algorithms; it’s about fostering critical thinking, advanced problem-solving, and crucial ethical considerations – skills that are paramount for the future. And, just as importantly, we are making this increasingly inclusive by translating our curriculum into 12 European languages, because learning must be accessible to all. 

Local Impact, Global Reach: A Thessaloniki Success Story

One of the most gratifying moments of the conference was witnessing the tangible impact of our work through a compelling Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) use case right here in Thessaloniki. CDA helps to power digital transformation around the world through partnerships across government, academia, industry, and more.  

We proudly showcased an innovative project developed in collaboration with the American Farm School. This initiative illustrates how our technology can be applied to solve real-world challenges across industries, including within the vital and so often under supported sector of agriculture. These strategic alliances are not just partnerships; they are living proof of the power how collaboration and creative thinking can transform technology into a source of deep transformation. It’s a testament to how local innovation, nurtured by dedicated partners, can contribute significantly to global progress. 

Celebrating Excellence: Our Valued Partners

No conference would be complete without recognizing the extraordinary efforts of our partners, and we had the immense pleasure of awarding several Cisco Networking Academy partners for their exceptional achievements throughout the year. “Be the Bridge” Award has been awarded to two exceptional partners, the Open University (UK) and PUE (Spain) while, our “Golden Bridge” Award went to Specialisterne, a globally-recognized social enterprise based in Italy dedicated to enabling employment for neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with autism. These learners, by leveraging their unique talent and skills, are then matched with jobs that perfectly suit their strengths. 

By seamlessly integrating Cisco Networking Academy into its modular, free training programs, Specialisterne Italia has profoundly enhanced its curriculum with industry-recognized content in networking and cybersecurity. Started in September 2022, this powerful partnership has already enabled 150 students to gain both theoretical knowledge and invaluable practical skills, aligned with certifications like CCNA. This has led to 50 of those individuals earning a full-time job opportunity. It’s a brilliant example of how our partnerships can help build more inclusive pathways to success. 

Strengthening our Communities to Power an Inclusive Future for All

As I reflect on the insightful discussions, the shared vision, and the renewed sense of purpose from our time in Thessaloniki, I am more confident than ever in Cisco Networking Academy’s profound ability to prepare our students for the future. Together, we are not just teaching technology; we are building crucial bridges to opportunity, fostering innovation, and creating a truly skilled, inclusive, and resilient global workforce — with our own philoxenia that has distinguished this program since 1997.  

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Originally published on October 10, 2025 on LinkedIn

Sysco was proud to present the Southern Smoke Festival — celebrating five years of partnership with the Southern Smoke Foundation and raising $1.7 million to support food & beverage workers in crisis.

A special shoutout to Sysco Sales Consultant Katherine Castellanos, inducted into the Southern Smoke Hall of Flame for her incredible dedication and heart for our hospitality community.

From great food to even greater purpose — this festival was all about connection, care, and community.

About Sysco

Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. With more than 76,000 colleagues, the company operates 340 distribution facilities worldwide and serves approximately 730,000 customer locations. For fiscal year 2024 that ended June 29, 2024, the company generated sales of more than $78 billion. Information about our Sustainability program, including Sysco’s 2023 Sustainability Report and 2023 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report, can be found at www.sysco.com.

 For more information, visit www.sysco.com or connect with Sysco on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SyscoFoods. For important news and information regarding Sysco, visit the Investor Relations section of the company’s Internet home page at investors.sysco.com, which Sysco plans to use as a primary channel for publishing key information to its investors, some of which may contain material and previously non-public information. In addition, investors should continue to review our news releases and filings with the SEC. It is possible that the information we disclose through any of these channels of distribution could be deemed to be material information.

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As extreme weather events become more common, the Sichuan Meteorological Bureau, based in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province in southwest China, plays an increasingly important role in public safety and disaster prevention.

In addition to providing public meteorological services, including weather observation and forecasting, climate change research, and severe weather warnings, the bureau also delivers information to government bodies to support programs that mitigate the impact of extreme weather.

To perform critical weather research, Sichuan Meteorological Bureau relies on many analytics and database systems. Historically, these systems were distributed across multiple data centers – a complex set up that led to escalating management costs. To streamline operations and enhance efficiency, the bureau decided to migrate its systems to a unified platform in a single data center.

The Challenge

Managing a migration of this scale required careful planning and execution. To add to the complexity, the bureau aimed to move the systems during the regional flood season – one of the busiest periods of the year when demand for up-to-the-minute weather updates is at its highest. It was therefore vital to maintain the availability of key forecasting and operational systems during the changeover.

“The relocation task faced immense pressure due to its complex requirements, including system security, user clusters, and business dependencies,” a Sichuan Meteorological Bureau spokesperson said.

While the Sichuan Meteorological Bureau received proposals from multiple vendors, one stood out – Lenovo. As a long-standing trusted partner, with deep knowledge of the bureau’s existing business processes, systems, and IT environment, Lenovo was uniquely positioned to deliver a tailored migration plan.

Given the scale and sensitivity of the project, Lenovo’s proven track record in large-scale infrastructure migrations was key. The bureau entrusted Lenovo with the relocation of many databases, servers, and storage systems, and with the provision of ongoing support.

Enlisting expert migration support

To assess the bureau’s current server, storage, and networking environment. The customized data center relocation project included comprehensive systems mapping, capacity planning and designing relocation paths. Involving both logical migration – including data and files – and physical migration, it was executed through Lenovo’s Configuration and Deployment Services, ensuring minimal disruption to operations. Ongoing performance and reliability were supported by

In addition to monitoring and optimizing the servers and storage environment, Lenovo now manages the bureau’s third-party virtualization, database, and security systems. The bureau also benefits from Lenovo’s Support Services and fast access to spare parts, ensuring continuous operational efficiency and long-term infrastructure stability.

“The Lenovo team worked closely with our bureau to create a comprehensive relocation plan, ensuring seamless migration while maintaining security and efficiency. The specialists from provided on-site support during critical stages and ensured all technical bottlenecks were resolved within 32 hours.” – a Sichuan Meteorological Bureau spokesperson said.

The data and file migration was completed in four phases, due to the reuse of existing equipment, with each taking between three to five hours. This meant that the migration process was carried out without any downtime.

The Results

Working with Lenovo, the Sichuan Meteorological Bureau successfully migrated its core systems to a streamlined infrastructure in the new data center, simplifying management, reducing costs, and strengthening support for vital climate research and weather forecasting.

John Stamer, Vice President & General Manager, Global Product Services at Lenovo said: “We’re proud to have supported the Sichuan Meteorological Bureau in modernizing its critical infrastructure during such a vital system migration. With our end-to-end Managed Services, we’ve delivered tailored support across assessment, deployment, and ongoing optimization – all while ensuring uninterrupted weather forecasting during one of the region’s most demanding seasons. This collaboration underscores Lenovo’s commitment to providing comprehensive solutions that help organizations navigate complexity and operate with confidence, resilience, and agility.”

“The data migration was completed smoothly, enabling core meteorological operations, forecasts, and warnings to continue without interruption. Lenovo’s dedication has left a deep impression on all stakeholders involved,” a Sichuan Meteorological Bureau spokesperson said.

Crucially, Lenovo helped the bureau to complete the relocation on schedule, despite tight timelines. Throughout the transition, the bureau maintained uninterrupted access critical weather analysis, monitoring, and forecasting systems, enabling it to provide updates to the public during the flood season.

LENOVO is a trademark of Lenovo. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2025 Lenovo

Read more about Lenovo’s Lifecycle Services

Read more about Lenovo’s work with the Sichuan Meteorological Bureau

Mastercard

What happens to local businesses after a hurricane passes?

A joint study by the Mastercard Economics Institute and The World Bank economist Leora Klapper found that merchants typically lose two days’ worth of sales they never recover. The data show the greatest predictor of sales recovery isn’t storm intensity, but merchant category. 

A digital sales channel, however, can make a difference.

Read more here.

About Mastercard

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

www.mastercard.com

Originally published by Mastercard

Follow along Mastercard’s journey to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.

Whirlpool Corporation recently announced a planned $300 million investment in its U.S. laundry manufacturing facilities, one in a series of strategic commitments to grow its American manufacturing footprint. This investment is expected to create between 400 and 600 new jobs across the company’s operations in Clyde and Marion, Ohio, positioning Whirlpool Corp. for increased production of its next generation of washers and dryers, while also supporting approximately 5,000 additional jobs outside the company.

Started in America …

Founded in the United States more than 110 years ago, Whirlpool Corp. maintains the largest U.S. manufacturing operations in the home appliance industry. As the only major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, today’s investment reinforces that legacy.

“Whirlpool Corporation’s unwavering commitment to American manufacturing is a cornerstone of our identity. This $300 million investment in our Clyde and Marion facilities underscores our dedication to creating jobs, fostering innovation, and delivering high-quality, American-made appliances to U.S. consumers.”

Whirlpool Corp.’s Clyde manufacturing facility, in operation since 1952, is the largest washing machine plant in the world. The Marion dryer factory celebrated its 70th anniversary in September, marking seven decades of manufacturing excellence and community impact.

… Stayed in America

The benefits of Whirlpool Corp.’s commitment to U.S. manufacturing are felt across the U.S. The company manufactures more of its appliances in the U.S. than any of its industry peers, while partnering with thousands of suppliers across the country. Approximately 80% of Whirlpool Corp.’s U.S. major appliance sales come from products produced in the company’s U.S. factories – significantly higher than the 25% competitor average. Ninety-six percent of the steel used in the company’s U.S. plants is sourced domestically.

In the past decade, Whirlpool Corp. has invested $6 billion in U.S. capital expenditures, R&D and new product development, as part of $23 billion in total spent on our U.S. operations, logistics and workforce. With 20,000 employees in the U.S., including over 14,000 at its 10 manufacturing plants, Whirlpool Corp. continues to play a leading role in sustaining and growing American manufacturing.

“Across our U.S. operations, from the factory floor to design labs to distribution centers, our people are the foundation of everything we build,” said Kristin Day, Vice President of U.S. Manufacturing at Whirlpool Corporation. “We are proud to reinforce our commitment to the communities and plants where generations have not only built appliances but careers, families and futures. This investment builds on that legacy, enhancing our manufacturing capabilities and ensuring we can continue producing world-class appliances right here in America.”

Financial assistance from JobsOhio and tax credits from the State of Ohio will support continued investments in workforce development and the company’s Clyde and Marion operations. The investments are subject to final approval of the financial assistance.

For more information about Whirlpool Corporation and its U.S. manufacturing footprint, click here.

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. As the only major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, the company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2024, the company reported approximately $17 billion in annual sales – close to 90% of which were in the Americas – 44,000 employees, and 40 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.

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• Improvements across climate action, resource efficiency, responsible sourcing, circularity and other sustainability measures
• CO₂ intensity reduced by 26%
• Renewable electricity increased by 121% and total water withdrawals decreased by 14%
• 80% of TIP members with time-bound targets for responsible sourcing

GENEVA, October 23, 2025 /3BL/ – The Tire Industry Project (TIP), a voluntary CEO-driven initiative representing ten of the largest tire manufacturers globally, has published its latest KPI report, highlighting the measurable progress in sustainability made by member companies between 2021 and 2024.

The report, titled “Sustainability Driven: TIP’s Progress Towards SDGs,” tracks progress against 16 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) KPIs across the seven pathways within the Tire Sector SDG Roadmap. This reporting structure showcases the sector’s contributions to the wider UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

TIP member companies’ collective advancements over the 2021-2024 period include:

• Climate action & energy efficiency: TIP members achieved a 26% reduction in CO₂ intensity, down to its lowest level since 2009. Other key achievements include a 121% increase in the amount of renewable electricity, and a 14% decrease in water withdrawals.
• Sustainable natural rubber commitment: All TIP members remained active participants in the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR), reporting annually under its mandatory framework.
• Responsible sourcing acceleration: By the end of 2024, 80% of TIP members had set time-bound targets for responsible sourcing, more than double the number since 2021. Additionally, 70% embedded these targets into supplier contracts and 30% completed third-party audits. 

The publication also underscores TIP’s continued leadership in research. Between 2021 and 2024, TIP-sponsored publications on TRWP increased by 75%, with their citation by the scientific community rising 175%. This growing body of research reflects the sector’s role in advancing environmental science and shaping future standards. Other highlights of the report include TIP’s ongoing focus on circularity through the development of the End-of-Life Tire (ELT) Management Hierarchy. This framework supports stakeholders across the tire value chain and national governments in moving towards more circular solutions for tires.

“Data-driven reporting is the cornerstone of credibility,” said Larisa Kryachkova, Executive Director, TIP. “This KPI report shows how our members are turning commitments into measurable results, driving change that extends across the value chain. As TIP marks its 20th anniversary, it’s inspiring to see how far stakeholder collaboration and science have taken us — and how much more we can achieve together in the years ahead.”

For nearly a decade, TIP has mobilized its members to report on shared sustainability KPIs, publishing them for the first time in 2016. As members’ reporting approach evolved, so did that of TIP. In 2021, TIP published Sustainability Driven: Accelerating Impact with the Tire Sector SDG Roadmap, providing a unified reporting framework for accountability and action. The latest KPI report, which discloses progress against the SDG Roadmap, marks the most recent milestone in TIP’s continuing ambition to help drive transparent sectoral reporting.

– END –

Notes to Editors:

To download the report, visit:

https://tireindustryproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Sustainability-Driven-TIPs-Progress-Towards-SDGs-2021-24-web.pdf

More information on TIP’s initiative Sustainability Driven can also be found on the TIP website: https://tireindustryproject.org/sustainability-driven/  

For general inquiries about the report and the SDG Roadmap, contact tip.communications@wbcsd.org 

About TIP

Formed in 2005, the Tire Industry Project (TIP) is a voluntary CEO-driven initiative with a mission to anticipate, understand, and address global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues relevant to the tire industry and its value chain.​

TIP acts by commissioning independent research of the highest standards, collaborating on sectoral solutions, and engaging with external stakeholders. ​

TIP is part of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), bringing together 10 leading tire companies that represent more than 60% of the world’s tire manufacturing capacity. ​

In 2025, TIP marks its 20th anniversary — a milestone that reflects its long-term commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering collective industry action to improve sustainability across the tire value chain.​

For more information, visit The Tire Industry Project.

Originally published on Tork Newsroom

Tork, an Essity brand and the global leader in professional hygiene, has launched the Tork Focus4 Sustainability platform in North America to help businesses benefit from sustainable hygiene in the restroom. The platform provides holistic information, tools, and training to help customers make informed decisions that reduce environmental impact and improve business outcomes.

Sustainability increasingly influences where people choose to work and spend their money, directly affecting business performance.^¹ The Tork Focus4 Sustainability platform helps customers navigate this by providing a clear, simple view of product claims and benefits to empower informed decision-making. Prioritizing sustainability strengthens brand reputation, builds customer loyalty, and helps attract and retain talent:

• 84% of people say that poor environmental practices will alienate them from a brand or company.²
• 67% would like public restroom managers to be more considerate about sustainability and the environment when it comes to restroom solutions or management. ²
• 62% of people say they always or often seek to purchase products because they are sustainable^.1
• 65% of people say a company’s eco-friendly reputation and actions impact their decision when finding a new job.¹

As part of Essity, one of the world’s most sustainable companies,3 Tork knows that sustainable hygiene and business performance are linked. Tork also understands how complex sustainability can be and believes the restroom offers a small, high-impact space where businesses can make significant improvements across a manageable number of products.

“Sustainability is a complex endeavor for businesses, but one that can help drive business outcomes,” said Jill Trider, Customer Marketing Sustainability Manager, Professional Hygiene at Essity. “The restroom offers a manageable starting point for those on the journey to reducing their environmental footprint. At Essity, we are continually evolving how we deliver even more transparent, simple-to-understand information to our Tork customers so they can choose products that fit their sustainability ambitions and what matters to their business.”

Tork approaches sustainability through a circular lens and breaks it down into four key areas: materials and packaging, use and waste, carbon, and hygiene for all. Tork Focus4 Sustainability materials follow this lifecycle approach and offer an overview of comparable sustainability benefits for each of these four focus areas. The resources also feature tools and free access to interactive educational modules that improve sustainability knowledge.

Focus4 Sustainability is part of the Tork brand’s holistic effort to help businesses build business value from sustainable hygiene across their facilities. Tork products are designed with sustainability at the forefront: many products feature less packaging or cardboard cores for less waste and material use; compressed products save transport space, leading to reduced carbon emissions. Innovative one-at-a-time dispensing helps people use fewer paper products and foam soaps help reduce consumption. Additionally, Tork offers a range of carbon-neutral certified dispensers produced with certified renewable electricity and offset with credits from climate projects by ClimatePartner.⁴ 

To learn more about Focus4 Sustainability and how the vast array of Tork sustainable hygiene solutions can improve your facilities, please visit: www.Torkglobal.com/us/en/focus4materials. 

1 Tork Eco Office survey US 2023.

2 Data from the 2024 Tork Insight Survey of 6,000 individuals 18-65+ and 900 respondents representing businesses in the United States, Mexico, UK, Germany and France

3 Corporate Knights Global 100 most sustainable companies 2024 and Europe 50, 2025

4 Valid for dispensers sold or leased as of Oct. 2023. ClimatePartner certified product: www.climate-id.com/9VIUDN.

About Tork

The Tork brand offers professional hygiene products and services to customers worldwide ranging from restaurants and healthcare facilities to offices, schools and industries. Our products include dispensers, paper towels, toilet tissues, soap, napkins and wipers, but also software solutions for data-driven cleaning. Through expertise in hygiene, functional design and sustainability, Tork has become a market leader that supports customers to think ahead so they’re always ready for business. Tork is a global brand of Essity and a committed partner to customers in more than 110 countries. To keep up with the latest Tork news and innovations, please visit www.torkglobal.com/us/en/.

About Essity

Essity is a global, leading hygiene and health company. Every day, our products, solutions and services are used by a billion people around the world. Our purpose is to break barriers to well-being for the benefit of consumers, patients, caregivers, customers and society. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other strong brands such as Actimove, Cutimed, JOBST, Knix, Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, Modibodi, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, TOM Organic and Zewa. In 2024, Essity had net sales of approximately SEK 146bn (EUR 13bn) and employed 36,000 people. The company’s headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden and Essity is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. More information at essity.com.

When: Wednesday, October 29, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. 
Where: San Jose Convention Center — San Jose, California

As global supply chains evolve to balance efficiency with sustainability, technology is redefining what’s possible. At Trellis Impact 2025, leaders from across industries will gather to discuss how artificial intelligence and other innovations are driving measurable impact — from reducing emissions to improving resilience.

In this 60-minute panel, experts will share real-world examples of AI-enabled fleet management, predictive analytics, and carbon accounting tools that are helping companies operate smarter and greener. The discussion will also explore key challenges in scaling these solutions, overcoming internal barriers, and addressing potential risks and blind spots in technology-driven transformation.

Confirmed Speakers:

• Sarah Mourino, Senior Director, Sustainability, DP World in the Americas
• Tara Gupta, CEO, Map-collective
• Natasha Tuck, Director of Sustainability, Dolby Digital
• Miranda Gardiner, Executive Director, iMasons

Moderator: Ashley Allen, President, CSO Copilot & Sr. Advisor, CO2EFFICIENT

Join the conversation to explore how AI is transforming the global supply chain and shaping a smarter, more sustainable future.

Learn more about DP World’s global sustainability journey here. 

EMERYVILLE, Calif., October 23, 2025 /3BL/ – The Global Heat Reduction Initiative (GHR) has released Version 2.0 of its Registry Standard, ensuring that Heat Reduction Credits seamlessly align with the integrity and transparency standards guiding the global voluntary carbon market, including Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) and International Carbon Reduction and Offset Alliance (ICROA) accreditation requirements. GHR plans to pursue formal accreditation under both programs in 2026.

The first of its kind in the voluntary carbon market, GHR’s framework accounts for all heat drivers including super pollutants like methane and HFCs, and air polluting aerosols like black carbon, and quantifies their climate impacts to accelerate global heat reduction.

Key revisions to the Registry Standard include bolstered social and environmental safeguards and expanded stakeholder engagement requirements. Incorporating these updates ensures Heat Reduction Credits remain interoperable with traditional carbon credits, building long-term market integrity and confidence.

“Version 2.0 underscores GHR’s continued leadership in integrating critical near-term reduction efforts into the world’s leading climate action standards,” said Kiff Gallagher, GHR Executive Director. “Project developers and buyers can have the confidence that Heat Reduction Credits meet the highest standards for scientific rigor and transparency.”

With five methodologies released and more in development, the GHR Standard provides public and private organizations with a credible pathway to quantify, verify, and finance heat reduction initiatives that address the full range of climate forcers across target-aligned timescales.

“The GHR Registry Standard brings an unprecedented level of precision to the climate marketplace,” said Linda Brown, Co-founder and Senior Vice President of SCS Global Services. “Version 2.0 builds on our commitment to uphold environmental and social integrity while translating the latest climate science into actionable, verifiable standards.”

The GHR Registry Standard is grounded in the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) science and reviewed by experts from the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), convened by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This scientific foundation ensures the framework addresses all heat drivers of climate change including those historically undervalued while delivering climate impact data beyond conventional CO₂e reporting.

The GHR Registry Standard (Version 2.0) is now available here. Organizations can learn more at heatreduction.com/registry.

 

Media Contact: 
media@heatreduction.com

SCS@browningenvironmental.com

 

About the Global Heat Reduction Initiative 

Global Heat Reduction Initiative combines cutting-edge methodology with expert advisory, enabling organizations to understand their total climate footprint, plan comprehensive mitigation strategies, and accelerate heat reduction. With this holistic view, organizations can prioritize interventions with the greatest climate return per dollar spent, unlock faster climate progress, and deliver immediate local benefits. Learn more at www.heatreduction.com.

 

About SCS Global Services

SCS Global Services is an international leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, and standards development with over 40 years of experience. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in climate mitigation, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, consumer products, and more. Headquartered in Emeryville, California, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to companies, agencies, and advocacy organizations due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS is a California-chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. SCS is also a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. For more information, visit www.SCSGlobalServices.com.

LINCOLN, Neb., October 23, 2025 /3BL/ – Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation, was invited to speak at the First International Green Cities Conference, hosted by The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and UN Habitat.

The two-day conference was held last week at the FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, coinciding with the World Food Forum. The First International Green Cities conference brought together public officials, private sector leaders, and NGOs like the Arbor Day Foundation to help create momentum around the effort to shape greener cities worldwide.

“I am grateful for FAO’s continued trust in the Arbor Day Foundation and this opportunity to showcase our knowledge, experience, and leadership in urban forestry,” said Lambe. “The positive impact of trees goes beyond borders and transcends language barriers. That’s why it’s so important we, as an international community, work together to reimagine urban life for the better. Because together, we can make a lasting difference for millions of people.”

Dan Lambe was invited to speak at two events that focused on how trees and green spaces can shape more climate-resilient cities, the rapid growth of the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Cities of the World program, and how the Arbor Day Foundation is collaborating with FAO to scale global impact through forestry.

Tree Cities of the World recognizes cities and towns that leverage urban forestry to enhance the livability and sustainability of their local area. This year, 210 communities were recognized as Tree Cities of the World, the most ever honored since the program began in 2018. These cities represent 24 countries and 6 continents, with communities ranging in population size from 1,500 to 12 million people. Globally, more than 134 million people live in Tree Cities of the World.

“Through Tree Cities of the World, we’ve been able to galvanize a global network of passionate tree planters eager to make their cities better places to live. The growing interest in this program is proof we’re all eager to learn from one another and use those insights to shape a greener future,” said Lambe.

The Tree Cities of the World program is jointly operated by FAO and the Arbor Day Foundation and is in alignment with FAO’s Green Cities initiative, which is designed to make a tangible impact on the health and well-being of people in 1,000 cities by strengthening green infrastructure. During the First International Green Cities Conference, FAO leaders debuted new criteria and a commitment pledge for Green Cities.

Visit treecitiesoftheworld.org to learn more about the Arbor Day Foundation’s global network of cities leading the way in urban and community forestry.

About the Arbor Day Foundation 

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners.

And this is only the beginning.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.

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