Tag: 3BL

Originally published in Lenovo’s 2023/24 ESG Report

Lenovo manages the environmental elements of its operations through a global environmental management system (EMS) that covers Lenovo’s worldwide product design, development, and manufacturing operations (including distribution, fulfillment, and internal repair operations) for computer products and devices, data center products, mobile devices, smart devices, accessories, and converged network equipment. The scope encompasses these same activities when performed by its subsidiary and/or affiliate companies.

All of Lenovo’s sites in the EMS scope are ISO 14001:2015 certified. See here to view Lenovo’s Global ISO 14001:2015 certificates.

Lenovo has established, implemented, and maintained an Environmental Affairs Policy which can be viewed here.

Within the framework of Lenovo’s EMS, it annually conducts a Significant Environmental Aspect (SEA) evaluation process where it identifies and evaluates the aspects of its operations that have actual or potential significant impacts on the environment using a methodology that includes input from Lenovo’s Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) process. Metrics and controls are established for these significant environmental aspects. Performance relative to these metrics is tracked and reported. Performance targets are established for select environmental aspects annually with considerations including Environmental Affairs Policy, regulatory requirements, customer requirements, stakeholder input, environmental and financial impact, and management directives.

During FY 2023/24, Lenovo’s significant environmental aspects included:

Product materials – including use of recycled plastics and environmentally preferable materials where possibleProduct packagingProduct energy consumption and emissionsProduct end-of-life managementSite air emissions, specifically greenhouse gas (GHG) emissionsSite energy consumptionSupplier environmental performanceProduct transportationWaste managementWater managementImpact of Lenovo’s net-zero commitment

Objective and performance targets were established for the aspects listed above. Lenovo’s performance against these objectives and targets is available in Section 8.0.

Lenovo’s energy, GHG emissions (Scope 1 and 2), waste, and water data are externally verified to a reasonable level of assurance. Lenovo’s GHG emissions (Scope 3) data is externally verified to a limited level of assurance. The FY 2023/24 Verification Statements for GHG, Energy, Waste and Water can be viewed here.

Lenovo ESG Navigator

Lenovo has developed and tested an innovative ESG data management system called Lenovo ESG Navigator that helps monitor key ESG metrics and deliver near-real-time insights. In FY 2023/24, Lenovo deployed Lenovo ESG Navigator at two manufacturing sites in China – Lenovo’s Lenovo South Smart Campus and Tianjin Smart Campus facilities – where it is being used to collect and monitor environmental data, including energy, greenhouse gas emissions, water, and waste data. In addition, Lenovo ESG Navigator is in use at Lenovo’s Beijing Headquarters where it is deployed as a smart building solution and within Lenovo’s Global Supply Chain where it collects and monitors select ESG data related to suppliers and products.

As next steps, it plans to continue to coach users at the facilities where it has been deployed on Lenovo ESG Navigator’s effective use and will continue to rollout the platform to additional manufacturing sites beginning with its facility in Monterrey, Mexico. Lenovo anticipates the tool to have many benefits including: driving progress toward Lenovo’s net-zero emissions target and other environmental targets, reducing manual workload related to data collection and reporting, improving data accuracy, providing near-real-time tracking and analysis of environmental KPIs, centralizing ESG data and documents, and facilitating ESG knowledge sharing. At the sites where Lenovo ESG Navigator has been deployed, the environmental focal points are using the system to provide the data input into Lenovo’s internal environmental database.

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Albertsons Companies joined Stephen and Ayesha Curry’s 12th Annual Christmas with the Currys event, in partnership with Eat. Learn. Play., to bring joy to the Oakland community. Over 200 local elementary school students enjoyed a surprise day of holiday activities and our team was proud to distribute $200,000 in Safeway gift cards to approximately 1,000 Oakland families in need.

“We’re thrilled to be part of this collaborative effort led by Eat. Learn. Play bringing together the community to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Oakland students and their families this holiday season. It’s a privilege to be able to help spread joy and make the holidays brighter. Our team of associates are grateful for the opportunity to take part in this special event and give back to the neighborhoods we serve.” – Karl Schroeder, Division President, Safeway Northern California

Thank you to Stephen and Ayesha Curry, as well as Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation. for their dedication and for allowing us to be part of such a meaningful event. Together, we can continue to make a difference and spread joy throughout our communities.

See original post on LinkedIn and read more about Albertsons Companies and our Recipe for Change on our website.

Albertsons Companies joined Stephen and Ayesha Curry’s 12th Annual Christmas with the Currys event, in partnership with Eat. Learn. Play., to bring joy to the Oakland community. Over 200 local elementary school students enjoyed a surprise day of holiday activities and our team was proud to distribute $200,000 in Safeway gift cards to approximately 1,000 Oakland families in need.

“We’re thrilled to be part of this collaborative effort led by Eat. Learn. Play bringing together the community to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Oakland students and their families this holiday season. It’s a privilege to be able to help spread joy and make the holidays brighter. Our team of associates are grateful for the opportunity to take part in this special event and give back to the neighborhoods we serve.” – Karl Schroeder, Division President, Safeway Northern California

Thank you to Stephen and Ayesha Curry, as well as Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation. for their dedication and for allowing us to be part of such a meaningful event. Together, we can continue to make a difference and spread joy throughout our communities.

See original post on LinkedIn and read more about Albertsons Companies and our Recipe for Change on our website.

December 18, 2024 /3BL/ – The Ohio state Senate today failed to act on a key energy cost-saving measure by not voting on HB 79. The legislation would have enabled electric distribution utilities to establish voluntary energy efficiency programs to help businesses and residents save money while reducing stress on the electricity grid.

“HB 79 represented an opportunity to reduce energy costs and strain on the electric grid for Ohio businesses and customers, so it is disappointing that the state Senate will not follow the lead of the House by voting on the legislation this year. At a time of rising energy consumption and volatile prices, energy efficiency programs would help businesses and families across Ohio save on their electric bills by driving down demand and electricity generation costs, while supporting reliability and resilience across the economy,” said Mel Mackin, director of state policy, Ceres. “Ceres and the businesses we work with urge lawmakers to re-consider HB 79 and pass energy efficiency legislation in 2025, either on its own or as part of a larger energy package.”

Ohio businesses have supported HB 79 because energy efficiency is one of the most cost-effective and common-sense ways to improve a company’s bottom line. The creation of voluntary utility energy efficiency programs, such as those that would be implemented by passing HB 79, is projected to generate $144.7 million worth of benefits for Ohioans.

As HB 79 advanced through the House of Representatives and toward the Senate this year, over a dozen companies and trade associations including A.O. Smith, Energy Management Solutions Inc., Green Energy Ohio, Guaranteed Community Advisors, HolcimUS, JLL, Johnson Controls, Lutron, Nestlé, the Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association, Sealed, Trane Technologies, and Uplight signed a letter urging its adoption. The letter was organized by Ceres, a nonprofit that works with investors and businesses to advance clean energy and energy efficiency policy.

About Ceres

Ceres is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more just, and sustainable world. United under a shared vision, our powerful networks of investors and companies are proving sustainability is the bottom line—changing markets and sectors from the inside out. For more information, visit ceres.org.

Media Contact: Helen Booth-Tobin, booth-tobin@ceres.org

December 18, 2024 /3BL/ – The Ohio state Senate today failed to act on a key energy cost-saving measure by not voting on HB 79. The legislation would have enabled electric distribution utilities to establish voluntary energy efficiency programs to help businesses and residents save money while reducing stress on the electricity grid.

“HB 79 represented an opportunity to reduce energy costs and strain on the electric grid for Ohio businesses and customers, so it is disappointing that the state Senate will not follow the lead of the House by voting on the legislation this year. At a time of rising energy consumption and volatile prices, energy efficiency programs would help businesses and families across Ohio save on their electric bills by driving down demand and electricity generation costs, while supporting reliability and resilience across the economy,” said Mel Mackin, director of state policy, Ceres. “Ceres and the businesses we work with urge lawmakers to re-consider HB 79 and pass energy efficiency legislation in 2025, either on its own or as part of a larger energy package.”

Ohio businesses have supported HB 79 because energy efficiency is one of the most cost-effective and common-sense ways to improve a company’s bottom line. The creation of voluntary utility energy efficiency programs, such as those that would be implemented by passing HB 79, is projected to generate $144.7 million worth of benefits for Ohioans.

As HB 79 advanced through the House of Representatives and toward the Senate this year, over a dozen companies and trade associations including A.O. Smith, Energy Management Solutions Inc., Green Energy Ohio, Guaranteed Community Advisors, HolcimUS, JLL, Johnson Controls, Lutron, Nestlé, the Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association, Sealed, Trane Technologies, and Uplight signed a letter urging its adoption. The letter was organized by Ceres, a nonprofit that works with investors and businesses to advance clean energy and energy efficiency policy.

About Ceres

Ceres is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more just, and sustainable world. United under a shared vision, our powerful networks of investors and companies are proving sustainability is the bottom line—changing markets and sectors from the inside out. For more information, visit ceres.org.

Media Contact: Helen Booth-Tobin, booth-tobin@ceres.org

MIDLAND, Mich., December 18, 2024 /3BL/ – Dow (NYSE: DOW) announced that Karen S. Carter, currently president of Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics, has been appointed to the role of Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately.

Carter will be responsible for driving business and operational performance across the organization with a focus on strengthening customer engagement and relationships, accelerating the commercialization of Dow’s innovation pipeline, and enhancing the Company’s reliability and service to customers. She will assume strategic oversight of Dow’s business operating segments – Packaging & Specialty Plastics, Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure, and Performance Materials & Coatings. In addition, Dow’s Integrated Supply Chain, Purchasing, Information Systems, and Commercial organizations will align to Carter. She will continue to report to Dow Chair and Chief Executive Officer Jim Fitterling and will join the Company’s Executive Committee. She will continue to be based in Midland, Michigan.

“Karen is a proven leader with more than three decades of experience at Dow delivering strong business results,” said Fitterling. “She has an excellent track record of operating discipline, maintaining close relationships with key partners and customers, and driving innovation across the organization. She has successfully led our largest business and played critical leadership roles in other essential business and functional teams within Dow, always with a focus on developing and maintaining high-performing teams. As COO, she will work closely with me and our executive team to drive growth and value creation across our operating segments, while continuing to provide innovative and sustainable solutions for our customers.”

Carter joined Dow in 1994 and has held a broad progression of leadership positions in her more than 30-year career with Dow, including business operations, sales and marketing, and human resources. Her career features international experience and extensive global business leadership positions within Building and Construction, Polyethylene, Engineering Thermoplastics, Fabricated Products and Information Technology Equipment, and Consumer Electronics.

Most recently, Carter served as President of Dow’s Packaging & Specialty Plastics (P&SP) operating segment, one of the world’s largest suppliers of polyethylene resins and functional polymers with more than $23 billion in annual sales. Under her leadership, P&SP has expanded cost-efficient capacity through asset upgrades, production expansions, and improved reliability. In partnership with customers and brand owners, Carter has led the development of innovative solutions that are helping to enable a circular economy. This includes the launch of circular product lines, such as REVOLOOP™ Recycled Plastic Resins and INNATE™ Precision Packaging Resins, as well as the acquisition of Circulus and strategic partnerships to scale circular feedstock supply.

Immediately prior to leading P&SP, Carter served as Dow’s Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Inclusion Officer, where she successfully institutionalized a culture where all employees can grow and thrive, thereby fully contributing to Dow’s business strategy and long-term value growth.

Carter is on the board of directors for Southwire, a leading manufacturer of wire and cable used in the transmission and distribution of electricity, delivering power to millions of people around the world. She is also on the board of directors for the Great Lakes Bay Region Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Carter serves as the chair of the Business Leaders Committee on the State of Michigan’s Black Leadership Advisory Council and is a member of the Executive Leadership Council and chair of the Catalyst Board of Advisors.

About Dow

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

For further information, please contact:

Rachelle Schikorra 
ryschikorra@dow.com

X: https://twitter.com/DowNewsroom 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dow/ 
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/dow-chemical 
Instagram: http://instagram.com/dow_official

®TM Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow

SOURCE Dow, Inc.

Healthy soil is a superhero in the fight against climate change. As a critical carbon sink, it acts as a natural reservoir, absorbing and storing more carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere than it releases. Forests, wetlands, and mangroves are all carbon sinks as well, and their protection is more crucial than ever.

At the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture (YCNCC), the faculty view soil as a primary pathway for long-term carbon sequestration. Agricultural practices today include the use of crushed rock, such as limestone, to neutralize acidic soil. Unfortunately, this process releases CO2 into the atmosphere.

Today, researchers at Yale are spreading finely ground basalt as a soil amendment to croplands through various field studies to understand it’s impact on the crops, the soil, and the downstream water systems.

What makes enhanced rock weathering (ERW) an attractive carbon capture option?

ERW has multiple co-benefits, including raising soil pH (thereby reducing soil acidification), increasing crop yields, and reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. Even more promising is the potential of new revenue streams for agricultural landowners, including cropland owners, from selling credits for the tons of CO2 captured through the carbon marketplace.

Application of basalt to agricultural lands for ERW is readily scalable with existing mining operations and farming practices in place. Estimates show the U.S. Midwest alone has the potential to sequester 1.5-2 million tons of CO2 annually, approximately the equivalent of emissions from the aviation sector.

How will communities benefit from improved soils and natural carbon capture?

A critical component of the research into ERW is understanding both the economic and environmental impacts on local communities. Soil health is a critical priority for farmers, and sound, proven research is required to effectively engage the farming community in adopting these new techniques for carbon capture.

Communities could also benefit from increased farming-related revenue through the sale of carbon credits. To accomplish this, Yale and global stakeholders in the voluntary carbon market are committed to gathering the necessary data in field studies before looking to scale, critical to the integrity of the carbon credits.

How does the YCNCC’s work to improve soils and advance ERW support our 2040 carbon neutral operations goal?

As part of our goal to achieve carbon neutral operations by 2040, FedEx helped establish the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture in 2021. Our $100 million commitment has helped fuel a pipeline of groundbreaking research, like ERW, to develop natural solutions for capturing carbon at scale.

This commitment is consistent with our principles to: 1) Decarbonize what’s possible, 2) Co-create with purpose, and 3) Neutralize what’s left. These principles cover the comprehensive actions needed to not only achieve carbon neutrality in our own operations, but also to support the transition of the transportation and logistics industry.

For a deeper dive into the YCNCC, visit their 2024 Annual Report: YALE 2024 YNCC Annual Report Public.pdf

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

December 18, 2024 /3BL/ – Ceres issued the following statement after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved California’s implementation of the Advanced Clean Cars II policy, which will support the development of the clean light-duty vehicle market in the 12 states that have adopted it.

“U.S. businesses are seeking market predictability – both those planning to build clean vehicles and those looking to purchase them to reduce costs across their fleets and supply chains,” said Michael Kodransky, senior director for transportation, Ceres. “Advanced Clean Cars II will provide them with clear guidance to help ensure availability and access to the vehicles they need. That is why businesses have supported adoption of the policy in the states that have begun to implement it.”

Companies have been strong advocates for policies that aim to increase clean vehicle access and choice, driven by their interest in modernizing their fleets to reduce fuel and maintenance costs. Dozens of major businesses and investors have supported the ACCII policy in states across the country and called for the EPA to grant a waiver for its implementation under the federal Clean Air Act. Additionally, the Corporate Electric Vehicle Alliance, a coalition of major companies looking to access greater varieties of clean vehicles, has supported its adoption.

About Ceres

Ceres is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more just, and sustainable world. United under a shared vision, our powerful networks of investors and companies are proving sustainability is the bottom line—changing markets and sectors from the inside out. For more information, visit ceres.org.

Media Contact: Helen Booth-Tobin, Communications Director, Policy, booth-tobin@ceres.org

NEWARK, Del., December 18, 2024 /3BL/ – As winter nears, Delmarva Power is conducting essential infrastructure upgrades and maintenance to help ensure reliable energy service. This proactive work includes fortifying the local energy grid and integrating innovative smart technology to meet rising customer demand and keep homes and businesses warm and well-lit throughout the season.

Over the next five years, Delmarva Power is investing more than $2.7 billion in infrastructure improvements, grid expansion, equipment inspections and maintenance. These efforts will improve grid reliability and prepare the grid for more severe weather and higher customer demand. Work includes upgrading equipment, trimming trees, installing smart technologies that can automatically isolate damage and restore power and expand capacity to support cleaner energy options for our customers.

“Our priority is helping ensure our customers have access to reliable energy to keep their homes and businesses safe and comfortable this winter season and the tools they need to save energy and money,” said Tamla Olivier, chief operating officer for Pepco Holdings, which includes Delmarva Power. “We’re not only enhancing our grid but also offering bill support and energy savings options to help customers manage costs and keep the lights on. Their experience and well-being are at the heart of everything we do.”

Delmarva Power is making it easier for customers who may need support or those who want to get ahead of cold winter temperatures to connect to a wide range of assistance programs. The company’s new Assistance Finder tool can help customers discover the best programs that fit their needs, including financial assistance, bill management, and energy efficiency and savings information.

The company also provide tips and information to empower customers to better understand their bills and take control of their energy usage for more planning, consistency and budgeting. For more information, customers can visit delmarva.com/BillSupport.

Just as Delmarva Power prepares, the company encourages customers to also be ready for severe weather and offers the following tips:

Assemble an emergency storm kit. Include battery-powered radio, flashlight, a first-aid kit, blankets, battery-powered or windup clock, extra batteries, medications, multi-purpose tool and list of important/emergency phone numbers.Have a supply of bottled water and easy-to-prepare, non-perishable foods available to last at least 72 hours.Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries on each floor of your home.Identify an alternate location for you and/or your family in case of an extended outage.Review the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operations of your generator. Do not connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring. Never use a generator indoors or any enclosed area.Enroll in the Emergency Medical Equipment Notification Program at delmarva.com/EMENP if you rely on electricity to power life-support equipment in your home. This program provides advance notice of scheduled outages and severe weather alerts to qualified participants.Identify an alternate location for you and/or your family in case of an extended outage.

In addition, customers can visit delmarva.com/alerts before winter weather grips the region and sign up to receive updates on their energy usage and information regarding power outages via text, email, or phone, including when power is out, when service is expected to be restored, or when power is restored. Customers can also text “ADD OUTAGE” to 67972 to enroll in the company’s two-way texting program to report outages and check the status of their outage. More tips and storm preparedness information is available at delmarva.com/StormPrep.

To learn more about Delmarva Power, visit The Source, Delmarva Power’s online newsroom. Find additional information by visiting delmarva.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/DelmarvaPower and on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/DelmarvaConnect. Delmarva Power’s mobile app is available at delmarva.com/MobileApp.

Delmarva Power is a unit of Exelon (Nasdaq: EXC), a Fortune 250 company and the nation’s largest utility company, serving more than 10 million customers. Delmarva Power provides safe and reliable energy service to approximately 561,500 electric customers in Delaware and Maryland and approximately 140,000 natural gas customers in northern Delaware.

COP, one of the largest and most significant international conferences on environmental issues, just occurred in November in Azerbaijan. In this episode, you will hear from three Inogen Alliance members who attended the event and have been heavily involved in the negotiations as they share their insights and learnings from this year’s gathering. We hear from Dr. Amr Abdel-Aziz, Chairman at Integral Consult in Egypt, Ilkin Haji, Founder & Executive Director at Sustainera Solutions in Azerbaijan, and Hilton Lucio, CEO of Antea Brasil.

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