Tag: 3BL

Originally published by WBCSD

Dave Bender’s 23 years at Griffith Foods have been a journey of transformation and growth. During this time, he has witnessed a remarkable shift in the company’s focus towards sustainability and the articulation of its purpose – a value that deeply resonates with him.

However, embedding ESG principles into Griffith Foods’ existing portfolio and new product development has been anything but easy.

One major hurdle Dave and his team encountered was the absence of a common global nutrition standard. Without a single, unified benchmark, they had to navigate a maze of regional and local guidelines, making it difficult to establish consistent practices and define KPIs that ensured alignment across the company.

Continue reading here

KeyBank and the KeyBank Foundation announced an investment of $390,000 in Dayton’s Preschool Promise Inc. to boost its Promise Scholars program.

The Promise Scholars program specifically helps early childhood educators employed at a Preschool Promise partner site earn degrees and credentials in early childhood education and graduate debt-free. The program was established in 2022 to tackle the crisis in the early educator workforce and improve the quality of instruction in early learning classrooms. It was created in response to concerns raised by local partners about childcare and preschool programs having to close classrooms due to a lack of qualified teachers.

Using grant funds for the next four years, Preschool Promise will cover up to $5,000 in tuition each semester to help educators earn a credential or degree. The program also assists with covering the cost of tuition and books as needed for each teacher and can provide tutoring and accountability to help them stay enrolled and pursue degree completion.

“We are thrilled to partner with the KeyBank Foundation to expand educational opportunities through our Promise Scholars program,” said Robyn Lightcap, Executive Director of Preschool Promise. “This funding will enable us to support Early Childhood Educators in returning to school to earn their degrees, while also creating pathways for young learners interested in the field through internships and hands-on experience. Investing in highly qualified teachers is essential, as we know that learning begins at birth, and skilled educators play a vital role in every child’s growth and lifelong success.”

The following three strategies will be developed and implemented to support the next phase of the Scholars program:

High School Pathway: Preschool Promise will create stronger pathways from middle school to high school to early learning programs. The organization will build on the relationships they already have with high school Teacher Prep Academies to create job shadowing and internship experiences for high school students.Registered Apprenticeship: They will work closely with local community colleges to create a Registered Apprenticeship program for an associate degree in early childhood education, to allow the organization to tap into funding streams that are exclusively for registered apprenticeships.Workforce Development Funding: The nonprofit will also leverage government funding streams that can be utilized to support early childhood education workforce development, such as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), or funding for Youth Development, such as the YouthWorks program in Montgomery County. There are barriers to accessing these funding streams that need to be addressed to fully utilize the funding.

“At KeyBank, we are committed to investing in our communities and supporting those who educate and nurture the next generation,” said Jeff Bardonaro, KeyBank Dayton Market President. “By helping early childhood educators advance their careers and addressing the workforce crisis in early education, we aim to make a lasting impact on the Dayton area. This partnership with Preschool Promise Inc. aligns with our dedication to creating opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen our community.”

The organization will also provide computers to students who do not have access to technology. This is especially helpful for first-generation college students; older students starting college for the first time or returning after a long break; or students who grew up in families experiencing poverty, this individualized attention is critical to their success.

ABOUT KEYCORP

KeyCorp’s roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $190 billion at September 30, 2024.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

ABOUT PRESCHOOL PROMISE INC.

Preschool Promise aims to ensure every child in Montgomery County, Ohio is ready for Kindergarten. Our mission is to partner with families, providers, and community leaders to offer high-quality early childhood experiences from prenatal to age 5. Research shows that the first five years are critical for developing language, literacy, math, and social skills, especially in a supportive, high-quality environment. Our goal is for all families, regardless of race, income, or geography, to access the early education resources their children need to thrive.

We work with over 100 partner preschools, offering sliding-scale tuition assistance, and providing teachers and administrators with professional development. Preschool Promise also supports educators in earning credentials and degrees debt-free and works to improve wages in the field.

Recently, we have expanded to support children from birth to age 3, increasing access to home visiting, parenting support, and early intervention services. We’re committed to equity, focusing resources on young children with the highest needs and advocating for the best outcomes for all young learners.

Cummins

Emission regulations have become crucial in reducing the environmental impact of heavy-duty vehicles. The implementation of U.S. Environment Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2027 emission standards in North America is expected to be a significant milestone in this ongoing endeavor, drastically lowering nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission limits by over 80%. The standards also dictate the extension of the emissions useful life (EUL) of vehicle components to ensure sustained compliance and performance. Today’s NOx and EUL requirements have remained unchanged for over a decade, presenting new and significant challenges to an industry accustomed to established standards. Addressing EPA27 regulations will require a system-level approach, integrating both the engine and aftertreatment systems, with careful optimization between the two. This article will explore two potential solutions.

System trade-offs significantly influence design choices for both the engine and aftertreatment, as these components must work in tandem to ensure optimal performance, serviceability and configurability for customers. Since 2007, Cummins Inc.’s Engine Business has partnered with Cummins Emission Solutions (CES) to develop system designs in North America that meet EPA regulations while prioritizing customer needs. The 2027 product lineup will introduce a new aftertreatment architecture, the Twin Module, built on proven solutions and adaptable configurations that minimize impact on customer chassis. When paired with the EPA 2027 X15 engine, which retains cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and in-cylinder hydrocarbon dosing, the Twin Module is powered by a 48V alternator that enables the CES-designed electric heating system. This integration, featuring a belt-driven alternator and the application of electric heat in the aftertreatment, allows the 2027 solutions to meet lower emissions requirements without compromising engine performance or durability. As with the current Single Module system, the Twin Module continues CES’s commitment to ease of serviceability and customer configurability.

CES Electric Heating System to Meet EPA27

According to Bethany Huckaby, Product Manager – CES, her team “is focused on the best way to apply appropriate technologies for the combination of critical factors: what does the regulation demand, what does the engine need and what does the market require.” For the EPA27 regulations in North American On-Highway markets, the system will utilize electric heat — along with other design changes — to deliver emissions performance in a “future proof” manner. This approach allows the EPA 2027 engines to concentrate on their performance without the added concern of thermal management required for aftertreatment.

Leveraging the advantages of electric heating technology makes sense in North America’s On-Highway space for several reasons. By developing its own electric heaters specifically designed for heavy-duty commercial environments, CES is equipping customers with scalable solutions for the future. The Twin Module systems can apply heat to the exhaust “on-demand” and precisely where needed, ensuring accurate thermal management without compromising engine performance. This leads to improved engine efficiency—and consequently better fuel economy—across all potential operating conditions that a truck may face in North America. If future regulations continue to tighten emissions standards, the system architecture is already prepared to meet those requirements with minimal space claim adjustments, preventing customers from needing to redesign their chassis entirely.

Much like the earlier aftertreatment products, the Twin Module is designed to offer a comprehensive range of configuration options for customers. Utilizing electric heaters reduces the additional catalyst volume required resulting in a more compact system, and the assemblies can be arranged in several ways through a host of configurable product options. CES recognizes that maximizing flexibility in vehicle integration is crucial as the EPA27 regulations demand enhanced performance for longer durations than ever before.

CES Technologies for Euro 7

Another example of a CES solution that balances regulatory demands with engine and market needs can be found in Europe, where the implementation of Euro 7 emission regulations will begin in 2027. While these new regulations are less stringent than EPA 2027, they still require significant reductions in NOx and particulate number (PN) compared to Euro 6 levels. Additionally, Europe has introduced legislation specifically aimed at reducing CO2 emissions across fleets. The Vehicle Energy Consumption Calculation Tool (VECTO) mandates that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) offer a broader range of powertrain solutions, enabling fleets to achieve a mandated percentage reduction in CO2 emissions (at the vehicle level) compared to a 2019 baseline. The target for 2025 is a 15% reduction in CO2 at the vehicle level. The 2030 target was recently revised from 30% to 45%, posing a significant challenge given the current infrastructure’s readiness to support battery electric vehicles (BEV), hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2 ICE), and hydrogen fuel cells (HC FC) in the heavy-duty market. Meeting both Euro 7 limits and VECTO requirements is a considerable undertaking, requiring vehicle manufacturers to offer a variety of powertrain solutions, including a mix of clean diesel, hybrid, BEV and H2 ICE technologies.

Cummins Emission Solutions supports OEMs in their path to cleaner diesel solutions with a robust portfolio of components, including DEF and hydrocarbon dosing systems, mixers, e-heaters, and DEF filters. For North America, EPA27 poses an exciting opportunity to leverage existing technologies while incorporating the CES electric heating system. The European market is also expected to generate a huge demand for innovative aftertreatment solutions driven by the Euro 7 regulations. CES continues to assess its options for Euro 7 solutions while actively collaborating with major OEMs to provide reliable, high-quality components that support their individual needs. As global emissions regulations become increasingly stringent, Cummins is well-prepared to address these unprecedented challenges with solutions that meet the diverse demands of different markets and customers.

Business for Societal Impact (B4SI) are pleased to announce its flagship Global Annual Conference, which will take place on November 20th for EMEA & Americas and November 21st for APAC. This year’s theme, ‘Social Impact in an Era of Inequality,’ centres on how businesses can lead in addressing inequality and driving positive societal change.

The conference will feature two panel discussions centred on ‘Business Action on Inequality’ and ‘The Evolution of Corporate Social Impact’. Global leaders and experts from across industries will share knowledge and know-how in a collective effort towards accelerating societal impact.

Partners confirmed to speak at the event include:

Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN)Shared Value Initiative Hong KongThe Conference BoardThe Schwab Foundation for Social EntrepreneurshipUN Global Compact Network Singapore (GCNS)

Featured B4SI Network members participating:

Bank of IrelandExperianIntrepid TravelLinklatersNN GroupQBEStockland

Join to gain insights into best practices and explore how businesses can drive impactful societal change.

Open to both B4SI members and non-members. Register now to secure your spot:

November 20th for EMEA & Americas: Register hereNovember 21st for APAC: Register here

The 2025 Civic 50 Survey Opens Dec. 10

The Civic 50 recognizes the 50 most community-minded companies in the country each year. For more than a decade, the program has served as a benchmarking tool and platform for sharing best practices in the corporate citizenship sector.

The Civic 50 honorees are selected based on how they score in a survey on four dimensions of their community engagement and social impact programs: investment of resources, institutionalization through policies and systems, integration across business functions and impact measurement.

The survey to determine the next class of honorees will open Dec. 10, 2024. To learn more about the survey and how your company can participate in The 2025 Civic 50, register for our informational webinar on Dec. 10 at 1 p.m. ET.

Visit pointsoflight.org/the-civic-50-honorees to explore the 2024 list of recognized organizations and learn more about their contributions to their communities.

Women in Campaign, a program promoted by New Holland, a CNH brand, celebrated Rural Women’s Day in the province of Córdoba.

The event brought together more than 50 women, including customers, producers, office and plant collaborators, as well as dealership personnel from various regions of the country, in a special field day.

The meeting took place at the Santa Julia Establishment, belonging to the Catholic University of Cordoba, where students and teachers offered a space for debate on “the livestock experience” and presented the initiatives of the faculty related to the agricultural industry. The participants took a guided tour of the institution’s facilities.

Professionals from Banco Santander also participated, offering talks on topics such as emotional intelligence, personal finance management and technology applied to agriculture.

“We are very pleased to have organized this meeting of Women in Campaign, a project that was born three years ago and that continues to gain strength in the region,” said Natalia Álvarez, Marketing Specialist of New Holland.

Attendees also had the opportunity to carry out dynamic tests with New Holland tractors. “Women in Campaign is not just a project; It is an opportunity for rural women to empower themselves, share experiences and weave networks. Together, we are driving growth and innovation in our communities,” said Stephanie Cipriani, also a Marketing Specialist for the brand.

Mujeres en Campaña is a program of New Holland Argentina that seeks to reach women of all ages and geographical areas. It is a project built with the collaboration of people from all over the country. From north to south, and east to west, there are stories that inspire, empower, and deserve to be told.

The annual Gulf Energy Information Excellence Awards honor cutting-edge innovations and technological advancements in the energy industry.

There were nearly 500 nominations this year, from which more than 180 finalists emerged, with honorees receiving awards in 29 categories across the energy sector.

SLB innovations are among the 2024 winners in two categories:

Best Production Technology

Multicycle System for Actuated Response (MSAR)

ACTive MSAR simplifies and improves the efficiency of downhole operations by enabling precise, surface-commanded fluid diversion. Open and close commands are sent from the surface to control a downhole valve that enables fluid to flow, actuating the tools, or redirects the fluid to the annulus, deactivating the tractor. The MSAR reduces water use and streamlines stimulation operations.

Best Controls, Instrumentation, and Automation Technology—Upstream

Autonomous Well Intervention

As part of the Intervention and Stimulation Alliance, Aker BP and SLB are delivering on a joint digital vision to bring well interventions to the future through a combination of digital workflows and autonomous execution for coiled tubing, wireline, and slickline. This holistic well intervention digitalization approach enables technology reuse, development synergies, and a unified user experience for future workforce multiskilling. The results are significant improvements in success rates and operating speeds while reducing CO2 emissions and operational costs.

Teamwork and Innovation

“These recognitions highlight the efforts of our talented team members, who continuously push the boundaries of innovation and excellence. We are grateful for the trust and teamwork with Aker BP and Aramco who collaborated with us to bring these groundbreaking innovations to life,” notes Yasser Badiei, intervention business line director, Reservoir Performance at SLB.

Learn more about SLB technology development here.

View original content here.

MEMPHIS, Tenn., November 8, 2024 /3BL/ – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) today announced its Better Practices, Better Planet 2030 Sustainability Award winners. International Paper (IP) was selected for the Leadership in Sustainability – Resilient U.S. Forests category, recognizing the positive outcomes resulting from its longstanding Forestland Stewards partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF).

“Sustainability is foundational for our members and our awards program reflect that,” said AF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock. “These award-winning projects demonstrate sustainability leadership and innovation in action. We are proud to recognize real-world examples of how our forest and paper industry sustainability goals come to life.”

The awards recognize exemplary sustainability programs and initiatives in paper and wood products manufacturing. IP was among a handful of AF&PA members recognized by a third-party group of judges from nongovernmental organizations, academic institutions, government organizations, and trade associations, and the win demonstrates the company’s long-held commitment on sustainability.

“The Forestland Stewards partnership is a testament of what is possible at scale when you invest significant funds in forest conservation efforts for over ten years,” said IP’s Senior Manager of Forest Sustainability and Certification Jeremy Poirier. “For example, since 2013, we’ve helped to establish and enhance more than 1.6 million acres of native forest and wildlife habitat, improved more than 800 miles of stream, and engaged over 37,000 private landowners through outreach and technical assistance. We are honored that AF&PA recognizes the significance of this work and selected us for their Leadership in Sustainability award.”

“International Paper’s support through the Forestland Stewards partnership is a game changer for forest and wildlife conservation in the South,” said NFWF’s Southern Region Director Jay Jensen. “IP’s long-term investment has helped NFWF leverage more than $250 million in other public and private funds, enabling partners to reach more landowners and restore and enhance more acres of forest habitat while also supporting working forests.”

Visit afandpa.org/priorities/sustainability/sustainability-awards to watch a short video about International Paper’s award-winning partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of sustainable packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of the world’s largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what’s next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America and North Africa. Net sales for 2023 were $18.9 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com.

About the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

Chartered by Congress in 1984, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) protects and restores the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants and habitats. Working with federal, corporate, foundation and individual partners, NFWF has funded more than 6,800 organizations and generated a total conservation impact of more than $10 billion. NFWF is an equal opportunity provider. Learn more at nfwf.org.

RESTON, Va., November 8, 2024 /3BL/ – Leidos (NYSE:LDOS) announced a new contract to modernize the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network (OPTN), a critical system that delivers vital organ transplant information to patients, donors, and healthcare providers. The contract was awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through its Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This multiple-award, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract has a total potential value of $235 million, including a base period of performance of one year and four, one-year option periods.

“Every 10 minutes, someone is added to the transplant waiting list,” said Liz Porter, Leidos Health & Civil Sector president. “Patients, donors, families, and physicians depend on timely and accurate data from the OPTN to facilitate life-saving transplants. By providing improved access to information and deploying modernized tools, we are dedicated to equipping all involved with the resources they need to make critical decisions.”

Under the contract, Leidos will have the opportunity to compete with other vendors to win tasks to modernize key pieces of the organ transplant system to improve transparency, performance, governance, and efficiency across the donation and transplantation process. This effort will benefit more than 100,000 people on the national organ transplant waitlist.

With its deep expertise in technology, health systems, and large-scale electronic health record implementations, Leidos is uniquely positioned to collaborate with HRSA on planning and delivering the OPTN modernization.

This initiative, representing the most significant reforms of the OPTN in nearly four decades, is aimed at improving health outcomes and better serving patients and families.

About Leidos

Leidos is a Fortune 500® innovation company rapidly addressing the world’s most vexing challenges in national security and health. The company’s global workforce of 48,000 collaborates to create smarter technology solutions for customers in heavily regulated industries. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $15.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2023. For more information, visit www.leidos.com.

Originally published in Southern Company’s 2023 Sustainability Summary

Biodiversity and Environmental Stewardship

Southern Company’s focus on biodiversity and environmental stewardship is integral to our identity and summarized in our Biodiversity Principles. Southern Company and its subsidiaries are proud to support the communities we serve. We have a long history of stewarding our environment by protecting and conserving the land and reservoirs surrounding our facilities.

Southern Company believes that a balanced and healthy environment is central to our commitment to provide clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy to our customers and the communities we serve.Given how biodiverse ecosystems underpin all life and human society, we practice conservation, enhance biodiversity and recognize our role in helping our neighbors and communities do the same.We understand that prudent use of natural resources is vital to meeting our customers’ needs, and we strive to protect those resources for future generations.

Spotlight: Protecting Our Waterways

Southern Company: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation 20-Year Partnership

Our partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation began more than 20 years ago with a focus on restoring and reviving the populations and habitats of southern birds through the Power of Flight program. The program has since evolved into a portfolio of efforts addressing critical conservation needs including long-term restoration of the longleaf pine ecosystem, recovery of imperiled species and community-based stewardship of forests, rivers, coastal areas and wetlands. This successful alliance has generated and accelerated measurable results and is a leading example of how public-private partnerships can effectively support ecosystems and wildlife across the United States.

Learn More

Alabama Power: 25 Years of Renew our Rivers

Renew Our Rivers is a community-driven effort aimed at preserving and enhancing waterways across the Southeastern United States. Originating in 2000 as a local river cleanup organized by Alabama Power employees along the Coosa River, it has since evolved into one of the nation’s largest river cleanups. 2024 marks 25 years of Renew Our Rivers and its efforts to help protect water quality along some of Alabama’s most vital rivers, lakes and streams. Since 2000, about 131,500 Renew Our Rivers volunteers have removed 8,351 tons of trash from waterways across the Southeast, making our communities cleaner and safer for generations to come.

Georgia Power: Waters for Georgia

For over 100 years, Georgia Power has used the natural energy of falling water to generate efficient and economical energy for Georgia. Through its Waters for Georgia grant program, the Georgia Power Foundation has provided nearly $3 million in grants to water quality improvement projects that result in measurable benefits to environments and communities across the state of Georgia. The Waters for Georgia program works on focal areas in priority watersheds to provide momentum for widescale restoration and conservation efforts. In 2024, the program provided major grants in the Chattahoochee River basin in Metro Atlanta and along the Georgia coast. Additional consideration is given to projects benefitting majority Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and underserved communities.

Virginia Natural Gas: Elizabeth River Project

In 2023, VNG became the lead sponsor of the Ryan Resilience Series, established by the Ryan Resilience Lab to provide an ambitious mix of interactive programs aiming to educate the public, especially marginalized communities, on the importance of preserving the ecosystem in the Elizabeth River. As part of the revitalization, neighboring wetlands have been restored, but the progress made over decades is now jeopardized by sea level rise. The Ryan Resilience Lab, opened in 2023 as a hub for equitable engagement in environmental stewardship and sustainability, will focus on how people and urban ecosystems adapt to sea level rise.

Learn More

Read more