Tag: 3BL

In the face of climate change and the crucial need for sustainable practices, the real estate sector is undergoing a transformative shift. With buildings today contributing to roughly 40% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions¹, and with the projection that 70% of the global population will live in cities by 2050², the importance of decarbonizing operations in real estate is clear.

Thankfully, AI can help.

Our newest report explores the critical role of AI in combating these issues to both enhance energy efficiency and sustainability within the commercial real estate sector. Through practical case studies and professional insights, this report demonstrates how strategic energy conservation and optimization paired with technological solutions can help turn the climate challenge into an opportunity, with a focus on the rise of human-centric AI.

How AI is helping to improve energy efficiency and management in real estate

Through case studies and professional insights, learn how artificial intelligence can help create cities where people’s well-being and sustainability are core requirements.

Click here to download the report.

Human-centric AI principles in real estate

1. User comfort and well-being

   Human-centric AI in building control systems focuses on maintaining optimal indoor environmental quality. It dynamically adjust building systems based on occupant preferences to create a productive and healthy indoor environment.

2. Energy performance and sustainability

   Human-centric AI optimizes building control systems to minimize energy demand and environmental impact, while maintaining high comfort levels. It employs advanced algorithms and predictive analytics to optimize heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and other energy-consuming devices based on real-time data and occupancy patterns.

3. Adaptation and flexibility

   Human-centric AI enables building control systems to adapt to changing occupancy patterns, usage scenarios, and external conditions. It employs machine learning and adaptive control techniques to learn from historical data and dynamically adjust system parameters to meet evolving needs and preferences.

4. Transparency and control

   Human-centric AI provides transparency and control over building systems, allowing building owners to understand how the systems operate and adjust settings according to preferences of tenants and visitors.

5. Interoperability and integration

   Human-centric AI facilitates interoperability and integration between different building systems and devices.

The integration of AI in commercial real estate not only leads to improved energy performance but also opens doors for enhanced competitive advantages through sustainability-driven strategies. As the market continues to evolve, it becomes evident that AI is no longer an optional enhancement; instead, it is a necessary framework for fostering energy efficient practices in an ever-competitive landscape.

Unlock the potential of AI with KPMG

KPMG professionals help clients harness the power and the potential of AI from strategy to implementation:

• KPMG’s Strategic Energy Management (SEM) framework serves as a bedrock supporting efficient application of AI for real estate. SEM is a holistic, continuous improvement framework that enables organizations to adopt a culture of energy efficiency and decarbonization.
• KPMG professionals employ specialized knowledge to support clients throughout the technical implementation of AI solutions, from developing a digital twin, conducting data-driven system audits to launching AI-based control.

Click here to read this report on kpmg.com

Footnotes

¹ https://www.usgbc.org/articles/advocating-building-materials-low-embodied-carbon

² https://www.un.org/uk/desa/68-world-population-projected-live-urban-areas-2050-says-un

CNH’s New Holland brand is advancing into the future of sustainable farming with groundbreaking alternative fuel solutions. The T7 Methane Power tractor is an innovation that’s a true game-changer for farmers ready to embrace sustainable energy.

CNH’s latest A Sustainable Year story spotlights French farmer and pioneering biomethane producer, Christophe Rousseau, who was approached by New Holland to trial the T7 Methane Power tractor. After putting it through its paces, Rousseau praised its performance saying that it performs “every bit as well as the diesel variant”. New Holland engineers have created a tractor with a tank capable of holding 657 liters (173 gallons US) of gas – enough to power the T7 Methane Power for a full, eight-hour busy silage shift.

Biogas is gaining traction in the industry, and CNH is a longstanding pioneer. The company also invested in Bennamann, a UK-based start-up focused on putting energy independence directly into farmer’s hands by providing on-farm fueling stations and micro-digesters which turn cattle manure into tractor fuel. Rousseau’s farm in Domecy-sur-Cure demonstrates what’s possible. It’s a vivid example of how renewable energy can inspire modern agriculture.

Read the full story here.

As coordinator of the Technical Secretariat, Cascale highlights progress and next steps for the Apparel & Footwear Product Environmental Footprint methodology.

On September 25, 2025, Cascale participated in the official London launch event for the European Commission’s Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) for apparel and footwear. The event brought together Cascale members, NGOs, technical experts, and stakeholders from across the value chain to explore the significance of the newly approved methodology for environmental impact assessment.

Held at The Mills Fabrica and facilitated by WRAP and 2BPolicy, the event featured panel discussions and presentations designed to raise awareness and support adoption of the methodology. The London event is the first in a series of launch events planned across Europe, following the formal launch of the PEFCR held in Brussels in June 2025. Additional events are expected in Paris, Milan, Munich, and Amsterdam.

Opening remarks were delivered by Lee Green, vice president of marketing & communications at Cascale, who reflected on the five-year collaborative effort behind the development of the PEFCR. He emphasized the importance of harmonization, scientific integrity, and collective action in responding to growing sustainability expectations and regulatory demands across the industry. His comments emphasized the potential for the PEFCR to move beyond a technical framework and become a catalyst for broader transformation, offering businesses and civil society a shared foundation to measure, compare, and reduce product-level impacts.

As coordinator of the Technical Secretariat since 2019, Cascale has played a central role in guiding the multi-stakeholder process that led to the development of the methodology. The organization continues to champion science-based, standardized approaches to sustainability measurement and their alignment with evolving EU policy.

Two panel discussions dug into both the strengths of the PEFCR and areas where it can be further improved. They also considered its role in supporting the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and new anti-greenwashing rules. Dedicated time for audience questions allowed participants to clarify what the PEFCR means in practice.

Cascale’s participation reflects its continued leadership in advancing tools and frameworks that enable data-driven environmental progress across the apparel and footwear value chain.

Learn more about Cascale’s work on the Apparel & Footwear PEFCR here.

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

Despite the Orange football team falling short to Tennessee, 45-26, in the Aflac Kickoff Game, there was a victory taking place in Syracuse, New York. As she cheered from her treatment room Saturday afternoon, a Syracuse superfan received her final round of chemo.

Judy, 11, was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma in December 2024. What began as a small lump, suspected to be a mosquito bite, turned out to be a malignant soft tissue tumor.

Of course, the news came as a shock, but Judy faced every step with remarkable strength and resilience.

As they were fishing one afternoon, Judy’s family got an unexpected call from SUNY Upstate Medical University asking for Judy to come visit the Syracuse football facility for a day.

Greeted with a bundle of personality by Otto the Orange, Judy and family arrived at John A. Lally Athletics Complex the week before Syracuse’s season opener. Sitting down with Syracuse Head Football Coach Fran Brown in the film room accentuated by orange and blue, Judy shared a memorable experience highlighted by warm smiles.

Along with signed memorabilia and Syracuse swag, Coach Brown provided Judy with a unique gift. Gratified with a smile, Judy received her personal My Special Aflac Duck ®, a free-of-charge robotic companion that provides a way for children to express their emotions during their time of cancer treatment. Though her new friend displayed plenty of emotions, Judy herself has shown incredible resiliency and positivity. Despite facing countless needle pokes, painful side effects, constant nausea, surgery and the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis, she has maintained a level of hope and strength that has inspired everyone around her.

Coach Brown conveyed that same perspective of positivity when sharing his faith with Judy and her family expressing where his strength comes from. Judy showed her appreciation by giving Coach Brown a unique bracelet that he would later wear on the sidelines in the Aflac Kickoff Game.

Not wanting their communion to end, Coach invited the family to join him for dinner in the players’ cafeteria where they shared some time together as the special day concluded.

Judy wasn’t the only one to receive Syracuse love that afternoon. A couple of patients in the Syracuse area also received a My Special Aflac Duck as well as a special message and signed memorabilia from Coach Brown.

These patient partnerships wouldn’t have been possible without the outreach that the Aflac Kickoff Game provides and with the help of Aflac nation to provide support. Aflac Northeast Regional Sales Coordinator Joe Calarco was instrumental in connecting Aflac and the local hospitals. Using his connections within the community, he did an admirable job by creating relationships with the patients. Other members of the Aflac nation also attended the get-together to show their support for Judy and her family.

As the nation’s longest-running neutral-site game on opening weekend, the Aflac Kickoff Game blends passion for football with dedication to making a difference. Through Aflac’s partnership with Peach Bowl, Inc., the game places an emphasis on purpose and the support of participating teams’ communities through the Kickoff for a Cause initiative.

In the first three years of Aflac’s sponsorship of the kickoff game, Kickoff for a Cause has helped raise more than $1.2 million while bringing much-needed awareness to pediatric cancer at the start of September, National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

This milestone year marks 30 years of Aflac’s commitment supporting pediatric cancer care and research, with more than $191 million contributed since support began. You can also make a difference by visiting give.choa.org/aflac to donate today.

Aflac WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

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BRANDON, S.D., September 29, 2025 /3BL/ – Henkel, a global leader in adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings, and leading manufacturer of well-known consumer brands, celebrated the expansion of its manufacturing facility in Brandon, South Dakota. With an investment of approximately $30 million and additional support from South Dakota’s government and economic development organizations, the site has doubled in size – from 35,000 to 70,000 square feet – enhancing its role as Henkel’s North American flagship for thermal management and adhesives solutions.

This strategic expansion plays a pivotal role in delivering high-performance materials, manufactured under the leading LOCTITE® and BERGQUIST® brands, tailored to the evolving needs of the electric vehicle (EV) and electronics industries.

“This expansion marks a significant milestone in Henkel’s journey to support the long-term growth of the EV and electronics markets with sustainable, high-performance solutions,” said Bjoern Jackisch, Senior Vice President, Operations & Supply Chain, Henkel Adhesive Technologies. “Our investment in Brandon reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and strong partnerships – with our customers and the community. We’re proud to strengthen our footprint in North America and contribute to the future of mobility.”

A Hub for Sustainable Manufacturing

Henkel’s Brandon facility is the first in its North American Adhesive Technologies business to achieve LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, the most widely recognized green building rating system. The project is registered with the certification goal of LEED Silver® and underscores Henkel’s dedication to sustainable operations and responsible growth.

Advanced Capabilities for Long-term Growth 

The expansion includes the installation of additional mixers, enabling high-volume production of advanced thermal management and adhesive solutions. These technologies are essential for maintaining optimal operating temperatures and ensuring the long-term performance, safety, and durability of automotive batteries and electronic components. The upgraded facility now has the capacity to produce thermal management materials at a robust scale, supporting the long-term growth of the EV and electronics market across North America.

“This expansion is more than an investment in infrastructure – it’s a testament to what’s possible when industry, government, and community come together with a shared vision,” stated Marcel Fleck, Senior Vice President, Automotive Components, Henkel Adhesive Technologies. “Aligned with the addition of our new North America Battery Application Center in Madison Heights, Michigan, we are deepening our collaboration with customers and accelerating innovation in EV and electronics and building a more sustainable future. We are grateful for the unwavering support of our local community and government officials, along with the dedicated employees, who together, have made this expanded facility a reality.”

Empowering People and Digitizing Operations

The Brandon facility is home to over 100 talented employees whose pioneering spirit reflects Henkel’s global values. The expansion also supports Henkel’s long-term strategy to digitize operations for enhanced efficiency and sustainability, including paperless workflows and automated temperature and timing controls. The Brandon facility was built in 2009. Henkel’s significant investment in Brandon was announced in October 2021, followed by the start of construction in September 2022.

About Henkel in North America 
Henkel’s portfolio of well-known brands in North America includes all®, Purex® and Persil® laundry detergents, Snuggle® fabric softeners, Dial® soaps, Schwarzkopf® hair care, as well as Loctite®, Technomelt® and Bonderite® adhesives. With sales close to 6.5 billion US dollars (6 billion euros) in 2024, North America accounts for 28 percent of the company’s global sales. Henkel employs around 8,000 people across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. For more information, please visit www.henkel-northamerica.com and on X @Henkel_NA.

About Henkel
With its brands, innovations and technologies, Henkel holds leading market positions worldwide in the industrial and consumer businesses. The business unit Adhesive Technologies is a global leader in the market for adhesives, sealants and functional coatings. With Consumer Brands, the company holds leading positions especially in laundry & home care and hair in many markets and categories around the world. The company’s three strongest brands are Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf. In fiscal 2024, Henkel reported sales of more than 21.6 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 3.1 billion euros. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. Sustainability has a long tradition at Henkel, and the company has a clear sustainability strategy with specific targets. Henkel was founded in 1876 and today employs a diverse team of about 47,000 people worldwide – united by a strong corporate culture, shared values and a common purpose: “Pioneers at heart for the good of generations.” More information at www.henkel.com.

Photo material is available at www.henkel-northamerica.com/press

Henkel Contact: Erica Cooper
Phone: 475-232-4973
Email: erica.cooper@henkel.com

September 29, 2025 /3BL/ – Kris Lingle-Griffith, Vice President of Marketing for AEG Presents Las Vegas, has been named to the VEGAS INC Women Inspiring Nevada 2025 list.

Lingle-Griffith oversees marketing strategy for some of Las Vegas’ biggest entertainment offerings, including residencies, concerts, and special events produced by AEG Presents. Her role places her at the center of campaigns that help maintain Las Vegas’ status as a global live entertainment destination.

In addition to her work at AEG Presents, Lingle-Griffith serves on the board of WISE (Women in Sports and Events) Las Vegas, where she advocates for mentorship, networking, and professional opportunities for women in the entertainment and sports industries.

Her honor comes as AEG Presents prepares for major milestones in Las Vegas, including the reopening of Resorts World Theatre after its summer 2025 renovation. The venue now features elevated VIP offerings and flexible seating to accommodate shows with a general admission (GA) floor.

The Women Inspiring Nevada list is an annual recognition by VEGAS INC honoring women whose leadership and achievements are shaping Nevada’s future. Lingle-Griffith joins a distinguished group of honorees across business, education, healthcare, and community leadership, all recognized for their contributions to the state’s growth and success.

Cummins

When Collins N. first read about Nikola Tesla, he didn’t just see an inventor, he saw a model for what engineering could be: imaginative, bold and rooted in impact. “Tesla’s forward-thinking approach to engineering inspired me to pursue innovation,” Collins said. That early curiosity about how things work and how ideas become real-world solutions led him to enter math and physics competitions, tinker with machines and eventually pursue mechanical engineering at Howard University.

As a student, Collins joined the Cummins × NSBE Integrated Pipeline Program (IPP), which provided both a scholarship and an internship. His first internship in 2021 brought him to Cummins Turbo Technologies (CTT) as a Customer Application Engineer intern. A year later, he returned to work at Cummins as a Systems Engineer. After graduating in 2023, Collins joined Cummins full-time through the Engineering Development Program. His first rotation placed him in the engine business unit, where he supported OEM integration efforts for the B7.2 product. In June 2024, he transitioned into his current role as a Customer Application Engineer at CTT.

Today, Collins helps customers ensure that turbochargers are properly integrated and optimized for their specific applications. He works cross-functionally to review technical documentation, analyze performance data, support turbo builds and tests and ensure we meet all standards and customer expectations. “The cool factor is seeing something you’ve worked on come to life—knowing that our solutions are making a real difference out there,” he shared. “Even while I’m still learning, I can see how my work contributes to something bigger.”

Collins currently works hybrid, spending two days a week in the office and the rest remotely. “Office days are great for collaboration in the lab and test cell,” he said. “Remote days give me focused time to dig into technical details. It’s a great balance.” He appreciates how leaders at Cummins emphasize trust and flexibility, focusing on outcomes rather than micromanaging schedules. That trust has helped him stay productive while maintaining energy and well-being outside of work.

Staying energized matters, and Collins makes a point of fueling his creativity beyond the office—curating music playlists, discovering new artists and traveling to experience different cultures. “Those moments of inspiration and movement help me recharge and bring new perspective to my work,” he said. He also keeps active with regular workouts and outdoor activities, which help him stay sharp throughout the week.

When asked what originally drew him to Cummins, Collins pointed to the culture. “My classmates at Howard who had interned here always spoke highly of the company—how supportive and inclusive it was,” he said. “Once I joined, I saw it for myself.” From his very first experience with Cummins, he noticed how open people are to sharing knowledge, mentoring and encouraging growth. “Our open-door culture isn’t just a phrase—it’s something you feel every day.”

That culture of inclusion is especially important to Collins. He’s active in employee resource groups, including the Cummins Black Network (CBN), and appreciates Cummins’ impactful work with Historically Black Colleges and Universities. “From day one, I felt like I belonged,” he said. “Our leaders make space for diverse voices, and that’s not something you find everywhere.”

Looking ahead, Collins is excited about growing deeper in his role and continuing to build technical expertise. Eventually, he plans to pursue an MBA to complement his engineering experience with business and leadership skills. “I want to be a bridge between technical excellence and strategic thinking,” he said. “There’s a lot I still want to learn, and I know I’m in the right place to do that.”

FedEx Cares celebrated the winners of the 2nd annual Purple Totes Grant Contest. More than 2,500 volunteers collected over 3,000 totes filled with much-needed items for nonprofits worldwide. Teams competed by posting their contributions to social media for a chance to win a $5,000 grant for the nonprofit of their choice.

FedEx donated $30,000 to nonprofits selected by the 2024 contest winners:

• Small Division: Bundle Up Hampton Roads, Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.
   
• Medium Division: Western Australia Legendaries, Perth, Western Australia
   
• Large Division: Repair Service Center, Collierville, Tennessee, U.S.
   
• Most Creative Winner: Santa Paws, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, U.S.
   
• Most Impactful Winner: NZJA, Irvine, California, U.S. 
   
• Most Engaging Winner: LoveCat@TW, New Taipei City, Taiwan

FedEx supports the USO’s mission to strengthen the well-being of the people serving in America’s military and their families For 24 years, FedEx has supported the USO through in-kind shipping, cash grants and volunteering. FedEx enhances the USO’s operational capabilities by sharing logistics expertise, streamlining processes, and implementing advanced communication systems. Our team members volunteer at kitting events to assemble care packages containing everyday essentials and holiday items. These packages serve as tangible symbols of gratitude and support for service members deployed around the globe.

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

Reaching 100% renewable electricity in 10 years – that’s a bold target. And bold targets require bold solutions.

One way Teva is working toward this target is through Virtual Power Purchase Agreements, or VPPAs. These are long-term contracts that help build new clean energy projects, like solar farms. They go beyond Teva sites and bring more renewable energy into the public grid. 

Teva just signed its second VPPA for a new solar project in Bulgaria. Together with the Spain VPPA already in place, this has the potential to cover 90% of Teva’s electricity needs in Europe.

Over the life of the agreement, the project is expected to avoid approximately 15,840 metric tons of CO₂e emissions per year [1], supporting Teva’s goal to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 46.2% by 2030. It also sets a precedent for integrating storage within VPPA structures, enhancing grid resilience and the value of renewable energy procurement.

“This agreement represents another significant step forward in our decarbonization journey,” said Josh Decktor, Vice President, Head of Global Environment Health Safety & Sustainability, Teva. By investing in a newly built solar asset with integrated storage, we are not only securing clean energy but also enhancing grid resilience and flexibility – key components of our strategy to meet our science-based targets.”

It’s complex – complementing on-site solutions by expanding renewable energy at the grid level. But with true teamwork across the company and with its partners, Teva is delivering on its promise to contribute to a healthier planet.

Want to learn more about Teva’s targets and  progress towards them? Read the latest Healthy Future Report: https://ow.ly/EXR250X23Fs

 

^{[1] Total expected volume of electricity generated the first year of the PPA (60 GWh) x 2024 Bulgarian electricity carbon intensity (264 gCO₂e/kWh – Our World in Data) = 15,840 tCO₂e”}

BOSTON, September 29, 2025 /3BL/ – At PackExpo Las Vegas, Sappi North America will feature its What’s Next campaign, showcasing new products, expanded capabilities, and sustainable solutions for converters, brand owners, and consumers. From September 29 to October 1, Sappi will be at Booth SL-19005 in the Materials and Containers Pavilion (South Hall Lower), where attendees can learn about new product launches, expanded capabilities, and the company’s commitment to responsible production.

Expanded Capacity for Reliable Supply

Sappi will highlight the recent upgrade and expansion of its Somerset Mill in Maine, now home to PM1 and PM2—the most advanced paperboard machines in North America. With this investment, Sappi has more than doubled its SBS capacity to 920,000 tons per year, ensuring dependable delivery and consistent quality backed by built-in supply redundancy.

“This expansion positions us to serve our customers with even greater speed and reliability,” said Paul Bortolan, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “From high-quality packaging to everyday consumer goods, Sappi delivers the strength, performance, and environmental responsibility today’s brands expect.”

New Product Launches: LusterFSB and Proto Max

• LusterFSB 
  Sappi’s trusted food service board is now BPI-certified compostable (12–24pt in commercial facilities). Independently tested and verified to break down successfully according to the requirements in ASTM D6400-21. LusterFSB delivers superior convertibility, consistent reliability,and exceptional printability.
• Proto Max 
  Engineered for demanding applications, Proto Max offers efficiency, strength, and durability. With improved stiffness and a proprietary coating formulation, it provides a uniform print surface optimized for laser etching. Proto Max offers consistent performance in high-speed filling lines for industries where precision matters most, including healthcare, cosmetics, and consumer electronics.

Both products are backed by Somerset Mill’s new capacity, giving customers the assurance of secure supply and consistent quality with every run.

Sappi Sponsors Vicki Strull: The Touch Advantage

Sappi is sponsoring an exclusive session featuring packaging strategist Vicki Strull, who will explore the impact of physical touch on consumer behavior.

• Session Title: The Touch Advantage: Untouched is Unsold
• Date/Time: Tuesday, September 30 | 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.
• Location: Innovation Stage 3 (W-4318)
• Bonus: Free copy of The Touch Effect (while supplies last)

Key Takeaways:

• Consumers are 50% more likely to purchase after two physical interactions
• Premium materials reduce the number of touches needed to drive conversion
• Tactile experiences build emotional connections and enhance brand loyalty

Booth Highlights

Visitors to Booth SL-19005 can:

• Take a “touch test” to experience the impact of premium materials
• Pick up new product samples, including LusterFSB and Proto Max
• Explore Sappi’s portfolio of paperboard, flexible packaging, containerboard, and label papers

Sappi continues to advance versatile, high-performing, and environmentally responsible solutions designed to elevate brands and shape the future of packaging.

About Sappi North America, Inc. 

Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Sappi North America, Inc., is a leader in converting wood fiber into superior products that are used worldwide. Sappi NA has a corporate office in Portland, Maine and mills in Skowhegan and Westbrook, Maine, Cloquet, Minnesota, and Matane, Quebec, along with a dedicated Technology Center and Sheeting Facility. Sappi NA employs approximately 2,100 people in the United States and Canada.

Sappi NA uses a renewable, recyclable natural source – woodfiber – to create packaging, specialty papers, graphic papers, and pulp that make everyday products more sustainable. Sappi supports sustainable forestry and sustainable manufacturing to mitigate climate change, protect biodiversity and improve soil and water quality.

Sappi North America is a subsidiary of Sappi Limited (JSE), a global company headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, with more than 12,000 employees and manufacturing operations on three continents in seven countries and customers in over 150 countries. To learn more, visit www.sappi.com 

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Contacts

Contact: April Jones

Corporate Communications Manager, Sappi North America

april.jones@sappi.com

617.398.0691

 

Contact: Hannah Lilly

Client Manager, Broadreach Public Relations

hannahl@broadreachpr.com

207.228.3869