Tag: 3BL

The ballooning energy demands of artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers are driving big plans to potentially triple nuclear power capacity in the U.S. by 2050. From discussions of restarting a reactor at Three Mile Island to the deployment of small modular reactors, data centers need certainty about how they’ll keep pace with data streaming and processing demands at a time when the grid is tapping out.

In the U.S. alone, Goldman Sachs has estimated that data centers, excluding cryptocurrency mining, will increase their power consumption from 3% to 8% of all power generated in the U.S. by 2030. Coupled with this massive growth is a near flatline in data center energy efficiency.

While the potential growth and restart of nuclear may offer a long-term solution to support energy demand, it does not address the root issue and is grabbing global headlines recently. Bloomberg reported that a calculation from RMI found that two-thirds of today’s energy supply is wasted. That equates to roughly 5% of global GDP or $4.6 trillion annually.

While strategies to build clean energy capacity are undoubtedly critical to address long-term energy demand, improving energy efficiency may be the low-hanging fruit that can drive meaningful impact now and into the future.

Two-phase immersion cooling – a new type of cooling technology that allows data centers to submerge whole server racks in a high-performance dielectric fluid – represents a huge opportunity to reduce energy consumption as chips run faster and hotter. Broad industry adoption of two-phase immersion cooling (2-PIC) in the U.S. has the potential to eliminate up to 21.6 terawatt hours (TWh) of future capacity according to estimates, the equivalent of powering over 2 million American homes1.

The potential energy efficiency gains are enormous – up to 40% of the energy data centers use today. Much of that efficiency is created by reducing the energy use associated with traditional data center cooling systems (e.g., air cooling), which, based on publicly available product roadmaps from major chip manufacturers, won’t be able to meet the cooling needs of most next-generation, high-performance computing chips by 2026.

Chemours is proud to be at the center of 2-PIC technology as the innovator of Opteon™ 2P50, a new developmental dielectric fluid designed specifically for data center needs. Through the activities and collaborations of our Immersion Cooling Growth Venture team, we’re working to expedite the commercialization of this fluid, elevate awareness, and drive the adoption of 2-PIC technologies.

As growing high-power computing and AI demands push the limits of what chips can deliver, 2-PIC can keep pace on the cooling side, establishing it as a technology for today and well into the future. So, while work continues to bring more energy capacity onto the grid, data center operators and hyperscalers can make meaningful progress on decreasing the total energy required through smart, sustainable technology adoption enabled by 2-PIC.

1Based on data and modeling by Chemours using information from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA); The Green Grid, Liquid Cooling TCO Calculation Tool; assumes 2-PIC provides a 90% improvement over air cooled systems

Clorox’s environmental, social and governance goals are integrated into our IGNITE strategy because we believe they create value for our company, brands, people and communities. We’ve focused on areas where we can make the biggest impact, and much of our progress is realized through the work of our purpose-driven brands. 

Helping communities in need is an integral part of Clorox’s purpose to champion people to be well and thrive, and Brita’s efforts to champion access to filtered drinking water is an important contribution to these efforts. We spoke with Dan Tudesco, associate director of community water systems, about how Brita is partnering with cities impacted by potential lead exposure from aging water service lines to supply product solutions for their residents while critical, long-term infrastructure projects are underway. 

Why is this issue top of mind for Brita?

Water contaminant reduction, specifically lead, remains a critical need for consumers and communities, as the EPA estimates that up to 9.2 million lead service lines, which deliver water to communities across the country, remain in the ground today. Lead contamination in drinking water presents serious health risks, with recent studies showing that lead poisoning is particularly dangerous for young children who can experience significant lifelong impacts as a result.

While we wait on the much-needed lead line infrastructure replacements in the years to come, Brita is dedicated to working with cities and towns across America to help them provide more immediate, sustainable relief as part of the brand’s commitment to equitable access to clean water and making water better for people and the planet.

How is Brita working with U.S. municipalities to support access to clean drinking water?

Since launching this initiative in 2019, we’ve seen firsthand the impact that proactive solutions can have to help keep residents confident that their drinking water is safe while this important work is underway. Through this initiative, municipalities are able to purchase lead-reducing Brita Elite filters and supply them to impacted communities. With more than 280 partnerships across the U.S., we’re working to ensure families aren’t forced to turn to more expensive and wasteful alternatives like single-use plastic bottles.

A great example of this work is our ongoing partnership with Cook County in Chicago, alongside a local retailer in the area, to issue more than 80,000 coupons for free Brita Elite filters and pitchers to Medicaid-enrolled residents in the area.

Why is Brita uniquely able to help bridge the clean water gap in these communities?

As the leader in at-home water filtration products for more than 30 years, Brita offers the only certified point-of-use lead-reducing filter that lasts for 120 gallons of use (or up to six months assuming normal usage) and removes 99% of lead to provide safer access to water.

By providing residents access to Brita Elite filtration, these partnerships allow municipal water systems to mobilize quickly, proactively and affordably to help their communities. We also offer our municipal partners a wide variety of communications tools and collateral to educate and communicate to residents about immediate, safe water solutions.

How else is Brita taking steps to address this issue?

While there is much more work ahead, we know that collaborating with engaged associations and other impactful organizations is crucial in effectively addressing water pollution challenges. In addition to partnering with cities in need, Brita also works closely with reputable trade associations like the American Water Works Association and Water Quality Association to ensure communities have the resources they need to access clean water solutions.

Brita is also working directly with the EPA to identify and highlight best-in-class communities, like Denver, that have already successfully implemented filtration programs to serve as examples for cities that are still at the starting line in their lead replacement journeys. We are hopeful these examples will serve as a potential template that will allow other cities to easily follow existing best practices.

Most recently, Brita commissioned a new study from Corona Environmental Consulting to show that point-of-use filtration systems are an immediate, effective lead reduction strategy to address potential widespread public water system contamination across the U.S. With benefits greatly outweighing the costs, this information is critical for municipalities updating infrastructure under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvement.

For more information about partnering with Brita on water solutions for your city, visit brita.com/muni.

Cummins

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from a variety of products and processes, including paint and coating operations.

While paint can provide protection and aesthetic benefits to products, the VOCs emitted during the painting process also have environmental implications. VOCs can react with nitrogen oxide when exposed to sunlight to create ground-level ozone, contributing to smog. Painting operations also contribute to water and chemical waste and increased electricity and gas usage.

What is Cummins doing about VOC emissions?

Over 70% of Cummins Inc. facilities’ VOC emissions come from painting and coating processes, with the remaining from fossil fuel combustion. As part of the PLANET 2050 environmental sustainability strategy, Cummins is targeting a 50% VOC emissions reduction from painting and coating operations by 2030 from a 2018 baseline. As of 2023, we have reduced these emissions by 35%. Although recent acquisitions have slowed goal progress, the integration of newly acquired sites includes VOC emission reduction plans for prioritized facilities. Additionally, roadmaps are being developed for facilities with high VOC emissions which will lay out a path to reach our target. This path will include various actions, such as:

Reducing VOC emissions by eliminating the use of paint

Sometimes, the best solution is also the simplest. That’s what a team of sustainability leaders and engineers from the Cummins Columbus Mid-Range Engine Plant (CMEP) discovered in 2020 when they first studied whether they could stop painting their engines.

Material science has evolved since Cummins engines began leaving CMEP over thirty years ago. What used to be made from grey iron that needed rust and corrosion-preventive coatings is now made from composites, aluminum and cast iron, which has better rust prevention capabilities. The CMEP team validated that eliminating paint from the engines would not lead to excess corrosion, ensuring the same engine performance, quality, capability and durability. By eliminating paint from these engines, the site was also able to reduce the energy, waste and water associated with the painting process.

Reducing VOC emissions by switching to waterborne paints and resins

Another effective approach to reducing VOC emissions is switching to waterborne paints. Solvent-based and waterborne paints have similar performance characteristics, but unlike traditional solvent-based paints which emit VOCs during the drying process, waterborne paints use water as the carrier for paint pigments, binders and additives. Since 2013, the Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant (JEP) in New York has used waterborne paints to comply with emissions requirements and reduce pollution.

Across the Atlantic, Cummins plants in the U.K. are also embracing waterborne paints. In 2023, Cummins’ Daventry Engine Plant began to see the benefits of this transition. Not only did it reduce VOC emissions by 69% year over year, but the new paints offered an 80% reduction in service claims in test results and customer trials. In 2024, the Darlington Engine Plant in the U.K. began a solvent-to-water-based paint conversion project, aiming to reduce its VOC emissions by about 70%.

Reducing VOC emissions through process optimization

For sites that have already transitioned to waterborne paints, improvements continue to be made through process optimization. Process optimization focuses on improving efficiency by reducing overspray and excessive paint usage, reducing waste generation, reducing energy by optimizing pre- and post- operations.

After JEP transitioned to low-VOC waterborne paint, the plant continued seeking ways to further minimize its environmental impact. In 2023, new long-lasting paint filters were developed, reducing filter waste by approximately 30% and cutting costs. Additionally, JEP enhanced paint transfer efficiency through improved robot programming, leading to a 10% annual paint reduction in 2023 JEP also adopted new paint guns that are 10-15% more efficient.

Cummins Inc.

Cummins, a global power technology leader, is a corporation of complementary business segments that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. The company’s products range from internal combustion, electric and hybrid integrated power solutions and components including filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, electric power generation systems, microgrid controls, batteries, electrolyzers and fuel cell products.

Thu, Dec 5, 2024 7:00 AM EST

COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, brings together world leaders, policymakers, industry innovators, and environmental activists to exchange ideas and formulate strategies to tackle climate change. This event presents a crucial moment for governments and industry to step-up and fast-track the global climate agenda in order to meet global ambitions.

Join us for a post-COP29 webcast on 5 December to hear first-hand reflections and implications from external speakers and KPMG leaders on the ground at COP29. The panel will explore insights and updates from COP29, what is being done to implement agreements made, how agreements can impact business globally, and the road to COP30.

The session agenda:

Introduction to KPMG program at COP29Insights and updates from COP29A look to COP30Closing remarks

Click here to register

Name: Daniel Hernández Sánchez , Environmental, Health, Safety, and Sustainability Manager

Company: Brown-Forman

Welcome to our series aimed at spotlighting BIER projects. As part of our Member and Stakeholder spotlight series featuring the individual leaders within BIER member companies and stakeholder organizations, our project spotlight series highlights BIER member companies and stakeholder organizations involved in the innovative Charco Bendito project.

Discover how practitioners and their companies have collaborated to create and implement an innovative watershed initiative. This first-of-its-kind project focuses on three main goals: improving water accessibility, enhancing water quality, and ensuring water availability. Learn from their key insights and find out what drives them to promote environmental sustainability in the beverage sector and beyond.

Briefly describe your role and responsibilities, how long you have worked with your company and your role/ involvement with the Charco Bendito project.

I have been working for Casa Herradura for 15 years, always in positions related to the environment. I manage and oversee processes for handling vinasses and bagasse, which are characteristic waste products of the tequila industry. The vinasses are treated in a wastewater treatment plant, and the bagasse is composted and used as fuel in the biomass boiler.

My team and I are responsible for regulatory compliance in environmental, health, safety, and sustainability areas.

What were the initial drivers or incentives that committed you to the Charco Bendito project?

I am the representative for Casa Herradura and Brown-Forman on the Charco Bendito project at the Latin America level. I was fortunate to be part of the founding team at one of the companies that helped launch this incredible project.

Brown-Forman has been a long-time participant with BIER for many years. Following several meetings in Latin America, we invited the Red Bioterra and Bardo Communication teams to join us. They presented three collaborative projects focused on basin-level water management. At this point, in 2020, we decided to join Charco Bendito. Charco Bendito is a first-of-its-kind watershed collaboration addressing shared water challenges in the Municipality of Tlajomulco de Zuniga, Jalisco Mexico, a part of the Lerma Santiago watershed in and around Guadalajara, Mexico.

Learn more about Daniel Hernández Sánchez in this BIER Member Spotlight.

xStorage battery energy storage system helps maximize onsite renewables, reduce energy costs and decarbonize power systems Eaton’s national network of engineers, digital monitoring and management software provide comprehensive commissioning and maintenance support

PITTSBURGH, November 21, 2024 /3BL/ – Intelligent power management company Eaton announced the xStorageTM battery energy storage system (BESS) to accelerate decarbonization projects and maximize the impact of onsite renewables. By providing the ability to strategically dispatch stored energy and operate independently from the electric grid, the solution can help communities and businesses reduce energy costs, lower carbon emissions and maintain power during utility outages.

Energy storage is cornerstone to Eaton’s Everything as a Grid approach to the energy transition. The interoperable xStorage BESS transforms facilities from loads on the grid into intelligent energy assets by accumulating energy from onsite generation sources and discharging the energy strategically to make the biggest impact. The solution enables customers to tap into stored energy when utility rates are highest, if an outage is detected or when energy markets are favorable for selling excess energy back onto the grid.

“Communities and businesses have a significant opportunity to improve the environment and the bottom line by taking greater control over their energy systems,” said Aidan Graham, senior vice president and general manager of Critical Power Solutions at Eaton. “We’ve already proven the capabilities of our grid-interactive energy storage technology within the data center industry. Now, we’re excited to help even more customers advance reliable, sustainable and affordable power with our xStorage BESS.”

With built-in microgrid islanding capabilities, xStorage BESS helps minimize the impact of unplanned utility outages. It also provides the digital capabilities needed to monetize energy systems through participation in grid-connected demand response programs and energy markets. Predictive, remote equipment health monitoring and system management are enabled through Eaton’s Brightlayer software suite.

To help customers scale as needs evolve, Eaton’s xStorage BESS provides 250 to 1000 kilo-watt hours (kWh) of usable stored energy and can be paralleled to double capacity in the future. A modular design provides customers with flexible installation options and reduced footprint. And with Eaton’s national network of highly trained field service engineers, the turnkey solution can incorporate expert commissioning and lifecycle maintenance services.

Learn more about Eaton’s xStorage BESS and Everything as a Grid approach.

Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for people everywhere. We make products for the data center, utility, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace and mobility markets. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re accelerating the planet’s transition to renewable energy sources, helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges, and building a more sustainable society for people today and generations to come.

Eaton was founded in 1911 and has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange for more than a century. We reported revenues of $23.2 billion in 2023 and serve customers in more than 160 countries. For more information, visit Eaton.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

Contact:

Kristin Somers
+1.919.345.3714
Kristincsomers@eaton.com

Regina Parundik
Cobblestone Communications
+1.412.559.1614
Regina@cobblecreative.com

NEW YORK, November 21, 2024 /3BL/ – The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is proud to host its inaugural Social Sustainability Summit in New York City on December 13. To be held at Citi’s WELL Certified headquarters, this groundbreaking, full-day event will be IWBI’s first-ever conference dedicated to driving the future of social sustainability. Aligned closely with the “S” in ESG, social sustainability is the practice of managing and optimizing an organization’s impact on its people, community and broader societal systems.

“Organizations that excel in advancing social sustainability promote health, well-being, equity and resilience across their workforce, supply chain, consumers and communities,” said IWBI President and CEO Rachel Hodgdon. “We’re thrilled to convene these leading organizations as they work to reshape the future of business by placing social sustainability at the heart of their strategies and operations.”

Through the Summit, IWBI will gather industry leaders, policymakers, financial institutions and innovators to explore sustainable finance strategies, the equitable transition to a low-carbon economy, global regulatory trends in sustainability and innovative approaches to enhance well-being for people and the planet. Attendees will engage in dynamic discussions focusing on how businesses can support employees, communities, consumers and workers throughout the value chain, while also learning from distinguished business and industry leaders who are speaking at the event.

Already, a lineup of outstanding speakers taking centerstage has been confirmed, including:

Monique Aiken, Managing Director, The Investment Integration Project (TIIP)Harun Asad, Senior Director, Sustainability, GenentechLiam Bates, CEO and Co-founder, KaiterraKalin Braken, Real Estate Lead, World Economic ForumArsha Cazazian-Clement, Head of Corporate Real Estate – Americas | Global Head of Sustainability – GCS, BlackstoneKevin Chow, Deputy Chief Representative, Hong Kong Monetary Authority New York Representative OfficeYun Fu, Associate Director – Innovative Finance, Milken InstituteClaudia Herbert Colfer, Head of Programming, Global Compact Local Network USARachel Hodgdon, President and CEO, IWBIMichael Hogan, Senior Associate – Global ESG, HinesMonika Mantilla, CEO and Managing Partner, Altura CapitalJana Martins, Former Climate and Trade Lead, European ParliamentChrissa Pagitsas, CEO, Pagitsas AdvisorsChris Pyke, Chief Innovation Officer, GRESBLaurie Rothenberg, Global Real Estate and Workplace Strategy Lead Counsel, PfizerAyris Scales, Senior Vice President – Social Sustainability and Global Initiatives, NareitAlicia Silva, CEO and Founder, Revitaliza ConsultoresValerie Smith, Chief Sustainability Officer, CitiJennifer Taranto, Vice President of Sustainability, STO Building Group

Through its programming, the Summit will feature several timely relevant topics, such as corporate leadership in social sustainability; the just transition to help ensure equity and inclusivity for all stakeholders in reaching climate and sustainability goals; and the critical role of real estate in shaping socially responsible environments that support the well-being of people.

“Increasingly, real estate practitioners and investors acknowledge the role that social sustainability can play in driving long-term financial returns,” said Kelly Worden, IWBI’s Vice President of ESG and Social Sustainability. “We invite the real estate community to join us as we explore ways to create positive social impact throughout the real estate investment and development process, generating shared value for all stakeholders.”

The Summit will also cover a range of other vital topics, as financial experts, policymakers and industry pioneers dive into the powerful synergy between finance, regulations and sustainability. Discussions will explore the latest breakthroughs that are reshaping markets; how strategic investor engagement is catalyzing corporate sustainability; the far-reaching impact of global regulatory shifts on business practices; and innovative financial strategies that amplify social sustainability across sectors.

“Finance and regulatory frameworks are increasingly powerful forces driving sustainability from the top down, creating systemic shifts that resonate across industries,” said Minjia Yang, IWBI Vice President and Head of Sustainable Finance. “The growing recognition of social sustainability—including factors that impact the entire value chain—reflects a critical shift where finance and regulations are aligning with corporate innovation and financial market responses to redefine sustainable value.”

The Summit is generously sponsored by leading companies and organizations that are supporting important work to advance social sustainability by empowering business, people and communities. The event’s Silver level sponsors are Archetype, GSK and STO Building Group, with Kaiterra and WellStat as Bronze level sponsors. The event also features Supporting Organizations, including Cornell University Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise, Excel Dryer, United Nations Global Compact Network USA, GRESB, Incendium, the Milken Institute, SustainabilityX Magazine and The Investment Integration Project (TIIP).

For more information and to register for the event, please visit IWBI’s Summit registration page.

What Summit Speakers and Supporters Are Saying:

Harun Asad, Senior Director, Sustainability, Genentech, said, “I’m excited to join IWBI’s inaugural Social Sustainability Summit! At Roche and Genentech, we have long supported social dimensions of sustainability such as impact on patients and society, health and well-being, and DEI. It’s inspiring to see IWBI leveraging their voice, platform and products to bring even more emphasis, clarity and standards to this important theme.”

“Well-being has become a powerful strategy for corporations to differentiate and advance their social sustainability goals,” said Liam Bates, CEO and Co-founder, Kaiterra. “Real estate leaders today have a unique ability to shape spaces that prioritize community health, comfort and resilience—indoor air quality (IAQ) being a prime example. With people spending 90% of their time indoors, clean air not only benefits individuals but also fosters stronger, more equitable communities. This approach aligns with sustainable development focused on human needs, delivering measurable outcomes and a clear return on investment.”

“Honestly, the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive is huge for social sustainability,” said Jana Martins, former Climate and Trade Lead, European Parliament. “It’s making companies think about their impact on workers, communities and end-users — and report in more detail if it really matters.”

“Sustainability is not just about preserving the planet for future generations; it’s about creating a world where social equity, economic opportunity and environmental stewardship go hand in hand,” said Arsha Cazazian-Clement, Head of Corporate Real Estate – Americas and Global Head of Sustainability – GCS, Blackstone.

“Integrating social KPIs into sustainable finance creates a unified framework where goals are aligned, progress is measurable and efforts are resilient,” said Ayris Scales, Senior Vice President, Social Responsibility and Global Initiatives, Nareit. “This approach ensures that capital drives lasting, equitable outcomes, bridging the gap between financial returns and meaningful social impact.”

“Social sustainability requires sustained efforts from both public and private sectors,” added Kevin Chow, Deputy Chief Representative, Hong Kong Monetary Authority New York Representative Office.

“Aligning social sustainability initiatives with the bottom line can drive meaningful and just impact at a more efficient rate,” said Michael Hogan, Senior Associate – ESG, Hines. “Social sustainability equals investment value creation.”

About the International WELL Building Institute 
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a public benefit corporation and the global authority for transforming health and well-being in buildings, organizations and communities. In pursuit of its public-health mission, IWBI mobilizes its community through the development and administration of the WELL Building Standard (WELL), WELL for residential, WELL Community Standard, its WELL ratings and management of the WELL AP credential. IWBI also translates research into practice, develops educational resources and advocates for policies that promote people-first places for everyone, everywhere. IWBI is a participant of the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate citizenship initiative, and helps companies advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the use of WELL. More information on WELL can be found here.

International WELL Building Institute, IWBI, the WELL Building Standard, WELL v2, WELL Certified, WELL AP, WELL EP, WELL Score, The WELL Conference, We Are WELL, the WELL Community Standard, WELL Health-Safety Rated, WELL Performance Rated, WELL Equity Rated, WELL Equity, WELL Residence, Works with WELL, WELL and others, and their related logos are trademarks or certification marks of International WELL Building Institute pbc in the United States and other countries.

Contact: media@wellcertified.com

View original content here.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 

SAIC’s commitment to environmental sustainability begins with decarbonization of our operations. Our intent is to reduce overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and work with our stakeholders to do the same. 

Scope 1 and Scope 2 Emissions 

We measure, monitor and track our Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions at facilities where we maintain operational control and publicly disclose those emissions. SAIC began setting greenhouse gas reduction goals in 2014 to encourage ongoing reductions in our carbon footprint. We established a new baseline in 2019 due to significant changes in our real estate portfolio. We updated our baseline in 2022 as we achieved our most recent reduction target after previously meeting two earlier goals.

Scope 3 Emissions 

SAIC continues to understand our carbon use across the value chain and prioritize approaches that have the greatest impact, which is why we began adding Scope 3 emissions reporting for material categories in 2022. In addition to reporting Business Travel and Leased Assets last year, in calendar year 2023 we are including Employee Commuting and Fuel and Energy Related Activity Emissions.

Energy Conservation 

We focus our efforts on electrical energy consumption from our real estate portfolio by tracking and evaluating electricity consumption and efficiency at facilities where we have operational control. In calendar year 2023, we reduced our electrical energy consumption by 7.14% from 2022 levels, with a total consumption of 25,833,192 kWh. For the last five years, we have consistently decreased electricity use from our efforts across our portfolio to improve operating efficiencies. These include optimizing space utilization, retiring under-performing assets as part of our leasing strategies, deploying energy-efficient lighting and implementing programs addressing after-hours setback and controls for heating and cooling.

Environmental Stewardship 

To continue to lessen and mitigate our impact to the planet, we look for things that we can do ― big or small. One such effort is our new sustainable procurement program. Employing best-in-industry practices for improving the sustainability of our facilities, we intentionally select products that are better energy, carbon efficiency, air quality and waste reduction choices. Responsible Disposal of Non-Hazardous Waste When it comes to the disposal of retired SAIC electronic and computer equipment, we take a responsible approach as we:

Refurbish laptops and monitors whenever possible

Resell formerly owned electronics to maximize their lifecycles

Recycle electronics that we cannot refurbish

Additionally, we offer our employees:

A 25% discount on purchases of SAIC pre-owned, certified refurbished equipment

An opportunity to securely recycle their personal electronic and computer equipment at different times and through many locations 

Paper Use Reduction 

For employees who are working from a SAIC facility, we program all network multi-function printers to print double-sided documents, which reduces paper use and disposal by up to 50%. We use a minimum of 30% recycled paper for all our network multi-function printers. We also provide bins for secure shredding and recycling of documents. For our employees working remotely, extremely limited offsite printing is available, which contributes to paper reduction and increased security of sensitive documents.

Lear more about environmental stewardship at SAIC in the 2024 SAIC Corporate Responsibility Report 

Written by Vinod Khera, Community Member

Hearing is one of the most essential senses for engaging with the world. It enables us to converse, appreciate music, and remain alert to our surroundings. Hearing loss is a prevalent issue affecting millions of individuals globally and disconnecting them from a world where sound is vital to others and the environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 5% of the global population requires hearing rehabilitation, a striking statistic highlighting this issue’s pervasive nature. Technology has transformed audiology, evolving from simple ear trumpets to sophisticated modern hearing aids. This advancement began with the invention of the transistor, paving the way for devices that are fully wearable inside or behind the ear.

Although hearing aids have been available for many years, historically, access to these critical devices has been insufficient, resulting in numerous individuals lacking the necessary support. However, recent advances in hearing aid technology promise improved acoustic experiences, employing modern techniques like binaural processing and neural networks. These innovations demand sophisticated architecture to balance high memory needs with low power consumption in a user-friendly design. Cadence is at the forefront of this technological evolution, offering tools and IP solutions that enhance the accessibility, efficiency, and impact of hearing aids, paving the way for a more inclusive future.

This blog explores how Cadence’s advanced DSPs are transforming hearing aid design and making them more accessible, efficient, and impactful.

Hearing Aids: A Testament to Human Ingenuity

The transition from analog to digital technology in the late 20th century further transformed hearing aids, offering superior sound quality, customization, and the ability to connect to various electronic devices, thus enhancing the user experience markedly. Today’s hearing aids are highly effective, versatile, and nearly invisible, a significant advancement from early attempts to address hearing loss. They also feature advanced noise cancellation and connectivity options, allowing users to integrate seamlessly into the digital world. This progression not only highlights the industry’s commitment to improving user experience and accessibility but also offers a glimpse into a future where hearing loss is no longer a barrier.

Challenges

Despite advancements and sophistication, there are several challenges related to hearing aid design and adoption. Users demand smaller, more discreet devices that don’t sacrifice performance. While the shift towards sleeker designs is aesthetically pleasing, it introduces substantial complexities in product design. Designers face the challenges of integrating essential components, such as batteries and peripherals, into increasingly compact spaces. Power consumption remains a critical concern, as these devices must remain operational throughout the day. Leveraging neural networks to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for better quality demands additional memory capacity.

Consequently, there is a pressing need for flexible, low-power architectures that incorporate all necessary memory and peripherals without compromising the device’s compact size. Adopting AI for adjusting hearing aid volume to fit an individual’s specific auditory requirements is a significant challenge and demands more memory and effort. Besides this, reliability and cost are significant challenges for manufacturers.

Cadence’s Role in Transforming Hearing Aids

In hearing aid development, the capacity to evaluate the energy efficiency of SoCs across different frequencies in real time is crucial. These applications demand cohesive, energy-efficient solutions that can uphold high performance. The Cadence Tensilica HiFi and Fusion F1 DSP family emphasize minimal power usage while providing robust performance, ideally suited for a wide range of audio and voice applications.

The Cadence Tensilica HiFi DSP family, a high-performance audio technology with AI acceleration and advanced DSP capability, offers feature-rich audio, speech, and imaging for wearables, automotive, home entertainment, digital assistants, and ASR. The Tensilica HiFi DSP family accelerates innovation with its comprehensive instruction set and supports fixed- and floating-point data types. Simplifying software development, it offers C/C++ programming, an auto-vectorizing compiler, and a rich DSP software library through the Cadence Tensilica Xplorer development environment.

With the flexibility to customize and enhance performance through additional instructions and better I/O bandwidth, the Tensilica HiFi and Fusion DSP families offer a robust, low-energy audio solution compatible across an expansive software ecosystem for various applications and devices.

Conclusion

Technological advancements are driving hearing aid evolution; the future of hearing aids lies in further miniaturization and functionality enhancement. Cadence’s ongoing innovations aim to improve signal processing and noise reduction, even in challenging environments. The integration of neural networks promises more apparent sound transmission and greater adaptability.

Cadence is working on improving how these devices process signals and reduce noise and has initiated a collaborative venture with distinguished entities like GlobalFoundries (GF), Hoerzentrum Oldenburg gGmbH, and Leibniz University Hannover. This collaboration has borne fruit in the form of the industry’s first binaural hearing aid system-on-chip (SoC) prototype, the Smart Hearing Aid Processor (SmartHeAP).

Originally published on DICK’S Sporting Goods Sideline Report

TOGETHER, WE CHANGE LIVES

Today we’re bringing you the latest quarterly giving series from The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation to highlight the great work being done in support of our mission to help inspire and enable youth sports participation.

In our third quarter of 2024, we:

Returned to MLK High School ten years later to renew our commitment to its football program in a big way!Announced a $100,000 donation made in July 2024 to support children impacted by a parent’s cancer diagnosis.Granted $500,000 to motivate students to get active and play this school year.

Read on to learn more.

Where Are They Now: MLK High School Football

They spent decades as rivals on the football field. Then a budget crisis in the Philadelphia School District forced Germantown and Martin Luther King High Schools to merge and the former opponents to play as teammates.

The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation was there as the team overcame obstacles on and off the football field and defied the odds by winning the Philadelphia Public League Class AAA Championship!

Ten years later, The Foundation returned to MLK High School to catch up with the coaches Malik Jones and Ed Dunn, who are still using the power of sport to change lives, and to deliver some big surprises! Watch our trip back here.

Making a Difference with DSG

No one fights alone. The DICK’S Foundation’s Sports Matter Program donated a $100,000 grant to Kesem, a national nonprofit organization supporting kids impacted by a parent’s cancer through free summer camps, day programs and virtual meetups. The grant was funded by DSG’s giveback program.

DSG, a DICK’S Sporting Goods’ vertical brand, contributes 1% of all sales directly to The Foundation’s Sports Matter Program. Year-to-date, DSG has given over $3 million to Sports Matter.

Powerful Partnerships

The DICK’S Foundation is proud to continue our powerful partnerships with two great organizations.

In support of a new classroom match campaign to kick off the new school year, our Sports Matter Program provided DonorsChoose with a $500,000 grant to be applied towards school sports teams, gym classes and school sponsored activities that motivate students to get active and play!

During Q3, Gatorade donated 5% of product sales at DICK’S Sporting Goods to our Sports Matter Program. This donation was made via Gatorade’s Equity in Sports Initiative which, like The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation, believes every kid deserves the chance to play.

Supplies to Succeed

Thanks to our corporate teammates for donating school supplies to the UNITED Community Center at Twin Rivers Elementary School in McKeesport, PA. The UNITED Community Center used the supplies to host a school supply giveaway to ensure all McKeesport Area School District students were prepared for the new school year.

Read about The DICK’S Foundation’s partnership with MASD here.

THESE MOMENTS ARE MADE POSSIBLE BY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SPORTS MATTER FUND. IF YOU’D LIKE TO DONATE, VISIT WWW.SPORTSMATTER.ORG.