Tag: 3BL

MilliporeSigma, the U.S. and Canada Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, announces the opening of the company’s first manufacturing facility designed for climate-neutral operations in Blarney Business Park, Cork, Ireland. This milestone marks a significant step towards the company’s commitment to achieving a 50% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions and 52% per Euro value added in Scope 3 emissions by 2030 (compared to 2020 baselines) and climate neutrality by 2040.

The €150 million state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, dedicated to producing filtration devices, was built following the company’s Sustainable Building Guidelines – an internal program that outlines sustainability considerations to reduce the environmental impact for capital expenditures. The result is a facility that not only raises the bar for manufacturing sustainability but also aligns with the company’s long-term sustainability commitments.

Key sustainability highlights of the Blarney facility include:

• 100% renewable electricity: Sourced locally through a Power Purchase Agreement, covering all operations at the site.
• Compressed air system: Expected to avoid an estimated 61 metric tons of CO₂e emissions annually through compression dryers and an energy recovery system.
• Water efficiency: More than 95% of the purified water used in manufacturing will be reused, significantly improving water stewardship and operational efficiency.
• Heat pump technology: Provides all the heating and cooling needs of the facility.

Beyond the company’s investments in new facilities, it is also investing in existing infrastructure to drive long-term impact. Through its EDISON program, the company plans to allocate approximately €125 million between 2022 and 2030 to fund high-impact energy and water efficiency opportunities across the company’s global footprint. In 2025, €11.7 million will support 50 projects across 30 sites globally.

Learn more about the sustainability efforts of MilliporeSigma by visiting its sustainability and social business innovation webpage.

In another move aimed at rolling back federal environmental laws and regulations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Sept. 12 that it was proposing to eliminate the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program. This program, which began in 2009, requires about 8,000 large, mostly industrial polluters such as refineries, power plants, and landfills, to annually report their GHG emissions to the federal government.

This latest proposal, which follows the EPA’s announcement in July of a plan to overturn the 2009 finding known as the Endangerment Finding (covered in our August 1 newsletter), is the focus of our Top Stories this issue. The Associated Press reported that EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin “called the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program ‘burdensome’ and unhelpful to improving human health and the environment,” claiming ending the program would save American businesses up in $2.4 billion in regulatory costs over 10 years.

The AP also reported that “experts say dropping the requirement… risks a big increase in emissions, since companies would no longer be publicly accountable for what they discharge into the air.” David Doniger, a senior strategist at the Natural Resources Defense Council, called the proposal “a cynical effort to keep the American public in the dark, because if they don’t know who the polluters are, they can’t do anything to hold them responsible.”

While the EPA is seeking to eliminate federal GHG reporting requirements, the Los Angeles Times reported that California is well positioned to continue monitoring GHG emissions in the state due to its own GHG emissions reporting program. According to the LA Times, “the California Air Resources Board (CARB) administers its own state-level greenhouse gas reporting program that in some ways exceeds that of the federal one that is now on the chopping block.”

CARB requires large stationary polluters that emit over 10,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent to annually report their emissions, compared with the EPA’s minimum of 25,000 metric tons. California’s program also includes additional reporting categories such as fuel suppliers and electricity importers that the EPA does not require.

The LA Times also reports that “unlike the federal program, California’s system also goes beyond data collection and is directly tied to compliance obligations.” This is because the reporting is integrated with the state’s cap-and trade program that sets limits on GHG emissions and allows large polluters to buy and sell unused emission allowances at quarterly auctions.

While California and other Democratic-led states may be better positioned to continue requiring large polluters to report GHG emissions, health and environmental groups say the country as a whole will be harmed by the Trump Administration’s proposals to eliminate federal reporting requirements. Will Barrett, assistant vice president at the American Lung Assn., was quoted in the LA Times saying, “measuring and reporting climate pollution is a critical step in reducing the deadly impacts of climate-driven extremes that cause more pollution, catastrophic weather events, health emergencies and deaths. Ignoring this reality is a deadly choice, and not one that EPA should be making for American families.”

The Environmental Defense Fund issued a statement vowing to “vigorously oppose the Trump EPA’s proposal to eliminate the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program,” saying “eliminating information about pollution will not make the problem of climate change go away, it will only make it more expensive and difficult to deal with.” The EPA is planning to publish the plan in the Federal Register in coming days, after which public comments on the proposal will be accepted for more than six weeks.

The EPA is currently taking public comments on its proposal to eliminate the Endangerment Finding through Sept. 22, and any actions taken are expected to be challenged in court by environmental and public health groups. The G&A team will continue to monitor developments on potential changes to emissions reporting requirements and we are available to answer your questions on how this may impact your organization’s sustainability reporting programs.

This is just the introduction of G&A’s Sustainability Highlights newsletter this week. Click here to view the full issue.

AEG Presents, in collaboration with the City of San Francisco and Non Plus Ultra, hosted a select group of students and young professionals for its College Connection Program at the Portola Music Festival, a hands-on, day-long experience designed to inspire and empower the next generation of live entertainment professionals.

Participants were given an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at one of San Francisco’s most dynamic music festivals. The day included guided tours of the festival grounds led by Goldenvoice’s Director of Festival Operations, Tim Le, an industry panel featuring executives from AEG, Goldenvoice, and the San Francisco Entertainment Commission, and speed mentoring sessions with professionals from departments such as merchandise, partner activations, sales, and production.

“The College Connection Program at Portola is about opening doors and showing students that there’s a place for them in live music — not just as fans, but as contributors and future leaders,” said Twana Simmons, DE&I Business Partner, AEG Presents. “By connecting students with mentors, reviewing resumes, and even hiring participants on the spot, we’re helping them see what’s possible and giving them the tools to step into this industry with confidence.”

Over lunch, students had the opportunity to network with panelists and peers, followed by one-on-one resume reviews led by AEG Presents’ HR team. The impact was immediate — 13 students were hired to join the Portola Festival team in roles spanning box office, marketing, and guest services.

AEG Presents’ College Connection Program reflects the company’s commitment to education, workforce development, and inclusive access in live entertainment. By offering real-world experience, mentorship, and direct pathways to employment, the initiative is helping shape the future of music and events—one student at a time.

To learn more about AEG, AEG Presents and Goldenvoice please click here.

By Marie Hatter

Previously published by RTInsights

As artificial intelligence advances, we are moving from applications focusing on content generation to actionable knowledge workers. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT have become integral to work, with 28% of employees in the U.S. already utilizing these technologies. The next phase poised to reshape the future of work is agentic AI. Gartner describes the latter as systems that autonomously plan and take actions to meet user-defined goals. By 2027, Deloitte predicts that 50% of companies currently utilizing generative AI will adopt agentic AI.

Continue reading here.

By Marie Hatter

Previously published by RTInsights

As artificial intelligence advances, we are moving from applications focusing on content generation to actionable knowledge workers. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT have become integral to work, with 28% of employees in the U.S. already utilizing these technologies. The next phase poised to reshape the future of work is agentic AI. Gartner describes the latter as systems that autonomously plan and take actions to meet user-defined goals. By 2027, Deloitte predicts that 50% of companies currently utilizing generative AI will adopt agentic AI.

Continue reading here.

Eastman

ZEJTUN, Malta and KINGSPORT, Tennessee — Toly, a leader in premium cosmetics packaging innovation, and Eastman, a global pioneer in molecular recycling technologies, are proud to announce the launch of Gemini, a stunning new compact that marks a significant milestone in their ongoing collaboration.

Gemini is the first compact to be manufactured with Eastman’s Cristal™ One Renew IM812. This groundbreaking resin redefines luxury cosmetics packaging by combining recycled and recyclable content with uncompromising elegance and brilliance.

Olaf Zahra, chief technical and sustainability officer at Toly, said, “Our partnership with Eastman on the Gemini compact represents a shared vision for the future of beauty packaging, one that balances luxury with responsibility. By utilizing Cristal One Renew IM812, we are able to offer our clients packaging solutions that empower brands to meet stringent sustainability goals while delivering the high-end aesthetics and tactile experience consumers expect.”

Key features of Cristal One Renew IM812 include:

• Glass-like clarity for thick-wall PET compact cases, enabling luxurious designs without sacrificing transparency or gloss
• Up to 100% certified recycled content* through molecular recycling, ensuring a significant reduction in environmental impact
• Full compatibility with existing PET recycling streams, certified by leading organizations including EPBP, APR and RecyClass.

As Eastman’s first partner to apply this innovative material in compact packaging, Toly showcases its expertise in delivering cutting-edge, sustainable solutions tailored for the premium and luxury beauty industry, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in packaging innovation.

“With Cristal One Renew IM812, we are redefining excellence — it’s brilliance reimagined. We are helping our customers future-proof their packaging,” said Tara Cary, global cosmetics market manager, Eastman. “This innovative solution ensures your packages not only meet today’s standards but are ready for the legislative demands of tomorrow, providing peace of mind and sustainability in each package.”

The Gemini compact is more than a packaging solution; it is a symbol of what can be achieved when luxury meets advanced sustainable technology.

Toly and Eastman will reveal the Gemini compact cases at Luxe Pack Monaco international trade show Sept. 30–Oct. 2.

*Allocated via ISCC certified mass balance calculation

About Toly

Toly is a privately owned global supplier with over 55 years of expertise in beauty packaging, specialising in cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, and more. With manufacturing in Malta and South Korea, and offices worldwide. Delivering innovative packaging from molding to decoration and assembly, the company is committed to investing in responsible practices and materials that balance performance, and environmental awareness.

About Eastman

Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman is committed to safety, innovation and sustainability. For more information, visit eastman.com.

Media contact

Jacob Teetzmann
1-423-494-3673
jteetzmann@tombras.com

Media contact Toly

+356 21693520
info@toly.com

 

Eastman

ZEJTUN, Malta and KINGSPORT, Tennessee — Toly, a leader in premium cosmetics packaging innovation, and Eastman, a global pioneer in molecular recycling technologies, are proud to announce the launch of Gemini, a stunning new compact that marks a significant milestone in their ongoing collaboration.

Gemini is the first compact to be manufactured with Eastman’s Cristal™ One Renew IM812. This groundbreaking resin redefines luxury cosmetics packaging by combining recycled and recyclable content with uncompromising elegance and brilliance.

Olaf Zahra, chief technical and sustainability officer at Toly, said, “Our partnership with Eastman on the Gemini compact represents a shared vision for the future of beauty packaging, one that balances luxury with responsibility. By utilizing Cristal One Renew IM812, we are able to offer our clients packaging solutions that empower brands to meet stringent sustainability goals while delivering the high-end aesthetics and tactile experience consumers expect.”

Key features of Cristal One Renew IM812 include:

• Glass-like clarity for thick-wall PET compact cases, enabling luxurious designs without sacrificing transparency or gloss
• Up to 100% certified recycled content* through molecular recycling, ensuring a significant reduction in environmental impact
• Full compatibility with existing PET recycling streams, certified by leading organizations including EPBP, APR and RecyClass.

As Eastman’s first partner to apply this innovative material in compact packaging, Toly showcases its expertise in delivering cutting-edge, sustainable solutions tailored for the premium and luxury beauty industry, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in packaging innovation.

“With Cristal One Renew IM812, we are redefining excellence — it’s brilliance reimagined. We are helping our customers future-proof their packaging,” said Tara Cary, global cosmetics market manager, Eastman. “This innovative solution ensures your packages not only meet today’s standards but are ready for the legislative demands of tomorrow, providing peace of mind and sustainability in each package.”

The Gemini compact is more than a packaging solution; it is a symbol of what can be achieved when luxury meets advanced sustainable technology.

Toly and Eastman will reveal the Gemini compact cases at Luxe Pack Monaco international trade show Sept. 30–Oct. 2.

*Allocated via ISCC certified mass balance calculation

About Toly

Toly is a privately owned global supplier with over 55 years of expertise in beauty packaging, specialising in cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, and more. With manufacturing in Malta and South Korea, and offices worldwide. Delivering innovative packaging from molding to decoration and assembly, the company is committed to investing in responsible practices and materials that balance performance, and environmental awareness.

About Eastman

Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman is committed to safety, innovation and sustainability. For more information, visit eastman.com.

Media contact

Jacob Teetzmann
1-423-494-3673
jteetzmann@tombras.com

Media contact Toly

+356 21693520
info@toly.com

 

Read the 2025 Wesco Sustainability Report here

Our Commitment to People, Values and the Future

At Wesco, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We believe that our people and our high- performance culture are our greatest assets. We foster a culture that values and rewards employees based on merit. We also believe that making the most of the wealth of ideas, talents, skills, backgrounds and perspectives from our people helps us to be more – together. We take pride in our talented and diverse workforce and aspire to become the employer of choice in our industry.

Beyond the workplace, we encourage our employees to make a positive impact in their communities. Through volunteerism and charitable initiatives, we provide employees with opportunities to give back, supporting causes that resonate with their values and the needs of the regions in which they live and work.

Our People and Culture

Our culture at Wesco is dynamic, inclusive and driven by collaboration. It is a culture that thrives on innovation, empowerment and mutual respect. We understand that a diverse and engaged workforce is critical to our success, which is why we are focused on attracting and retaining individuals with various ideas, talents, skills, backgrounds and experiences.

We have intentionally built a culture where the development and well-being of our employees are at the forefront of our business strategy. This is reflected in our policies, programs and practices that promote work-life balance, learning opportunities and career advancement. As part of our ongoing effort to develop talent, we emphasize a collaborative work environment where employees can share ideas, challenge assumptions and work together to drive continuous improvement.

Through this commitment to people and culture, Wesco ensures that our employees are not just workers —they are partners in building the company’s future. Together, we are fostering a culture of trust, inclusion and shared purpose.

Human Rights

At Wesco, we believe that respect for human rights is non-negotiable. We are dedicated to ensuring that all employees are treated fairly, ethically and with dignity. In 2024, we reaffirmed our commitment to human rights by publishing our updated Global Human Rights Principles. These principles are aligned with internationally recognized frameworks, including the United Nations Global Compact, Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions. By embedding these principles into our operations and supply chain, we ensure that human rights are respected across every aspect of our business.

Our commitment to human rights is not just about compliance, it is about fostering an environment where every individual is respected and valued. We actively promote a culture of dignity, inclusion and respect, so that our employees feel safe, supported and empowered to speak up about issues affecting their well-being.

Our Human Rights Policies Include:

• Non-Discrimination: We believe in equal opportunities for all and work diligently to prevent any form of discrimination within our workforce.
• Workplace Safety: Promoting a safe working environment is a fundamental priority across all Wesco locations.
• Freedom of Association: We respect the right of employees to form or join trade unions and engage in collective bargaining, ensuring that workers’ voices are heard.
• Accommodations for Disabled Employees: We provide reasonable accommodations to support employees with disabilities, ensuring they can contribute fully to our organization.
• Harassment-Free Environment: We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for harassment of any kind. Our Anti-Retaliation Policy protects employees who report misconduct or raise concerns.
• No Child or Forced Labor: We strictly prohibit the use of child labor or forced labor within our operations and supply chain.
• Fair Wages and Working Conditions: We adhere to local wage and hour laws and fairly compensate employees for their work.

Wesco’s practices are designed to integrate respect for human rights across all our global operations. We recognize that upholding human rights is not only the right thing to do, but it also makes good business sense—it fosters loyalty, increases productivity and enhances our reputation as an employer of choice.

Our Commitment to Belonging

We aim to foster a sense of individual and group belonging by:

• Leveraging the unique experiences, backgrounds and
  perspectives of our talented workforce to support Wesco’s mission.
• Engaging employees and building an inclusive culture, and supporting the communities in which we operate.

We require that personnel actions are administered without any form of discrimination and in compliance with applicable laws.

We are committed to creating an environment where every employee feels valued, respected and empowered to contribute their best.

To learn more, download the 2025 Wesco Sustainability Report here.

About This Report

Unless otherwise stated, this report covers activities, data and initiatives from our fiscal year 2024.

ESG Disclosure and Framework Alignment

The topics covered in this report include those that we have determined to be material for our business and stakeholders as noted on page 10. Wesco aligns with several ESG frameworks and disclosures in support of our commitment to transparency and our fulfillment
of stakeholder needs and expectations. We leverage the following frameworks and standards to provide robust ESG information disclosure:

• Global Reporting Initiative (GRI): GRI offers a list of global standards and guidelines around sustainability reporting.
• Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB): SASB provides a comprehensive set of industry-specific disclosure topics and guidelines.
• International Financial Reporting Standards (Climate-related disclosures, IFRS S2) which incorporates the now decommissioned Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD): IFRS provides disclosure recommendations on thematic ESG topics such as governance, strategy, risk management, metrics and targets to provide stakeholders with fuller information surrounding climate risks.
• CDP: Formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project, CDP is
  an international organization that helps companies and cities measure and disclose important environmental impact information through an annual questionnaire and rating system.
• United Nations Global Compact (UNGC): UNGC is an initiative that aims to help businesses align their strategies and work toward the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals.
• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs): U.N. SDGs provide a shared set of 17 goals toward peace and prosperity for people and planet goals and create a call to action by all countries in a global partnership

We also regularly engage with our investors, employees, customers, regulators, ratings agencies and others on ESG and business issues. Additional information about Wesco can be found in our public financial filings— including our annual report and proxy filings—as well as on the Security and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov or on the Investors page of our website at Wesco.com.

Wesco plans to continue to report annually as we monitor, measure and deepen our ESG initiatives and disclosures.

Wesco endorses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are a call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. We have prioritized the following five goals: Good Health and Well Being, Affordable and Clean Energy, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Responsible Consumption and Production.

More information about our SDG aligned initiatives is included throughout this report.

Assurance

We did not seek third-party assurance for this report; however, we will consider doing so for future reporting. The information and data contained in this report was vetted by internal subject matter experts on the various ESG topics included in this report.

Contact Us

We welcome feedback on our ESG initiatives and reporting. We invite you to contact us directly via email at Sustainability@Wescodist.com.

 

Read the 2025 Wesco Sustainability Report here

Our Commitment to People, Values and the Future

At Wesco, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We believe that our people and our high- performance culture are our greatest assets. We foster a culture that values and rewards employees based on merit. We also believe that making the most of the wealth of ideas, talents, skills, backgrounds and perspectives from our people helps us to be more – together. We take pride in our talented and diverse workforce and aspire to become the employer of choice in our industry.

Beyond the workplace, we encourage our employees to make a positive impact in their communities. Through volunteerism and charitable initiatives, we provide employees with opportunities to give back, supporting causes that resonate with their values and the needs of the regions in which they live and work.

Our People and Culture

Our culture at Wesco is dynamic, inclusive and driven by collaboration. It is a culture that thrives on innovation, empowerment and mutual respect. We understand that a diverse and engaged workforce is critical to our success, which is why we are focused on attracting and retaining individuals with various ideas, talents, skills, backgrounds and experiences.

We have intentionally built a culture where the development and well-being of our employees are at the forefront of our business strategy. This is reflected in our policies, programs and practices that promote work-life balance, learning opportunities and career advancement. As part of our ongoing effort to develop talent, we emphasize a collaborative work environment where employees can share ideas, challenge assumptions and work together to drive continuous improvement.

Through this commitment to people and culture, Wesco ensures that our employees are not just workers —they are partners in building the company’s future. Together, we are fostering a culture of trust, inclusion and shared purpose.

Human Rights

At Wesco, we believe that respect for human rights is non-negotiable. We are dedicated to ensuring that all employees are treated fairly, ethically and with dignity. In 2024, we reaffirmed our commitment to human rights by publishing our updated Global Human Rights Principles. These principles are aligned with internationally recognized frameworks, including the United Nations Global Compact, Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions. By embedding these principles into our operations and supply chain, we ensure that human rights are respected across every aspect of our business.

Our commitment to human rights is not just about compliance, it is about fostering an environment where every individual is respected and valued. We actively promote a culture of dignity, inclusion and respect, so that our employees feel safe, supported and empowered to speak up about issues affecting their well-being.

Our Human Rights Policies Include:

• Non-Discrimination: We believe in equal opportunities for all and work diligently to prevent any form of discrimination within our workforce.
• Workplace Safety: Promoting a safe working environment is a fundamental priority across all Wesco locations.
• Freedom of Association: We respect the right of employees to form or join trade unions and engage in collective bargaining, ensuring that workers’ voices are heard.
• Accommodations for Disabled Employees: We provide reasonable accommodations to support employees with disabilities, ensuring they can contribute fully to our organization.
• Harassment-Free Environment: We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for harassment of any kind. Our Anti-Retaliation Policy protects employees who report misconduct or raise concerns.
• No Child or Forced Labor: We strictly prohibit the use of child labor or forced labor within our operations and supply chain.
• Fair Wages and Working Conditions: We adhere to local wage and hour laws and fairly compensate employees for their work.

Wesco’s practices are designed to integrate respect for human rights across all our global operations. We recognize that upholding human rights is not only the right thing to do, but it also makes good business sense—it fosters loyalty, increases productivity and enhances our reputation as an employer of choice.

Our Commitment to Belonging

We aim to foster a sense of individual and group belonging by:

• Leveraging the unique experiences, backgrounds and
  perspectives of our talented workforce to support Wesco’s mission.
• Engaging employees and building an inclusive culture, and supporting the communities in which we operate.

We require that personnel actions are administered without any form of discrimination and in compliance with applicable laws.

We are committed to creating an environment where every employee feels valued, respected and empowered to contribute their best.

To learn more, download the 2025 Wesco Sustainability Report here.

About This Report

Unless otherwise stated, this report covers activities, data and initiatives from our fiscal year 2024.

ESG Disclosure and Framework Alignment

The topics covered in this report include those that we have determined to be material for our business and stakeholders as noted on page 10. Wesco aligns with several ESG frameworks and disclosures in support of our commitment to transparency and our fulfillment
of stakeholder needs and expectations. We leverage the following frameworks and standards to provide robust ESG information disclosure:

• Global Reporting Initiative (GRI): GRI offers a list of global standards and guidelines around sustainability reporting.
• Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB): SASB provides a comprehensive set of industry-specific disclosure topics and guidelines.
• International Financial Reporting Standards (Climate-related disclosures, IFRS S2) which incorporates the now decommissioned Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD): IFRS provides disclosure recommendations on thematic ESG topics such as governance, strategy, risk management, metrics and targets to provide stakeholders with fuller information surrounding climate risks.
• CDP: Formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project, CDP is
  an international organization that helps companies and cities measure and disclose important environmental impact information through an annual questionnaire and rating system.
• United Nations Global Compact (UNGC): UNGC is an initiative that aims to help businesses align their strategies and work toward the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals.
• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs): U.N. SDGs provide a shared set of 17 goals toward peace and prosperity for people and planet goals and create a call to action by all countries in a global partnership

We also regularly engage with our investors, employees, customers, regulators, ratings agencies and others on ESG and business issues. Additional information about Wesco can be found in our public financial filings— including our annual report and proxy filings—as well as on the Security and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov or on the Investors page of our website at Wesco.com.

Wesco plans to continue to report annually as we monitor, measure and deepen our ESG initiatives and disclosures.

Wesco endorses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are a call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. We have prioritized the following five goals: Good Health and Well Being, Affordable and Clean Energy, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Responsible Consumption and Production.

More information about our SDG aligned initiatives is included throughout this report.

Assurance

We did not seek third-party assurance for this report; however, we will consider doing so for future reporting. The information and data contained in this report was vetted by internal subject matter experts on the various ESG topics included in this report.

Contact Us

We welcome feedback on our ESG initiatives and reporting. We invite you to contact us directly via email at Sustainability@Wescodist.com.

 

STAMFORD, Conn., September 22, 2025 /3BL/ — Webster Bank announced a $300,000 grant for Connecticut Financial Scholars as part of its ongoing support of programs designed to help students build financial empowerment.

Webster Bank is the lead sponsor, establishing the Financial Scholars program in Connecticut after many years of proven success in Philadelphia. The three-year grant supports programming and teacher training including curriculum and paid teacher professional development for in-school financial literacy education, afterschool investing enrichment, paid summer workforce development for teens, and adult workshops in the school community. Connecticut Financial Scholars has launched with 26 school partnerships in the 2025-2026 school year and will expand to 75 schools and serve more than 5,000 students by end of the 2027-28 school year.

“Our support of Connecticut Financial Scholars reflects our commitment to advancing financial empowerment, one of our core philanthropic pillars,” said Marissa Weidner, Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer, Webster Bank. “We are proud to ensure this program continues to invest in schools across the state by providing hands-on relevant approaches to educate and financially empower students. We look forward to helping Connecticut Financial Scholars expand its reach and build lasting partnerships.”

“Webster’s support has enabled us to lead school-based financial education implementation in Connecticut,” said Nancy Kail, Executive Director, Connecticut Financial Scholars. “Together, we’re reaching more teachers, students and families with the tools they need to build financial knowledge and confidence. We want to thank them for their support and powerful investment in the future of our youth.”

The partnership also includes opportunities for Webster Bank colleagues to volunteer as classroom guest speakers and career panelists as well as at other events like the organization’s signature Teen Investors Summit and financial reality fairs.

According to Webster’s 2023 Financial Empowerment Study, only 27% of U.S. consumers reported receiving any type of financial education in middle or high school. The study, which examined financial challenges faced by consumers, found middle school and high school students who received financial education are more likely to feel “fully in control” of their finances (49%) compared to those who did not receive any financial literacy courses (25%).

About Connecticut Financial Scholars

Connecticut Financial Scholars provides high school students, teachers, and families with the tools needed to develop financial skills, build greater wealth, and achieve financial empowerment. The organization is an evolution of a program that launched in 2020 in Philadelphia. Financial Scholars includes curriculum and professional development for daily in-school financial literacy education, afterschool investing enrichment powered by corporate volunteers, paid summer internships, and evening financial empowerment workshops for adults in our school communities. Learn more at connecticut.financialscholars.org.

About Webster

Webster Bank (“Webster”) is a leading commercial bank in the Northeast that provides a wide range of digital and traditional financial solutions across three differentiated lines of business: Commercial Banking, Consumer Banking and Healthcare Financial Services, one of the country’s largest providers of employee benefits and administration of medical insurance claim settlements solutions. Webster is a values-driven organization headquartered in Stamford, CT, with $77 billion in assets. Its core footprint spans the northeastern U.S. from New York to Massachusetts, with certain businesses operating in extended geographies. Webster Bank is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender. For more information about Webster, including past press releases and the latest annual report, visit the Webster website at www.websterbank.com.