Tag: 3BL

Ports are more than shipping containers, cranes, and bustling waterfronts; they are hubs that support global development. At DP World, one of the world’s largest logistics companies, ports and terminals support the connectivity between local production and global markets. Through targeted investments in the Americas, DP World isn’t just modernizing logistics infrastructure; it’s driving social and environmental progress to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In the latest Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure (SDID) report, DP World lays bare its bold commitments: fostering sustainable trade, reducing emissions, empowering communities, and bridging development gaps. And with projects ranging from electrifying cranes to achieving zero landfill status at port terminals, it is clear that DP World’s impact goes far beyond the terminal gates.

Building Resilient Infrastructure in Brazil
In Brazil, DP World is transforming Santos, South America’s busiest port, into a sustainability powerhouse. Partnering with logistics giant Rumo, DP World is developing a terminal designed to handle a staggering 12.5 million tons of grains and fertilizers annually. This isn’t just about throughput; it’s about revolutionizing Brazil’s agricultural logistics. By strengthening rail connectivity and expanding terminal capacity, DP World is addressing inefficiencies that have long hindered exports and imports.

But perhaps the most remarkable initiative is the zero landfill project, which has made the Santos terminal the first in Brazil to achieve this milestone. By converting 20% of waste into biofuel and repurposing the remaining 80% through recycling, composting, wastewater treatment, and oil refining, Santos is setting a new industry standard for waste management. These efforts align squarely with Goal 12 of the UN SDGs: responsible consumption and production.

The numbers speak for themselves: to date, DP World has invested $409 million in the port, created over 7,000 direct and indirect jobs, and reduced diesel consumption by 60% through equipment electrification projects.

Climate Action in the Dominican Republic
DP World’s dedication to sustainability isn’t confined to South America. In the Dominican Republic, the company has made significant strides in reducing emissions and enhancing logistics efficiency. The Caucedo terminal now boasts both cutting-edge electrified cranes and a fleet of 16 electric ITVs, which, along with plans for an electric charging station this year, replace older diesel models and slash carbon emissions. This aligns with DP World’s global decarbonization strategy, which includes a 42% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030.

Climate action isn’t just about technology — it is also about developing partnerships. DP World’s collaboration with local governments and environmental organizations has led to the restoration of nearby ecosystems, ensuring that port operations coexist sustainably with the Dominican Republic’s natural beauty. These efforts directly support Goal 13 (climate action).

Empowering Communities in Peru
In Peru, DP World’s investments are creating opportunities for local communities while enhancing trade capabilities.  The terminal in Callao has become a hub for agricultural exports, enabling Peruvian farmers to access international markets more efficiently. This is a lifeline for small-scale producers, aligning with Goal 8 (decent work and economic growth).

Beyond trade, DP World is fostering social development. DP World has invested in education initiatives, by implementing 27 digital classrooms in local schools and providing scholarships and training programs. Combined these have benefitted more than 13,000 students, empowering young Peruvians to enter the logistics and maritime industries. These programs are designed to close the skills gap, ensuring that local talent can thrive in an increasingly competitive global economy.

Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage
DP World’s efforts in the Americas demonstrate that sustainability is not just a moral imperative—it’s a competitive advantage. In Brazil, the company’s electrification and waste management initiatives have not only reduced environmental impact but also improved operational efficiency, lowering costs for customers.

Meanwhile, in the Dominican Republic and Peru, investments in renewable energy and community development are building long-term resilience. By aligning operations with the UN SDGs, DP World is proving that trade can be both sustainable and inclusive.

Why It Matters
DP World’s commitment to the UN SDGs is more than corporate social responsibility — it’s a blueprint for how businesses can drive meaningful change. Through targeted investments in the Americas, DP World is tackling global challenges like climate change, economic inequality, and access to education.

Want to learn more about how DP World is reshaping global trade while advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals? Click here to download DP World’s SDID report and explore the data, stories, and strategies behind these transformative initiatives.

I had the privilege of attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where leaders, innovators, and changemakers came together to address the pressing challenges of our time.

The conversations reaffirmed that creating a regenerative future requires a balanced approach: reducing our footprint on the planet, amplifying our handprint through impactful actions, and leading with a heartprint that inspires collaboration and purpose.

From thought-provoking engagements to building new relationships, it was clear that partnerships and collective action are critical to driving meaningful impact. A key theme throughout the week was balancing the increasing demand for AI and digitization, with efforts to enhance energy efficiency and transition to clean energy. At Cisco, sustainability is an important priority—from enabling a resilient supply chain to advancing AI-powered climate solutions and digital grid modernization that help industries decarbonize and scale with efficiency.

Grateful for the opportunity to listen, learn, and connect with others equally passionate about shaping a better tomorrow. Together, we can accelerate the progress needed to make environmental sustainability not just a goal, but a reality.

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Western North Carolina-based organizations encouraged to apply for a $25,000 grant before Feb. 17Announcement builds on previous $2.2 million commitment for disaster relief, rebuilding and readiness

CHARLOTTE, N.C., February 13, 2025 /3BL/ – Duke Energy announced the launch of a new grant opportunity, offering $500,000 in funding to support organizations leading long-term recovery efforts in western North Carolina. Through Feb. 17, eligible organizations can apply for grants up to $25,000 from the Duke Energy Foundation.

“We understand the long-term challenges our communities in western North Carolina face as they continue to rebuild following Hurricane Helene,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy North Carolina state president. “This new grant opportunity underscores our unwavering commitment to supporting a full recovery in the mountain region.”

The announcement builds on Duke Energy’s previous commitment of more than $2.2 million to support disaster relief, rebuilding and readiness efforts in North Carolina. Duke Energy President and incoming CEO Harry Sideris recently published an update on the company’s recovery efforts in the state’s mountain region, sharing his personal connection to Asheville and the importance of sustained support for communities affected by Helene. 

Organizations interested in applying for funding can find detailed information and application guidelines on Duke Energy’s website here. Western North Carolina-based nonprofit organizations supporting local and regional long-term recovery efforts may apply for up to $25,000. The application is available now, and applications will be accepted until Feb. 17, 2025, at 5 p.m.

Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition, keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

Contact: Garrett Poorman
X (Twitter): @DE_GarrettP
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

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LINCOLN, Nebraska, February 13, 2025 /3BL/ – The Arbor Day Foundation launched a new campaign aimed at transforming individual environmental commitments into collective impact. Through the initiative, people can pledge specific eco-friendly actions to improve the planet — big or small — and the Foundation will plant a tree in a forest in need to mark each commitment.

“Hope for our planet is bold. It’s time we put that hope in motion. This campaign is an opportunity for people around the world to come together in the name of a healthier future for our world,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “We all have a role to play in this effort, because together, small acts can add up to global good.”

Here’s how it works: Once participants log their commitment at arborday.org/planet-pledge, the Foundation will plant a tree in a recovering forest in their honor and provide participants tips on how to help the habit stick.

When considering an eco-friendly habit to adopt, there is no commitment too small. Here are 10 easy ways to make a Planet Pledge.

1. Carry a reusable water bottle or coffee cup. Opting for reusable containers over single use plastic can help reduce waste and pollution.

2. Bike, use public transportation, or carpool regularly. Choosing to bike instead of drive, even just once a day, can reduce an individual’s carbon emission by 67%. On average, carpooling or using public transit can reduce an individual’s carbon footprint by half.

3. Wash clothes in cold water. About 90% of the energy used by a washing machine goes toward heating the water. Switching to a cold-water wash could significantly lower energy use and help save homeowners money.

4. Mend clothing instead of discarding or donating. Repairing worn out clothing can help keep garments out of landfills, where 92 million tons of clothing waste ends up.

5. Bring reusable bags shopping. Using reusable bags can help cut down on litter both on land and in the ocean.

6. Take shorter showers to conserve water. Limiting your time in the shower can reduce your personal water use by about 45 gallons a week.

7. Volunteer at a community garden. Community gardens can help increase local access to fresh food and create urban green spaces that support local diversity.

8. Set up recurring donations to environmental causes. Just a few dollars can make a big impact in communities and ecosystems in need of support.

9. Compost food scraps and/or yard waste. Composting food scraps can reduce food waste, enrich the soil, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

10. Plant a tree. Trees play a critical role in creating healthier and more connected communities. They can clean the air, mitigate extreme heat, and reduce the impact of flooding.

About the Arbor Day Foundation 

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners. And this is only the beginning.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.

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February 4th marks USO Day, the anniversary of the founding of the United Service Organizations (USO), a congressionally chartered, private organization that has been steadfastly supporting United States service members and their families since 1941. The USO relies on the generosity of individuals and corporations to sustain its vital activities.

For the past 24 years, FedEx has been proud to work with the USO. Through in-kind shipping, FedEx enables the USO to extend comfort and support to those serving our country, even in the most remote areas of the world. Additionally, cash grants from FedEx aid USO programs, including USO Holidays Care Packages, program supplies, and holiday meals.

Over these two decades, FedEx employees have played an integral role in helping the USO deliver on its mission to strengthen the well-being of America’s military and their families. By leveraging efficiencies in process and advanced communications within their network of experts, FedEx enhances the USO’s capabilities. Furthermore, FedEx employees can volunteer to support the USO through kitting events. During these events, teams of FedEx volunteers pack kits containing everyday essentials or holiday cheer. These care package kits are not just practical gifts; they are symbols of gratitude and support that reach service members stationed in remote corners of the world, as well as domestic locations for those stationed stateside.

Happy Anniversary to the USO! Here’s to many more years of dedicated service and collaboration.

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

Verizon

At just 16 years old, Miles Davis, a high-school senior from Washington, D.C., is already charting a path towards a STEM career.

Growing up, Davis showed signs of being a strategic thinker: he was a serious chess player with an early love of technology. Davis and his brother used to build robots from kits as young kids. “I was just so curious about, ‘how does it move, how does it work?’” Davis says. “How does it know which way is left and right?”

But Davis’s enthusiasm for computer science truly blossomed after he attended Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers at Howard University in 2018 and University of the District of Columbia (UDC) in 2019, when he was a middle school student. Right away, Davis says, he was hooked by the program’s curriculum — and his first chance to wear a virtual reality (VR) headset. “I saw robots, I saw VR goggles, and I saw everyone having fun, everyone learning,” he says.

Davis had hands-on experience with emerging technologies combined with the opportunity to apply them in solving real-world problems. From developing medical wearables that transmit vital health information in emergencies, to creating practical solutions for addressing climate change, the students collaborated to tackle urgent global challenges—an experience that profoundly shaped Davis’s vision for his future. “I had never really thought about solving real-world problems,” Davis reflects. “I was focused on building robots or creating machines, but I didn’t fully grasp the bigger picture until I joined this program.”

The Howard University program, run by Dr. Kofi LeNiles, combines the tech-based, hands-on learning of the Verizon Innovative Learning program with university-specific values, with an aim of not just teaching tech, but also creating bonds between the students. “What makes this program at Howard unique is that we not only focus on the excellent STEM curriculum that Verizon provides, but we also focus on community,” LeNiles explains.

By transforming competition into teamwork, the program teaches valuable lessons. “My biggest takeaway from the Verizon Innovative Learning program was how teamwork can solve issues,” Davis explains. “We really got together and put our ideas together and… wrote it down and started brainstorming; we came up with some really good ideas.”

As a graduating high school senior, Davis is already focused on potential possibilities for his future. “My interest in STEM got me thinking about solving problems… and I feel like it really contributed to my future interest, because everything I do is about solving a problem or fulfilling a need,” he says. Davis has plenty to keep him busy: he is already an entrepreneur with his own clothing line and plans to go to college and pursue electrical contracting as a trade.

Verizon Innovative Learning is a key part of the company’s responsible business plan to help move the world forward for all. As part of the plan, Verizon has an ambitious goal of providing 10 million youth with digital skills training by 2030. Educators can access free lessons, professional development, and immersive learning experiences to help bring new ways of learning into the classroom by visiting Verizon Innovative Learning HQ.

My interest in STEM got me thinking about solving problems… and I feel like it really contributed to my future interest, because everything I do is about solving a problem or fulfilling a need…

Miles Davis

International Olympic Committee news

Discover how the IOC, through its Olympism365 strategy, is using sport to make an impact in education and livelihoods across Latin America and Africa. By collaborating with sports, education and youth employment organisations, the IOC is empowering young people with transferable skills and increased access to education, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, particularly for marginalised groups, including women and girls.

DENVER /3BL/ – DaVita, a comprehensive kidney care provider, is celebrating 25 years of clinical care delivery and leadership in healthcare innovation. Since forming with a purpose “to give life” in 2000, DaVita has focused its efforts to improve clinical outcomes, enhance quality of life for patients and be a force for positive change for the healthcare system. By fostering an inclusive, mission-driven workforce and building strong community partnerships, DaVita is helping empower the future of kidney health.

DaVita’s 25 years of clinical excellence is built on a steadfast commitment to patient-centered care — through purpose-driven clinical strategy, value-based programs, investments and research in new capabilities, and advancing and increasing access to treatment options.

“Healthcare at its core is a service, provided by and for people. I’m proud of the immense progress we’ve made through our steadfast commitment to improving lives,” said Javier Rodriguez, CEO for DaVita. “Together we will continue to push boundaries to create better outcomes for our patients and physician partners, as well as purpose-driven career opportunities for our teammates, today, tomorrow and every day as we look toward the next 25 years.”

A Legacy of Clinical Excellence

Throughout the last 25 years, DaVita’s teammates (employees) and its physician partners have made many contributions to the broader healthcare community, detailed on davitaforward.com. Highlights of these achievements demonstrate DaVita’s commitment to helping revolutionize kidney care delivery:

High-quality, personalized care for people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) through higher quality standards, value-based care arrangements, home care, improved transplantation rates and moreCollaboration with the healthcare community, including physician partners, clinical researchers and pioneers of novel solutions, driving industry-wide innovation in pursuit of the best possible care for patientsCultivation of a diverse and inclusive workplace that supports economic mobility for all of its teammates and to help address current nursing workforce challenges

Recent Momentum Fuels DaVita Forward

Over the past year, milestones in patient outcomes, care advancement, chronic health education and corporate citizenship demonstrate the momentum DaVita endeavors to bring into its next 25 years:

Improving Access to Kidney HealthWhen millions of lives were impacted by the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, DaVita and the kidney care community restored operations to the majority of dialysis centers within days of the storm relenting. DaVita deployed generators, water tankers, over 20,000 gallons of fuel, and high-water crews to conduct wellness checks and search for missing patients and teammates.DaVita patients continue to dialyze at home in record numbers. In 2024, 15% of DaVita patients treated on a home modality, resulting in double digit home dialysis treatment growth.Nearly 8,200 DaVita patients received a kidney transplant, the provider’s highest number of annual transplants ever, in 2024.The DaVita Health Tour provided free health screenings and chronic disease education to communities across the U.S.DaVita and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) expanded their multi-year collaboration to advance chronic disease prevention, focusing on two prevalent chronic conditions in the U.S.: diabetes and chronic kidney disease.MedSleuth’s innovative BREEZE platform, which streamlines health information exchange between providers, transplant centers and patients to help accelerate progress through the waitlist process, has been implemented in 100% of DaVita centers in the U.S.Enriching Healthy Communities WorldwideDaVita expanded access to kidney care globally, now with operations in 14 countries, including recent expansions in Brazil and Colombia and new operations in Chile, Ecuador, and Japan.DaVita’s global operations are on track to be powered by 100% renewable energy through renewable energy purchases that match its electricity use in operations around the world. DaVita previously reached 100% renewable energy match in the U.S. in 2021.DaVita has been recognized by USA Today, Newsweek, and TIME, among others, as a leading employer and a force for good.

“DaVita stands as a testament to the power of values-driven care,” stated Jeff Giullian, MD, chief medical officer for DaVita. “Our legacy is rooted in our uncompromising commitment to clinical excellence and innovation. We are not just improving care; we are transforming it, aiming to ensure that all people have access to care and can achieve their optimal health outcomes. We are building a future where excellence is the standard and a reality for all.”

To learn more about DaVita, please visit davita.com. To view an interactive timeline of the company’s 25-year history, please visit davitaforward.com.

About DaVita

DaVita (NYSE: DVA) is a health care provider focused on transforming care delivery to improve quality of life for patients globally. As a comprehensive kidney care provider, DaVita has been a leader in clinical quality and innovation for 25 years. DaVita cares for patients at every stage and setting along their kidney health journey—from slowing the progression of kidney disease to helping to support transplantation, from acute hospital care to dialysis at home. As of September 30, 2024, DaVita served approximately 265,400 patients at 3,113 outpatient dialysis centers, of which 2,660 centers were located in the United States and 453 centers were located in 13 other countries worldwide. DaVita has reduced hospitalizations, improved mortality, and worked collaboratively to propel the kidney care industry to adopt an equitable and high-quality standard of care for all patients, everywhere. To learn more, visit DaVita.com/About.

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release contains or refers to certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws including, among other things. Without limiting the foregoing, statements including the words “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “may,” “continue,” “target,” “goal,” “endeavor” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The Company bases its forward-looking statements on information available to it on the date of this presentation, and undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of changed circumstances, new information, future events or otherwise, except as may otherwise be required by law. Actual future events could also differ materially due to numerous factors that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties including, among other things, the risks and uncertainties set forth under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the Company’s reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and the other risks and uncertainties discussed in any subsequent reports that the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time.

Media Contact: 
DaVita Newsroom 
newsroom@davita.com

SOURCE DaVita

Tapping into different voices, perspectives, and experiences helps businesses solve problems, reveals new opportunities to grow, and encourages contributions that better support people and communities. At Henkel North America, diversity is a path to progress, innovation, and impact. Our employees and partners are united by our purpose: Pioneers at heart for the good of generations. They collaborate to tackle challenges, find solutions and open new perspectives – allowing us to deliver products, services, and innovations that enrich and improve everyday life.

We invite you to “meet” our pioneers in our series, “Pioneers for Good.”

Introducing Gowri

Gowri Narsimhamurthy, Head of Application Engineering Henkel Adhesive Technologies, prides herself on using her voice for good and leading with firm, effective communication. To Gowri, being a pioneer for good means recognizing your power to help make a positive and long-lasting impact for generations to come.

Gowri’s passion for STEM dates back as far as she can remember, reinforced by her degree in Material Science and Engineering from Rutgers University and her early work in new product research and development (R&D) at Henkel. In her 13+ years of working at the company and as a consumer of Henkel products, Gowri has seen first-hand how science and engineering lead to innovations that help improve lives.

“At the end of the day, we are consumers of our own products. Our experiences drive our innovation,” said Gowri.

Finding Your Voice

As a woman in the male-dominated field of engineering, Gowri’s outlook on her work has been shaped by personal experiences and the guidance of supportive mentors who helped her harness what she considers her ‘responsibility’ to drive positive change. 
When Gowri saw an opportunity to grow in her career, she advocated for her advancement by articulating her goals and flexing her strengths. She credits her tenacity and professional drive in part to her mentors who have helped hone her leadership style and foster essential communications skills, which supported her in taking this leap.

Through transformative relationships with her mentors, Gowri learned to elevate her career and speak up for others as a mentor.

Fostering a Collaborative and Supportive Network

As a mentee and a mentor, Gowri knows the value of surrounding yourself with a community that supports your aspirations and encourages you to raise your voice. She draws inspiration from countless women in her life, from family members to business professionals, who have advocated for their communities and defined success on their own terms.

Gowri’s first source of inspiration was her mother, who recently retired from 18 years of service with the Red Cross. Under her mother’s guidance, she found a passion for community engagement at a young age.

Gowri has carried this commitment to service throughout her adult life, working with organizations like United Way and as a former leader of the Henkel Women’s Network Employee Resource Group (ERG). Here, she led the Professional Development Committee, where she helped create impactful programs and engaged speakers to share experiences and lessons with Henkel employees, fostering growth within the organization.

“We have so much to learn from our peers and colleagues,” Gowri reflected. “I cherish any opportunity to uplift their voices and hear about their personal and professional journeys – it invites me to reflect on what I can do differently and how I can better serve my community.”

Uplifting The Next Generation of Leaders

Through the lens of her mentors, passions, and peers, Gowri has used her voice and position to help Henkel grow its STEM talent base. She has participated in Henkel’s recruitment efforts through the Henkel Ambassadors Recruitment Program and as a member of the Society for Women Engineers (SWE).

At a recent SWE conference, Gowri moderated a panel of Henkel colleagues who are leaders in STEM and shared advice on seeking mentorship and building leadership skills early in one’s career.

It’s essential that we prioritize getting women with strong technical skills and leadership qualities in front of companies like Henkel to best position the company for growth and innovation.

Gowri Narsimhamurthy, Head of Application Engineering, Henkel Adhesive Technologies

To build strong STEM leaders, Gowri also knows the value of introducing STEM at a young age. She recalls creating her first business card during a visit to her parent’s office as a child. It’s those memories that got her excited about participating in Henkel’s annual Take Your Child to Work Day, where she used s’mores to help teach employees’ children about the product supply chain.

“The steps of s’more-making are not unlike those in our product supply chain,” Gowri explained. “We talked about sourcing the right materials, assembling and quality-checking – all while making a delicious treat.”

Gowri understands that growing a diverse STEM field starts with nurturing an interest and finding creative ways to get children involved.

Bringing Out the Voice in Others

Gowri recognizes the challenges that come with being a woman in STEM, and encourages women interested in this career path not to get discouraged.

When asked for her advice, Gowri shared, “The right opportunity may be just around the corner. Find mentors who can support you both inside and outside of the organization, and trust that if you believe in something, it’s worth being firm and speaking up about it.”

As Gowri continues her work in the STEM field, she remains committed to inspiring others to harness their voice for positive change and being a pioneer for future leaders.

As an important part of Bath & Body Works’ ESG journey, we’re working to create lasting, positive impacts through sustainable sourcing practices. Beginning in 2023, we partnered with Antea Group, an international expert in sustainability, to build a tool that allows us to better understand the social and environmental implications of the materials used in the most important areas of our business (for both merchandise and non-merchandise purchasing). This tool was developed to help support our ESG commitments toward improving the sustainability profile of priority ingredients and contributing to resilient communities.

Based on this initial assessment, we embarked on our journey to pilot programs that help us make progress on our commitments, starting with Madagascan vanilla.

Madagascar is the largest source of natural vanilla for Bath & Body Works and grows the majority of the world’s Vanilla Planifolia species. Madagascar is rich in biodiversity, but the impacts of natural catastrophes, such as droughts, and economic conditions pose a risk to vanilla farmers.

Through a new partnership with the Givaudan Foundation, we’re working to improve the living conditions of Madagascan vanilla farmers. We are subsidizing 3,000 Madagascan-produced, energy-efficient cookstoves over three years for 3,000 farming households in the Sava region of Madagascar, which is where most of the natural vanilla in our products originates.

Similar projects like this in the past have shown to:

Reduce number of trees harvested to use as fuel in cooking.Reduce time spent by households to collect firewood.Reduce smoke exposure for households.Create local jobs as stove resellers in the region.

We believe that finding ways to positively impact these farmers is the right thing to do to help ensure this ingredient is available for future generations. We look forward to using learnings from our Madagascan vanilla program to learn, grow and most importantly, deepen our focus on what truly matters — our people, communities and planet.