Tag: 3BL

As a mechanic in the Army for eight years, Emily Hoffman-Szucs gained valuable transferable skills when she entered back into the civilian workforce. Today, she is a production operator for CertainTeed Roofing in California, putting these skills to use each day to provide vital building solutions for customers!

Saint-Gobain is an industry leader with thousands of talented team members who are dedicated to one unified purpose: Making the World a Better Home. With more than 160 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada, there are so many robust and fulfilling career opportunities available. You’ll have the opportunity to work with colleagues from a wide range of businesses, cultures, and experiences.

About Success in the Making

Anyone can be a manufacturer! Whether you are just starting out or transitioning your career path, the manufacturing industry presents opportunities for success. Saint-Gobain North America’s Success in the Making series features the stories of team members who built their careers in manufacturing and thrived!

Watch the full Success in the Making series on YouTube.

About Saint-Gobain

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group, celebrating its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.

€46.6 billion in sales in 2024
More than 161,000 employees, locations in 80 countries
Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050

Businesses are constantly juggling priorities and shifting budgets around. Needs can change almost daily, making it challenging to get any project greenlit — even ones regarding sustainability.

While it is very easy to make an ethical case for integrating eco-friendly practices into a company, it can be much harder to demonstrate the business case for sustainability. Often, it can be the first item struck during cutbacks, especially if your C-suite isn’t aligned with the policies. Additionally, if your company has never implemented any environmentally minded programs, it can be tough to get key stakeholders on board.

Luckily, you don’t have to build a case for sustainability on your own. We’ve put together a toolkit of information to help you prepare for these conversations and enhance the probability of making your goals a reality.

Business Benefits of Sustainability Programs

Before you begin to build out your business case for sustainable projects at your company, you first need to have a firm grasp on the benefits of these practices. Here are 5 of the most compelling talking points on why businesses need to invest in sustainability.

Risk management

Climate change has brought about an abundance of uncertainty. Last year alone, the U.S. saw 23 different climate-related disasters costing over $1 billion in damages each. But what does that have to do with your business exactly? When these events occur, they can disrupt working conditions, supply chains, access to water, and more.

If these climate change disasters happen near your place of business, it could mean having to entirely shut down an operation, especially if your organization doesn’t know how to respond to these events. Businesses that are not immediately in harm’s way are often still affected because these disasters can take out roadways, destroy crops, limit access to water, etc.

Cost Reductions

Not only do sustainability measures help mitigate risk, but they can also save your company money. In a 2025 report, the International Energy Agency found that companies using sustainable energy practices experience savings between 40% and 60% cumulatively.

Budgets are always top of mind for C-level leadership. So, when you can show them that sustainability efforts can improve the company’s bottom line, people will pay attention.

Global frameworks

While the U.S. does not have a strict governing body or regulations around sustainability, that is not the case in other parts of the world. European countries are required to report detailed sustainability information to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) for evaluation. Other countries opt into participating in the guidelines set out by the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

However, participating in these global frameworks has huge benefits — even if they are not currently required in the United States. By complying, companies get easier access to European markets. It also increases the chances of winning bids, contracts, or deals with overseas companies that need to comply with these standards.

Customer demands

Whether your company is ready to adopt sustainable practices or not, consumers are already invested in green products and companies. In 2024, 64% of consumers ranked sustainability as one of the top three factors in their purchasing decisions, and 53% said they were also willing to pay a premium for sustainable offerings.

By refusing to invest in sustainable practices, companies are leaving money on the table and will be left behind as consumer habits continue to trend towards eco-friendly purchasing decisions.

Growth of climate-related threats

In the same vein, climate change is showing no signs of slowing down. In the next five years, there is an 80% chance that we will exceed the warmest world temperature reported, which to date occurred in 2024. Global warming will only continue to disrupt supply chains, water supplies, and working conditions. Investing in sustainability now leaves room for innovating alongside the rest of the world rather than being left behind.

How to Make a Business Case for Sustainability

Now that we’ve fully established the benefits of sustainability initiatives for businesses, it’s time to build a solid case for the decision-makers at your company.

1. Survey the situation

Before you can even think about presenting sustainability options to your C-suite, you must get the lay of the land. Figure out what the business’s current environmental impact is. This way, you can identify the most lucrative sustainability opportunities for the company.

You will also need to conduct a materiality assessment in which you talk with key stakeholders about the environmental issues that are most important to them. By doing so, you can tailor a business case to the priorities of the leadership team. Since this step is required for sustainability reporting, doing this audit will set your company up for the global market.

2. Figure out the numbers

Once you’ve scoped things out, it’s time to run the numbers to support your business case. You will need to have detailed financial metrics that support the value of the sustainability efforts you are proposing. You’ll want to include costs, potential RIO, and market research that illustrates how becoming eco-friendly will set up your company to win.

3. Connect with leadership

After you’ve crunched all the numbers and have extracted the data you need, it’s time to go to the executives. C-level leaders are the ones you need to convince to move forward. Come with as many specifics as possible and show them all the benefits to budget, returns, and forecasts that sustainability projects will bring. Don’t be afraid to show your passion for the issue. Your confidence will help sway your audience.

4. Solidify your roadmap

The last step of the process has to do with future planning. Once you have secured support from key stakeholders and top leadership, you can lay out a clear plan for how the company is going to accomplish its new sustainability initiatives. Outline clear KPIs, next steps, and meetings to keep the project on track. Don’t forget to keep track of metrics, so you continue to have the tools to justify your sustainability road map.

Start Your Sustainability Journey

A lot of work goes into getting your company on board with sustainability, but it’s all worth it. By successfully outlining the benefits of eco-friendly practices and plotting out a clear execution plan, you’re on your way to making a difference for your company and the surrounding community.

Looking for a partner in this process? Get in touch with our team of experts who can guide you through all your sustainability needs.

Businesses are constantly juggling priorities and shifting budgets around. Needs can change almost daily, making it challenging to get any project greenlit — even ones regarding sustainability.

While it is very easy to make an ethical case for integrating eco-friendly practices into a company, it can be much harder to demonstrate the business case for sustainability. Often, it can be the first item struck during cutbacks, especially if your C-suite isn’t aligned with the policies. Additionally, if your company has never implemented any environmentally minded programs, it can be tough to get key stakeholders on board.

Luckily, you don’t have to build a case for sustainability on your own. We’ve put together a toolkit of information to help you prepare for these conversations and enhance the probability of making your goals a reality.

Business Benefits of Sustainability Programs

Before you begin to build out your business case for sustainable projects at your company, you first need to have a firm grasp on the benefits of these practices. Here are 5 of the most compelling talking points on why businesses need to invest in sustainability.

Risk management

Climate change has brought about an abundance of uncertainty. Last year alone, the U.S. saw 23 different climate-related disasters costing over $1 billion in damages each. But what does that have to do with your business exactly? When these events occur, they can disrupt working conditions, supply chains, access to water, and more.

If these climate change disasters happen near your place of business, it could mean having to entirely shut down an operation, especially if your organization doesn’t know how to respond to these events. Businesses that are not immediately in harm’s way are often still affected because these disasters can take out roadways, destroy crops, limit access to water, etc.

Cost Reductions

Not only do sustainability measures help mitigate risk, but they can also save your company money. In a 2025 report, the International Energy Agency found that companies using sustainable energy practices experience savings between 40% and 60% cumulatively.

Budgets are always top of mind for C-level leadership. So, when you can show them that sustainability efforts can improve the company’s bottom line, people will pay attention.

Global frameworks

While the U.S. does not have a strict governing body or regulations around sustainability, that is not the case in other parts of the world. European countries are required to report detailed sustainability information to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) for evaluation. Other countries opt into participating in the guidelines set out by the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

However, participating in these global frameworks has huge benefits — even if they are not currently required in the United States. By complying, companies get easier access to European markets. It also increases the chances of winning bids, contracts, or deals with overseas companies that need to comply with these standards.

Customer demands

Whether your company is ready to adopt sustainable practices or not, consumers are already invested in green products and companies. In 2024, 64% of consumers ranked sustainability as one of the top three factors in their purchasing decisions, and 53% said they were also willing to pay a premium for sustainable offerings.

By refusing to invest in sustainable practices, companies are leaving money on the table and will be left behind as consumer habits continue to trend towards eco-friendly purchasing decisions.

Growth of climate-related threats

In the same vein, climate change is showing no signs of slowing down. In the next five years, there is an 80% chance that we will exceed the warmest world temperature reported, which to date occurred in 2024. Global warming will only continue to disrupt supply chains, water supplies, and working conditions. Investing in sustainability now leaves room for innovating alongside the rest of the world rather than being left behind.

How to Make a Business Case for Sustainability

Now that we’ve fully established the benefits of sustainability initiatives for businesses, it’s time to build a solid case for the decision-makers at your company.

1. Survey the situation

Before you can even think about presenting sustainability options to your C-suite, you must get the lay of the land. Figure out what the business’s current environmental impact is. This way, you can identify the most lucrative sustainability opportunities for the company.

You will also need to conduct a materiality assessment in which you talk with key stakeholders about the environmental issues that are most important to them. By doing so, you can tailor a business case to the priorities of the leadership team. Since this step is required for sustainability reporting, doing this audit will set your company up for the global market.

2. Figure out the numbers

Once you’ve scoped things out, it’s time to run the numbers to support your business case. You will need to have detailed financial metrics that support the value of the sustainability efforts you are proposing. You’ll want to include costs, potential RIO, and market research that illustrates how becoming eco-friendly will set up your company to win.

3. Connect with leadership

After you’ve crunched all the numbers and have extracted the data you need, it’s time to go to the executives. C-level leaders are the ones you need to convince to move forward. Come with as many specifics as possible and show them all the benefits to budget, returns, and forecasts that sustainability projects will bring. Don’t be afraid to show your passion for the issue. Your confidence will help sway your audience.

4. Solidify your roadmap

The last step of the process has to do with future planning. Once you have secured support from key stakeholders and top leadership, you can lay out a clear plan for how the company is going to accomplish its new sustainability initiatives. Outline clear KPIs, next steps, and meetings to keep the project on track. Don’t forget to keep track of metrics, so you continue to have the tools to justify your sustainability road map.

Start Your Sustainability Journey

A lot of work goes into getting your company on board with sustainability, but it’s all worth it. By successfully outlining the benefits of eco-friendly practices and plotting out a clear execution plan, you’re on your way to making a difference for your company and the surrounding community.

Looking for a partner in this process? Get in touch with our team of experts who can guide you through all your sustainability needs.

Businesses are constantly juggling priorities and shifting budgets around. Needs can change almost daily, making it challenging to get any project greenlit — even ones regarding sustainability.

While it is very easy to make an ethical case for integrating eco-friendly practices into a company, it can be much harder to demonstrate the business case for sustainability. Often, it can be the first item struck during cutbacks, especially if your C-suite isn’t aligned with the policies. Additionally, if your company has never implemented any environmentally minded programs, it can be tough to get key stakeholders on board.

Luckily, you don’t have to build a case for sustainability on your own. We’ve put together a toolkit of information to help you prepare for these conversations and enhance the probability of making your goals a reality.

Business Benefits of Sustainability Programs

Before you begin to build out your business case for sustainable projects at your company, you first need to have a firm grasp on the benefits of these practices. Here are 5 of the most compelling talking points on why businesses need to invest in sustainability.

Risk management

Climate change has brought about an abundance of uncertainty. Last year alone, the U.S. saw 23 different climate-related disasters costing over $1 billion in damages each. But what does that have to do with your business exactly? When these events occur, they can disrupt working conditions, supply chains, access to water, and more.

If these climate change disasters happen near your place of business, it could mean having to entirely shut down an operation, especially if your organization doesn’t know how to respond to these events. Businesses that are not immediately in harm’s way are often still affected because these disasters can take out roadways, destroy crops, limit access to water, etc.

Cost Reductions

Not only do sustainability measures help mitigate risk, but they can also save your company money. In a 2025 report, the International Energy Agency found that companies using sustainable energy practices experience savings between 40% and 60% cumulatively.

Budgets are always top of mind for C-level leadership. So, when you can show them that sustainability efforts can improve the company’s bottom line, people will pay attention.

Global frameworks

While the U.S. does not have a strict governing body or regulations around sustainability, that is not the case in other parts of the world. European countries are required to report detailed sustainability information to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) for evaluation. Other countries opt into participating in the guidelines set out by the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

However, participating in these global frameworks has huge benefits — even if they are not currently required in the United States. By complying, companies get easier access to European markets. It also increases the chances of winning bids, contracts, or deals with overseas companies that need to comply with these standards.

Customer demands

Whether your company is ready to adopt sustainable practices or not, consumers are already invested in green products and companies. In 2024, 64% of consumers ranked sustainability as one of the top three factors in their purchasing decisions, and 53% said they were also willing to pay a premium for sustainable offerings.

By refusing to invest in sustainable practices, companies are leaving money on the table and will be left behind as consumer habits continue to trend towards eco-friendly purchasing decisions.

Growth of climate-related threats

In the same vein, climate change is showing no signs of slowing down. In the next five years, there is an 80% chance that we will exceed the warmest world temperature reported, which to date occurred in 2024. Global warming will only continue to disrupt supply chains, water supplies, and working conditions. Investing in sustainability now leaves room for innovating alongside the rest of the world rather than being left behind.

How to Make a Business Case for Sustainability

Now that we’ve fully established the benefits of sustainability initiatives for businesses, it’s time to build a solid case for the decision-makers at your company.

1. Survey the situation

Before you can even think about presenting sustainability options to your C-suite, you must get the lay of the land. Figure out what the business’s current environmental impact is. This way, you can identify the most lucrative sustainability opportunities for the company.

You will also need to conduct a materiality assessment in which you talk with key stakeholders about the environmental issues that are most important to them. By doing so, you can tailor a business case to the priorities of the leadership team. Since this step is required for sustainability reporting, doing this audit will set your company up for the global market.

2. Figure out the numbers

Once you’ve scoped things out, it’s time to run the numbers to support your business case. You will need to have detailed financial metrics that support the value of the sustainability efforts you are proposing. You’ll want to include costs, potential RIO, and market research that illustrates how becoming eco-friendly will set up your company to win.

3. Connect with leadership

After you’ve crunched all the numbers and have extracted the data you need, it’s time to go to the executives. C-level leaders are the ones you need to convince to move forward. Come with as many specifics as possible and show them all the benefits to budget, returns, and forecasts that sustainability projects will bring. Don’t be afraid to show your passion for the issue. Your confidence will help sway your audience.

4. Solidify your roadmap

The last step of the process has to do with future planning. Once you have secured support from key stakeholders and top leadership, you can lay out a clear plan for how the company is going to accomplish its new sustainability initiatives. Outline clear KPIs, next steps, and meetings to keep the project on track. Don’t forget to keep track of metrics, so you continue to have the tools to justify your sustainability road map.

Start Your Sustainability Journey

A lot of work goes into getting your company on board with sustainability, but it’s all worth it. By successfully outlining the benefits of eco-friendly practices and plotting out a clear execution plan, you’re on your way to making a difference for your company and the surrounding community.

Looking for a partner in this process? Get in touch with our team of experts who can guide you through all your sustainability needs.

Businesses are constantly juggling priorities and shifting budgets around. Needs can change almost daily, making it challenging to get any project greenlit — even ones regarding sustainability.

While it is very easy to make an ethical case for integrating eco-friendly practices into a company, it can be much harder to demonstrate the business case for sustainability. Often, it can be the first item struck during cutbacks, especially if your C-suite isn’t aligned with the policies. Additionally, if your company has never implemented any environmentally minded programs, it can be tough to get key stakeholders on board.

Luckily, you don’t have to build a case for sustainability on your own. We’ve put together a toolkit of information to help you prepare for these conversations and enhance the probability of making your goals a reality.

Business Benefits of Sustainability Programs

Before you begin to build out your business case for sustainable projects at your company, you first need to have a firm grasp on the benefits of these practices. Here are 5 of the most compelling talking points on why businesses need to invest in sustainability.

Risk management

Climate change has brought about an abundance of uncertainty. Last year alone, the U.S. saw 23 different climate-related disasters costing over $1 billion in damages each. But what does that have to do with your business exactly? When these events occur, they can disrupt working conditions, supply chains, access to water, and more.

If these climate change disasters happen near your place of business, it could mean having to entirely shut down an operation, especially if your organization doesn’t know how to respond to these events. Businesses that are not immediately in harm’s way are often still affected because these disasters can take out roadways, destroy crops, limit access to water, etc.

Cost Reductions

Not only do sustainability measures help mitigate risk, but they can also save your company money. In a 2025 report, the International Energy Agency found that companies using sustainable energy practices experience savings between 40% and 60% cumulatively.

Budgets are always top of mind for C-level leadership. So, when you can show them that sustainability efforts can improve the company’s bottom line, people will pay attention.

Global frameworks

While the U.S. does not have a strict governing body or regulations around sustainability, that is not the case in other parts of the world. European countries are required to report detailed sustainability information to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) for evaluation. Other countries opt into participating in the guidelines set out by the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

However, participating in these global frameworks has huge benefits — even if they are not currently required in the United States. By complying, companies get easier access to European markets. It also increases the chances of winning bids, contracts, or deals with overseas companies that need to comply with these standards.

Customer demands

Whether your company is ready to adopt sustainable practices or not, consumers are already invested in green products and companies. In 2024, 64% of consumers ranked sustainability as one of the top three factors in their purchasing decisions, and 53% said they were also willing to pay a premium for sustainable offerings.

By refusing to invest in sustainable practices, companies are leaving money on the table and will be left behind as consumer habits continue to trend towards eco-friendly purchasing decisions.

Growth of climate-related threats

In the same vein, climate change is showing no signs of slowing down. In the next five years, there is an 80% chance that we will exceed the warmest world temperature reported, which to date occurred in 2024. Global warming will only continue to disrupt supply chains, water supplies, and working conditions. Investing in sustainability now leaves room for innovating alongside the rest of the world rather than being left behind.

How to Make a Business Case for Sustainability

Now that we’ve fully established the benefits of sustainability initiatives for businesses, it’s time to build a solid case for the decision-makers at your company.

1. Survey the situation

Before you can even think about presenting sustainability options to your C-suite, you must get the lay of the land. Figure out what the business’s current environmental impact is. This way, you can identify the most lucrative sustainability opportunities for the company.

You will also need to conduct a materiality assessment in which you talk with key stakeholders about the environmental issues that are most important to them. By doing so, you can tailor a business case to the priorities of the leadership team. Since this step is required for sustainability reporting, doing this audit will set your company up for the global market.

2. Figure out the numbers

Once you’ve scoped things out, it’s time to run the numbers to support your business case. You will need to have detailed financial metrics that support the value of the sustainability efforts you are proposing. You’ll want to include costs, potential RIO, and market research that illustrates how becoming eco-friendly will set up your company to win.

3. Connect with leadership

After you’ve crunched all the numbers and have extracted the data you need, it’s time to go to the executives. C-level leaders are the ones you need to convince to move forward. Come with as many specifics as possible and show them all the benefits to budget, returns, and forecasts that sustainability projects will bring. Don’t be afraid to show your passion for the issue. Your confidence will help sway your audience.

4. Solidify your roadmap

The last step of the process has to do with future planning. Once you have secured support from key stakeholders and top leadership, you can lay out a clear plan for how the company is going to accomplish its new sustainability initiatives. Outline clear KPIs, next steps, and meetings to keep the project on track. Don’t forget to keep track of metrics, so you continue to have the tools to justify your sustainability road map.

Start Your Sustainability Journey

A lot of work goes into getting your company on board with sustainability, but it’s all worth it. By successfully outlining the benefits of eco-friendly practices and plotting out a clear execution plan, you’re on your way to making a difference for your company and the surrounding community.

Looking for a partner in this process? Get in touch with our team of experts who can guide you through all your sustainability needs.

As Canada looks to diversify trade partners and reduce domestic trade barriers, supply chain strength is once again under the spotlight.

In a recent interview with Business in Vancouver, Douglas Smith, CEO of DP World in Canada, made a clear point: strengthening Canada’s trade network isn’t just about expanding ports — it’s about improving what happens beyond them.

“Supply chain is the chain. Fixing only one portion of it doesn’t make Canada better,” said Smith.

With the Port of Vancouver handling more than 85 million tonnes of cargo in the first half of 2025 — up nearly 13% year over year — pressure is mounting across the system. But the challenge isn’t simply about moving more ships through marine terminals. It’s about how efficiently cargo moves inland once it arrives.

The Mismatch Slowing Canada Down

One of the clearest signs of strain is container dwell time — the number of days a container sits at a terminal before leaving by truck or rail.

While ports may have the capacity to move large volumes, inland infrastructure often lags behind. That imbalance creates friction across the entire chain.

“That’s because the infrastructure in Canada is not matched to the infrastructure at the seaports. So, if I can move 10,000 containers a day inland, but inland can only take 2,000 containers a day, you are going to understand the bottleneck for rough numbers,” said Smith.

When containers sit longer than necessary, costs increase, exporters lose time to market, and supply chains become less predictable. In some cases, Canadian businesses move cargo across the border to access alternative routing options.

The takeaway: competitiveness depends on the entire network — not just the waterfront.

Why Inland Connectivity Is a Strategic Priority

Canada is entering a new phase of trade strategy. As global supply chains shift and geopolitical volatility becomes more common, the country is working to diversify trading partners and strengthen domestic east-west corridors.

That effort requires more than strong marine gateways.

Strategically positioned inland logistics hubs, short-sea shipping corridors, improved rail alignment, and targeted infrastructure upgrades can help clear terminal footprints faster and reposition equipment closer to exporters. These investments don’t always need to be massive.

“Minor investment across the infrastructure and the supply chain across Canada could unlock massive capability,” said Smith.

The opportunity isn’t about isolated megaprojects — it’s about coordinated improvements that increase overall system velocity.

A More Sustainable Way to Move Trade

There’s also a sustainability dimension to this conversation.

Operational sustainability isn’t only about electrification and renewable energy at ports. It’s also about reducing friction across the system.

When dwell times extend, equipment cycles increase, trucks idle longer, and inefficiencies compound. Improving inland capacity helps reduce unnecessary movements, streamline cargo flow, and lower emissions intensity across the network.

In short: better connectivity supports both economic resilience and environmental performance.

And while current trade tensions may create uncertainty, Smith takes a long-term view.

“But the world still needs supply, the world still needs goods. So, it’s up to players like us in this industry to make sure we keep that stability. We recognize that opportunity is coming and we prepare for it,” he said.

As Canada prepares for future trade growth, the conversation is expanding beyond port expansions to something broader: building a better-connected inland network that strengthens the entire chain.

To read Doug Smith’s full interview in Business in Vancouver, click here.

As Canada looks to diversify trade partners and reduce domestic trade barriers, supply chain strength is once again under the spotlight.

In a recent interview with Business in Vancouver, Douglas Smith, CEO of DP World in Canada, made a clear point: strengthening Canada’s trade network isn’t just about expanding ports — it’s about improving what happens beyond them.

“Supply chain is the chain. Fixing only one portion of it doesn’t make Canada better,” said Smith.

With the Port of Vancouver handling more than 85 million tonnes of cargo in the first half of 2025 — up nearly 13% year over year — pressure is mounting across the system. But the challenge isn’t simply about moving more ships through marine terminals. It’s about how efficiently cargo moves inland once it arrives.

The Mismatch Slowing Canada Down

One of the clearest signs of strain is container dwell time — the number of days a container sits at a terminal before leaving by truck or rail.

While ports may have the capacity to move large volumes, inland infrastructure often lags behind. That imbalance creates friction across the entire chain.

“That’s because the infrastructure in Canada is not matched to the infrastructure at the seaports. So, if I can move 10,000 containers a day inland, but inland can only take 2,000 containers a day, you are going to understand the bottleneck for rough numbers,” said Smith.

When containers sit longer than necessary, costs increase, exporters lose time to market, and supply chains become less predictable. In some cases, Canadian businesses move cargo across the border to access alternative routing options.

The takeaway: competitiveness depends on the entire network — not just the waterfront.

Why Inland Connectivity Is a Strategic Priority

Canada is entering a new phase of trade strategy. As global supply chains shift and geopolitical volatility becomes more common, the country is working to diversify trading partners and strengthen domestic east-west corridors.

That effort requires more than strong marine gateways.

Strategically positioned inland logistics hubs, short-sea shipping corridors, improved rail alignment, and targeted infrastructure upgrades can help clear terminal footprints faster and reposition equipment closer to exporters. These investments don’t always need to be massive.

“Minor investment across the infrastructure and the supply chain across Canada could unlock massive capability,” said Smith.

The opportunity isn’t about isolated megaprojects — it’s about coordinated improvements that increase overall system velocity.

A More Sustainable Way to Move Trade

There’s also a sustainability dimension to this conversation.

Operational sustainability isn’t only about electrification and renewable energy at ports. It’s also about reducing friction across the system.

When dwell times extend, equipment cycles increase, trucks idle longer, and inefficiencies compound. Improving inland capacity helps reduce unnecessary movements, streamline cargo flow, and lower emissions intensity across the network.

In short: better connectivity supports both economic resilience and environmental performance.

And while current trade tensions may create uncertainty, Smith takes a long-term view.

“But the world still needs supply, the world still needs goods. So, it’s up to players like us in this industry to make sure we keep that stability. We recognize that opportunity is coming and we prepare for it,” he said.

As Canada prepares for future trade growth, the conversation is expanding beyond port expansions to something broader: building a better-connected inland network that strengthens the entire chain.

To read Doug Smith’s full interview in Business in Vancouver, click here.

As Canada looks to diversify trade partners and reduce domestic trade barriers, supply chain strength is once again under the spotlight.

In a recent interview with Business in Vancouver, Douglas Smith, CEO of DP World in Canada, made a clear point: strengthening Canada’s trade network isn’t just about expanding ports — it’s about improving what happens beyond them.

“Supply chain is the chain. Fixing only one portion of it doesn’t make Canada better,” said Smith.

With the Port of Vancouver handling more than 85 million tonnes of cargo in the first half of 2025 — up nearly 13% year over year — pressure is mounting across the system. But the challenge isn’t simply about moving more ships through marine terminals. It’s about how efficiently cargo moves inland once it arrives.

The Mismatch Slowing Canada Down

One of the clearest signs of strain is container dwell time — the number of days a container sits at a terminal before leaving by truck or rail.

While ports may have the capacity to move large volumes, inland infrastructure often lags behind. That imbalance creates friction across the entire chain.

“That’s because the infrastructure in Canada is not matched to the infrastructure at the seaports. So, if I can move 10,000 containers a day inland, but inland can only take 2,000 containers a day, you are going to understand the bottleneck for rough numbers,” said Smith.

When containers sit longer than necessary, costs increase, exporters lose time to market, and supply chains become less predictable. In some cases, Canadian businesses move cargo across the border to access alternative routing options.

The takeaway: competitiveness depends on the entire network — not just the waterfront.

Why Inland Connectivity Is a Strategic Priority

Canada is entering a new phase of trade strategy. As global supply chains shift and geopolitical volatility becomes more common, the country is working to diversify trading partners and strengthen domestic east-west corridors.

That effort requires more than strong marine gateways.

Strategically positioned inland logistics hubs, short-sea shipping corridors, improved rail alignment, and targeted infrastructure upgrades can help clear terminal footprints faster and reposition equipment closer to exporters. These investments don’t always need to be massive.

“Minor investment across the infrastructure and the supply chain across Canada could unlock massive capability,” said Smith.

The opportunity isn’t about isolated megaprojects — it’s about coordinated improvements that increase overall system velocity.

A More Sustainable Way to Move Trade

There’s also a sustainability dimension to this conversation.

Operational sustainability isn’t only about electrification and renewable energy at ports. It’s also about reducing friction across the system.

When dwell times extend, equipment cycles increase, trucks idle longer, and inefficiencies compound. Improving inland capacity helps reduce unnecessary movements, streamline cargo flow, and lower emissions intensity across the network.

In short: better connectivity supports both economic resilience and environmental performance.

And while current trade tensions may create uncertainty, Smith takes a long-term view.

“But the world still needs supply, the world still needs goods. So, it’s up to players like us in this industry to make sure we keep that stability. We recognize that opportunity is coming and we prepare for it,” he said.

As Canada prepares for future trade growth, the conversation is expanding beyond port expansions to something broader: building a better-connected inland network that strengthens the entire chain.

To read Doug Smith’s full interview in Business in Vancouver, click here.

As Canada looks to diversify trade partners and reduce domestic trade barriers, supply chain strength is once again under the spotlight.

In a recent interview with Business in Vancouver, Douglas Smith, CEO of DP World in Canada, made a clear point: strengthening Canada’s trade network isn’t just about expanding ports — it’s about improving what happens beyond them.

“Supply chain is the chain. Fixing only one portion of it doesn’t make Canada better,” said Smith.

With the Port of Vancouver handling more than 85 million tonnes of cargo in the first half of 2025 — up nearly 13% year over year — pressure is mounting across the system. But the challenge isn’t simply about moving more ships through marine terminals. It’s about how efficiently cargo moves inland once it arrives.

The Mismatch Slowing Canada Down

One of the clearest signs of strain is container dwell time — the number of days a container sits at a terminal before leaving by truck or rail.

While ports may have the capacity to move large volumes, inland infrastructure often lags behind. That imbalance creates friction across the entire chain.

“That’s because the infrastructure in Canada is not matched to the infrastructure at the seaports. So, if I can move 10,000 containers a day inland, but inland can only take 2,000 containers a day, you are going to understand the bottleneck for rough numbers,” said Smith.

When containers sit longer than necessary, costs increase, exporters lose time to market, and supply chains become less predictable. In some cases, Canadian businesses move cargo across the border to access alternative routing options.

The takeaway: competitiveness depends on the entire network — not just the waterfront.

Why Inland Connectivity Is a Strategic Priority

Canada is entering a new phase of trade strategy. As global supply chains shift and geopolitical volatility becomes more common, the country is working to diversify trading partners and strengthen domestic east-west corridors.

That effort requires more than strong marine gateways.

Strategically positioned inland logistics hubs, short-sea shipping corridors, improved rail alignment, and targeted infrastructure upgrades can help clear terminal footprints faster and reposition equipment closer to exporters. These investments don’t always need to be massive.

“Minor investment across the infrastructure and the supply chain across Canada could unlock massive capability,” said Smith.

The opportunity isn’t about isolated megaprojects — it’s about coordinated improvements that increase overall system velocity.

A More Sustainable Way to Move Trade

There’s also a sustainability dimension to this conversation.

Operational sustainability isn’t only about electrification and renewable energy at ports. It’s also about reducing friction across the system.

When dwell times extend, equipment cycles increase, trucks idle longer, and inefficiencies compound. Improving inland capacity helps reduce unnecessary movements, streamline cargo flow, and lower emissions intensity across the network.

In short: better connectivity supports both economic resilience and environmental performance.

And while current trade tensions may create uncertainty, Smith takes a long-term view.

“But the world still needs supply, the world still needs goods. So, it’s up to players like us in this industry to make sure we keep that stability. We recognize that opportunity is coming and we prepare for it,” he said.

As Canada prepares for future trade growth, the conversation is expanding beyond port expansions to something broader: building a better-connected inland network that strengthens the entire chain.

To read Doug Smith’s full interview in Business in Vancouver, click here.

By James Pennington, Global Sustainability Services Director, Lenovo

Sustainability continues to be listed among the top priorities for global business leaders, and spending on it is increasing. But is it always clear how businesses can plan, deliver, and measure the positive impact that they aim for?

Getting sustainability right isn’t easy. Environmental impact is shaped by thousands – maybe millions – of decisions made across the IT lifecycle. This is from how devices are designed and manufactured to how they’re used, repaired and eventually recovered. When those decisions are disconnected and disjointed, progress can end up being slow and hard to measure.

That’s why Lenovo’s circular economy strategy is structured around the R.E.A.L. Framework, an operating model that connects design, materials, business models, and lifecycle data into a single system.

R.E.A.L. stands for:

• Responsible Design – Embedding circularity into product architecture from the outset, ensuring durability, repairability, and lifecycle value are engineered in.
• Ethical Materials – Scaling recycled and renewable inputs to reduce reliance on virgin resources.
• Accountable Models – Aligning incentives with longevity and recovery through service-based and lifecycle-driven offerings.
• Lifecycle Intelligence – Using component-level data and advanced analytics to measure, compare, and optimize environmental impact before products are built.

Together, these pillars move circularity from aspiration to execution – ensuring that sustainability decisions are intentional, measurable, and economically aligned across the full IT lifecycle.

Addressing environmental impact at the start of the journey

The first step towards turning sustainability ambition into action is realizing that the environmental footprint of IT is determined long before a device reaches a customer. Overproduction, excess inventory, inefficient logistics and misidentified parts can quietly drive waste and emissions at scale. To tackle this, Lenovo has been transforming its global supply chain using AI and advanced technologies that allow better decisions earlier in the process.

At the core is our Planning Decision Center (PDC), which is an AI-driven forecasting ecosystem that replaces reactive, historical planning with real-time insight. This means businesses can anticipate demand more accurately. PDC reduces excess and obsolete inventory, unnecessary inter-warehouse transfers and overproduction.

Alongside this, Lenovo’s AI Sub System improves parts identification accuracy, which makes sure that the right component reaches the right device the first time. Ultimately, this reduces returns, extra shipments and waste.

Advanced technologies such as AR/VR are also helping cut emissions during service and logistics. AR/VR self-repair guidance enables many repairs to be completed remotely, avoiding engineer travel and saving time and money with transportation. Then we also have Smart Packaging which uses AI to optimize carton configuration, reducing packaging materials usage by over 35% and related carbon emissions by 50,000 kgs.

Rethinking how organizations consume and manage IT

Even with a more efficient supply chain, the way organizations procure and manage devices has a significant impact on sustainability. Traditional ownership models often lead to over-purchasing, short refresh cycles and fragmented end-of-life processes.

Last year, we launched Lenovo TruScale Device as a Service (DaaS) for Sustainability which was designed to address this challenge by rethinking the relationship between organizations and their technology. Instead of buying devices outright, customers subscribe to technology through a flexible, pay-as-you-go model.

Lenovo manages deployment, support, maintenance and responsible end-of-life recovery, shifting lifecycle responsibility away from customers and embedding sustainability into every stage.

What makes TruScale DaaS for Sustainability different is its modular sustainability stack. Customers can combine services such as carbon tracking through the Carbon Impact Portal, Lenovo Certified Refurbished devices, CO₂ Offset Services, and Asset Recovery Services into bundles aligned to their specific sustainability goals.

Customers adopting as a service models have seen up to 35% reductions in device-related IT costs and meaningful progress toward both financial and environmental targets.

Turning IT end-of-life into a circular advantage

The final stage of the IT lifecycle is often where sustainability efforts break down. Device retirement. This can be fragmented, manual and compliance-heavy, leading to premature disposal and data risk.

Lenovo Asset Recovery Services (ARS) addresses this head-on. Operating across 49 markets globally, ARS provides a brand-agnostic, end-to-end recovery service covering logistics, certified data erasure, refurbishment, recycling and transparent reporting.

Since 2020, Lenovo has helped customers reuse or recycle more than 94,000 metric tons of IT equipment, with 71% of collected devices refurbished or reused for parts.

Recent innovations have made ARS even more impactful. Prepaid ARS credits allow organizations to plan circularity in advance, rather than reacting to decommissioning need. The Intelligent Asset Manager within Lenovo Service Connect replaces manual spreadsheets with real-time visibility, allowing customers to track assets, schedule pickups and access compliance and impact reports instantly.

Together, these capabilities turn IT end-of-life from a risk and cost center into a strategic contributor to sustainability and value recovery.

Built upon R.E.A.L, recognized by SEAL

The measurable impact, driven by our R.E.A.L approach to sustainability, has led to Lenovo recently be recognized at the SEAL Business Awards 2026. We were honored across three categories: Environmental Initiatives (Lenovo’s AI and advanced technology powering the supply chain), Sustainable Innovation (Lenovo TruScale Device as a Service for Sustainability) and Sustainable Service (Lenovo Asset Recovery Services).

Lenovo was pleased to be listed among other reputable honorees ranging from global infrastructure and industrial leaders to fast-growing climate and sustainability innovators.

The challenges facing businesses are only intensifying. However, through Lenovo’s supply chain intelligence and IT circularity services, organizations can turn sustainability ambition into measurable action.

For more information about Lenovo Sustainability Solutions, visit:
https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/sustainability-solutions/