Tag: 3BL

Written by Brent Summers
Reviewed by Craig Tellalian

IT decision-makers are under constant pressure to optimize costs without compromising on service, performance or experience. A December 2022 study by Forrester concluded that an organization with 2,000 employees refreshing on a four-year cycle would see a 250% return on investment (ROI) from adopting Windows 11.¹ Compared to competitors, PCs powered by Snapdragon X Series processors offer additional value such as improved performance² and extended battery life³ while also enhancing the user experience with on-device AI features.

Unpacking the ROI of Windows 11

Measuring Total Economic Impact requires several assumptions. The benefits described here are backed up by primary research and four case studies included in the report from Forrester.

• Improved Security: Reduces the risk of successful security attacks by 20%¹ through TPM 2.0 chips, Secure Boot, BitLocker drive encryption and smoother integration with third-party security solutions. Features like virtualization-based security (VBS) and hypervisor-protected code integrity (HVCI) further enhance security and performance.
• IT Management Efficiency: Increases time efficiency for device deployment and provisioning by 25%, security team efficiency by 20%, and reduces help desk requests related to OS and device issues by 40% in Year 1, 70% in Year 2 and 90% in Year 3.¹ Migrating to Windows 11 also affords an opportunity to retire software with duplicative capabilities or features (like remote logins) that are baked into the new operating system.
• End-User Productivity: End-users are 15% more productive with Windows 11 devices,¹ benefiting from enhanced hardware like better cameras and microphones, and support for the latest Wi-Fi standards. The battery life benefits of Snapdragon processors can take this to a whole new level.

How Snapdragon technology enhances the Windows 11 experience

Every PC powered by Snapdragon X Series processors ships with Windows 11 — the latest operating system from Microsoft. These PCs are built with a focus on hardware, firmware and software security, integrating multiple layers of protection so that the system remains secure from the moment it boots up.

Snapdragon’s power management and performance provide a seamless and reliable user experience, making it an excellent choice for most business users.

Energy efficiency reduces power draw

Energy efficiency is a critical factor for enterprises striving to reduce operational costs and environmental impact. Snapdragon chips are designed to consume less power, making them an ideal choice for cost-conscious IT teams.

Snapdragon X Elite matches competitor single-threaded CPU performance at 70% less power, while Snapdragon X Plus matches competitor multi-threaded CPU performance at 54% less power.²

Better battery life extends useful life of PCs

In mobile work environments where employees need to stay productive on the go, performance and battery life are the top two drivers of satisfaction.⁴ Snapdragon processors enhance battery life by efficiently managing power consumption. With highly optimized CPU, GPU and NPU engines working together, power is designated where and when needed. The result is an extension of battery life up to multiple days on a single charge:

• Over 2 times longer battery life on Teams calls⁵
• 58% longer battery life for web browsing⁵
• 40% longer battery life for Office 365 apps⁵
• Up to 22 hours of battery life³

Battery Cycle Count: Battery cycle count refers to the number of times a battery can be charged and discharged before it starts to degrade. Snapdragon’s advanced power management technology also enables your devices to remain reliable and efficient for a longer time. This leads to cost savings from less frequent device replacements.

Bonus Tip: To get the most out of your lithium-ion batteries, charge them to 80% instead of 100%. This practice can help extend the battery’s lifespan and maintain its performance over time.

Devices built with sufficient RAM and compute last longer

Modern software is incorporating more AI which requires more powerful components. That is why Microsoft requires that all Copilot+ PCs offer a minimum of 16GB of RAM, 40 NPU TOPS and 256GB of storage. Every PC powered by Snapdragon X Series meets or exceeds all these specs making it ideal for demanding enterprise applications.

Longevity Benefits: Quality components contribute to the extended lifespan of PCs powered by Snapdragon by reducing the strain on the device’s hardware and preventing premature wear and tear.

On-device AI Experiences: Popular software applications are being rewritten to take advantage of new hardware features like the NPU. Adobe, Zoom, Teams, Blender, Cephable and Visual Studio Code, are just a few of the ISVs that have shipped features that run on-device, offering the user an enhanced experience. These experiences won’t be available to equipment with insufficient memory.

Additional Cost Savings

Improved Productivity: According to Microsoft, 70% of Microsoft 365 Copilot users said they were more productive. A controlled experiment further reinforces this — developers with access to GitHub Copilot’s pair programmer an assignment 55.8% faster than the control group.

Reduced Downtime: Using a PC with significantly longer battery life means employees can stay productive throughout the full workday without stopping to charge. Fewer interruptions let workers find their flow.

Performance Unplugged: If your laptops are powered by traditional processors, then your workforce’s productivity is also being impacted by reduced performance. Laptops powered by Snapdragon are up to 90% faster than other processors when unplugged from the wall.⁶

Environmental Impact: By extending the useful life of your devices, you can prolong the rate of replacement and help reduce e-waste from your internal operations in particular, if the replaced devices are being properly disposed of and recycled. This may not only contribute towards your company’s environmental goals, but it may also enhance your organization’s reputation as a responsible and forward-thinking company.

Wrapping up

Forrester helped make the case that Windows 11 has a 250% ROI¹ because of enhanced security, improved IT management features, and increased end-user productivity. Snapdragon technologies can further improve ROI by reducing energy consumption, extending battery life and device and enhancing the user experience.

You can save your organization money by equipping your employees Snapdragon technology. Are you ready to explore your organization’s use cases?

Get in touch

^{Opinions expressed in the content posted here are the personal opinions of the original authors, and do not necessarily reflect those of Qualcomm Incorporated or its subsidiaries (“Qualcomm”). The content is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to be an endorsement or representation by Qualcomm or any other party. This site may also provide links or references to non-Qualcomm sites and resources. Qualcomm makes no representations, warranties, or other commitments whatsoever about any non-Qualcomm sites or third-party resources that may be referenced, accessible from, or linked to this site.}

^References: 

^{1: Forrester. (December 2022). The Total Economic Impact™ Of Windows 11 Pro Devices. Retrieved on April 4, 2025 from https://tools.totaleconomicimpact.com/go/microsoft/Windows11Devices/index.html?lang=en-us.}

^{2. CPU Performance is based on Geekbench v6.2 Multi-Thread on Windows 11 OS run in March 2024. Snapdragon X Elite was tested using a Qualcomm reference design on Windows 11 OS. The Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (16 core) was tested using an Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3405) laptop, on Windows 11. Maximum performance reflected by Intel Core Ultra 7 155H represents maximum achievable results in given platforms under unconstrained PL1/PL2 settings and no thermal limitations. Power and performance comparison reflects results based on measurements and hardware instrumentation of given devices.}

^{3. Battery life varies significantly with device, settings, usage, and other factors.}

^{4. Snapdragon X Elite was tested using a Qualcomm reference design on Windows 11 OS. The Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (16 core) was tested using an Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3405) laptop on Windows 11. Power and performance comparison reflects results based on measurements and hardware instrumentation of given devices.}

^{5. Qualcomm Consumer Compute Research, 2Q2023.}

^{6. CPU Performance is based on Geekbench v6.2 Single-Core on Windows 11 OS run in October 2024. Snapdragon X Elite (XIE-80-100) was tested using a Dell XPS 13 (9345) on “Balanced” Power Mode in Windows and “Optimized” in Dell Power Manager. Intel Core Ultra 7 256V was tested using a Dell XPS 13 (9350) on “Balanced” Power Mode in Windows and “Standard mode” in Windows and “Optimized” in Dell Power Manager. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 was tested using an ASUS VivoBook S14 (M5406WA) on “Balanced” Power Mode in Windows and “Standard mode” in MyASUS. Power and performance comparison reflects results based on measurements and hardware instrumentation of given devices. Battery life varies significantly with device, settings, usage, and other factors.}

^—

^{Forrester and Total Economic Impact are trademarks of Forrester Research, Inc.z
Snapdragon and Qualcomm branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.}

Water is foundational to life, and to the flow of trade. More than three-quarters (80%) of global trade occurs at sea, and 40% of the world’s jobs are powered by water-reliant sectors (e.g., agriculture, fishing, tourism). But access to reliable water systems is far from universal – half the world’s population faces severe water scarcity, and 0.5% of the earth’s water is freshwater.

At DP World, we prioritize sustainable water stewardship that protects critical ecosystems and ensures clean, equitable water access for the communities where we operate.

Our Framework to Safeguard the World’s Water

Through our Source to Sea framework, we are creating a truly sustainable Blue Economy that:

• Restores water ecosystems, enhancing natural carbon sinks, and protecting against soil erosion and sea level rise.
• Supports biodiversity and sustains local water-reliant economies.
• Invests in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure to support human health and reduce pollution in rivers, lakes, and seas.

From Theory to Action: Sustainable Water Projects in our Communities 

We have a deep commitment to improving water infrastructure in the communities where we operate. In Berbera, Somaliland, we deployed four Atmospheric Water Generators producing over 300,000 liters of clean drinking water annually, while local infrastructure upgrades increased the community’s water supply by 60%.

On Puna Island in Ecuador, over 150,000 mangrove seedlings are being planted to protect against sea-level rise, nurture marine life, and preserve livelihoods tied to fishing. In Niassa Province, Mozambique, we’re investing in climate-resilient WASH infrastructure, reaching over 13,500 people through healthcare centers.

Partnering on a Global Scale 

We are scaling these efforts through strategic partnerships. With WaterAid, we’ve launched a three-year initiative to expand WASH programs to other water-stressed regions. By 2030, DP World will invest over $5 million in WASH programs, aiming to benefit more than 250,000 people globally.

As a signatory of the CEO Water Mandate and a founding member of the Water Resilience Coalition, DP World is embedding water stewardship into every layer of our operations.

Water intersects every sustainable development goal – from health and gender equity to climate resilience and biodiversity. At DP World, we’ll continue to show what’s possible when businesses buy in to protecting our shared water future.

• HERO Grant Program will pay for training, equipment and new technology to aid in response to weather-related disasters
• Funding goes to 38 nonprofits and government agencies across the Palmetto State

GREENVILLE, S.C., June 12, 2025 /3BL/ – As hurricane season begins, community leaders, emergency managers and first responders turn their eyes to the tropics as they continue to prepare their communities for the possibility of impacts from severe weather. Duke Energy is preparing, too.

What’s happening: Duke Energy Foundation is awarding $500,000 through the 2025 Helping Emergency Response Organizations (HERO) Grant Program to support severe weather emergency preparedness across South Carolina.

Where the money is going: More than three dozen government agencies and nonprofits are receiving grants up to $20,000 each. The grants will fund training, life-saving equipment and innovative technology identified as gaps or needs following recent severe weather events – all aimed to aid in weather-related disaster planning and recovery operations. A complete list of recipients can be found here.

Why it matters: Hurricane Helene and other severe weather events in recent years have had historic impacts on South Carolina – forever changing lives and landscapes. These storms have forced communities and their first responders to rethink how they prepare for future severe weather events. Duke Energy Foundation microgrants will help local governments and nonprofits improve their training, planning and responses.

By the numbers 

• This is the fourth year of the $500,000 annual microgrant program – bringing total support to $2 million.
   
• Since 2022, Duke Energy’s HERO Grant Program has funded 137 microgrants, delivering critical support to nonprofits and local agencies across South Carolina. 

What they’re saying

• Tim Pearson, Duke Energy’s South Carolina president: “The one thing our company and communities learned in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene is you can never be too prepared for severe weather events. Now more than ever, we are committed to providing our fellow first responders the tools and training they need to handle whatever Mother Nature throws our way.”
   
• Nicholas W. Ray, Deputy Chief, North Spartanburg Firefighters Foundation: “The addition of this drone will enhance a vital cache of rescue equipment that was previously provided by the HERO grant program and has saved numerous lives, most recently during Hurricane Helene. Duke Energy’s continued support of fire and rescue projects demonstrates their compassion to serve their service communities in preparation for natural disasters.”
   
• Shannon Tanner, Fire Chief, City of Florence Fire Department: “Reliable communication is the backbone of effective emergency response, and during recent severe weather events, we’ve experienced firsthand how dangerous gaps in communication can be – for both our firefighters and the citizens we serve. This funding will allow us to implement a much-needed vehicle repeater system, enhancing our ability to coordinate resources, protect lives and maintain operational control when conditions are at their worst. We’re grateful for Duke Energy’s continued partnership and commitment to helping communities like Florence build resilience where it matters most.”
   
• Dr. Mandy Gattis, Project and Grants Manager, South Carolina EMS Association: “During Hurricane Helene, EMS response resources were assembled in an ad hoc manner due to the absence of structured teams, highlighting the need for a more coordinated and efficient approach. This funding represents a vital step toward building a more coordinated, rapid and effective medical response network for future large-scale emergencies. With this support, we are committed to enhancing disaster preparedness and saving lives across all regions of South Carolina when every second counts.”
   
• Justin Turner, Emergency Management Director, Marion County: “The past offers us valuable insights into the outcomes of previous disasters; insights we can study, record and learn from. This knowledge empowers us to make informed, critical decisions for our communities. By learning from history and planning ahead, we equip ourselves to face the uncertainty of tomorrow’s storms.”

Duke Energy Foundation

Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

Contact: Ryan Mosier
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

View original content here.

View the original article at https://www.southwire.com/blogs/southwire-celebrates-inaugural-sustainability-week 

In honor of the company’s 75^th anniversary and in celebration of Earth Month, Southwire hosted its first ever Sustainability Week in April. The sustainability team hosted a week of communications, education and activities to engage team members across the globe.

“In order for Southwire to continue to be generationally sustainable for the next 75 years and beyond, we need everyone on board,” said Burt Fealing, Southwire’s EVP, General Counsel and Chief Sustainability Officer. “We hope that Sustainability Week helped all of our team members, 9,000 plus strong, better understand how they can get involved in sustainability and how they can be a leader in these efforts at home, at work and in their communities.”

Each day of Sustainability Week was focused on one of Southwire’s five core tenets of sustainability:

Growing Green Monday highlighted success stories from the sustainability champions at Southwire’s Denton, Tx., Lafayette, In., and North Campus, Ga. sites. Sustainability champions are volunteer roles at each site who are responsible for furthering local energy, water and waste efficiency projects.

Living Well Tuesday featured health and wellness benefits available to all Southwire team members, including free therapy and coaching sessions from Spring Health, digital musculoskeletal therapy for back and joint pain from Hinge Health, webinars and resources for National Stress Awareness Month & Substance Abuse Awareness Month and more.

Giving Back Wednesday promoted volunteer events in April including electronics recycling and our annual Walk for Water fundraiser. The day also highlighted Southwire’s Dollars for Doers program, which enables team members to earn donation credits for volunteer hours served, redeemable to any 501(c)(3) nonprofit of their choice.

Doing Right Thursday told the story of how Southwire’s ethics & compliance program was built from the ground up and how it contributed to Southwire being named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere for the second year in a row.

Building Worth Friday included an educational presentation on sustainable innovations happening within Southwire, as well as a panel discussion on Building a STEM Career in Green Technology in partnership with Georgia Tech and Envision Racing, one of the founding and most successful teams in Formula E racing.

During Earth Month, Southwire also distributed nearly 400 trees to team members to plant at home or at a facility. Through the Arbor Day Foundation’s community canopy program, team members signed up to have trees delivered directly to their home or to their manufacturing or distribution site, with web-based tools to help them identify the ideal planting location to maximize energy savings and carbon sequestration. Southwire also partnered with Neighborhood Forest to gift trees to students at our two 12 for Life facilities in Carrollton, Ga. and Florence, Al. to plant with their families at home.

To learn more about sustainability initiatives at Southwire, visit southwire.com/sustainability.

Originally published on PSEG ENERGIZE!

Every year, our PSEG Foundation’s Neighborhood Partners Program not only funds vital programs but also amplifies the work of nonprofits that are transforming communities. From initiatives that provide job training and financial literacy to those that promote environmental stewardship and food security, our partners are making a difference every day. Let’s take a closer look at a few of these impactful organizations – and how their work continues to inspire us all.

Rising Tide Capital

One of our Neighborhood Partners, Rising Tide Capital, is proving that when you invest in people, you invest in thriving communities. Through their comprehensive suite of services, they’re equipping a growing network of 10,000 entrepreneurs across New Jersey and 15 other states with the skills and support to build sustainable businesses. Participants in their Community Business Academy see a 95% increase in sales within their first two years – a testament to the power of hands-on training in business planning, management and marketing.

Beyond the academy, Rising Tide entrepreneurs receive targeted coaching through the Business Acceleration Services, helping them set actionable goals and access critical resources. And with the Credit to Capital Program, they’re gaining the financial guidance needed to invest in equipment, inventory and staff.

“We’ve had funding in this partnership over several years and this partnership has really become critical and core to what we do. These are real stories of impact in our community that are changing lives and they’re sustained by partnerships like ours.”

-Dr. Joynicole Martinez
President, Chief of Advancement & Innovation
Rising Tide Capital’

Rising Tide shares our commitment to meeting community needs and understands that the well-being of our neighborhoods is tied to the success of their people. We’re proud to support this work, fostering the next generation of resilient, visionary entrepreneurs.

America’s Grow-a-Row

Rising Tide Capital isn’t the only partner making waves. At America’s Grow-A-Row, their mission to combat hunger is rooted in every acre of farmland and every pound of fresh produce.

In 2024 alone, America’s Grow-A-Row delivered an astounding 3.6 million pounds of fresh produce to families in need – a powerful testament to their mission of mitigating hunger one crop at a time. This remarkable impact is made possible by 423 acres of farmland, 20 varieties of fruits and vegetables and over 10,000 dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to bring nutritious food to communities across New Jersey and 23 other states. Last year, in just one Friday morning, PSEG volunteers joined the effort with gathering 51,600 servings (12,900lbs) of fresh and healthy produce.  And the numbers don’t stop there. In 2024, America’s Grow-A-Row managed to:

• Have 11,732 individual volunteers.
• Spend 25,710 hours harvesting and gleaning.
• Reach 24 states with generous amounts of food.
• Donate 14,361,312 servings.

“Without the Neighborhood Partners Program, we could not grow all the fruits and vegetables that we are utilizing to feed people and positively impact their lives. This funding allowed us to hit our number of 3.6 million pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables from people suffering from food insecurity.”

– Jackie Etter
Development & Marketing
America’s Grow-A-Row

We’re proud to partner with America’s Grow-A-Row as they continue to provide healthy, environmentally sustainable food to families who need it most. Together, we’re sowing the seeds for stronger, healthier communities.

Cathedral Kitchen

Just as America’s Grow-A-Row is nourishing communities with fresh produce, Cathedral Kitchen is nourishing both bodies and futures by serving more than just meals.

As South Jersey’s largest emergency meal provider, Cathedral Kitchen serves over 100,000 meals each year while also creating a welcoming space where community connections are forged and lives are transformed. And for those ready to take the next step, Cathedral Kitchen offers a free, 15-week culinary arts training program that prepares unemployed, underemployed, at-risk and low-income Camden residents for careers in the culinary field – providing a pathway to economic independence.

Since launching the program 14 years ago:

• 547 students have graduated.
• 90% of graduates secured employment within three months.
• 621 students passed the ServSafe National Food Safety & Sanitation Certification exam.

“The Neighborhood Partners Program has been such a blessing to Cathedral Kitchen for quite some time. Their funding has enabled us to continue to meet needs without cutting back on any services. It’s been instrumental.”

-Noreen Flewelling
Development Director
Cathedral Kitchen

Partnering with Cathedral Kitchen underscores the value of creating a welcoming atmosphere where people in need can find not only a warm meal but also a second chance – and a path to a brighter future.

More Than Bootstraps

While Cathedral Kitchen is paving the way for economic independence through culinary training, More Than Bootstraps (MTB) is breaking down barriers to higher education for first-generation students.

More Than Bootstraps understands the importance of assisting first-generation students with resources for getting into college and has built a community of underrepresented students who empower each other to access and succeed in higher education.

MTB was founded in 2018 and in that first year, they proudly served 11 students. As of Fall 2024, they’re serving a total of 50 students from Passaic Public Schools.. They base their success on four core components:

• Family engagement
• Financial assistance
• Near-peer mentorship
• Wellness and self-care

“We know there are students out there who are talented and ambitious … they just need a little bit of guidance and support to find their way. The Neighborhood Partners Program provides us with resources that enable us to serve more students.”

-Audrey Fisch
Founder & President
More Than Bootstraps

After graduating, each student returns the favor by providing tutoring and mentorship for the upcoming undergraduates in their program.

Together, we’re powering up the next generation of young bright minds by giving them access to higher learning and equipping them with the tools needed to succeed.

HomeFront

Education can open doors, but for families facing homelessness, stability is the first step toward a brighter future. That’s where HomeFront steps in.

By harnessing the care, resources and expertise of the community, HomeFront is working to ease the immediate hardships of homelessness while empowering New Jersey families to achieve self-sufficiency. With programs focused on housing, children’s activities and essential resources, HomeFront is committed to creating lasting change and building stronger communities.

To HomeFront, every number represents a deeper and unique story of the journey a family or individual faced to overcome adversity and step into stability. That’s why they’re adamant about not taking it for granted.

As of this year:

• 30,676 individuals were given shelter, food and life-changing assistance.
• 1,840,320 meals were provided.
• 139 children enrolled in their Joy, Hopes & Dreams program.
• 571 families assisted through their emergency housing assistance programs.

“When they say partners, they mean it. PSEG has been there for us, from coming on site and volunteering to providing connections with other organizations who can help us achieve our mission – they are more than just a funder, they’re in the work with us.”

-Sarah Steward
CEO
HomeFront

We’re proud to celebrate HomeFront by supporting their impactful programs and working alongside them through our passionate volunteers. Every individual and family represents a shared victory – a testament to the collective strength and progress of our community.

We’re deeply grateful for each and every one of our Neighborhood Partners and our world is brighter because of them. Pouring back into the community requires hard work, resources, commitment and effort – and our partners embody each of these values.

Every year, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to give back and advance meaningful work to create a more sustainable future for all. We’re excited to announce the applications for the 2025 Neighborhood Partners Program are now open! If you’re part of an eligible nonprofit organization in New Jersey or Long Island, click here to apply now through June 30, 2025.

Complimentary Webinar

Regulatory Shifts Ahead: What You Need to Know Now for Food Safety & Product Development

June 17, 2025 | 12:00 PM ET / 9:00 AM PT

REGISTER

Join SCS Global Services for a mid-year Regulatory review update, as the shifting priorities and focus by both the FDA and USDA is having a significant impact on how we develop and manufacture products. This webinar will provide you with an update on the key changes and give you the tools to navigate current requirements and compliance with the timelines. We will also explore how it starts with product development and considerations for food safety, quality and regulatory compliance from allergens, ready-to-eat status, to considering upcoming banned ingredients and reformulations. Lastly, you will take away a stronger understanding of actions your company should take now and those that can help to improve your current programs to achieve regulatory compliance and meeting customer expectations. 

REGISTER HERE FOR THE WEBINAR

By registering, you will get access to the webinar recording.

For inquiries, contact:

Shyama Devarajan 
Senior Marketing Analyst, SCS Global Services 
sdevarajan@scsglobalservices.com

Once seen as too vast to harm, the ocean is now being considered as too broken to fix. The lack of direct action and investment to protect and restore it risks its future.

The ocean generates our oxygen, regulates our climate and produces our food. However, the imbalance between what it gives and what we take is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain.

Around half of the oxygen produced on Earth today comes from the ocean.¹ It is not only the planet’s lungs, but also its biggest carbon sink, absorbing 25% of CO₂ emissions and 90% of excess heat generated by these emissions.² The ocean also provides nearly 20% of the world’s per capita animal protein.³

Pressures on the ocean, including plastic waste, acidification, tourism, pollution from shipping, and overfishing are all increasing. Two million tons of plastic are estimated to enter the ocean every year, while overfishing has increased to nearly 40% from 10% in the last half a century.⁴

On June 8^th each year, the world comes together to celebrate and reflect on the ocean. This year, the theme of World Oceans Day⁵ is “Wonder” and asks us to consider how wondrous the ocean is, and how we can better sustain what sustains us. If the ocean is more carefully protected and managed, it will recover.

Business can play a critical role in the race to restore harmony between humans and nature, including the ocean. Nature related investment finance is estimated to be between US$154-166 billion per year, but this still primarily consists of public funds.⁶

Business nature-positive strategies can help unlock finance, subsidies, and investment to support wider conservation and restore ocean ecosystems. Recent research shows that the investment benefits of ocean protection schemes, more sustainable shipping and other ocean dependent industries can be five times higher than the costs involved.⁷

By positioning nature at the heart of what they do through location-specific and cost-benefit analyses, organizations can introduce a bluer dimension to their business operations and help secure the ocean’s future.

High stakes of ocean decline

Lives and economies depend on the ocean; the value they bring is considerable. In 2025, the global ocean economy is estimated to be US$ 24 trillion with annual benefits of US$ 2.5 trillion. The ocean and the coastal areas around them directly support over 3 billion jobs.⁸

Many ocean-dependent industries are increasingly under threat. Overfishing is leading to ecosystem and economic collapse for the fisheries sector. A third of fishing grounds (38%) are now overfished at unsustainable levels, while the share of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels has declined to over 60 percent.⁹

Coral reefs are also in severe decline. An estimated 75% are impacted by industries such as fishing and tourism as well as warming sea temperatures.¹⁰ These ecosystems are worth US$ 375 billion per year to the global economy, from industries and services including fishing, food, pharmaceuticals and tourism.¹¹

Perhaps the biggest danger to the ocean is climate change. Greenhouse gas emissions are severely damaging blue ecosystems¹², warming and acidifying seawater. As the ocean’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide weakens, so has its ability to help protect the Earth from changes in temperatures and weather systems.

Unlocking opportunities in ocean sectors

While many organizations today have relatively mature sustainability and climate strategies, most have a stronger emphasis on terrestrial or “green” solutions, including forestry and land-based ecosystem restoration. ¹⁴ It means that investment in blue ecosystems is underrepresented, despite the critical role they have in climate mitigation and their importance to the global economy.

They are missing out on a vast investment opportunity. The “Blue Economy” offers inclusive economic growth and better livelihoods through ocean-based investment and sustainable projects. Research by the World Economic Forum shows that the value of the business opportunities offered by nature and the ocean could be as high as US$10 trillion, creating 395 million jobs by 2030.¹⁵

The global ocean economy doubled in real terms in 25 years, reaching a total value of $2.6 trillion. Tourism and offshore oil and gas extraction are the primary industries that have contributed to this total growth, while many new ocean sectors are also developing.¹⁶ These include marine technologies (e.g. marine biotechnology) and manufacturing (e.g. offshore wind and electrical equipment). These emerging sectors currently face relatively little competition.

• The marine biotechnology sector is experiencing rapid growth; its market value is expected to increase from nearly US$7 billion in 2024 to over US$11 billion by 2032. It spans diverse industries, including food, medicines, cosmetics and nutraceuticals.¹⁷ A driver of innovation, ocean projects such as the EU’s NOMORFILM initiative is already patenting antibiotic compounds from over 500 microalgae species.¹⁸
• Aquaculture is another ocean sector with huge potential. The global sale value of aquatic animals is estimated at US$453 billion (US$157 billion from capture fisheries and US$296 billion from aquaculture).¹⁹ As global demand for nutrient-rich, high-protein food grows (including shrimp, oysters, carp, tilapia, anchovies, and pollock), the aquaculture market is expanding rapidly but remains underinvested in many areas, notably in many African countries where food remains scarce.²⁰
• Offshore and coastal renewable energy is also growing fast. Offshore wind alone could remove up to 4.5 Gt of CO₂ emissions annually by 2050 and deliver net financial benefits of up to US$6.8 trillion. It has the potential to create more jobs than are being lost in the oil and gas industry. Despite this, there is a high funding gap (over US$1 trillion per year) in renewable energy and the need for increased investment in ocean-based renewables such as wave, tidal, offshore wind, and floating solar is now urgent.²¹

Meanwhile, traditional ocean industries, including fishing and shipping, are finding ways to become more sustainable and are transforming, with opportunities available to support them in reducing their carbon footprint.

• Going forward, the global shipping industry will operate under a new framework, approved by the International Maritime Organization. It is phasing in stricter standards for marine fuels and introducing a pollution pricing system, whereby high-emitting ships will pay for their greenhouse gas emissions.²²

As the ocean sector grows in volume and scale, the financial feasibility and attractiveness of nature investments is likely to increase with greater economic returns. By protecting nature, sectors will also be reducing some of the risk associated with investing in ocean dependent industries such as fishing and tourism.

Taking the lead in ocean protection and recovery

Supporting nature can sometimes feel isolating and overwhelming. The power of people coming together on World Ocean Day is an important reminder of why we do what we do.

By focusing on nature-led investments and following nature and ocean positive pathways, businesses can protect the ecosystem services they depend on, halting and reversing the impact of biodiversity loss. This is more than just compliance; it involves prioritizing a nature-centric business strategy.

The blue economy remains an untapped opportunity for organizations to progress climate and nature-positive plans. They can take the lead through targeted investments which integrate ocean-related projects into their business and climate plans. These can then be a tool for carbon offsetting and more nature positive outcomes.

Building awareness is important. Organizations need to leverage education, support research and tell their stories – spotlighting their investments and their role in tackling climate change and biodiversity loss. They can also collaborate through global initiatives, such as Oceana;²³ the Ocean Resilience and Climate Alliance,²⁴ and the Blue Marine Foundation.²⁵

Partnerships to protect the ocean will be the focus of the June 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France.²⁶ Taking place just after World Ocean Day, this critical conference hopes to accelerate action and mobilize stakeholders in support of SDG 14, to conserve and protect the ocean.²⁷ The conference will adopt a “Nice Ocean Action Plan” and support initiatives to also support the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) Target 3, protect 30% of terrestrial, inland, water, and coastal and marine areas.²⁸

Finding compelling ways to communicate the message about the dangers to the ocean is crucial to building a future that values and protects it. A powerful new film “Ocean” narrated by Sir David Attenborough and released ahead of World Oceans Day, does just that. Talking about the film, he says “I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea”.²⁹

The message is clear; the ocean cannot wait, and neither can we. By empowering businesses to invest in and therefore safeguard what sustains us, World Ocean Day 2025 is already a success.

How KPMG can help

KPMG firms have experience in supporting organizations to establish their blue economy strategy. KPMG professionals can help organizations integrate blue economy considerations within their corporate and climate strategies.

We help organizations to identify and access funding for blue economy related investments and projects, aligning and reporting against the evolving measures from the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), supporting and developing energy transition to integrate blue energy sources and protect and promote the social aspects of the blue economy.

Our coastal and marine service offering provides experience in climate scenario planning and assessment with more focus on the management of water assets and infrastructure. This includes more support with the planning and collection, tracking, and interpretation of water use using propriety data analytics.

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Footnotes

1. National Ocean Service: How much oxygen comes from the ocean?
2. United Nations: The ocean – the world’s greatest ally against climate change
3. American Geophysical Union “Farming the Sea: The Only Way to Meet Humanity’s Future Food Needs,” 21st August 2019 https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2019GH000204
4. United Nations Trade and Development “Fast-growing trillion-dollar ocean economy goes beyond fishing and shipping”, March 5, 2025. –https://unctad.org/news/fast-growing-trillion-dollar-ocean-economy-goes-beyond-fishing-and-shipping
5. United Nations World Oceans Day 2025
6. KPMG Finance adapted from UNEP “State of Finance for Nature” 2022 – https://assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmg/xx/pdf/2023/12/investment-in-nature.pdf
7. High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy “A Sustainable Ocean Economy for 2050: Approximating Its Benefits and Costs”, May 2022 – https://oceanpanel.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Ocean-Panel_Economic-Analysis_FINAL.pdf
8. World Wildlife Fund website – Blue Finance
9. Food and Agriculture Organization “The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture”, 2024 – https://openknowledge.fao.org/items/06690fd0-d133-424c-9673-1849e414543d
10. Science on a Sphere – Coral Reef Risk Outlook
11. United Nations “Coral reefs: We continue to take more than we give”, 14th February 2018 – https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/coral-reefs-we-continue-take-more-we-give
12. These ecosystems include seagrass meadows, mangrove forests, tidal marshes, and seaweed beds
13. The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) has sector-specific guidance for several ocean industries (e.g., fisheries, aquaculture, marine transportation, etc.). Each highlight sector-specific impacts, risks, and opportunities.
14. Future Business “How Many Businesses are Investing in Sustainability? 27th April 2023 –https://future-business.org/businesses-investing-in-sustainability/
15. World Economic Forum “New Nature Economy – Report 2: The Future of Nature and Business”, 2020 – https://www.wbcsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/World-Economic-Forums-WEF-second-report-of-the-New-Nature-Economy-Report-Business-Summary.pdf
16. OECD “The Ocean Economy to 2050”, 31st March 2025 – https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/2025/03/the-ocean-economy-to-2050_e3f6a132.html
17. SkyQuest “Marine Biotechnology; Market Size, Share and Market Growth Analysis,” February 2025 – https://www.skyquestt.com/report/marine-biotechnology-market
18. European Commission webpage: Oceans inspire new antibiotics to tackle resistance
19. The United Nations “The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024”, 2024 ( The UN defines capture fisheries as “the removal of aquatic organisms from natural or enhanced inland waters, or marine environments” and aquaculture as the “farming of aquatic organisms, including fish, molluscs, crustaceans and aquatic plants”. – https://openknowledge.fao.org/items/06690fd0-d133-424c-9673-1849e414543d
20. The United Nations “The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024”, 2024 – https://openknowledge.fao.org/items/06690fd0-d133-424c-9673-1849e414543d
21. Standard Chartered Bank “Towards a sustainable ocean: where there’s a will, there’s a wave,” 2024 – https://www.sc.com/en/campaigns/blue-economy/
22. International Maritime Organization “IMO approves net-zero regulations for global shipping,” 11th April 2025 – https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/pages/IMO-approves-netzero-regulations.aspx
23. Oceana
24. Ocean Resilience and Climate Alliance
25. The Blue Marine Foundation
26. United Nations Ocean Conference, 2025 – https://sdgs.un.org/conferences/ocean2025/about-unoc-2025
27. United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 focuses on protecting the Ocean
28. Greenpeace “Governments to meet at UN to discuss first ever “Ocean COP””, 24th June 2024 – https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/news/governments-to-meet-at-un-to-discuss-first-ever-ocean-cop/
29. BBC “Attenborough at 99 delivers ‘greatest message he’s ever told’”, 6th May 2025 – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn0wjxg0ex1o

ST. PAUL, Minn., June 11, 2025 /3BL/ – Antea Group USA is proud to announce that its service, Global Climate Risk Assessments, has been awarded the Grand Prize at the Antea Group Global Innovation Challenge 2025. This international competition, which culminated in an exciting final event in Amsterdam on May 23, celebrates and recognizes the most impactful and forward-thinking solutions developed across the global Antea Group network.

The winning team from Antea Group USA, comprised of Natalya Holm, Audrey Beattie, Celine Morris, Laurell Ahn, and Eileen Lo, developed the Global Climate Risk Assessments service to address the urgent need for public and private companies to quantify and disclose the potential financial impacts of climate-related risks on their organizations. This comprehensive service is designed to align with the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework and emerging global regulations, helping clients navigate both current and future climate states.

“We are incredibly proud of the remarkable achievement of our team in winning the Global Innovation Challenge 2025,” said Brian Ricketts, CEO of Antea Group USA. “Their approach to Global Climate Risk Assessments exemplifies the forward-thinking mindset and dedication to addressing critical climate-related challenges for our clients. This service not only helps our clients meet complex regulatory demands but also provides them with actionable insights to build resilience and drive sustainable growth. It truly sets a shining example of innovation, teamwork, and excellence.”

The Global Climate Risk Assessments service offers a structured, five-step approach:

1. Geographic Climate Risk Screening: A global assessment of current-day climate-related physical and transition risks and opportunities.
2. Scenario Analysis: Evaluation of how identified climate-related risks are expected to develop under various future climate scenarios.
3. Financial Risk Modeling: Quantifying potential financial impacts based on client risks and business operation metrics.
4. Risk Mitigation & Strategic Opportunities: Identification of measures and opportunities to abate business impacts.
5. TCFD-aligned Disclosure: Disclosure of methods and results supporting compliance with various regulations leveraging the TCFD framework.

“Winning this award is a tremendous honor,” says Natalya Holm. “We hope this service empowers businesses to confidently move forward in their sustainability journeys, providing them with the clear data and strategic insights needed to understand, manage, and disclose their climate-related financial risks effectively.”

The victory of Global Climate Risk Assessments underscores Antea Group’s dedication to leading the industry with innovative solutions that provide tangible value to clients facing evolving environmental and regulatory landscapes. This achievement reinforces the company’s position as a forward-thinking partner in sustainability and environmental consulting.

About Antea Group

Antea®Group is an environment, health, safety, and sustainability consulting firm. By combining strategic thinking with technical expertise, we do more than effectively solve client challenges; we deliver sustainable results for a better future. We work in partnership with and advise many of the world’s most sustainable companies to address ESG-business challenges in a way that fits their pace and unique objectives. Our consultants equip organizations to better understand threats, capture opportunities and find their position of strength. Lastly, we maintain a global perspective on ESG issues through not only our work with multinational clients, but also through our sister organizations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America and as a founding member of the Inogen Alliance. Learn more at us.anteagroup.com.

Contact:
Alison Bryant
Marketing Director
alison.bryant@anteagroup.us
us.anteagroup.com

From the Spring 2025 Bioneers Conference – In this insight keynote presentation, biomimicry icon Janine Benyus helps us imagine a city that functions like a forest – storing the same amount of water, cleaning and cooling as well as the same amount of air, cycling of nutrients and the nurturing of biodiversity. She also shares inspiring news about Biomimicry 3.8’s Project Positive initiatives that reveal that this regenerative vision is indeed achievable and within our reach, if we are able to quiet our human cleverness sufficiently to be able to ask: What would Nature do here?

We encourage you to learn more about her work at Biomimicry 3.8 – it begins by watching her video here – https://greenmoney.com/janine-benyus-on-becoming-a-welcome-species-biomimicry-and-the-art-of-generous-design

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CLEVELAND, June 11, 2025 /3BL/ – For the twelfth time, KeyBank (NYSE:KEY) has been recognized by Points of Light as one of the 50 most community-minded companies in America in 2025. The recognition is based on The Civic 50 survey that is administered by True Impact and consists of quantitative and qualitative questions.

The honorees are selected based on four dimensions of their community engagement and social impact programs: investment of resources, integration across business functions, institutionalization through policies and systems and impact measurement.

Key is one of only a small number of companies that have consistently achieved such high marks throughout the program’s 13-year history.’

Additionally, Key has also been recognized as this year’s Financials Sector Leader. This is the eighth year KeyBank has received this recognition.

“We are grateful to receive the Points of Light recognition which honors our long-held purpose of helping our clients, our colleagues, and our communities thrive,” said Eric Fiala, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer for KeyBank and CEO of the KeyBank Foundation. “KeyBank has invested more than $50 billion in our communities since 2017 through affordable housing, small business and home lending, and transformative philanthropy. As we celebrate our bicentennial, we are excited to continue making investments that support the growth, revitalization, and sustainability of all of the communities we so proudly serve.”

The Civic 50 is an initiative of Points of Light that recognizes the 50 most community-minded companies in the United States. The Civic 50 survey is based on Points of Light’s Corporate Civic Engagement Framework that creates a roadmap for companies committed to using their time, talent, and resources to drive social impact in their business and communities.

ABOUT KEYCORP
In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $189 billion at March 31, 2025.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

ABOUT KEYBANK FOUNDATION 
KeyBank Foundation is a nonprofit charitable foundation that supports organizations and initiatives aimed at improving financial wellness, education, and community development. Through strategic philanthropy, KeyBank Foundation works to create thriving communities and drive meaningful, lasting change.

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