Tag: 3BL

MIDLAND, Mich., February 25, 2025 /3BL/ – Dow (NYSE: DOW) announced that it has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) by S&P Dow Jones Indices. This is the 24th year Dow has achieved this prestigious ranking as one of the top companies in the global chemical industry in terms of sustainability performance. Dow is also listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (DJSI North America) for the 19th consecutive year.

“Being listed among the leading companies in sustainability recognizes our efforts and motivates us to continue pursuing performance excellence,” said Andre Argenton, chief sustainability officer and vice president of Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability for Dow. “By embedding sustainability practices into our operations and business performance, we aim to achieve consistent growth and create long-term value for all our stakeholders – from our employees and customers to our investors and the communities we serve. Together, we are driving positive change and contributing to a more sustainable future.”

In S&P Global’s 2024 Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA), Dow performed particularly well in Climate Strategy, Water, Occupational Health & Safety, and Employee Support & Development Programs. These scores highlight Dow’s continued strong performance in climate protection and the long-standing commitment to investing in the health, safety and development of our employees.

The Dow Jones Sustainability Indices, including the DJSI World, were launched in 1999 as the pioneering series of global sustainability benchmarks available in the market. The index family is comprised of global, regional and country benchmarks.

For information about Dow’s sustainability and ambition progress, see our INtersections Progress Report.

About Dow 
Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world’s leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employ approximately 35,900 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $45 billion in 2023. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting www.dow.com.

For further information, please contact:

Rachelle Schikorra 
989-638-4090 
ryschikorra@dow.com

X |Facebook|LinkedIn|Instagram

SOURCE The Dow Chemical Company

By Mary Jacques, Executive Director of Global ESG and Regulatory Compliance, Lenovo

As artificial intelligence revolutionizes industries, its intersection with energy consumption and climate impact has become an important conversation. At Lenovo, leaders like Scott Tease, Vice President and General Manager of our Infrastructure Solutions Group’s Product Line, and I are at the forefront of addressing these challenges, balancing innovation with sustainability. We recently discussed insights that underscore Lenovo’s efforts to align its technology with environmental, social, and governance priorities.

Balancing AI’s power and environmental responsibility

AI is a force of change, enabling applications from self-driving cars to disaster prediction. However, as Tease points out, AI’s use comes with an energy-intensive footprint.

“As we’re seeing more and more AI come online, AI is taking a lot more power than traditional IT does. So, you start putting all this very power-intensive gear into a single room and data center, and you start using the amount of power that could power a small town,” Tease said.

Data centers, the base of AI, only intensify this concern. Not only do they consume vast amounts of electricity, cooling them is also energy-intensive.

“In fact, about 40% of the power bill in a data center goes to air conditioning. You’ve got something that’s already taking up a lot of power, and the resulting heat is going to cost you 40% more to air cool. That’s where we’re focusing – rethinking how that data center works, doing away with traditional air conditioning, and replacing it with liquid cooling,” Tease said.

Lenovo’s response? Innovative solutions like Lenovo Neptune, a liquid cooling system designed to slash energy consumption.

Tease said it uses water to carry heat away from the server, saving 30% or more on energy bills.

“We’ve got a limited amount of power out there and we’ve got to use it as best we can,” he said.

On pace to net-zero

“For myself, I feel that addressing AI’s energy demands is an integral part of Lenovo’s broader ESG commitments.

With a net-zero emissions target by 2050 and interim goals for 2030, Lenovo is focused on reducing emissions across its operations, products, and supply chain. From installing solar panels at our Morrisville headquarters facility to leveraging IoT for real-time operational efficiency, Lenovo is making strides toward its goals.

Lenovo’s goals are reflective of our customers’ and our long-term vision. We remain committed to driving down the energy use and the carbon impact of our products.”

Unlocking AI’s potential for all

AI’s potential to optimize energy use and drive sustainability extends beyond Lenovo’s facilities.

“We can use AI and computer-aided engineering to design a more efficient car. If we can make them even 5% more energy efficient, it will outweigh the energy cost of setting up that AI system,” Tease said.

These innovations extend to industries like retail, where AI is reducing waste and loss.

Tease said one of his favorite examples is how the largest grocery store chain in the U.S. uses AI at self-checkout to reduce loss shrinkage by billions a year.

“Every single one of their self-checkouts has a camera above it. AI is analyzing that camera footage as you do self-checkout,” Tease said. “If you mis-scan something, either intentionally or unintentionally, it basically says, ‘Hey, take a look at what you just put in the bag. Can we check it?’”

Tease said this use of AI is making a big impact on that company’s bottom line.

Governance for responsible innovation

Governance plays a pivotal role in ensuring AI’s benefits do not come at an unacceptable cost. Lenovo has established a Responsible AI Committee and internal governance framework covering ethical, transparency, privacy and security, and other potential concerns. New AI solutions are evaluated against this framework to assess these potential concerns and others like diversity and inclusion, explainability, and environmental and social impact.

Externally, Lenovo is contributing to industry-wide discussions through initiatives like the UNESCO Responsible AI Pact. These efforts aim to set global standards for ethical and sustainable AI development.

Innovation and Sustainability Hand in Hand

Lenovo sees the intersection of AI, energy, and climate as an opportunity, When it comes to sustainability in the era of AI, it is important that we continue to work together towards our common goals and look for solutions for how we can leverage the power of AI to make a difference. When it comes to sustainability goals, it is important to understand the underlying data, leverage the power of AI to more effectively evaluate our impacts and determine the best path to help us meet our goals.

By aligning technological advancements with ESG goals, Lenovo is setting a standard for how businesses can innovate responsibly in an era of constant change.

Through solutions like Neptune, Lenovo is showing that it is possible to have technology and sustainability go hand in hand.

The increasing trend toward outsourcing services has in turn considerably amplified the need for effective management systems for contractor oversight. This is where a contractor safety management system can help guide you through the complexities of contractor engagement, ensuring the safety of the contractor and your own business interests.

Several key factors contribute to the historically poor performance in the management of contractor environmental, health, and safety (EHS) issues. A comprehensive analysis reveals the following key areas of concern:

Lack of understanding of EHS legal obligations pertaining to contractors.Insufficient consideration of contractor EHS management systems and performance in awarding contracts.Insufficient pre-planning of contractor works, specifically in relation to determining hazards and site-specific risks.Limited supervision and inadequate monitoring of contractor activities with respect to EHS aspects.Responsibilities of the various parties not clearly assigned or comprehended in relation to EHS aspects.Lack of necessary technical skills or knowledge for the specific project/related field.Ineffective communication with clients or other stakeholders.

But how extensive does the system need to be? This will depend on your company’s risk profile and the risk profile of the contractor. If you are contracting out routine work such as office cleaning, a simple document check may suffice, although, if your cleaners must abseil down the outside of the building, a more robust system will be required. You will want to ask the contractor:

Do they have the expertise to conduct the specialized work using appropriate equipment?Do contractor personnel have the skills needed to be working at heights?Does the contractor have adequate insurance in case of any mishap?

As the company hiring the contractor, you will have to ensure that: 

Your own building has appropriate anchor points for the contractor to use.Is there a plan to ensure the safety of passers-by?What happens when something goes wrong? Who’s responsibility is it?

A contractor safety management system should be tailored to suit both the specific types of contractors engaged and the resources available within your company. This customized approach ensures efficiency and effectiveness in managing contractor safety. Remember that contractors are typically engaged for their specialized expertise and capabilities that may not exist in-house.

In California, case law recognizes that a hirer of an independent contractor delegates all responsibility for ensuring that the safety of contractor workers rests with the contactor and not the hirer. This principle was established as the ‘Privette doctrine’ which shields the hirer of an independent contractor from liability for the injury or death of a contractor’s personnel. However, there are exceptions to this established precedent i.e., when the company does not disclose latent or concealed hazardous conditions, provides unsafe equipment, or the company controls the work and affirmatively contributes to the injury. Understanding these exceptions and managing contractor relationships accordingly is an important aspect of contractor safety management.

An example of where contractor safety management had gone wrong was found in the 2010 accidental oil spill which occurred in the Gulf of Mexico and is referred to as the Deepwater Horizon accident. While there were a number of mistakes and oversights attributed to the disaster resulting in the largest accidental oil spill in United States (U.S.) history, one of the key mistakes was flaws in British Petroleum’s (BP) management and design, as well as poor communication between BP and its contractors, inadequate training, lack of experience of personnel, and poor maintenance of equipment.

What is the value of monitoring your contractors? 

The monitoring phase is to ensure contractors EHS procedures are “living and breathing” while they are conducting work. What does this mean? The primary objective of this monitoring process is to ensure contractors are conducting work safely by implementing the processes they have described in their EHS systems and processes.

It is important that a systematic approach is adopted when monitoring contractors. Requirements of the contractor and employer should be clearly identified in the contract documentation. Appropriate records of activities related to monitoring and supervision of contractor operations clearly demonstrate the employer’s commitment to meeting its EHS regulatory obligations.

To demonstrate due diligence, contractor safety management systems typically come in four stages:

Contract Specification – outlining the business safety expectations to the potential contractor including adherence to EHS regulations; project initiation process and incident reporting requirements throughout the project duration.Contractor Pre-qualification – request information about the competency of the contractor, public liability and workers insurance, skills and training programs completed, recent EHS incidents, and other safety management systems relevant to the proposed project.Project Initiation – once the preferred contractor is selected by your business and prior to allowing the project to begin, ensure all contract terms and requirements are in place, contractors and subcontractors understand the business safety rules, and lines of communication and responsibility are established.Contractor Monitoring and Verification – During the project, monitor and verify the work being performed. Ensure workplace inspections and observations are conducted regularly. Document any non-conformance issues and take action to remedy them. Also, it’s important to verify that the contractor is executing the work as specified.

Why Audit your Contractors? 

Conducting an audit of your contractors provides both legal and policy implementation assurance that the employer is managing the contractor relationship appropriately. Contractor audits provide many assurance benefits including:

EHS compliance assessment – Audits help ensure that all contractors are adhering to contractual requirements and ensure alignment with regulatory standards and industry best practices.Reduction in operational risk – Audits help identify potential legal and financial risks.Continual process improvement – Audits help identify redundancies and inefficiencies in contract management, which can streamline processes for improved operational effectiveness.Continual quality improvement – Audits help ensure that future contract workers are of higher quality, have the right skills and ability to deliver the project safely, and are most relevant to the organization’s needs.Building a partnership – Audits help ensure that the company’s trust in the performance of the contractor is validated.Mitigate external risks – Audits can help the employer identify and mitigate external risks introduced by third-party suppliers and stakeholders.

How do you Keep the Audit Program ‘Fresh’? 

It is essential for the company and its auditors, whether internal or external, to create an audit program. This program should include a detailed timeline, outline the necessary information, and describe strategies to collect valid and reliable data. It should also ensure data security, confidentiality, and impartiality, and identify the key personnel and stakeholders involved.

As outlined above, the key is to build an appropriate contractor relationship to ensure that projects are performed safely within the boundaries of employer and contractor responsibilities. To maintain the freshness of your audit program, the following principles may be followed:

Modify the audit scope and objectives during each audit cycle.Select different information and data required during each audit period and focus on deferring contractor safety management system components.Select different locations or projects for each contractor to gauge the contractor’s safety management system implementation consistency.Involve different personnel from various levels of the contractor’s business at each round of audits.Vary the audit sampling methodology including the statistics to be gathered.Utilize different technological tools for data collection and analysis in each audit cycle.

Evaluating contractor safety management programs should occur regularly and frequently. At a minimum, these assessments should be conducted annually or biannually. Additionally, every two to three years a more focused and thorough evaluation should be carried out of the contractors’ EHS system. This thorough review ensures that contractors are meeting compliance and adhering to best practices in their EHS activities.

Do you have questions? Our Contractor Safety Management experts are here to help!

Radius is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of recycled metal products in North America, with facilities in 25 states, Puerto Rico, and Western Canada. At our electric arc furnace (EAF) steel manufacturing operation in McMinnville, Oregon, we source most of our ferrous metal feedstock from our own recycling operations to produce low-carbon finished steel products.

Steel produced through an electric arc furnace uses recycled metals and an average of 74% less energy, 40% less water, and 90% less virgin materials when compared to steel produced using virgin materials.

We power our steel mill primarily using carbon-free hydroelectricity, which further reduces the environmental impact of our operation and the overall carbon content of our finished steel products. We specialize in melting and molding recycled steel into a variety of products, including rebar, coiled products, wire rod, merchant bar, and other specialty items. These products are essential in a wide range of construction applications, including reinforcing concrete in highways, supporting bridge structures, and serving as raw materials for new building projects.

We market finished steel products mainly to customers in the western United States and Canada. In fiscal 2024, we sold 509,000 short tons of finished steel produced from recycled ferrous metals.

GRN Steel™ Delivers a Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Solution

Our GRN Steel™ product line offers some of the lowest carbon emission steel in the world. To achieve net-zero carbon emissions, we eliminate the limited Scope 1 and 2 emissions generated during our EAF steel manufacturing process through a carbon offset and renewable energy credit purchase program. As global carbon reduction commitments continue to expand to consider the full lifecycle of end products, GRN Steel™ delivers an important pathway to decarbonizing supply chains.

Learn more.

GREENFIELD, Ind., February 25, 2025 /3BL/ – Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN) today announced it has entered into an agreement with South Dakota-based Medgene to leverage the company’s innovative vaccine platform technology. The agreement includes commercialization of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) vaccine for use in dairy cattle. Medgene reports the vaccine has met all requirements of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) platform technology guidelines and is in the final stages of review for conditional license approval.

While the poultry industry has developed interventions and processes to reduce the spread or eradicate HPAI, those efforts have continued to be challenging as the current outbreak enters its fourth year. Dairy producers have worked quickly to protect their herds without the same tools and biosecurity options to tackle this devastating disease. The cross-species transmission of the disease into nearly 1,000 dairy herds across the U.S. since March 2024, along with zoonotic transmission to people, shows that more interventions are quickly needed. This virus is prevalent and predicted to persist over time, thus a cattle vaccine will be critical to slow virus spread between birds and cattle.

“As egg prices soar and milk production wanes in infected dairies, the need for new solutions to curb disease spread is evident,” says Jeff Simmons, President and CEO of Elanco Animal Health. “Elanco is pleased to partner with Medgene to bring customers options to fight this devastating disease and believes this product will become part of a routine vaccination protocol for the U.S. dairy industry. This partnership further strengthens our diverse dairy portfolio and advances our One Health platform of animal health solutions, not only benefitting our dairy customers, but helping curb disease spread for our poultry customers, and working to improve egg prices for consumers.”

“Medgene has an established reputation of supporting animal owners and their veterinarians with our USDA-licensed platform technology and bioinformatics software to design transformational vaccines. With our critically important H5N1 vaccine for dairy cattle in the final stages of approval, we’re excited to partner with Elanco to quickly bring this much needed solution to U.S. dairies,” said Mark Luecke, CEO of Medgene.

The USDA previously approved Medgene’s vaccine platform technology in cattle, allowing the company to accelerate H5N1 vaccine development. Medgene has existing vaccine manufacturing supply ready to deploy with the ability to support the U.S. dairy herd.

ABOUT ELANCO

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN) is a global leader in animal health dedicated to innovating and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets, creating value for farmers, pet owners, veterinarians, stakeholders and society as a whole. With 70 years of animal health heritage, we are committed to breaking boundaries and going beyond to help our customers improve the health of animals in their care, while also making a meaningful impact on our local and global communities. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our Elanco Healthy Purpose™ sustainability pillars – all to advance the health of animals, people, the planet and our enterprise. Learn more at www.elanco.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including, without limitation, statements concerning product approvals and launches and expectations for contractual relationships. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, by their nature, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. As a result, our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include regional, national or global political, economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory conditions, including whether and when the USDA completes its review, the USDA’s determination about any conditional approval, market acceptance of the vaccine, our ability to market and sell the vaccine, competition with other solutions to address highly pathogenic avian influenza and additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements described in the company’s latest Form 10-K and Form 10-Qs filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We caution you against relying on any forward-looking statements, which should also be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included elsewhere in this press release. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release speaks only as of the date thereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or to revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Media Contact 
Colleen Parr Dekker 
+1.317.989.7011 
colleen.dekker@elancoah.com

Investor Contact 
Tiffany Kanaga 
+1.765.740.0314 
tiffany.kanaga@elancoah.com

SPOKANE, Wash., February 25, 2025 /3BL/ – Impact Laboratories, verifier of the world’s most trusted green lab certification, has secured $4.95 million in Series A funding—exceeding its target. The capital will accelerate the development of enterprise-scale sustainability tools and expand global adoption of My Green Lab® Certification, empowering laboratories to achieve measurable environmental and financial impact.

James Connelly, CEO of Impact Laboratories and My Green Lab said, “This investment signals a pivotal shift in how science integrates sustainability. Our enhanced software will empower labs with real-time data, security, and ROI-driven insights—enabling them to make measurable environmental progress. Thanks to our investors’ support, we’re scaling solutions that drive global impact.”

By enhancing Impact Laboratories’ software tools, this investment will bolster its position as a leader in providing secure, data-driven solutions that deliver genuine environmental and financial returns for laboratories worldwide. Furthermore, these funds will support a robust market development strategy to expand My Green Lab Certification and improve the technology used to audit and verify the My Green Lab ACT Ecolabel, the industry’s most comprehensive ecolabel for laboratory products.

Driving Impact Through Investment

The funding round, led by a consortium of impact-driven investors including the Spokane Angel Alliance, TVF | Tacoma Venture Fund, LabX Media, and Greenhouse Capital Partners underscores the growing demand for data-driven sustainability solutions in science. These investors bring not only capital but also deep expertise in scientific research, sustainable investment, and media outreach to accelerate Impact Laboratories’ mission.

“Backing Impact Laboratories means investing in a smarter, more sustainable scientific future,” said Peter Henig, Founder and Managing Partner of Greenhouse Capital Partners.

“Sustainable science is the future of research. Impact Laboratories’ solutions give scientists the tools to integrate sustainability without sacrificing innovation,” said Jim Datin, former CEO of BioAgilytix and current GHO Operating Partner. “This investment fuels the shift toward environmentally responsible labs that also excel in efficiency and cost savings.”

Bob Kafato, President of LabX Media, emphasized the long-term impact of this investment: “As investors, we have a responsibility to support innovations that move industries forward. The scientific industry is at a turning point—labs that prioritize sustainability will not only lead in innovation but also in operational excellence. This funding ensures that environmental responsibility becomes an integral part of scientific progress.”

A Global Shift Towards Sustainable Science

As scientific research expands globally, the need for secure and scalable sustainable solutions has never been greater. Impact Laboratories’ ability to provide third-party independent verification and robust sustainability tools plays a crucial role in reducing the industry’s environmental impact.

Madin Akpo-Esambe, General Partner at TVF | Tacoma Venture Fund, spoke to the broader implications of this investment: “Greener labs mean a greener world. By accelerating lab sustainability, we’re not just improving operational efficiency, but we’re also creating systemic change for the better.”

Tom Simpson, Founder and CEO of Spokane Angel Alliance, emphasized the power of regional funding networks in driving mission-based companies with global impact. “Seeing a company like Impact Laboratories scale globally from Spokane signals a new level of maturity in our start-up ecosystem and investment community,” he noted. This success highlights how regional capital can fuel ventures that create meaningful change worldwide.

Impact Laboratories and My Green Lab are collaborating to empower scientists and laboratory professionals to create lasting environmental change. This successful fundraising round will propel progress toward a future where sustainability is integrated into every laboratory around the globe.

About Impact Laboratories 

Impact Laboratories, the commercial arm of My Green Lab, provides third-party verification and enterprise software solutions that enable labs to achieve and maintain sustainability benchmarks. From academia to biotech and pharma, Impact Laboratories supports the scientific community in reducing its environmental footprint while ensuring operational efficiency. The company drives the expansion of the world’s most trusted green lab certification and verification tools.

About My Green Lab

My Green Lab® is a nonprofit environmental organization with a mission to build a global culture of sustainability in science. The organization is the world leader in developing internationally recognized sustainability standards for laboratories and laboratory products—bringing sustainability to the community responsible for the world’s life-changing medical and technical innovations. Laboratories are some of the most resource-intensive spaces in any industry, but they don’t have to be. By introducing a new perspective and proven best practices within a carefully crafted framework, My Green Lab has inspired tens of thousands of scientists and lab professionals to make positive changes in their labs by reducing the environmental impact of their work.

My Green Lab Certification

The world’s most trusted green lab certification, guiding scientists and lab teams toward actionable sustainability practices. Supported by third-party verification from Impact Laboratories, My Green Lab Certification has engaged 3,800 labs in 50 countries reaching over 42,000 scientists (as of early 2025).

My Green Lab ACT Ecolabel

The first ecolabel for lab equipment and supplies that provides transparent, third-party verified data to help scientists and procurement teams make sustainable choices. Forty companies and 1,500 products currently have an ACT Ecolabel, with third-party verification provided by SMS Collaborative.

For media requests, contact Christina Creager at christina.creager@mygreenlab.org.

For more information about My Green Lab, visit mygreenlab.org. 

Originally published by Forbes.

The need for supply chains to be more resilient, transparent, and efficient is ever present. Businesses are estimated to be missing out on around $1.6 trillion revenue growth opportunities every year through supply chain vulnerability. It’s why real-time data and AI have become essential tools for optimizing logistics, increasing resilience and improving inventory management.

Look at how Albertsons is improving its demand forecasting using an AI-powered solution. With more accurate and efficient forecasts, the grocer plans to reduce food waste in key categories like fresh meat, seafood, and deli items.

See original article on Forbes and read more about Albertsons Companies and our Recipe for Change on our website.

This story first appeared on Baker Hughes’ Energy Forward Stories.

Earlier this month, Baker Hughes hosted its Annual Meeting 2025.

Baker Hughes Chairman and CEO, Lorenzo Simonelli welcomed a record 2,300 customers and partners from 85 countries to Florence, Italy.

This event, now in its 25th edition, continues to welcome more delegates from the energy sector and beyond. Annual Meeting 2025 hosted guests from industrial sectors such as mining and minerals, marine, aviation and utilities.

The Scale of Global Energy Challenges and Opportunities

As a cohort, participants took stock of today’s scale of the global energy challenges and opportunities.

Demand for energy – including hydrocarbons – is continuing to rise. For example, there are estimates that US utilities will have to boost annual energy generation by up to 26% by 2028 due to technology development and infrastructure requirements.

Ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions have resulted in concerns about global energy security strategies, as well as increased scrutiny of some countries’ dependence on hydrocarbons. A rise of nationalism and economic protectionism around the globe is exposing vulnerability in supply chains and trading relationships. Public policy continues to be fragmented across countries and regions. As an example, as of 2024, there are 75 carbon-pricing instruments in operation worldwide, covering 24% of global emissions.

With high energy prices, funding the energy transition and the effects of climate change is a very “hot” topic. In 2024, the IMF cited per capita income in India and sub-Saharan Africa at approximately $2,900 and $1,800 respectively. This contrasts with circa $63,000 in North America and $51,000 in Western Europe. The Global South is shouldering the decarbonization burden, without the economic capacity. Additionally, according to the McKinsey Global Institute, the capital spending needed on physical assets to reach a net-zero transition is estimated at $275 trillion over the next 30 years.

And in 2024, the world population witnessed climate change and extreme weather events. It was the hottest year on record and the first year to breach 1.5C above the average pre-industrial levels. 

Pathway to Sustainable Energy Development

The solution to these challenges is Sustainable Energy Development. The world needs energy today without adversely impacting abundance and availability tomorrow. While protecting the planet for future generations.

But how to do this?

Enable hydrocarbons to meet today’s demands while also making them cleaner and more efficient.Expand energy sources, tapping into every source of energy – natural gas, nuclear, renewables – including geothermal, solar and wind.Use energy responsibly – ensuring infrastructure is efficient, ensuring recycle and reuse as much as possible, ensuring all act responsibly for people and the planet.

This industry’s actions must be nimble, efficient, and scalable across the entire energy ecosystem. 

To make progress at scale in 2025, conversations on the main stage, in the Solutions Fair and the side sessions at the event focused on how to:

Replicate and scale technology innovation that focuses on all sources of energy.Build and integrate solutions with digital as a common language.Establish and leverage partnerships that expand across industries, companies, governments, and NGOs, which support scaling solutions for customers. Partnerships must also enable to localize and scale how to build solutions.

Progress @ Scale Beyond the Energy Sector

Replicating progress at scale from one industry to another is not about reinventing the wheel. The mining, steel, cement, and data center sectors were also examined during the Annual Meeting. As energy access expands to power these critical sectors, low-carbon options and emissions reduction must be prioritized.

Check out this Energy Forward story, highlighting five technology trends to increase efficiency and sustainability in mining.

Discussions on the main stage

Panel discussions on the main stage are available here. They considered how to make progress at scale a reality across industries. 

The panel discussion on Day 1, Decarbonization at Scale: Pathways to Net-Zero in the Energy Sector, explored how achieving net-zero in the energy sector represents one of the most transformative opportunities at present. Success will require bold innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and scalable strategies that address the complexities of decarbonization and drive meaningful change across the entire industry. 

The role of economic research in driving progress at scale in the energy sector was addressed  with Billy Pizer, president & CEO of Resources for the Future. 

And Danny Rice, chief executive officer of NET Power explains what “Progress at Scale” means to him when deploying efficient gas technology across the energy sector.

The world of energy is evolving, with new demands on producers and users to achieve sustainable energy development.

A holistic approach is essential to meet the world’s energy needs in a secure, efficient and affordable manner while minimizing environmental impacts.

The energy industry must continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, harnessing the power of technology, sustainability, and innovation to create a better world for generations to come.

Progress at Scale is not just about doing more – it is about doing more better, transforming innovation into impact that powers the world sustainably and securely.

This is progress at scale.

Wesco proudly announces its official partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense’s Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), a program within the Department of Defense’s Spouse Education and Career Opportunities initiative. The induction ceremony on Jan. 29, 2025, formally welcomed Wesco into the program.

MSEP is a pivotal initiative that connects military spouses with employers committed to their professional advancement. Since its inception in 2011, MSEP has facilitated the hiring of more than 340,000 military spouses, offering them stable and rewarding career opportunities.

Chris Wolf, Chief Human Resources Officer at Wesco, expressed her enthusiasm for the new partnership: “By joining MSEP, Wesco reinforces its commitment to the military community. We recognize the unique challenges faced by military spouses and are dedicated to providing them with meaningful career opportunities. This partnership not only supports military families, it also strengthens our workforce with talented and resilient individuals.”

Wesco’s involvement in MSEP is part of a broader commitment to the military community. The company also participates in the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program, which offers service members the chance to gain civilian work experience during their last 180 days of military service. This program bridges the gap between military and civilian careers, providing valuable industry-specific training, apprenticeships, and internships.

Moreover, Wesco supports its veteran employees through the Veteran’s Opportunity Liaison Team (VOLT) business resource group. VOLT is dedicated to fostering programs tailored to the development and well-being of Wesco’s veteran employees, ensuring their success in post-military careers.

By joining MSEP and continuing its robust support of military veterans through initiatives like SkillBridge and VOLT, Wesco exemplifies its comprehensive commitment to the military community. These efforts honor the sacrifices of military families and contribute to a stronger, more resilient workforce.

###

About Spouse Education and Career Opportunities

The Defense Department established the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program to provide education and career assistance to military spouses worldwide, offering free comprehensive resources and tools designed to help spouses meet their career and education goals. Resources include free career coaching services, the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship, the Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot and the Military Spouse Transition Program.

About Wesco 
Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wesco is a FORTUNE 500® company with approximately $22 billion in annual sales in 2024 and a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions. Wesco offers a best-in-class product and services portfolio of Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. The Company employs approximately 20,000 people, partners with the industry’s premier suppliers, and serves thousands of customers around the world. With millions of products, end-to-end supply chain services, and leading digital capabilities, Wesco provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, contractors, educational institutions, government agencies, technology companies, telecommunications providers, and utilities. Wesco operates more than 700 sites, including distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and sales offices in approximately 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and global corporations.

For more information, please contact:

Corporate Communications 
Jennifer Sniderman 
Vice President, Corporate Communications 
717-579-6603

Originally published on 3M News Center

As countries prioritize energy security and enhance industrial competitiveness in an increasingly complex global landscape, investment in resilient, sustainable energy solutions has come into sharp focus. A recent 3M survey conducted by Morning Consult* across 10 countries revealed that 69% of respondents anticipate job growth in the energy sector over the next decade, and 75% believe their governments should invest more in creating jobs in the clean energy sector.

“Building a more secure energy future will require the accelerated adoption of existing approaches as well as the development of new science-based technologies,” says Wendy Bauer, group president, 3M Transportation and Electronics Group. “By focusing on areas where we can make the greatest impact, 3M can scale solutions to help strengthen our energy infrastructure. Our history of innovation in the energy sector underscores our commitment to meeting long-term energy needs across the value chain.”

Energy generation solutions

Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy sources, is pivotal in the transition to clean energy systems. 79% of the global survey respondents support government policies promoting green hydrogen as an alternative energy source. 3M has developed advanced catalyst technologies that help enhance the efficiency of electrolyzers, the components that split water into hydrogen and oxygen. These innovations not only help improve performance but can also help our customers overcome their barriers to scaling up their production. This solution can facilitate broader adoption of green hydrogen and help contribute to significant reductions in carbon emissions.

Nuclear energy remains an important alternative for reliable and low-carbon power generation, with 62% of the global survey respondents recognizing its potential. 3M offers a range of products that can help our customers enhance their safety and efficiency in nuclear power plants. For instance, 3M’s radiation-shielding materials are used by customers to help protect against radiation, and 3M’s stable isotopes can help our customers speed up the handling of fuels. These solutions can help support the safer and more efficient operation of customers’ nuclear facilities, contributing to a balanced energy mix.

While the global energy landscape shifts towards more renewable sources, oil and gas continue to play a significant role. 3M’s innovative solutions aim to help improve efficiency in this sector. For example, 3M Glass Bubbles help enhance drilling efficiency and potentially reduce energy consumption. Additionally, these 3M Glass Bubbles are used in pipeline insulation to help our customers maintain optimal temperatures, thereby helping them improve their energy efficiency in oil and gas transportation.

As industries work to reduce their emissions, 3M also offers technologies tailored for carbon capture. 3M Structured Sorbent Sheets for Direct Air Capture are engineered specifically to capture CO₂ from atmospheric air, at which point the captured CO₂ can then either be sequestered permanently underground or used to produce green concrete or other advanced materials.

Energy transmission solutions

The global energy transition requires not only cleaner energy generation but also efficient and resilient transmission systems to move electricity from generation sites to areas of demand. As power grids integrate more renewable energy sources, the need for advanced transmission technologies intensifies.

3M’s Aluminum Conductor Composite Reinforced (ACCR) is a high-temperature, low-sag (HTLS) overhead transmission conductor that helps utility customers enhance grid capacity and reliability. 3M ACCR provides significant advantages in upgrades of thermally limited lines without requiring new towers or right of way; across long spans or difficult terrain; in extreme climate conditions and weather challenges; and in sensitive areas where preserving ecosystems or urban landscapes is particularly important.

By integrating 3M ACCR, utilities and grid operators can strengthen their transmission networks to accommodate growing energy demands while also helping reduce the need for costly and disruptive infrastructure upgrades.

Energy distribution solutions

A resilient and intelligent electrical grid is essential to meet the increasing energy demands of modern economies. As grids integrate more renewable energy sources and decentralized power generation, utilities require advanced monitoring and diagnostic solutions to help ensure reliability and efficiency.

3M’s Sensored Cable Accessories provide real-time data on electrical grid performance, helping utilities detect faults, optimize energy distribution, and reduce their downtime. By integrating sensors into cable accessories, these smart grid solutions can help utilities enhance predictive maintenance, minimize outages, and improve overall grid resilience. This technology can play a crucial role in modernizing energy infrastructure, helping ensure a seamless transition to more dynamic and sustainable electricity networks.

Energy consumption and efficiency solutions

As the demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital storage grows, data centers are consuming increasing amounts of electricity. Efficient energy management is essential to helping our customers meet their sustainability goals while also maintaining reliable performance. 3M Air Containment Barrier Film uses 80% less material than polycarbonate sheets typically used and can be installed in framed panels or directly to server racks. Easy to install and assemble, the film improves heat management for longer server life and lower carbon impact, promoting greater sustainability. By helping to optimize thermal management, 3M solutions support the development of more energy-efficient data centers.

Improving energy efficiency in buildings is crucial for reducing overall energy consumption. Aligned with the 77% of the global survey respondents who support solutions that enhance building energy efficiency, 3M offers innovative products such as window films and natural pozzolans. 3M Window Films are engineered to help improve efficiency by reflecting solar heat, thereby reducing the need for air conditioning and lowering energy costs. Additionally, 3M Natural Pozzolans contribute to the performance of concrete, reducing the need for cement in the mixture and the associated carbon footprint.

3M’s wide-ranging solutions to help support the energy economy encompass energy generation, transmission, distribution, and consumption. 3M’s global team is dedicated to driving innovation for customers and positioning 3M as a key collaborator in the transition to energy security.

*The 3M 2025 State of Science Insights survey was conducted between Nov. 19 and Dec. 17, 2024, among a national sample of 10,959 Adults in each of 10 countries (U.S., U.K., Canada, Germany, France, Brazil, Mexico, China, Japan, and South Korea). The interviews were conducted online and the data was weighted to approximate a target sample of adults for each market. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 1 percentage point for global results, and 3 percentage points for each individual country.