Tag: 3BL

EMERYVILLE, Calif., March 20, 2025 /3BL/ – SCS Global Services (SCS), an international leader in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, is excited to announce that Verra has approved validation and verification for a project in Africa using Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Methodology VM0042 Improved Agricultural Land Management. This project, a pioneering carbon farming initiative, is the first of its kind to achieve Verra certification under this new methodology in South Africa and demonstrates Africa’s increasing commitment to regenerative agriculture to fight climate change through carbon credits.

Conducted by SCS’ Greenhouse Gas Carbon Offset Verification Team, this is only the second project to have received verification approval resulting in credits since the methodology’s release in October 2020. Achieving approval under this standard is rare due to the complexity of this type of assessment.

Verra’s VM0042 methodology focuses on the quantification of greenhouse gas emission reductions and removals through the implementation of improved agricultural land management (IALM) practices. Such practices may include improved fertilizer application, improved water management, reduced tillage, cover crop planting, and improved grazing management. Quantification approaches may be based on a combination of soil sampling and biogeochemical modelling.

The CNG AgriCarbon Rewards Programme Project (Verra Project 2554) was developed by Anthesis Group (formerly Climate Neutral Group) and has generated 39,207 Verified Carbon Units (VCUs) which were verified by SCS and registered under Verra’s VCS Program earlier this week.

The CNG Agricarbon Rewards Programme supports the implementation of regenerative agricultural practices on 17,581.74 hectares in South Africa. Practice changes implemented by participating farmers include improved application of organic and synthetic fertilizer, reduced tillage and/or improved residue management, and improved crop planting and harvesting across the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Western Cape provinces.

“The SCS Greenhouse Gas Carbon Offset Verification Team is proud to be a part of this groundbreaking project,” said Christie Pollet-Young, Vice President of SCS Global Services’ Climate Division. “Our involvement in this critically important initiative is exactly why we do what we do—help organizations to demonstrate their commitment to innovative practices that promote conservation efforts beneficial to their ecosystem and communities.”

Franz Rentel, Managing Director of Anthesis South Africa, says, “We are incredibly grateful to SCS Global Services for their support in verifying the AgriCarbon programme. Achieving validation and verification under Verra’s VM0042 methodology is a significant milestone, and the expertise and dedication of the SCS team were instrumental in achieving this. Their rigorous assessments and commitment to high standards have helped ensure the credibility and impact of this pioneering initiative. This achievement reinforces the potential of regenerative agriculture to drive meaningful climate action, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration in scaling sustainable farming solutions across Africa.’’

SCS’ team of scientists and auditors have extensive expertise with the Verified Carbon Standard as well as soil science and agronomy. Leveraging this expertise, SCS is currently conducting validation and verification assessments for several additional VM0042 projects across three continents – Europe, North America, and Africa.

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About Anthesis: 
With world-class expertise in science-based advisory, market-leading digital solutions, the development of high-quality carbon removal projects and purpose consulting, strategy, and communications, Anthesis is uniquely positioned to manage risk and find value for our clients on their transformation journeys. Anthesis supports over 4,000 clients across all industry sectors, including multinationals such as Reckitt, Cisco. Tesco, Nestlé, and Target. The company brings together 1,400 experts guiding clients in 80 countries around the world, with offices in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Middle East, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the UK, and the US. For more information, visit www.anthesisgroup.com

About SCS Global Services: 
SCS Global Services is a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in climate mitigation, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, consumer products, and more. Headquartered in Emeryville, California and celebrating over 40 years in business, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to companies, agencies, and advocacy organizations due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS is a chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. SCS is also a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. For more information, visit www.SCSGlobalServices.com.

Media Contact: 
Stephanie Flynn 
Marketing Manager, SCS Global Services 
sflynn@scsglobalservices.com

The energy landscape is shifting, and 24/7 Carbon-Free Electricity (CFE) is leading the way! Don’t miss the panel “24/7 CFE | Leveraging Nuclear and Renewables for True Sustainability”, moderated by David Smart, where industry experts will explore how companies are implementing real-time, hourly-matched clean energy solutions.

Learn how nuclear, renewables, and innovative procurement strategies are shaping the future of sustainable power.

Date: March 20, 2024 
Location: TEPA Conference, Philadelphia

If you’re in the energy space, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

Coachtopia is one of Fast Company’s 2025 Most Innovative Companies! 

Every year, Fast Company recognizes brands and organizations that are developing ideas and technologies with the power to transform the world. We are proud to share that Coachtopia, Coach’s circular sub-brand, has won a place on this year’s list in recognition of their work to build a better, more circular future for fashion by designing and making products according to their Made Circular principles.

One key innovation in 2024 was launch of the Alter/Ego collection—a range of bags crafted with the leather scraps left over from the creation of iconic Coach styles—including the Tabby and Brooklyn bags—which might otherwise have gone to landfill. With this collection, Coachtopia has started to go beyond simply making with waste, to thinking ahead to future Coach waste and working to design it out from the beginning. It’s the brand’s next step towards a zero-waste future.

Learn more about Coachtopia here.

About Tapestry. Inc.

Our global house of brands unites the magic of Coach, kate spade new york and Stuart Weitzman. Each of our brands are unique and independent, while sharing a commitment to innovation and authenticity defined by distinctive products and differentiated customer experiences across channels and geographies. We use our collective strengths to move our customers, empower our communities and to make the fashion industry more sustainable. Individually, our brands are iconic. Together, we can stretch what’s possible.

Cummins

Water is something many of us take for granted. We turn on the faucet, and it’s there—clean, safe, and ready to use. But for 2.2 billion people worldwide, access to safe water is anything but certain. It’s a daily struggle, shaping every aspect of life—from health and education to economic stability. 

Every year, on March 22, the world comes together to recognize World Water Day, a global movement driving action against the water crisis. For Cummins, this mission extends far beyond a single day—it’s at the heart of our commitment to sustainability, community impact and a more prosperous future for all. 

“We believe that access to clean water isn’t just a necessity—it’s a fundamental right,” said Jeff Wiltrout, Vice President – Corporate Strategy at Cummins and Executive Sponsor of Cummins Water Works. “Through Cummins Water Works, we’re not only tackling the global water crisis head-on, but also empowering communities to build a more secure future by partnering with leading water experts to invest and engage in sustainable, high-impact water projects around the world.”

Addressing the global water crisis

According to the United Nations and World Health Organization, 1 in 4 individuals around the world lack access to safe water with 115 million people depending on surface water, like a river, to meet their basic needs. Compounding the water crisis is that inequalities exist, as women and girls are too often burdened with the task of collecting water to support their families. 
For many families, access to safe water is not just a necessity—it’s the key to economic stability and well-being. For Francisca, a mother in Cajueiro, Brazil, the struggle for water was her daily reality. Eighteen years ago, when she moved to Cajueiro while pregnant with her son Gabriel, she built a home of her own—but one essential element was missing: safe water. 

Each day, Francisca walked a mile to collect water from a reservoir used by livestock, carrying heavy containers back to her home. The water was untreated, forcing her to boil it before use, yet even then, it still tasted bitter. Washing clothes meant multiple trips to the reservoir, and preparing meals carried the constant fear of waterborne illness. 

Determined to find a better way, Francisca learned about Water.org’s partnership with Banco do Nordeste, a local lender in her community. Since 2021, Cummins has partnered with Water.org to expand access to safe water and sanitation improvements to communities living in poverty by helping individuals access small, affordable loans, which enable families to install household water connections and toilets. Through this collaboration, she was able to secure a small, affordable loan to bring lasting access to safe water for her family. 

“Now, we no longer have to worry about where we will get water,” Francisca shared. “Everything has improved.” 

With safe water at home, Francisca reclaimed the time and energy once spent sourcing water. Gabriel, now 18, attends school regularly without the risk of waterborne illness disrupting his education. Francisca’s story is a testament to how access to safe water and financing unlocks opportunities—for individuals and entire communities. 

Learn more about Francisca’s story here.

Strengthening communities through sustainable solutions

Initially focused on communities across Brazil, India, and Mexico, our partnership with Water.org quickly expanded to communities in Peru and the Philippines, reaching over 1.62 million people. And we’re not stopping there. Through Cummins Water Works, we’re working toward a bold goal: becoming net water positive in every region we operate by 2030. Already, we’ve achieved this in three of our seven global regions, delivering an estimated 2.4 billion gallons of water benefits. 

Cummins recently strengthened its commitment to communities in need by renewing its partnership with Water.org and pledging additional grants over the next three years. 

“At Water.org, we believe in the power of safe water to transform lives, create opportunity, and drive lasting change,” said Gary White, Water.org CEO and co-founder of Water.org. “Our partnership with Cummins is a powerful example of how philanthropic and corporate collaboration can accelerate solutions to global challenges. Together, we are transforming lives by removing barriers to access to safe water and sanitation.” 

Improving people’s lives by powering a more prosperous world starts with a healthier planet, thriving communities and engaged citizens. Cummins is committed to advancing our global environmental sustainability strategy and supporting communities to ensure they are better because we are there.

NORTHAMPTON, Mass., March 19, 2025 /3BL/ – In the latest episode of What the…?, 3BL takes an in-depth look at how Gen Z’s evolving expectations are reshaping the workforce, and how companies can adapt to attract and retain this new generation of professionals.

With over 85% of Gen Z workers prioritizing purpose in their careers, employers must move beyond traditional incentives and create environments where young talent can connect their work to a greater mission.

In this episode, Karen Johns, CEO of Net Impact, offers strategic insights on how businesses can engage this emerging workforce and build an environment that fosters both personal fulfillment and professional growth.

Watch here.

Key Takeaways for Business Leaders:

Purpose-Driven Careers: Gen Z is pushing companies to rethink their value propositions. They seek roles that offer purpose and align with their personal values.
 Expanding the Scope of Impact: This generation is not limiting itself to traditional sustainability roles. From finance to accounting, they are pursuing impact-driven careers across diverse sectors. 
 Fostering Mentorship and Transparency: Johns emphasizes the critical importance of mentorship and transparency in retaining top talent. Forging authentic relationships and providing clear paths for career development is key. 
 Building a Growth-Focused Culture: Companies need to approach young talent with a mindset of long-term growth. Early careers should be seen as opportunities for exploration and development, with room to evolve as both individuals and leaders.

As Johns puts it, “Gen Z doesn’t just want a paycheck—they want to know their work matters.”

Watch the full episode here.

About 3BL 
3BL is the leading sustainability and social impact communications partner, connecting organizations’ stories of purpose and progress with the audiences who matter most.

3BL partners with over 1,500 companies – from global corporations and mid-sized enterprises to NGOs and nonprofits – to elevate their reputations as players in the world of responsible business. We do this through unrivaled news and content distribution, bespoke storytelling support, and our digital media division, TriplePundit.

Learn more at 3bl.com

by Deirdre Gibson of Praxis Investment Management

After she had her first child and came back to work, my then-colleague Amy Orr (now of Boston Common), shared with me an interesting observation: she was getting more done at work, and with more impact. The urgent need to get home at the end of the day had sparked within her a new sharpness and focus to her workdays.

Amy’s experience proved part of a pattern that I’ve since observed across the financial industry: Many women seem to behave as though they don’t have time to waste, and this leads to better relationships, greater excellence at work, and ultimately, greater positive impact on real humans.

Take Kelly Baldoni of Impax Asset Management, who moderated the opening panel of a Pensions & Investments event honoring influential women last year. Kelly led by confessing that the previous year’s event had left her feeling insufficient – not a CEO, pressured by working motherhood with littles, wondering what kind of success was even available to her. Her vulnerability shaped the opening discussion into a raw and applicable discussion on leading from the middle.

The panel also eschewed introductions, in order to get into the real meat of the conversation, with a wave of the hand, a casual, “Our bios are in the app.” I thought of countless panels I’ve attended wherein “introductions” took the first 30-plus minutes, leaving little time for panelists to say anything more than skin-deep, and leaving attendees like myself left with scant new information, soon forgetting even the names of the speakers. By contrast, the entire P&I event was designed to push ego aside and focus on genuine relationships and actionable information – implicitly challenging us all to do the same.

Read Deirdre’s insightful article here – https://greenmoney.com/no-time-to-waste-for-women-to-shape-a-better-world

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Client background

The company is a global leader in food manufacturing, originally serving a small customer base with limited product offerings. Over time, the company expanded its reach to serve thousands of customers across multiple continents, growing into a highly diversified organization with a complex operational structure.

The business challenge

In its early days, the company had a small, self-contained accounting department, with manual processes and legacy systems designed to support a small business. However, the company had grown significantly, expanding to over 1,000 customers and operating 65 facilities across multiple countries. With this expansion, the company faced challenges managing disparate resources, disjointed processes and outdated financial operations—issues exacerbated by multiple acquisitions.

The company needed to modernize its back-office functions with a digital transformation strategy road map to streamline operations and integrate modern systems to keep pace with their dynamic growth.

Strategy and solution

Baker Tilly helped the company develop a five-year road map to transform their finance and back-office operations, aligning them with the organization’s evolving needs. The road map included the following key elements:

Current state assessment: We reviewed the company’s finance functions and mapped them against a maturity scale, identifying gaps and areas for improvement.Future vision: Our focus was on enabling continued expansion through organic growth and acquisitions. The goal was to establish best practices that foster innovation, improve efficiency and drive productivity.Prioritization and planning: We worked with the company to define a road map that prioritized improvements in technology, processes and policies. The road map focused on modernizing financial operations, eliminating inefficiencies and implementing new tools to streamline workflows.Business case definition: We supported the company in defining the business case for these investments, helping to communicate the value of transforming financial processes to the CEO and other key stakeholders

While the execution is in progress, the company continues to follow the strategic plan and has seen measurable improvements in their operations. Baker Tilly has continued to support additional projects related to this transformation as the company works to enhance their back-office capabilities.

Connect with a Baker Tilly specialist to learn more

Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb, Cleveland City Council and the Cleveland office of Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC Cleveland) announced details of a major new initiative to address the affordable housing crisis facing Cleveland residents. Cleveland Housing Investment Fund (CHIF), made possible by a transformative $18 million grant commitment from the City of Cleveland (the City) and a $20 million investment from KeyBank, aims to raise up to $100 million from mission-aligned partners to finance much-needed capital for affordable housing developments across the city. The goal is to create between 2,500 and 3,000 affordable units, including a minimum of 100 units of for-sale housing.

Urgency drives this initiative in Greater Cleveland, where rents are rising at the fastest rate in the United States. According to a recent report by Redfin, Cleveland saw the biggest year-over-year rent increase by percentage of the 50 most-populated metro areas in the country, with average rents up 10.6% in 2024. Increasing demand has created an urgent need for more affordable housing for low-income, working class and middle-class residents. The significant commitments from the City and KeyBank aim to address this housing burden by creating financing options that will help create and preserve inclusive, affordable housing for Clevelanders. This public-private partnership seeks to leverage $100 million in capital to support resilient neighborhoods and stimulate economic growth.

By maximizing the City’s funding and attracting private capital, CHIF —managed by LISC Fund Management, LLC (LFM), an affiliate of LISC —will invest in flexible term debt primarily for mixed-income rental housing preservation and new construction, as well as for sale affordable homes. The focus will be on middle market and opportunity neighborhoods, anchoring resilient communities and driving growth. Projects outside these neighborhoods, but with deep affordability and impact, will also be considered.

“By creating the Cleveland Housing Investment Fund, we are not just addressing a pressing need; we are investing in the future of our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Bibb. “We are grateful for the support from KeyBank and excited to partner with LISC, which has a great track record in the creation of innovative programs that lead to successful affordable housing projects. Together, we will increase access to affordable housing for Clevelanders, regenerating vibrancy and quality of life throughout the city.”

How CHIF works

CHIF will focus on providing financing to construct housing that is affordable for residents with low to moderate incomes, particularly those earning less than 80% of the area median income. As of Dec. 2024, this translates to individuals earning $54,450 or less annually. CHIF will invest in a variety of affordable housing developments, including neighborhood-scale rehabilitation projects, as well as the new construction of rental housing and for-sale homes, with an average loan or investment of $1 million to $5 million per project. This initiative will bolster existing City resources for affordable housing and help fill much needed capital.

Additionally, the fund aims to support emerging developers and community-based enterprises that face challenges accessing capital. These developers will receive guidance and technical assistance to make sure they are well positioned to potentially secure funding from CHIF. Designed to increase the impact and leverage of public dollars, CHIF aims to deliver gap financing with a higher return on investment. Typically, for every $12.50 invested, there is a $100 impact. CHIF is projected to increase this impact, where for every $6 invested, there is a projected $100 impact.

“At KeyBank, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive in a community that supports their aspirations. Our $20 million investment in the Cleveland Housing Investment Fund underscores our commitment to affordable housing solutions that effect meaningful change in the lives of Cleveland residents,” said Brian Maddox, National Team Leader for KeyBank CDFI Lending and Investment. “CHIF is an innovative program we believe will bring robust development that will positively impact neighborhoods across Cleveland.”

Accountability and Transparency 

Representatives from LISC will meet monthly with administrative and council representatives to ensure CHIF is satisfying desired community benefits and outreach commitments. This collaborative approach will ensure that CHIF effectively addresses the needs of Cleveland residents while promoting transparency and accountability.

“City Council hears from residents every day about the need for affordable housing and additional investment in our neighborhoods, particularly in under-resourced areas,” said City Council President Blaine A. Griffin. “We are proud to support CHIF, and we look forward to playing a role in this important work.”

As Cleveland continues to face challenges in affordable housing, the establishment of Cleveland Housing Investment Fund represents a proactive and strategic approach to creating development opportunities for all residents. LISC Cleveland will host an informational session for developers interested in learning about new funding options that CHIF will provide on April 10, 2025.

“LISC and LFMs have had great success with establishing and managing similar funds in cities like Dallas, Charlotte and Detroit,” said Kandis Williams, executive director of LISC Cleveland. “With CHIF, we have taken a lot from those programs but tailored them to meet Cleveland’s unique challenges and build upon existing community assets. This initiative will provide access to flexible capital, which is sorely needed to support construction and attract projects to neighborhoods that otherwise would be overlooked. We are already talking to developers about this new opportunity and look forward to seeing new projects breaking ground soon.”

For more information on CHIF or to apply for funding, visit the CHIF homepageLearn more about KeyBank’s commitment to helping clients and communities thrive

Disclaimer: The investment pools sponsored by LISC are available only to eligible investors, are offered only pursuant to their official offering documents, and are managed by LFM, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of LISC. LFM is an investment adviser registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. LFM currently manages $865 million assets under management through 11 national and place-based mission-driven investments funds across the country. To learn more about LFM, please visit https://www.liscstrategicinvestments.org/ 

References made to endorsements by any third party to invest with LISC or CHIF are not indicative of future performance and do not imply any guaranteed level of service, skill or training. Investors should not rely on endorsements for any purpose and should conduct their own review prior to investing. None of Mayor Justin Bibb, Council President Blaine Griffin, Brian Maddox, or Kandis Williams are a “promoter” who is compensated for this statement. 

CINCINNATI, March 19, 2025 /3BL/ – Today, Fifth Third (NASDAQ: FITB) graduated another 3,900 customers through its Fifth Third Secured Card program, which has now helped more than 48,000 customers boost their credit scores and bolster their financial stability since its inception in 2019. Fifth Third Secured Card graduates automatically upgrade to the Bank’s flagship 1.67% Cash/Back Card, earning unlimited 1.67% cash back on purchases with no annual fee, while enjoying a lower purchase APR.

Fifth Third’s Secured Card program is designed to help customers who want to build or repair credit establish a positive credit history. Building and maintaining good credit can unlock many benefits for future borrowing, like qualifying for lower interest rates on mortgages and auto loans.

This spring’s graduates are leaving the program with improved credit and the potential for broader financial access:

Customers who entered the program with no FICO score had an average FICO score of 729 at graduation.Customers who entered the program with a credit score increased their FICO score from 627 to 721 on average at graduation.More than 50% of the graduates are receiving a credit limit increase.

“Establishing good credit is a crucial step towards financial stability,” said Heather Chu, Head of Credit Card & Personal Lending Product at Fifth Third. “Whether you’re opening your first credit card or rebuilding your credit, Fifth Third’s Secured Card can help you create a positive credit history. Today’s graduates have built a strong foundation that can ultimately support long-term wealth and financial wellness.”

This year, Fifth Third’s Secured Card program is accelerating from bi-annual to quarterly cycles and anticipates graduating more than 17,000 customers. Customers graduate from Fifth Third’s Secured Card program after meeting key credit criteria like establishing a history of on-time payments over a period of 12 months. Upon graduation, customers are automatically given a 1.67% Cash/Back Card account, and any existing balance is transferred to the new account. The hold on the security deposit funding the Secured Card credit limit is then released, making that money available to the customer.

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About Fifth Third

Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.

CONTACT

Sophie Isherwood (Media Relations) 
sophie.isherwood@53.com

Matt Curoe (Investor Relations) 
matthew.curoe@53.com | 513-534-2345

MILWAUKEE, March 19, 2025 /3BL/ – The Water Council announced an expansion today of its groundbreaking water stewardship verification program, WAVE.

WAVE: Action will help organizations set targets that directly mitigate highest priority water risks and prepare to engage stakeholders in collaborative actions that address shared challenges and opportunities. It builds on the original WAVE program, now known as WAVE: Assess, which helps organizations assess water use, impact and risk across their enterprise.

“We created WAVE because we knew companies needed help getting started on their water stewardship journeys,” said Matt Howard, The Water Council vice president of water stewardship. “Now we are excited to help companies take the next step to set targets and achieve meaningful water-related outcomes.”

WAVE: Assess is the world’s first enterprise-wide, independently verified water stewardship program, launched by The Water Council in February 2022. WAVE: Action is a separate verification program available to companies that have completed WAVE: Assess or can show that they have already assessed their water risks and opportunities and created a senior-level water commitment.

Participants go through a four-step methodology to implement high-priority actions, set enterprise-wide targets, prepare for external reporting and identify collaboration opportunities. As in WAVE: Assess, all WAVE: Action participants will undergo an independent verification process with SCS Global Services, an international leader in third-party verification of environmental, social and sustainability performance.

“SCS is proud to expand its verification services to include WAVE: Action”, said Lauren Enright, program manager for water services at SCS Global Services. “Independent verification is essential to ensure water stewardship targets are meaningful, measurable and aligned with best practices. WAVE: Action represents an important evolution in corporate water stewardship, helping companies move from assessment to implementing tangible solutions that address critical water challenges.”

WAVE: Action is being launched with A. O. Smith Corporation, a leading manufacturer of residential and commercial water heaters, boilers and water treatment solutions, as its first participant. A. O. Smith pilot tested WAVE: Assess and became one of the first companies to be verified to the program in 2022.

In 2024, A. O. Smith announced its first public water goal – annual water savings of 40 million gallons by 2030. To achieve that goal, the company will focus on administrative controls, process optimization and water recycling technologies to advance its commitment to water stewardship.

“As a global water technology company, we are committed to taking action consistent with the assessment and priorities identified in the WAVE program,” said Jim Stern, A. O. Smith executive vice president. “WAVE: Action will provide the necessary framework to develop strategies that will help achieve our goals, and the verification process will ensure our program accomplishes meaningful and measurable outcomes.”

Seven companies have achieved WAVE: Assess verification since its launch in 2022: A. O. Smith, Clearwater Paper, Ecolab, KPMG U.S., Primo Brands, Sloan and Watts Water Technologies.

“WAVE: Assess was always meant to be a beginning, not an end, to a company’s water stewardship work,” Howard said. “We expect many of these companies to eventually move on to WAVE: Action as they continue on their journeys to achieve water stewardship best practices and help protect our critical water resources.”

Visit waveverified.com to learn more about WAVE: Assess and WAVE: Action.

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About The Water Council

The Water Council (TWC) is a global hub dedicated to solving critical water challenges by driving innovation in freshwater technology and advancing water stewardship. Built on more than a century of water innovation, TWC has coalesced one of the most concentrated and mature water technology clusters in the world from its headquarters at the Global Water Center in Milwaukee, Wis., USA. Recognizing the need for smarter and more sustainable use of water worldwide, TWC also promotes water stewardship as a natural complement to water innovation in the effort to preserve freshwater resources in the Midwest and around the world. Today, The Water Council has established itself as a global leader in the water industry and one of America’s premier economic development clusters as recognized by government agencies, Brookings and the Harvard Business School.

About SCS Global Services 
SCS Global Services is a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in climate mitigation, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, consumer products, and more. Headquartered in Emeryville, California, SCS Global Services has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to companies, agencies and advocacy organizations due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS Global Services is a chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. For more information, visit www.scsglobalservices.com.

About A. O. Smith Corporation

With over 150 years’ experience, A. O. Smith Corporation, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a global leader applying innovative technology and energy-efficient solutions to products manufactured and marketed worldwide. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: AOS), the company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heating equipment and boilers, as well as a manufacturer of water treatment products. For more information, visit www.aosmith.com.

Media Contacts:

Stacy Vogel Davis 
Communications Director, The Water Council 
sdavis@thewatercouncil.com

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