Tag: 3BL

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

Home for the holidays has an entirely new meaning for Cydni O’Meally.

In early December, the U.S. Navy Veteran received a brand new, fully furnished home in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, from Operation Homefront in partnership with U.S. Bank and homebuilder Veridian Homes.

O’Meally had been living in California and moving to the new home brought her closer to her sister, who also lives in Wisconsin.

This is the fourth mortgage-free home U.S. Bank donated to veterans this year, bringing the total to 30 homes valued at a combined amount of $8.1 million since 2013. Watch the video above to see O’Meally’s story.

Global trade is the lifeblood of modern economies, but the logistics that underpin it often leave a hefty environmental and social footprint. This is especially true in emerging markets, where infrastructure gaps, socio-economic challenges, and environmental vulnerabilities collide. DP World, however, is on a mission to change this reality. Armed with an ambitious sustainability strategy and a recent Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure (SDID), we are setting new benchmarks for sustainable logistics across regions like South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Why does this matter? Because these regions are not just hubs of untapped opportunity—they’re also the frontlines for addressing global challenges such as climate change, gender inequality, and economic disparity. If the logistics sector is going to drive positive change, companies like ours must lead the charge. Here’s how we’re doing it.

Decarbonizing Ports, One Crane at a Time

As bustling hubs of diesel-powered equipment, heavy emissions, and energy-intensive operations, ports have not historically been known for their eco-friendliness. But DP World is rewriting that narrative. In Brazil, for example, we have committed over $16.2 million to electrify Rubber-Tired Gantry (RTG) cranes at the Santos terminal, slashing diesel consumption by up to 60%. By 2030, DP World aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% and 62%, respectively, aligning with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Meanwhile, in Ecuador, our Sembrando Vida project has planted over 250,000 mangrove seedlings across 105 hectares in El Morro and Puná Island. This initiative not only removes 2,460 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere but also benefits 400 local families by rehabilitating ecosystems that support their livelihoods – success that led the 2022 IAPH Sustainability Awards to award the project the Climate & Energy category.

In Argentina, we are purchasing 95% renewable energy—sourced from wind power—for operations at Terminal Río de la Plata (TRP). This shift will significantly reduce carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, demonstrating that renewable energy is a game changer for port operations.

Empowering Local Workforces and Women

In many emerging markets, access to formal employment and technical skills remains a significant barrier to socio-economic mobility. DP World is addressing these gaps head-on. In the Dominican Republic, the Visión Futuro program in Boca Chica focuses on empowering at-risk youth through education and training. Since its launch in 2021, the program has provided technical and vocational training to 658 young people, helping them secure better job opportunities or start entrepreneurial ventures. Additionally, life skills and leadership workshops are designed to prepare participants for success in a competitive labor market.

Women’s empowerment is another critical focus of this program. Through targeted initiatives, Visión Futuro has created networks to prevent adolescent pregnancy while reaching over 1,155 young women with education and support. By addressing gender-specific challenges, DP World is helping young women in Boca Chica build more sustainable futures. Moreover, the program not only focuses on education and employment but also fosters community engagement. By encouraging the development of socially responsible microenterprises, the program has empowered 836 young people to become active participants in their local economies.

In Suriname, we’ve also made strides toward inclusion and empowerment. During International Women’s Day 2023, workshops for female employees promoted professional development and leadership. These efforts reflect DP World’s broader commitment to fostering gender equity and building stronger communities. During Global Volunteering Week in 2023, 21 volunteers renovated the Lobato School, directly benefiting 2,438 individuals. These efforts strengthen local infrastructure and create economic opportunities while demonstrating the power of collaboration to achieve sustainable development.

Tackling Waste and Promoting Circular Economies

Sustainability isn’t just about reducing emissions—it’s also about smarter resource use. DP World’s Brazilian operations are leading the way with our Zero Landfill Project. At the Santos terminal, 39% of waste is recycled, 20% is transformed into biofuel, and the remaining 41% is processed through methods like composting and wastewater treatment. In 2023, this initiative earned the terminal Brazil’s first-ever Gold Standard certification for GHG emissions inventory.

In Suriname, our Go Green Week initiative in September 2023 involved planting 50 mangrove trees as part of a broader effort to promote coastal resilience and biodiversity. Meanwhile, during World Clean Up Day, DP World volunteers cleaned the vicinity of SPS Port, contributing to healthier local environments and fostering community pride.

In the Dominican Republic, our programs emphasize the importance of sustainable practices through youth engagement. For example, the Visión Futuro program supports socially responsible microenterprises, encouraging young entrepreneurs to think beyond traditional linear production models and embrace circular economies.

Aligning with Global Goals

DP World’s sustainability efforts are not just about ticking boxes—they’re part of our broader alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From promoting gender equality (SDG 5) to fostering decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), our initiatives are designed to create systemic change.

This work is all underscored by our pioneering Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure (SDID), a framework that goes beyond traditional ESG metrics to include socio-economic impacts like job creation, education, and healthcare access. This work represents DP World’s ambition to prove that the logistics sector can be a force for good—especially in emerging markets.

For us sustainable logistics is not just a buzzword, but a business imperative.

Want to find out more about why and how? Download a copy of our Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure.

Authored by Cindy Bratel

As industries navigate through the era of technological advancement, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer an optional initiative but an essential driver of business success. Organizations across manufacturing, utility and asset-intensive sectors are witnessing a fundamental shift in how they operate, maintain assets and deliver value to customers. This transformation is noteworthy as it touches every aspect of operations from shop floor efficiency to customer service excellence while simultaneously addressing global challenges such as workforce shortages and supply chain disruptions.

The digital transformation journey begins with data as a critical success factor. Organizations are recognizing that data strategies must be considered early to ensure the successful deployment of new solutions. This understanding helps organizations evaluate and maintain their data health throughout their transformation journey.

AI usage can even enhance Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms by automating routine tasks, improving accuracy in data and providing predictive analytics for overall better decision-making. The IFS.ai platform unifies data from a variety of sources in order to enhance productivity and efficiency across operations in key industries.

Leveraging AI to streamline manufacturing 

The manufacturing sector, historically cautious in adopting technologies, is undergoing a mindset shift. Today’s manufacturing companies are embracing AI and automation solutions to address concurrent challenges. Digital innovations are helping manufacturers maintain competitive advantage while dealing with persistent challenges. Key use cases include:

Advanced predictive maintenance systems for critical equipmentAI-powered supply chain optimization to mitigate parts shortagesAutomated quality control systems leveraging machine learningDigital twins for process optimization and scenario planningRobotic process automation (RPA) in financial and administrative processesIntegrated workforce management to address labor shortagesReal-time production monitoring and optimizing systems

AI-powered insights for the utilities sector 

The utilities and energy sector faces unique challenges in balancing reliability requirements with modernization initiatives. The stakes are particularly high in this sector where service interruptions can have significant financial implications. The sector is seeing improvements through:

Failure prediction models using industrial AIAdvanced health monitoring systemsIntegrated maintenance planning platformsRapid response systems for service restorationPredictive analytics for resource allocationAI technologies for improved distribution management

Customer experience enhancement 

It is crucial that technological advancements ultimately translate into improved customer experience, bridging the gap between operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. The solutions that report improvements in customer satisfaction:

End-to-end traceability systems for product trackingMobile first solutions for field techniciansReal-time status updates and communication platformsAutomated reporting and documentation systemsPredictive service scheduling based on usage patternsIntegrated customer communication platformsSelf-service portals with AI assistance

A move towards sustainability 

What’s particularly interesting is how AI is helping organizations tackle broader challenges they face today. From monitoring environmental impact to managing carbon footprint, AI is being utilized to balance operational needs with social responsibility. The public interest is becoming a key factor in how technologies are being deployed, showing a shift towards more sustainable business practices. This evolution in thinking is pushing organizations to exceed their initial expectations and redefine what’s possible in their industries.

Ready to get started? 

AI in industries is revolutionizing how businesses operate and adapt to market changes. With IFS solutions, companies can leverage AI to unlock powerful insights, automate routine tasks and maintain a competitive edge while seamlessly integrating advanced technologies into their core operations. As an IFS reseller and system integrator, Baker Tilly customizes each IFS Cloud implementation based on the client, their industry and their team’s business transformation goals. Baker Tilly believes in an ‘industry-first’ approach allowing us to work with customers to deliver maximum value with IFS solutions.

Learn more

Interested in learning more? Connect with a Baker Tilly specialist.

This article is authored by Riaz Raihan, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer, Trane Technologies.

From big city skyscrapers and suburban shopping centers to small town storefronts and rural manufacturing facilities, commercial buildings vary widely – but there’s one thing they all have in common. They use, and can waste, a lot of energy.

Unpredictable factors such as weather conditions and building occupancy levels have long led to a building’s energy inefficiencies. Today, new technologies, including thermal management systems and thermal storage, waste heat recovery and all-electric heat pumps, are increasing buildings’ energy efficiency levels while drastically shrinking their carbon footprint.

But in a continually warming world, demand for cooling is only increasing. As such, HVAC systems play a crucial role in our shared vision for a net-zero future – and their integration of advanced AI technology is supercharging what’s possible for reducing built environment emissions.

Ironically, the keys to a not-so-distant future where commercial buildings operate more efficiently, waste less energy and reduce emissions can be found in one of the largest and fastest-growing consumers of energy: data centers.

Demand-Side Energy Management

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, data centers consume anywhere from 10 to 50 times more energy than a typical commercial building and account for about 2% of total U.S. electricity consumption. As a result of AI, demand for energy is expected to nearly double or even triple in the next few years.

Everyone is talking about the supply side of this equation. How much power will need to be generated to meet that increased demand, how to add more renewable energy sources and how can we green the grid?

As a global climate innovator and leading provider of HVAC systems, we are focused on the generated power that’s being wasted – what we call demand-side management. We’ve done hundreds of thousands of energy audits in buildings and have found that most operate about 30% inefficiently.

Do the math. Data centers today use just 2% of our electricity supply, yet approximately 30% of the energy deployed to buildings is being wasted.

Can you imagine how much energy we could save if we solved that problem? If we could make buildings and their assets perform the way they were designed to, while improving wasted energy and overall consumption?

The great news is we can, and we are.

By connecting a building’s assets, using technology like digital twins and leveraging an experienced and vast service capability, we can keep those assets operating at their original level of performance – basically reversing the aging process. This helps our customers lower both their carbon footprint and electric bill, what our company views as tangible “green for green” action.

And, by leveraging AI and real-time data management, sophisticated controls and building automation systems and continuous commissioning – we are advancing innovative digitization technologies that are enabling even further energy and cost savings.

So, rather than focusing on how AI is using more and more energy, we need a mindset shift toward how AI can help us dramatically reduce energy demand and emissions.

While it’s easy to get lost in the numbers, the data tells a simple, but compelling, story: We can have a much greater impact by addressing energy waste and reducing energy demand – with AI serving as a major leverage point in our ability to do so successfully.

Purpose-Built AI For HVAC

Investing in purpose-built AI-for-HVAC is centered around reducing demand-side energy consumption. Of course, developing highly efficient thermal management systems that communicate with building controls to optimize the equipment and manage overall energy demand based on data is only one part of the solution.

We continuously innovate and enhance our products to operate more efficiently and lower their energy use. For many years, we’ve also used AI and structured data, such as sensor-based indoor temperature readings, to help optimize energy consumption and enable predictive maintenance. Now, we’re adding unstructured data – think weather patterns, building occupancy levels and pollution conditions – to drive even more efficiency.

Both structured and unstructured data can help reveal actionable patterns and correlations that were not previously recognizable. HVAC systems must become smarter, learning how to respond and react in real time to changing conditions, including energy pricing fluctuations. These insights can help improve decision-making, optimize performance and advance innovation.

Overcoming A Few Challenges

While the benefits of AI-driven HVAC systems are substantial, implementing these solutions is not without challenge.

One common barrier to adoption is the perception that major investment is required. While initial costs may be incurred depending on factors such as building size, system complexity and age, or data source availability, AI solutions can help enable significant, long-term energy savings and increased efficiency – often resulting in paybacks of only one to three years, based on my experience.

Collecting and managing vast amounts of data from various sensors and sources also poses challenges in terms of accuracy, security and privacy. Ensuring that the data used by AI systems is reliable and protected is crucial for the successful implementation and operation of these technologies.

The Real Value

For HVAC systems, the truest value of its technologies is the energy that’s saved, which provides a direct, immediate and positive impact on a building’s carbon footprint while also delivering lower costs. And AI technology is proving itself as a catalyst for HVAC systems to not only reduce energy waste and lower energy consumption but also reduce emissions.

Collectively, we need fresh thinking on the real value of AI. We must rethink how it can help us dramatically reduce energy demand, and emissions. This could be a win for the planet, and for business, too.

This article was originally published at Forbes.

LEEDS, England, January 9, 2025 /3BL/ – Antea Group UK is proud to announce the appointment of Kate Baker as Chair of the Society of Brownfield Risk Assessment (SoBRA) for the years 2025 and 2026.

SoBRA, a prestigious not-for-profit organization established in 2009, is dedicated to supporting professionals in the land contamination sector. Its mission is to enhance technical expertise, uphold professional standards, and promote excellence in the evaluation of land contamination risks. The society is renowned for providing accreditation and guidance to practitioners, thereby raising standards in the field of brownfield land assessment.

Kate Baker, who brings over 30 years of experience as a consultant in land contamination, will lead the SoBRA Executive Committee. Kate has extensive experience in assessing ground contamination risks for clients across various sectors, specializing in human health risk assessment. As an Accredited SoBRA Human Health Risk Assessor, she is well-equipped to guide the organization in its pursuit of excellence.

“I am honored to be appointed as Chair of SoBRA,” said Kate Baker. “Working with the Executive Committee over the past few years has been a privilege. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the outgoing Chair, Jo Wilding, for her remarkable leadership and support. During my tenure, the Executive Committee will strive to uphold SoBRA’s esteemed reputation as a source of knowledge and best practice guidance in the brownfield risk assessment sector.”

This appointment underscores Antea Group’s commitment to expertise in land contamination risk assessment. With a proven track record of addressing complex contamination challenges, Antea Group is uniquely positioned to provide tailored solutions for clients. The firm leverages the extensive PFAS expertise of Antea Group USA and the global resources of the Inogen Alliance network to effectively manage PFAS-related projects.

For more information about SoBRA and their committee, please visit https://sobra.org.uk.

About Antea Group 
Antea Group® is an environmental, health, safety, and sustainability consulting firm with operations in Europe, Asia and the Americas. By combining strategic thinking with technical expertise, we do more than effectively solve client challenges; we deliver sustainable results for a better future. We work in partnership with and advise many of the world’s most sustainable companies to address EHS-business challenges in a way that fits their pace and unique objectives. Our consultants equip organisations to better understand threats, capture opportunities and find their position of strength. Learn more at www.anteagroup.uk.

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

By Kasturi Mudulodu, President, GoDaddy Commerce 

GoDaddy’s primary goal is to empower entrepreneurs everywhere, making opportunity more inclusive for all. 

We aim to assist our small business customers in boosting sales and saving valuable time and money. 

While many recognize GoDaddy for its domain and web services, the company has evolved into so much more.

It’s why I was thrilled to showcase our latest AI-powered product suite in front of Money 20/20 USA, and share GoDaddy’s vision to revolutionize commerce for small businesses globally.

GoDaddy Airo™ simplifies commerce for entrepreneurs 

With nearly 21 million customers, GoDaddy has the unique ability to connect with entrepreneurs directly and understand their needs.

Our GoDaddy Venture Forward research indicates that nearly half of small business owners believe generative AI will help them compete with larger enterprises.

And so, at Money 20/20, we introduced attendees to Kiki, an imagined example of a small business owner based on all the challenges we know entrepreneurs face. 

We followed Kiki as she navigated the challenges of running a clothing boutique in Palo Alto. Through engaging demos, we explained how GoDaddy AiroTM, our AI-powered experience, can revolutionize the journey for entrepreneurs like Kiki.

For instance, imagine Kiki could, in a very conversational manner, share her business idea with GoDaddy Airo and have it instantly generate both a catchy domain name and a customizable website.

Or, what if Kiki could simply upload her existing product catalog and have Airo digitize it for in-person and online sales? With AI capabilities, GoDaddy Airo can and does analyze image data, create an online catalog within seconds, and provide suggestions for product descriptions and pricing.

Fortunately for Kiki and many others, these features are readily available through GoDaddy Airo, which seamlessly addresses and eliminates many of the top challenges faced by entrepreneurs.

GoDaddy Airo helps small businesses get online quickly, create marketing materials, build product catalogs, manage inventory, facilitate online and in-person sales, post on social media, and more. 

By democratizing omnichannel commerce and enhancing accessibility, GoDaddy Airo streamlines operations and enables small businesses to succeed in the digital age.

GenAI offers small business owners high growth potential 

The future of commerce is brimming with possibilities through GenAI. The developments presented at Money 20/20 highlight the transformative power of technology in driving business growth and efficiency.

In fact, GoDaddy consumer data confirmed that GoDaddy Airo users:

Earn up to 40% more in sales with automatic catalog creation.Attract up to 21% more traffic with a logo through GoDaddy Airo.Get up to 30% more Facebook page impressions with AI-generated posts.

Most importantly, GoDaddy Airo removes the often-time-consuming tasks from a small business owner’s plate and gives them time back to focus on what’s most important to them. 

Reflecting on our experience at Money 20/20, I extend my gratitude to the community for embracing our vision and eagerness to redefine commerce for small businesses.

Our steadfast commitment to helping entrepreneurs motivates us to collaborate with industry leaders and innovators, shaping a future where small businesses thrive.

Catch a glimpse of my Money 20/20 presentation, here. 

And for a more in-depth conversation, tune into the special edition episode of The Disruption is Now, live from Money 20/20’s MoneyPot Podcast studio, where I spoke with host Greg Matusky, Founder and CEO at Gregory FCA.

Join me on this journey as we continue to shape the future of commerce for small businesses globally.

Kasturi Mudulodu leads GoDaddy’s commerce division, focusing on empowering entrepreneurs with robust ecommerce platforms and innovative point-of-sale systems. These solutions, coupled with competitive payment processing services, are designed to help businesses succeed online and offline, aligning with GoDaddy’s commitment to comprehensive, accessible commerce tools. 

Originally published on HARMAN Newsroom

ES 2025 – LAS VEGAS, January 8, 2025 /3BL/ – Imagine stepping into a car that doesn’t just respond to your commands but understands your needs, adapts to your preferences, and creates an environment that understands and uniquely engages with you. HARMAN, the automotive technology leader and subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., is making that vision a reality. At CES 2025, HARMAN is unveiling the next evolution of its groundbreaking innovations—a suite of intelligent, contextual technologies and products that are redefining what it means to drive and ride in a car.

It’s no secret that the automotive industry is undergoing a consumer-technology revolution. Expectations for vehicles are no longer limited to performance and reliability; today’s drivers and passengers demand integrated, personalized experiences akin to the smart devices they use daily. And for years, HARMAN has been at the forefront of in-cabin innovation, turning the car into a connected, responsive hub of activity. HARMAN’s products like Ready Upgrade, Ready Care, and Ready Display, infuse vehicles with a “brain,” “senses,” and a “voice.” More recently, HARMAN leveraged sensors and feedback loops in automotive products such as Seat Sonic for immersive audio, Ready Vision for augmented reality displays, and Ready Connect for ubiquitous connectivity to the outside world.

Now, HARMAN is propelling the industry further once again. With the latest enhancements to its Ready product portfolio being unveiled at CES 2025, HARMAN is making cars not only smarter but empathetic.

First, HARMAN introduces “Luna,” an avatar powered by Ready Engage, its new emotionally intelligent AI system. “Luna” personalizes interactions through voice and visuals, fostering a natural and intuitive bond between occupants and technology. Integrated with the advanced Ready Vision products, including the award-winning QVUE windshield display, it delivers immersive augmented reality features like dynamic street visualization and transparent hood views to elevate safety, comfort, and engagement. Fully customizable by each automaker, the Ready Engage AI system redefines the in-cabin experience by deeply connecting to its occupants’ needs and environments.

Helping to power these innovations are HARMAN’s Ready Upgrade cockpit domain controllers and HARMAN central compute unit (CCU) platforms. These serve as the “brain” behind intelligent in-cabin experiences, seamlessly integrating products like Ready Engage into vehicles. Ready Upgrade reduces development cycles and costs with turnkey solutions, enabling software updates as fast as every 3 months and vehicle launch updates in as little as 6 months. HARMAN’s collaboration with HL Klemove takes this innovation further, delivering a light CCU based on HARMAN Ready Upgrade and HL Klemove’s Level 2 software stack and ADAS sensor set. This collaboration unites HARMAN’s deep in-cabin expertise and HL Klemove’s market-proven ADAS solutions. In the next level of their collaboration, HARMAN and HL Klemove are now developing a product-grade CCU platform that will integrate their latest cockpit and ADAS feature sets and offer automakers shorter time to market and full flexibility to customize.

“HARMAN is pioneering the next frontier in automotive technology by translating user states and situational understanding into truly contextual in-cabin experiences,” said Armin Prommersberger, Chief Technology Officer at HARMAN International. “HARMAN’s portfolio of intelligent solutions is the most comprehensive in the industry, and our products go beyond proven, technical excellence. We help OEMs deliver differentiation and deeper engagement for their customers, making us the transformation partner of choice for automakers.”

At CES 2025, HARMAN will demonstrate its newest products, each designed to work individually and together as integrated solutions. HARMAN’s suite of Ready products redefine in-cabin experiences with innovations that adapt to evolving consumer and automaker needs. Other highlights include:

A New Frontier for Safety and Comfort

HARMAN’s Ready portfolio brings vehicles to life with empathetic, in-cabin systems that understand and adapt to driver and passenger needs. By integrating advanced sensors, actuators, and immersive displays, these technologies support safe and more comfortable journeys. The Ready Care in-cabin monitoring product takes empathy to the next level, using AI and neuroscience to monitor a driver’s cognitive and visual load as well as breathing rate to detect distraction or drowsiness, offering real-time, tailored interventions to reduce stress and enhance focus. Meanwhile, the new Ready Aware vehicle-to-network (V2N) software-as-a-service (SaaS) product adds situational intelligence by delivering precise, machine-learning-powered alerts that anticipate road hazards and enhance decision-making, creating a driving experience that feels smarter, safer, and more personalized. HARMAN’s Ready Display, powered by Samsung Neo QLED, now features boosted brightness levels—critical in automotive environments for optimal visibility in varying light conditions.

Connected Mobility—Anytime, Anywhere

HARMAN’s Ready Connect suite of telematics control units (TCUs) infuses intelligence and empathy into connectivity by ensuring vehicles remain reliably connected, even in remote areas. By enabling modular upgrades from 4G to 5G and then from 5G to satellite communication, Ready Connect keeps vehicles in touch with the world while reducing development complexity for automakers. Achieving an industry-first milestone by bringing satellite communication to a TCU, Ready Connect supports entertainment, productivity, and situational awareness, fostering a driving experience where technology understands and responds to the needs of its occupants at any moment.

Your Software and Implementation Partner for Automotive Intelligence

HARMAN’s Ready Link Marketplace offers tailored in-car apps, services, and features, enabling automakers to unlock recurring revenue and extend vehicle lifecycles. With over 150 apps and value-driven features like predictive adaptive cruise control, automakers can enhance user engagement and deliver personalized, evolving experiences. Supporting this, HARMAN Automotive Engineering Services (AES) bridges integration challenges by ensuring efficient deployment of software-driven products, enabling automakers to bring solutions to market faster and more effectively.

Driving the Future of Contextually Intelligent In-Vehicle Experiences Today

HARMAN’s Ready portfolio redefines in-cabin experiences with innovations that adapt to evolving consumer and automaker needs. By combining Samsung’s consumer-tech expertise with HARMAN’s automotive innovation, the company is uniquely positioned to deliver transformative, intuitive, and empathetic technologies for the vehicles of today and tomorrow.

Each of these products will be on display as HARMAN returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center during CES 2025. For more information, visit the HARMAN CES 2025 press kit.

###

ABOUT HARMAN

HARMAN (harman.com) designs and engineers connected products and solutions for automakers, consumers, and enterprises worldwide, including connected car systems, audio and visual products, enterprise automation solutions; and services supporting the Internet of Things. With leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson® and Revel®, HARMAN is admired by audiophiles, musicians and the entertainment venues where they perform around the world. More than 50 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and connected car systems. Our software services power billions of mobile devices and systems that are connected, integrated and secure across all platforms, from work and home to car and mobile. HARMAN has a workforce of approximately 30,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. In March 2017, HARMAN became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

For more information, contact: 

Jessica Sader 

Communications Manager, Automotive 

jessica.sader@harman.com 

I’ve only been at Quest Diagnostics for one year, but I’m Team Quest. I don’t plan on leaving.

I’ve been mastering music and creating beats since 1998. I like R&B and techno. But after COVID hit, I was looking to do something new and wanted a job where I could be active.

After trying to drive and deliver with a few companies and working graveyard shifts, Quest reached out to me.

I said to myself, “That sounds like a good job.” I applied and it has worked out for me.

I’m an advanced swing route services representative, which means I know every route. I can cover any route if there is a call-out or someone is on vacation. I am a fast learner, and this keeps things from getting boring.

I am walking sometimes 10,000 to 15,000 steps a day now. I am outside and talking to people. I’m not the type of person who could do the same route and same thing every day. I would stagnate. I like working mornings, nights, weekends. I like to move around and keep going. I’m never the “no” guy. To me, it isn’t a hard job – it’s fun.

No matter what kind of music you make, it’s about mastering it. That’s what I’m doing at Quest. I’m always looking to improve my skill level and keep things interesting.

Interested in a purpose-driven career? Check out the Quest Careers site: Working at Quest Diagnostics

Originally published by Project Syndicate

With artificial intelligence poised to reshape industries worldwide, a paradox is emerging. Despite growing demand for people with the knowledge to leverage the technology’s potential, AI-related skills remain in short supply. 

The scarcity of AI-related skills – from proficiency in machine learning, prompt engineering, and data science to an understanding of AI’s ethical implications – is becoming a major obstacle to deploying the technology effectively.

Continue reading here. 

Originally published in Lenovo’s 2023/24 ESG Report

Other air emissions

Lenovo’s baseline environmental engineering specification prohibits the use of ozone-depleting substances in its products and manufacturing processes except in HVAC and fire-suppression equipment as permitted by law which are managed in accordance with local regulations, and intentional releases are prohibited. Lenovo’s EMS requires the release of chemical substances to be reported as an environmental incident, including unintentional releases. During FY 2023/24, there were no reported incidents of refrigerant releases. Lenovo’s operational processes do not have significant (as defined by Lenovo’s SEA process) direct air emissions such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and particulate matter (PM). In addition, Lenovo has no wet chemical or industrial processes that use volatile organic compounds (VOC) and thus has no point sources of VOC. Household and cleaning products that contain small quantities of VOC are used at some of its facilities but associated fugitive emissions are minimal and are not quantified.

Climate change risks and opportunities and management

The significant risks and opportunities associated with climate change are identified and evaluated as part of two main processes within Lenovo’s business management systems. These include its Group Risk Management and Control (GRMC) process and its annual significant environmental aspect evaluation.

These two processes are connected, meaning that if climate change risks are identified in the global risk registration, they are considered in the environmental aspects’ analysis – and vice versa.

Lenovo’s formal risk management process covers all areas of Lenovo’s strategic, operational, financial, legal, regulatory and compliance risks, among which include the risk of natural catastrophes to the security of people and operational efficiencies, such as supply chain disruptions and the risk of non-compliance with ESG requirements or regulations. Each major business unit and function is required to identify risks and assess their impacts on Lenovo’s strategy execution, then develop mitigation plans for select identified risks. This process is managed by Lenovo’s Group Risk Management and Control (GRMC) team.Energy consumption, the associated GHG emissions, and net-zero targets are identified as significant environmental aspects and impacts for Lenovo. As such, associated risks and opportunities are evaluated and prioritized annually based on its significant aspect methodology in accordance with the requirements of Lenovo’s EMS. Per these requirements, climate change is evaluated relative to its actual and potential influence on the environment and the business. This process is managed by Lenovo’s Global ESG team. The results of this evaluation are considered in the ERM process described above.

Lenovo’s climate risk assessment in FY 2023/24 also included climate scenario analysis to explore how physical and transition risks and opportunities of climate change can impact its business. The climate scenario analysis indicates that climate risks may result in negative impacts to Lenovo, however, the impact of opportunities under 1.5º C scenario is positive and much higher if Lenovo is proactive in exploring climate-related opportunities, including new products such as sustainability services offered to customers. Therefore, Lenovo has committed to reduce 90% of full scope emissions to keep global warming potential within 1.5º C and continues to broaden its product offerings in sustainability services and other areas.

Its ESG materiality assessment identifies energy and emissions as material topics that it should prioritize and focus on in its environmental programs. In support of UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 – Climate Action, one of Lenovo’s ESG pillars includes a climate action goal. More details about Lenovo’s materiality assessment and how its goals align with the SDGs are available in Section 2.0.

For more information about Lenovo’s identification and assessment of climate-related risks and opportunities, metrics, and actions to address climate change, please read Lenovo’s responses to the most recent CDP Climate questionnaire.

In 2023, Lenovo scored an A– “Leadership Level” on CDP’s Climate Change questionnaire which reflects its performance toward environmental stewardship through climate change mitigation practices in its operations and supply chain.

Read more