Tag: 3BL

By Candace Higginbotham

When the Regions MagnusCards app was launched, Raleigh Branch Manager Nancy Lancaster put her own personal focus group to work to provide feedback.

“I have an adult son with autism,” Lancaster said. “When MagnusCards came out, I shared the app with him, and he was excited. His reaction let me know that this tool could be very impactful for the neurodivergent population.”

MagnusCards is an app that provides visual how-tos called Card Decks to help autistic and neurodivergent people perform home and community activities. The technology is produced by Magnusmode, a company that creates practical tools to improve everyday experiences for the neurodivergent population.

I have an adult son with autism. When MagnusCards came out, I shared the app with him, and he was excited.
Nancy Lancaster, Raleigh Branch Manager

The app uses a well-known concept called social stories – a learning tool that provides written or verbal stories that help autistic people understand what to expect in certain social situations and how to respond, cope and learn.

Last year, Regions collaborated with Magnusmode to offer the Regions MagnusCards app, which provides visual, audio and step-by-step instructions for bank transactions. Users can consult the app for assistance with activities such as using a debit card, opening a checking account, depositing a check, withdrawing cash at a Regions ATM and using online banking.

The app and cards allow people to practice before visiting the bank, making them more comfortable and confident before they even interact with a Regions banker.

The launch of MagnusCards was an important step in executing our priority to better serve customers with neurodiverse abilities.
Schiela Peña, Disability Services and Outreach Manager for Regions.

MagnusCards is the most recent addition to Regions’ efforts to accommodate people with autism, which include sensory packs in bank branches and quiet areas in Regions facilities that guests can use during sensory episodes.

“The launch of MagnusCards was an important step in executing our priority to better serve customers with neurodiverse abilities,” said Schiela Peña, disability services and outreach manager for Regions. “We’ve received positive feedback from customers and want to continue to raise awareness with our associates and community members about this useful tool that makes banking easier for many of our customers.”

Lancaster is doing her part to spread the word in Raleigh. “I know the importance of social stories to help prepare for big steps in life,” she said. “So, I introduce the app to all the teachers that come into the branch and to the parents of anyone in the neurodiverse community. One teacher I shared the app with was so excited to pass it along to her team and students.”

“Everyone that’s familiar with social stories loves the idea of MagnusCards. The more tools and information out there that allow this community to bank independently is good for everyone.”

Understanding the needs of all customers is an important part of serving our clients and communities, according to Jimmie Lawrence, Regions Consumer Banking leader for North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina.

“Nancy’s passion for helping individuals with special needs, particularly those who are neurodivergent, is not only commendable but also essential in fostering a more inclusive banking experience,” Lawrence said. “Financial literacy and independence are universal necessities, and by recommending tools like the MagnusCard app, we empower customers with the resources they need to confidently manage their finances.”

Financial literacy and independence are universal necessities, and by recommending tools like the MagnusCard app, we empower customers with the resources they need to manage their finances confidently.
Jimmie Lawrence, Regions Consumer Banking leader for North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina.

Lancaster’s support for the autistic and neurodivergent community doesn’t stop when she leaves the bank each day. It’s also a personal passion. She and her son are actively involved with Triangle Disability & Autism Services. According to Lancaster, her son takes part in the Triangle Self Advocacy Network (TSAN) program there, which is a group of self-advocates with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He also participates in First Friday, a social time for fun, games and hanging out with friends.

Recently, Lancaster organized a financial wellness session at Triangle Disability & Autism Services, where the local Regions team delivered the Money Basics for Life course, part of the Regions Next Step® financial education curriculum.

The Money Basics for Life course is tailored for people with disabilities and includes two learning modules, Managing Your Money and Credit and Identity Theft. These financial wellness lessons enhance independent living skills and help participants learn to make good financial decisions.

Lawrence took part in the session, his first time delivering financial education to an audience of people with disabilities.

“What stood out most was the eagerness of the participants to learn and take steps toward financial independence,” he said. “They did not see their disability as a limitation but rather embraced financial literacy as a means of empowerment. Witnessing their joy and determination underscored why we do what we do, and that’s serving the community in a way that truly makes a difference.”

Peña is thrilled about the Raleigh team’s enthusiasm and dedication – and all the great work going on throughout the Regions footprint to support the disability community.

“At Regions we want to ensure everyone has access to the tools and knowledge they need to succeed financially, regardless of their circumstances,” Peña said.

Lancaster agreed, saying, “This kind of inclusivity and increased access to banking is directly aligned with our mission at Regions to make life better,” she said. “We’re able to live our values and deliver a personalized path to financial confidence and well-being from someone who cares.”

In this short video, Lancaster talks about the importance of inclusive banking.For information about downloading and using the Regions MagnusCards app, go to regions.com. Learn more about Regions Next Step® Financial Wellness resources.

Join Mandi McReynolds and an esteemed panel at UnDavos as they dive into the evolving role of Chief Sustainability Officers post-global elections. Featuring insights from top executives like Dr. Anna Gawlikowska, Co-Founder & CEO @ Swiss AI AG, Rainer Karcher, Founder & CEO of Heartprint GmbH, and Viktoriia Savitska, Chief of Sustainability and Strategic Engagement from EPICNTR Group, this discussion covers the essential values driving their sustainability strategies, the importance of collaboration, and the innovative use of AI to tackle sustainability challenges. Tune in to discover how industry leaders are navigating regulatory landscapes, business performance, and environmental impact to build a sustainable future.

Listen Now

Looking for more? Subscribe to the ESG Talk podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. 

ESG Talk is brought to you by Workiva, the world’s only unified platform for financial reporting, ESG, audit, and risk. Learn more at workiva.com.

From FUBU to Shark Tank and countless ventures in between, Daymond John’s phenomenal entrepreneurial journey has spanned more than 25 years. Through his many successes as well as failures, he has learned a few things about getting the best out of business and life.

Speaker: Daymond John
Star of ABC’s Shark Tank

An entrepreneur in every sense of the word, Daymond John has come a long way from taking out a $100,000 mortgage on his mother’s house and moving his business operation into its basement. John is CEO and Founder of FUBU, a much-celebrated global lifestyle brand, and a pioneer in the fashion industry with billions in product sales world-wide. Former President Barack Obama appointed Daymond John a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship (PAGE) to harness his energy, ideas, and experience to help develop the next generation of entrepreneurs both at home and abroad.

John is an award-winning entrepreneur and has received 100s of awards including the Brand Week Marketer of the Year, Advertising Age Marketing 1000 Award for Outstanding Ad Campaign, Ernst & Young’s New York Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and was named #2 on LinkedIn’s Top 20 Voices, a list of the top influencers. Most recently, Real Leaders Magazine named Daymond John one of the Top 20 Keynote Speakers in the World in 2024 as one of the leading voices driving change.

His marketing firm The Shark Group offers advice on how to effectively communicate to consumers through innovative means and connects brands with the world’s top celebrities for everything from endorsements to product extensions.

John is also an author of 6 best-selling books including his New York Times best-sellers, The Power of Broke (2016) and Rise and Grind (2018). He released his fifth book, Powershift in 2020 that walks through his tried-and-true process of how to transform any situation, close any deal and achieve any outcome. John’s most recent book, Little Daymond Learns to Earn (2023) is his first for kids, reached the New York Times and Amazon best-seller list the first week of its release.

Finally, John is celebrating his 16th season on ABC TV’s critically acclaimed business reality show Shark Tank, which has has now gone on to win five Emmy® Awards in the US. Millions of weekly viewers world-wide tune into the show, as John demonstrates his marketing prowess and entrepreneurial insights.

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

1–2 PM ET | 12 CT | 11 MT | 10 PT

During this event, hear first-hand, how a man, with no formal business training whatsoever, went from driving cabs and waiting tables to achieving global product sales exceeding $6 billion, and starring on ABC’s hit reality business show, Shark Tank.

Daymond will share what he believes are the keys to success including how to learn to establish the right mindset and following a few fundamental principles Daymond calls his “S.H.A.R.K Points”.This industry leader, best-selling author, and ground breaking entrepreneurial expert will share his unique goal setting and achieving strategies, which will empower audience members to make positive changes in every aspect of their lives.

Join PNC for this special event featuring “The People’s Shark” Daymond John, where he will reveal how you too can live the American Dream.

Register here.

The Paramount Veterans Network hosted an inspiring and profound virtual coffee with vets chat with writer/director of the award-winning film, MY DEAD FRIEND ZOE, Kyle Hausmann-Stokes, whom the film is based on. The chat was also joined by the film’s co-star Sonequa Martin-Green who plays an Army Afghanistan veteran, Merit (based on Kyle). The session was moderated by CBS’ Beyond The Gates’ Maurice P. Kerry, Actor and Marine Corps Veteran.

Additionally, on March 7th, the Paramount Veterans Network and The New School Center for Military-Affiliated Students, hosted a free screening for veterans and their families of MY DEAD FRIEND ZOE, followed by a Q&A with Kyle Hausmann-Stokes and Sonequa Martin-Green. The Q&A session was moderated by CBS New York’s Alice Gainer. CBS New York also covered the special screen during Friday’s 11pm News and again on the Saturday Morning News.

About The Paramount Veterans Network 

The Paramount Veterans Network offers Veterans, Active-Duty service members, National Guard, Reserve employees, their families and the community at large a forum for connecting, networking, and for personal and professional development. Paramount VetNet operates on the pillars of appreciation, resilience, action, and impact, demonstrating a profound commitment to honoring and supporting those who have served our country. By fostering a culture of accessibility, community, camaraderie and empowerment, Paramount continues its unwavering dedication to our nation’s veterans and their families, ensuring they continue to thrive long after they leave the service. For more information, please follow @ParamountVetNet on social platforms.

ANAHEIM, Calif., March 14, 2025 /3BL/ – Accessibility innovations designed to enable a “Better Life for All” were unveiled for the U.S. market by global innovator LG Electronics here this week. As a featured exhibitor at the 40th annual CSUN (California State University, Northridge) Assistive Technology conference, LG showcased smart home innovations, AI technologies and accessory devices designed to help consumers with disabilities and senior citizens use products more conveniently.

According to LG Electronics ESG Strategy Head Justin Hong, LG’s role at CSUN 2025 exemplifies the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility for home appliance users and to realize its Better Life for All ESG vision. 

“Accessibility is at the heart of our innovation, driving us to push boundaries and exceed expectations,” he said, adding: “It is particularly meaningful to showcase various products launching in North America as we continue our efforts to contribute to a Better Life for All with some of the easiest-to-use and most convenient products on the planet.”

A highlight of the exhibition was a newly-developed commercial kiosk featuring height-adjustable capabilities and tactile keypads. This kiosk allows wheelchair users to easily adjust the screen height to their eye level. A new tactile keypad accessory designed to enhance accessibility for visually impaired consumers also was introduced at the conference.

For the U.S. consumer market, LG demonstrated various solutions that enhance user experiences through attachable accessories and software updates for home appliances and consumer electronics. Highlights included:

The “LG Comfort Kit,” attachable and detachable accessories which helps users easily use appliances regardless of gender, age or disability; 

“ThinQ ON,” the new smart home platform that supports easy appliance control via voice commands; and 

Features on LG OLED TVs such as “Voice Menu Reading” and “Simultaneous Listening with Hearing Aids and Speakers,” which garnered significant interest from attendees.

The LG Comfort Kit, introduced in North America for the first time this year, was developed in response to user concerns. LG created several accessories to make appliances easier to operate, including easy handles for people with limited strength to open the laundry detergent drawer and washer and dryer doors, and an easy-to-use dial for washing machines. The company continues to expand the Comfort Kit lineup by listening to feedback from a variety of consumers, including those with mobility impairments, visual impairments, as well as children and seniors.

Complementing its technology demonstrations in the booth, LG hosted a half-day workshop addressing topics such as AI smart homes, universal design including comfort kits and accessible kiosks. Discussions included new assistive technologies and ways to alleviate customer pain points to create more convenient environments. Workshop participants included accessibility stakeholders from the Shepherd Center, the University of Maryland, UC Berkeley, the American Council of the Blind, and the National Center for Accessible Media, who all shared their expertise and insights on improving accessibility in products.

Organized by the Center on Disabilities at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), this event is recognized as the largest event focused on assistive technology. Major global tech companies, including Google, Amazon and Microsoft, participate annually to introduce their new accessibility technologies and gain insights. LG is the first global home appliance company to exhibit at the CSUN conference.

For high-res images, click here.

###

About LG Electronics USA
LG Electronics USA Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics Inc., a leading smart life solutions company with annual global revenues of more than $60 billion. In the United States, LG sells a wide range of innovative home appliances, home entertainment products, commercial displays, air conditioning systems and vehicle components. LG is an 11-time ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year. 

www.LG.com.

Media Contacts:
LG Electronics North America                
John I. Taylor                                         
+1 847 941 8181                                     
john.taylor@lge.com 

Originally published by Chemours

Chemours, a global leader in delivering innovative performance chemistry, today announced the launch of a full-scale product trial with NTT DATA and a leading regional engineering firm, Hibiya Engineering, Ltd., focused on data center two-phase immersion cooling. The trial follows successful lab testing and aims to revolutionize data center cooling strategies through cutting-edge technologies, including Chemours’ advanced dielectric fluid, Opteon™ 2P50. This announcement marks an important step in the product commercialization process, which includes lab trials, field trials, equipment specification, customer selection, and ultimately commercial contracts and sales.

The product trial was designed to address the growing data center energy and cooling gap. As data centers evolve to meet the demands of high-performance computing and artificial intelligence (AI), they generate more heat and higher energy demand. This collaboration will explore next-generation cooling technologies that ensure optimal computing performance today and into the future, while supporting significant gains in data center efficiency and sustainability.

“We are pleased to partner with Chemours and the broader data center value chain to accelerate the practical application of liquid and immersion cooling technologies through this field trial,” said Kouhei Kurotaki, Deputy Manager of Technology Consulting Division at NTT DATA Japan. “Opteon™ 2P50 directly addresses the growing heat generation and energy use challenges facing data centers, and we believe this trial will help address key value chain questions. By driving joint verification and specification we can fully meet customer requirements, support safe construction and operation, provide more sustainable IT services, and ultimately accelerate adoption of innovative technologies.”

The field trial will engage a wide range of industry participants from data center operators, equipment manufacturers, and engineering design firms to IT vendors and research institutions.

“Joining forces with these industry leaders for an Opteon™ 2P50 field trial represents an exciting step forward in our journey to help solve the big data energy and water crisis,” said Izabela Jasinska, Liquid Cooling Venture Leader. “As AI adoption grows and next generation graphics and central processing chips become the standard, traditional cooling technologies simply cannot keep up. We developed Opteon™ 2P50 specifically for data centers, to not only increase the performance and efficiency criteria, but also to dramatically reduce the environmental footprint of data centers around the globe.”

Opteon™ 2P50, Chemours’ developmental dielectric thermal management fluid, has an ultra-low global warming potential of 10 (AR6) and superior performance capabilities compared to traditional or single-phase cooling technologies. This developmental fluid can eliminate up to:

90% of data center cooling energy,40% of overall data center energy consumption,Nearly eliminate water use in most climates,Significantly decrease interior noise pollution, andReduce the physical data center footprint by up to 60%.Additionally, the fluid can be recovered, reprocessed and reused in perpetuity, creating a circular solution.

Chemours’ participation in this trial underscores the company’s dedication to sustainable innovation and partnership with industry leaders to address the data center cooling gap.

For more information, visit Opteon.com.

###

About The Chemours Company 
The Chemours Company (NYSE: CC) is a global leader in providing industrial and specialty chemicals products for markets, including coatings, plastics, refrigeration and air conditioning, transportation, semiconductor and advanced electronics, general industrial, and oil and gas. Through our three businesses –Thermal & Specialized Solutions, Titanium Technologies, and Advanced Performance Materials – we deliver application expertise and chemistry-based innovations that solve customers’ biggest challenges. Our flagship products are sold under prominent brands such as Opteon™, Freon™, Ti-Pure™, Nafion™, Teflon™, Viton™, and Krytox™. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware and listed on the NYSE under the symbol CC, Chemours has approximately 6,000 employees and 28 manufacturing sites and serves approximately 2,500 customers in approximately 110 countries.

For more information, visit chemours.com or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @Chemours or LinkedIn.

About NTT DATA
NTT DATA is a $30+ billion trusted global innovator of business and technology services. We serve 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and are committed to helping clients innovate, optimize and transform for long-term success. As a Global Top Employer, we have diverse experts in more than 50 countries and a robust partner ecosystem of established and start-up companies. Our services include business and technology consulting, data and artificial intelligence, industry solutions, as well as the development, implementation and management of applications, infrastructure and connectivity. We are also one of the leading providers of digital and AI infrastructure in the world. NTT DATA is part of NTT Group, which invests over $3.6 billion each year in R&D to help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future.

For more information visit nttdata.com.

About Hibiya Engineering, Ltd.
Hibiya Engineering, Ltd. is a leading engineering company dedicated to advancing innovative solutions in the fields of data center cooling, building systems, and environmental technologies. With a strong commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology, Hibiya Engineering collaborates with global partners to develop and implement next-generation cooling systems that enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The company’s expertise spans across various sectors, including the development of advanced dielectric fluids and two-phase immersion cooling technologies, aimed at revolutionizing data center operations. Hibiya Engineering continues to drive innovation and excellence, ensuring optimal performance and sustainability for its clients worldwide.

For more information visit the Hibiya Engineering, Ltd. website.

Originally published by MWC Barcelona

Qualcomm continues to be a leader in technological innovation, committed to global growth and sustainability. Together with our ecosystem partners, we create opportunities designed to promote innovation and societal advancement.

The Qualcomm® Make in Africa (QMIA) program, now in its third year, mentors early-stage startups using technologies such as 5G, Edge-AI, Compute, and IoT. This initiative offers business coaching, engineering consultation, hardware platforms, and intellectual property guidance to help startups scale their impact and drive technological progress across Africa. 

QMIA leverages the energy and creativity emerging from Africa’s tech scene. Across the continent, there is a growing wave of entrepreneurship fueled by technological advancements, increased internet penetration, and a young generation eager to drive change. 

Continue reading here.

Originally published by MWC Barcelona

Qualcomm continues to be a leader in technological innovation, committed to global growth and sustainability. Together with our ecosystem partners, we create opportunities designed to promote innovation and societal advancement.

The Qualcomm® Make in Africa (QMIA) program, now in its third year, mentors early-stage startups using technologies such as 5G, Edge-AI, Compute, and IoT. This initiative offers business coaching, engineering consultation, hardware platforms, and intellectual property guidance to help startups scale their impact and drive technological progress across Africa. 

QMIA leverages the energy and creativity emerging from Africa’s tech scene. Across the continent, there is a growing wave of entrepreneurship fueled by technological advancements, increased internet penetration, and a young generation eager to drive change. 

Continue reading here.

Environmental and social justice are becoming central to discussions on sustainable development. As infrastructure projects and corporate initiatives expand worldwide, the need for responsible engagement with local communities and ecosystems has never been greater. Experts from different regions bring unique perspectives on how to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and social equity. This Q&A from our podcast episode, Perspectives on Social & Environmental Justice, explores how businesses, governments, and communities can work together to drive meaningful change, ensuring long-term benefits for all stakeholders.

Our Social and Environmental Justice experts include Erica Olesson, Sustainability Leader, Tonkin + Taylor in New Zealand, Scott Recker, Environmental Remediation Practice Leader at Antea Group USA, and Valentina Vieri, Sustainability Specialist for HPC Italy.

Listen to the full podcast episode here.

Q: What does environmental and social justice mean in different regions?

Valentina Vieri (Italy): Environmental and social justice is about looking beyond the implementation of a project and considering the broader impact. It’s about ensuring that land use, resources, and ecosystems are managed responsibly while also taking care of vulnerable communities. Every project must account for environmental effects, biodiversity, and social aspects such as the rights of local communities.

Scott Recker (USA): In the U.S., environmental justice has been embedded in legislation, ensuring equal treatment of all communities, regardless of race, income, or location. It’s about acknowledging historical pollution and its impact on marginalized communities and taking steps to address those disparities. Globally, the definition shifts, but the core idea remains the same: engaging local communities and ensuring that infrastructure projects benefit rather than harm them.

Erica Olesson (New Zealand): In Australia and New Zealand, we often use the term “social license to operate.” It’s about how organizations maintain trust and legitimacy with communities. For indigenous communities, social and environmental justice can’t be separated because of deep cultural connections these communities have with the environment. In New Zealand, the Māori people have a whakatauki (proverb) ‘Ka ora te wai, ka ora te whenua, ka ora ngā tāngata’ – ‘If the water is healthy, the land is healthy, the people are healthy’. This means environmental change impacts their well-being. Projects must be developed in harmony with these cultural and environmental values.

Q: How do infrastructure projects balance economic growth with environmental and social responsibility?

Valentina: Context analysis is key. Every location is different, so understanding the specific needs and vulnerabilities of a community before beginning a project is crucial. A road, for example, isn’t just about transportation—it affects biodiversity, local economies, and social structures. Identifying these impacts helps mitigate negative outcomes and enhance positive contributions.

Scott: It’s not just about completing a project; it’s about how it’s done. That means integrating local knowledge, ensuring clear communication with affected communities, and designing solutions that provide long-term benefits. Many communities in the U.S. were built around manufacturing plants, leading to localized pollution. Redeveloping these areas for sustainable energy or housing can transform these sites into economic assets while addressing past injustices.

Q: How do businesses and governments navigate different definitions of environmental justice?

Scott: Relying on local expertise is crucial. Our teams work with community leaders to ensure that definitions and expectations align with cultural and regional realities. Different places have different challenges, and organizations need to be adaptable. Clear, transparent communication helps build trust and ensure alignment with local values.

Q: What trends are shaping corporate approaches to sustainability and social justice?

Erica: Community expectations are driving change. Companies are under increasing pressure to align with sustainability goals because consumers and employees demand it. Organizations that prioritize environmental and social justice are more likely to attract top talent and maintain public trust. Additionally, regulatory frameworks—such as EU sustainability disclosures—are pushing businesses to be more transparent about their impacts.

Scott: Social media has played a huge role in raising awareness. Companies can no longer operate in isolation; they need to actively engage with communities. New technology allows us to measure air, water, and land quality in real time, making it easier to demonstrate positive impact and hold businesses accountable.

Q: How do companies measure and communicate their impact?

Scott: We use tools to map project benefits against the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By quantifying reductions in emissions, improvements in water quality, or employment opportunities created, companies can show tangible results. This data is essential for corporate leadership, community engagement, and regulatory compliance.

Erica: A theory of change model helps bridge the gap between outputs (e.g., jobs created) and long-term impacts (e.g., community resilience). Understanding how immediate actions lead to broader societal benefits makes it easier to communicate the true value of sustainability initiatives.

Q: What advice would you give to companies navigating environmental and social justice challenges?

Erica: Meet people where they are. Different stakeholders have different priorities—some care about reputation, others about regulatory compliance, and some about long-term sustainability. Tailoring the conversation to their perspective makes it easier to drive meaningful change.

Scott: Listen more than you speak. Communities have valuable insights, and collaboration is key. The business community has moved away from an adversarial approach to a more cooperative model, recognizing that long-term success depends on genuine engagement and shared benefits.

Valentina: Keep communication simple. Sustainability is complex, and technical jargon can alienate stakeholders. Breaking it down into relatable, tangible terms helps people understand its importance and benefits.

Q: How would you explain this work to a young person or family member?

Scott: It used to be about fixing problems. Now, it’s about improving our world. Every day, we take steps to make our planet healthier and our communities stronger.

Erica: It’s about stepping back, seeing the bigger picture, and making choices that create a positive future.

Valentina: Sustainability means integrating different perspectives to find solutions that benefit people, the planet, and businesses alike.

Conclusion & Key Takeaways

Environmental and social justice are no longer just about correcting past harms; they are about shaping a sustainable, equitable future. The discussion highlights several key takeaways:

Community engagement is critical – Understanding the cultural, social, and environmental contexts of a region ensures that projects deliver lasting benefits.Businesses must integrate sustainability into operations – Companies that proactively address environmental and social justice concerns build stronger reputations and long-term resilience.Regulation and stakeholder expectations are driving change – Organizations must stay ahead of evolving policies and consumer demands to remain competitive.Technology enables better measurement and accountability – From real-time environmental monitoring to SDG mapping, businesses can now demonstrate their impact more effectively.Clear and positive communication is key – Using simple, meaningful language ensures that sustainability goals resonate with all stakeholders.

By embracing these principles, businesses and governments can create solutions that not only drive economic growth but also foster environmental stewardship and social equity. The path forward requires collaboration, transparency, and a commitment to building a better world for future generations.

Inogen Alliance is a global network made up of dozens of independent local businesses and over 6,000 consultants around the world who can help make your project a success. Our Associates collaborate closely to serve multinational corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, and we share knowledge and industry experience to provide the highest quality service to our clients. If you want to learn more about how you can work with Inogen Alliance, you can explore our Associates or Contact Us. Watch for more News & Blog updates, listen to our podcast and follow us on LinkedIn.

Environmental and social justice are becoming central to discussions on sustainable development. As infrastructure projects and corporate initiatives expand worldwide, the need for responsible engagement with local communities and ecosystems has never been greater. Experts from different regions bring unique perspectives on how to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and social equity. This Q&A from our podcast episode, Perspectives on Social & Environmental Justice, explores how businesses, governments, and communities can work together to drive meaningful change, ensuring long-term benefits for all stakeholders.

Our Social and Environmental Justice experts include Erica Olesson, Sustainability Leader, Tonkin + Taylor in New Zealand, Scott Recker, Environmental Remediation Practice Leader at Antea Group USA, and Valentina Vieri, Sustainability Specialist for HPC Italy.

Listen to the full podcast episode here.

Q: What does environmental and social justice mean in different regions?

Valentina Vieri (Italy): Environmental and social justice is about looking beyond the implementation of a project and considering the broader impact. It’s about ensuring that land use, resources, and ecosystems are managed responsibly while also taking care of vulnerable communities. Every project must account for environmental effects, biodiversity, and social aspects such as the rights of local communities.

Scott Recker (USA): In the U.S., environmental justice has been embedded in legislation, ensuring equal treatment of all communities, regardless of race, income, or location. It’s about acknowledging historical pollution and its impact on marginalized communities and taking steps to address those disparities. Globally, the definition shifts, but the core idea remains the same: engaging local communities and ensuring that infrastructure projects benefit rather than harm them.

Erica Olesson (New Zealand): In Australia and New Zealand, we often use the term “social license to operate.” It’s about how organizations maintain trust and legitimacy with communities. For indigenous communities, social and environmental justice can’t be separated because of deep cultural connections these communities have with the environment. In New Zealand, the Māori people have a whakatauki (proverb) ‘Ka ora te wai, ka ora te whenua, ka ora ngā tāngata’ – ‘If the water is healthy, the land is healthy, the people are healthy’. This means environmental change impacts their well-being. Projects must be developed in harmony with these cultural and environmental values.

Q: How do infrastructure projects balance economic growth with environmental and social responsibility?

Valentina: Context analysis is key. Every location is different, so understanding the specific needs and vulnerabilities of a community before beginning a project is crucial. A road, for example, isn’t just about transportation—it affects biodiversity, local economies, and social structures. Identifying these impacts helps mitigate negative outcomes and enhance positive contributions.

Scott: It’s not just about completing a project; it’s about how it’s done. That means integrating local knowledge, ensuring clear communication with affected communities, and designing solutions that provide long-term benefits. Many communities in the U.S. were built around manufacturing plants, leading to localized pollution. Redeveloping these areas for sustainable energy or housing can transform these sites into economic assets while addressing past injustices.

Q: How do businesses and governments navigate different definitions of environmental justice?

Scott: Relying on local expertise is crucial. Our teams work with community leaders to ensure that definitions and expectations align with cultural and regional realities. Different places have different challenges, and organizations need to be adaptable. Clear, transparent communication helps build trust and ensure alignment with local values.

Q: What trends are shaping corporate approaches to sustainability and social justice?

Erica: Community expectations are driving change. Companies are under increasing pressure to align with sustainability goals because consumers and employees demand it. Organizations that prioritize environmental and social justice are more likely to attract top talent and maintain public trust. Additionally, regulatory frameworks—such as EU sustainability disclosures—are pushing businesses to be more transparent about their impacts.

Scott: Social media has played a huge role in raising awareness. Companies can no longer operate in isolation; they need to actively engage with communities. New technology allows us to measure air, water, and land quality in real time, making it easier to demonstrate positive impact and hold businesses accountable.

Q: How do companies measure and communicate their impact?

Scott: We use tools to map project benefits against the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By quantifying reductions in emissions, improvements in water quality, or employment opportunities created, companies can show tangible results. This data is essential for corporate leadership, community engagement, and regulatory compliance.

Erica: A theory of change model helps bridge the gap between outputs (e.g., jobs created) and long-term impacts (e.g., community resilience). Understanding how immediate actions lead to broader societal benefits makes it easier to communicate the true value of sustainability initiatives.

Q: What advice would you give to companies navigating environmental and social justice challenges?

Erica: Meet people where they are. Different stakeholders have different priorities—some care about reputation, others about regulatory compliance, and some about long-term sustainability. Tailoring the conversation to their perspective makes it easier to drive meaningful change.

Scott: Listen more than you speak. Communities have valuable insights, and collaboration is key. The business community has moved away from an adversarial approach to a more cooperative model, recognizing that long-term success depends on genuine engagement and shared benefits.

Valentina: Keep communication simple. Sustainability is complex, and technical jargon can alienate stakeholders. Breaking it down into relatable, tangible terms helps people understand its importance and benefits.

Q: How would you explain this work to a young person or family member?

Scott: It used to be about fixing problems. Now, it’s about improving our world. Every day, we take steps to make our planet healthier and our communities stronger.

Erica: It’s about stepping back, seeing the bigger picture, and making choices that create a positive future.

Valentina: Sustainability means integrating different perspectives to find solutions that benefit people, the planet, and businesses alike.

Conclusion & Key Takeaways

Environmental and social justice are no longer just about correcting past harms; they are about shaping a sustainable, equitable future. The discussion highlights several key takeaways:

Community engagement is critical – Understanding the cultural, social, and environmental contexts of a region ensures that projects deliver lasting benefits.Businesses must integrate sustainability into operations – Companies that proactively address environmental and social justice concerns build stronger reputations and long-term resilience.Regulation and stakeholder expectations are driving change – Organizations must stay ahead of evolving policies and consumer demands to remain competitive.Technology enables better measurement and accountability – From real-time environmental monitoring to SDG mapping, businesses can now demonstrate their impact more effectively.Clear and positive communication is key – Using simple, meaningful language ensures that sustainability goals resonate with all stakeholders.

By embracing these principles, businesses and governments can create solutions that not only drive economic growth but also foster environmental stewardship and social equity. The path forward requires collaboration, transparency, and a commitment to building a better world for future generations.

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