Tag: 3BL

NEW YORK, November 19, 2025 /3BL/ – Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc. (G&A), a leading corporate sustainability consulting and research firm, today issued a new resource paper on “Evolving Sustainability Reporting to Align with the ISSB Standards.” The ISSB Standards became effective in January 2024 and many companies are transitioning their sustainability reporting to meet these requirements, including the IFRS S1 and S2 Standards.

“The global adoption of the ISSB standards provides a tremendous opportunity for corporations to advance consistency and comparability in their sustainability reporting to meet investor expectations for climate disclosure,” said Louis Coppola, G&A’s Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder. “Whether your organization is beginning its ISSB journey or refining established reporting processes, G&A’s new resource paper provides actionable guidance to stay ahead in the evolving sustainability landscape.”

The resource paper provides insight into the development, structure, and global adoption of the ISSB Standards, with key topics including:

• Trends in adoption of the ISSB Standards around the world
• ISSB Standards key concepts, including fair presentation, connectivity, materiality, and interoperability
• SASB and TCFD as building blocks of ISSB
• Detailed comparison of TCFD and IFRS S2, highlighting alignment opportunities and reporting gaps
• Emerging focus on double materiality

The full resource paper is available for download here, G&A is available to answer questions and help put these strategies into action by contacting us at info@ga-institute.com.

ABOUT G&A INSTITUTE, INC.
G&A Institute is a leading sustainability consulting and research firm headquartered in New York City. Founded in 2006, G&A helps corporate and investor clients recognize, understand, and develop winning strategies for sustainability and ESG issues to address stakeholder and shareholder concerns. G&A’s proprietary, comprehensive full-suite process for sustainability reporting is designed to help organizations achieve sustainability leadership in their industry and sector and maximize return on investment for sustainability initiatives.

Since 2011, G&A has been building and expanding a comprehensive database of corporate sustainability reporting data based on analysis of thousands of ESG and sustainability reports to help steer strategy for our clients and improve their disclosure and reporting. More information is available on our website at ga-institute.com.

CONTACT:
Louis D. Coppola, CEO & Co-Founder 
Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc. 
Tel 646.430.8230 ext. 14 
Email: lcoppola@ga-institute.com

The Ray C. Anderson Foundation and the Ghanta Family Foundation recently visited with Groundswell in LaGrange, Georgia, located in Southwest Georgia, near the Alabama border.

The visit offered the local Groundswell team and the City of LaGrange an opportunity to reflect on the successes and lessons learned from their two year Drawdown Georgia Climate Solutons & Equity Grant awarded in 2024-25 for the Save On Utilities Long term (SOUL™) program.

The SOUL program was piloted in LaGrange, and has now been implemented in other areas of Troup County with planned expansion into neighboring cities in Alabama.

Patrick Bowie, City Manager of LaGrange, joined Groundswell staff members and the funding team members at City Hall. He explained how the City and Groundswell worked together to create a model that allows local residents to take advantage of safety and weatherization upgrades in aging, energy burdened housing stock, improving energy affordability and building local resilience to extreme weather events.

Because the City of LaGrange owns its utilities, there is more leverage to help the senior citizens, disabled residents and other hardworking families facing high energy burdens. Many of the beneficiaries are retirees and hardworking families that have invested 30-40 years of their lives working in the textile industry that has long supported the local economy.

The City of LaGrange used Community Development funds as seed money, coupled with federal and state grants and the Drawdown Georgia grant to build on an existing program where qualified homeowners receive safety and weatherization services at no cost to them. They modeled the SOUL program after the Pay As You Save (PAYS) program which has been successful in Alabama.

Weatherization services average $12,000 to $15,000 per home, but the Groundswell team members estimate it has taken another $22,000 to $25,000 in stacked funds to retrofit several homes to a level that they can qualify for the weatherization upgrades. COVID posed issues in moving forward with retrofits and weatherization projects in 2020-21 due to the fact that many of the residents were immune compromised and the homes were not accessible during that timeframe.

During COVID, and still today, there has also been a shortage of certified, licensed retrofitters available to complete the necessary pre-weatherization work, and the contractors Groundswell has been able to hire are often based more than four hours from the job sites; a gap that highlights a future opportunity for workforce development in Troup County.

The City’s utility team monitors data on SOUL homes’ energy costs prior to and after the upgrades. The residents benefit from reduced energy costs and improved thermal comfort.

On average, the weatherized homes are seeing 30-40% savings on their electric bills,” said Leon Childs, Southeast Community Engagement Associate for Groundswell, and City Councilor for LaGrange, District 2.

The City of LaGrange reinvests the “savings” for each retrofitted home back into the program so more homeowners can take part in the program. Over 100 homes have now been completed in LaGrange, Franklin, West Point, Hogansville and Pine Mountain, Georgia, as well as neighboring Lanett, Alabama. 100 more were planned in Alabama in 2026.

Childs noted that the most difficult part of the program has been the number of homes they’ve encountered that don’t meet the minimum requirements to receive the weatherization upgrades.

“So many of the homes don’t qualify because they need so many costly repairs before weatherization can begin,” Childs said. “The weatherization funds are strictly for safety and energy efficiency upgrades. Holes in the roof, floors and walls, and the damage already done from water intrusion are not included, and we see a lot of that.”

Initially, Groundswell was able to help homeowners apply for funding through other federal programs to stack with the weatherization grants, and address some of the repairs that weren’t covered, but many of those additional funding sources have become unavailable due to federal directives from the current administration.

Childs says one of most important strategies for success has been that of trust, and it was clear that he has the trust of the people. As the funders joined him for a tour around town, people were constantly stopping him, often greeting him with smiles and handshakes, and lots of hugs and gratitude from homeowners for what has been received.

Home #1 (see picture above)

The first home on the tour was strictly focused on weatherization, with no additional retrofits. The home is 100 years old, and the homeowner received a new, energy efficient HVAC unit, weatherization around the windows, new ductwork in the crawlspace and some added insulation under two sinks.

Home #2 (see picture above)

This was a home where safety and comfort were the main drivers for the project. The house received a new roof, a new electrical panel and a new energy efficient HVAC system. The homeowner now has reassurance that their home will be cool during heat waves which are common in Southwest Georgia.

Originally published on Guiding Stars Health & Nutrition News

by Allison Stowell

About one in ten individuals in the US lives with diabetes. That’s more than 38 million Americans. Most have type 2 diabetes, likely diagnosed in middle age or older (though increasingly in younger adults as well). Chronic diseases like heart disease and obesity put a person at greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Family history increases risk as well, but it’s also a condition that is significantly impacted by lifestyle choices. For this reason, type 2 diabetes is considered a preventable illness regardless of family or personal medical history.

Family History of Diabetes and Your Risk 

An individual’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases significantly when one or both of their parents have the disease. However, this doesn’t tell the whole story. Researchers have done studies on identical twins, in which one lives with type 2 diabetes and the other does not. And the results have shown that lifestyle choices were the underlying cause, despite identical DNA. Study authors believe that factors such as diet, activity level, and stress alter DNA, leading to a diabetes diagnosis. So the bottom line is that while family history may increase risk, it doesn’t determine outcome.

Diabetes Prevention

There is SO much you can do to prevent type 2 diabetes. And that’s true even if you have a strong family history or are already living with prediabetes. First, it’s important to empower yourself: remember how much control you have to protect your body with a safe, risk-reducing lifestyle. Regardless of where you are on your health journey, begin to adopt healthier habits. Work toward becoming more physically active, follow dietary advice, and engage in other behaviors aligned with risk reduction. Start with one small step, then another, and you’ll be on a proactive path to preventing type 2 diabetes.

Diet Recommendations

To lower your risk of type 2 diabetes (or treat prediabetes), aim for a balanced, colorful, fiber-rich, and calorie-controlled diet. Here are five daily guidelines to get you started:

• Eat a vegetable with every meal, aiming for a variety of colors
• Meet daily fiber goals
• Increase hydration to a minimum of 64 ounces per day
• Limit or avoid sources of added sugar
• Choose whole grains in place of refined carbohydrates

And with every meal or snack, choose Guiding Stars earning protein and/or heart-healthy dietary fats, such as:

• Skinless chicken breast
• Very lean ground turkey
• Non-fat, plain Greek yogurt
• Eggs
• Shrimp
• Nuts and seeds
• Avocado
• Olive and vegetable oil

About Guiding Stars

Guiding Stars is an objective, evidence-based, nutrition guidance program that evaluates foods and beverages to make nutritious choices simple. Products that meet transparent nutrition criteria earn a 1, 2, or 3 star rating for good, better, and best nutrition. Guiding Stars can be found in more than 2,000 grocery stores and through the Guiding Stars Food Finder app.

*Image by Freepik

As policy priorities evolve, Japan’s focus on “responsible fiscal expansion” could reshape bond dynamics.

After decades of ultra-low yields and chronic deflation, Japan’s government bond market is stirring. After drifting higher through the spring and summer, Japanese government bond (JGB) yields surged in September and October (see Figure 1) as investors reacted to new leadership in Tokyo. For the first time in a generation, on some measures—notably the 20-year forward 10-year rate—long-dated JGBs now yield more than comparable US Treasuries.

JGB Yields Have Climbed Sharply 

That shift reflects more than changing rate expectations. It signals a deeper political and policy transition. In Japan’s July election, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party lost its majority in both houses of parliament, and parties favoring more expansionary fiscal policy gained ground.

The new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has long argued for “pro-growth fiscal policy” and voiced skepticism about the Bank of Japan’s (BoJ’s) recent tightening. Her administration’s new mantra—”responsible fiscal expansion”—is more than a slogan. It marks a philosophical shift in how Japan thinks about debt and growth.

Shifting the Fiscal Goalposts

For two decades, Japan’s fiscal framework has centered on a primary-balance rule: the idea that the government should aim to match its revenues and non-interest spending over time. In practice, that goal was never met. Successive administrations fell short, and debt ratios kept climbing.

Now, the conversation is changing. The new finance minister, Satsuki Katayama, has invoked a more flexible framework—one that emphasizes the relationship between growth and borrowing costs. The logic is straightforward: if the economy grows faster than the government’s interest expenses, debt remains manageable (see Figure 2) even with moderate deficits.

That shift moves Japan’s policy focus from a narrow accounting target toward a broader measure of economic sustainability. It’s not about abandoning fiscal discipline; it’s about redefining it for a world where nominal growth and inflation finally exist again.

Japan’s Window of Opportunity

Japan’s post-pandemic environment has altered the fiscal equation. The global inflation shock and a weaker yen (see Figure 3) have combined to lift nominal growth and domestic prices.

Thus, despite this year’s yield rise, the government’s borrowing costs remain manageable (see Figure 4) even as it spends more to support growth and social programs.

This is the first time in decades that Japan’s growth rate meaningfully exceeds its funding cost—a rare window that makes “responsible expansion” economically plausible. This isn’t a license for unchecked spending. But it does mean that Japan can use fiscal policy more actively without immediately undermining stability.

Implications for Investors

For bond investors, this shift has clear consequences. With the BoJ in a rate-hike phase and less present as a buyer, and with domestic life insurers’ appetite for very long duration fading faster than the Ministry of Finance is trimming issuance, upward pressure has centered on the long end: 30-year JGB yields are up nearly a full percentage point year to date.

The good news is that a steeper, more active JGB curve restores some of the yield and volatility that global investors have missed in Japan for years. For portfolios, that means renewed potential for diversification and relative-value opportunities along the curve.

At the same time, Japan’s experience may influence how other developed economies think about fiscal sustainability. The underlying principle—that growth can coexist with moderate deficits when borrowing costs are low—echoes debates in Europe and the US about how to balance stimulus and debt reduction in a post-pandemic world.

What Could Derail the Strategy?

This strategy depends on a fragile equation: nominal growth staying above interest rates. A sharp BoJ tightening cycle or a global slowdown could easily reverse that balance. If growth falters or yields rise too quickly, Japan’s debt trajectory would tilt upward again.

Still, today’s environment is far removed from the deflationary stagnation of past decades. Inflation expectations have stabilized, corporate balance sheets are healthier and wage growth—though modest—shows signs of life. In short, Japan has room to run, provided policymakers maintain credibility and avoid turning short-term stimulus into long-term habit.

A Delicate Balance

Japan’s fiscal reset represents more than a change in leadership. It’s a rethinking of how global growth, inflation and debt interact in a maturing economy. By embracing “responsible expansion,” Tokyo is betting that a little more fiscal flexibility will reinforce, not weaken, long-term stability.

For investors, this means that watching the spread between growth and yields—not just deficit headlines—will be key to understanding where Japan’s bond market, and perhaps the broader global rate environment, goes next.

The views expressed herein do not constitute research, investment advice or trade recommendations, do not necessarily represent the views of all AB portfolio-management teams and are subject to change over time.

Learn more about AB’s approach to responsibility here.

ST. PAUL, Minn., November 19, 2025 /3BL/ – The Data Center Safety Council (DCSC), an industry group driving a unified approach to personnel safety in data center operations, and Certus, a leading workforce-training and certification provider, today announce the official launch of the Data Center Safety Awareness Certificate. This milestone program marks a significant step toward establishing a global industry-wide baseline level of health and safety competency for industry professionals and suppliers accessing data center sites.

Certificate Overview
The Data Center Safety Awareness Certificate is designed to ensure that all personnel entering operational data center environments—whether operators, contractors, vendors or suppliers—share a common foundation of safety awareness tailored to the unique hazards of the data center industry. Unlike generic training programs, the course is built specifically around risks encountered in data center settings: electrical and chemical hazards, heat and fire exposure, noise hazards, emergency procedures and more.

Developed by DCSC with EHS leaders at global data centers, this certificate bridges the gap between broad regulatory compliance and the operational realities of today’s data centers.

Key Features and Benefits

• 16 online, self-paced modules covering essential topics such as data center infrastructure, culture, pre-job planning, emergency procedures, site access, slips, trips and falls; material handling, electrical hazards, control of hazardous energy, confined spaces, fire prevention, heat hazards, noise hazards, chemical management, water systems, working at heights, and housekeeping expectations.
• A final exam of 30 questions, exam attempts up to three times; certificate valid for two years.
• Accessibility and flexibility: course delivered online only, globally applicable, mobile-friendly, self-paced; learners have up to 180 days to complete after enrollment.
• Employer-friendly: bulk/licensed access for groups, integration support with corporate LMS systems, volume discounts, member pricing for DCSC member organizations.

Why It Matters
The pace of data center construction and expansion is unprecedented, driven by global demand for digital infrastructure. As data centers become larger, more complex, and involve many service-providers, contractors and vendors, supporting the delivery of safety awareness for everyone who enters a site is simply the right thing to do. According to the DCSC, the training gap in this sector has become a priority.

By establishing a standardized credential, data center operators can:

• Aim to achieve consistent approaches to delivering safer data centers.
• Establish consistent safety language and baseline understanding across employees, contractors and vendors.
• Support consistent operational competency.

Statements from Leadership
“We’re thrilled to launch this certificate in partnership with Certus,” said Donna Lynch, Vice President Environment, Health & Safety, STACK Infrastructure and Chair of the Steering Committee, DCSC. “This comprehensive training will have a real impact on the health and safety of the growing number of workers in data center operations. For the first time, operators will have a level of assurance that those working within their data centers have an appropriate and consistent knowledge of data center safety, supporting their ability to safely execute work.”

“We are excited to collaborate with the Data Center Safety Council on this ground-breaking initiative,” said Kim Brophy, Chief Product Officer of Certus. “The safety of data center professionals is a top priority, and this standardized certificate represents our shared commitment to equipping workers with the critical skills to prevent accidents and ensure the security of digital infrastructure.”

Launch Details & Availability
The course is now officially available. Industry professionals can access the program via the DCSC website at [www.datacentersafetycouncil.org/safety-awareness-certificate] and through the Certus platform [Data Center Safety Awareness Certificate]. Exact pricing details, enrollment instructions, and employer-group access are available online.

About the Organizations
Data Center Safety Council (DCSC): An industry group leading a unified approach toward ensuring the safety and well-being of personnel in data center operations. DCSC brings together major global players in the data center industry to address common issues with vendors and suppliers for the benefit and safety of all data center workers. Visit www.datacentersafetycouncil.org for more information.

Certus: A leading provider of professional training and certification solutions, serving millions of learners annually. With a comprehensive suite of content, simulations and compliance offerings, Certus supports lifelong learners and enterprises alike. Visit www.certus.com to learn more.

Media Contacts:
Kate Asleson
Marketing Lead, Data Center Safety Council
kate.asleson@anteagroup.us

Jordan McKnight
Director of Corporate Communications, Certus
jordan.mcknight@certus.com

Originally published on November 10, 2025 on Sysco.com

TRENTON, N.J., November 19, 2025 /3BL/ – The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Sysco Corporation that will create opportunities for a significant expansion of the state’s successful program that uses seafood shells recycled from restaurants for creation of oyster reefs. The reefs can improve the ecological health of coastal waters, reduce waste to landfills, enhance climate resilience and benefit local restaurants.

Through this partnership, Sysco, the world’s largest food distributor, will collect discarded oyster and clam shells from restaurants it serves across the region and provide them to NJDEP Fish & Wildlife’s Shell Recycling Program for oyster reef enhancement projects that could potentially expand to multiple sites along the state’s coastline.

“Sysco is excited to partner with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to scale a project we have been interested in for several years,” said John Yates, president of Buckhead Meat & Seafood’s Mid-Atlantic Region. “Preserving and restoring oyster reefs is not only important for the shellfish themselves but also to the broader marine ecosystem and our communities that rely on this for critical proteins.”

“I applaud Sysco’s deep commitment in helping us foster a more sustainable and resilient coastal environment,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “This partnership will not only help to bolster local oyster reefs but also inspires the public to value and protect coastal ecosystems. Oysters filter water, improve water quality, and sequester carbon dioxide through the formation of their shells, helping provide a nature-based solution that addresses both climate adaptation and environmental enhancement.”

Sysco’s collection efforts significantly broaden the NJDEP’s Shell Recycling program, making participation accessible to many restaurants and businesses across the state that are currently beyond the program’s reach.

The additional shell will directly result in more planted reefs, which means more available habitat for oyster larvae to settle and grow — leading to greater recruitment, population recovery, and ecosystem benefits. More shell will also allow NJDEP to expand reef enhancement work to other areas, with hopes of creating reef habitat connectivity across the state’s coastal waters.

The Seeds of Partnership

“Oysters are a keystone species in our local estuaries and are essential to our mission to maintain healthy and productive marine ecosystems,” said NJDEP Fish & Wildlife Assistant Commissioner Dave Golden. “These reefs offer critical habitat for a wide range of recreational and commercially important marine species. By recycling shells, we reduce waste and support the recovery of ecosystems that benefit both marine life and coastal communities.”

Shell resources, however, are quite limited, presenting a challenge to effectively implementing reef enhancement projects. To address this, NJDEP Fish & Wildlife launched a shell recycling program in 2019 that was centered in Atlantic City, where discarded clam and oyster shells from restaurants were collected and reused to enhance local oyster reefs.

The program began with a single restaurant partner and was initially focused solely on the Atlantic City region. The program grew quickly to involve nearly every major casino and seafood restaurant in Atlantic City within just a few years.

 It now serves 32 restaurant partners across Atlantic, Cape May, and Ocean counties, significantly increasing shell collection efforts and resulting in more available shell for oyster reef enhancement. Since 2021, more than 45,000 bushels (more than 1,100 tons) of recycled shell along with shell purchased from local processors have been planted onto the reef system. 

Program Recognition and Expansion

The success of the program has drawn interest locally as well as nationally. Sysco Corporation learned of this initiative and inquired about partnership opportunities, as the program aligns with the company’s overall mission and sustainability goals.

The NJDEP Fish & Wildlife Shell Recycling Program has received multiple accolades for its work. At its Fall 2024 meeting, the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) awarded an Honorable Mention to the program in the Land, Air, & Cross-Media Category of ECOS’ Innovation Awards for a video showcasing the shell recycling process. Earlier this year, NJDEP Fish & Wildlife’s Shell Recycling Program team members were honored at the 2025 State Employee Recognition Day award ceremony as part of Public Service Recognition Week.

The program has also earned highly competitive grants. In 2024, the program gained funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Coastal Zone Management Program, enabling expansion beyond Atlantic City and development of a robust environmental education program called Project S.H.E.L.L. (Strengthening Habitats through Environmental Learning and Leadership), which provides experiential marine science learning opportunities to students in Atlantic City and surrounding areas.  

Resources

To learn more about the Shell Recycling Program, NJDEP’s partnership with Sysco Corporation and other shell recycling program partners, visit https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/marine/shell-recycling-program/.

Sysco’s shell recycling: Shell Recycling Program Survey

Sysco: Buckhead New Jersey – Buckhead | Newport Meat & Seafood 

Follow NJDEP Fish & Wildlife on Facebook at facebook.com/NewJerseyFishandWildlife/ and on Instagram at instagram.com/NewJerseyFishandWildlife/.

Contacts:

Lawrence Hajna (DEP)
713-703-4898

Caryn Shinske (DEP)
713-703-4898

Ramit Masti (Sysco)
713-703-4898

View original content here.

Across Latin America, Cisco Networking Academy is forging partnerships that are unlocking opportunities and preparing the generation for a digital future.  

In recognition of these efforts, 15 countries and countless communities were recently united through our one-of-a-kind hybrid Latin American Partner Conference. This milestone event, fueled by the spirit of innovation and collaboration, connected over 150 partners, both online via Webex and in our Cisco offices in Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Chile, and Peru.  

A Modern Connection Model 

Seamlessly blending in-person energy with digital reach, this conference gave participants front-row seats to the digitized workforce of the future, Cisco Networking Academy programming and its offerings, and the advancement of technology throughout Latin America.  

These connections celebrated Cisco Networking Academy’s on-the-ground impact across the region. For example, in Costa Rica, the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications (MICITT), Universidad Latina, and Cisco Networking Academy teamed up to launch the country’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) education, a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s National Artificial Intelligence strategy. In the first month, 4,000 students enrolled, with the goal of more fully bringing Costa Rica into the digital economy. 

Shaping the Future of Work 

At the center of our conversations was the ever-evolving workforce landscape. In Costa Rica, industry leaders and instructors came together in person to discuss what is really needed for Cisco Networking Academy students to thrive in real-life tech careers at major companies.  

One of the most notable highlights was the genuine, face-to-face collaboration between academia and industry. Leaders from major organizations such as GBM, Datasys, Quicknet, and Fusionet shared insights on the most in-demand skills and how instructors can empower students to connect their learning to professional success. 

One example shared came from Moquegua, Peru. There, the Talento Digital Moquegua initiative – a partnership between Anglo American and Cisco Networking Academy – has trained over 1,300 individuals in networking and cybersecurity skills, directly aligning learning with industry demands.  

Further, in Mexico, more than 7,800 young professionals have launched successful careers in technology and cybersecurity thanks to a partnership between Cisco, the International Youth Foundation (IYF), Bécalos, and others, showing that when industry players come together opportunities for students multiply.  

Vision, Innovation, and AI 

The conference was teeming with updates and forward-looking ideas from Cisco leadership and Cisco Networking Academy experts. Both explored Cisco’s vision and strategy for the region and how those advances are shaping tomorrow’s opportunities. Experts shared guidance on both skills and mindsets needed to thrive in an AI-driven world, furthering reinforcing Cisco’s commitment to providing students with the skills they need to solve tomorrow’s problems today.  

Across Latin America, this vision is becoming reality. In Brazil, Cisco’s CyberEducation Program — part of the Country Digital Acceleration initiative — has trained almost a quarter million Brazilians through cybersecurity marathons and hands-on mentorship, closing skills gaps and driving employability. In Bogotá, Colombia, the SED-CISCO Academies are setting a new standard for education for all, preparing 15,000 students — including many living with disabilities — for impactful digital careers and leadership roles. 

The spirit of community strongly powers Cisco Networking Academy across the region. From Mexico to Chile, Cisco Networking Academy alumni are using their new skills, certifications, and experience to land jobs, internships, and academic opportunities, turning learning into lasting impact. 

Future Focused: Stronger Together 

Our hybrid conference was more than an event; it was a bridge between past achievements and future ambitions, connecting industry and academia, technology and opportunity, vision and action. Together, we’re shaping a future where every learner across Latin America will thrive in the digital world.   

Whether it’s launching AI programs in Costa Rica, boosting cybersecurity in Brazil, modernizing education in Peru, or fostering an inclusive future in Colombia, Cisco Networking Academy is proud to be at the heart of Latin America’s digital transformation.  

Join Cisco Networking Academy Community today. Empower your students, connect with industry leaders, and help shape the future of tech education across Latin America. 

View original content here.

 

ONE YKK Vision Anchors New Medium-Term Plan in 2025 Integrated Report
Sustainability is not just a priority at YKK—it is the foundation of its global business strategy. In its latest integrated report, This is YKK 2025, the company outlines its FY2024 achievements and FY2025 initiatives under the banner of Contributing to a Sustainable Society as ONE YKK. These efforts advance the YKK Sustainability Vision 2050, a long-term commitment to climate neutrality and harmony with nature. This vision is structured around five key themes: climate change, material resources, water resources, chemical management, and respect for people—all aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Sustainability is not a slogan—it’s a strategy,” said Koichi Matsushima, President, YKK Corporation. “With our Net-Zero commitment and the ONE YKK vision, we are taking bold steps to transform our business, empower our people, and lead the way toward a circular economy.”

Driving Toward Net-Zero Emissions — Climate change
YKK’s goal to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by FY2050 has been officially validated under the SBTi Net-Zero Standard. The company is targeting a 90% reduction in Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by FY2050 compared to FY2018 levels, covering both its operations and supply chain.¹ YKK’s climate leadership has been recognized with a second consecutive CDP “A List” rating and its third designation as a Supplier Engagement Leader. Key achievements include:

• Cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 57% from FY2018 levels, reducing total emissions to 234,679t
• Lowered Scope 3 emissions by 14.4%, reducing total emissions to 747,276t across the supply chain
• Boosted renewable energy usage to 61.2% of total power consumption
• Transitioned 45 global sites to 100% renewable energy, including full conversion in the China region
• Expanded solar energy capacity, adding 7 new facilities for a total of 34 operational sites
• Initiated equipment upgrades to phase out coal-fired boilers and reduce fossil fuel dependency

Innovating for Circularity and Resource Efficiency — Material resources
YKK is accelerating circularity through innovative product design and material reuse. Key achievements include:

• Increased use of sustainable materials to 48%, marking a 10-point year-on-year improvement
• Transitioned 20% of packaging materials to sustainable alternatives
• Raised waste recycling rate to 93.9%,² up 2 points from the previous year
• Prioritized sourcing from suppliers certified with “The Copper Mark”,³ and actively encouraged others to pursue certification
• Introduced NATULON Plus® with Recycled PET Open Parts to support garment-to-garment recycling
• Launched Revived Renewal Components, extending garment lifecycles through repairable components
• Conducted in-house recycling trials at the Kurobe Plant for copper and zinc alloys used in zippers
• Promoted environmental stewardship through tree-planting and clean-up initiatives

Strengthening Water Stewardship — Water resources
YKK continues to reduce water consumption and manage water quality across its operations. Key achievements include:

• Reduced total water intake by 7.5% compared to FY2018, reaching 10.638 million tons
• Monitored and addressed water intensity, which increased by 3.2%⁴ year-on-year
• Installed new production and recycling facilities at 15 sites to lower water consumption
• Managed wastewater quality in accordance with ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines
• Implemented water risk mitigation activities to safeguard local ecosystems and communities

Ensuring Chemical Safety and Supply Chain Compliance — Chemical management
YKK is committed to responsible chemical management throughout its supply chain. Key achievements include:

• Engaged 1,793 suppliers by sharing the updated YKK Restricted Substances List (RSL 2024) and conducting compliance surveys
• Updated the YKK RSL for 2025, reflecting evolving social expectations and customer requirements
• Monitored chemical safety compliance through testing with OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100⁵ (44 companies) and AFIRM RSL⁶ (39 companies)
• Deployed ZDHC MRSL⁷ compliance assessments using InCheck reports across 17 production sites
• Identified and replaced non-compliant materials in the YKK RSL (2024 version), driving innovation in sustainable materials and manufacturing processes
• Established a cross-functional task force to address YKK RSL non-compliance across departments
• Initiated regular inspections at chemical management sites to prevent soil contamination and ensure environmental safety

Championing Human Rights and Fair Labor Practices — Respect people
YKK continues to uphold ethical labor standards and human rights across its global operations. Key achievements include:

• Implemented weekly monitoring systems to manage working hours at all manufacturing sites, ensuring fair labor conditions
• Strengthened human rights due diligence by conducting self-assessments at 51 locations and third-party audits at 24 locations, based on the YKK Global Criteria of Compliance (YGCC)

YKK remains committed to engaging stakeholders and driving sustainability across its global operations. Detailed progress and performance metrics are available in the 2025 Integrated Report, with additional ESG and financial data in the accompanying Data Book. YKK invites stakeholders, partners, and customers to explore the full report and collaborate in shaping a more sustainable and circular future.
 

¹ Emissions within the remaining 10% of the net-zero target must be reduced to zero through carbon sequestration and removal.

² According to the definition of “recycling” under Japanese law, it includes both material recycling and thermal recovery.

³ The Copper Mark certification is an international framework for responsible production and contributing to the UN SDGs in the copper industry

⁴ Due to the use of water resources for environmental measures at the Kurobe Makino Plant in FY2024.

⁵ OEKO-TEX® is a registered trademark of ÖTI-Institut für Ökologie, Technik und Innovation GmbH

⁶ Apparel and Footwear International Restricted Substances List

⁷ Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals Manufacturing Restricted Substances List

Media Contact:
YKK Corporation 
Corporate Communications Group
k_ykk@ykk.com

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Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com

In 1963, Mary Kay Ash founded her iconic company with one bold goal: to create entrepreneurial and leadership opportunities for women everywhere with her never-wavering mission “to enrich women’s lives.” For more than 30 years, Tara Eustace, now Chief Opportunity and Sales Officer at Mary Kay Inc., has carried that vision forward – empowering women across the globe to build their own businesses and shape their own success stories.

Tara champions millions of Independent Beauty Consultants worldwide who are on a journey of self-growth, defining success on their own terms. Just as Mary Kay inspired women of the Baby Boomer generation, the business opportunity resonates today with the Next Gen, who aspire to flexibility and financial independence while caring about social impact, giving back and protecting the planet.

As November celebrates entrepreneurship, encouraging people to start businesses, support local, and recognize the contributions of entrepreneurs worldwide, we met with Tara to discuss why the Mary Kay business opportunity resonates with women entrepreneurs across generations and geographies and presents such a unique fit for Gen Z.

Q: Happy Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, Tara! Why is women’s entrepreneurship especially meaningful to Mary Kay?

A: International Women’s Entrepreneurship Day celebrates the power of women turning passion into possibility – and inspiring the next generation to do the same. It’s a reminder that when women thrive as entrepreneurs, communities and economies thrive too. At Mary Kay, we celebrate women entrepreneurs today and every day, honoring the courage to dream big, work hard, and create opportunity for yourself and others.

Q: What are some of the ways that Mary Kay, as a company, has been able to stay ahead? 

A: I’ve had the privilege of helping expand Mary Kay into new markets around the world, creating opportunities for women to build a Mary Kay business that serves their own needs. What’s kept Mary Kay ahead all these years is our ability to evolve while staying true to what matters most – empowering women.

Whether she’s a student, a mom, or building a career, Mary Kay fits into her life on her terms. As the world moves faster and technology reshapes how we connect, we keep innovating while holding on to our timeless purpose: helping women discover their confidence, independence, and success.

Q: How do you remain relevant to your current beauty consultants while attracting this new generation?

A: We focus on giving women at every stage of their business journey the tools, education, and support they need to succeed. Our world-class education helps our Independent Beauty Consultants grow in the ways that work best for them. In addition to flexibility and financial independence, Consultants share that they truly value the entrepreneurial “life lessons” they learn – and self-confidence they gain – from their Mary Kay businesses.

During COVID, for example, many of our more experienced Consultants relied more on face-to-face interactions. Practically overnight, everything shifted to digital — and we were ready. We guided them through it, step by step, providing the training and encouragement they needed. Today, many of those same Consultants have developed thriving online businesses.

On the other hand, some of our younger Consultants from Generation Z who have grown up with the internet and are self-taught entrepreneurs start out immediately online. Through our education programs, we help them see the power of personal, face-to-face connections, too.

It’s all about balance — offering flexible, easy-to-use tools that fit everyone’s style. We stay connected to our sales force around the world through online sessions, training forums, events, and surveys, so we are always learning, listening, and improving together.

Q: How is this next generation of Beauty Consultants and customers different from the previous generations? 

A: The one thing that’s always been at the heart of our business – and feels more important than ever – is women supporting women. When you buy a Mary Kay product, you’re not just buying lipstick or skincare; you’re supporting a woman and her local small business.

In the 1960s, many women joined Mary Kay to earn a little extra income. They were also searching for a sense of community and belonging. This need has never been more relevant today. We are facing a loneliness epidemic around the world, and the need for connection is more important than ever. The sense of connection and community has always been part of who we are. And while flexibility was important then, it is even more essential now.

So yes, this new generation might look or sound a little different, but at their core, they share the same values and dreams as the women who came before them. Generation Z and the Mary Kay business opportunity are a perfect fit. The opportunity offers Gen Z a pathway to entrepreneurship, digital flexibility, and the purpose-driven work that fits their lifestyle and values. They want to create their own opportunities and define success on their own terms.

Q: Mary Kay is built on relationships and personal connections. With technology and social media continuing to grow, how do you balance that with online selling opportunities?

A: It all comes down to giving our beauty entrepreneurs the right tools to connect in whatever way works best for them – and for their customers. Some Consultants thrive with in-person relationships, while others build their businesses primarily online.

One of our sales force members said it best: “I meet people online, but I always have my car keys ready to go meet them in person.” That’s the essence of what we teach – a hybrid approach. There’s no one-size-fits-all way to conduct business.

Our role is to make sure every Consultant has the training, technology, and resources they need to sell and serve confidently, whether that’s face-to-face, online, or a blend of both.

Q: How do you view the competitive landscape, especially with so many direct-to-consumer brands and online selling platforms out there?

A: What truly sets us apart is our Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants. Their genuine knowledge, passion, and love for Mary Kay products empower them to be the ultimate personal beauty advisors—offering tailored recommendations, and one-on-one education you simply can’t find anywhere else. Through their individualized service and deep understanding of each customer’s unique needs, our consultants help women not only look their best but feel their best. It’s that authenticity and personal touch that keeps customers coming back to their Mary Kay Beauty Consultant. We have just ranked #2 on the Forbes Best Customer Service Companies 2026 List and this is a testament to our company’s and our beauty consultants’ Golden Rule Service.

Q: How do you successfully translate the Mary Kay brand, mission, and purpose across different regions and cultures?

A: It’s been an incredible journey. Today, Mary Kay is in more than 40 markets, each with its own language, culture, and economy. No matter where we go, our message to women is the same: A Mary Kay opportunity offers an earning opportunity that comes with flexibility, the ability to change the lives of your customers and that of your own!

And success will look different for everyone that runs a Mary Kay business, but what never changes is our commitment to walk alongside them every step of the way.

We often say, you’re in business for yourself, but not by yourself. That promise is timeless, and the trust behind our brand keeps resonating with women all over the world across generations.

Did You Know:

• 73% of direct sellers in the U.S. are women¹.
• In 2024, nearly 30% of new Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants were under the age of 35², and today, 38% of the brand’s social following is made up of Next Gen audiences.
• In 2025, Mary Kay was named the #1 Direct Selling Brand of Skin Care and Color Cosmetics in the World³ by Euromonitor International for the third consecutive year.

Learn more about the Mary Kay Business Opportunity here.

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About Mary Kay

One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X.

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¹ U.S. Direct Selling Association

² Source: Mary Kay Inc., 2024 U.S. data.

³ “Source Euromonitor International Limited; Beauty and Personal Care 2025 Edition, value sales at RSP, 2024 data”

As Vice President of Engineering and Technology for the Commercial HVAC Americas business at Trane Technologies, Tom Gallant is helping transform how we cool, heat, power and protect our spaces. From reducing water use in his hometown of La Crosse, Wisconsin, to helping data centers worldwide operate more efficiently and sustainably, his work is both global and deeply personal.

Heating and cooling at speed and scale

With over 20 years of experience at Trane Technologies, Tom has watched both the company and the industry evolve at a pace that would have seemed impossible two decades ago. “It’s a super exciting time to be an engineer at Trane Technologies. What used to take decades now takes a year.”

WATCH: Why Tom Gallant Thinks Engineering is a Wild Career at Trane Technologies Today

Nowhere is this transformation more visible than on Trane Technologies’ home turf. “If you walk through our plants today, you’ll see a large amount of automation that allows us to process these units much quicker, and at a much higher quality, for our customers.”

A large part of this boost in speed and scale is due to a surge in demand for efficient, sustainable cooling solutions from data center clients, particularly those training artificial intelligence models. “Figuring out how we scale our products to meet their requirements is changing on a 12-month cycle, not a 10-year cycle. Having to keep up with that is extremely exciting.”

Challenging what’s possible with pace and purpose

But it’s not just the speed of innovation that drives Tom. “Living our purpose to challenge what’s possible for a more sustainable world is extremely exciting, not only as an engineer, but as an individual and a team member,” he shares.

Today, Tom’s team is helping to cool hyperscale data centers more efficiently through liquid-based direct-to-chip systems. Closer to home in La Crosse, they’re cutting the company’s water use through a new closed-loop system in the laboratory that significantly reduces the water pulled from local aquifers. At Trane Technologies’ advanced training center, the team has also implemented a thermal management system that’s fossil-fuel free. “We use thermal batteries and heat pumps to heat and cool the building year-round. The heat removed from the water when making ice is used for heating, and then we use the ice to cool the building. It’s an efficient way to source and store energy rather than waste it.”

The importance of showing up

But for Tom, the best thing about working for Trane Technologies isn’t just its world-class innovations. “What’s really special about this company is the people.” He gives an example from over a decade ago, when there was a fire in one of the labs for which Tom was responsible. “It was our largest HVAC laboratory. Over 100 employees worked there every day. And when I opened the door, I couldn’t even see my hand in front of my face, the smoke was so thick.” His first instinct was to ask for help. “I came in the next day and told my leadership team, ‘I don’t know what I’m going to do.’ And they said, ‘Don’t worry we’ll figure it out together.’”

Within hours, the disaster response recovery team showed up. To Tom’s surprise, so did his own team. Engineers and lab staff worked side-by-side with the recovery crew to clean, repair and restore. Within two weeks, the lab was up and running again. For Tom, this story encapsulates how he feels about the people who work for Trane Technologies.

Built by family. Engineered for impact.

Tom’s Trane Technologies family goes beyond the metaphorical. In fact, when he joined Trane Technologies two decades years ago, he wasn’t alone. His wife Erica, also an engineer, walked through those doors with him. “When we arrived, she was the only female engineer in the building. She’s the best engineer in our family… and one of the best engineers at Trane Technologies.”

Over the years, Tom and Erica have worked on several projects together, building a shared legacy of innovation and excellence. “She pushes me every day to be better. You never expect to be able to do this kind of work with your spouse. It’s rare. And it’s amazing.”

Waking up with purpose

Tom never imagined he’d be working on global sustainability challenges when he began his career in HVAC. But that’s what makes his story so powerful: It’s about showing up, doing good work with good people and realizing somewhere along the way that what you’re doing matters more than you ever thought it could.

“At Trane Technologies, you’re challenged with problems that you never expected. But the resources we have within the company to solve these problems are truly remarkable. And there are so many opportunities to bring in other people to help you solve very challenging, difficult problems that will have an impact not only on your community, but on the world. It really is a place where you can wake up and do purposeful work.”

Want to work purposefully with people like Tom?

Explore careers that make an impact at Trane Technologies.