Leonard Robinson hosts the the “Faith and Sustainability” podcast every week, as a ministry of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta.
It’s a journey to explore how faith and sustainability connect. Guests appearing in each episode include environmental experts and influential members of different faith traditions. Meet them at the corner of faith and sustainability.
Click here to hear this week’s interview with Jaime Lanier, trustee of the Ray C. Anderson Foundation.
Today, KeyBank announced Natasha Martin has been named Corporate Responsibility Officer for its Dayton, Cincinnati and Central Ohio markets. In this position, she is part of the enterprise-wide corporate responsibility team that oversees the philanthropic budget and investment strategies to meet community needs, as well as create and maintain relationships with community-based, charitable and non-profit organizations. In addition, she will oversee KeyBank’s Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) compliance goals.
Martin, hired at Key in 2020, has more than three decades of banking experience. Most recently, she served as the Community Center Branch Manager at the North Main branch in Dayton, focusing on directing daily branch operations, developing strategies to increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, managing financial performance and establishing strong internal and external relationships.
Prior to joining KeyBank, Martin spent time as a home lending processor where she reviewed loan applications and credit documentation, analyzed customer financial history for eligibility and assessed borrower metrics to determine loan decisions.
“We are delighted to welcome Natasha to our team and know she will be a vital asset, given her extensive experience with our clients in the branches,” said Stacy Thompson, SVP, Sr. Mgr. Corporate Responsibility and Community Engagement. “We are impressed with Natasha’s passion and dedication to community service and look forward to her support of KeyBank’s robust community outreach efforts.”
A native of Dayton, Martin is active in the community, serving as a board member of Wesley Community Center, the Greater Dayton Realtist and providing financial education services to many community-based COIs.
ABOUT KEYBANK
KeyCorp’s roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $190 billion at September 30, 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 is Member FDIC.
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In this special episode of ESG Talk, Mandi McReynolds reflects on pivotal climate conversations leading up to Davos, revisiting key discussions from Climate Week NYC and COP29 in Azerbaijan. Joined by Steve Soter and Mike Gravagno, they dive into insights from professionals across industries, exploring the goals, challenges, and outcomes of these critical conferences. Tune in for a look at how these global events are shaping the future of sustainability initiatives.
Looking for more? Subscribe to the ESG Talk podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.
ESG Talk is brought to you by Workiva, the world’s only unified platform for financial reporting, ESG, audit, and risk. Learn more at workiva.com.
SHANGHAI, January 17, 2025 /3BL/ – Yum China Holdings, Inc. (the “Company” or “Yum China”) (NYSE: YUMC; HKEX: 9987) today announced that the Company has been ranked number one globally for the Restaurant & Leisure Facilities Industry in the S&P Global 2024 Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). Yum China has been selected as a member of both the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI): World Index (DJSI World) and Emerging Market Index (DJSI Emerging Markets) for the fifth consecutive year.
Yum China stands out as the only company from the Chinese mainland in the consumer services industry included in the DJSI World Index. This year, Yum China has significantly improved its performance in the S&P CSA, with its overall score increasing by 5 points compared to last year. Among 24 CSA evaluation criteria, it ranked in the top 1% in 15 criteria, demonstrating notable advancements particularly in Supply Chain Management, Human Capital Management, and Customer Relations. These enhancements highlight the Company’s dedicated efforts and substantial progress over the past year.
The Company also received a peer-leading S&P Global ESG score and continued to perform excellently among other major international ESG rating agencies. In June 2024, Yum China maintained its AA rating in the MSCI ESG ratings for the third consecutive year, remaining the only restaurant company worldwide with this distinction.
These achievements collectively reflect Yum China’s long-term commitment and outstanding performance in ESG. Yum China is committed to creating a responsible ecosystem and aligning with stakeholders across its entire value chain to make impactful progress on ESG.
In 2024, Yum China further advanced its commitment to sustainability with key initiatives such as scaling up the use of renewable energy in its stores and logistics centers, engaging suppliers to adopt renewable energy, reducing the use of plastic and paper in packaging, and establishing a nationwide coffee ground recycling network. The Company was awarded the “Gold Award” for Recycling and Circular Utilization Solutions at the 2024 International Packaging Innovation Forum (IPIF).
For more information on Yum China’s corporate sustainability and CSR initiatives, please visit: https://www.yumchina.com/sustainability/en/home/Index
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including under “2024 Outlook.” We intend all forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and by the use of forward-looking words such as “expect,” “expectation,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “may,” “could,” “intend,” “belief,” “plan,” “estimate,” “target,” “predict,” “project,” “likely,” “will,” “continue,” “should,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “commit” or similar terminology. These statements are based on current estimates and assumptions made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that we believe are appropriate and reasonable under the circumstances, but there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the future strategies, growth, business plans, and dividend and share repurchase plans. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance and are inherently subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and could cause our actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by those statements. We cannot assure you that any of our expectations, estimates or assumptions will be achieved. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are only made as of the date of this press release, and we disclaim any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law. Numerous factors could cause our actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Our plan of capital returns to shareholders is based on current expectations, which may change based on market conditions, capital needs or otherwise. In addition, other risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial could affect the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements should be evaluated with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty. You should consult our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including the information set forth under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q) for additional detail about factors that could affect our financial and other results.
About Yum China Holdings, Inc.
Yum China is the largest restaurant company in China with a mission to make every life taste beautiful. The Company has approximately 400,000 employees and operates over 15,000 restaurants under six brands across around 2,200 cities in China. KFC and Pizza Hut are the leading brands in the quick-service and casual dining restaurant spaces in China, respectively. In addition, Yum China has partnered with Lavazza to develop the Lavazza coffee concept in China. Little Sheep and Huang Ji Huang specialize in Chinese cuisine. Taco Bell offers innovative Mexican-inspired food. Yum China has a world-class, digitalized supply chain, which includes an extensive network of logistics centers nationwide and an in-house supply chain management system. Its strong digital capabilities and loyalty program enable the Company to reach customers faster and serve them better. Yum China is a Fortune 500 company with the vision to be the world’s most innovative pioneer in the restaurant industry. For more information, please visit http://ir.yumchina.com.
Contacts
Investor Relations Contact:
Tel: +86 21 2407 7556
IR@YumChina.com
Media Contact:
Tel: +86 21 2407 8288 / +852 2267 5807
Media@YumChina.com
View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/yum-china-leads-the-restaurant–leisure-facilities-industry-for-the-fifth-consecutive-year-on-the-dow-jones-sustainability-index-302346882.html
SOURCE Yum China Holdings, Inc.
Key Points
The Bluestone natural gas plant has become the only facility in the U.S. natural gas processing sector ever to achieve the EPA’s ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry.Bluestone, part of Marathon Petroleum’s midstream segment, MPLX, surpassed the requirement of lowering its energy intensity by 10% within a five-year period.This feat allowed Bluestone to host an ENERGY STAR Industrial Showcase to highlight its progress for stakeholders, legislators and members of other industries.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR® program is celebrating the Bluestone natural gas plant in Pennsylvania as the first facility of its kind ever to achieve the ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry. Bluestone, part of Marathon Petroleum Corporation’s (MPC) midstream segment, MPLX, recently received the honor of hosting an ENERGY STAR Industrial Showcase, drawing comparisons to historic global figures.
“In 1954, Roger Bannister became the first man ever to run a mile in less than four minutes. My hope is that Bluestone will be the Bannister of gas processing plant energy efficiency, the path finder that shows the industry what can be done and leads to a cascade of more energy-efficient gas processing plants,” said ENERGY STAR Senior Industrial Energy Advisor Michael Younis.
“My hope is that Bluestone will be the path finder that shows the industry what can be done and leads to a cascade of more energy-efficient gas processing plants.”
Achieving the challenge for industry requires facilities to reduce their energy intensity by 10% within a five-year period. A 12-month rolling average of data showed that Bluestone’s energy intensity decreased almost 15% from its established baseline. This is the equivalent of avoiding carbon dioxide emissions from the electricity use of about 1,288 homes in a year. The plant’s absolute energy consumption decreased 9% at a constant throughput.
“We are taking the lessons learned here at Bluestone and implementing these practices at our facilities in Houston, Pennsylvania, and Sherwood, West Virginia,” said MPLX Vice President, East Region Gathering and Processing Operations, Harold Rinehart who was one of the showcase’s speakers. “Working with ENERGY STAR is a true partnership where doing the right thing for the right reason is rewarded.”
MPC and MPLX President and Chief Executive Officer Maryann Mannen, MPLX Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Greg Floerke and MPLX Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Kris Hagedorn were among the senior company executives at the event.
The industrial showcase also brought together EPA officials, federal and state legislators, local stakeholders and representatives of other industries in the surrounding region. This gave employees opportunities to highlight successful sustainability initiatives at Bluestone and across MPLX through poster presentations and site tours.
“I’m grateful we could raise broader awareness of the company’s achievements as well as shine a light on the local teams that help make it all possible,” said Bluestone Senior Operations Manager Tyler Beck. “Our progress reflects the hard work they put in day after day to safely and reliability help meet the country’s energy needs.”
Case IH, a CNH brand, started the Siembra Project, an initiative conceived and designed to connect the company with new generations through educational and technical activities in institutions throughout the country. From kindergartens to universities, the program aims to share knowledge, values and experiences that position the brand as a leader in educational and agricultural fields.
Jonatan Caruso, Case IH’s Commercial Marketing Manager for Argentina and one of the promoters of the Siembra Project, stressed that “the initiative seeks to position the brand in people’s minds and hearts.”
Recently, the Siembre Project strengthened the brand’s presence in educational institutions throughout the country, with more than 1,200 children and students who were able to enjoy the experience. The project successfully reached a significant number of projects in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Tucumán, La Pampa, Santa Fe and Chaco: 11 kindergartens, 14 schools and 9 tertiary and universities.
These initiatives are adapted to the different stages of development and learning, guaranteeing a personalized approach for each educational level. “We worked with a psychologist and educational psychologist to find out what the key ages were and to be able to create more assertive experiences. We involve several areas of Case IH together with the dealers to have a greater impact and ultimately try to reach the entire country. Today, seeing the scope of stage 1, the results and the comments that reached the dealerships, it fills me with pride,” Caruso added.
“This year we expect the project to continue growing, adding more dealerships and expanding our impact. Our goal is to strengthen the relationship with the educational communities and strengthen the recognition of our brand among future generations, sowing the foundations for a promising future in the country’s agricultural and social sector,” said Rodrigo Lanciotti, Marketing Manager of Case IH.
Case IH, a CNH brand, started the Siembra Project, an initiative conceived and designed to connect the company with new generations through educational and technical activities in institutions throughout the country. From kindergartens to universities, the program aims to share knowledge, values and experiences that position the brand as a leader in educational and agricultural fields.
Jonatan Caruso, Case IH’s Commercial Marketing Manager for Argentina and one of the promoters of the Siembra Project, stressed that “the initiative seeks to position the brand in people’s minds and hearts.”
Recently, the Siembre Project strengthened the brand’s presence in educational institutions throughout the country, with more than 1,200 children and students who were able to enjoy the experience. The project successfully reached a significant number of projects in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Tucumán, La Pampa, Santa Fe and Chaco: 11 kindergartens, 14 schools and 9 tertiary and universities.
These initiatives are adapted to the different stages of development and learning, guaranteeing a personalized approach for each educational level. “We worked with a psychologist and educational psychologist to find out what the key ages were and to be able to create more assertive experiences. We involve several areas of Case IH together with the dealers to have a greater impact and ultimately try to reach the entire country. Today, seeing the scope of stage 1, the results and the comments that reached the dealerships, it fills me with pride,” Caruso added.
“This year we expect the project to continue growing, adding more dealerships and expanding our impact. Our goal is to strengthen the relationship with the educational communities and strengthen the recognition of our brand among future generations, sowing the foundations for a promising future in the country’s agricultural and social sector,” said Rodrigo Lanciotti, Marketing Manager of Case IH.
When you think of Brazil, your mind might wander to samba, soccer, or the Amazon rainforest. But here’s a fun fact to shake things up: Brazil is also a global powerhouse in cellulose production. And at the heart of this booming industry is DP World Brazil, quietly (but mightily) revolutionizing how cellulose gets from Brazil to the rest of the world.
What’s the big deal about cellulose?
Cellulose is the unsung hero of countless everyday products, from paper and packaging to hygiene items and even some bio-based materials. As the world increasingly looks to sustainable alternatives to plastics, cellulose demand has skyrocketed. Lucky for us, Brazil has perfected the art of eucalyptus cultivation, making it the world’s largest exporter of this versatile raw material.
But growing the stuff is just one part of the equation.
Moving millions of tons of it efficiently, sustainably, and on time? That’s where DP World port facility based in the port of Santos steps in.
Produced by Suzano, a global leader in pulp production, the material is part of a longstanding partnership with DP World. In 2018, DP World and Suzano signed a long-term agreement for storage, handling, and transportation services at the Port of Santos.
The engine behind the operation
DP World’s cellulose operations in Santos are nothing short of impressive. Picture this: a 50,000-square-meter warehouse, a railway branch connecting directly to the terminal, an overpass linking the warehouse to the port’s berthing area, and a wharf expansion that can dock two additional vessels. This infrastructure is designed to handle a jaw-dropping of over than 5 million tons of cellulose annually.
The Port of Santos, the largest in Latin America is a key gateway for Brazil’s vast agricultural exports, particularly to Asia and the Middle East, Santos plays a pivotal role in global food distribution.
By integrating rail transport directly into its operations, DP World in Brazil has also managed to cut road congestion and significantly reduce its environmental footprint. It’s a win for logistics and for the planet — a rare feat in today’s world of high-volume trade.
Why it matters
Let’s talk efficiency. DP World in Santos has transformed cellulose logistics into a finely tuned operation. The expanded infrastructure ensures faster loading and unloading, streamlined storage, and minimized handling times. This means quicker turnaround for exports and fewer headaches for everyone involved in the supply chain.
And it’s not just about speed — sustainability is baked into the process. By prioritizing rail over trucks, DP World is championing greener logistics. Add to that their commitment to cutting-edge technology, and you’ve got a blueprint for how ports should operate in the 21st century.
Global reach, local impact
The cellulose handled at DP World doesn’t just stay in Brazil; it’s shipped to markets across Asia, Europe, and North America. The terminal’s strategic location near Brazil’s main eucalyptus-producing regions means it’s perfectly positioned to meet global demand.
But this isn’t just about moving goods. It’s about creating meaningful impact — both globally and locally. DP World’s investments in infrastructure and sustainability are helping to solidify Brazil’s position as a leader in the cellulose trade while supporting local economies and communities.
Want to see it in action?
If you’re curious about how this all comes together, don’t just take our word for it. Check out the video above, showcasing DP World Santos’ cellulose operations and see the magic in motion. For more information, head over to their official site for all the details: DP World Santos Cellulose Operations.
Brazil’s cellulose story is one of innovation, sustainability, and global impact. And DP World Santos is making sure it’s told right — one shipment at a time.
ATLANTA, January 16, 2025 /3BL/ – Southern Company Gas recently announced its board of directors has elected Stephen Edwards, chief executive officer and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority, and A. Benjamin Spencer, dean of the William & Mary Law School, to join the company’s board, effective Jan. 1, 2025.
“We are honored to have Stephen and Ben join our board of directors,” said Southern Company Gas Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer James Y. (Jim) Kerr II. “With their experience and proven leadership, I am confident they will help us continue to strategically position Southern Company Gas as a premier energy provider with a shared commitment to best-in-class service and value for the 4.4 million customers we are privileged to serve. And with strong ties to Virginia, their service on our board will further strengthen our ability to continue enriching the lives of Virginia Natural Gas customers and communities across the Commonwealth.”
Since 2021, Edwards has been CEO and executive director for the Virginia Port Authority, a driver of more than 565,000 jobs and $63 billion in gross domestic product for the State of Virginia on an annual basis. Under his leadership, the Port of Virginia has seen significant growth in cargo volume and revenue, implemented advanced technological solutions and fostered strong public-private partnerships to drive the port’s development, making it a critical hub for international trade.
Previously, Edwards served in chief executive roles for TraPac, a leading container terminal operator in the ports of Los Angeles and Oakland; GCT Global Container Terminals, the largest majority Canadian-owned terminal operator; and Ports America, a diversified ports operator and supply chain logistics provider with operations in more than 30 ports across the U.S.
Edwards is active in the community and currently serves on the boards of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Team Virginia and TT Club, a market-leading independent provider of mutual insurance and related risk management services to the international transport and logistics industry. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in transport management from Aston University.
An award-winning legal educator and Marshall Scholar, and dean of the William & Mary Law School since 2020, Spencer is responsible for providing academic and executive leadership for the school, with a $40-million budget and $102-million endowment. In this role, Spencer is accountable for generating and raising sufficient capital to fund the enterprise, recruiting and retaining talented students, faculty and staff, ensuring functional operations and customer satisfaction, and fostering successful outcomes—employment and licensure—for the school’s graduates.
Spencer has served on the governing boards of the Association of Marshall Scholars, the Virginia State Bar, Piedmont Court Appointed Special Advocates and the Girl Scouts Commonwealth Council. He is currently a member of the West Academic Law School Advisory Board and British Ambassador’s Advisory Council, and he serves as chair of the Marshall Scholarship Selection Committee for the Washington, D.C., region. In addition, Spencer serves as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve Judge Advocate General’s Corps.
Spencer is a graduate of Morehouse College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, and was valedictorian of his class. He earned a Master of Science degree from the London School of Economics while studying as a Marshall Scholar, and his Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School.
About Southern Company Gas
About Southern Company Gas Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.4 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in Georgia, Illinois, Tennessee and Virginia, and more than 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines, asset management for natural gas wholesale customers and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.
SOURCE Southern Company
For further information: Jeff Wilson, 404-245-4944, jeawilso@southernco.com
For the eighth consecutive year, Lenovo employees have grown Lenovo’s Love on Month of Service, an annual, global volunteering initiative. In 2024, volunteers grew impact to nearly 68,000 beneficiaries (44% growth since 2023). The growth was driven by a wide range of volunteer experiences, from creating access to tech for people with disabilities in Tokyo and building wetland sustainability in Bengaluru to educational workshops on tech and sustainability in Paris and computer refurbishing in Raleigh/Durham. More than 140 projects were hosted around the world, supporting Lenovo’s global corporate citizenship, ESG goals, and Lenovo Foundation’s mission to empower underrepresented populations with access to technology and STEM education.
The grassroots-led initiative encourages employees to create and lead volunteer projects that engage their fellow employees to make an impact in their local communities. In 2024, more than 100 project leaders took part by identifying non-profit partners in their community, engaging their local offices in volunteerism, and making a meaningful impact across Lenovo’s global business footprint.
Each year, employee project leaders – led by Lenovo’s global corporate citizenship team – work together to grow the program by at least one key metric. Whether it’s the number of volunteers, volunteer hours, participating offices, or beneficiaries, the project has grown every year since 2017.
In 2024, the global event set a new milestone by impacting nearly 68,000 individuals worldwide. A total of 3,700 dedicated Lenovo employees contributed more than 16,000 service hours across 62 Lenovo offices.
“This has been another extraordinary year of giving back to our communities under the flagship initiative of our corporate philanthropy,” said Calvin Crosslin, President of Lenovo Foundation. “Each year, the scope of our projects continues to expand, addressing not only educational and technological needs, but also supporting children’s well-being, empowering underrepresented populations, and assisting people with disabilities. We believe in empowering communities and inspiring the next generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders. Together, we are on track to impact 15 million lives by 2025.”
In addition to promoting global corporate citizenship, Love on Month of Service (Love on is an anagram of Lenovo, created as an engaging asset to spotlight employee giving) also reinforces Lenovo’s commitment to Diversity & Inclusion (D&I). Research shows that volunteerism strengthens and benefits corporate culture through improved mental health, enhanced skills development, higher employee retention, and the attraction of new talent. Employee engagement stands out as one of the program’s greatest value adds. Survey data from Love on Month of Service underscores this, with 92% of volunteers expressing pride in working for a company that champions volunteerism, and 78% noting that their volunteer efforts positively influenced the community’s perception of Lenovo. Furthermore, nearly 80% of respondents felt more connected to their global colleagues through their participation in the event.
Lenovo Foundation team wants to express sincere gratitude for all the projects leaders and volunteers who have joined us, and especially for Lenovo executives around the world who empowered our employee volunteers by volunteering shoulder to shoulder with their colleagues throughout September.
Since its inception in 2017, Love on Month of Service has impacted more than 380,000 people around the world, as measured through conservative, direct impact estimates by Lenovo’s global corporate citizenship team. This ongoing commitment underscores the company’s dedication to giving back to communities and strengthening its reputation as a force for positive change.
You can learn more about Lenovo’s social impact programs in the latest ESG Report.
Visit www.LenovoFoundation.com to learn more about Lenovo’s global philanthropy initiatives.
