Tag: 3BL

Action Against Hunger warns of a rapidly deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in north-eastern Syria, particularly in the governorate of Al-Hasakeh, where recent clashes and bombings have resulted in civilian casualties and widespread disruption to daily life. The escalation of violence has severely restricted population movement, forced the closure of markets, and significantly limited access to food, drinking water, and essential services. As insecurity grows, thousands of families have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in collective shelters under harsh winter conditions.

Displacement, Fear, and Overwhelmed Shelters 

According to data gathered by humanitarian partners, thousands of people have fled from Ar-Raqqa, Tabqa, and surrounding rural areas toward Al-Hasakeh and Qamishli. Many displaced families are now sheltering in schools, public buildings, and collective shelters that are stretched beyond capacity. Families are arriving with almost nothing, facing freezing temperatures and severe shortages of basic necessities such as clean water, food, blankets, hygiene kits, and essential non-food items. The uncertainty surrounding a potential further escalation is fueling fear, particularly among displaced families.

“Families are arriving with only the clothes on their backs, in the middle of winter and with increasingly limited access to basic services,” says Suzanne Takkenberg, Regional Director of Action Against Hunger in Syria and Lebanon. “We are very concerned about people who are trapped by violence or who have had to flee without any guarantee of safety.”

Decreasing Water Access Due to Insecurity and Power Cuts 

Ongoing insecurity and power cuts have disrupted the operation of water pumping and treatment stations, compromising access to safe drinking water for more than one million people across several areas of north-eastern Syria. Health centers are also under growing strain.

Hospitals such as Al-Hasakeh have received dozens of wounded people while facing shortages of medical equipment, essential supplies, and transportation capacity.

Action Against Hunger Prepares for a Possible Emergency Response

Present in Al-Hasakeh since 2008, Action Against Hunger implements programs in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), health and nutrition, and food security and livelihoods. In response to the current crisis, the organization is prioritizing staff safety while preparing to scale up emergency assistance as soon as security conditions allow. Intervention options include:

• Emergency water distribution in collective shelters through local suppliers.
• Ready-to-eat food distribution for families unable to cook.
• Essential non-food item distribution such as blankets, winter clothing, and hygiene kits.
• Capacity strengthening in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), health and nutrition, and food security, in coordination with other humanitarian actors.

“Our priority is twofold: to protect our staff and to be prepared to respond quickly and effectively as soon as the security situation allows,” explains Takkenberg.

An Urgent Call for Protection and Humanitarian Access 

Action Against Hunger stresses the need for:

• Protecting the civilian population and essential infrastructure, especially markets, collective shelters, health centers, and water systems.
• Ensuring safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access to assess needs and deliver vital aid.
• Facilitating the arrival of flexible funds to adapt the response to a highly volatile context.
• Strengthening humanitarian coordination and assistance to displaced persons, particularly during the winter

At AMD, we believe that when our people, our technology and our investments come together with purpose, we can help solve the world’s toughest challenges. Our employees are the lifeblood of our company. They are innovators, and their passion for problem solving extends beyond developing great products to the communities where they live and work.

In 2025, AMDers across the globe came together to create real-world impact and build stronger, more resilient communities through volunteerism and giving.

Here’s a snapshot of the AMD 2025 Community Impact by the numbers.

• 8,050 AMDers volunteered
• 326 service projects across 42 AMD sites globally
• $4.5 million donated to 5,781 causes through the Matching Gift and Volunteer Reward Program

For more than 45 years, AMD community impact programs have been a way that we drive community change, and we work with nonprofit organizations that address important issues such as food insecurity, environmental sustainability, and access to quality STEM and AI education. This past year was no different.

For the fourth year in a row, AMDers teamed up with Rise Against Hunger to celebrate a tremendous milestone, packaging our one millionth meal to help people around the world facing hunger insecurity. “I think companies have a role to play in ending hunger. What impacts one person in our community impacts us all. And when our people take the time to show up and give back together, we can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” said Lisa Graham, senior manager, Talent, AMD.

AMDers also led 49 global Earth Day activities focused on preserving green spaces, planting trees, upcycling and recycling, and spreading awareness on issues impacting environmental sustainability. In Singapore, volunteers from two AMD sites hopped on kayaks to help clean a local lake. “The astonishing amount of trash and plastics collected in just one hour would have otherwise been detrimental to biodiversity. We are proud that our collective effort enabled a healthier ecosystem where aquatic life can thrive,” said Fang-Jie Foo, manager, Device Analysis Lab, AMD.

AMDers participated in 45 STEM-focused experiences impacting tens of thousands of students. Whether building coding robots to donate to schools, judging science fairs, hackathons and robotics competitions, or leading computer builds for students, employees served as mentors to help inspire the next generation of learners. “Giving students the opportunity to explore all the components that make up a PC helps bring technology to life. As we enter the age of AI, these are the building blocks behind the innovation they see every day. Hands-on experiences like this can help spark curiosity and encourage students to imagine what they might create in the future,” said Scott Strong, director, Channel Marketing, AMD.

Guided by purpose and strengthened by our people, AMD community impact is shaped by employee engagement and investments that help strengthen communities around the world. From expanding access to STEM and AI education to supporting environmental and basic needs initiatives, AMD is committed to creating positive, lasting change.

To learn more about AMD Community Impact, visit: https://www.amd.com/en/corporate/corporate-responsibility/community.html

Key Takeaways:

• New Jersey’s PFAS law expands regulation beyond environmental cleanup to include consumer products, labeling, advertising, and supply chain compliance.
• The statute uses a broad definition of PFAS, increasing compliance exposure for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
• Companies have a two-year compliance window before product bans on intentionally added PFAS take effect in key consumer categories.
• PFAS disclosure and labeling requirements create heightened enforcement risk for inaccurate or misleading product and marketing claims.
• Expanded enforcement authority allows New Jersey regulators to impose per-product and per-violation penalties that can quickly escalate exposure.
• Though they are currently in the vanguard, New Jersey’s PFAS product regulations are likely to influence similar laws in other jurisdictions.

On January 12, 2026, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation significantly expanding the State’s regulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), marking one of the most aggressive product-based PFAS initiatives in the country. The new law reflects New Jersey’s continued leadership in PFAS regulation and expands beyond environmental media controls to target consumer products, supply chains, and manufacturing practices.

A Definition Designed to Capture “Everything PFAS”

The statute adopts a sweeping definition of PFAS, encompassing any fluorinated organic chemical containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom. This approach captures thousands of substances, effectively eliminating arguments that only a narrow subset of PFAS is regulated.

Bottom line: Companies should assume that PFAS presence, whether intentional or unintentional, falls within scope unless clearly exempted.

Product Bans on Intentionally Added PFAS—and a Two-Year Countdown

Effective two years after enactment, the law prohibits the sale, manufacture, distribution, or offering for sale of products containing intentionally added PFAS in the following categories:

• Cosmetics
• Carpets, excluding used carpet and certain fabric treatments
• Food packaging
• Cookware, unless PFAS is clearly disclosed

For cookware, the statute goes further. It imposes expanded labeling and disclosure obligations that elevate the risk of enforcement actions tied not only to chemistry, but also to advertising, labeling, and online representations.

This mirrors a broader regulatory trend: transparency failures are increasingly treated as enforcement violations, not merely consumer relations issues.

Source Reduction and Research Initiatives

Beyond product bans, the law directs the State to take a more systemic approach to PFAS management.

• Source Reduction Program: No later than one year after the law’s effective date, New Jersey must establish a PFAS source reduction program addressing proper management, reduction, and prevention of PFAS releases.
• Research Funding: The statute also authorizes funding for PFAS related research, reinforcing New Jersey’s dual strategy of aggressive regulation coupled with scientific and technical investment.

These provisions signal that regulated entities should expect continued evolution of PFAS obligations beyond the product categories expressly covered by this law.

Robust Enforcement Authorities and Penalties

The legislation grants the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) extensive enforcement authority. For violations, including false or misleading PFAS-related claims on product labels or websites, the Commissioner may:

• Issue administrative compliance orders
• Bring civil enforcement actions in Superior Court
• Levy civil administrative penalties
• Seek injunctive relief and civil penalties
• Order the cessation of sales or distribution of noncompliant products
• Notify the public regarding violations

Critically, civil administrative penalties range from $1,000 to $20,000 per violation, and each noncompliant product or sale may constitute a separate violation, creating the potential for rapid escalation in exposure across Stock Keeping Units (SKUs), product lines, or sales channels.

Not the End—A Signal of What’s Coming Next

• This is not a niche environmental law. It reaches product formulation, labeling, advertising, and supply chain governance.
• Compliance gaps may translate directly into enforcement actions, penalties, and follow on litigation.
• Insurers should expect increased tendering of PFAS related regulatory, advertising injury, and product liability claims, particularly where allegations of misrepresentation or consumer deception arise.
• Now is the window for risk mitigation. Companies should evaluate formulations, supplier certifications, disclosures, and internal review processes well ahead of the two-year effective date.

Why This Matters Beyond New Jersey

New Jersey’s latest action reflects the broader migration of PFAS regulation away from environmental remediation alone and toward product standards and consumer-facing accountability. For nationally distributed products, New Jersey effectively functions as a bellwether, raising the likelihood that similar frameworks will emerge in other states. In short: PFAS risk is no longer confined to the plant gate or the groundwater. It now sits on store shelves and in enforcement crosshairs. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, particularly those operating on a national scale, should begin evaluating product formulations, supplier certifications, labeling practices, and compliance programs now to manage risk ahead of the two-year effective deadline.

Do you have any questions about PFAS? Our team is here to help get you answers!

Finally, check out our free Global PFAS Regulatory Dashboard to stay on top of regulatory changes like this one. This tool helps organizations monitor and compare PFAS requirements worldwide, so you can anticipate what is coming next.

Originally published on Essity News Features

The global hygiene and health company Essity has been awarded a place on the environmental non-profit organization CDP’s prestigious “A List” for its leadership in corporate transparency and performance on forests. Essity also received an A- rating for climate, underscoring its strong commitment to sustainability.

NEW YORK, January 29, 2025 /3BL/ – The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the global authority for driving market transformation through healthy buildings, organizations and communities, today announced a significant expansion of its WELL program. Two new ratings, the WELL Real Estate Rating and the WELL Operations Rating, will provide real estate companies and funds with a flexible, high-impact way to implement and scale health strategies across their entire portfolios.

WELL serves as the premier platform for leading organizations to invest in health and deliver on social sustainability drivers. The WELL ecosystem supports a growing community of high-performing organizations seeking opportunities to gain recognition as they make progress towards their health and well-being goals. With the debut of these two ratings, IWBI is expanding the ability of real estate companies and funds to achieve initial or incremental recognition through WELL.

Now open for enrollment, the WELL Real Estate Rating focuses on enhancing base building infrastructure while the WELL Operations Rating focuses on addressing base building operations and maintenance. From air ventilation and water quality to design elements that encourage movement and mindfulness, these ratings offer a practical pathway to measure and validate the health strategies most critical to base building performance. Derived from a subset of strategies in the WELL Standard, these ratings help real estate companies earn initial recognition while laying the foundation for full WELL Certification and other milestone achievements over time.

“Through rigorous science and verified performance, we’ve proven that buildings and organizations can be a powerful force for human health,” said IWBI President and CEO Rachel Hodgdon. “By achieving these ratings, real estate leaders have new opportunities to earn recognition at scale, establishing immediate trust with tenants and investors while building toward broader organizational goals.”

Ratings allow organizations to be recognized for their leadership in specific focus areas addressed in the broader WELL Standard. These new ratings provide trusted third-party recognition for the implementation of the health and social impact strategies most relevant to real estate investors and tenants. By focusing on essential infrastructure and operations, the ratings offer a practical pathway to measure and validate key WELL strategies, enabling owners to demonstrate incremental progress and address issues that matter to investors earlier in an asset’s lifecycle.

The WELL Real Estate Rating helps real estate funds, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and asset managers efficiently enhance base building infrastructure to support health and well-being, driving long-term asset and tenant value. The rating targets systems that support indoor environmental quality, incorporates strategies that improve asset and community resilience, and addresses responsible material selection.

The WELL Operations Rating helps property and asset managers enhance base building operations and management. This rating focuses on driving operational excellence through building systems maintenance, indoor environmental quality (IEQ) performance, policies for resilience and readiness, and an enhanced tenant experience.

“Our goal is to give organizations the tools to win with WELL,” said IWBI’s Chief Product Officer Jessica Cooper. “Whether starting with a single office or a global portfolio, the WELL Real Estate Rating and WELL Operations Rating offer the initial validation needed to demonstrate impact and meet today’s growing investor and tenant demands.”

For property owners, a commitment to WELL is a powerful differentiator for attracting and retaining tenants. By investing in base building infrastructure and operations, owners provide the verified foundation tenants need to thrive, enabling them to leverage health-forward design attributes and amenities from the base building that can promote productivity from day one.

Assets that achieve these new ratings will demonstrate leadership in health, social sustainability and ESG performance. The results can be referenced in GRESB submissions, investor communications and sustainability reports.

Today, WELL strategies have been adopted in nearly 100,000 locations totaling more than 6 billion square feet in over 140 countries. More than 190 Global and Fortune 500 companies are among the thousands of organizations that use WELL to benefit more than 30 million people worldwide.

For more information and to enroll in the WELL Real Estate Rating or the WELL Operations Rating, please register your interest here.

About the International WELL Building Institute
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a public benefit corporation and the global authority for transforming health and well-being in buildings, organizations and communities. In pursuit of its public-health mission, IWBI mobilizes its community through the development and administration of the WELL Building Standard (WELL), WELL for residential, WELL Community Standard, its WELL ratings and management of the WELL AP credential. IWBI also translates research into practice, develops educational resources and advocates for policies that promote people-first places for everyone, everywhere. More information on WELL can be found here.

International WELL Building Institute, IWBI, the WELL Building Standard, WELL v2, WELL Certified, WELL AP, WELL EP, WELL Score, The WELL Conference, We Are WELL, the WELL Community Standard, WELL Health-Safety Rated, WELL Performance Rated, WELL Equity Rated, WELL Equity, WELL Coworking Rated, WELL Residence, Works with WELL, WELL and others, and their related logos are trademarks or certification marks of International WELL Building Institute pbc in the United States and other countries.

Media Contact:
media@wellcertified.com

View original content here.

International Olympic Committee news

Key Facts

• An enduring legacy: Cortina d’Ampezzo’s 1956 Olympic venues, innovations and global profile remain integral to the town’s identity and year-round vitality.
• Progress beyond sport: From pioneering broadcast and sporting technology in 1956 to record women’s participation in 2026, Cortina’s Olympic story reflects wider social and technological progress.
• Legacy for a changing mountain reality: Milano Cortina 2026 leverages its Olympic legacy to strengthen the resilience of local communities in the face of climate change.

Seventy years after hosting the Olympic Winter Games, Cortina d’Ampezzo is preparing for its next chapter. Milano Cortina 2026 builds on the legacy of the 1956 Games, with a planning model that makes the most of what already exists, and an approach focused on creating long-term value for Alpine communities in a changing mountain environment.

Legacy that lives on

In Cortina, the Olympic Games’ spirit lives on to this day. The Olympic Ice Stadium remains part of local life, while the Tofane slopes that staged some of skiing’s great moments continue to host elite competitions. The Games broadened Cortina’s links to the world and raised its international profile, anchoring tourism and year-round activity in this Dolomite valley.

Spirit of innovation

That legacy was shaped not only by what was built, but also by how the Games were experienced. Cortina 1956 was notable for a series of sporting and technological innovations that helped position Cortina not just as a host, but also as a reference point for the evolution of winter sport.

Advances in timekeeping set new standards: cross-country skiing results were measured to one-hundredth of a second, a level of precision later adopted by international sports federations for major competitions.

In alpine skiing, starting gates were used for the first time, with official start times triggered by optical signals and a buzzer alerting the athlete – a system used at every Olympic Winter Games since.

Planning with the future in mind

One of the most telling decisions in 1956 was what Cortina chose not to build. There was no Olympic Village: athletes stayed in local hotels or were hosted by families, drawing on existing hospitality capacity and reflecting a clear focus on what would continue to serve the community long after the Games had ended.

When venues were built, it was with the future in mind. Seventy years on, Cortina’s 1956 competition venues still anchor the town’s identity. Almost 70 per cent of its permanent venues remain in use today, regularly hosting FIS World Cup and ski and curling World Championship events. Several will again take centre stage in 2026, ensuring that investments are targeted, efficient and enduring.

That mindset resonates strongly today. With 85 per cent of competition venues already existing, Milano Cortina 2026 organisers are making the best use of world-class venues already woven into the landscape across Northern Italy’s cities, valleys and Alpine towns.

In Cortina, the Olympic Ice Stadium will host curling and wheelchair curling. The Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre will host alpine skiing and para-alpine skiing events.

Sliding sports are also set to return to the Cortina Sliding Centre (Eugenio Monti), through a full redevelopment of the historic track. Deeply ingrained in the town’s sporting heritage, the venue has long been associated with Cortina’s Olympic identity. While the IOC encouraged the use of an existing track in another country to minimise construction, national authorities opted to rebuild the Cortina track to host bobsleigh, skeleton and luge for the 2026 Games, and the hope is now that it will continue the long-held tradition in sliding sports.

The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Villages will again redefine the concept of Olympic living, responding to the needs of the host communities. Six Olympic Villages will adapt to their surroundings, through new construction or the use of existing hotels and facilities. In Cortina, a temporary Alpine town has been created for the Games to welcome 1,400 residents against the dramatic backdrop of the Pomagagnon and Tofane peaks.

Opening doors to the world

The 1956 Games also transformed how Cortina connected with visitors and viewers. These were the first Olympic Winter Games to be broadcast live, in black and white, across eight European countries – a remarkable shift for an event previously experienced mainly by those able to travel to the mountains.

For the first time, winter sport reached audiences as real-time images: skiers carving down the Tofane, skaters circling the rink, a small Alpine town briefly becoming a shared European living-room spectacle.

On the ground, access to Cortina improved as well. While upgrades to the road network were already planned, the staging of the Games accelerated their delivery, supported by significant national investment. Those connections continue to serve residents and visitors today.

Together, these developments made Cortina’s landscape instantly recognisable far beyond Italy, and reinforced its position as an open, connected mountain town. Today, Cortina is home to around 6,000 people in low season, rising to around 50,000 in winter months.

Inclusion milestones that echo across decades

Cortina 1956 also left an imprint on the Olympic story itself. At the Opening Ceremony, the Olympic oath was sworn by a woman for the first time, Italian alpine skier Giuliana Chenal-Minuzzo – a symbolic moment that broadened representation on the Olympic stage.

Seventy years on, Milano Cortina 2026 is set to mark another milestone: 47 per cent of athlete places reserved for women, and 50 women’s events – the most ever at the Olympic Winter Games – reflecting sustained progress towards greater gender balance in winter sport.

A new mountain reality

The region shaped by the Cortina 1956 Olympic Winter Games now faces new challenges. Shorter and less predictable winters are putting increasing pressure on winter tourism economies across Alpine countries, including Italy.

For mountain communities, these changes intersect with broader questions: how to sustain year-round livelihoods, how to retain younger generations, and how to keep local services resilient in the face of growing seasonal uncertainty.

This is where Olympic legacy must mean more than preservation. Through accelerated electricity infrastructure upgrades, the modernisation of the Codivilla Hospital, and the promotion of Cortina as a leading wellness destination, Milano Cortina 2026 is strengthening long-term resilience for the local community.

Seventy years on, Cortina 1956’s story is no longer only about what the Games left behind. It is about how those legacies continue to evolve, responding to the region’s needs and enabling it to thrive in a new mountain reality.

As hospitals across Southern California continue to face a critical need for pediatric blood donations, AEG’s LA Kings partnered with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) throughout January to raise awareness and encourage lifesaving donations as part of National Blood Donor Month.

The month‑long initiative took place at select LA Kings home games, where fans were invited to roll up their sleeves and help address an ongoing shortage of blood products used to treat children with cancer, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Each blood donation had the potential to help save the lives of up to two children receiving care at CHLA.

To thank participants, donors received one complimentary ticket to a select LA Kings home game in January, while appointments were encouraged to ensure a safe and efficient donation process.

“National Blood Donor Month is an important opportunity to highlight how vital blood donations are, especially for children facing serious medical conditions,” said Amanda Apel, Senior Director of Community Relations for the LA Kings. “By partnering with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, we were proud to raise awareness and give our fans an easy way to make a meaningful impact off the ice.”

By the end of January, the initiative collected 98 units of blood, with the potential to help save the lives of up to 200 pediatric patients at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is a global leader in pediatric medicine, providing specialized care to children from across Southern California and beyond. Founded in 1901, CHLA is the largest pediatric hospital in Los Angeles County and is consistently ranked among the nation’s top children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

The partnership reflects the LA Kings’ broader commitment to community health through the Kings Care Foundation, which supports programs focused on youth health, education, and wellness across Greater Los Angeles. Initiatives like National Blood Donor Month underscore the organization’s ongoing effort to drive measurable impact beyond the rink and strengthen the communities it serves.

January 29, 2026 /3BL/ – Lenovo™ announced at the Future of Education Technology Conference® (FETC) 2026 new additions to its portfolio of Chromebook devices to power teaching and learning. These education solutions and more will also be presented at Bett UK 2026, January 21-23, where Lenovo will engage with global education innovators about the future of edtech; AI literacy, safety, and security; device durability and repairability; and more.

From immersive classrooms to research labs, Lenovo, the world leader in supplying laptops, desktops, infrastructure, and smart devices to education, helps institutions inspire the future of learning by empowering education systems with safeguarded, AI-enabled solutions that personalize learning, protect data, and prepare students for the careers of tomorrow.

“The workforce of the future requires smarter technology today,” said Chris Babson, General Manager, Commercial Education Portfolio, Lenovo. “From our Chromebook portfolio to our full stack of technology solutions from the pocket to the cloud, Lenovo places technology in the hands of learners and teachers to help them build stronger learning outcomes.”

Lenovo Chromebooks

Lenovo devices with Google ChromeOS help bring the latest technology to the classroom, including AI-enabled learning, security features, and device management. The newest additions to the Lenovo Chromebook portfolio for education include the Lenovo Chromebook 100e Gen 5, Lenovo Chromebook 500e 2-in-1 Gen 5, Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, and the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 15.

“Lenovo devices with Google ChromeOS help school systems maintain future-proofed fleets that are more secure and easier to deploy, empowering teachers, staff, and students with a more agile experience through powerful applications and AI capabilities,” said Benny Zhang, General Manager, Chromebook Business, Lenovo.

Lenovo Chromebook 100e Gen 5

The Lenovo Chromebook 100e Gen 5 is a rugged and lightweight device that helps K-12 students thrive wherever learning happens. Fueled by either the Intel^® Processor N150 or MediaTek Kompanio 540 processor, this go-everywhere device boasts an 11.6” or 12.2” touch or non-touch display. With a new, innovative design, this Chromebook is built to withstand the rigors of student life. It boasts impressive repairability and serviceability with customer replaceable unit (CRU) components, as well as Lenovo durability and MIL-SPEC testing that protects against drops, spills, and bumps.

The improved 50WHr battery and enhanced Wi-Fi 7 and 4G LTE connectivity mean students can keep learning even when they’re unplugged. With additional ports, including dual USB-C ports, the Lenovo Chromebook 100e is more versatile than ever and ready for peripherals that accelerate learning.

Lenovo Chromebook 500e 2-in-1 Gen 5

January 14, 2026 /3BL/ – The Lenovo Chromebook 500e 2-in-1 Gen 5 delivers impressive versatility at exceptional value for K-12 students. Fueled by either an Intel^® Processor N150 or N250, or MediaTek Kompanio 540 processor, this convertible device empowers students to tackle every assignment with confidence. Because on-the-move learning is standard, this device is resilient in the face of every accidental bump, drop, and spill, with MIL-SPEC testing¹.

Customers can choose from two touch display sizes—11.6” or 12.2”—both within the same streamlined chassis design. The new USI 2.0 stylus with a better grip enables natural interaction with the screen and securely tucks away when not in use. Other enhanced features boost the UX, including the dual USB-C ports, improved serviceability with CRU components, and faster connectivity with Wi-Fi 7. Add the larger 50WHr battery with up to 16 hours² of unplugged productivity, the Lenovo Chromebook 500e 2-in-1 is the go-to learning device for on-the-go students.

Lenovo Chromebook Plus i 14

Powered by the Intel^® Core™ 3 Processor N355, the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 delivers high-productivity features that make the grade for teachers and administrators. Starting at 1.4kg and boasting all-day battery life³ for ideal portability, this durable device is ready for students.

Teacher performance and administrator efficiency will be enhanced by a superior user experience that includes a bold 16:10 display with over 87% screen-to-body ratio, Waves MAXX Audio for crisp sound, and a 5MP camera with a physical shutter. Plus, easy access to Google AI features assists in daily tasks like content creation, image editing, and research organization, so students can focus on learning outcomes. Built for the next generation, this device not only optimizes learning but also prioritizes sustainability and repairability with CRU components.

The recently announced Lenovo Chromebook Plus i 15 with Google AI features and powered by an Intel Core i3 processor, also further extends Lenovo’s broad portfolio of Chromebook options. Available in both consumer and education models, the Chromebook Plus i (15”, 10) wows with a 15-inch 2K IPS display and audio tuned by Waves, keeps the user productive with up to 11 hours of battery life⁴, a full numpad and a larger touchpad, a fingerprint reader, and a 5MP webcam with privacy shutter.

Chrome Portal for Lenovo Device Orchestration

Lenovo Device Orchestration (LDO) for education is an intelligent endpoint management solution that empowers IT teams to monitor, manage, and optimize their school or district’s entire fleet of devices to predict and prevent common issues. LDO makes it easier to enhance device health, security, and performance across operating systems, reducing downtime and boosting staff and student productivity.

ChromeOS is now supported on LDO. IT staff can onboard a school system’s entire ChromeOS fleet with Google Admin Console connector through LDO and see all its Chromebook devices in one place within a dedicated Chrome Management page.

With the power to view accurate and detailed Chromebook data from Google and Lenovo in a simple interface, IT administrators can filter by telemetry data such as last check-in, battery health, last user, and more to analyze, manage, and protect fleets.

Lenovo at FETC and BETT

For more information about these products and services for education, visit Lenovo at Booth 900 at FETC 2026 and Stand NH20 at Bett 2026.

Availability

The Lenovo Chromebook 100e Gen 5, Lenovo Chromebook 500e 2-in-1 Gen 5, and Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 / 15 will be available in select markets worldwide in the first half of 2026.

Product Specifications

^{[1] MIL-STD 810H establishes a methodology for testing products against environmental stresses under controlled laboratory conditions. Lenovo uses the U.S. Department of Defense’s MIL-SPEC standards to test devices against hazardous physical and environmental conditions to determine durability. Such testing is not a guarantee of future performance under these test conditions. Abuse, like that contained in MIL-STD 810H testing, is not covered under Lenovo’s standard warranty.
[2] Battery life claims are approximate and based on internal testing under optimal conditions using MobileMark25. Actual battery performance will vary and depend on numerous factors.
[3] Battery life claims are approximate and based on internal testing under optimal conditions using MobileMark25. Actual battery performance will vary and depend on numerous factors.
[4] Battery life claims are approximate and based on internal testing under optimal conditions using MobileMark25. Actual battery performance will vary and depend on numerous factors.
[5] Available user storage and internal memory is less due to operating system, software and other functions utilizing part of this capacity; may change with software updates.
[6] Battery life claims are approximate and based on internal testing under optimal conditions using MobileMark25. Actual battery performance will vary and depend on numerous factors.
[7] Battery life claims are approximate and based on internal testing under optimal conditions using MobileMark25. Actual battery performance will vary and depend on numerous factors.
[8] To maximize a tight budget and still enjoy the ChromeOS experience for efficient productivity tasks, email, browsing, this device is available as a Lenovo Chromebook. Powered by either Intel® Processor N150/N250 or MediaTek Kompanio 540, this standard Lenovo Chromebook (14”, 11) delivers ample performance to boost learning outcomes—all at great value.
[9] Available user storage and internal memory is less due to operating system, software and other functions utilizing part of this capacity; may change with software updates.
[10] Available user storage and internal memory is less due to operating system, software and other functions utilizing part of this capacity; may change with software updates.
[11] Battery life claims are approximate and based on internal testing under optimal conditions using MobileMark25. Actual battery performance will vary and depend on numerous factors.}
 

^{LENOVO is a trademark of Lenovo. Google is a trademark of Google, LLC. Intel, Core and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Wi-Fi is a trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. USB Type-C® and USB-C® are registered trademarks of USB Implementers Forum. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Lenovo is under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2026 Lenovo Group Limited. All rights reserved.}

About Lenovo

Lenovo is a US$69 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #196 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company with a full-stack portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo’s continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub.

As we reflect on the year behind us and look ahead to 2026, we are pleased to recognize and sincerely thank David Grant, BIER’s 2025 Steering Committee Co-Chair and incoming 2026 Chair, for his leadership, experience, and steady guidance.

David brings deep institutional knowledge and long-standing experience within both BIER and the broader beverage industry. His familiarity with the organization, combined with his extensive industry tenure, allows him to quickly cut to what matters most and keep discussions focused on practical outcomes.

As Co-Chair, David has been consistently pragmatic and thoughtful in his approach. He brings a high level of rigor to decision-making and a clear-eyed perspective on what it takes to move from intention to action. He is particularly focused on ensuring that BIER’s work reflects real commitment by translating shared goals into tangible collaboration and measurable progress.

David has been a strong advocate for aligning resources and effort with stated priorities, encouraging members to engage deeply and supporting initiatives that drive substantive collective action rather than symbolic alignment. His emphasis on accountability and follow-through has been invaluable as BIER continues to evolve and strengthen its impact.

David’s leadership throughout 2025 builds on a strong foundation of engagement with BIER and the beverage sector more broadly. In his role at PepsiCo, he leads global climate and water solutions, focusing on watershed health, operational resilience, agricultural systems, and identifying and scaling innovative technologies that advance sustainability outcomes. This integrated, systems-level perspective has been a valuable asset to BIER’s Steering Committee discussions and strategic direction.

As BIER enters its 20th year, David steps into the role of Chair at a pivotal moment for the organization and the sector. His experience, discipline, and commitment to meaningful collaboration position BIER well for the year ahead. We are grateful for David’s contributions as Co-Chair and look forward to his continued leadership as he assumes the role of Chair in 2026.

Thank you, David, for your dedication, clarity, and steady leadership, and for helping guide BIER toward its next chapter of collective impact.

The Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER) is a technical coalition of leading global beverage companies working together to advance environmental sustainability within the beverage sector.

January 2026 marks one year since Eaton Canyon wildfires swept across the Los Angeles area of California, leaving a trail of destruction and uncertainty in their wake. Amid the chaos of the fires, the importance of reliable and continuous healthcare became clear, especially for people relying on life-sustaining treatments like dialysis.

For DaVita, the commitment to patients and teammates (employees) never wavered. When the fires threatened communities, DaVita teams at the local and national level jumped into action to help patients receive uninterrupted care. This commitment included securing alternative treatment locations, providing resources and emotional support and coordinating transportation during a stressful time.

“We just started to think about, okay, what makes good sense in order to get patients treated the next day,” Mona Marin, group facility administrator for DaVita, says.

The fires tested the resilience of the healthcare system and also highlighted the strength and compassion within the community. Stories emerged of teammates supporting patients’ well-being. These acts of unwavering support are a testament to the bonds built withing the healthcare experience — and strengthened in the face of adversity.

“Patients really realized how much the team cared,” Marin shares.

Twenty-five DaVita patients had their homes affected by the fires. This included Emily Thomas, who is a peritoneal dialysis patient. When she lost her home, her DaVita care team made sure she had access to the care she needed in an environment where she found empathy and strength. As Thomas and her family continue to rebuild, she continues to receive the kidney care she needs in center.

Leaning into their support, Thomas now shares that her care team has started to feel like family and a source of comfort. She says:

“In the face of disasters, you find out who people really are, and that’s what gives you hope.”