Tag: 3BL

For a growing number of sectors, it is now a business imperative to understand and report on the environmental impact of business operations — especially in terms of carbon emissions.

Navigating the complexities of carbon emission reporting can be challenging. This post will break down the key concepts and methodologies for carbon footprint measurement, so you can effectively manage and reduce your emissions.

Understanding Carbon Footprint Measurement 

A carbon footprint refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted directly or indirectly by an organization, individual or product, typically expressed in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). For businesses, this measurement calculates the environmental impact of their operations and helps them identify key areas where emissions can be reduced.

Defining Carbon Emissions Measurements in Business 

While this post will focus primarily on GHG inventories, the terminology around measuring carbon emissions in business can be confusing. It’s important to understand the difference between the general concept of a business carbon footprint, product carbon footprint, and the more structured approach of a GHG inventory.

Business Carbon Footprint 

A carbon footprint is a broad calculation encompassing all emissions attributed to an organization. Carbon footprints can serve as a high-level indicator of environmental impact.

Product Carbon Footprint 

A related but distinct concept is the product carbon footprint, which refers to the total emissions associated with a specific product throughout its lifecycle, from raw material extraction through to end-of-life disposal or recycling.

This differs from a business’s overall carbon footprint because it focuses on the environmental impact of a single product rather than the organization as a whole. The timeframe and scale of product carbon footprints can vary, such as calculating emissions over the product’s lifespan or isolating a portion of the business’s overall emissions that are tied to that product.

GHG Inventory 

A GHG inventory is a detailed, methodical process used by businesses to systematically measure their emissions, usually following a recognized standard like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

This inventory focuses on quantifying emissions within defined operational boundaries, covering different sources such as fuel combustion, electricity use, and supply chain activities.

With this level of oversight, businesses can create targeted strategies for emission reductions, meet compliance standards, and set voluntary sustainability goals.

Take a closer look: A Decarbonization Journey with Neiman Marcus Group 

Breaking Down the Key Components of a GHG Inventory 

GHG inventories divide emissions into three primary scopes, each representing a distinct aspect of a business’s carbon emissions. These scopes help businesses systematically organize their data and identify key sources of emissions.

Scope 1: Direct Emissions 

Scope 1 refers to direct emissions that come from sources owned or controlled by the business. These are emissions that occur directly from activities within the company’s operations, such as:

Fuel combustion in company-owned vehicles or equipmentOn-site manufacturing processes that release GHGsStationary combustion from boilers or furnaces

Since these emissions are fully within the control of the business, they often present the most straightforward opportunities for reduction. Upgrading equipment, switching to cleaner fuels, or enhancing operational efficiency can significantly lower Scope 1 emissions.

Scope 2: Indirect Emissions from Purchased Energy 

Scope 2 emissions account for the indirect emissions associated with the generation of purchased energy — typically electricity, steam, heating, or cooling that is produced off-site but consumed by the business. Although these emissions occur outside of the company’s direct operations, they are attributed to the business because they result from its energy consumption.

Energy efficiency measures, such as upgrading lighting systems, optimizing HVAC usage, and sourcing renewable energy, are common strategies businesses can implement to reduce their Scope 2 emissions. Switching to renewable energy providers or investing in on-site renewable energy generation can further reduce the carbon footprint associated with purchased energy.

Scope 3: Emissions Across the Value Chain 

Scope 3 covers all other indirect emissions that occur throughout the company’s value chain, both upstream and downstream. This includes a wide range of activities that the business does not directly control but are critical to its operations, such as:

Emissions from suppliers producing raw materials or componentsTransportation and distribution of goodsEmployee commuting and business travelThe use and disposal of sold products by customers

Scope 3 emissions often represent the largest portion of a business’s overall carbon footprint, but they are also the most challenging to measure and reduce. Companies must engage with suppliers, logistics partners, and customers to identify areas where emissions can be minimized, such as through sustainable sourcing, product design improvements, or encouraging lower-impact behaviors among consumers.

Take a closer look: Navigating Greenhouse Gas Reporting: Best Practices for First-Timers 

Methods and Tools for Carbon Footprint Measurement 

When businesses undertake the process of measuring their carbon footprint or conducting a GHG inventory, they rely on well-established methodologies and tools. Below are the key methodologies and tools commonly used in this process.

Quantification Methods

The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol is one of the most widely recognized frameworks for measuring and managing GHG emissions. It sets global standards for creating GHG inventories and is used by businesses and governments alike. The GHG Protocol provides detailed guidance on how to categorize emissions into Scopes 1, 2, and 3, ensuring that all major sources of emissions are accounted for.

The GHG Protocol Corporate Standard is particularly valuable for businesses because it helps standardize their reporting processes, making it easier to compare emissions year over year and against industry peers.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) 

While the GHG Protocol is focused on organizational emissions, life cycle assessment (LCA) is a methodology used to measure the environmental impact of individual products.

LCA examines the emissions associated with a product throughout its entire lifecycle, from raw material extraction through production, distribution, use, and disposal. This makes LCA particularly useful for businesses seeking to understand and reduce the carbon footprint of their products.

LCA can also play a role in Scope 3 assessments, especially when evaluating emissions from the supply chain or customer use.

Publicly Available Emission Factor Sources 

To calculate the carbon emissions from different activities, businesses need access to reliable emission factors — values that quantify the amount of GHGs emitted per unit of activity (e.g., per kilowatt-hour of electricity used, or per gallon of fuel burned). There are several publicly available databases that provide these emission factors, allowing businesses to calculate accurate GHG inventories.

Key sources include:

EPA’s Emission Factors Hub: A comprehensive resource providing emission factors for a range of sectors, including power generation, transportation, and manufacturing.International Energy Agency (IEA) Data: The IEA offers emission factors specific to energy-related emissions, which are widely used in Scope 2 calculations for energy consumption.IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories: While designed for countries, the IPCC guidelines are also used by businesses to calculate emissions in line with global standards.

Using these sources ensures that companies can apply standardized emission factors, improving the reliability and comparability of their carbon footprint assessments.

Measurement Tools and Technology 

Measuring a business’s carbon footprint or conducting a GHG inventory can be made more efficient by using specialized technologies and software to streamline data collection, calculation, and reporting processes.

Carbon Accounting Software 

Dedicated carbon accounting software platforms allow businesses to track and manage their GHG emissions across all scopes (1, 2, and 3). These tools integrate data from various sources, such as energy consumption, fuel usage, and supply chain activities, and automatically apply the appropriate emission factors to calculate the total carbon footprint.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems with Sustainability Modules 

Many companies leverage their existing ERP systems by adding sustainability modules that track carbon emissions alongside financial and operational data. Leading ERP providers like SAP and Oracle offer add-ons or modules that allow businesses to integrate GHG tracking directly into their operational workflows.

Internet of Things (IoT) Devices 

As part of the data collection process, IoT devices play an increasingly important role in capturing real-time data related to energy usage, resource consumption, and operational efficiency. For example, IoT sensors can monitor energy use in manufacturing facilities, track vehicle fuel consumption, or measure the efficiency of HVAC systems.

Sustainability Dashboards and Analytics Tools 

In addition to accounting software, businesses often use sustainability dashboards and analytics platforms to visualize their carbon footprint data and track progress over time. These tools aggregate emissions data from multiple sources, presenting it in an easy-to-understand format that allows sustainability teams to identify trends and set reduction targets.

Importance of Accuracy and Verification 

Accurate measurement of a business’s carbon footprint is crucial for effectively managing and reducing emissions. Precise data enables organizations to pinpoint major sources of emissions, develop targeted reduction strategies, and track progress over time. 

Inaccurate or incomplete measurements can lead to misinformed decisions, regulatory non-compliance, and missed opportunities for carbon reductions.

The Verification Process 

Verification (or audit) ensures the credibility and reliability of carbon footprint data. By undergoing third-party verification, businesses can validate the accuracy of their GHG inventory, identify any data gaps or inconsistencies, and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Verification is also critical for maintaining stakeholder trust, as it demonstrates transparency and commitment to sustainability goals.

Inventory Calculation Process 

Conducting a greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory involves a systematic process that ensures all relevant emissions are accurately measured and reported. Each step in the process builds on the last, helping businesses develop a comprehensive understanding of their carbon footprint.

Below is a breakdown of the key steps involved in performing a GHG inventory.

1. Define Inventory Boundary

The first step in the inventory process is to define the inventory boundary, which establishes the limits of what will be measured. Businesses must decide which facilities, subsidiaries, and activities are included, ensuring that the selected boundary aligns with reporting standards like the GHG Protocol. Clearly defining the boundary helps avoid double counting or under reporting emissions.

2. Organize Emission Sources into Appropriate Scopes and Categories

Once the boundary is set, emission sources must be organized into the appropriate scopes, as outlined above. This step categorizes emissions based on their origin and ensures that each source is accounted for. Proper categorization is crucial for consistent reporting and for aligning with recognized sustainability frameworks.

3. Collect Data

Data collection is the foundation of any GHG inventory. Businesses need to gather accurate information from a variety of sources, including energy consumption records, transportation logs, waste management data, and supply chain activity. Data can come from internal systems, utility bills, vendor reports, and IoT devices, among other sources. The more detailed and comprehensive the data, the more accurate the inventory will be.

4. Identify Emission Factors

With the data collected, the next step is to apply emission factors to quantify the actual GHG emissions. Emission factors translate activity data (such as fuel consumption or electricity use) into emissions expressed in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e).

5. Verify the Accuracy and Completeness of the Data and Calculations

Once the data is collected and emission factors are applied, the next step is to verify the accuracy and completeness of the calculations. This includes reviewing data sources for consistency, checking for any assumptions made during the process, and identifying any gaps in data.

6. Calculate the GHG Emissions for Each Emission Source

After data and emission factors have been confirmed for accuracy, the actual calculation of GHG emissions can take place. For each emission source identified, the appropriate data is multiplied by the corresponding emission factor to determine the total emissions for that source. This process is repeated for each source across all three scopes, and the totals are aggregated to provide a comprehensive view of the business’s carbon footprint. Businesses can also opt for third-party verification at this time to further ensure that their GHG inventory meets industry standards and is credible for external reporting.

7. Prepare a Report Detailing the Methodology and Results of the GHG Inventory

The final step in the inventory process is to prepare a comprehensive report that details the methodology and emission factors used and any assumptions or data limitations. This report provides transparency for stakeholders, outlining the business’s emissions profile and how the inventory was conducted. It is also an essential tool for internal teams working on emissions reduction strategies.

8. Consider Disclosure of Calculated Emissions Totals in Sustainability Reports

Once the inventory is complete, many businesses choose to disclose their calculated emissions in sustainability reports. This transparency allows for year-over-year performance tracking, benchmarking against industry standards, and demonstrating progress toward carbon reduction goals. Public disclosure of emissions totals also helps build trust with customers, investors, and other stakeholders by showing a commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility.

Take a closer look: Ready, Set, Go: Creating a Climate Action Plan to Reach Your Science-Based Targets 

Need help simplifying your carbon footprint calculation? Discover how Antea Group can assist you with comprehensive climate change and carbon management solutions. Learn more about our Climate Change Advisory services.

TBL Fund is excited to announce that it was recently awarded a $100,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation to expand its decarbonization and energy efficiency efforts for Tribal Communities. These funds will contribute to our efforts with the New Mexico Department of Indian Affairs in creating a sustainable energy program aimed at providing access to clean energy, energy efficiency, and resiliency technologies to Tribal Nations in New Mexico. With an ambition to expand to surrounding states, this program will reduce carbon footprints in Tribal communities and foster energy sovereignty. This unique opportunity leverages our expertise in renewable energy solutions to create significant market impact and drive community development. This pilot program’s innovative approach will set the stage for future projects across the country.

“Access to clean energy, energy efficiency and resiliency can open avenues for economic advancement and safeguard the opportunity to build generational wealth for all communities as the economy transitions,” said Gregory Lopez, senior assistant vice president of sustainability philanthropy at Wells Fargo. “Through philanthropic support for organizations such as TBL Fund, we can help support historically marginalized communities gain access to affordable solutions.”

TBL Fund is extremely thankful to Wells Fargo for the opportunity this grant provides. Our funding partners are crucial to our overall organizational goals, such as expanding to all U.S. states and territories and serving over 100,000 low-income households annually.

About TBL Fund 

TBL Fund (www.tblfund.org) provides technical assistance and financing to drive energy efficiency and renewable energy (EERE) improvements for households living in multifamily affordable housing (MFAH) and disadvantaged communities (DAC). It provides customized solutions to its customers. To support and scale its efforts, TBL Fund collaborates with ICAST (International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology), its project partner (www.icastusa.org).

Cummins

by Cummins Inc., Global Power Technology Leader

Growing up, Aidan was captivated by how things worked, especially cars and engines. “I spent countless hours tinkering and trying to fix whatever I could,” he recalls. This curiosity naturally led him to explore a career in mechanics. When he discovered Cummins Inc. and the Technician Apprentice Program (TAP), it felt like destiny. “The opportunity to combine my passion for engines with a reputable company was too good to pass up,” he says.

The appeal of the Technician Apprentice Program was undeniable. “I remain thankful that Cummins allowed me to join their team and pursue my Associate of Applied Science in Diesel Systems Technology at SLCC, where I was a proud valedictorian of my cohort,” Aiden explains. His journey has been nothing short of remarkable; Cummins supported his education and provided the chance to tackle exciting challenges, especially within the New Power and Accelera product lines.

Since starting in July 2019 as part of the TAP ‘19 cohort, Aidan graduated in November 2023 and now serves as a Level Two Engine Field Service Technician, primarily working on Accelera products. “The fact I have developed expertise within the New Power/Accelera space is a cool factor for me. Battery electric vehicles and other zero-emission technology is not only new and exciting, but it is the future and where we need to go to improve environmentally.”

A typical day for Aidan involves a blend of diagnostics and repairs. “I start by reviewing work orders and prioritizing tasks,” he explains. This hands-on role requires him to visit customer locations, inspect vehicles, and diagnose issues. “It’s essential to stay updated on the latest technologies and repair procedures,” he adds, highlighting the importance of continual learning. For Aidan, the impact of his work extends beyond the shop floor. “Being part of Cummins’ transition toward a zero-emission world is incredibly rewarding,” he asserts. He recognizes that his contributions are vital in creating a cleaner, more sustainable future. “It’s gratifying to see how our technology positively impacts the environment.”

One of his most memorable experiences was troubleshooting a complex electrical issue for a customer. “I managed to get their vehicle back up and running on the same day,” Aidan recalls. The gratitude from the customer brought a profound sense of accomplishment, underscoring the real-world impact of his skills. Every day brings new challenges, and for Aidan, the joy of problem-solving keeps him motivated. “There’s always a sense of accomplishment when a job is successfully completed,” he says. This dedication is matched by the supportive, collaborative culture at Cummins. “People here are passionate about their work and committed to delivering quality products and services.”

For anyone considering a career as a Cummins Technician, Aidan offers this insight: “If you’re passionate about mechanics and enjoy problem-solving, this is a great option. It’s a rewarding field with opportunities for growth and development.” Aidan is proud to be part of a company that champions sustainability and innovation. “Cummins’ focus on developing cleaner technologies aligns with my personal values and reinforces my belief in the positive impact that our work can have on the world,” he concludes. By contributing to sustainable transportation and power generation, Aidan feels he is making a meaningful difference in the world.

At Cummins, we celebrate the dedication and expertise of our technicians, like Aidan, who are driving the future of sustainable power and transportation. Together, we are shaping a cleaner, greener tomorrow.

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.

On a recent webinar hosted by Open Supply Hub (OS Hub), Andrew Martin, executive vice president Cascale, explored the critical role of collaboration and data transparency in building ethical supply chains. OS Hub, which recently announced a strategic collaboration with Cascale, is a non-profit organization powering the transition to safe and sustainable supply chains by providing an open and accessible map of global production.

In addition to Martin, the webinar featured representatives from OS Hub, including Natalie Grillon, CEO and executive director; Hanna Lennett, stakeholder engagement director; Bruna Gomes, community manager; Francesca Romano, customer success manager; and Griffin Shay, growth and partnerships director, who moderated the session. Lekha Sridhar, research and special projects lead at WattTime, was also in attendance.

Martin began his presentation by highlighting the importance of transparency and why it is a critical part of Cascale’s work in the consumer goods industry. He noted the heightened pressure on brands and manufacturers resulting from new legislation, with decarbonization aims and the need for just transitions as a key driver. Martin shared how Cascale’s transparency efforts are evolving to not only underpin our policy and public affairs strategies, but to drive accountability, enabling us to scrutinize where progress is being made and where it is not, and crucially unblocking opportunities to drive positive impact.

Emphasizing how transparency removes barriers by revealing where members are active and best positioned to work together in order to create new efficiencies and support collective progress, Martin shared how the collaborative work between the OS Hub and Cascale underscores their aligned mission. First and foremost is the goal to enable accurate, accessible, and standardized data, empowering stakeholders throughout supply chains. He highlighted the two organizations’ shared commitments to openness, neutrality, and collaboration as key motivators for working together.

How does effective collaboration happen? Martin explained how OS Hub’s pre-competitive approach provides Cascale members with the agency to leverage the platform while continuing to work with the tech solutions that best meet their needs. He also shared how both organizations’ vision for sustainability through collaboration is empowering members to work more effectively within and beyond their current networks.

Another key element to the conversation was harmonization. Noting that the collaborative work also supports a vision for data harmonization across the consumer goods industry, Martin highlighted that harmonization is especially important for manufacturers because it reduces duplication of efforts. He also shared how Cascale supports OS Hub in democratizing supply chain data access by extending facility-level data visibility.

Speaking on the future of collaboration around supply chains, Martin shared how collaboration in supply chains will focus increasingly on harmonized solutions that allow for more efficient, coordinated efforts across the industry, noting how it aligns with Cascale’s approach to working with stakeholders. He highlighted the growing shift toward outreach beyond existing networks to engage new partners and stakeholders across the value chain, as well as how tools like OS Hub will enable Cascale to discover and connect with these groups. He also detailed how, through the adoption of OS Hub and other collaborative practices, members can shape a more just future for supply chains.

Martin noted Cacsale’s unique scope and scale in the industry, which can play a key role in both supporting OS Hub’s goal of achieving five million users by 2026 and enabling the integration of data and alignment on transparent standards between the organizations to set the foundation for a scalable, robust, and accessible global data platform that fosters industry-wide collaboration. As a clear demonstration of transparency in action, Martin foreshadowed a future where shared data fuels collective progress. He also gave special mention to the Brand & Retail Forum on December 4, which will include a planned session hosted by OS Hub and Fair Wear Foundation.

LinkedIn

We’re very proud to be included on 3BL’s 100 Best Corporate Citizens of 2024 ranking and #1 in the Consumer Services industry! The recognition is a testament to all the hard work our KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill brands continue to do to make our business more sustainable. Check out our recent progress around our People, Food and Planet pillars.

https://lnkd.in/dMGphMT

yum.com/impact

By Laura Cataldo

Originally published by Healthcare Business Today

As pressure mounts for the healthcare industry to reduce emissions, investments in sustainable construction projects have ramped up, and healthcare organizations have indicated a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and decarbonization goals. Many health systems are already taking steps to reduce their environmental impact – implementing policies and procedures to cut waste and water consumption, incorporating green building features, safeguarding facilities against extreme weather damage, and transitioning to renewable energy – with plans to expand these efforts further. While healthcare organizations are focused on incorporating renewable energy projects into their revitalization plans, they may not be paying attention to something that could potentially save them millions of dollars: the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

Continue reading here

For more information about credits offered under the Inflation Reduction Act, or to learn how Baker Tilly can help with developing or refining your organization’s strategic sustainability plan, contact a Baker Tilly specialist or visit the website.

Originally published on October 31st, 2024 on LinkedIn

For over 25 years, Sysco has proudly partnered with Share Our Strength and donated more than $9 million, impacting the lives of kids nationwide. As part of Sysco’s Global Good Goal, our colleagues and operating sites have volunteered time and contributed products to @No Kid Hungry events to help end childhood hunger.

This year marks Share Our Strength’s 40th anniversary, and we are honored to be part of their journey. Sysco’s commitments go far beyond donations—our expertise and resources have supported culinary fundraising efforts, helped schools navigate pandemic challenges, and empowered the fight to ensure no child goes hungry.

This work is our Purpose – connecting the world to share food and care for one another. Learn more about our partnership with Share our Strength, here: https://bit.ly/4facboj

About Sysco

Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. With more than 76,000 colleagues, the company operates 340 distribution facilities worldwide and serves approximately 730,000 customer locations. For fiscal year 2024 that ended June 29, 2024, the company generated sales of more than $78 billion. Information about our Sustainability program, including Sysco’s 2023 Sustainability Report and 2023 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report, can be found at www.sysco.com.

For more information, visit www.sysco.com or connect with Sysco on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SyscoFoods. For important news and information regarding Sysco, visit the Investor Relations section of the company’s Internet home page at investors.sysco.com, which Sysco plans to use as a primary channel for publishing key information to its investors, some of which may contain material and previously non-public information. In addition, investors should continue to review our news releases and filings with the SEC. It is possible that the information we disclose through any of these channels of distribution could be deemed to be material information.

View original content here.

In this latest blog Cascale’s Director of Verification, Training & Insights Dhawall Mane shares insight into Cascale’s latest Higg FEM verification changes. He delves deeper into how the verification update has evolved with member needs in mind and highlights the important need for verification approaches and methods to evolve to support various use cases.

Read the full blog, titled: Level 1 Verification Is Great, What About Full Higg FEM Verification?

By Evelyn Mitchell | November 12, 2024

Regions Bank announced it has been designated as a 2025 Military Friendly® Employer by Military Friendly, an organization that measures the commitment of companies to support the military community.

Regions Bank is designated among Silver 2025 Military Friendly Employers. Only a select group of companies achieve this honor. Details are available at this profile.

“At Regions, we appreciate the service and expertise of military veterans, service members, and military spouses. They bring unique perspectives and experiences to their work serving customers and communities,” said Chief Administrative and Human Resources Officer Dave Keenan. “We continue to build a culture that supports professional growth for these leaders and are proud to be recognized, once again, by Military Friendly.”

Regions Bank has several ways it supports military friendly career opportunities. Those include:

Regions established a career transition program called BRAVE – Building Regions Associate Veteran Experience – specifically for the purpose of supporting veterans and military spouses during their transitions to the civilian workforce.The bank is a member of the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), a Department of Defense career program connecting military spouses with hundreds of member employers who commit to recruit, hire, promote and retain military spouses.

More details are available on Regions Bank’s Military Friendly Awards profile.

“Organizations earning the Military Friendly Employers designation have wholeheartedly invested in comprehensive and impactful initiatives that bring about positive, life-changing results for our valued service members, dedicated military spouses, and esteemed veterans within their ranks,” said Kayla Lopez, Senior Director of Military Partnerships at Military Friendly. “We salute these exemplary employers who raise the bar and understand that hiring military personnel is not merely an act of goodwill but a testament to a standard that truly embodies sound business wisdom. Their steadfast commitment to integrating military personnel into their workforce not only reflects their compassion but also underscores their business acumen.”

“At Regions, we appreciate the service and expertise of military veterans, service members, and military spouses. They bring unique perspectives and experiences to their work serving customers and communities.”
Dave Keenan, Regions Chief Administrative and Human Resources Officer

Regions Bank will be showcased in the 2025 Military Friendly Employers recognition in the winter issue of G.I. Jobs® magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com.

About Regions Financial Corporation
Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $157 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates approximately 1,250 banking offices and more than 2,000 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.

About Military Friendly®
Military Friendly is the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. From its inception in 2003, Military Friendly has grown from recognizing 15 organizations to over 4,500 today. Military Friendly ratings are produced by Viqtory, Inc., a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business founded in 2001. The methodology and data calculations, evaluated for completeness and accuracy by a third-party external firm and can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com/mfcguide/.

Colin Browne, Cascale CEO, delivered a recorded keynote speech at the recent Procurement Success Summit (PSS) in Shanghai, China. Founded in 2014, the Procurement Success Summit is recognized as the most influential procurement event in the Asia-Pacific region, serving the world’s leading procurement and industry innovation leaders.

Browne shared an overview of Cascale and the Higg Index suite of tools, which help more than 40,000 users measure their sustainability impact. He highlighted his background in procurement at companies such as Under Armour, VF, and Li&Fung, where he witnessed first hand the tangible impact that sourcing decisions have on the environment, which was a key factor in his decision to join Cascale.

Emphasizing that the consumer goods industry struggles with outdated sustainability approaches, Browne detailed how fragmented efforts and outdated practices have become untenable. He stressed the importance of committing to bold, unified action to achieve climate goals and overcome sustainability challenges. Browne shared that the fashion industry is not on track to meet its 45 percent emissions reduction target, and highlighted data from the Higg Index which shows it is currently producing more than 2.5 times the emissions required in order to meet the 45 percent reduction target by 2030.

Browne went on to share an overview of Cascale’s membership, highlighting that 33 percent of brands and 54 percent of manufacturers have yet to set science-based targets (SBTs). He emphasized the need for change and urged brands and suppliers to work together to transform their downstream supply base, which is the single most important source of carbon emissions. He shared insights from a recent RESET Carbon analysis that utilized Higg Index data on 14,000+ facilities to reveal that 1,500 facilities account for 80 percent of carbon emissions.

Highlighting the need for more strategic and targeted approaches, Browne encouraged facilities and brands to shift from spreading resources thinly across numerous projects to focusing on key areas of opportunity. He called for greater alignment across the industry to achieve meaningful progress, which depends on uniting brands, manufacturers, and stakeholders around shared objectives and ensuring that every voice at the table is heard and valued.

Browne emphasized Cascale’s evolution from a facilitator to a leader, with a commitment to ensuring that all stakeholders have a voice in shaping our collective future. He emphasized Cascale’s role in driving the industry towards unified action on climate and decent work conditions. Browne concluded his speech by urging delegates to step up to collaborate on accelerating collective action at scale to drive meaningful change.