Tag: 3BL

Originally published by DIELINE

Packaging lawn products like seeds sustainably can be a challenge. Bags have to be very durable, watertight, and airtight to protect the seeds until they’re ready to be dropped on the ground to grow. Home improvement and garden departments can also be rough and tumble environments.

Remarkably, Scotts Miracle-Gro has created a 100% recyclable paper bag for a new sub-brand called O.M. Scott & Sons. The new line of lawn care products includes Tall Fescue seed, Bermuda Grass seed, Clover seed, and Grass Food. O.M. Scott & Sons is also free of artificial ingredients or pesticides and is kid and pet-friendly.

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We’re proud to once again be ranked in the top five of Americas Most Just companies in biopharma. The honor reflects our ongoing commitment to operate responsibly and empower our employees to help create a healthier world for all. 

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. 

RESTON, Va., March 18, 2025 /3BL/ – For the eighth consecutive year, Leidos (NYSE:LDOS) has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices. Leidos is one of only two honorees in the Information Technology category this year.

“We are gratified that Ethisphere has again recognized Leidos for our commitment to ethics, integrity, and responsible business practices,” said Tom Bell, Leidos chief executive officer. “Our employees embody these values every day, ensuring we operate with trust and accountability in everything we do.”

Leidos fosters a strong culture of ethics and integrity, guided by its Code of Conduct, which outlines principles for conducting business at the highest ethical standards. The code serves as a foundational resource for employees, helping to enhance and sustain a strong culture in daily operations.

“Behind this honor is a true dedication and a commitment to advancing business integrity,” said Erica Salmon Byrne, Ethisphere’s chief strategy officer and executive chair. “This approach is good for business. Employees and other stakeholders value companies that prioritize the kinds of practices we measure. Congratulations to Leidos for once again achieving recognition as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies.”

Grounded in Ethisphere’s Ethics Quotient®, the World’s Most Ethical Companies assessment evaluates companies across more than 240 different proof points related to ethics and compliance, governance, a culture of ethics, environmental and social impact, and initiatives that support a strong value chain. In 2025, 136 companies spanning 19 countries and 44 industries were recognized for their commitment to ethical business conduct.

The full list of the World’s Most Ethical Companies can be found at https://worldsmostethicalcompanies.com/honorees.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 48,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.leidos.com.

Author 
Media Relations 
Brandon Ver Velde 
Senior Media Relations Manager 
(571) 526-6257 | brandon.p.vervelde@leidos.com

EMERYVILLE, Calif., March 18, 2025 /3BL/ – SCS Global Services (SCS), an international leader in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, has joined ECO Platform, a global non-profit organization focused on promoting and contributing to sustainable development of a low-carbon economy and resource efficiency in the construction sector.

ECO Platform’s goal is mainstreaming life cycle assessment (LCA) for buildings and infrastructure projects by providing reliable product data in an affordable and effective manner. The organization provides critical information on current developments, networking amongst industry experts, development and maintenance of verification guidelines for Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) tools, the alignment of content, rules, quality and format for life cycle product data and more.

Joining ECO Platform will allow SCS to better serve its clients with business in European markets. Conducting LCAs and EPDs in Europe has additional requirements that many in North America are unfamiliar with. By joining ECO Platform, SCS can stay current on the latest standards and product category rules (PCRs) in Europe, and in turn provide more accurate and compliant assessments for its clientele.

SCS has been completing LCAs for over 30 years for many major industries, NGOs and governments using a variety of recognized methodologies. SCS prides itself on its international recognition for its work with global entities and has spoken extensively on the topic at many national and international forums. Therefore, pursuing membership with ECO Platform is a natural progression in expanding its international standards knowledge-base.

“With our extensive experience in LCA/EPD verification, we realized that adding ECO Platform to our portfolio of association memberships will further elevate the level of expertise and service we can give to those organizations seeking compliant EPDs and LCAs in Europe,” said Keith Killpack, Technical Director of SCS’ Environmental Certification Services. “ECO Platform’s mission in promoting sustainable development and resource efficiency in the construction industry closely aligns with SCS’ values. We are excited to be a member of this important organization.”

“We’re pleased to have SCS Global Services on board. Their expertise in LCA and EPD verification strengthens our network, and we look forward to their active contribution in our working groups” said Christian Donath, Managing Director, ECO Platform.

SCS’ experienced LCA team has a diverse technical background that utilizes the latest software and databases in its work to ensure that the LCAs are complete, accurate, and cost-effective. Its expertise also includes standards development, participating in the development of ISO LCA standards, as well as developing Product Category Rules through a multi-stakeholder process.

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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

How Dakota State University leverages Cisco’s technology to power AI research and innovation.

Dakota State University is at the forefront of AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity education.

By leveraging Cisco’s cutting-edge data center technologies, DSU enhances research capabilities, optimizes campus operations, and provides students with hands-on experience to excel in a rapidly evolving, tech-driven world.

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Grants will support storm preparedness and natural disaster readinessApplications will be accepted through April 25 for eligible organizations

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 7, 2025 /3BL/ – Duke Energy Foundation today announced a new commitment of $500,000 to support storm preparedness efforts in local communities across North Carolina. Eligible organizations are invited to apply for grants of up to $25,000.

“The impact of Hurricane Helene last fall showed us the importance of strong collaboration between emergency management agencies, first responders and nonprofit organizations when it comes to natural disasters,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy North Carolina state president. “We’re proud to support storm preparedness efforts in the communities we serve as they continue to grow and see new opportunities to bolster resilience to severe weather events.”

These grants will support various storm preparedness and natural disaster readiness initiatives, including but not limited to:

Programs facilitating collaboration across agencies, sectors and communities for disaster preparedness and response.Innovative planning initiatives for local communities to prepare for natural disasters and extreme weather.Local storm preparedness trainings, materials, kits and other community engagement and education initiatives.Specialized training for first responders for natural disaster scenarios.

This is a long-standing priority for Duke Energy Foundation, which has awarded nearly $5.6 million to support the state’s storm preparedness since 2020. Recent examples of storm preparedness grants from the Foundation benefiting North Carolina communities include funding for the City of Wilmington to install new flood gauges, a City of Raleigh initiative to distribute weather radios to vulnerable neighborhoods, a public safety tethered drone program announced by Person County, and the purchase of specialized equipment for the Town of Harrisburg’s swift water rescue team, among many others.

Applications will be accepted until April 25 at 5 p.m. ET. Interested organizations can apply through the Duke Energy Foundation’s website.

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 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 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
Twitter: @DE_GarrettP

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They say “good things take time,” but sometimes it’s wise to not wait too long and take matters into your own hands. This is especially true when those “matters” have the power to determine business risks or give you a competitive edge, such as plastic regulation.

The world has been waiting for a global plastics treaty since 2022, when representatives from 175 nations agreed on a mandate to create a legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution. While progress has been made during the five rounds of negotiations to date, a final treaty has yet to be agreed. With negotiations set to continue, SAP has collaborated with Earth Action to launch the “Shift into Gear” report, inciting companies not to wait but to start preparing now to meet global plastics legislation.

It’s not just a reporting duty

Plastics regulation isn’t new. It has rapidly spread across the globe like a rising tide, driven by the urgency to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and curb the plastic waste that is choking both marine and land-based ecosystems. Companies now face the growing tide of extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations and pay plastic taxes in certain jurisdictions. Globally, the corporate liabilities linked to plastic usage are projected to exceed US$20 billion by 2030.

In this shifting landscape, SAP and Earth Action argue that plastic and data management are no longer reporting duties only, but fundamental business imperatives. Companies that fail to navigate these waters may find themselves sinking under the weight of financial liabilities, whereas those that prepare, comply with regulations, and leverage digital solutions will ride the wave, standing to gain a competitive advantage.

Disparate EPR regulations make compliance onerous and expensive

Originally designed to fund waste management, EPR regulations are now focused on the eco-design and recyclability of items. Complications for corporations arise from the variety of different EPR regulations across different territories. The report describes how one consumer goods company operating in over 180 countries can face a minefield of 30 to 50 different EPR policies, which could cost in the region of 0.5%-1% of final product revenue. For multinational corporations, this can add up to millions of euros of risk—or opportunity.

Avoidance isn’t a viable option. Non-compliance comes with significant financial risks including fines, litigation, and potential clean-up costs. Reputational risk linked to consumer protection violations, false advertising, and environmental damage is also a factor that could result in revenue loss and a decline in investor confidence.

SAP joins forces to lobby for standardization

SAP is working with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, calling for industry alignment on packaging data. Together, we are pioneering a project to enable standardized data to be exchanged throughout supply chains. This can allow businesses to access and analyze materials from a variety of suppliers to empower the design of more sustainable and recyclable packaging, which can minimize waste and reduce EPR fees and plastic taxes.

SAP’s position

SAP continues to be active in treaty negotiations and is calling for four key elements within the treaty:

The establishment of common definitions for plastics and packaging to ensure mutual understanding and interoperabilityHarmonization across the plastics lifecycle, covering criteria for product design, extended producer responsibility schemes, and reporting on material fateHarmonized national disclosure schemes to ensure uniformity, comparability, and information transparencyRecognition of the role of digital tools for traceability

Negotiations to finalize the global plastics treaty are expected to resume with delegates due to convene for INC 5.2 in 2025.

Companies should not delay

The report is clear. Companies must not wait for a finalized treaty before taking action. With a myriad of national and regional regulations already in existence, including the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), there is already work to do. Delaying compliance may leave companies lagging behind and unable to meet existing and upcoming regulations, leading to the financial and reputational risks already mentioned. Under the PPWR, for example, the penalties for non-compliance are not just theoretical—they are a looming reality. Each EU member state can impose sanctions that are effective, proportionate, and dissuasive, ranging from hefty fines to sales bans or mandatory product recalls because of non-compliant packaging. In other words, the clock is ticking and the consequences of inaction could hit harder than anticipated.

Early adopters stand to benefit from their experience and will be better prepared for the shifting regulatory field when the treaty enters into force. By proactively implementing robust data management solutions and streamlining their reporting processes, they can start to make gains in terms of circularity and sustainability. In doing so, they will obtain an unprecedented view of their plastic material flows, allowing them to unlock efficiencies and reduce risk.

Data management is critical

Contrary to an often referred to argument put forward by treaty detractors, the data organizations require for compliance does exist and can be found within existing enterprise systems. Companies should look to their enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and financial reporting platforms. These are treasure troves, filled with procurement records, supplier data, and waste management information—key assets for reporting purposes.

Businesses should also coordinate with their suppliers and customers with a view to data sharing for resource optimization and to scale efficiencies.

Data management systems like SAP Responsible Design and Production help companies collect and use data by aggregating it from third-party systems. It can not only allow sustainability managers to accurately calculate fees and taxes but can give them a lifecycle view of indirect taxation costs and, by considering downstream recyclability and recycled content, the environmental impact of design choices. The solution can also allow users to experiment with switching materials, products, and altering supply chains, providing them with the information they need for agile decision-making.

Prepare for an ambitious treaty

Corporations must invest in their enterprise systems to leverage data and collaborate with their supply chain to meet upcoming legislation and avoid risks and penalties of non-compliance. The sooner they start, the better their competitive advantage. By utilizing data management systems to collect robust data and collaborate with supply chains, they will be equipped to thrive in the era of plastic regulation, limiting their costs, achieving sustainability targets, and complying with evolving regulations.

Read the full Shift into Gear report here.

Darren West is global head of Circular Economy Solutions at SAP.

by Laurel Mintz, founder & GP of Fabric VC

Change isn’t coming – it’s already here. Venture capital is undergoing a seismic shift, and if you’re not investing in women-led and diverse startups, consider this your wake-up call. Investors who aren’t yet looking at the untapped potential of these founders are missing out on some of the most exciting and profitable return opportunities in today’s financial markets. At Fabric VC, we’ve seen first-hand how shifting the landscape to investing in diverse founders isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s a winning strategy towards creating stronger returns and sustainable businesses. This is where opportunity meets impact, and the results speak for themselves.

The Power of Diverse Leadership: A Market Advantage. Here’s the thing: diversity isn’t just a buzzword – it’s the key to better business outcomes. The days of the old boys’ club running the show are numbered, and as the world of business evolves, so too does the understanding that diversity – whether gender, racial, or socio-economic – is directly correlated to better business outcomes. Studies show that companies with more women in leadership positions perform better financially, are more innovative, and are able to navigate change with agility. These aren’t just feel-good facts – they’re statistics that should make any investor sit up and take notice.

Diverse leadership isn’t a ‘nice-to-have.’ It’s a competitive edge. When you invest in founders who bring unique perspectives to the table, you unlock untapped markets and innovative solutions that others might overlook. That’s a pretty solid argument for why diversity is more than just a buzzword – it’s the future of investment.

Read Laurel’s informative article here – https://greenmoney.com/investing-in-diverse-founders-is-good-for-the-world-and-your-portfolio

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Originally published in Lenovo’s 2023/24 ESG Report

Investing in communities

Lenovo’s social investments are focused on empowering underrepresented populations with access to technology and STEM education. Lenovo has a goal of committing a minimum of 0.5 percent of its pretax income to global social investment programs and initiatives. Lenovo’s social investments are executed through charitable corporate contributions and its charitable entities: the Lenovo Foundation, U.S. 501(c)(3), and the Lenovo Foundation Beijing (non-profit registered in China). The global philanthropy team has established global giving guidelines and compliance processes that are localized for alignment across the diverse markets where Lenovo does business.

Lenovo philanthropy governance

Corresponding with the launch of the Lenovo Foundation in 2018, Lenovo’s global philanthropic initiatives are governed by a global philanthropy board of executives. The board works to represent the global communities that Lenovo philanthropy serves while advocating for philanthropic initiatives in their local region. The board governs and advises the operations of the Lenovo global philanthropy team through six board meetings each year and ongoing grantmaking oversight.

Social investment focus areas

In alignment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Lenovo global philanthropy has key focus areas of contributions: reduced inequalities, quality education, and poverty reduction. Lenovo invests in these key focus areas through strategic investments, employee volunteerism, and humanitarian response.

Partner with charitable organizations, educational institutions, and civic groups to empower under-represented populations with access to technology and STEM education. In FY 2023/24 Lenovo invested approximately USD $16.7M in strategic partnerships with charitable, mission aligned organizations around the world.Share Lenovo’s Smarter Technology for All vision with communities around the world through employee volunteerism aligned to its mission and vision. In FY 2023/24, Lenovo invested approximately USD$2.5M in employee engagement initiatives like its Love on Month of Service, global matching gift benefit, and volunteer incentives (sometimes known as dollars for doers). Reference the Consolidated Metrics section to see volunteer hours and matching gift expenditures for FY 2023/24.Use Lenovo’s technology and philanthropic resources to strategically respond to natural and humanitarian disasters. In FY 2023/24, Lenovo invested approximately USD$1.7M in response to natural and humanitarian disasters.

Impact and measurement

The Lenovo global philanthropy team assesses and reviews its programs and partnerships to measure and increase its charitable impact. The team has set goals to directly impact 15 million people and transform one million lives by 2025 (base year FY 2021/22). To measure progress toward these goals, the team has standardized how it measures impact and transformation across its charitable investments.

Impact

Direct impact (15 million lives by 2025): Beneficiaries measured through person-to-person contact as measured at volunteer events, trainings, product loan programs, and product donations provided without individual ownership or 1:1 ratio (i.e., computer labs at schools).Indirect impact (not measured): Secondary beneficiaries of volunteer events, trainings, product loan programs, or product donations provided without individual ownership or 1:1 user ratio (i.e., families benefiting from students’ increased tech literacy, parents not needing to secure childcare while child is at a STEM program).

Transformation

Transformative impact (1 million lives by 2025): Beneficiaries who received training or education, advancement, or credentials that provide transformative opportunities for quality of living that they did not have access to before.

Lenovo philanthropy conducts annual impact surveys with its charitable partners to collect partner-reported data that can be analyzed against the team’s standards. With these standardizations set, the team is on track to meet their goals by FY 2025/26.

Global programs

Community partnerships

Lenovo has developed strategic community partners in each of Lenovo’s business geographies. The community partners are selected in alignment with the Lenovo Foundation’s mission to empower underrepresented populations with access to STEM education and technology. Lenovo also has disaster relief partners established in key geographies. In addition to partners focused on Lenovo’s philanthropic missions and disaster response at the business geography level, Lenovo has selected global partners whose reach extends beyond the needs of one business geography.

Love on global month of service

Since 2017, Lenovo’s employees around the world have organized an annual service event. With the leadership and organization of the global philanthropy team and support from local business leaders, employees in offices around the world are invited to design a volunteer event aligned to the Foundation’s mission to empower underrepresented populations with access to technology and STEM education. Projects are organized with local NGOs to align to Lenovo’s philanthropic mission while meeting the needs of the diverse communities where Lenovo’s employees live and work. The program’s impact is measured by the key metrics of number of employees engaged, beneficiaries, hours volunteered, and offices participating. Lenovo’s Love on Global Month of Service has grown by at least one metric every year since it began.

TransforME Grant Round

In FY 2023/24, Lenovo’s philanthropic team continued their strategic initiative to fund nonprofit organizations focused on providing digital skills training for adults. Grantees were selected based on various factors including their ability to remove barriers to success for adults to engage in programs. To date, the grant round has invested more than $2.5M in funds to more than 20 organizations around the world. In FY 2023/24, the team focused on opportunities to renew funding with existing TransforME grantees, rather than conduct an open grant round.

Employee resource group grant round

To strengthen Lenovo’s social impact and employee engagement, Lenovo’s philanthropy program empowered the leaders of its employee resource groups by facilitating partnerships with community organizations that are aligned to their diversity segment. In its third year, the program funded new and renewed partnerships that empowered diverse communities and shared Lenovo’s smarter technology for all vision around the world.

Humanitarian response

Lenovo philanthropy organized measured responses to natural and humanitarian disasters throughout FY 2023/24. Lenovo leverages its own funds and technology to respond to disasters and engages employees in matching gift opportunities as appropriate. Among the largest responses, Lenovo responded to:

Flooding in Auckland New Zealand with nearly $15,000 in long-term recovery funds after January 2023 flooding.Flooding in Brazil in April 2023, supporting Instituto Verdescola with USD $40,000.Hurricane in Peru in May 2023, working with UNICEF Peru to provide USD $15,000 in response.Flooding in Italy in May 2023, supporting the efforts of the Italian Red Cross with USD $20,000.Flooding in Northern India in July 2023, providing USD $2,000 in response funding.Flooding in Chile in July 2023, providing USD $10,000 to support the efforts of Techo.Wildfires on the island of Hawaii in August 2023, providing $10,000 in recovery and relief efforts.Flooding in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei of China in August 2023 with RMB10M/USD $1.4M in funds for efforts to rescue and rebuild.Earthquakes in Morocco in September 2023, providing USD $20,000 to support Wine To Water’s efforts to provide access to clean water after the disaster.Earthquakes in Jishishan, Gansu Province of China in December 2023, providing RMB1M/USD $140K in recovery, response, and materials for the winter months.Earthquakes in Noto, Japan in January 2024, with $12,000 to the response efforts of Japan Heart.

In addition to these matrix-driven responses, Lenovo provides ongoing and strategic support to the American Red Cross to ensure disaster preparedness.

Love on platform for employee giving benefits

Launched in 2021, the Love on platform is Lenovo’s employee engagement tool, available to full-time employees in Lenovo’s Asia Pacific, Europe/Middle East/Africa, Latin America, and North America business geographies. The tool encourages employees to give their time and resources, supported by volunteer and matching gift benefits from Lenovo.

Volunteer benefit: Lenovo’s employees are encouraged to volunteer eight hours per quarter with causes and charities of their choice. Employees can claim five dollars (or its local currency equivalent) per volunteer hour in the Love on platform, which can then be donated to any cause on the platform that meets Lenovo’s giving guidelines.Matching gift benefit: Employees can donate to causes on the Love on platform that meet Lenovo’s Charitable Giving Guidelines and receive a 100 percent match from Lenovo. The Lenovo philanthropy team hosts annual giving campaigns to encourage donations to employees’ favorite causes, strategic community partners, and in response to humanitarian crises (see Humanitarian Response).

Philanthropy in China

The Curiosity Project: bringing cutting-edge AI to students in rural China

In a pioneering move coordinated through the Work for Humankind program, Lenovo has unveiled an AI-enhanced science and technology (sci-tech) museum within one of China’s rural elementary schools, Heshi Town Central Primary School in Xiushui County.

The initiative

Together with the Lenovo Foundation Beijing, Lenovo proudly presents the “Curiosity Project.” This effort employs AI and other advanced technologies to craft a state-of-the-art sci-tech museum within a remote rural school. Fueled by innovative technology such as AI and AR, the museum boasts six immersive sections dedicated to diverse subjects like Art, History and Sports. It’s more than a museum – it’s a bridge, connecting textbook learning with the infinite realms of imagination, paving the way for future discoveries. This initiative underscores Lenovo ongoing commitment to ESG, bridging the digital divide between urban and rural communities and accelerating rural transformation.

Beyond the walls

Free and open to all schools, the museum stands to benefit over 120,000 students directly. Collaborations with industry bodies, guest speakers, and Lenovo’s volunteers will provide blended educational experiences, both online and offline. This project not only offers a primer in tech for remote students but also stands as Lenovo’s enduring testament to technological potential, welcoming all to explore the future. Lenovo has also brought the AI PC prototype to the sci-tech museum, enabling students to be the first to experience the AI PC’s capabilities. The museum will continue to feature technological advancements in the future, serving as a beacon of innovation and inviting media, customers, partners, and the general public to experience and engage in demonstrations and educational discussions.

Beyond Water: Community impact through sustainable water access

Lenovo’s commitment to sustainability, communities, and employee engagement was showcased through its ongoing partnership with Wine To Water, a non-profit organization that provides access to clean drinking water and hygiene education to communities around the world. The partnership began as a small initiative within Love on Month of Service, but was gradually recognized as an opportunity to combine environmental and social impact goals while engaging employees in purpose by providing access to clean water.

In Spring 2023, groups of Lenovo employees embarked on service projects in Nepal, the Amazon, and the Dominican Republic. Employees worked alongside community members to build infrastructure and create access to clean water, while also sharing WASH hygiene principles. Volunteers experienced feelings of gratitude and empowerment in each service trip, which were captured in the Beyond Water documentary created with funding from Lenovo. Lenovo philanthropy will continue its Wine To Water partnership with support of strategic infrastructure-building initiatives, donations of Lenovo technology, and disaster response initiatives.

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CINCINNATI, March 17, 2025 /3BL/ – Cintas Corporation (Nasdaq: CTAS) has been recognized by Forbes for the third straight year as one of America’s Best Large Employers of 2025. The annual ranking showcases companies with exceptional feedback from current and former employees, as well as industry peers and consumers.

“We are proud to be once again recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Large Employers,” said Todd Schneider, President & CEO of Cintas. “The positive feedback that we receive from our employee-partners, industry peers and customers is a testament to our unique culture and the trust it has earned us. We’re committed to fostering a supportive work environment and continuing to exceed our customers’ expectations.”

Forbes and Statista identified America’s Best Employers 2025 through an independent survey conducted with a substantial sample of over 217,000 U.S. employees working for companies that employ at least 1,000 people in the United States.

Of the 2,000 public companies that qualified, only 300 made the final ranking. In total, over 6.5 million employer evaluations were taken into account. The final score is determined based on two types of evaluations:

Personal: Given by employees themselves.Public: Given by friends and family members of employees, or members of the public who work in the same industry, with a much higher weighting for personal evaluations.

This marks Cintas’ third consecutive year of being named a Best Large Employer by Forbes. Cintas was also named to the Forbes list of Canada’s Best Employers 2025 and FORTUNE’s World’s Most Admired Companies 2025.

About Cintas Corporation

Cintas Corporation helps more than one million businesses of all types and sizes get Ready™ to open their doors with confidence every day by providing products and services that help keep their customers’ facilities and employees clean, safe, and looking their best. With offerings including uniforms, mats, mops, towels, restroom supplies, workplace water services, first aid and safety products, eye-wash stations, safety training, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and alarm service, Cintas helps customers get Ready for the Workday®. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas is a publicly held Fortune 500 company traded over the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CTAS and is a component of both the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and Nasdaq-100 Index.

Cintas Media Contact:
Michelle Goret, Cintas Vice President of Corporate Affairs | goretm@cintas.com, 513-972-4155