Tag: 3BL

Tech and energy have a complex relationship.

One the one hand, tech innovation can help energy grids and power generation become more efficient and secure. On the other, the rapid adoption and development of emerging technologies is increasing power consumption.

Cisco is approaching the issue from multiple angles. It begins with Cisco’s net-zero goals and expands to include everything from circularity and smart grids to more energy-efficient products and investments in new solutions like wave power.

Another strategy? Long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for clean energy.  

With the help of these PPAs — the most recent of which were signed in Texas and India last year, as well as in Spain in 2023 — the company looks to fully power Cisco operations carbon free, while supporting clean-energy developers, outside communities, and Cisco partners.   

“Cisco is striving to source 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030,” said Andy Smith, who leads energy and sustainability efforts within Cisco’s Workplace Resources (WPR) department. “As part of that goal, we’re trying to diversify how we source clean energy, with a big focus on signing long-term Power Purchase Agreements that will support our energy targets where we operate.”

In India, Cisco’s Bangalore campus, which includes offices, a research lab, and a large data center, is three months into a 15-year, fixed-price agreement with a clean energy plant 164 miles away. At any given time, the Cisco complex runs on anywhere from 98 to 100 percent clean power.

And in Texas, PPAs led by Cisco’s Global Energy Management and Sustainability (GEMS) team — and including partners like Juniper, BioRad, Cadence, and IDEXX Laboratories — have been signed with three solar plants through Sustainability Roundtable’s Net Zero Consortium for Buyers (NZCB).

“Cisco’s involvement can be essential to the viability of these projects,” explained Evan Brown, Cisco’s energy and sustainability manager for the Americas and EMEA. “Our strong credit rating supports the developer’s ability to secure financing, making it possible to move from concept to construction.”

For the business, and for the planet

Together, these four plants will produce more than 500,000 megawatt hours of renewable energy per year for Cisco. That’s approximately the energy needed to power 72,000 homes in the United States for one year. And while the approaches in India and Texas vary in some ways, the goal is the same: supporting the adoption of clean energy in ways that are good for business and good for the planet.

Mary de Wysocki, Cisco’s chief sustainability officer, stressed the importance of these deals and others that are being signed or explored for the future.

“When I think about Generative AI, yes, it’s going to require more power,” she said. “But we in the private sector have an opportunity to invest in net-new energy sources. The Power Purchase Agreements that are underway in India and Texas are one way to help offset this. And we hope to do more in the future. In Spain, for example, we’ve reached another agreement that could power most of our offices in Europe.”

Vijayakumar Ettiyagounder, Cisco’s energy and sustainability manager for Asia-Pacific, Japan, and China (APJC), played a key role in making the India deal happen.

“This agreement gives us access to 92 megawatts of electricity,” he explained. “And it’s a hybrid plant, so a mix of solar and wind. That increases the hours of generation, because renewables can be intermittent in nature.”

While in India, Cisco is the sole buyer, in Texas the company has been the lead buyer in a consortium of eight partners, all of which have their own sustainability goals.

“The energy suppliers feel that they’re negotiating with one buyer because we are the ones negotiating on behalf of everybody in the consortium,” Brown said. “So, it helps these other folks, especially the smaller companies.”

For example, a partner like PTC Therapeutics might need 10 megawatts of energy in the deal, while Cisco’s needs would be at least 50. But all benefit.

“They’re not going to find those kinds of deals out there on the open market by themselves,” Brown added. “But pairing with us, they get the pricing and the benefits. And we do as well, because when I negotiate the deal, I’m no longer a 50-megawatt buyer; I’m a 200-megawatt buyer.”

Expanding the energy ecosystem

As a leader in this space, Cisco is showing the kind of market-development impact that a large organization can have.

“High credit-worthy companies like Cisco can play a big role in adding incremental renewable energy to the grid,” Smith argued. “That’s ultimately what we all have to do to maximize the benefits of renewable energy.”

Texas and India are prime places to expand clean energy resources.

“Texas is a hot market for energy right now,” Brown said. “It’s a mostly deregulated region of the country, with a thriving open market for power. As a result, that has attracted a lot of data centers, bitcoin mining, and other energy-intensive activities. On the meteorological side, there is plenty of sunlight.”

With growing electricity demand in India new solutions and investments are more and more welcome.

“India is dominated by coal-based power plants, followed by natural gas,” said Ettiyagounder. “But in the last seven or eight years, new capacity is coming mostly from the renewable side. So, the challenges are there, but the market is responding, and adoption is speeding up.”

New demands from AI — and whatever comes after

Of course, artificial intelligence (AI) is another of those energy-intensive activities. That’s why companies like Cisco are trying to get ahead of future demand.

“With AI, there’s a tremendous amount of data, a lot of processing, and a lot of automated decision making,” said Ettiyagounder. “So, it’s energy intensive. Even a small server is doing a lot of work. And as more and more concentrated data centers are built, we’ll need more power. As a conscious company, for Cisco that will mean more clean energy.”

As organizations across the economy look to integrate AI, every successful energy solution or innovation will be needed. And Brown is excited about the future of consortiums like those Cisco is leading in Texas.

“Cisco and Juniper may be fierce competitors in the IT world,” he said, “but we share a common goal when it comes to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. It will be great to see more cooperation like this.”

At the same time, Cisco’s solutions around AI, smart grids, smart buildings, more energy-efficient products, and circularity will combine with new new PPAs — to support the needs of Cisco customers and contribute to a net-zero future. “Our goal is to create more renewable energy for Cisco to use,” Smith said. “But in supporting new wind and solar farms, we’re also bringing more diverse sources of energy to the grid and to the communities. And that helps to strengthen energy resiliency.”

As De Wysocki stressed, the cooperation inherent in Power Purchase Agreements bodes well for the future.

“The more we work with diverse stakeholders,” she concluded, “as well as so many of our customers and partners on thinking through the demand, our investments in renewables, and our net-zero goals, I think we can really make this possible.”

Continue reading here.

From record-breaking races to behind-the-scenes precision, SailGP’s 2025 season is a masterclass in speed, strategy, and logistical excellence. As the teams battle it out on high-tech F50 catamarans across the globe, DP World powers the action as SailGP’s Official Global Logistics Partner—delivering seamless transport of critical race infrastructure, enabling historic doubleheader weekends in the U.S., and supporting game-changing initiatives like the first-ever Women’s Performance Camp. With New York up next and the championship race tighter than ever, the drama is just getting started.

SEATTLE, May 13, 2025 /3BL/ – Washington Farmland Trust, a nonprofit that protects threatened farmland and supports farmers across the state, has received a $400,000 grant from the KeyBank Foundation.

Funds from the grant will support the organization’s Farm to Farmer program, which helps farmers find land, access resources, and thrive as business owners and stewards of the land. This is the largest private grant this program has received to date. The program has a special focus on assisting farmer collectives in gaining long-term tenure of farmland, a model that leverages collective expertise and resources to allow farmers to build viable businesses and secure land affordably. The collective model is greater than the sum of its parts, empowering farmers to work together to overcome challenges and achieve shared goals.

The Farm to Farmer program offers dedicated support for farmer collectives through all stages of formation and organizational development, working through the funding and land acquisition process and bringing together networks of like-minded individuals.

“At KeyBank, our mission is to help the communities we serve thrive,” said Brian Marlow, KeyBank’s Washington State Market President. “The Farm to Farmer program is a vital step toward creating a food system that benefits everyone, where local farmers can come together to build sustainable businesses as they provide fresh, healthy food to their neighbors.”

“Through my role supporting farmer collectives at Washington Farmland Trust and as a farmer myself, I know first-hand how difficult it is to farm. Collective farming models offer a solution to the isolation, land access challenges, and affordability concerns that so many farmers face. I am deeply grateful to this multi-year grant from the KeyBank Foundation so that we can keep supporting this important work.” Alex Machado, Farmer Collectives Manager, Washington Farmland Trust.

About Washington Farmland Trust 
Washington Farmland Trust (WFT) is an accredited land trust working to protect and steward threatened farmland across the state. WFT aims to keep land in production by making it accessible to a new generation of farmers. Since its founding 25 years ago, Washington Farmland Trust has conserved 34 farms, stewarded 3,747 acres, and provided direct support to 610 farmers. Learn more at wafarmlandtrust.org/25.

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.

###

• First-of-their-kind tests evaluated thermal treatment of AFFF fire fighting foam, PFAS-contaminated soil and spent carbon water treatment media
• Testing conducted based on EPA’s most current guidance for solids, liquids and stack air emission, including products of incomplete combustion (PICs) using the OTM-45 and OTM-50 methods
• Results demonstrated high temperature incineration is reliable and proven disposal solution for high concentrations of targeted PFAS, destroying greater than 99% of targeted substances, including up to 99.9999% of PFOS and PFHxS

PORT ARTHUR, Texas, May 13, 2025 /3BL/ – Veolia has published the waste management industry’s most comprehensive testing to date on the incineration of PFAS compounds. The tests demonstrated that high temperature incineration is a proven and reliable disposal solution for high concentrations of targeted PFAS, destroying greater than 99% of targeted substances, including up to 99.9999% of PFOS and PFHxS.

PFAS contamination is a critical challenge due to its widespread presence and persistent nature. This testing, conducted using the EPA’s most current guidance, advances the scientific understanding of PFAS disposal and gives cities and industries more options for management of these compounds.

The two-phased study was conducted at Veolia’s hazardous waste incinerator in Port Arthur, Texas in July and October of 2024 by a third party provider. The facility was chosen based on its track record of managing PFAS-containing material, and its ability to reach a secondary combustion chamber temperature of 2,040 degrees Fahrenheit and a residence time of 2.3 seconds.

The testing evaluated thermal treatment of AFFF fire fighting foam, PFAS-contaminated soil and spent carbon water treatment media in alignment with the EPA’s most current guidance for solids, liquids and stack air emissions (EPA Interim Guidance on the Destruction and Disposal of PFAS – April 8, 2024). The testing used the OTM-45 and OTM-50 methods to evaluate products of incomplete combustion (PICs) in stack air emissions. The test results were recently announced at the 2025 PFAS Forum V in Tampa, Florida.

The key findings of the testing included:

• Overall result: High temperature incineration is an efficient disposal solution for high concentrations of targeted PFAS, destroying greater than 99% of targeted substances, including up to 99.9999% of PFOS and PFHxS.
• Solid residue: In 41 of 45 samples, there were no detectable quantities of the target PFAS in any of the ash, slag or filter cake. In four ash samples, target PFAS levels close to the method detection limit were identified.
• Liquid residue: Very low levels of the target PFAS were detected in liquid residues; the target PFAS residuals were below the method detection minimum, as well as the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) set by the EPA for drinking water.
• Air emissions:The destruction and removal efficiency (DRE) was greater than 99% for the majority of target PFAS, and few to no PICs were detected during incineration, indicating highly effective destruction.

“This testing demonstrated that high temperature incineration is a reliable and proven disposal solution for high concentrations of targeted PFAS. Veolia takes our role as industry leaders seriously, which is why we take a scientific approach in conducting the industry’s most comprehensive, modern and credible testing of PFAS incineration. As part of our GreenUp strategy, we have curated the industry’s only truly end-to-end solution for PFAS management: Beyond PFAS. This test is one more step in our journey to protect human health and the environment,” said Bob Cappadona, President and Chief Executive Officer of Veolia North America’s Environmental Solutions and Services business.

Veolia provides drinking water to more than 9 million people across the United States and is in the forefront of the fight against PFAS. It has treated more than 24 billion gallons of water for PFAS at more than 30 sites, with dozens more under construction or in planning.

Veolia’s BeyondPFAS suite of offerings helps industries and businesses confronting the challenge of regulated PFAS compounds in their water supplies, work processes or waste streams. It streamlines Veolia’s offerings with a holistic approach from initial site assessment and sampling, to implementation of tailored treatment technologies, through proper handling and disposing of contaminants in line with current EPA-recommended methods such as incineration, deep well injection and secured, approved landfills.

As science and the public continue to learn more about PFAS compounds, Veolia’s BeyondPFAS offering will become a key part of the company’s strategy to bolster its leading role in addressing the world’s ecological problems. It also exemplifies the goals of Veolia’s global GreenUp strategy, which strives to lead the ecological transformation of the planet by accelerating water quality improvement, hazardous waste treatment and disposal, decarbonization and technological innovation.

ABOUT VEOLIA NORTH AMERICA

A subsidiary of Veolia group, Veolia North America (VNA) is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country’s largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. VNA helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education, and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Mass., Veolia North America has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across the continent. 
www.veolianorthamerica.com 

ABOUT VEOLIA GROUP

Veolia Group aims to become the benchmark company for ecological transformation. Present on five continents with 215,000 employees, the Group designs and deploys useful, practical solutions for the management of water, waste and energy that are contributing to a radical turnaround of the current situation. Through its three complementary activities, Veolia helps to develop access to resources, to preserve available resources and to renew them. In 2024, the Veolia group provided 111 million inhabitants with drinking water and 98 million with sanitation, produced 42 million megawatt hours of energy and treated 65 million tons of waste. Veolia Environnement (Paris Euronext: VIE) achieved consolidated revenue of 44.7 billion euros in 2024.
www.veolia.com

DISCLAIMER

The information contained in this statement is based on the Veolia group’s understanding and know-how of the scientific, regulatory and technical fields discussed herein as of the time of publication. No contractual undertaking or offer is made on the basis hereof and no representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy, completeness or suitability for the purpose of the relevant information. Descriptions contained herein apply exclusively to those examples and/or to the general situations specifically referenced, and in no event should they be considered to apply to specific scenarios without prior review and validation. Statements that may be interpreted as predictive of future outcomes or performance should not be considered guarantees of such, but rather reasoned assessments of the possible evolution of the technologies described.

No contractual undertaking or offer is made on the basis of this statement, any contractual commitment or relationship being subject to the conclusion of separately documented written agreement(s) between Veolia and its co-contractant(s).

CONTACT
VEOLIA NORTH AMERICA
Nate Pepper
Vice President, Communications
346-351-0024
nathan.pepper@veolia.com

SAN FRANCISCO, May 13, 2025 /3BL/ – Engage for Good, the leading company empowering corporate and nonprofit professionals to create mutually beneficial social impact partnerships, and Adyen, the financial technology platform of choice for leading companies, today announced the release of the 2025 Charity Checkout Champions Report — which highlights point-of-sale fundraising among corporations and nonprofits. This year’s report examines 92 total campaigns, with 37 raising at least $500,000 at checkout, offering retailers and nonprofits a clear blueprint for modern charitable giving that resonates with consumers.

The seventh biennial Charity Checkout Champions Report underscores a powerful truth: checkout fundraising still works — but only when it’s easy, emotionally resonant and well-timed. This year’s report shows new momentum in the space and a shift toward trust-driven, community-focused philanthropy.

“We wanted this year’s report to reflect what’s really happening at checkout — not just who raised the most, but how they did it and why it worked,” said Faye McCray, Head of Content & Digital Media at Engage for Good. “This is data with integrity, drawn from campaigns that cut through noise with clarity and purpose.”

This year’s report revealed that brands saw stronger results when they launched shorter, timely campaigns tied to current events, seasonal moments or urgent needs like disaster relief and mental health. Another finding showed that consumers were more likely to follow through with giving when the format was easy and simple, acting as a natural part of the purchase experience instead of an interruption.

Other key findings include:

• Nearly 50% of respondents cited time-bound, cause-specific campaigns as the most successful format
• 81% of top campaigns used set-dollar prompts — offering a fixed donation amount during checkout
• Top-performing causes for campaigns included mental health, hunger and disaster relief
• 25% of respondents reported a sales lift during the period in which they ran a fundraising campaign

“Checkout fundraising campaigns are the most powerful — and most underestimated — social impact tool in retail. While brands debate purpose in the boardroom, consumers are already engaging with their wallets at the register,” said Muneer Panjwani, CEO of Engage for Good. “If you’re not fundraising at checkout, you’re leaving both impact and loyalty on the table. This report reveals what actually works at checkout to inspire generosity and build loyalty. It’s not about playing it safe — it’s about doing it smart.”

The report also highlights a growing interest in local giving, showing that consumers are more inclined to give when causes feel personal, timely and community-based. Meanwhile, despite the ongoing buzz around AI, a whopping 88% of companies noted they don’t currently use AI in their checkout giving strategies — signaling a wide-open opportunity for brands to start testing AI now.

“Brands around the world are using payments technology to let their customers support causes directly with donations at checkout. With this report, we can help businesses use this tool more successfully, and create a meaningful impact that’s good for business and good for the world,” said Savannah Lennertz, Senior Impact Partnership Manager at Adyen. “Adyen’s Giving technology has helped global brands generate more than $25 million through 35 million individual micro-transactions by making donations-at-checkout frictionless. With our published matching commitment, we stand behind our belief that everyday actions can become engines of global impact.”

To download the 2025 Charity Checkout Champions Report, please visit https://engageforgood.com/meet-americas-charity-checkout-champions-2025/.

About Engage for Good

Engage for Good is the leading community of corporate social impact professionals, equipping leaders with the connections, best practices, and support they need to build high-impact partnerships that drive both business and social value.

Our offerings include: (1) The Engage for Good Conference — the premier national event convening leaders from Fortune 100 companies and top nonprofits. (2) The Halo Awards — the first and most prestigious honor recognizing excellence in corporate social impact. (3) A thriving membership of 19,000+ professionals working across CSR, ESG, DEI, philanthropy, and purpose. (4) Consulting services for nonprofits seeking to build or grow successful corporate partnerships. (5) Partnerships to help you reach CSR decision makers with your products and services.

About Adyen

Adyen (ADYEN:AMS) is the financial technology platform of choice for leading companies. By providing end-to-end payments capabilities, data-driven insights, and financial products in a single global solution, Adyen helps businesses achieve their ambitions faster. With offices around the world, Adyen works with the likes of Meta, Uber, H&M, eBay, and Microsoft.

Media Contact
Brandy Patton-Miller
prforengageforgood@bospar.com

In part two of this three part series, we explore how in 2018, Columbus City Schools (CCS) partnered with Ohio State University Extension to develop a guidebook.  The guidebook was shared with 46 CCS teachers who gave feedback about the guidebook.  Scotts Miracle-Gro and Scotts Miracle Gro Foundation helped gather the supplies for the experience.

Our purpose to GroMoreGood takes many forms. One of those special moments happened with Columbus City Schools in Ohio, where the magic of a single idea blossomed beyond its original intent and became something bigger, something greater. The growth journey of the Columbus City Schools program epitomizes GroMoreGood. A new generation of kids is developing a lifelong connection to the earth.

The idea 
Early in her career, school teacher Katie Young had a writing assignment for her students that was based on a simple question: Do you know where food comes from? Not one of the students answered that it comes from the earth. Katie knew this had to change. 

In 2018, the Columbus City Schools Farm to School program was born in partnership with ScottsMiracle-Gro, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation and The Ohio State University Extension. Teachers were given tools and Miracle-Gro supplies to teach kids how to create, tend to and harvest gardens full of fresh vegetables.

Starting to grow 
The initial group of teachers embraced the program, and students did, too. Soon, more schools and teachers were brought into the program, and it started delivering results that exceeded all original expectations.

Benefits beyond expectations 
Students experienced mental health benefits from touching the dirt and taking care of the plants on a regular basis. 

High school students talked about the therapeutic aspect of gardening and the way working with plants brought them a sense of peace. 

Another group of students created ways to invite the community to participate in the gardens, which went beyond the classroom. 

While elementary school students discovered that fresh foods are delicious, sometimes on their own and sometimes when added to a smoothie or pizza!

Read more about ScottsMiracle-Gro and the partnership with the Columbus City Schools.

Watch the video here.

About ScottsMiracle-Gro 
With approximately $3.6 billion in sales, the Company is the world’s largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care. The Company’s brands are among the most recognized in the industry. The Company’s Scotts®, Miracle-Gro®, and Ortho® brands are market-leading in their categories. The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, The Hawthorne Gardening Company, is a leading provider of nutrients, lighting, and other materials used in the indoor and hydroponic growing segment. For additional information, visit us at www.scottsmiraclegro.com.

• Duke Energy Foundation funding goes to 24 nonprofit, governmental organizations across the state
• Grants support efforts that work to ensure future generations enjoy the tremendous benefits of the natural resources of the Palmetto State

GREENVILLE, S.C., May 13, 2025 /3BL/ – Throughout the month of April, Duke Energy highlighted the importance of sustainability of our state’s natural assets with $375,000 in grants to organizations that manage and provide support to state and local parks, tree planting and advocacy, trail maintenance and litter prevention.

Why it matters: By educating ourselves about environmental issues and making small changes, such as reducing plastic use, recycling, conserving energy and planting trees, we can move towards understanding the impact of our actions and become more responsible stewards of the earth, ensuring that it remains a thriving, livable place for us all especially at a time of booming population growth in the state. Every effort, no matter how small, contributes to a better, cleaner world.

Where the money goes: The following qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental organizations received funding from Duke Energy Foundation (click here for additional details):

South Carolina State Parks	Waymaker Off Road Wheelchairs
Foothills Trail Conservancy	Nature Conservancy
Upstate Greenway Trails Alliance	Palmetto Trail
Trees Upstate	City of York
City of Florence	Town of Blacksburg
City of Travelers Rest	Marion County
City of Pickens	Florence County
Town of Prosperity	Town of Timmonsville
Newberry County	Kershaw County Trails Group
Laurens County Trails Association	Coker University Kalmia Gardens
Town of Ware Shoals	Town of McBee
Town of Iva	City of Sumter

Dozens of Duke Energy employees also volunteered their time and energy in April by supporting five organized trash pickups and similar events in communities across the state.

What they’re saying

Tim Pearson, Duke Energy’s South Carolina president:
“The natural beauty of South Carolina draws new residents and businesses to our state every year, and it’s important for companies like ours to work alongside our communities to protect, enhance and promote these tremendous assets of the Palmetto State.”

Duane Parrish, South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism executive director:
“The Upstate has been through a lot since last fall. From the first responders who secured our safety after Helene and in the recent wildfires, to the partners who have stepped up afterwards to help make us whole again, we have not had to face those dark days and difficult challenges alone. We are incredibly grateful to Duke Energy, who has been an amazing partner to South Carolina State Parks for many years. They have a heart for what we do in State Parks, and their generous support is pivotal in helping us protect, advance, and share our treasured places with visitors.”

Aaron Davis, TreesUpstate executive director:
“For the past nine years, Duke Energy has helped thousands of Upstate residents save electricity costs through this really “cool” Energy Savings Tree Giveaway program. Their generosity and partnership show how much Duke Energy values nonprofits, communities, and our wonderful natural resources.”

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.

At Gilead, we innovate for impact. This commitment helps us drive scientific solutions forward, reach more people in more places and protect the planet we all share. Read our 2024 Responsible Business and Impact Report to see how we’re driving change and working toward our vision to create a healthier world for all people. https://www.gilead.com/company/annual-impact-reports

Gilead Sciences
Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a research-based biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercializes innovative medicines in areas of unmet medical need. The company strives to transform and simplify care for people with life-threatening illnesses around the world. Gilead has operations in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California. 

Originally published by Gilead Sciences

The United States is at a tipping point when it comes to women’s health, and heart health remains the deadliest concern of all.¹ For more than 100 years, cardiovascular disease has been the leading cause of death in women, accounting for about one out of every three female deaths (more than all cancers combined).^2,3 Medtronic is working relentlessly to ensure women receive personalized, evidence-based solutions, tailored to them.

This May, during Women’s Health Month and Mother’s Day, we encourage people to make the pledge to talk to their mother or the women in their lives about heart health. From high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats to common conditions like heart valve failure (severe aortic stenosis)^† and coronary artery disease, it’s important today and every day to not skip a beat — learn your family history, risk factors, and the signs and symptoms of heart disease.

Receiving the right advice at the right time can impact your life, and in the case of heart disease, may help save your life.¹ One letter can help start a new conversation about what it means to take care of your own heart health. What would you say to your mother or a woman in your life if you knew it could change the course of her life?

A new Medtronic-sponsored survey of women ages 30–50 sheds light on a gap in awareness and discussion around heart health, despite more than 60 million women in the United States living with some form of heart disease.^‡ Women discuss sensitive topics like “the birds and the bees” and body image — but heart health is left out of conversations at the doctor’s office and dinner table.

• 60% of women find it hard to make their own health a priority.
• 30% of women have not talked with a healthcare provider about their heart health.
• 44% of women have talked about their heart risk with their family.

Heart disease can present differently in women, with symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or pain in the neck, jaw, or throat.^4,5Learn more and talk to your doctor about solutions for heart disease and high blood pressure (hypertension).

Learn more and take the pledge to talk to your mother or the women in your life about heart health today.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————-

‡ Medtronic engaged Wakefield Research to conduct a nationally representative survey to gain insights into consumer perceptions and awareness of heart disease in women, targeted to the “daughters” that are sandwiched between taking care of their health, their children, and parents. The survey was deployed among 1,000 U.S. women, ages 30 to 50, with a living mother and a living child, between March 13 and March 17, 2025, using an email invitation and an online survey. Data has been weighted.

1. American Heart Association. More than half of U.S. adults don’t know heart disease is the leading cause of death, despite 100-year reign. Updated January 24, 2024. Accessed April 17, 2025.
2. American Heart Association. Facts | Go Red for Women. Accessed April 23, 2025.
3. Garcia M, Mulvagh SL, Merz CNB, Buring JE, Manson JE. Cardiovascular disease in women: clinical perspectives. Circ Res. 2016;118(8):1273–1293. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.116.307547.
4. American Heart Association. Changing the way we view women’s heart attack symptoms. Updated March 6, 2020. Accessed April 17, 2025.
5. Iribarren AC, AlBadri A, Wei J, et al. Sex differences in aortic stenosis: Identification of knowledge gaps for sex specific personalized medicine. Am Heart J Plus. 2022;21:100197. doi:10.1016/j.ahjo.2022.100197.

Company plans to invest $37 billion in the electric grid through 2028

May 12-16 marks National Infrastructure Week, but for Entergy employees, it seems like the observance is celebrated daily.

Throughout the company’s service area, a dizzying number of projects are being planned, designed, approved, built and put into service. These projects will improve resiliency, enhance reliability, supply economic growth and meet increased residential demand for Entergy’s 3 million customers.

Interested in how the company is investing in serving customers better, both now and for the future? Below are just a few of the many initiatives active right now.

Entergy Louisiana is investing more than $400 million over the next four years to upgrade approximately 730 miles of distribution and transmission lines across the state’s Capital Region. As part of the project, approximately 20,300 poles will be upgraded to withstand winds of up to 150 mph, helping to ensure the continuity of service in the face of increasingly severe weather events.

The initiative will directly benefit the Capital Region’s vital industries, as well as small businesses, schools, hospitals and residential customers that rely on affordable and reliable power. With more than $30 billion in industrial projects currently evaluating investment in the region, enhanced grid reliability is a critical factor in supporting continued economic growth.

Learn more about future projects in the Louisiana 100 plan.

Entergy Texas is roughly 70% complete with construction of the Orange County Advanced Power Station. The plant, designed to generate 1,215 megawatts of power, remains on track to power more than 230,000 homes by June 2026.

Bringing this massive project to life requires an impressive inventory of materials:

• Over 1.3 million feet of electrical cables
• More than 43,000 feet of underground piping
• Nearly 2,000 tons of steel
• Over 22,000 cubic yards of concrete

Entergy Texas expects energy demand across residential, commercial and industrial customer bases to increase over the next few years. This growth in energy consumption requires the Entergy Texas power grid to have an additional 1,600 megawatts of generation capacity by 2028, which is approximately 40% of current generation capacity. Learn more about how the company is readying for that growth with its STEP Ahead plan.

Entergy New Orleans has announced a $100 million Accelerated Resilience Plan, approved by the New Orleans City Council in October 2024. The plan reflects a commitment to strengthening the grid and creating jobs while driving long-term growth.

The first phase of work, to be completed in 2025-2026, will include 65 individual projects, strengthening 3,096 structures and upgrading 63 electric line miles.

Company employees are already working closely with local partners to help transform the city’s economic landscape in other positive ways:

• The River District Neighborhood Initiative will feature a mixed-use neighborhood with sustainable designs, green spaces, and advanced infrastructure. This project is expected to generate over $1 billion in economic activity and $43 million in annual tax revenue.
• Five O’ Four Golf, a $40 million golf-entertainment facility, will include a driving range, dining options, and other amenities, bringing jobs, tourism, and entertainment to the region.
• CSX’s property in New Orleans East, the first site in the city to be classified as a “Certified Site” under the Louisiana Economic Development’s Certified Sites Program, will benefit residents by creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and enhancing logistics and transportation services.

Entergy Arkansas continues its plans to invest millions of dollars into grid upgrades and one example is the recently completed significant reliability upgrades in the Harrisburg community aimed at modernizing aging infrastructure, increasing resilience and reducing the risk of power interruptions. The year-long project, which includes more than two miles of new distribution lines and enhancing substation equipment, is expected to bring improved stability to the area, providing farmers and residents with the reliable power needed to operate essential irrigation systems during the hot summer months.

These upgrades represent a proactive investment in the community’s future, helping farmers, residents and local businesses thrive with expanded electrical stability. In total for this project, Entergy Arkansas has invested more than $12 million in new upgrades and has rebuilt more than a mile of existing distribution lines allowing the company to support increased load demands and provide consistent power delivery, even during high-demand periods.

For more on long-term plans: entergy.com/brightfutureark

At Entergy Mississippi, construction is underway at the Delta Blues Advanced Power Station in Greenville. By replacing end-of-life gas generation with more clean and efficient generation, the company is ensuring customers continue to have modern, reliable energy well into the future.

Delta Blues Advanced Power Station will be a 754-megawatt facility capable of powering 385,000 homes across Entergy Mississippi’s 45-county service area.

The $1.2 billion investment represents a significant economic impact for the Mississippi Delta, including more than 300 construction jobs in the area over the next several years and additional tax revenue for Washington County. Entergy will employ about 21 full-time personnel to operate the plant when it comes online. When fully operational, the plant will provide the state a newer, cleaner and more attractive power source to highlight when recruiting new industry and jobs to Mississippi.

For more on long-term plans: entergy.com/brightfuturems

The Entergy Nuclear River Bend Station in St. Francisville, La., has recently modernized the local emergency notification process, transitioning to a nationally approved system that continues to alert local broadcast and news outlets about severe weather, while putting information directly in the hands of residents.

Similar to how people now get storm warnings through their electronic and mobile devices, the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System is now set to give local residents more information in a timelier manner should an emergency occur.

IPAWS works by sending local emergency messages to the public to customer’s mobile phones using wireless emergency alerts, to radio and television via the Emergency Alert System and also on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s, or NOAA, weather radio. The Federal Emergency Management Agency developed IPAWS over a decade ago is currently being used by major nuclear plants across the nation.

These investments, and many more like them, are part of an aggressive plan to invest $37 billion in the grid through 2028. For details, check out Entergy’s most recent performance report.