Tag: 3BL

Giving back is an integral part of Covia’s day to day activities. From giving back to our communities to help move people forward and upward, helping neighborhoods rebuild after a disaster, or expanding access to education, we are passionate about working with our local partners.

Recent Highlights include:

Team Member Spotlight: Charlynn Hinson (Emmett, Idaho Plant)

Charlynn recently dedicated her time to volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) in Boise. This wonderful organization, part of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho, provides support to families with sick or injured children, ensuring they can stay together during challenging medical situations. Charlynn and her daughter pitched in by tidying up the pantry and refrigerator, restocking supplies, and preparing for Santa’s workshop. They also had the chance to reconnect with Morgan, her daughter’s best friend, who has a special connection to RMH after spending six months there with her son. Charlynn expressed, “We shared so many smiles and laughter together. The Boise location is five years old and is always in need of volunteers to help feed guests, clean, and create a welcoming atmosphere for the kids. We were thrilled to contribute to such a fantastic cause. I highly recommend getting involved with your local RMH; it’s incredibly rewarding to witness the gratitude and happiness of families during such a tough time. I hope to make volunteering a more regular part of my life when I can.”

Plant Spotlight: Tuscaloosa, AL

Recently, the Tuscaloosa Plant, led by Gina Laney, took part in the Light the Night walk to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The funds raised through this event help LLS provide treatments for patients battling various types of blood cancers. Since 2016, LLS has contributed to over 70% of FDA-approved treatments for blood cancer. This event is particularly meaningful for Gina, as she celebrated being a survivor for 17 and a half years as of April 2007. Additionally, her aunt bravely battled leukemia for almost a year before passing away at the age of 55. The Tuscaloosa Plant achieved an impressive third place in fundraising among more than 20 participating companies and received recognition during the walk. Gina expressed her feelings, saying, “It was truly wonderful to celebrate with our Covia team and witness everyone’s glowing lanterns lighting up the night sky, all in support of the mission to end blood cancers. The difference we made for patients and their families before, during, and after treatment is incredibly heartwarming, and we were proud to be part of this remarkable event once again.”

Office Spotlight: Huntersville, North Carolina

For the third year in a row, Covia team members have demonstrated their commitment to Bags of Hope. This organization works to provide weekend meals to school children in the Lake Norman area of North Carolina who are struggling with food insecurity. They’re currently serving over 700 children each weekend. Covia employees put together more than 100 bags of food for the kids to take home for the weekend and helped stock supplies for the next group of volunteers. Each bag is filled with healthy options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks.

Office Spotlights: Independence, Ohio

Stars, Stripes, and Links Outing

In October, Covia partnered with The Turn’s “Return to Golf” Program and Sand Ridge Golf Club to host the 10th Annual Stars, Stripes & Links Golf Outing. This event provided a day of golf specifically designed for injured combat veterans to enjoy golf as a form of rehabilitation. The event welcomed more than 20 veterans from all five branches of the U.S. military, who participated in a morning of camaraderie and personalized golf instruction, culminating in team play on the course and a luncheon.

Adaptive Playground Support

The Independence Site Committee approved funding to assist Leighton Elementary School, in Aurora, Ohio, in the development of an adaptive playground. Improvements include the We-Go-Round carousel, an inclusive version of a traditional playground element that accommodates children with and without mobility devices. In addition, the traditional mulch has been replaced with a smoother surface that allows wheelchair access throughout the playground. The new area also includes an adaptive two-way zip line that allows children of all abilities to safely enjoy the exhilarating experience of zipping back and forth. These enhancements create a model of inclusivity that the entire community can appreciate.

Scott Tincher, Covia’s Director of Tax, and Kristin Lewis, Manager of Community Engagement, were at the ribbon-cutting ceremony and witnessed first-hand the students’ first use of the new adaptive playground. Kristin and Scott commented, “It was wonderful to see the impact Covia’s support can have on a school, but more importantly, to see the joy and excitement on the faces of all the children as they played together for the first time!”

To learn more about Covia’s Positive Social Impact, see our library of topic-specific summary documents.

The U.S. clean energy market is buzzing. Billions are flowing into domestic manufacturing, courtesy of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), aimed at ramping up production of solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles (EV). Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates 2,400 gigawatts of clean energy will be deployed globally between 2022 and 2027. But while the U.S. wants to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, particularly China, can onshoring alone meet demand? Or will global supply chains still be essential in keeping the grid – and our EVs – powered?

In the face of this, DP World co-authored a report with Canary Creative, “Closing the Gap on Clean Energy Supply-Chain Sustainability,” to explore some of the implications of all this. In view of its findings, let’s break down whether the U.S. clean energy sector can hit its goals through onshoring or if global supply chains remain indispensable.

Onshoring: A Tall Order

The U.S. is making big moves to bolster its clean energy manufacturing. Since the IRA passed, over 100 new facilities have been announced, from solar factories to EV battery plants. For instance, the Department of Energy committed $9.2 billion in loans to Ford and SK On to build three new battery plants. At first glance, this seems like onshoring will save the day.

But here’s the rub: it’s a heavy lift. Despite the IRA’s push, the U.S. still heavily relies on imports for key clean energy components. Between 2018 and 2020, over 85% of solar modules installed in the U.S. came from abroad, mostly from China. And in batteries? China controls 75% of global lithium-ion battery production and 70% of cathode capacity, while the U.S. lags at just 7% of global battery manufacturing capacity.

Clearly, onshoring alone won’t be enough to meet the surging demand for clean energy technologies in the near term.

Infrastructure: The Elephant in the Room

One giant hurdle for onshoring is infrastructure—or the lack of it. The U.S. faces serious capacity constraints, from ports to factories. According to the IEA, building new polysilicon factories, essential for solar panels, can take 12 to 40 months. Opening new mines for lithium or cobalt? That can take 16 years. Without massive infrastructure investments, the U.S. risks falling behind in the clean energy race.

Plus, it’s going to cost. The U.S. will need about $175 billion over the next two to three years just to match China’s battery production capacity, according to a report by RMI. Without these investments, scaling up the supply chain fast enough to meet ambitious targets may be a tall order.

The High Price of Going Local

Onshoring sounds great—but it’s expensive. Labor and operational costs in the U.S. are significantly higher than in Asia. McKinsey estimates that building a fully domestic semiconductor supply chain could cost the U.S. $1 trillion—more than double the global market’s value.

Additionally, building a clean energy workforce requires massive training efforts. According to International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), a significant proportion of the nearly 40 million projected clean energy jobs worldwide by 2050 will require substantial training, especially in sectors like solar panel and battery manufacturing.

Why Global Supply Chains Still Matter

Despite the onshoring push, global supply chains remain critical for meeting U.S. clean energy demand, at least for now. China still dominates, producing 97% of the world’s solar wafers and 85% of solar cells. China also controls over 50% of battery material processing. As much as the U.S. wants to reduce reliance on Chinese imports, these supply chains are still crucial to the clean energy transition.

Enter “friendshoring.” Deloitte highlights how countries are partnering with trusted allies to source critical materials and reduce reliance on adversarial nations. By diversifying supply chains through partnerships with countries like Japan, Australia, and Canada, the U.S. can reduce its dependency on China while building more resilient systems—a hybrid approach balancing domestic production and global partnerships.

The Data Problem: You Can’t Fix What You Can’t Measure

One of the less glamorous but equally critical challenges to onshoring is the lack of accurate data on supply chain emissions. Our report found that most companies are not tracking key metrics like Scope 3 emissions, which account for the indirect emissions generated throughout a company’s supply chain. Without this data, it’s nearly impossible to develop strategies to reduce emissions or improve sustainability.

In Europe, companies have a long history of collecting and reporting emissions data, but in the U.S., this practice is far less common. Many companies are now scrambling to gather the data they need to comply with new regulations, such as potential mandates from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). However, without a standardized approach, the clean energy sector risks falling behind on its sustainability goals.

Conclusion: A Hybrid Path to Success?

So, can the U.S. clean energy market keep pace with demand? The short answer: not without a little help from global supply chains. While onshoring is crucial to building resilience and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers, it’s clear that global supply chains—and strategic partnerships with trusted allies—will continue to play a vital role in meeting America’s clean energy needs. To succeed, the U.S. must invest heavily in infrastructure, workforce development, and data collection while maintaining a balance between domestic production and global collaboration.

For those interested in exploring how to close the gap on clean energy supply chain sustainability, click here to download the full report co-authored by DP World and Canary Media.

In an effort to expand access to more nutritious food for millions of Americans, Albertsons Companies has partnered with Uber Eats to now accept SNAP EBT payments. Customers can use their SNAP benefits to order groceries from regional grocery banners Albertsons, Safeway, Jewel-Osco and VONS stores through the Uber Eats app.

“Albertsons Companies is a long-standing community partner committed to helping solve food insecurity, and by working with Uber Eats, we are able to make nutritious foods available to even more families in need,” said Bryn Tippman Banuelos, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at Albertsons Cos. “We’re dedicated to creating a flexible and convenient shopping experience for all customers, and we’re proud to be the first retailer to accept SNAP payments through Uber Eats.”

To mark this initiative, EBT cardholders will receive $0 Delivery Fee on their first three SNAP-eligible orders, and Uber is offering EBT cardholders a 3-month free trial Uber One membership, which includes unlimited $0 Delivery Fee among other benefits, when they link their EBT card in the Uber Eats app.

For more information on the SNAP EBT payment option and to see if your local Albertsons Cos. store is participating, visit the Uber Eats app or website.

Learn more here.

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

Cummins

Cummins Inc. is proud to announce a new partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, which will support the planting of 315,000 seedlings in the Mississippi River Valley Region and other local community planting opportunities in Cummins locations across North America.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. This partnership will help biologically sequester more than 200,000 metric tons of CO2 over 40 years and provide more than 100M gallons of volumetric water benefits yearly.

Reforestation provides numerous benefits to local communities including habitat creation, water quality and quantity improvements, climate change mitigation, air quality improvements, stormwater management, and erosion control.

To celebrate this work, Cummins employees recently volunteered with a local planting partner to plant 30 trees at Island Lake County Park in Shoreview, Minnesota (U.S.).

Making people’s lives better by powering a more prosperous world requires a healthier planet, vibrant communities and engaged citizens. Cummins will continue to advance our efforts to address climate change, use natural resources sustainably and ensure communities are better because we are there.

Arbor Day Foundation:

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners. And this is only the beginning.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.

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.

Cummins

Cummins Inc. is proud to announce a new partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, which will support the planting of 315,000 seedlings in the Mississippi River Valley Region and other local community planting opportunities in Cummins locations across North America.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. This partnership will help biologically sequester more than 200,000 metric tons of CO2 over 40 years and provide more than 100M gallons of volumetric water benefits yearly.

Reforestation provides numerous benefits to local communities including habitat creation, water quality and quantity improvements, climate change mitigation, air quality improvements, stormwater management, and erosion control.

To celebrate this work, Cummins employees recently volunteered with a local planting partner to plant 30 trees at Island Lake County Park in Shoreview, Minnesota (U.S.).

Making people’s lives better by powering a more prosperous world requires a healthier planet, vibrant communities and engaged citizens. Cummins will continue to advance our efforts to address climate change, use natural resources sustainably and ensure communities are better because we are there.

Arbor Day Foundation:

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners. And this is only the beginning.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.

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.

BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 13, 2024 /3BL/ – KPMG International invites you to be a part of a diverse range of sessions at COP29, which aim to facilitate meaningful exchanges on climate and sustainability issues. The agenda focuses on bridging the gap between innovative visions and tangible actions, with a special emphasis on the energy transition, corporate decarbonization, climate finance, food and agriculture, and adaptation and resilience. You’re invited to explore the agenda and register to be part of these progressive conversation.

Please be advised that access to the in-person sessions located in the Blue Zone requires UNFCCC accreditation. We kindly remind you that it is necessary to secure your UNFCCC accreditation and Green Zone passes independently, as KPMG cannot assist in obtaining this access.

Tuesday 12 November 2024

10:00am – 11:00am (GMT+4) | Climate Transition Plans: Challenges and Solutions

Join a panel of leaders as they look at climate transition plans, including the challenges and opportunities behind developing a fit-for-purpose climate transition plans.

Theme: Corporate decarbonization and greenwashing 

Register today

Wednesday 13 November 2024

9:30am – 11:00am (GMT+4) | Innovative technology for resilient infrastructure

Accompanying the launch of a report in collaboration with ICSI, explore how digitalization and AI are driving infrastructure resilience and sustainability to support climate adaptation.

Theme: Adaptation and resilience

Register today

1:30pm – 2:30pm (GMT+4) | Integrating Multi-Capital Measurement for Climate Adaptation Investment

Join KPMG and speakers from the International Coalition for Sustainable Infrastructure, GIST Impact, and AON for a discussion on how assessment of natural, social, human and financial capitals – including their monetary valuation – can guide capital allocation, reduce impacts and build the resilience of businesses and communities. Panelists will discuss how diverse capital metrics can be integrated into decision-making, and will address the practical challenges of aligning these approaches with finance and strategic management processes.

Theme: Adaptation and resilience

Register today

5:00pm – 6:00pm (GMT+4) | New Solutions to Achieve the 2030 Goal of Tripling Global Renewable Energy Capacity: The Role of Finance, Technology, Innovation, and AI (OPTION 1 of 2)

Following our COP28 report on the key challenges of scaling renewables, this session will explore several solution areas that will help in meeting this critical climate ambition by 2030.

Theme: Navigating the energy transition 

Register today

Thursday 14 November 2024

11:30am – 1:00pm (GMT+4) | Greenwashing: Are your green claims robust enough to withstand scrutiny and avoid greenwashing accusations?

With sustainability and transparency at the forefront of the business landscape, the issue of greenwashing has emerged. During this session, panelists will provide their view on the trends and risks associated with greenwashing and appropriate protective responses.

Theme: Corporate decarbonization and greenwashing

Register today

11:30am – 1:00pm (GMT+4) | Promoting Climate Resilient PPP for Infrastructure Projects and the SDGs

Join this session focusing on the critical role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to accelerate the development and implementation of climate-resilient infrastructure – ahead of the UNECE-led development of a Guide to Resilient PPPs that will be published at COP30. It will bring perspectives from both global north and global south, with the articulation of key challenges for emerging markets. This event will promote active discussion between panellists and audience members to address challenges, identify opportunities to bridge gaps between strategy and implementation.

Theme: Adaptation and resilience

Register today

12:00pm – 1:00pm (GMT+4) | Beyond finance as usual: transitioning to a sustainable future

Explore transition finance opportunities for private capital mobilization for emerging markets, including innovative financing mechanisms, partnership efforts between public, philanthropy and private sectors, as well as the key barriers to this transition.

Theme: Climate finance in emerging markets

Register today

4:30pm – 6:00pm (GMT+4) | Green Transformation: Diverging Paths, Common Goals

Bringing together leaders from Asia, the US, and Europe, this panel discussion will look at various energy transition strategies and the role that climate finance has to play.

Theme: Navigating the energy transition 

Register today

Friday 15 November 2024

11:00am – 12:30pm (GMT+4) | CCUS – Building the foundation to a net-zero future

Exploring the future of Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) and its crucial role in achieving net-zero.

Theme: Navigating the energy transition 

Register today

12:00pm – 1:00pm (GMT+4) | New Solutions to Achieve the 2030 Goal of Tripling Global Renewable Energy Capacity: The Role of Finance, Technology, Innovation, and AI (OPTION 2 of 2)

Following our COP28 report on the key challenges of scaling renewables, this session will explore several solution areas that will help in meeting this critical climate ambition by 2030.

Theme: Navigating the energy transition 

Register today

Saturday 16 November 2024

9:00am – 10:00am (GMT+4) | Pull finance: Pulling innovations into emerging markets at scale

How can pull finance be leveraged to accelerate climate technology in emerging markets? Hear from a panel who will discuss how pull finance can act as an enabler for ‘pulling’ new climate solutions to market.

Theme: Climate finance for emerging markets

Register today

11:00am – 12:30pm (GMT+4) | Unlocking the Scope 3 Opportunity — Insights from Asia Pacific

Join this panel discussion to gain insights on the Scope 3 emissions landscape in the Asia Pacific region, with real-life examples of how companies are responding to one of the defining climate challenges of our time.

Theme: Corporate decarbonization and greenwashing

Register today

Monday 18 November 2024

11:00am – 12:30 (GMT+4) | Coal-to-Clean Initiative

The session will explore transition finance, including opportunities for private capital mobilization for emerging markets, innovative financing mechanisms, partnership efforts between public, philanthropy and private sectors, as well as the key barriers to this transition. 

Theme: Navigating the energy transition

Register today

4:00pm – 6:00pm (GMT+4) | Youth Vision for Climate Action

KPMG’s Next Gen delegation is convening a roundtable workshop of senior and young leaders to identify key challenges and possible solutions to improve youth engagement in climate action. The facilitated discussion is designed to allow participants to actively contribute geographic and nuanced challenges and strategies, and to learn from best practice examples from around the world. The workshop will be followed by a networking opportunity for young people in the climate space to help build and deepen global relationships.

Theme: Next generation of leaders

Register today

6:00pm – 7:00pm (GMT+4) | Green Plate for all: Decarbonizing our food systems

Aligning the SDG and Paris Agreement goals, this session will demonstrate the interconnections between climate change, food security, and human well-being, as well as the actions necessary for a more sustainable future.

Theme: The Climate:Food Nexus

Register today

Tuesday 19 November 2024

10:00am – 11:00am (GMT+4) | Accelerating inclusive action: Gender-responsive climate finance roundtable 

Join KPMG and 2X Global at a roundtable on gender-responsive climate finance, serving as a moment to announce KPMG’s 2X Global membership, as well as soft-launch the climate and gender finance module being developed by KPMG for 2X members. Aimed at those already working at this nexus, this interactive session will highlight the importance and practicalities of ensuring all climate finance flows are gender-responsive, address barriers to scale, and provide a knowledge sharing opportunity to drive inclusive action across public and private sector finance.

Theme: Climate finance for emerging markets

Register today

Wednesday 20 November 2024

3:30pm – 5:00pm (GMT+4) | Innovative Urban Solutions: Resource Circularity and Efficient Resiliency

As cities face growing challenges in optimizing land-use and driving resource circularity at the energy-waste-water nexus, a holistic approach to urban planning is critical. How can innovative urban solutions such as district cooling systems and smart waste management contribute to circularity? How can cities achieve “efficient resiliency”, a forward-thinking approach for more sustainable cities?

Theme: Corporate decarbonization and greenwashing

Register today

BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 13, 2024 /3BL/ – KPMG International invites you to be a part of a diverse range of sessions at COP29, which aim to facilitate meaningful exchanges on climate and sustainability issues. The agenda focuses on bridging the gap between innovative visions and tangible actions, with a special emphasis on the energy transition, corporate decarbonization, climate finance, food and agriculture, and adaptation and resilience. You’re invited to explore the agenda and register to be part of these progressive conversation.

Please be advised that access to the in-person sessions located in the Blue Zone requires UNFCCC accreditation. We kindly remind you that it is necessary to secure your UNFCCC accreditation and Green Zone passes independently, as KPMG cannot assist in obtaining this access.

Tuesday 12 November 2024

10:00am – 11:00am (GMT+4) | Climate Transition Plans: Challenges and Solutions

Join a panel of leaders as they look at climate transition plans, including the challenges and opportunities behind developing a fit-for-purpose climate transition plans.

Theme: Corporate decarbonization and greenwashing 

Register today

Wednesday 13 November 2024

9:30am – 11:00am (GMT+4) | Innovative technology for resilient infrastructure

Accompanying the launch of a report in collaboration with ICSI, explore how digitalization and AI are driving infrastructure resilience and sustainability to support climate adaptation.

Theme: Adaptation and resilience

Register today

1:30pm – 2:30pm (GMT+4) | Integrating Multi-Capital Measurement for Climate Adaptation Investment

Join KPMG and speakers from the International Coalition for Sustainable Infrastructure, GIST Impact, and AON for a discussion on how assessment of natural, social, human and financial capitals – including their monetary valuation – can guide capital allocation, reduce impacts and build the resilience of businesses and communities. Panelists will discuss how diverse capital metrics can be integrated into decision-making, and will address the practical challenges of aligning these approaches with finance and strategic management processes.

Theme: Adaptation and resilience

Register today

5:00pm – 6:00pm (GMT+4) | New Solutions to Achieve the 2030 Goal of Tripling Global Renewable Energy Capacity: The Role of Finance, Technology, Innovation, and AI (OPTION 1 of 2)

Following our COP28 report on the key challenges of scaling renewables, this session will explore several solution areas that will help in meeting this critical climate ambition by 2030.

Theme: Navigating the energy transition 

Register today

Thursday 14 November 2024

11:30am – 1:00pm (GMT+4) | Greenwashing: Are your green claims robust enough to withstand scrutiny and avoid greenwashing accusations?

With sustainability and transparency at the forefront of the business landscape, the issue of greenwashing has emerged. During this session, panelists will provide their view on the trends and risks associated with greenwashing and appropriate protective responses.

Theme: Corporate decarbonization and greenwashing

Register today

11:30am – 1:00pm (GMT+4) | Promoting Climate Resilient PPP for Infrastructure Projects and the SDGs

Join this session focusing on the critical role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to accelerate the development and implementation of climate-resilient infrastructure – ahead of the UNECE-led development of a Guide to Resilient PPPs that will be published at COP30. It will bring perspectives from both global north and global south, with the articulation of key challenges for emerging markets. This event will promote active discussion between panellists and audience members to address challenges, identify opportunities to bridge gaps between strategy and implementation.

Theme: Adaptation and resilience

Register today

12:00pm – 1:00pm (GMT+4) | Beyond finance as usual: transitioning to a sustainable future

Explore transition finance opportunities for private capital mobilization for emerging markets, including innovative financing mechanisms, partnership efforts between public, philanthropy and private sectors, as well as the key barriers to this transition.

Theme: Climate finance in emerging markets

Register today

4:30pm – 6:00pm (GMT+4) | Green Transformation: Diverging Paths, Common Goals

Bringing together leaders from Asia, the US, and Europe, this panel discussion will look at various energy transition strategies and the role that climate finance has to play.

Theme: Navigating the energy transition 

Register today

Friday 15 November 2024

11:00am – 12:30pm (GMT+4) | CCUS – Building the foundation to a net-zero future

Exploring the future of Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) and its crucial role in achieving net-zero.

Theme: Navigating the energy transition 

Register today

12:00pm – 1:00pm (GMT+4) | New Solutions to Achieve the 2030 Goal of Tripling Global Renewable Energy Capacity: The Role of Finance, Technology, Innovation, and AI (OPTION 2 of 2)

Following our COP28 report on the key challenges of scaling renewables, this session will explore several solution areas that will help in meeting this critical climate ambition by 2030.

Theme: Navigating the energy transition 

Register today

Saturday 16 November 2024

9:00am – 10:00am (GMT+4) | Pull finance: Pulling innovations into emerging markets at scale

How can pull finance be leveraged to accelerate climate technology in emerging markets? Hear from a panel who will discuss how pull finance can act as an enabler for ‘pulling’ new climate solutions to market.

Theme: Climate finance for emerging markets

Register today

11:00am – 12:30pm (GMT+4) | Unlocking the Scope 3 Opportunity — Insights from Asia Pacific

Join this panel discussion to gain insights on the Scope 3 emissions landscape in the Asia Pacific region, with real-life examples of how companies are responding to one of the defining climate challenges of our time.

Theme: Corporate decarbonization and greenwashing

Register today

Monday 18 November 2024

11:00am – 12:30 (GMT+4) | Coal-to-Clean Initiative

The session will explore transition finance, including opportunities for private capital mobilization for emerging markets, innovative financing mechanisms, partnership efforts between public, philanthropy and private sectors, as well as the key barriers to this transition. 

Theme: Navigating the energy transition

Register today

4:00pm – 6:00pm (GMT+4) | Youth Vision for Climate Action

KPMG’s Next Gen delegation is convening a roundtable workshop of senior and young leaders to identify key challenges and possible solutions to improve youth engagement in climate action. The facilitated discussion is designed to allow participants to actively contribute geographic and nuanced challenges and strategies, and to learn from best practice examples from around the world. The workshop will be followed by a networking opportunity for young people in the climate space to help build and deepen global relationships.

Theme: Next generation of leaders

Register today

6:00pm – 7:00pm (GMT+4) | Green Plate for all: Decarbonizing our food systems

Aligning the SDG and Paris Agreement goals, this session will demonstrate the interconnections between climate change, food security, and human well-being, as well as the actions necessary for a more sustainable future.

Theme: The Climate:Food Nexus

Register today

Tuesday 19 November 2024

10:00am – 11:00am (GMT+4) | Accelerating inclusive action: Gender-responsive climate finance roundtable 

Join KPMG and 2X Global at a roundtable on gender-responsive climate finance, serving as a moment to announce KPMG’s 2X Global membership, as well as soft-launch the climate and gender finance module being developed by KPMG for 2X members. Aimed at those already working at this nexus, this interactive session will highlight the importance and practicalities of ensuring all climate finance flows are gender-responsive, address barriers to scale, and provide a knowledge sharing opportunity to drive inclusive action across public and private sector finance.

Theme: Climate finance for emerging markets

Register today

Wednesday 20 November 2024

3:30pm – 5:00pm (GMT+4) | Innovative Urban Solutions: Resource Circularity and Efficient Resiliency

As cities face growing challenges in optimizing land-use and driving resource circularity at the energy-waste-water nexus, a holistic approach to urban planning is critical. How can innovative urban solutions such as district cooling systems and smart waste management contribute to circularity? How can cities achieve “efficient resiliency”, a forward-thinking approach for more sustainable cities?

Theme: Corporate decarbonization and greenwashing

Register today

Originally published in Southern Company’s 2023 Sustainability Summary

Our mission to provide clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy is about more than our bottom line. We are committed to supporting and improving our communities and environment at the local level and beyond, while conducting business with honesty, integrity and fairness. We are involved in the development of our communities, the education of our young people, supporting causes our customers feel strongly about and taking care of our elderly, needy and disabled.

Charitable Giving and Volunteerism

Our employee volunteer efforts and economic development initiatives are focused on making communities thrive for generations to come.

Southern Company and our subsidiaries weave together philanthropic programs, community convenings, non-profit board leadership, and employee volunteerism to create positive momentum in the communities where we serve, live, and play.Employees and retirees play a critical role in our communities through their substantial volunteer efforts. In 2023, employees volunteered over 150,000 hours of their time.

Learn More

Alabama Power Foundation is a proud contributor to Jones Valley Teaching Farm (JVTF). JVTF operates eight vibrant Teaching Farms throughout Birmingham including seven located at Birmingham City Schools campuses. During the 2022-2023 academic year, they reached 5,141 students, employed six paid apprentices and interns, distributed more than 19,435 pounds of produce for free, and grew 74,796 seedlings.

“Our business is different from nearly all other businesses that I know. When we go to a place, we go not as tourists, not as transients, not as promoters and not as tenants. When and where we go, we build and construct a permanent character that can never be moved away. Our first act upon arrival constitutes that we have selected that particular place in which to become a citizen. Not for just an hour, not for just a day, but for always.” – Preston Arkwright, first President of Georgia Power, 1902

Read more

Originally published in Southern Company’s 2023 Sustainability Summary

Our mission to provide clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy is about more than our bottom line. We are committed to supporting and improving our communities and environment at the local level and beyond, while conducting business with honesty, integrity and fairness. We are involved in the development of our communities, the education of our young people, supporting causes our customers feel strongly about and taking care of our elderly, needy and disabled.

Charitable Giving and Volunteerism

Our employee volunteer efforts and economic development initiatives are focused on making communities thrive for generations to come.

Southern Company and our subsidiaries weave together philanthropic programs, community convenings, non-profit board leadership, and employee volunteerism to create positive momentum in the communities where we serve, live, and play.Employees and retirees play a critical role in our communities through their substantial volunteer efforts. In 2023, employees volunteered over 150,000 hours of their time.

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Alabama Power Foundation is a proud contributor to Jones Valley Teaching Farm (JVTF). JVTF operates eight vibrant Teaching Farms throughout Birmingham including seven located at Birmingham City Schools campuses. During the 2022-2023 academic year, they reached 5,141 students, employed six paid apprentices and interns, distributed more than 19,435 pounds of produce for free, and grew 74,796 seedlings.

“Our business is different from nearly all other businesses that I know. When we go to a place, we go not as tourists, not as transients, not as promoters and not as tenants. When and where we go, we build and construct a permanent character that can never be moved away. Our first act upon arrival constitutes that we have selected that particular place in which to become a citizen. Not for just an hour, not for just a day, but for always.” – Preston Arkwright, first President of Georgia Power, 1902

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International Olympic Committee news

Almost all of the 1.2 million pieces of the sports equipment used during the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 are being given a second life. In addition, other assets – from uniforms and furniture to technological equipment – will have a second life. This means that 90 per cent of the six million pieces of sports equipment and other assets will be reused.

As part of the Games’ commitment to a circular economy, organisers had rented about 900,000 (75%) of the 1.2 million pieces of sports equipment used overall. The remaining 300,000 pieces, which were purchased, are now being donated to the French sports movement in order to benefit local communities, promote physical activity, and enhance sports infrastructure across France.

First Games of Olympic Agenda 2020

Paris 2024 were the first Games fully aligned with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) reforms of Olympic Agenda 2020, which set a path towards more sustainable Olympic and Paralympic Games. Olympic Agenda requires organisers to minimise the Games’ footprint, build and develop only where there is a clear need for long-term community use, and deliver long-term social and economic benefits for the hosts.

By redefining what more sustainable and responsible Olympic Games can look like, Paris 2024 has set a powerful example for future hosts. The Games are proving to be a living embodiment of Olympic Agenda’s focus on sustainability, inclusivity and legacy.

Marie Sallois

Director of Sustainability at the IOC.

The reuse and redistribution of the sports equipment are part of the objective to minimise consumption and benefit local communities. It is also part of the organisers’ ambition to boost sport across the country and introduce physical activity among the least active parts of society.

In its effort to cut emissions by half compared to previous Games, 95 per cent of the venues used for Paris 2024 already existed or were temporary. The only new venues constructed respond to local needs and fill infrastructure gaps in underprivileged communities. Both the Aquatics Centre and the Paris 2024 Olympic Village were built in the north-eastern suburbs of Paris, where such sporting and residential infrastructure is needed.

Donations to sporting bodies

The French Volleyball Federation will receive essential equipment such as balls, nets, poles and sports flooring to enhance its facilities nationwide. Similarly, the French Badminton Federation will receive gear to support both its Olympic and Paralympic programmes, empowering athletes at all levels.

The Seine-Saint-Denis area, the beating heart of the Games and one of France’s most underserved areas for sports infrastructure, is set to significantly benefit from the initiative. Here, items from the Games will be used to equip new sports facilities, creating opportunities for physical activity in communities that need them the most.

The sand from the Eiffel Tower stadium, used for beach volleyball events, will be repurposed to create three new courts at the Marville departmental park in Seine-Saint-Denis, with an additional court planned for nearby Taverny in Val d’Oise.

The Skateboard Street area will be relocated to the department, along with the temporary pools from La Défense Arena, helping to expand much-needed swimming infrastructure in an area where facilities are scarce.

Donations to associations

Besides sports equipment, the Organising Committee has undertaken an unprecedented review of all other assets – from uniforms and furniture to technological equipment – focusing on minimising waste and maximising reuse.

The City of Paris, along with the French National Olympic and Paralympic Committees, is mobilising resources to redistribute assets to local charities that serve vulnerable communities. Partnerships with organisations such as Emmaus, the Red Cross, and the French Popular Relief will ensure that the positive impact of the Games reaches those who need it most. For example, some 50,000 furniture items from the Olympic and Paralympic Village, including 9,000 mattresses and 11,000 pillows, have been donated to Emmaus.

Big Sales of the Games

Paris 2024 is hosting “Big Sales of the Games” across France, giving fans, collectors and the general public a chance to own a piece of history. Thousands of items used during the Games – from athletes’ towels to site decorations and ceremonial objects – are available at attractive prices, offering everyone a way to engage with the Games and take home a souvenir.

“From Seine-Saint-Denis to all corners of France, Paris 2024 is demonstrating that sport has the power to build a better world, one community at a time,” said Marie Sallois.