Tag: 3BL

• HERO grants will fund emergency preparedness equipment and first responder training to support local efforts
• Funding will benefit 20 vital disaster response organizations, including local government agencies and nonprofits

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 6, 2025 /3BL/ – As North Carolina communities prepare for storm season, Duke Energy today announced new support for preparedness initiatives led by local emergency response organizations across the state.

What’s happening: Twenty government agencies and nonprofits are receiving Duke Energy Foundation grants of $25,000 to fund severe weather preparedness measures. These Helping Emergency Response Organizations (HERO) grants will help prepare community resources, emergency responders and residents for major storms.

Why it matters: Natural disasters have caused catastrophic impacts across North Carolina in recent years, spanning from the coast to the western mountain region. With another heightened storm season predicted, collaborative response planning will play a critical role in supporting communities. Duke Energy Foundation is empowering local organizations that know their communities best with the resources they need to be successful.

By the numbers: Duke Energy Foundation has supported more than 100 local emergency response organizations during the past five years with more than $1.8 million in grant funding to advance storm preparedness in North Carolina.

What they’re saying:

• Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president: “Last storm season underscored the resilience of our North Carolina communities. Proactive collaboration with local emergency response organizations is necessary to ensure that communities are prepared to maintain that resilience. We are committed to helping equip our growing state with the tools necessary to stay safe during the upcoming storm season.”
   
• Tommy Batson, Pender County Emergency Management Director: “Pender County, along with many coastal communities/counties, is one disaster from losing the communications we use every day. Tropical Storm Helene hit western North Carolina in the fall of 2024 and the everyday radio communication, cell service and internet were lost. Pender County, along with many other agencies from across the country, had never seen this. This grant from Duke Energy will help us bridge this gap during the next event.” 
   
• Tony Ray, Town of Beaufort Fire Chief: “The support from the Duke Energy Foundation is a vital investment in the safety of our community. This grant allows us to provide essential training and equipment for our firefighters, ensuring we’re better prepared to respond to emergencies and protect the lives and property of Beaufort’s residents, especially during natural disasters.”
   
• Don Mail, Wake County Board of Commissioners Vice Chair: “Emergency preparedness starts at the individual level. When all residents have access to the resources that will keep them safe during a crisis or natural disaster, our whole community becomes more resilient. We are incredibly grateful to our partners at the Duke Energy Foundation for supporting this important work by investing in equity and safety in Wake County.”

Grant recipients

• Anson County
   
• Town of Beaufort
   
• Belews Creek Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department
   
• Buncombe County
   
• Cherokee County Emergency Management
   
• Gastonia Police Foundation
   
• County of Granville
   
• Henderson County
   
• Jones County Emergency Management
   
• Lee County Emergency Management
   
• McDowell County
   
• Pender County Emergency Management
   
• Piedmont Triad Regional Development Corporation
   
• Town of Pittsboro
   
• City of Raleigh
   
• Rockingham County
   
• Rowan County Rescue Squad
   
• Town of St. Pauls
   
• Wake County Government
   
• Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry

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: Garrett Poorman
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

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As World Oceans Day approaches on June 8, 2025, we are reminded of the urgent need to protect our blue planet. This year’s theme, “Sustainable Fishing Means More,” highlights the growing demand for innovation to preserve marine ecosystems and fight climate change. Among the most promising breakthroughs in ocean-inspired sustainability is AirCarbon®, a regenerative, carbon-negative material created by Newlight Technologies.

The Science: From Microbes to Materials

AirCarbon® was born from an extraordinary scientific discovery. While researching oil spills, scientists observed oceanic microorganisms consuming methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and naturally producing Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) within their cells. This polymer mimics the characteristics of polypropylene, a common plastic, but with a critical difference: PHB is biodegradable and renewable.

Newlight Technologies scaled this biological process into a commercially viable innovation. Using air and greenhouse gases dissolved in water, they produce AirCarbon®, a plastic alternative now used in cutlery, straws, eyewear, leather substitutes, and more. With over 50 patents and more than a decade of R&D, AirCarbon® offers an elegant, market-driven solution to reduce plastic waste and climate impact.

AirCarbon® isn’t just a promising innovation—it’s already making waves across industries. Companies like Nike and H&M have partnered with Newlight Technologies to incorporate AirCarbon® into sustainable fashion collections, while Shake Shack, Target, and Ben & Jerry’s have piloted its use in foodware to reduce single-use plastic waste. In hospitality, Marriott International has adopted AirCarbon® utensils in select locations, and in the automotive space, Sumitomo Chemical is exploring its potential for carbon-negative materials. These partnerships demonstrate AirCarbon’s versatility and growing role in helping brands meet their environmental commitments.

Scaling Sustainability

In recent developments, Newlight announced plans for a $1.1 billion manufacturing facility in Manitoba, Canada, further expanding their capacity to meet the demand for sustainable materials. This follows a $125 million equity round led by GenZero, reinforcing the company’s path toward industrial-scale impact.

As governments and corporations seek actionable ways to meet ESG targets, AirCarbon® stands out as a proven alternative—both technologically and environmentally sound.

Featured on the RENEWables Podcast

To explore the deeper implications of this breakthrough, Mark Herrema, Co-Founder & CEO of Newlight Technologies, joined the RENEWables podcast. In Episode #36, Herrema shares the origin story of AirCarbon®, the challenges of scaling biological innovation, and how circular economy principles can guide the future of materials.

“AirCarbon is not just about replacing plastic—it’s about capturing carbon, restoring balance, and rethinking how we interact with the natural world.” — Mark Herrema

Don’t miss this powerful conversation.
Listen to the full episode of RENEWables featuring Mark Herrema here: RENEWables #36: AirCarbon®
Share the episode with your network to help elevate solutions that matter this World Oceans Day.

When natural disasters strike, staying connected can be lifesaving. Subject matter experts on T‑Mobile’s emergency response teams explain how the company has stepped up its network to think, adapt and respond in real time, in real emergencies they have seen first-hand, when everything is on the line.  

During an emergency, connectivity can mean the difference between safety and silence. And no one knows that better than T-Mobile’s emergency response teams, who’ve seen firsthand how critical it is to stay connected.

“There is no better feeling in the world than when you’re in the field and someone hugs you and says, ‘You’re here!’” says Becky Romero, Senior Manager, T-Mobile’s Enterprise Business Continuity team. “It’s very emotional for our teams when we get to show what the Magenta mission looks like.”

That’s why the Un-carrier built a modern and intelligent network designed to evolve — one that doesn’t just bounce back from disaster but actively adapts in real time to keep people connected. From self-healing infrastructure powered by AI and real-time data to satellite connectivity and prioritized 5G for first responders, T-Mobile is redefining what it means to be ready.

“We don’t prepare for just one storm, we prepare for the entire season,” adds Joseph Urban, Senior Director, T-Mobile’s Engineering and Operations. “Our teams, systems and equipment stay fully ready to respond.”

At the time of our interview, Urban was actively leading a staging exercise to ensure crews were rested, resourced and ready for the next potential impact. Behind every one of those crews is a network designed to be just as agile.

Here is the technology these experts say ensures T-Mobile’s network doesn’t just recover in a crisis, but helps communities recover too.

Self-Organizing Network (SON): A Smart, Self-Healing System Built for Immediate Response

During an emergency, speed matters and so does smart infrastructure. That’s where T-Mobile’s Self-Organizing Network (SON) comes in. Powered by predictive data modeling and real-time AI, SON acts like a 24/7 brain for the network, constantly scanning for issues and responding on the fly.

“It’s one of the most exciting evolutions I’ve seen in our emergency response,” says Nicole Hudnet, Emergency Response Team (ERT) Advisor, T-Mobile Business Group. “During a tornado response in Texas, we were able to tilt antennas on a nearby tower remotely to improve connectivity and help first responders — no one had to be physically sent out, freeing them to respond to even more critical needs.”

SON uses AI, machine learning and automation to reroute signals, dynamically shift antenna angles, optimize power usage and prevent congestion — all in real time. It’s like GPS for cell signals, constantly recalculating the best path to keep coverage strong, even when parts of the network are down.

“If you think of the spectrum and capacity that we have here at T-Mobile, especially with 5G, it’s perfect for the demands of technologies like AI,” Hudnet says. “AI depends on vast data collection and rapid decision-making, and our network is built for it.”

And when the power is out? SON keeps working smarter.

“We leverage advanced technologies, including AI, to optimize power usage at our cell sites — helping to extend battery life and maintain connectivity when it matters most,” says Urban.

If a site is running on a smaller generator or backup battery, SON can automatically scale down non-critical usage and stretch that power to last longer — keeping people connected for as long as possible. SON’s capabilities have already made a major impact. During Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the system executed over 5,000 automated adjustments and more than 121,000 antenna tilts to expand coverage in real time. And during the recent Southern California wildfires, it performed over 12,000 more, reinforcing signals near critical infrastructure and rescue zones.

“We can now see in real time how many customers are impacted in a given area and focus our recovery efforts exactly where they’re needed,” says Rocky Leavitt, Senior Manager, T-Mobile’s Field Technology Engineering Operations.

T-Satellite with Starlink: Staying Connected Even When Towers Go Down 

When traditional cell service is not available, staying connected can feel impossible. That’s why T-Mobile has introduced T-Satellite, America’s first and only “direct connect” satellite service that’s changing the game for emergency response.

Available to anyone enrolled in the beta program (even Verizon and AT&T customers), T-Satellite lets users send texts to 911 and SMS to loved ones with no setup, apps or extra hardware required on most modern smartphones. And anybody with a compatible device can receive wireless emergency alerts when traditional service is out of reach.

Between the hurricanes and wildfires, T-Satellite helped deliver over 500,000 critical messages that wouldn’t have gone through otherwise.

“It’s 500,000 messages,” reflects Jon Freier, President, T-Mobile’s Consumer Group, “maybe to simply say ‘I’m OK’ to friends and family, or to plea for emergency relief in a life-or-death situation.”

Leading the Future of Emergency Communication

T-Priority is a cutting-edge 5G solution designed to transform frontline connectivity. It features a dedicated 5G network slice that directs network traffic to ensure first responder agencies get our best possible experience with up to five times the resources of the average user. And in rare times of extreme congestion, it can dynamically dedicate more capacity to first responders.

During the California fires in January, the Un-carrier provided T-Priority to more than 350 Los Angeles Fire Department members to maintain mission-critical connectivity. 

The company is also helping modernize 911 systems nationwide through Next Generation 911 (NG911), which replaces slower, outdated voice systems with IP-based tech that can transmit voice, text, and real-time location data directly to call centers. 

T-Mobile is already routing over half of its 911 traffic through NG911, and 87% of call centers on its network now support Text-to-911 — giving people more ways to get help, especially when speaking isn’t possible or safe.

Connecting Communities in Crisis 

T-Mobile’s disaster teams deploy assets to fill gaps where coverage is impacted by commercial power outages and damaged infrastructure, including emergency vehicles, mobile command centers, charging stations, Wi-Fi trailers and routers. Their work has helped small businesses run transactions and payroll, powered local grocery stores, kept hospitals and temporary medical tents connected to access patient records and supported recovery centers with connectivity and essential equipment during emergencies.

During Hurricanes Helene and Milton and the Southern California fires, T-Mobile’s teams visited more than 75 Red Cross shelters and other points of distribution, where they provided free Wi-Fi to approximately 21,000 people, regardless of carrier, who used a total of 12TB of data. Teams have also handed out more than 15,000 power packs with device charging equipment and other supplies.

Dataminr: Preparedness Starts with Visibility and Innovation

T-Mobile has integrated Dataminr’s AI-driven alert system into its Everbridge Visual Command Center, enhancing teams’ early visibility into threats like wildfires, severe weather and infrastructure risks.

By scanning public data — from sensors to social media — Dataminr delivers real-time alerts that help T-Mobile respond faster.

“This kind of early intelligence is a game-changer,” says Urban. “It lets us act quickly and adapt as conditions change.”

Early detection means faster decisions — and better outcomes when lives and livelihoods are at stake.

A Stronger, Smarter Network 

T-Mobile’s resilient network relies on backhaul — the critical link between cell towers and the internet. To keep service running during disasters, the company uses a multilayered system: fiber, microwave and satellite connections. If one fails, the others step in.

“We’ve used these tools for years, but today’s satellite tech is faster, smarter and far more capable,” says Stacy Tindell, Senior Director, T-Mobile’s Network Engineering and Operations.

This multilayered approach means fewer interruptions, faster recovery and a network that can flex and adapt even under extreme pressure. This is more than just innovation. It’s transformation — designed to protect the people who rely on it most.

T-Mobile is committed to strengthening its network and support systems to meet the growing challenges of extreme weather and natural disasters. Learn more at T-Mobile.com/news/emergency-response.

On World Environment Day, we’re sharing the impactful efforts of our teams as they continue to work toward a more sustainable future and deliver on our purpose, Better Care For A Better World. Our Epping facility near Cape Town, South Africa, implemented an on-site solar panel installation that’s expected to generate more than 2,200 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean energy annually. That’s enough to power roughly 500 homes and remove more than 2,300 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions each year.

The installation is part of Kimberly-Clark’s broader on-site solar program, which plays a vital role in our energy-sourcing strategy and supports our climate goals. In 2024 alone, we activated eight new solar installations across our global operations, generating 34,000 MWh of renewable energy. And we’re just getting started, with 14 more installations planned for 2025.

These initiatives are some of the many ways we are working toward our global sustainability ambitions.

About Kimberly-Clark 
Kimberly-Clark (Nasdaq: KMB) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an understanding of people’s most essential needs, we create products that help individuals experience more of what’s important to them. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in approximately 70 countries. We use sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build strong communities, and ensure our business thrives for decades to come. We are proud to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere for the seventh year in a row and one of Fortune’s Most Innovative Companies in America in 2024. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company’s more than 150-year history of innovation, visit the Kimberly-Clark website.

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The latest installment in world-class equipment, technology and services company, CNH’s ‘A Sustainable Year’ series spotlights the science behind Canadian bale storage innovator Nature’s Net Wrap, a CNH Ventures partner.

CNH speak with the innovators driving it forward, Larry and Austin Ruud, ranchers in Western Canada. And they highlight the real-world impact of rolling out their compostable bale net wrap across their Case IH and New Holland brand dealer networks in North America. The article also features customer feedback and insights from researchers at Lakeland College in Canada, who bring their scientific perspective to the discussion.

Plastic net wrap and twine account for approximately 2.5 million tons of waste per year – at least half of all plastic waste in agriculture – and the market is worth around $1 billion USD a year.

Nature’s Net Wrap has developed the world’s first compostable bale net wrap, which is made from a blend of biopolymers and natural fibers that have been tested extensively. It exceeds all global certification requirements and is currently patent pending.

CNH presents this story on World Environment Day 2025 which calls for collective action to tackle plastic pollution.

MANILA, Philippines, June 5, 2025 /3BL/ – KMC Solutions, the leading provider of flexible office spaces in the Philippines and the International WELL Building Institute, the global authority for advancing health in buildings, organizations and communities, announced today that KMC has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first company globally to earn three prestigious WELL ratings across its entire portfolio of flexible workspaces.

This milestone includes achieving the WELL Coworking Rating that IWBI recently launched in partnership with The Instant Group, the largest global marketplace for flexible workspace, as well as the WELL Health-Safety Rating and WELL Equity Rating. Achieving these ratings marks KMC as a pioneer in creating healthier, more sustainable, and more productive workplaces serving the growing need of people in coworking and flexible work environments.

With 25 locations across the Philippines, KMC provides coworking and serviced office solutions, revolutionizing flexible workspaces with a strong commitment to employee well-being and environmental sustainability.

In 2023, KMC joined the growing league of global organizations to engage WELL at scale, a pathway that allows participating companies to scale health outcomes by applying evidence-based WELL strategies across a portfolio of locations or across an entire enterprise with flexibility to make measured progress along their journey to advance people-first culture.

KMC earned the WELL Equity Rating and the WELL Health-Safety Rating across all locations in 2023. KMC was the first company in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region to achieve the WELL Equity Rating portfolio-wide. In 2025, as an early adopter of the WELL Coworking Rating, achieved the WELL Coworking Rated status shortly after this rating was launched. Leading flexible workspace operators worldwide have embraced the rating as part of their overall commitment to providing healthier and more resilient coworking spaces.

“We are incredibly proud to be the first in the world to achieve these three WELL ratings across our entire portfolio,” said Michael McCullough, Co-founder and CEO of KMC Solutions. “This accomplishment reflects our commitment to ensuring that KMC spaces provide an environment where our clients and employees thrive – physically, mentally, and socially.”

“KMC’s holistic approach to health and well-being reflects their dedication to advancing the future of workspaces, where health, safety, and belonging form the cornerstone of success,” said Jack Noonan, IWBI’s Senior Vice President and Head of Asia-Pacific. “We are thrilled to celebrate KMC’s portfolio-wide WELL achievements, which demonstrate the organization’s pioneering leadership and unwavering commitment to building workplaces where people thrive.”

As flexible work environments continue to evolve, KMC’s expertise in crafting spaces that foster both productivity and employee satisfaction is setting a new benchmark for coworking in the region and beyond.”

“KMC becoming the first operator in APAC to achieve the WELL Coworking Rating and in turn achieve three WELL ratings is a significant milestone – not just for them, but for the region as a whole,” said Sam Pickering, Executive Director, Head of Sustainability at The Instant Group. “WELL provides a clear framework for understanding the health and well-being credentials of flexible workspaces, and KMC’s achievement is a testament to their commitment to creating environments that truly support people. It’s great to see a forward-thinking operator in APAC leading the way when it comes to workplace wellness.”

The WELL Coworking Rating, derived from the health strategies outlined in the WELL Building Standard, encompasses over 50 features across all 10 concepts in WELL. The features promote advanced air and water quality, lighting and thermal comfort, physical fitness, access to healthy food, collaborative spaces as well as maintenance and operational policies that focus on well-being. The WELL Coworking Rated mark signifies that a coworking or flexible workspace meets rigorous, evidence-based WELL requirements, validating its commitment to supporting the health and well-being of its occupants.

The WELL Health-Safety Rating supports organizations to advance health-focused strategies for building operations and prepare businesses for long-term resilience. It focuses on operational excellence by addressing air and water quality, cleaning procedures, emergency preparedness, health resources and stakeholder engagement. The WELL Equity Rating provides an actionable framework to improve access to health and well-being, prioritize inclusivity and promote engagement and belonging at workplaces.

About KMC Solutions
KMC Solutions is a prominent provider of flexible office spaces and coworking solutions in the Philippines. With 25 locations in the country, KMC caters to businesses of all sizes, offering tailored private office spaces, virtual offices, and coworking spaces. Through its commitment to workplace well-being, sustainability, and innovative design, KMC provides high-quality, flexible office solutions that help businesses thrive in the modern economy.

About the International WELL Building Institute
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a public benefit corporation and the global authority for transforming health and well-being in buildings, organizations and communities. In pursuit of its public-health mission, IWBI mobilizes its community through the development and administration of the WELL Building Standard (WELL), WELL for residential, WELL Community Standard, its WELL ratings and management of the WELL AP credential. IWBI also translates research into practice, develops educational resources and advocates for policies that promote people-first places for everyone, everywhere. More information on WELL can be found here.

International WELL Building Institute, IWBI, the WELL Building Standard, WELL v2, WELL Certified, WELL AP, WELL EP, WELL Score, The WELL Conference, We Are WELL, the WELL Community Standard, WELL Health-Safety Rated, WELL Performance Rated, WELL Equity Rated, WELL Equity, WELL Coworking Rated, WELL Residence, Works with WELL, WELL and others, and their related logos are trademarks or certification marks of International WELL Building Institute pbc in the United States and other countries.

About The Instant Group
The Instant Group has been rethinking workspace since 1999 with over 600 experts working globally across more than 175 countries. Instant’s digital platforms constitute the world’s largest digital marketplace for flexible workspace listing meeting rooms, virtual offices, flexible office space and coworking memberships. Its global team advises on commercial real estate solutions from serviced offices to fully customized managed offices, and consulting services for portfolio and net zero strategies. Instant’s approach enables agility, hybrid working solutions and improved operational resilience for more than 250,000 businesses every year. Clients include Prudential, Booking.com, Shell, Jaguar Land Rover, and GSK. Instant has global offices including London, Paris, New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, Mexico City, and Sydney. www.theinstantgroup.com

Media contact:
KMC: heidi.manabat@kmc.solutions
IWBI: media@wellcertified.com
Instant: georgia@georgiaelise.com

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As previously seen on the CSRHub blog.

We’re proud to share that Cynthia Figge, CEO and Co-Founder of CSRHub, will be speaking on two panels at the upcoming Future in Review (FiRe) Conference 2025, taking place in San Diego from June 8–11.

Widely recognized as one of the most influential technology and innovation gatherings in the world, the Future in Review conference brings together thought leaders, executives, and policymakers to explore the future of global challenges through a tech-forward lens.

Panel 1: Emerging Supply Chain Risks

Monday, June 9th at 1:30 PM PT

CSRHub Co-founder Cynthia Figge will speak on a mainstage panel titled “Emerging Supply Chain Risks.”
She will be joined by:

• Ilya Levtov, Founder & CEO, Craft
• Sydney House, ESG Product Lead, Certa

This conversation will address how companies are navigating today’s complex supply chain landscape. From geopolitical instability to compliance demands and sustainability concerns, the panel will explore how data, technology, and collaboration are reshaping risk management and supplier engagement in global operations.

Panel 2: The Business of Embodied Carbon

Wednesday, June 11th at 9:00 AM PT

CSRHub CEO and Co-founder Cynthia Figge will moderate a mainstage session titled “The Business of Embodied Carbon.”
She will be joined by:

• Andrew Himes, Director of Collective Impact, Carbon Leadership Forum
• David Victor, Professor at the Center on Global Transformation, Chair in Innovation and Public Policy, and Director of the Deep Decarbonization Initiative, University of California San Diego

This session will explore how embodied carbon impacts investment decisions, compliance reporting, and long-term sustainability planning—offering timely insights into the evolving expectations for climate-related disclosures and supply chain transparency.

About Future in Review
Described by The Economist as “the best technology conference in the world,” FiRe is where innovation, data, and policy converge. Learn more about the conference and explore the full schedule and speaker lineup below:

• FiRe 2025 Website
• Agenda
• Speakers

Stay tuned for more updates as Cynthia represents CSRHub’s mission of building a more transparent, data-informed future for sustainability.

Cynthia Figge is a forerunner, entrepreneur and thought leader in the corporate sustainability movement. Cynthia is CEO and Cofounder of CSRHub, a leading Big Data ESG (environment, social, governance) ratings and information platform covering 60,000 companies worldwide for benchmarking, supply chain and risk assessment data solutions.

Cynthia co-founded EKOS International in 1996, one of the first consultancies integrating sustainability and corporate strategy. Cynthia is a national speaker on trends in sustainability and business intelligence.

Prior to becoming an entrepreneur in sustainability, she was an Officer of LIN Broadcasting/ McCaw Cellular leading new services development. Cynthia is Independent Board Director of CleanFiber, serves as an Advisor to Strategic News Service (SNS), and volunteers in the area of social and environmental justice.

Cynthia has an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA in Economics. Cynthia is based in the Seattle area.

About CSRHub

CSRHub offers the most comprehensive global set of Consensus ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) ratings, information, and tools. CSRHub’s business intelligence system measures the ESG business impact that drives corporate and investor sustainability decisions. Founded in 2007, CSRHub covers 58,000+ public and private companies, and provides ESG performance scores on over 38,833 companies from 134 industries in 156 countries. Our Big Data platform uses algorithms to aggregate, normalize and weight ESG metrics from 989 sources to produce a strong consensus signal on corporate sustainability performance. Interested in learning more about CSRHub? Click here.

Verizon
By: Tina Lee

Helen Mathis taught accounting as a vocational instructor for 30 years before facing a career-defining moment: The school where she worked closed and Mathis knew she needed a new plan. “I’m a firm believer that things happen for a reason,” she says of her career pivot. Mathis transformed herself into a tax-service entrepreneur, trusting both her professional skills and a family history in the accounting business: her mother, aunt and grandmother were all bookkeepers.

She started her Pasadena, California-based business in 2014, preparing tax returns for her former students and co-workers. The new enterprise quickly blossomed beyond her network via word of mouth, thanks to the genuine care and attention Mathis shows her clients. “I get so many clients looking for someone who understands them, who isn’t prejudging them,” she says.

With her business growing, Mathis took over a colleague’s lease on an office space, and Guardian, a tax solutions firm, was born. Mathis named the firm in homage to her grandmother, who was her guardian until age five, and who was a local tax expert for her community. Today, Guardian operates out of satellite offices across California, providing financial services for individuals and small to mid-sized businesses.

Always on the hunt for new resources, Mathis turned to Verizon Small Business Digital Ready. The former teacher describes the Digital Ready program as “phenomenal.”

“Not only do you learn, it tests your retention of that learning, giving you the tools to show you how it’s done,” Mathis says.

One of the most impactful strategies Mathis learned was from a Digital Ready course she took about pricing her services. “I realized I was giving away information without being compensated,” Mathis says. She revised her pricing structure to reflect the high-value expertise that she offers, which resulted in a $25,000 incremental lift to her revenue in a single quarter. 

Mathis also improved operations with time-saving solutions she learned in the Digital Ready program, including AI customer management and auto response tools that have helped her scale lead acquisition, improving her volume by 20%. “I get so many more people now who find [Guardian] through search,” Mathis says. Through Digital Ready, she also plans to learn about cybersecurity, an expertise that will enable her to serve larger business clients who are tax planning for cybersecurity costs and might qualify for new write-offs.

Mathis’ business ethos, gleaned from her family, starts with her open door philosophy with clients and extends to her participation in business communities (she joined multiple chambers of commerce after taking a Digital Ready course about the power of networking). She also has bigger dreams for Guardian, aiming to eventually expand her team to offices in every state. For this, she’ll continue to rely on learning through Digital Ready: “It’s helping me see my vision more clearly. I’m actually implementing the steps and seeing [what] I still need to do,” she says.

Mathis says she dedicates at least 200 hours annually to continual education and learning within her field. “To be the best that I can be for my clientele, you need consistent, valuable training. I want to be a resource to my clients,” she explains. She is training her staff bookkeepers to eventually take on clients for Guardian, and one day, she also hopes to leverage her Digital Ready knowledge to mentor other small business owners. “I’m getting all the knowledge and education possible to open doors not just for myself, but for my clients and other small business owners,” she says.

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready is part of Verizon’s goal to support 1 million small businesses by 2030 with free resources to help them succeed. To sign up, visit Verizon Small Business Digital Ready. Visit CitizenVerizon.com to learn more about the company’s responsible business efforts. An individual user’s experience may vary and results are not guaranteed.

Complimentary Webinar

A Blueprint for Global Water Stewardship: From Strategy and Reporting to Accountability and Assurance

Thursday, June 26 | 1:00PM ET, 10:00AM PT

For decades, the world has been focusing on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as the sole benchmark for climate stewardship. But more recently, industry, media and academia are waking up to the notions that “water is the new carbon” and climate stewardship cannot exist in a carbon-focused vacuum. Water stewardship is quickly becoming the climate focal point that it should have always been.

Join SCS Consulting Services’ Bonnie Holman, Managing Director, and SCS Global Services’ Danielle Stapleton, Program Manager, ESG Assurance, and Lauren Enright, Program Manager, Water Certification on Thursday, June 26 for a 60-minute discussion that will provide end-to-end analysis of corporate water stewardship implementation. During this discussion we’ll cover:

• How Water stewardship fits into climate stewardship.
• Water stewardship and water metrics require strategy, risk assessment
• Importance of water baseline measurement for continuous monitoring 
• Creation of water goals pertaining to enterprise and /or site
• Water Positive goals — Water Positive verification 
• Future-proofing water availability
• Building resilience within direct operations and value chain
• Integrating water into reporting and navigating assurance

A live Q&A will follow the panel discussion.

Register Here

For inquiries, contact:

Stephanie Flynn
Marketing Project Manager, Environmental Certification Services, SCS Global Services
sflynn@scsglobalservices.com

This comprehensive guide provides an overview of PFAS, their associated risks, and effective remediation strategies.

What Are PFAS?

Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of thousands of synthetic chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. PFAS are unique in that they contain strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which make them very persistent in the environment and in the human body. This persistence is why they are often referred to as “forever chemicals.”

PFAS have been widely used in a variety of products and applications, including:

• Non-stick cookware: PFAS are used to coat pots and pans to prevent food from sticking.
• Water-repellent fabrics: PFAS are used to treat clothing, furniture, and carpets to make them resistant to water and stains.
• Food packaging: PFAS are used in food packaging materials to prevent grease and oil from soaking through.
• Industrial applications: PFAS are used in a variety of industrial processes, such as the production of semiconductors and the plating of metals.

For more detailed information on PFAS definitions, sources, benefits, and risks, please refer to this resource: PFAS Definition, Sources, Benefits & Risks 

PFAS Risks: Why Remediation Matters 

Because of their widespread use, PFAS have become ubiquitous in the environment. They have been found in soil, water, and air, and they have also been detected in the blood of most people in the United States. PFAS can enter the body through ingestion of contaminated food or water, inhalation of contaminated air, or skin contact with contaminated products.

Understanding these risks is crucial to recognizing the importance of effective remediation.

Human health risks 

PFAS exposure has been linked to a range of adverse health effects, since these “forever chemicals” can accumulate in the body over time. Some of the key health risks associated with PFAS exposure include:

• Cancer: Increased risk of certain cancers, such as kidney and testicular cancer.
• Developmental problems: Impacts on fetal and child development, including low birth weight and developmental delays.
• Immune system effects: Suppression of the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.
• Liver damage: Potential for liver damage and dysfunction.

Environmental risks 

PFAS also pose a serious threat to the environment. Their persistence and mobility allow them to spread and accumulate in various ecosystems. Environmental risks include:

• Water contamination: PFAS can contaminate surface water and groundwater sources, affecting aquatic life and drinking water supplies.
• Soil contamination: PFAS can accumulate in soil, impacting plant growth and potentially entering the food chain.
• Bioaccumulation: PFAS can bioaccumulate in animals and fish, leading to higher concentrations in organisms higher up the food chain.

Learn more about PFAS risks: 

• For more detailed information on the risks of PFAS in drinking water, refer to this resource: PFAS Risk in Drinking Water
• To understand how businesses can manage PFAS risks and their environmental responsibilities, read: Managing PFAS Risks: A Business Leader’s Guide

PFAS Treatment Technologies 

Several technologies are employed to remove or destroy PFAS from contaminated water and soil. Each method has its strengths and limitations, and the choice of technology often depends on the specific type and concentration of PFAS, the scale of contamination, and cost considerations. Here’s a closer look at some key treatment technologies:

Granular activated carbon (GAC) 

GAC is a widely used adsorption technology where PFAS are removed from water by adhering to the surface of activated carbon. It is generally more effective for longer-chain PFAS due to their higher tendency to adsorb. When implementing GAC for large-scale treatment, factors such as carbon replacement schedules, pre-treatment needs to prevent fouling, and proper disposal of PFAS-laden carbon are critical.

Ion exchange resins 

Ion exchange involves using resins that selectively attract and bind to PFAS molecules, effectively removing them from water. These resins can be regenerated and reused, making the process more sustainable. Ion exchange is particularly effective for removing specific types of PFAS, especially shorter-chain varieties, and can achieve very high removal efficiencies. The selection of the appropriate resin type is key for targeting specific PFAS contaminants.

Reverse osmosis and membrane filtration 

Reverse osmosis (RO) and other membrane filtration technologies use pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks PFAS molecules. While highly effective at removing a wide range of PFAS, these methods can be energy-intensive and generate a concentrated waste stream that requires further management. Membrane fouling can also be an issue, requiring regular maintenance and cleaning.

Thermal treatment and destruction methods 

Thermal treatment methods, such as incineration and pyrolysis, involve exposing PFAS to high temperatures to break down their chemical structure. These methods can achieve complete degradation of PFAS but require careful control to prevent the formation of harmful byproducts. Emerging destruction technologies are being developed to improve energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact. Research is ongoing to find more sustainable and effective ways to fully destroy PFAS.

Additional resources about PFAS treatment technologies and regulations: 

• PFAS Regulations, Updates, Treatments & Impact
• Keeping Pace with Ongoing PFAS Developments & Technology

Regulatory Requirements and Compliance Considerations 

Global PFAS regulations are in constant flux as governments worldwide respond to the persistent nature and widespread presence of these chemicals. While specific policies and enforcement levels vary by region and nation, there are some common regulatory trends to take note of:

Tightening limits on drinking water and industrial discharges

Many regions, including the U.S. and the European Union, are increasingly stringent in their restrictions on PFAS levels in drinking water. Industrial facilities that release wastewater containing PFAS are likely to face stricter permitting and monitoring requirements, often dictated at the state or regional level.

Industry-specific PFAS limits 

Certain industries that rely on PFAS, such as manufacturers of coatings, textiles, and firefighting foams, encounter unique compliance challenges. These businesses must navigate sector-specific phase-outs and reporting requirements.

Expanding stormwater and waste management regulations 

PFAS contamination in stormwater runoff is an increasingly important area of regulatory focus, especially near industrial sites, landfills, and airports where PFAS-containing materials have been historically used. Some jurisdictions now mandate the use of stormwater treatment technologies to prevent PFAS from leaching into waterways. Regulations surrounding the disposal of PFAS-contaminated soil, sludge, and treatment byproducts are also evolving, with heightened scrutiny on incineration practices and landfill leachate controls.

Increasing reporting and disclosure requirements 

Businesses are subject to a growing number of reporting obligations concerning PFAS production, use, and emissions. The global supply chain is under increasing pressure to phase out PFAS due to consumer demand and corporate sustainability commitments. Many companies are voluntarily disclosing their PFAS usage to align with investor and regulatory expectations.

Regulatory pressure on PFAS is anticipated to continue increasing, regardless of political or administrative changes. Businesses should proactively:

• Closely monitor emerging PFAS limits at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Assess their operations and supply chains for PFAS use and potential liabilities.
• Implement proactive PFAS management strategies to mitigate regulatory and litigation risks.
• Stay informed about global regulatory trends, as restrictions in one region often influence policies elsewhere.

Further reading on PFAS compliance: 

• Guide to the Latest EPA PFAS Regulations
• Understanding PFAS Reporting Requirements
• Regulating PFAS in Stormwater

Challenges in PFAS Remediation and How to Overcome Them 

Understanding potential hurdles in PFAS remediation is essential for developing effective strategies to overcome them.

Cost of large-scale remediation efforts 

Large-scale PFAS remediation can be expensive, involving significant upfront investments and ongoing operational costs. These costs can include site investigation, technology implementation, waste disposal, and long-term monitoring. 

Such challenges can be overcome through careful planning and a phased approach. Exploring funding options (grants, public-private partnerships) can also help manage costs. A thorough cost-benefit analysis can ensure the selected remediation approach is economically viable and sustainable.

Monitoring and measuring PFAS levels to track treatment effectiveness 

Accurately monitoring and measuring PFAS levels is vital for determining the effectiveness of treatment efforts. This involves frequent sampling, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation. Barriers include the complexity of analyzing various PFAS compounds, the need for low detection limits, and ensuring data reliability. 

Working with accredited laboratories and establishing a robust monitoring program can help alleviate these challenges. Regular reporting and data review helps track progress so treatment strategies can be adjusted as needed.

Litigation risks tied to non-compliance or contamination liability 

PFAS contamination can lead to significant litigation risks, including lawsuits related to property damage, personal injury, and environmental harm. Non-compliance with regulations can also result in penalties and legal action. Businesses must be proactive in addressing PFAS risks to avoid legal battles.

Strategies include conducting due diligence, maintaining thorough records, and implementing robust compliance programs. Effective communication with stakeholders and transparent reporting can also minimize litigation risks.

For further insights into PFAS risk management, regulation, and litigation, explore the following resources: 

• PFAS Risk Management & Regulation
• PFAS Regulation & Litigation Updates
• PFAS Risk: Are You on Offense or Defense?

Putting PFAS Remediation into Action 

Moving from understanding PFAS risks and regulations to actively implementing remediation strategies is a critical step for businesses and communities. Here’s how to put PFAS remediation into action:

• Develop a comprehensive PFAS action plan: A well-defined action plan helps prioritize actions, allocate resources effectively, and track progress. It should include steps for site investigation, technology selection, implementation, monitoring, and long-term management.
• Prioritize first-steps regarding PFAS: Businesses and organizations should prioritize key actions to mitigate PFAS risks. These actions might include conducting a PFAS audit, evaluating supply chains, implementing best management practices, and engaging with regulatory agencies.
• Gather and organize critical data: Understanding the extent and nature of PFAS contamination is crucial. This involves collecting samples from various media (water, soil, air), analyzing them for PFAS, and interpreting the data.

For more detailed guidance on putting PFAS remediation into action, explore these resources: 

• PFAS Action Plan
• Top Actions to Take Regarding PFAS
• Digging Deeper: EPA’s Dive into PFAS Pollution Through Data Collection

Bookmark this guide as a reference for navigating PFAS remediation, and contact Antea Group to learn more about how we can assist you in managing PFAS risks.