Tag: 3BL

By Karen Sack, Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance 

A regenerative and sustainable blue economy represents a trillion-dollar frontier investment opportunity with the potential to generate significant returns for investors while advancing social and environmental goals.

The importance of coastal and ocean ecosystems to the global economy cannot be overstated. Coastal regions are home to almost half of all economic activity and 40 percent of the world’s population. Coastal floods and storm surge already cost the world between USD$10-40 billion dollars a year, projected to reach USD$1 trillion annually by 2050, yet less than one percent of climate finance is invested into coastal nature-based solutions.

The Ocean is living capital and a highly undervalued asset class. When we invest in its health, we invest in our own. The cost of inaction far outweighs the price of progress. To turn away from the Ocean is to abandon more than USD$8 trillion in potential value. To embrace its promise is to unlock USD$15.5 trillion in benefits, create 12 million jobs by 2030, and bring greater resilience to nations most in need. Yet the science clearly shows that the window for action is closing fast. That is why we must be patient with capital and impatient with action, delivering investment that reduces risk and drives environmental, economic, social and cultural security. But no one sector can go it alone. It is going to take radical collaboration, from beachfront to boardroom.

Read Karen’s impressive and useful article that is full of resources and watch a few short videos as well all here – https://greenmoney.com/investing-in-ocean-resilience-a-sea-change-in-climate-finance

=======

CHARLOTTE, N.C., August 13, 2025 /3BL/ – Truist Foundation today announced that livestream registration is now open for its third Inspire Awards, which will be hosted by Good Morning America co-anchor and award-winning journalist Robin Roberts. The national grant program will honor bold, scalable nonprofit solutions that advance career development for working adults. Taking place on Wednesday, Nov. 12, in Charlotte, N.C., the event also will be livestreamed to engage audiences nationwide.

“The Inspire Awards are about elevating bold ideas that help people build better lives and careers,” said Lynette Bell, president of Truist Foundation. “We’re thrilled to welcome Robin Roberts as our host; her energy and storytelling abilities will help shine a powerful light on six incredible nonprofit organizations driving meaningful impact in communities across the country.”

Roberts, whose career has been defined by authentic storytelling and uplifting voices of resilience and purpose, will guide the event spotlighting the following six nonprofits addressing mid‑ and late‑career workforce challenges:

• BestFit, in partnership with Integrity Transformation Community Development Corporation
• electrical training ALLIANCE
• Encore Employment Enterprise Inc.
• FreeWorld
• Lifecycle Building Center
• Masonry Foundation

On Nov. 12, Truist Foundation will present:

• First Place Grant Award: $250,000
• Second Place Grant Award: $150,000
• Runners-up Grant Awards: $25,000 to each remaining finalist

In addition, virtual attendees will have the opportunity to vote in real time to help Truist Foundation award an additional $75,000 grant.

Register today and get ready to be inspired! To learn more, visit Truist.com/InspireAwards.

###

About Truist Foundation
Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. The Foundation, an endowed private foundation established in 2020 whose operating budget is independent of Truist Financial Corporation, makes strategic investments in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations centered around two focus areas: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses to ensure all communities have an equal opportunity to thrive. Embodying these focus areas are the Foundation’s leading initiatives – the Inspire Awards and Where It Starts. Learn more at Truist.com/Foundation.

For further information: Kristen Fraser, media@truist.com

In this latest blog, Lindsay Wright, Director of Communications and Strategic Partnerships for Better Buying at Cascale, shares key insights from Cascale’s newest report, which captures supplier perspectives on improving costing practices. The report is based on data gathered through tailored interviews and surveys conducted by Better Buying and explores the costing solutions currently being implemented and advocated by brands, multi stakeholder initiatives, and other key industry stakeholders.

Read the full blog, titled: How Fairer, More Accurate Costing Models Can Support Decent Work for All

By Sue Henry

NEW ORLEANS, August 13, 2025 /3BL/ – In recognition of the 20th anniversary of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Entergy brought together nearly 40 employee volunteers and community partners to enhance resilience and strengthen environmental sustainability. The event was held in collaboration with Green Light New Orleans, a nonprofit organization focused on providing simple, effective environmental solutions to residents.

Volunteers installed rain barrels at homes in the Hollygrove, Leonidas, and Fontainebleau neighborhoods, areas prone to flooding. The barrels, painted in bright, original designs, serve as practical tools for stormwater management by capturing rainwater, reducing runoff, and helping prevent property damage. Each barrel diverts an estimated 2,220 gallons of water annually from the city’s overburdened drainage system.

“As we observe the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, we’re not just reflecting, we’re responding with action,” said Deanna Rodriguez, president and CEO of Entergy New Orleans. “This initiative reflects Entergy’s commitment to resilience, not just as a company, but as a neighbor – helping families reduce the impact of heavy rainfall.”

Laura Jayne, a Hollygrove resident and staff member at Loyola University, had been waiting nearly a year to receive a rain barrel for her home. She welcomed the delivery on Wednesday morning.

“I have been wanting to get a rain barrel for a very long time,” said Jayne. “Even though I have not experienced extreme flooding, I think the rain barrels are great to help prevent potential flooding.”

Since its founding in 2006, Green Light New Orleans has distributed and installed more than 3,000 rain barrels across the city. The barrels not only provide cost savings to residents but also reduce stress on drainage infrastructure and contribute to the city’s long-term climate goals.

“Entergy has been a partner with Green Light New Orleans since we first started in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and we deeply appreciate this enduring partnership,” said Dr. Christian Ryan, executive Director at Green Light New Orleans. “Together, we’re working to help New Orleans residents make small changes that have a big impact.”

This initiative is part of Entergy’s broader commitment to community investment and environmental stewardship. Over the last two decades since Katrina’s devastation, Entergy shareholders have invested $95 million to support nonprofit organizations in Orleans Parish while our employees in the area have completed more than 130,000 hours of volunteer service.

In partnership with Rebuilding Together New Orleans, Entergy will hold another employee-driven Day of Service on Aug. 29, commemorating the 20th anniversary of Katrina. That initiative will focus on home weatherization efforts to improve energy efficiency and lower utility costs for some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.

Through acts of service and community partnership, Entergy continues to honor the past while investing in a safer, more resilient future for New Orleans.

For more information about Entergy’s restoration efforts following Hurricane Katrina, visit entergy.com/Katrina20.

About Entergy New Orleans

Entergy New Orleans provides electricity to approximately 209,000 customers in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. Entergy New Orleans is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation. Entergy produces, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing for growth and improved reliability and resilience of our energy system while working to keep energy rates affordable for our customers. We’re also investing in cleaner energy generation like modern natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy. A nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at entergyneworleans.com and connect with @EntergyNOLA on social media.

About Green Light New Orleans

Green Light New Orleans (GLNO) empowers residents with practical, sustainable solutions to local environmental challenges, with a focus on building community resilience. We believe collective efforts yield significant impacts. Our mission is to share sustainability practices and provide accessible resources for household-level climate adaptation to every person who wishes to make a difference.

Media inquiries:
Susan Henry
504-679-3613 (office)
504-339-7986 (cell)
shenry4@entergy.com

View original content here.

Part of building a more confident future is supporting our customers during difficult times, particularly when their health and wellness—or that of their family—is at stake. MetLife provides support through insurance products and services. These include dental, vision and health insurance, and products and services tailored to mental health, family care, accidents, disability and absence management, cancer and critical illness.

SUPPORTING OUR CUSTOMERS

As Korea experiences a rapidly aging population, we recognized the importance of providing more comprehensive support for dementia patients. This led us to enhance our dementia insurance by adding coverage of mild dementia. The product also now includes benefits such as coverage for dementia care facilities, outpatient treatment and long-term care.

In Chile, we looked to further support cancer patients and introduced Cancer360, which covers typically non-reimbursable issues that can accompany cancer treatment, such as home adaptation, transportation, special nutrition and treatments. It also offers additional coverage for reconstructive surgeries, prosthetics and side effects.

MetLife continues to expand workforce mental health solutions.  In the U.S., we have partnered with global healthcare provider TELUS Health to provide access to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) services for U.S. employers with long-term disability plans and/or New Hampshire Paid Family and Medical Leave.1 This offering gives enrolled employees access to a digital platform, which covers anxiety, depression, burnout, substance use, insomnia, adjustment to change, grief and more.

In the U.K., MetLife has partnered with YuLife to offer our Group Income Protection and Employee Benefits Group Life clients access to a service that encourages employees to improve their well-being through gamification. The app incentivizes users to participate in healthy activities like walking, cycling and meditation by rewarding behavior with YuCoin, a virtual currency. YuLife aims to improve employees’ illness prevention and early intervention and to provide support for the recovery and return of employees on sick leave.

Read more about how we are supporting health and wellness through our sustainability efforts in MetLife’s 2024 Sustainability Report.

Gen Threat Research Team | Insights Blog

This quarter, Gen Threat Labs shines a light on PharmaFraud — a network of fake online pharmacies stealing people’s data and money. Avast released a free decryptor to combat the first AI-built ransomware while we saw tech support scams spreading on Facebook.

View the full report here.

Global chemistry company Chemours today announced the successful qualification of its Opteon™ two-phase immersion cooling fluid by Samsung Electronics. This milestone marks a significant advancement in Opteon™ two-phase immersion cooling adoption, ensuring fluid compatibility and performance with current-generation Samsung Solid State Drive (SSD)—a high-performance storage device. Qualification of this critical server component provides increased certainty to server manufacturers, supporting market adoption and ultimately addressing the cooling and energy demands driven by AI and next generation chips.

After completing rigorous testing of Opteon™ two-phase immersion cooling fluid, Samsung successfully qualified the fluid with its generation four SSD. Opteon™ is the first two-phase immersion cooling fluid approved by Samsung; testing for subsequent generations will begin in the months ahead.

“Collaborating with Samsung has enabled us to get an even deeper understanding of the evolving digital infrastructure needs and unique value of our Opteon™ two-phase immersion cooling fluid,” said Denise Dignam, Chemours President and CEO. “Our innovative technology offers superior compatibility, enables higher IT loads, with fewer equipment failures, and dramatically less energy and water use—all of which translates to reduced costs for downstream users. We’re eager to continue working with Samsung and the broader industry to bring this breakthrough technology to market.”

To ensure swift qualification, Chemours and Samsung joined forces with Liquid Stack, a leading tank manufacturer, and PKI Corporation, a regional semiconductor and data center leader, to conduct performance testing using a commercial scale 48U immersion cooling tank. Samsung and PKI established a robust testing and qualification process to support current and future generation qualifications. The equipment met all compatibility targets, with no sign of degradation.

“As digital infrastructure continues to evolve to meet the demands of AI and high-performance computing, compatibility is king,” said Sungki Lee, Project Leader of SSD HW Reliability Engineering Team at Samsung Electronics. “Finding innovative solutions to effectively cool IT hardware, without creating compatibility or performance issues, is no simple task. After nearly a year of testing, the Opteon™ two-phase immersion cooling fluid met or exceeded all compatibility parameters. We look forward to our continued collaboration as we qualify our generation five and six SSDs.”

Samsung created its own high-reliability test standard—based on Open Compute Project (OCP) standards. The Opteon™ fluid is the first two-phase immersion cooling technology to pass Samsung’s test standard. Samsung has developed and implemented a method that achieves world-class heat transfer efficiency while maintaining high reliability in immersion cooling systems using the Opteon™ fluid. This will help accelerate future liquid cooling qualifications across the Samsung Electronics portfolio—including memory semiconductors, such as SSD and DDR modules, and also logic device packages.

Opteon™ two-phase immersion cooling fluid offers a power usage effectiveness (PUE) approaching 1 and superior performance capabilities compared to traditional or other liquid cooling technologies. Nearly eliminating water use, reducing space requirements by 60%, and lowering energy consumption by up to 40% and cooling energy use by up to 90%, this technology represents benefits for data center operators and communities alike.

For more information, visit Opteon.com.

About The Chemours Company
The Chemours Company (NYSE: CC) is a global leader in providing industrial and specialty chemicals products for markets, including coatings, plastics, refrigeration and air conditioning, transportation, semiconductor and advanced electronics, general industrial, and oil and gas. Through our three businesses –Thermal & Specialized Solutions, Titanium Technologies, and Advanced Performance Materials – we deliver application expertise and chemistry-based innovations that solve customers’ biggest challenges. Our flagship products are sold under prominent brands such as Opteon™, Freon™, Ti-Pure™, Nafion™, Teflon™, Viton™, and Krytox™. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware and listed on the NYSE under the symbol CC, Chemours has approximately 6,000 employees and 28 manufacturing sites and serves approximately 2,500 customers in approximately 110 countries. For more information, visit chemours.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

About Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry, and LED solutions. Samsung is also pioneering advancements in AI, IoT, and 5G, driving the future of connected living.

Our commitment to quality and excellence is reflected in our products and services, which are designed to enhance the lives of our customers. With a presence in over 80 countries, Samsung Electronics is dedicated to creating a better world full of richer digital experiences through innovative technology.

BioStar Renewables, a national leader in renewable energy development, is proud to announce that construction of a 2 MW solar field at Westtown School, a historic institution located on a 600-acre campus in Chester County, Pennsylvania, is nearly complete. This project not only supports the school’s sustainability mission but also represents a major milestone in clean energy development under new township regulations.

A Model for Suburban Sustainability

The 8-acre solar array is designed to generate over 3 million kWh of clean energy annually, offsetting more than 1,800 metric tons of CO₂e emissions each year—the equivalent of powering 283 homes. The system will supplement Westtown School’s energy needs while serving as a living example of environmental leadership and innovation in the education sector.

The clean energy generated will be used to offset campus energy usage, creating long-term economic and environmental benefits for both the school and the broader community.

Building Under New Regulations

This installation is the first large-scale solar project approved under Westtown Township’s recently enacted ordinance limiting solar fields to 10 acres. Navigating the evolving regulatory landscape required intensive coordination with township officials and stakeholders, including a conditional use approval process that established a path forward for future solar projects in the region.

Engineering Around Obstacles

To overcome site-specific challenges, BioStar partnered with Bohler, an engineering firm with deep local experience. The team addressed several critical design and permitting concerns, including:

• Glare Mitigation: Visual studies and customized engineering solutions were presented to ensure minimal visual impact to surrounding areas.
• Stormwater Management: Infiltration basins were designed to meet Pennsylvania DEP standards while preserving the functionality and aesthetics of the site.

Community Engagement Built In

Early in the process, BioStar made community engagement a priority. The team hosted site walks and virtual meetings with local residents to discuss project details and address concerns related to visibility. Comprehensive 3D models and a thoughtful screening plan of evergreens, deciduous, and ornamental trees helped secure strong public support and township approval.

Clean Energy in Action

This project is a testament to what’s possible when mission-driven institutions and clean energy developers work together to overcome challenges and deliver long-term impact. As part of its broader portfolio, BioStar Renewables is proud to help schools, municipalities, and businesses transition to energy models that are cleaner, more resilient, and financially sustainable.

Project Quick Facts

• Location: Westtown School, Westtown, PA
• System Size: 2 MW
• Annual Output: 3,000,000+ kWh
• Annual Carbon Offset: 1,834 metric tons CO₂e
• Development Partner: Evolution Sustainability Group
• Engineering Partner: Bohler
• Estimated Completion: Q4 2025

For press inquiries or to learn more about BioStar’s clean energy solutions, please contact:
dsmart@biostarrenewables.com | www.biostarrenewables.com

About BioStar Renewables
BioStar is a full-service renewable energy developer helping businesses and communities transition to clean, cost-effective energy systems. With decades of experience and a focus on long-term value, we specialize in solar, storage, and integrated energy solutions across the U.S.

CNH brand, New Holland, is pleased to announce the appointment of META Plant & Equipment Uganda Ltd (META Group) as its official distributor in Uganda underscoring a strong focus on delivering the best service to customers. This partnership will introduce a broad range of mechanized solutions to boost productivity and strengthen New Holland’s presence in the country.

META Plant & Equipment Uganda Ltd is part of the META Group, a pan-African network of machinery dealerships specializing in agricultural, construction, and material handling equipment, along with comprehensive after-sales support.

Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood in Uganda, with many farmers depending on it for both income and sustenance.

The sector makes a significant contribution to the country’s economy, with exports such as coffee, cotton, and tea serving as major sources of foreign exchange. Uganda’s agriculture also benefits from fertile land and rich natural resources, providing strong potential for continued growth.

Underlining its commitment to Ugandan agriculture, New Holland will continue to provide its broadest product range, including TT Series tractors which complement power with economy; TD Straddle tractors which are suitable for a wide range of applications; TS6 and 10S Series tractors, used for land preparation, cultivation, or haulage; high horsepower tractors to operate machinery and cover more ground in less time; and the TC Series combine harvesters which provide dependable performance for mixed and small-scale farmers in varied crop conditions.

The brand is committed to ensuring that New Holland customers continue to benefit from enhanced support and service.

LINCOLN, Neb., August 12, 2025 /3BL/ – Niagara Cares, the charitable division of the country’s leading beverage manufacturer Niagara Bottling, has announced a new commitment to plant one million trees by 2030 in collaboration with the Arbor Day Foundation.

Niagara Cares first partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation in 2024 and in less than two years, has already helped plant more than 456,000 trees across the country. Their work has focused on safeguarding clean water supplies for people and wildlife by planting trees in forestlands and watersheds.

Trees play a critical role in reducing erosion, improving the quality of water by filtering pollutants, and boosting water quantities by holding water in the soil.

“Water and trees are two natural resources that are inextricably linked. In order to protect water health, we must protect tree health,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Through its dedication to tree planting in forests and watersheds, Niagara Cares has demonstrated a strong commitment to lasting impact. They’ve been all-in since the beginning of our partnership and our team is proud to continue this important work alongside them as they seek to plant one million trees.”

“We are proud to support our Niagara communities and contribute to efforts that protect the environment and enhance quality of life,” said Ann Canela, director of corporate giving at Niagara Bottling. “Planting trees helps improve water quality, restore natural habitats, and create a greener, healthier future for generations to come. Through our partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, we’re making meaningful strides toward our five-year goal of planting one million trees across the U.S.”

Niagara Cares’s effort to protect and preserve water resources was highlighted in Water Ways, a short documentary produced by Good is Everywhere. Water Ways was recently awarded Best Short Documentary at the Golden State Film Festival.

Niagara Cares tree planting efforts have also supported natural disaster recovery and nurtured landscapes communities in need of trees.

Forested watersheds provide drinking water to more than 150 million people in the United States. Click here to learn more about the powerful relationship between trees and water.

About Niagara Cares 

Niagara Cares is the heart of what we do and who we are at Niagara Bottling. For more than 60 years, we have been making a difference for our Team Members, consumers and communities through philanthropic giving, volunteering, water donations and disaster relief. As a family-owned business, we are committed to creating meaningful change for our communities through a spirit of giving back both big and small. For more information, visit niagarawater.com/niagara-cares.

About Niagara Bottling

Niagara Bottling, LLC has been family owned and operated since 1963. Headquartered in Diamond Bar, Calif., Niagara operates bottling facilities throughout the U.S. and Mexico. As a leading U.S. beverage manufacturer, Niagara Bottling works closely with some of the largest retailers, grocers, club and convenience stores throughout the country. Niagara produces a variety of beverages including bottled water, sparkling, vitamin and flavored water, teas, sports drinks, ready-to-drink coffee, protein drinks and non-dairy milk products. For more information, visit www.niagarawater.com.

About the Arbor Day Foundation 

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

And this is only the beginning.  

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

###