Tag: 3BL

CLEVELAND, March 13, 2025 /3BL/ — KeyBank’s Key4Women will present “Awakening the Power of Women: Igniting Social Impact and Change” a free, one-hour virtual event on Wednesday, March 19th at 1:00 p.m. EST / 11:00 a.m. MT / 10:00 a.m. PST.

This conversation will have participants embark on a transformative journey that shines as spotlight on the pivotal role women play in addressing critical challenges and igniting social impact. Key4Women National Director, Rachael Sampson, will be joined by Founder and CEO of Women Igniting Change, Robbin Jorgensen in a celebration of Women’s History Month. Jorgensen will celebrate the awakening of women’s power to lead change with profound significance through compelling stories and actionable insights.

In this webinar, participants will learn:

How key events in women’s history have shaped today’s landscape.How women serve as key catalysts for transformational change in their community.How to lead by example by advocating for each other and using personal growth and self-awareness in effecting organizational change.

“We are happy to celebrate Women’s History Month with this impressive webinar,” said Sampson. “Robbin is not only knowledgeable on the impact women have on the world, but lives and breathes it every day. We couldn’t be more thrilled to bring this to our participants as we know they will walk away feeling inspired.

Robbin Jorgensen is the Founder and CEO of Women Igniting Change®, a global purpose driven organization that unleashes the contribution of women around the world. She is a status quo disruptor, human rights activist, female change agent, and global citizen. She helps companies move business and humanity forward through women’s leadership and social impact initiatives, drawing from her experience working with women in 31 countries.

For more information, contact key4women@keybank.com or register online by March 18th  here. 

About Key4Women 
Key4Women started in 2005 as a campaign to lend $1 billion to qualified women-owned businesses within three years. The program achieved that in two years and has now generated more than $12 billion in loans to women-owned businesses. Membership in Key4Women is free. In addition to helping women business leaders and owners tap into capital to build and grow their businesses, Key4Women members gain valuable access to a team of local Certified Key4Wome Advisors who advocate, connect and empower women on their journey to financial wellness. For more information, visit key.com/key4women.

About KeyBank

In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $187 billion at December 31, 2024.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

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The supply chain industry is evolving rapidly, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, automation, and sustainability initiatives. However, a major challenge persists — the gap between industry needs and traditional education models.

A 2022 Deloitte study found that only 25% of supply chain professionals feel adequately trained in digital tools, despite 76% of companies investing in AI-driven solutions. Similarly, a 2023 McKinsey report revealed that 60% of supply chain executives struggle to find candidates with both analytical skills and hands-on experience. As supply chains become more technology-driven and sustainability-focused, it is clear that education must evolve to keep up.

At DP World, we recognize that education is the key to solving this challenge. That’s why we’ve launched the Global Education Portal — a dedicated learning platform designed to equip students, professionals, and industry leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to drive the future of supply chains. Through specialized learning opportunities, hands-on training, and industry collaborations, DP World is preparing the next generation of supply chain professionals to meet the evolving demands of global trade.

DP World’s Education Portal: A Learning Hub for All

DP World’s Global Education Portal offers three tailored learning tracks designed to cater to educators, students, and DP World employees. This hub provides a structured, interactive approach to learning about global trade, logistics, and sustainability.

1. Educator Track

This track supports teachers by offering educational resources that align with global learning standards. Key modules include:

Making Trade Flow – Introduces students (ages 11–16) to the innovations driving global trade, covering subjects such as Mathematics, Geography, and Business Studies.Blue Carbon Ecosystems – Explores the role of coastal habitats in carbon sequestration and sustainability, suitable for Science and Geography students (ages 11–17).Plastic Pollution: Protecting Our Waters – Examines the impact of plastics on marine ecosystems and promotes sustainability awareness among students (ages 11–16).Humanitarian Logistics – Provides insight into the complexities of organizing aid during global crises, covering Geography, Social Studies, and STEM (ages 11–16).

2. Student Track

This track is designed for learners exploring career opportunities and skills development in the supply chain and logistics sectors. Offerings include:

Career Finder – An interactive quiz helping students identify career paths in global trade.Skills for the Future – Workshops and courses on interview skills, self-development, and industry insights.Certificate in Terminal Operations (CTO) – An e-learning program offering in-depth training in port terminal operations (ages 17+).Internships & Apprenticeships – Access to real-world industry experiences at DP World.

3. DP World Insider Track

Available exclusively to DP World employees, this track facilitates employee engagement in education initiatives, allowing them to support students and educational institutions while expanding their own industry knowledge.

A Wealth of Educational Resources

Beyond structured learning tracks, the platform offers a diverse collection of resources for different educational needs:

Interactive Lessons & Activities – Covering trade logistics, sustainability, and technological advancements.Virtual Reality Experiences – Immersive 360-degree port exploration to understand trade operations.Environmental & Sustainability Modules – Lessons on marine ecosystems, pollution, and sustainable practices.Games & Quizzes – Interactive tools that engage students in supply chain challenges.

Industry Partnerships for a Stronger Workforce

Education does not operate in isolation, which is why DP World collaborates with universities, trade organizations, and logistics leaders to develop industry-aligned training programs. These partnerships ensure that course content remains relevant, connecting students with industry experts and fostering mentorship opportunities.

At DP World, we believe that education is the foundation of supply chain innovation. By investing in future talent, equipping students with digital skills, and fostering industry collaboration, we are building a workforce that is ready for the challenges of tomorrow.

Be part of the change. Explore DP World’s Global Education Portal today and start your learning journey. Visit DP World’s Education Portal Now.

Client background

For 50 years, this client has grown into an international leader in lighting technology. The client manufactures lighting solutions across industries with innovative solutions and products.

The business challenge

The client engaged Baker Tilly’s digital solutions team to guide and support the development of a new customer-facing web portal. This portal aims to reduce call volume in customer support and increase customer satisfaction and effectiveness. When the organization sells theatre equipment to dealers, distributors and sales reps, users at those organizations need to execute complex, often years-long collaborations on designing, installing and supporting their products and equipment across many interconnected platforms. Due to this interconnection, the platforms needed to be carefully connected through APIs and the user’s experience across these platforms must be carefully designed.

Strategy and solution

To ensure no data was missed during API requests, we gathered the necessary information to understand the intricate processes involved. This information was collected through stakeholder interviews and shadowing with detailed notes taken. These notes were then used to create swim lane diagrams of the current business processes, with each lane corresponding to each platform. This approach allowed us to more easily identify the elements that needed to be designed and built within the new web portal. It also helped ensure we had a complete understanding of the processes and data being transferred to design a seamless user experience around the data interchange.

Here is the full step-by-step process:

Identify and shadow subject matter experts: Select internal participants who are experts in the business processes that affect the solution you are building. Schedule time to shadow their existing processes and understand the tools they currently rely on. Ask clarifying questions, and if possible, create the process map live as they walk through the process. If not, jot down the steps in bullet points and group them by the platforms used.Create swim lane outline: Use tools like Draw.io or LucidChart to create your swim lane diagram. Start by making swim lanes for each platform, backend and frontend. If you are aware of the platforms involved in the future state, incorporate them. Adding the swim lanes simplifies design creation by allowing you to better visualize which platforms’ specific UI elements are a part of, which can be challenging in multiplatform projects.Translate notes to diagram: Convert your notes into individual process steps within the swim lanes, ensuring all decision points are included. Use arrows across swim lanes to represent data exchanges.Validate with stakeholders: Meet with the stakeholders again to verify that your swim lane diagram accurately represents the current process. Continue to incorporate feedback until there’s consensus on the critical aspects.Identify improvements: To facilitate future gap analysis, create a new process map for your “future state” and use the current state diagram to brainstorm innovative ideas for process improvements, focusing on bottlenecks or tedious tasks. While shadowing and interviewing stakeholders, you likely discovered tools and processes that don’t work well today. Additionally, the value proposition for your solution may have already identified new customer needs not met by the current solution. Incorporate proposed solutions to these problems and new opportunities into the future state diagram.Gather team feedback: Share your ideas with the original group of stakeholders for their input and opinions and incorporate their feedback.

How we can help

Baker Tilly’s digital solutions team can help bring meaning to chaotic and complex service environments, support your organization in solving real customer problems and innovating in new opportunity spaces. We can conduct assessments and innovation workshops, involving your organization’s stakeholders to make sure everyone is aligned, working toward achieving your desired business goals and improving your customer satisfaction.

Connect with a Baker Tilly specialist to learn more!

Deadline to apply: April 4, 2025

Attention entrepreneurs, startups, and world-changing innovators. If you’re sitting on a breakthrough idea that could transform the consumer electronics industry, Logitech wants to hear from you. The Future Positive Challenge is an opportunity to showcase groundbreaking solutions, gain exposure for your ideas, and collaborate with a global leader in innovative design.

Logitech’s Future Positive Challenge looks for disruptive partners with bold ideas in areas like lower-impact printed circuit board design, scalable battery technology and recycling, sustainable manufacturing processes, and renewable or recycled materials. When you partner with Logitech to scale your innovation, it doesn’t just get noticed, it gets nurtured with guidance from some of the brightest engineering and design minds in the consumer electronics industry.

Past winners have tackled challenges like minimizing rare earth materials in electronics, revolutionizing battery recycling, and creating cleaner manufacturing methods for printed circuit boards. Your idea could be the next to join this legacy of innovation and impact.

The 2025 Future Positive Challenge includes the following categories:

Printed Circuits – we’re seeking innovative solutions for lower-impact, efficient circuit board designs and additive manufacturing.Battery Technology and Recycling – we’re looking for solutions for improving electronics efficiency, scaling battery capacity without more lithium or cobalt, or recycling key components from existing batteries.Materials – we are looking for renewable, recycled materials that deliver equal or superior performance, and/or offer a reduced carbon footprint.Sustainable Manufacturing – we’re seeking experts to enhance manufacturing and supply chain efficiency through innovation and improvement.Waste Management – join us in revolutionizing electronic waste management through prevention, recycling, waste-to-energy, and re-purposing.

Applications are open now through April 4th. Apply directly online through the Agorize partnership portal. Take the first step by completing the participation form and submitting your proposal.

Cummins

Kim T. is a prime example of the impact that passion, expertise, and collaboration can have within a global company. As a Tech Ops Project Management and Cybersecurity Engineer at Cummins, Kim plays a critical role in safeguarding the company’s digital infrastructure. Her work focuses on ensuring the integrity of systems and protecting valuable data, which is vital to the company’s mission of powering a more sustainable world.

Since joining Cummins in 2021, Kim has worked on several high-impact projects, including leading a Value Stream Transformation initiative to streamline truck build processes, improve efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction. In her previous role as Technical Operations Project Coordinator, she used augmented reality and mixed reality to enhance productivity, which laid the foundation for her current role in cybersecurity. She’s also responsible for risk mitigation efforts that safeguard Cummins’ digital systems from threats.

“My role at Cummins allows me to combine my technical skills with my passion for problem-solving,” Kim says. “I collaborate with teams across the world, which makes every day unique. Whether I’m working on projects or collaborating with colleagues, what excites me the most is being part of a global effort to drive innovation and safeguard our future.”

Kim’s experience at Cummins reflects the company’s commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion, and development. In her role, she collaborates with a global network of peers, working across time zones and borders to deliver impactful results. “The best part of my job is the people I work with,” Kim says. “I’ve been fortunate to learn from amazing leaders and colleagues, and that collaboration has been key to achieving success.”

Her professional journey at Cummins has been marked by a strong sense of support from the company’s leadership. “Cummins has always encouraged me to grow not just as a professional, but as a whole person. From my first day, I’ve felt supported in my career development, and that has made all the difference.”

Kim T. is not only a skilled Project Manager and Cybersecurity Engineer but also a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion and community empowerment. Outside of work, Kim is dedicated to supporting STEM education and fostering community development. As an FY24 Global Ambassador for the Society of Women Engineers, she advocates for women and girls in STEM, aiming to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders in these fields.

Kim leads several community initiatives, including her role as the lead facilitator for the Minority Engineering Program of Indianapolis, where she provides guidance to underrepresented students pursuing careers in STEM. She also facilitates art sessions that encourage creativity and self-expression. “These activities outside of work help me maintain a healthy work-life balance and keep me energized throughout the week,” Kim says. “They also enable me to connect with others in meaningful ways, which fuels my passion for leadership and community involvement.”

Her drive to give back is also reflected in her involvement with the Cummins Black Network (CBN). “CBN has played an important role in my development, both professionally and personally,” Kim says. “From the moment I joined, I was encouraged to showcase my skills, engage in meaningful development opportunities, and connect with colleagues who share similar passions.”

The support Kim has received at Cummins has been instrumental in her ability to thrive both professionally and personally. “From leadership to my colleagues, everyone at Cummins has been supportive of my career aspirations,” she says. “The opportunity to work in a company that values diversity and inclusion has been incredibly rewarding.”

Looking ahead, Kim is excited about her future at Cummins. “I see myself continuing to grow in the field of project management and as a global leader, utilizing my technical expertise to drive efficiency and create lasting value,” she says. “I want to make an impact not just within Cummins, but also in the broader world through my work in STEM and community development.”

Kim’s advice for those considering a career at Cummins is simple: “Your future started yesterday. The seeds you plant today will take you to the heights you need tomorrow.”

Tork, an Essity brand and a global leader in professional hygiene, today announced that the Tork dispenser development process is the first in the world to be certified according to the Design for All standard (EN 17161).1 This approach aims to make hygiene in public spaces accessible for the majority of users. It strengthens the Tork commitment to helping businesses provide inclusive hygiene solutions in public restrooms and other public spaces. 

“We are committed to making public hygiene accessible to the majority of users by working to eliminate visible and invisible barriers to hygiene,” said Kristian Grennfelt, Global Brand Innovation Director, Professional Hygiene, Essity. “Restrooms are the busiest rooms in a building, and when businesses provide public restrooms designed to meet the needs of many, it not only improves their reputation but also improves their overall business. In fact, nearly 90% of people say it’s important for them to have easy access to hygiene in public, particularly in the restroom.2 It’s clear that providing inclusive hygiene in public restrooms is good for people and for business.”

Applying design for all principles to the Tork dispenser development process helps reduce barriers to hygiene for users with a range of conditions, capabilities, neuro-diversities, general hygiene concerns and in various stages of life. For example, the Tork PeakServe® range of hand towel dispensers was designed with low pull force, accommodating people with varying hand strength, such as children, and is certified as Easy to Use 3 by the Swedish Rheumatism Association.

“Designing better products for all users – including cleaning and maintenance staff – is a long-held philosophy that has always guided our way of working,” Grennfelt continued. “Design for all principles have been central to our approach for decades and we are proud to have received the first certification according to the official Design for All standard. Tork has the scale, reach, expertise and responsibility to advocate for this with other influencers.”

Essity began pursuing certification according to the Design for All standard in 2020, even though no organizations were accredited to certify it at the time. Essity’s commitment to obtaining Design for All certification resulted in RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, an independent state-owned research institute, becoming the first to be accredited and able to offer the certification. This is the latest step in the Tork brand’s journey to advance hygiene standards, building on earlier work including developing Tork Easy Handling® packaging solutions and securing Easy to Use certification for many dispensers.

While Tork brand products are used in a range of settings, the brand has pledged support for making hygiene in public restrooms more inclusive for as many people as possible. By convening industry leaders and driving proprietary research, the brand aims to spotlight, understand, and solve the barriers that people face in public restrooms. Tork is looking closely at many elements – from hygiene concerns to an individual’s evolving capabilities – to inform the design process and modify existing solutions or create new solutions that are more inclusive for all.

The Tork dispenser design and development process will be audited annually by RISE according to the Design for All standard (EN 17161:2019. Design for All – Accessibility following a Design for All approach in products, goods and services – Extending the range of users).

To learn more about the Tork brand’s commitment to delivering hygiene for all and how businesses can benefit from providing better hygiene solutions, please visit: www.torkusa.com

For additional information please contact: FHTork@fleishman.com

1Standard EN17161. The Design for All is a development process that considers diverse user needs to encourage and promote accessibility of products and services by as many people as possible.

2 Tork Insight Survey 2024, conducted in US, UK, Germany, France and Mexico among 6000 end-users and 900 businesses.

3 Tork has a range of dispensers that are certified “Easy to use” by the Swedish Rheumatism Association for people with limited hand functionality.

About Tork

The Tork brand offers professional hygiene products and services to customers worldwide, ranging from restaurants and healthcare facilities to offices, schools and industries. Our products include dispensers, paper towels, toilet tissue, soap, hand sanitizers, napkins, wipers, but also software solutions for data-driven cleaning. Through expertise in hygiene, functional design and sustainability, Tork has become a market leader that empowers customers to think ahead and improve business outcomes through sustainable hygiene management. Tork is a global brand of Essity, and a committed partner to customers in over 110 countries. To keep up with the latest Tork news and innovations, please visit: www.torkusa.com

CINCINNATI, March 12, 2025 /3BL/ – Today Fifth Third (NASDAQ: FITB) and community leaders celebrated the groundbreaking for a new full-service banking center in Cincinnati’s Avondale neighborhood, which has been without a standalone bank branch for nearly five years.

The new branch is expected to open to the public in late summer or early fall and is among 15 banking centers Fifth Third plans to open in low- and moderate-income (LMI) or high minority (HMT) population census tracts this year. The branch will enable Fifth Third to increase financial access for the community while contributing to the revitalization of Avondale.

Fifth Third prioritizes financial access and neighborhood revitalization through its Neighborhood Program, a community development initiative which creates and implements innovative place-based strategies to effect positive change in historically disinvested neighborhoods across the Bank’s 11-state footprint. As Fifth Third strategically expands and opens new financial centers across the U.S., 30% of new branches in development will be in LMI and/or HMT areas. In addition to new centers, Fifth Third offers its Financial Empowerment Mobile, known as the eBus, and Banking to Go kiosks to address gaps in financial services in underserved communities.

“At Fifth Third, we believe that strong banks need strong communities, and strong communities need strong banks,” said Kala Gibson, chief corporate responsibility officer for Fifth Third. “We are proud to contribute to the revitalization of Avondale by expanding financial access through this new branch, in addition to many other community investments in recent years.”

Located in the Avondale Town Center, the new branch will be a model for innovation and sustainability, occupying 2,024 square feet in a storefront along Reading Road. The existing full service drive-up ATM in the town center parking lot will remain. Inside, the center’s open design will make it easy for customers to get quick digital service or discuss more complex banking products, like college savings plans, mortgages, or retirement solutions. The new, streamlined building will feature flexible meeting and seating areas that offer adjustable layers of privacy. The branch is expected to open in late summer or early fall 2025, with Walnut Hills-based Triversity Construction serving as the general contractor. Soul Palette, a local Cincinnati artist, will design and install a mural that celebrates Avondale’s history.

“We are able to celebrate the opening of this Avondale location because of the special bond that exists between our community partners and our local Fifth Third team,” said Tim Elsbrock, president, Fifth Third Bank, Greater Cincinnati Region. “This is the result of many years of conversations, planning and hard work that allowed for a shared commitment to provide resources for the good of our community.”

Avondale, Cincinnati’s largest African American community, has experienced decades of disinvestment leading to population decline, aging housing stock and increased poverty.

“The Avondale Development Corporation is excited to welcome Fifth Third to our Avondale community,” said Russell Hairston, executive director of the Avondale Development Corporation. “This is more than just a bank opening; it represents a commitment to Avondale’s future. This marks a significant step toward economic empowerment and neighborhood revitalization. By providing accessible financial services, small business support, and homeownership opportunities, Fifth Third is helping to create a more financially inclusive Avondale. We look forward to partnering with them on financial literacy programs, workforce development initiatives, and community investment strategies that will uplift residents and drive sustainable growth, which aligns with ADC’s mission to foster sustainable community development.”

Fifth Third launched its neighborhood program in 2021, taking a place-based approach to community development where the Bank works with a lead partner organization and other local organizations to build ecosystems that drive real change through both financial and social investments. This collective ecosystem approach is focused on identifying solutions to key challenges in partnership with the community, with the goal of creating lasting, transformative change.

In partnership with the Avondale Development Corporation and other community partners, Fifth Third has made $33.6 million in direct investments into Avondale and helped catalyze $17.9 million from other entitles for a total financial impact of $51.5 million.

Key initiatives include:

Blair Lofts: The Fifth Third Community Development Corporation invested $15.5 million into Blair Lofts in 2021. The 64-unit affordable housing development located on Reading Road features one-, two-, or three-bedroom apartments, on-site management and amenities that include laundry, resident storage spaces, a community kitchen and a fitness center. Fifth Third also funded wrap-around services such as a move-in care package for residents, financial education workshops, funding so that 55 children could attend a summer camp, furnishing for the community room, and five desktop computers and furnishings for a computer lab.Carthage Flats: Fifth Third is providing equity and construction financing for Carthage Flats in Cincinnati. Located on Vine Street, Carthage Flats is a 45-unit affordable housing development that has received a 4% low-income housing tax credit award. The property is designed for family households with incomes up to 30-, 50- and 60% of the area median income. All 45 units will operate with Permanent Supportive Housing funding and target those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The housing is being built on a long-vacant site.Digital Accessibility: Fifth Third has been working to help close the digital divide and bring Avondale residents into the technology mainstream. Key partners in the effort include the Avondale Development Corporation, Uptown Consortium Inc., and the University of Cincinnati. Following a community-wide assessment of the neighborhood and its needs, in fall 2024 the partners began replacing non-functional and outdated equipment at eight housing complexes and adding service in two locations that were not previously served, thanks to funding from the United Way of Greater Cincinnati. In early 2025, 319 apartments are expected to have free internet connectivity, including 779 residents and 374 school-age students. Six free outdoor hotspots are also being installed along Reading Road. The final phase includes a neighborhood-wide Wi-Fi project that will provide free and/or discounted servicing throughout all of Avondale.

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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.

Originally published by Public Utilities Fortnightly

For leading energy providers like Southern Company, affordability has long been an essential part of doing business. After all, when energy is not affordable, customers suffer, businesses are at risk, and economic growth opportunities go elsewhere.

Meeting customer needs is and has been the Atlanta-based company’s North Star. While it starts with affordability, energy must also be clean, safe, and reliable. All these pillars need to be in harmony to allow for the delivery of resilient and consistent energy that can stimulate and drive economic growth, all while providing an essential service to customers large and small.

Continue reading here. 

Ever wondered how wastewater becomes clean again? Join us as we explore wastewater treatment at the Holyoke Wastewater Treatment Plant in Holyoke, Massachusetts.

In this video, we break down the comprehensive process including screening to remove large debris, settling to separate solids in tanks and the biological treatment using living microorganisms to purify water.

Veolia operates the Holyoke Wastewater Treatment Plant on the city’s behalf, providing a strategic blend of local presence and global expertise. This combination ensures access to extensive resources and technical expertise, allowing the plant to address issues beyond its immediate scope.

Whether you’re a municipality, industrial facility or utility provider, we offer comprehensive services to help you navigate the complexities of water treatment, distribution and wastewater management.

Our expertise spans the entire water cycle, from sourcing and treatment to distribution, reuse and optimization. We have extensive experience in the ownership and operation of regulated water utility systems, ensuring compliance with stringent regulations and delivering high-quality water services to your community or facility.

Our state-of-the-art wastewater treatment solutions are designed to meet the highest environmental standards, protecting public health and preserving natural resources. We also offer innovative water reuse and optimization strategies, helping you maximize the value of this precious resource while minimizing waste.

With a deep understanding of municipal and industrial water needs, our team of experts provides tailored solutions that address your unique challenges. From infrastructure planning and design to operational support and maintenance, we are your trusted partner in ensuring a sustainable and efficient water management system.

Want to learn more about our water and wastewater operations and management partnerships? Visit https://www.veolianorthamerica.com/what-we-do/water-capabilities

At The Economist’s 10th Sustainability Week, held in London, Cascale CEO Colin Browne joined a panel discussion on supply chain sustainability and the role of business in driving climate action. The session, moderated by Eddie Milev (Economist Impact), explored how companies can balance geopolitical challenges, regulatory pressures, and sustainability goals while maintaining supply chain resilience.

Browne was joined by Lucy Westgarth, Environmental, Social & Governance Lead at Leidos Europe, who brought insights from the defense and public sector supply chains to the discussion. Together, they examined the shifting role of sustainability as an operational priority rather than an afterthought.

“Sustainability used to be the last item on the boardroom agenda—an afterthought,” Browne stated. “Now, it’s a core business function, touching everything from supply chain resilience to legal and financial accountability. Companies that fail to take it seriously will struggle to stay competitive.”

Sustainability in Supply Chains: A Business Imperative, Not a Buzzword

During the discussion, Eddie Milev set the stage by highlighting how supply chains have moved to the forefront of corporate strategy following global disruptions—from the pandemic to shifting geopolitical tensions.

Browne agreed, emphasizing that supply chains are now a defining factor of business success: “Great companies have great supply chains. Sustainability is no longer just about risk mitigation—it’s a business opportunity. Companies that embrace it will set themselves up for success, while those that ignore it will fall behind.”

Westgarth added that within government procurement and defense contracting, sustainability is increasingly tied to resilience and long-term readiness: “Sustainable procurement is about meeting today’s needs without compromising tomorrow. In our industry, resilience is key, and sustainability plays directly into that.”

The Role of Collaboration in Industry Decarbonization

A key focus of Browne’s remarks was the need for deep collaboration between brands, manufacturers, and policymakers to accelerate decarbonization. He explained that no single brand or supplier can tackle emissions alone: “Many brands and retailers use the same factories. No individual company—whether a brand or manufacturer—can solve this alone. The only way to drive real change is through collective action.”

Westgarth echoed this, emphasizing that collaboration is equally critical in public sector supply chains. “Many industries, including defense, are now working together on shared sustainability challenges—whether through accreditation systems, carbon reporting platforms, or collaborative risk assessments. The same needs to happen in consumer goods.”

Browne reinforced that brands and manufacturers must move beyond transactional relationships and build long-term partnerships that embed sustainability into core business decisions.

Supply Chain Resilience & The Geopolitical Challenge

The conversation also touched on reshoring, nearshoring, and geopolitical tensions and how these factors impact sustainability.

Browne cautioned against moving supply chains without considering environmental impact. “If you’re changing suppliers or restructuring your supply chain, consider where you’re moving to. Are you relocating to a country investing in renewables? Can this shift be a double win—both economically and environmentally?”

Westgarth highlighted the complexity of balancing supply chain resilience with sustainability. “For some industries, nearshoring isn’t a simple fix. You might move manufacturing closer, but raw materials still need to be sourced globally. It’s about understanding the full picture.”

What’s Next? Industry Decarbonization & Cascale’s Role

Browne reaffirmed Cascale’s commitment to driving industry-wide decarbonization through collective action, transparency, and measurable impact. He emphasized that companies already know what needs to be done. “The question is no longer whether we can decarbonize. We have the technology, we have the solutions. The real question is: do we have the courage, capacity, and commitment to make it happen?”

Through the Industry Decarbonization Roadmap, Cascale continues to work with its members on practical solutions that support manufacturers and brands in achieving meaningful emissions reductions while maintaining business competitiveness.

Browne closed with a call to action. “Legislation will ebb and flow, but sustainability is not going away. Consumers expect it. Markets demand it. And the planet needs it. The companies that take action now will be the ones best positioned for the future.”

Want to Learn More?

Cascale will continue these critical conversations through its work on the Industry Decarbonization Roadmap and at key gatherings like those at the upcoming Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City this May.