Tag: 3BL

Medtronic is supporting the transition to renewable energy by sourcing electricity from a local wind farm just 30 minutes from our Parkmore site in Galway, helping us move toward a more sustainable future by meeting 50% of our electricity needs across our five Irish sites.

We recently signed our first Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Flogas Enterprise. This PPA is not only the first multi-buyer agreement of its kind in Ireland, but it also marks a significant milestone in our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint.

A PPA is a long-term contract through which a company purchases renewable electricity directly from a renewable energy developer, typically at a predetermined rate. This arrangement allows the company to secure a stable source of sustainable energy, while the developer gains a reliable buyer for the power generated by their renewable energy project, such as a wind or solar farm.

Ours was completed with the energy management team at Medtronic. With this PPA, we saw an opportunity to bring renewable energy into more of our energy contracts by sourcing electricity from a local wind farm.

“From a business perspective, it’s increasingly important to secure contracts that prioritize sustainability. Working with partners who share that vision makes a real difference. Medtronic has consistently proven to be a great corporate citizen, championing sustainable practices and encouraging initiatives that benefit both the environment and the community,” said Richard Patten, an engineering manager at Medtronic.

“Seeing the wind farm up the road and then seeing our site being powered by its electricity is really impactful. And that’s just one story in our sustainability journey.”

This project is a key part of our progress toward achieving our broader goal of sourcing 50% of our energy from renewable and alternative sources, helping us reduce our environmental impact and strengthen our operations sustainability.

Read more about our commitment to reducing our environmental impact in the full FY24 Impact Report.

Originally published in FedEx’s 2024 Global Economic Impact Report

Direct and indirect contributions from FedEx business activities represent a portion of the positive impact that FedEx has around the world. The company also upholds its purpose to connect people and possibilities through the FedEx Cares global community engagement program. Every year, FedEx Cares promotes charitable giving, employee volunteer efforts, and in-kind shipping services that help support the communities the company serves. In FY24, FedEx contributed $55 million in total charitable contributions around the world.

Examples of FY 2024 charitable donations around the world included:

For more than 30 years, FedEx has helped Direct Relief distribute pharmaceuticals from its warehouse in Santa Barbara, California to a network of more than 15,000 community health centers and free and charitable clinics that provide access to healthcare for uninsured and underinsured people in communities across the U.S.FedEx continued to support regional Junior Achievement (JA) programs around the world and received a silver U.S. President’s Award from the organization for volunteering more than 5,000 hours of service during the 2022-2023 school year. The company’s support included sponsoring regional entrepreneurship competitions in all six JA regions, including sub-Saharan Africa, the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and the U.S.FedEx in Canada sponsored Orbis Canada’s Plane Pull for Sight fundraising campaign, consisting of events in Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver that raised more than $300,000. Orbis’s mission is to end avoidable blindness and create a world where everyone can access the eye care they need to thrive.In the UK, FedEx donated a new Incident Response Unit to the Salvation Army at Rochester Fire Station. It is the 23rd vehicle FedEx has donated to The Salvation Army across the world since 2006.FedEx locations in Brazil and India participated in uniform upcycling programs that transformed old FedEx uniforms into school bags and blankets for donation to children in underserved communities. In Brazil, the blankets were also donated to pets for adoption. FedEx also collaborated with local organizations in Mainland China and Hong Kong SAR to transform retired uniforms from employees into sustainable products including crossbody bags, fanny packs, and low-carbon alternative fuels.FedEx supported several programs around the world to advance the careers of women in STEM fields. Examples include a grant to the She Code Africa Academy Program to kickstart careers in tech for nearly 90 women aged 18-45 across 20 African countries; donating $35,000 to support education costs for 60 women enrolled in engineering and science courses at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines; and organizing a career development workshop at the FedEx Hyderabad office in India, focused on web application development, data analytics, AI, and communication skills for enhancing job readiness.FedEx in India continued to support the Akshaya Patra Foundation’s efforts to adopt sustainable modes of transportation by donating seven EVs to the NGO in Panvel, Delhi, and Narsingi. The company also helped the organization provide meals for 550,000 school children.In Indonesia, FedEx donated computers and software programs to students from underprivileged communities in Jakarta. And, in the Philippines, FedEx donated bicycle repair stations to support the government’s drive to promote cycling in Clark, Pampanga.

Examples of FY 2024 team volunteering across the globe included:

The FedEx Cares Purple Tote Campaign collected nearly 4,700 purple totes, often filled with food, school supplies, or basic necessities, for more than 50 non-profit organizations (NGOs) across APAC, MEISA, Canada, and Europe. More than 3,200 FedEx team members in nearly 30 countries participated in the campaign, selecting local NGOs to receive donations.In FY 2024, more than 2,000 FedEx team members around the world volunteered in efforts to clean beaches, plant trees, and protect their local environment. Teams planted trees in Australia, Canada, Mainland China, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Turkey, the UAE, the UK, and the U.S.; helped turn a former landfill in Delhi into an urban forest pocket and revitalized Mumbai’s Masina Healing Forest; planted trees along Singapore’s Siglap Linear Park; helped to reforest Khun Dan Prakarn Chon Dam in Thailand; and planted trees and installed birdhouses in Seoul, Korea. Since FY 2005, FedEx has also donated $20 million to conservation-related non-profits.In Malaysia, FedEx collaborated with Treat Every Environment Special (TrEES) to grow vegetables in an urban vegetable garden for distribution to underprivileged communities. The four-month program involved more than 60 FedEx volunteers planting vegetable seedlings, maintaining the garden, harvesting, and delivering vegetables to people and care homes to improve food security.In Mainland China, FedEx continued its library program to cover 17 primary schools in underprivileged rural areas and setting up reading rooms or book corners for 10 schools. In addition, the program provided local children with a wider range of reading resources by second-hand book donations, as well as picture books and reading kits. More than 100 employees volunteered in the program.FedEx volunteers across Europe teamed with Rise Against Hunger to pack 3,560 boxes of food for Ukrainian refugees and people in need in Europe, and 32,400 meals for school food programs in Kenya, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.FedEx Australia employees conducted a food drive to support Foodbank Australia in their fight against hunger. The FedEx team delivered 158 kilograms of essential products, including cereal, pasta, and tinned meals, contributing to 248 meals for people in need. FedEx Australia volunteers also cleaned up waterways across cities, retrieving 3,300 pieces of litter and collecting approximately 119 kilograms of rubbish to preserve Australia’s coastal habitats and protect marine ecosystems. Additionally, volunteers in Australia planted 3,200 native trees with local NGO and community members in Sydney and Perth in an effort to help protect the environment.In March 2024, 131 FedEx volunteers in the UAE, Bahrain, and India participated in #Let’sGoGreenWeek, collecting and properly disposing of approximately 559 kilograms of trash.During Ramadan, more than 100 team members in the UAE and Egypt packed and delivered more than 2,300 food packages for those in need.In Memphis, more than 150 team members volunteered at the sixth annual FedEx Cares/USO holiday packing event for U.S. military service members. The team assembled 13,326 holiday care packages that included candy, snacks, holiday socks, decks of playing cards, lip balm, and more. FedEx then delivered those packages to U.S. service members’ stationed in remote locations in the Pacific.

Examples of FY 2024 in-kind shipping included:

The FedEx Delivering for Good program leverages the company’s vast transportation network to aid in disaster relief and support other charitable causes or special shipments.In November 2023, FedEx transported three giant pandas — Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and their three-year-old cub Xiao Qi Ji — from Washington, D.C. to Chengdu, China. The pandas traveled in custom-built transport enclosures provided by FedEx and were accompanied by animal care experts.FedEx worked with Desafío Levantemos Chile to deliver 40 tons of donations in areas affected by fires, floods, and other emergencies. One of the most significant collaborations was the transportation of essential supplies for the reconstruction of the Rural Medical Station in Santa Juana, which was damaged in the forest fires that struck Chile in the summer of 2023.FedEx team members in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, Chile, and Argentina collaborated with Operation Warm to deliver more than 18,600 new coats and 8,700 pairs of shoes to children in need. Additionally, utilizing their FedEx in-kind shipping allocation, Operation Warm delivered another 200,000 new coats and shoes to help kids in need across the U.S. & Canada.With support from FedEx, GlobalMedic delivered more than 50 tons of aid across Canada as part of its Grassroots Revolution, a suite of programs that address chronic emergencies. The deliveries included food, medical supplies, and hygiene items for Hurricane Fiona victims in Atlantic Canada, support for domestic Emergency Food and Hygiene Hub programs, and fire skid units for British Columbia’s forest fire relief.In Europe, FedEx provided roughly 600 shipments for five charities, including the delivery of 40,000 booklets for F@MU Families at the Museum in Italy, who organizes National Family Day at the Museum, 800 disaster readiness kits for the Netherlands Red Cross, 1,110 boxes of food and campaign materials for Rise Against Hunger activities in Spain, France, and Greece, – and football kits to 13 NGOs in 14 locations around Europe for the UEFA Foundation for Children.

For more on how FedEx contributes to local communities, read the 2023 FedEx Cares Report.

Read more

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

Key takeaways:

Automakers have to grapple with vehicle cybersecurity threats emerging from rapid technical advancements as well as decade-old legacy systems.The regulatory burden of cybersecurity on the automotive industry is constantly increasing worldwide.Automated cybersecurity testing that can seamlessly span complex hardware and software systems is essential.

Most road vehicles were largely mechanical machines with a few electronic systems until just a decade or two ago. But modern vehicles involve so many more computing and software systems that they’ve been called “software-defined vehicles” and “smartphones on wheels.”

In this article, learn why automotive cybersecurity has become critical, what regulations and standards are in play, and how automakers can effectively implement cybersecurity.

What is automotive cybersecurity?

Automotive cybersecurity involves the protection of all the information technology systems related to road vehicles from cyber threats. It includes the cybersecurity of onboard systems as well as external interfaces.

Onboard systems include sensors, electronic control units (ECUs), network chips, embedded systems, and their software.

External systems include vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), and cloud services.

Automotive cybersecurity is a key component of overall vehicle security along with physical security.

Why is automotive cybersecurity critical for modern vehicles?

Automotive cybersecurity has become critical because the computing, software, and connectivity components in vehicles are constantly increasing in number and complexity. Security issues in these components can lead to major problems like:

Compromised vehicle safety: Most vehicles today are drive-by-wire systems capable of cruise control and even near-autonomous driving. Any malicious actions against such systems can result in catastrophic collisions and fatalities to vehicle occupants, bystanders, and other road users.Regulatory compliance failures: Due to the safety-critical nature of vehicles, countries around the world mandate several vehicle safety regulations. Breaching them can result in heavy financial and legal penalties for automakers.Damaged reputations: Unsafe vehicles can lead to damaged reputations, loss of market share, and possibly even permanent loss of business for automakers.

What are the common cybersecurity threats faced by connected vehicles?

Some common automotive cyber threats include:

Remote hijacking: Attackers can take control over critical vehicle functions like steering, brakes, and acceleration by compromising the vehicle’s internal systems through various connectivity interfaces. Typically, this involves unauthorized access to ECUs of vehicles.Ransomware attacks: Cybercriminals may implement ransomware to lock the vehicle’s systems until a ransom is paid.Denial-of-service attacks: Attackers may disrupt the functioning of vehicular systems, rendering them inoperable or causing them to malfunction.Data theft: This includes unauthorized access to sensitive data stored in the vehicle, like payment information and personal data. Information security theft and data breaches are probably the most common types of automotive cyberattacks.Supply chain attacks: Malicious firmware or software updates can introduce vulnerabilities when the code is deployed to vehicles, compromising their security long after manufacturing.Compromised physical security: Hardware attacks against locking mechanisms like key fobs or onboard diagnostics (OBD II) ports can allow physical access to vehicles and open up possibilities of theft, sabotage, or malware injection.Attacks on artificial intelligence (AI) models: Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving systems rely on AI models for image understanding, sensor understanding, and vehicle control. Carefully crafted malicious inputs to these models can give anomalous outputs that result in collisions and fatalities.Attacks on electric vehicle (EV) subsystems: EVs have dangerously high voltages and currents around their battery management systems. Any compromises with those ECUs can result in fires, explosions, and similar catastrophes.

What are some important regulations related to automotive cybersecurity?

Among the most important regulations in recent times are the R155 and R156 mandated by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29).

These regulations apply to all of Europe, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, among others. Despite that, most automakers around the world are conforming to them, making them de facto global regulations.

Although they don’t place direct obligations on component suppliers, they do so indirectly through requirements on the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of vehicles.

These regulations are driving the adoption of automotive standards specified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). One such critical standard is the ISO/SAE 21434road vehiclescybersecurity engineering standards.

The two regulations are summarized below.

R155 regulation

R155 mandates a cybersecurity management system (CSMS) and several vehicle-type-specific cybersecurity technical requirements for automakers.

The CSMS establishes a system for cybersecurity governance, risk management, and risk assessments throughout the development, production, and maintenance phases of vehicles. Automakers must get their processes audited annually.

In addition, there are cybersecurity requirements for each vehicle type.

R156 regulation

R156 requires secure and safe software update processes to be established. Automakers must show evidence that their processes don’t compromise vehicle safety or security.

How do automotive cybersecurity standards impact vehicle development?

Standards like the ISO/SAE 21434 specify a cybersecurity risk management process that applies to the entire duration of a vehicle, including all its components and interfaces.

This ISO 21434 involves:

threat analysis and risk assessments (TARAs) to identify and assess cyber risks to their vehiclesverification and validation testing to ensure that their security mitigations are functioning as intendedsecurity of all communication interfacesdocumentation of all cybersecurity information like the results of TARAs, verification tests, and incident responsescontinuous monitoring of threats and regular updates

How can automotive cybersecurity be integrated into the vehicle development lifecycle?

Cybersecurity is integrated into the development lifecycle through the following steps:

Establish cybersecurity governance: Set up a cybersecurity management system and cybersecurity framework.Conduct TARAs: Identify threats and risks during the design phase and ensure suitable mitigations.Integrate cybersecurity into the V-model: During the design phase, integrate measures to prevent attacks. During the verification and validation phases, confirm those measures through testing and ensure they remain effective throughout the product lifecycle.Conduct cybersecurity testing of updates: Ensure that over-the-air (OTA) updates are safe and secure.Test continuously: Implement regression and functional testing to ensure security against new threats as they emerge.Automate all tests: Automate all this testing through platforms that seamlessly integrate with the multitude of hardware and software interfaces.Incorporate threat intelligence: Integrate with real-time threat and vulnerability alert services.Mitigate supply chain risks: Ensure that all vendors and suppliers comply with cybersecurity standards as breaches can propagate through the supply chain.Document all steps: Maintain comprehensive documentation of all design decisions, test results, and compliance measures.

What are some commonly used automotive cybersecurity testing techniques?

The common testing techniques used are:

Vulnerability testing: It identifies weaknesses in the vehicle’s ECUs, sensors, network chips, and embedded software that could be exploited by malicious actors.Penetration testing: Ethical hackers attempt to gain unauthorized access through social engineering and by exploiting vulnerabilities. This simulates real-world attacks by malicious actors.Fuzz testing: Fuzz testing uses deliberately malformed inputs to various subsystems to discover unexpected dangerous behaviors and observe the vehicle’s resilience against them. The inputs are sent via communication packets or other interfaces to the hardware and software used in the vehicle. It can discover flaws that could lead to security breaches.Regression testing: This ensures that existing security measures remain effective for the vehicle’s lifetime after every change or update.

How are automotive cybersecurity vulnerabilities identified and mitigated during testing?

The attack chains that expose vulnerabilities can vary widely in complexity and depth.

Some vulnerabilities may be easily discoverable by studying the circuits, software code, datasheets, or manuals and observing their behaviors. Such surface-level vulnerabilities can be identified and mitigated through TARAs and vulnerability testing.

However, other serious vulnerabilities may lie much deeper than that. They may involve complex attack chains that span multiple hardware and software systems. They may emerge from seemingly innocent inconspicuous backend interactions between systems. Only experienced cybersecurity specialists can identify them using techniques like penetration and fuzz testing.

All vulnerabilities are mitigated as described below.

Designing mitigations: Automakers design mitigations to address vulnerabilities through secure software implementations, access controls, and encryption protocols.Verification and validation testing: After implementing security countermeasures for detected vulnerabilities, rigorous testing is conducted to validate their effectiveness. Verification and validation testing (V&V) ensures that the designed mitigations are functioning correctly.Automated regression tests: Automated regression tests can be run whenever there is a software update or new vulnerabilities are discovered. This ensures that all existing mitigations remain effective over time.Periodic audits: Regular audits are conducted to ensure that the security measures remain adequate and effective against emerging threats. Automakers must maintain a cycle of continuous improvement that incorporates lessons learned from both testing and real-world incidents

What are some cybersecurity best practices for protecting in-vehicle and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) networks?

In-vehicle networks — like the controller area network (CAN), local interconnect network (LIN), and automotive Ethernet — and outfacing networks like V2X are often the vectors of choice for many cyberattacks. Some best practices from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other agencies are outlined below:

Design for security: Security should be integrated into the vehicle right from the design phase. All potential attack surfaces must be identified and mitigated early.Defense in depth: Implement strict access controls and encryption. Critical functions like braking and steering must not be accessible through less secure components like infotainment systems.Protocol fuzz testing: Conduct protocol fuzz testing to identify vulnerabilities at lower communication levels. This can uncover weaknesses in embedded chipsets and communication protocols.Penetration testing: All protocols tend to have some undefined behaviors in their specifications. A best practice then is to have penetration testing done by experienced red teams proficient in the intricacies of in-vehicle network protocol specifications.Threat intelligence: The testing should be integrated with threat intelligence services to anticipate and respond to emerging cyber threats.

How do over-the-air (OTA) software updates affect automotive cybersecurity?

Some potential security problems due to OTA updates include:

Insecure code in the updates: Vulnerabilities may creep in inadvertently due to feature updates that focus on functionality while forgetting security aspects. These typically result in reduced security, but catastrophic outcomes are rare.Malicious updates from rogue sources: In such attacks, the vehicle’s subsystems receive malicious updates that open up new vulnerabilities or cause catastrophic failures. This is achieved either by manipulating the update sources on the vehicle or taking over the manufacturer’s update servers.Faulty update steps: Faulty update steps may result in reduced security or even catastrophic outcomes.

To mitigate such issues, automakers must implement the techniques outlined below:

Digital signatures: The updates must be digitally signed using cryptography keys that are already known to the vehicle.Dual image fallback: Every onboard system must support dual image architecture and partitions.Automated testing of updates: Every update must undergo functional, regression, and fuzz cybersecurity tests. For major updates, penetration testing is also recommended.

What are the challenges of automotive cybersecurity testing?

Some key challenges are outlined below:

Expanding attack surface: The number of complex hardware and software systems keeps increasing as vehicles become more interconnected. The number of attack vectors and attack paths is also constantly increasing.Evolving threat landscape: Rapid technical advancements like automotive radars and AI keep adding new vulnerabilities and potential threats.Supply chain vulnerabilities: The potential for vulnerabilities in the supply chain also increases. Cybercriminals can exploit weaknesses in third-party vendors’ systems and processes.Long lifetimes: A typical vehicle’s lifetime is a decade or more. Automotive cybersecurity must not only keep up with new threats but also ensure that the legacy parts don’t become insecure.Regulatory compliance: Automakers must adhere to stringent safety and security regulations.Organizational challenges: Continuous testing requires skilled personnel and significant financial resources. Many automakers struggle to maintain the necessary level of cybersecurity expertise within their teams for a vehicle’s lifetime.

How does the Keysight SA8710A platform address automotive cybersecurity challenges?

The Keysight SA8710A is a comprehensive platform to address the above automotive cybersecurity challenges. Its key features are outlined below.

Modularity

The platform’s hardware and software modularity enables plugin support for multiple communications including cellular (2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G), cellular V2X, CAN bus, automotive Ethernet, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. Automakers can manage both expanding attack surfaces and emerging threat landscapes.

Automated cybersecurity testing

The most striking feature is its ability to automate entire attack sequences, fuzz testing, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessments using the built-in open test automation platform (OpenTAP) engine, test sequencer, and plugins.

Built-in regulatory compliance

The platform enables automakers to comply with R155 regulations.

Threat intelligence

The platform includes an application and threat intelligence subscription.

Documentation

The SA8710A can generate all the required documentation required by regulations like R155 during audits. This includes test plans and results that are integral to an OEM’s CSMS.

What does the SA8710A automotive cybersecurity platform consist of?

The SA8710A consists of the following software components:

PathWave test automation platformOpenTAP enginePenetration testing softwareAttack modules for various communication protocolsPlugins for automated test stepsPlugins for connecting to instruments and devices under testFuzzer plugins like the CycurFUZZ

The hardware components include:

Hardware devices for automotive in-vehicle testingUXM 5G test platform for C-V2X

Get comprehensive automotive cybersecurity testing from Keysight

Keysight’s automotive networking and cybersecurity solutions enable comprehensive security testing of all vehicle subsystems at all levels.

Our team of highly experienced cybersecurity professionals also provide expert services for UN R155 and UN R156 vehicle type approvals. With in-depth expertise in these regulations and state-of-the-art technologies for cybersecurity testing, they ensure that your compliance is in the best hands.

Contact us for insights and recommendations on keeping on top of your automotive security challenges.

LONDON, February 10, 2025 /3BL/ – Zeigo by Schneider Electric has partnered with green finance marketplace Zero Circle to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) reduce their carbon footprint. The collaboration integrates Zero Circle’s financing solutions into the Zeigo platform, making it easier for businesses to measure, manage, and fund their sustainability efforts.

How the Partnership Supports SMEs

The partnership provides businesses with practical tools to reduce emissions and secure financing for sustainability projects. Key benefits include:

⁠Clear Decarbonization Strategies – By combining Zeigo’s data analytics with Zero Circle’s financing options, businesses can track emissions, set measurable reduction targets, and fund credible green initiatives.Step-by-Step Emission Reduction Plans – Zeigo offers data insights, reporting tools, and access to verified renewable energy and green technology suppliers, helping businesses take meaningful action.⁠Simplified Green Financing – Companies can apply for loans from more than 2,000 lenders through Zero Circle’s streamlined, sustainability-focused financing marketplace.⁠Cost Savings and Competitive Advantage – Businesses can lower costs by cutting energy use, reducing waste, and improving efficiency. These steps not only drive sustainability but also help meet growing corporate requirements for environmentally responsible suppliers.⁠Ongoing Compliance Monitoring – Zero Circle provides post-funding support to ensure projects align with established green financing standards.

“Zero Circle’s finance marketplace is a valuable component for Zeigo in accelerating SME’s decarbonization goals,” stated Steve Wilhite, President of Schneider Electric’s Sustainability Business. “By providing access to favorable financing options, we can deliver sustainable cost-saving measures with benefits throughout the value chain.

“Zeigo is a powerful tool to help companies take action to reduce their effect on the environment,” said Zero Circle CEO, Hemanth Setty. “By working together and leveraging our collective strengths, we hope to mobilize companies to capitalize on the financial and societal benefits of sustainable practices.”

About Zeigo’s Sustainability Ecosystem 
Zeigo by Schneider Electric is an innovative sustainability software ecosystem designed to streamline and expedite climate action. Drawing upon Schneider Electric’s extensive expertise in sustainability and a track record of successfully executing decarbonization strategies, Zeigo transforms ambitious goals into actionable plans. With a commitment to simplifying and accelerating carbon reduction, Zeigo empowers organizations at any stage of their decarbonization journey to achieve their environmental goals through effective and efficient software solutions.

About Zero Circle 
Zero Circle is a finance marketplace that simplifies access to green capital for businesses. Its AI-powered platform streamlines sustainability assessments and reporting and automates key performance indicators (KPIs) to incentivize green financing. The company helps its customers finance and build sustainable practices by tracking, managing and reporting sustainability and financial performance with lenders, partners and customers.

It’s official – 2024 was the hottest year on record. With global temperatures at 1.28 degrees Celsius above NASA’s 20th-century baseline (1951-1980) – topping the recording set in 2023 – the need to invest in resource conversation is more critical than ever.

As a leading science and technology company, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is continuing its accelerated emissions reduction. The company’s Group-wide and Life Science Sustainability Strategy highlights this goal and is making significant progress toward achieving a 50% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 2030 compared to 2020.

The EDISON program serves as one of the four key levers to achieve this goal by providing funding to sites across the globe to implement high-impact energy and water reduction projects. After a record year of progress in 2023, the program delivered another exceptional year in 2024, completing 42 projects globally. As a result, the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, which operates as MilliporeSigma in the United States and Canada, is projected to avoid more than 24,000 MWh (megawatt hours) of energy use, conserve over 124,000 cubic meters of water, and prevent nearly 4,000 tons of CO2 emissions through an investment of €9.3 million.

2024 EDISON highlights:

Cooling Tower Conservation in Carlsbad, California, USA

A dual softener system was installed at the cooling towers in the company’s Carlsbad, California, USA facility to provide a continuous source of water for the cooling towers. This €40,000 investment reduces water demand for both the makeup to the cooling towers and the discharge or blowdown to sanitary sewer.

“The Carlsbad Viral Vector Manufacturing site successfully completed an EDISON project to enhance water conservation in its condenser water system,” said Michael Naughton, Head of EHS Carlsbad. “By using a water softener to increase cooling tower cycles from 3 to 10, the site reduced system blowdown from an average of 9,000 gallons per day in October 2023 to just 90 gallons per day in October 2024—achieving a 96% water retention rate. This milestone underscores our commitment to water sustainability and advancing corporate sustainability goals.”

Lab Variable Air Volume (VAV) System in Miamisburg, Ohio, USA

One of the standout EDISON projects in 2024 focused on optimizing energy efficiency in Miamisburg, Ohio, USA with seven chemical production labs, four constant-volume air handlers, and 41 fume hoods. Through a €488,000 investment, this lab Variable Air Volume (VAV) control system interfaces all seven lab spaces, ensuring safe airflow while adjusting air handlers during low-demand periods to create a variable air volume system.

“The project included installing new airflow sensors, automatic sash closures, and variable frequency drive (VFD) controls to create a variable air volume system,” said John Shay, Manager, Engineering & Maintenance. “With these upgrades, the facility is expected to save 808 MWh of electricity and 35,000 Therms of natural gas annually.”

Heat Pump Installation in Irvine, United Kingdom

A heat pump was installed at the company’s Irvine, United Kingdom site to help reduce the site’s natural gas usage. In alignment with the company’s decarbonization strategy, the €460,000 investment is expected to save 1,900 MWh of energy each year by transitioning to electric heat sources.

“The Irvine site received EDISON funding in 2024 to install a heat pump, allowing two low-temperature hot water boilers to be used only as backups,” said Anthony McLaren, Senior Process Engineer. “This project is expected to reduce Natural Gas consumption by 1,900 MWh annually, avoiding 360 tons of CO₂ emissions, as the site’s electricity comes from 100% renewable sources. This initiative is a key step in reducing our carbon footprint as we work toward Net Zero.”

Driving Progress into 2025

For 2025, EDISON has put forth its largest investment yet, totaling €11.7 million to fund another 50 projects. This will cover 30 different locations globally. Projections indicate that these projects will avoid an additional 5,300 tons of CO2 emissions, deliver more than 30,500 MWh of energy savings, and save 37,000 cubic meters of water.

Learn more about the sustainability efforts of MilliporeSigma by visiting its sustainability and social business innovation webpage.

The lyrics to one of Bob Dylan’s most famous songs could certainly apply to the new political environment facing corporate sustainability professionals today: “The times they are a-changin’.” Following the actions of the new Trump Administration to pull out of the Paris Agreement on climate change and to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across the federal government, many companies are reevaluating their commitments to sustainability and DEI. In some cases, companies have ended DEI programs or are renaming programs to avoid pushback from the Administration and outside groups.

While these challenges may seem overwhelming, the good news is that the business rationale for focusing on sustainability has not changed. Our Top Stories in this issue of the Sustainability Highlights newsletter demonstrate that the value of sustainability is still recognized by CEOs and business leaders, and their efforts will continue even as the way companies communicate about sustainability will adapt to the current political climate.

An article on edie about PwC’s 28th Annual Global CEO Survey says that two-thirds of the CEOs surveyed reported that climate-related investments had either reduced costs or had no significant impact on costs to the enterprise. According to the survey, “a clear global trend is emerging: aligning climate-friendly investments with long-term business strategies drives stronger financial performance.”

Another article from edie reports on a recent survey by the Capgemini Research Institute of 2,500 global business leaders, which found that 62% of businesses are planning to increase their sustainability budgets in 2025, by an average of 10.5%. The survey found that companies see sustainability “as a means of weathering persistent challenges such as supply chain disruptions and high energy and commodity prices.”

Contributor David Carlin in Forbes magazine says that based on his conversations with sustainability leaders and executives in the financial sector, he believes “sustainability is not retreating – it is evolving.” He sees three key shifts coming in 2025 that will have big implications for business: first, a move away from high-profile public commitments toward quieter, results-focused action; second, the integration of sustainability into core business functions so it becomes part of the everyday fabric of firms; and last, a stronger focus on sustainability as a driver of economic opportunity and client value.

Technology will certainly play an important role in helping companies achieve sustainability goals that have an impact on the bottom line and help increase revenue. In an article in Tech Informed, experts discuss predictions for green technology advances that will drive energy efficiency in 2025, including the increased use of AI, digitalization of communications, and circular economies.

The G&A team will continue to monitor the impact of the changing political environment on corporate sustainability initiatives and how companies communicate about sustainability. As always, we are available to discuss how our experts can help you navigate today’s challenges and opportunities. Please reach out to us at info@ga-institute.com.

This is just the introduction of G&A’s Sustainability Highlights newsletter this week. Click here to view the full issue.

WASHINGTON, February 10, 2025 /3BL/ – EarthShare launches fiscal sponsorship services to strengthen the environmental movement by fostering collaboration among diverse communities, sectors, and regions, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and resources for environmental projects across the United States.

What Is Fiscal Sponsorship?

Fiscal sponsorship is when a nonprofit provides a mission-aligned group or project access to their legal and tax-exempt nonprofit status, allowing the project to skip the labor-intensive and costly steps of having to create and maintain a 501(c)(3) status of their own. A fiscal sponsor can also provide administrative support through financial management, human resources, and legal assistance.

Why EarthShare?

For the past 35 years, EarthShare has worked with individuals and businesses to amplify giving for our network of more than 500 environmental nonprofits. As a result, we’ve mobilized more than $400 million in support for our planet. Backed by a network of some of the best environmental nonprofits, our issue expertise and partner network exceed anything on the market, and it’s continuously expanding. We are building the world’s most robust and inclusive environmental network, with the goal to ensure that lesser-known, grassroots, frontline, and BIPOC-led nonprofits see increased visibility and financial support.

Today, EarthShare is using our years of environmental sector expertise to bring new programmatic work to life. We provide fiscal sponsorship and financial services for environmental projects looking to positively impact both people and the planet.

We’re seeking projects that increase Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in environmental spaces, improving communities through the strategic involvement of those most impacted by environmental degradation. All projects should have a clear understanding of the connection between social and environmental issues.

Is EarthShare the Right Fit?

To learn more about what we’re looking for, potential or existing projects can visit our website or contact Celange Beck, Director of Partnerships, to discuss the project’s possible home at EarthShare.

About EarthShare

With a vision of everyone supporting a healthy planet, EarthShare amplifies impact through a variety of tools, programs, and educational content to engage businesses, individuals, and nonprofits alike. We make it possible for a larger, more inclusive community to help solve the environmental crisis. Our programs welcome new advocates into the fold, streamlining and enhancing efforts to create positive change by enabling more people to work together for a just and sustainable world. Learn more at: EarthShare.org.

Contact 
Celange Beck, Director of Partnerships 
celange@earthshare.org

-ENDS- 

Mold is a persistent issue that can lead to costly property damage, liability concerns, and complex insurance claims. Without proper risk management, mold-related losses can escalate, impacting both policyholders and insurers. This webinar will explore the key factors driving mold growth—substrate, moisture, and temperature—and the critical steps for prevention and control. With a focus on insurance implications, we’ll examine policy considerations, claim trends, and risk mitigation strategies, along with real-world case studies illustrating best practices and lessons learned.

By attending, you’ll gain insights into:

How to identify and mitigate conditions that contribute to mold growth.The distinction between water intrusion (a property concern) and mold (a pollution condition) in claims assessment.Proactive mold prevention strategies to reduce claim frequency and severity.Case studies showcasing claim management challenges during remediation.How advanced technologies like leak detection systems can help lower risk exposure.

Whether you’re involved in underwriting, claims management, or loss prevention, this session will equip you with actionable strategies to better assess, prevent, and manage mold-related risks.

Join us on February 25th at 1 PM ET.

Can’t make it live? Register now and receive access to the on-demand recording after the webinar.

Register Here!

KeyBank and the KeyBank Foundation have awarded the West Side Market $1.5 million towards its Transformation Project. The gift includes support for the renovated East Produce Arcade, which will honor KeyBank’s commitment to the community, along with funding for food access education and programming to be developed with the new arcade’s launch.

The landmark gift comes as KeyBank celebrates its bicentennial and marks the first major corporate contribution to the Market’s $68 million masterplan project. KeyBank joins the George Gund Foundation and an array of government sources including the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and the State of Ohio as strong supporters of West Side Market’s future.

“We are so proud to support the West Side Market and its mission to provide fresh, healthy food to Cleveland’s diverse communities,” said Kelly Lamirand, KeyBank Cleveland Market President. “This investment is about more than revitalizing a historic landmark; it’s about strengthening access to resources that empower individuals and families here in our hometown of Cleveland. By contributing to this transformation, we’re helping ensure the Market remains a vital part of our community for generations to come.”

“KeyBank’s 200-year legacy is built on a commitment to supporting the communities we serve and driving positive change,” said Eric Fiala, KeyBank Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer and CEO, KeyBank Foundation. “Our investment with the West Side Market reflects that dedication by enhancing access to fresh produce for many of Cleveland’s families and creating new opportunities for small businesses that call the Market home. We are honored to play a small role to ensure this historic landmark continues to serve as a vital resource for decades to come.”

“We are thrilled by KeyBank’s generous support,” says Rosemary Mudry, Executive Director of Cleveland Public Market Corporation, the nonprofit entity managing the Market and the masterplan. “KeyBank is a leader in the greater Cleveland community and its belief in West Side Market is pivotal as we look to transform the Market. The East Arcade is an essential part of this transformation – as access to fresh and healthy produce is a critical element to provide a well-rounded shopping experience for customers from all backgrounds.”

Of the Market’s 800,000 annual visitors, more than 25% qualify for SNAP/EBT benefits and utilize those benefits while grocery shopping at West Side Market. Through community partnerships and program development, the Market will create new and expand existing food access and education programs, many of which are centered around the importance of providing fresh produce for our neighbors with low incomes. Upon completion of the masterplan, the current East Arcade will be named in honor of KeyBank and will be home to the Market’s produce vendors.

“KeyBank’s support is a major step toward achieving our ambitions to make the West Side Market far more than it was ever imagined to be,” said David Abbott, President of the nonprofit’s board of directors. “Not just a wonderful place to visit and shop, but also a positive force throughout our region. It’s all part of the Market becoming the best in America.”

ABOUT THE MARKET’S MASTERPLAN

The full masterplan holistically addresses Market operations and opportunities to improve existing facilities and systems, as well as transform previously unused spaces into additional places where visitors and can gather and enjoy their Market experience. Updates and improvements include a major overhaul of the Market’s systems infrastructure, including refrigeration, HVAC, storage access, and power resiliency; a renovated produce arcade, the transformation of the north arcade into a prepared food hall with bar-style seating, a permanent outdoor seating courtyard, teaching and commercial kitchens, and the repurposing of unused Market spaces into additional seating and event areas.

The full plan can be viewed at westsidemarket.org.

ABOUT CLEVELAND PUBLIC MARKET CORPORATION

Cleveland Public Market Corporation strives to make West Side Market the nation’s premier public market by meeting the evolving needs of merchants, customers, and the community. CPMC preserves the city’s public market tradition while making the local food system more accessible, equitable, and diverse.

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.

Additional coverage:

West Side Market set for transformation with KeyBank’s $1.5M boost | WKYC-TV

Cleveland’s West Side Market gearing up for significant changes – what visitors and vendors can expect | WJW-TV

Construction on massive West Side Market transformation set to begin this summer | Cleveland.com

Managing supply chains is like conducting an orchestra: it demands artful coordination, precision, and leadership. Supply chain leaders, like conductors, must foster collaboration and harmonize multiple interconnected components to achieve a seamless outcome.

This was the key insight gleaned from the panel I hosted at the North American Supply Chain Executive Summit (NASCES) last fall, “A NASCES24 Speaker Roundtable – A Supply Chain Discussion.”

Unlike musicians, supply chain professionals work with stakeholders who span roles and organizations, each with differing objectives. While finance pushes for cost reductions, sales and marketing may demand speed, and operations might prioritize risk mitigation. It is up to supply chain leaders to carefully balance these competing goals, ensuring efficiency without compromising other interests.

Here are my key takeaways from the panel, which featured supply chain leaders from prominent companies in the high-tech, retail, and consumer products industries.

Leverage Innovative Procurement and Multi-Sourcing Strategies

In today’s dynamic global landscape, change can happen instantly. Businesses must navigate an array of factors, including geopolitical conflicts, natural disasters, shifting consumer preferences, intricate regulations, and more. A common theme among the panelists involved leveraging multi-sourcing and digital procurement tools to empower supply chain managers to be flexible when addressing unexpected disruptions.

Multi-sourcing strategies involve diversifying the supplier base to mitigate the risks associated with relying on a single provider. By adopting this approach, businesses can ensure continuous supply and maintain operational resilience. For example, if one supplier faces a disruption, a manufacturing company can quickly shift to another supplier, minimizing downtime and meeting production timelines.

Dynamic sourcing, a strategy that involves the continuous evaluation and adjustment of supplier relationships, enhances agility by allowing companies to adapt to market fluctuations and stay competitive. For instance, a company can procure raw materials from the most cost-effective supplier based on real-time market conditions, driving down costs without impacting product quality or production schedules.

Enhanced supply chain visibility is another crucial benefit. With real-time insights into supplier performance, managers can pinpoint inefficiencies and optimize costs. Additionally, increased transparency improves compliance with regulatory and environmental standards, helping meet ethical sourcing practices and sustainability goals.

Invest in Digital Transformation and AI

Panelists emphasized how supply chain leaders are leveraging AI, using it as a tool to respond quickly to emerging trends. Technology is a superpower when it comes to balancing different priorities — digital platforms, generative AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics provide supply chain teams with centralized visibility. This empowers them to be more agile, strategic, and efficient.

Additionally, advanced platforms that leverage AI can provide real-time data about inventory, shipment, and delivery statuses, which help reduce silos between various stakeholders. This transparency minimizes conflicts and aligns efforts across departments, ensuring cohesive decision-making and a collaborative work environment.

Level Up Your Demand Forecasting

When dealing with an unpredictable business environment, panelists shared how they are increasingly relying on accurate demand forecasting for stakeholder alignment. Leveraging AI-powered predictive analytics enables them to anticipate demand fluctuations and adjust their strategies accordingly. This foresight fosters trust and ensures that all internal stakeholders are working together toward collective objectives.

Panelists highlighted that this can also ensure that each team is supported in their daily tasks. For instance, manufacturing teams can receive adequate stock, finance teams can avoid excess inventory costs, and operations can maintain smooth workflows. Predictive analytics turns forecasting into a strategic advantage, enabling companies to address potential issues proactively and reduce risks.

Achieving Supply Chain Harmony

Competing stakeholder priorities don’t have to create friction. By investing in AI, implementing dynamic sourcing, and adopting cloud-based procurement platforms, supply chain professionals can turn these challenges into opportunities for innovation and collaboration. The result is a supply chain that is not only efficient and productive, but also resilient and adaptable — a true asset to every stakeholder involved.

The key to harmonizing stakeholder priorities lies in leveraging advanced technologies and adopting innovative strategies. With the right tools and mindset, supply chain leaders can transform challenges into opportunities, creating a supply chain that is agile, efficient, and able to meet stakeholder needs.

SAP Business Network is specifically designed to address many of the issues and challenges discussed. It provides the necessary tools to seamlessly connect buyers and suppliers, streamline procurement and supply chain processes, and ensure that every stakeholder thrives in rapidly changing markets. By investing in such technology, businesses can build a future-ready supply chain that drives resilience and long-term value.

To learn more about these insights and hear the full discussion from supply chain executives at leading companies, I encourage you to watch the recording from the North American Supply Chain Executive Summit. You’ll gain valuable perspectives on how industry leaders are navigating complex supply chain challenges and balancing diverse stakeholder priorities in today’s dynamic business environment.

Val Blatt is chief revenue officer for SAP Business Network at SAP.