Tag: 3BL

“We believe in our people” and “We act like entrepreneurs” are two core values, part of Gildan’s DNA. While the former signifies the Company’s belief in succeeding through teamwork and collaboration, the latter highlights the Company’s entrepreneurial spirit and leadership’s passion to do more, do better, and continue driving the organization’s growth and success. A large part of these values is Gildan’s commitment to empowering its employees and ensuring they have the right resources available to collaborate and take ownership of their careers. This is why the Company invests in identifying, creating, and providing Learning and Development (L&D) opportunities, allowing both employees and the organization to advance.

We sat down with Cristal De la Cruz, Manager of Global Organizational Development (OD) at Gildan to learn more about Learning and Development (L&D), its importance at Gildan, and how the Company builds a culture of development to drive talent further.

Can you speak about the importance of L&D at Gildan and how the Company approaches talent development?

At Gildan, we are constantly looking for opportunities to allow our employees to reach their full potential within the organization. This starts first and foremost with openness and transparency when it comes to the employee’s development aspirations and needs. So, encouraging a culture where that is conducive is something we consistently try to reinforce. We encourage our employees and managers to have regular and transparent feedback sessions, identifying employees’ strengths, competencies, and gaps, both on an individual level, and in terms of their larger role at the organization. By facilitating these conversations through our performance management process, known internally as GPAT, we help the organization gain insight into its talent, and also allow employees themselves to recognize what they need to achieve their professional objectives.

This is where L&D comes in. The L&D function defines the best approach and provides the tools to continuously cultivate our talented workforce of over 45,000 people, such that they are able to bring their talent to areas that are meaningful to them and find their true fit at the organization.

How does Gildan go about creating a culture of development?

Our approach to creating such a culture is to provide the tools and resources employees may need to propel their development, and make sure people are aware of these tools’ availability. For instance, we provide our administrative employees with Gildan Academy, an online resource consisting of training modules from a wide range of areas, including leadership, technical development, DEI, cybersecurity, health and safety, and more, all offered in alignment with Gildan’s competency framework. With Gildan Academy, our networked employees have access to L&D resources right at their fingertips! Last year, administrative employees completed over 35,000 hours of training through Gildan Academy. In addition, we regularly send a newsletter to our employees, imparting knowledge about a certain development topic, highlighting Gildan Academy courses to supplement it, and motivating people to continue their development journey.

For our hourly employees as well, there are multiple training opportunities available. For example, in Honduras and the Dominican Republic, we offer a nine-month long Mechanic School program, allowing employees to develop theoretical and practical knowledge about Gildan’s production teams. In Honduras, we run the Six Sigma Academy, training employees to solve problems using data, optimize processes, and reduce waste. In addition, we are constantly looking to build partnerships with local and external vendors to provide technical training to our employees. All these programs, created in response to our employees’ actual needs, encourage people to participate and engage in development. A testament to this is the 2.5 million hours of training completed in 2023 by our employees across the organization, including technical, production floor-related, and leadership and mandatory training.

You mentioned Gildan’s competency framework. Can you tell us more about that? How does that play a role in building a culture of development at the Company?

Gildan’s competency framework was created to highlight what success looks like at every level of the Company, and it acts as a guide for employees and people leaders alike to chart an employee’s advancement at the organization. The framework, which consists of five core competencies, came about as a product of evaluating what the organization needs, as well as the Company’s core values. Employees are encouraged to benchmark themselves against proficiency scales for each of the core competencies and become aware of the skills needed for a current or future position.

This self-awareness within each employee feeds into the organization’s culture of taking ownership of one’s development, encouraging employees to leverage available L&D opportunities and advance their careers.

Can you tell us about some of the L&D programs initiated by Gildan’s team and how these help employees, as well as the organization, advance?

One of our most popular programs is Leading the Gildan Way (LTGW), a 10-month training equipping first-line managers from all locations to lead and inspire teams in line with Gildan’s core values. This program is an investment in Gildan’s next generation, equipping them with the leadership skills needed to manage talent. In the five years since this program’s initiation, more than 600 managers across eight countries have completed the training, which includes in-person and virtual sessions, and collaborative learning with peers.

Another one of my favourites is the Women in Leadership (WIL) – Ignite Your Impact program. This six-month program is offered to approximately 20 women at the manager-level and above each year, providing them with hands-on training, development, and networking opportunities. Of all the WIL graduates we’ve had so far, 45% have been promoted or have made lateral movements within the organization. Last year, we introduced a new component to this program, implementing activities connecting all the past cohorts and strengthening the community of women leaders at Gildan.

Our newest program, ASPIRE, is an intensive program for directors, strengthening their skills in crisis management, inclusive leadership, and driving change. Last year, 20 directors from different locations graduated from this program, and we intend to continue providing it over the coming years.

What’s next for L&D at Gildan?

L&D is a continuous journey, evolving as the organization and our employees evolve. Our team is always looking for solutions to help our employees and the organization meet their targets more efficiently. For instance, this year, in response to feedback from regional HR teams and past cohorts of our leadership programs including WIL, ASPIRE, and LTGW, we improved the candidate selection method by initiating a self-nomination process. Now, managers at Gildan who believe they may benefit from these programs can nominate themselves as participants. In addition to encouraging people to take their development into their own hands, this new method inspires Gildan’s employees’ entrepreneurial spirit.

We are also continuously revamping our learning programs to respond to business realities and always reviewing our internal L&D processes to continue to enhance and strengthen Gildan’s learning and development framework. In 2023, we administered our latest Global Employee and Engagement Survey which allowed us to understand how we could best support our workforce across various departments and regions. We look forward to using the learnings from this survey to continue implementing impactful L&D solutions across the organization and contributing to Gildan’s growth. 

To learn more about life at Gildan, click here.

In partnership with The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, we recently opened a state-of-the-art STEM Center at Academia Antonia Alonso Charter School (La Academia), offering a unique opportunity for local students to delve into the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The center is part of Delmarva Power and The Exelon Foundation’s larger mission to empower students with practical skills and inspire the innovators of tomorrow.

This new STEM center provides students with hands-on experience through interactive modules and advanced technology, including coding and robotics. Each learning station is designed to foster curiosity and build skills that will support these young learners in future educational and career paths.

La Academia, which is our neighbor in Newark, Delaware, is a public KN – 8th Grade charter school with focus on nurturing bilingual, biliterate and multicultural children. In addition to the new STEM center, we presented La Academia with school supplies, backpacks, and school uniform donations.

By investing in youth education and partnering with organizations like The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, we are working to ensure that today’s students have the tools and support to become tomorrow’s leaders in the utility industry.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are nothing new, but their impact on health, the environment, and business operations has made them a constant focus of regulatory action and media coverage. As companies face stricter regulations and higher expectations from stakeholders, the complexity of managing PFAS risk can feel overwhelming. With the US EPA advancing its PFAS Road Map and states launching their own initiatives, businesses need to be vigilant about compliance and risk management to stay ahead.

In a recent 30-minute webinar entitled, “Keeping Pace with Ongoing PFAS Developments,” Jack Sheldon, PFAS Service Line Leader, and Nasim Pica and Jason Lagowski, PFAS Subject Matter Experts at Antea Group, distilled down some of the most pressing updates on PFAS, from regulatory shifts to the latest forensic technologies. This blog will give a brief overview of the webinar but won’t cover everything the webinar did. To watch the full webinar, click below.

Watch On-Demand

Understanding PFAS Risk 

As you evaluate your PFAS resilience or risk tolerance amidst all the regulatory changes that have been occurring in the marketplace, whether that be at the federal level, the state level, or the global level, consider looking at risk in three different categories: brand, products, and people / worker exposure.

Brand: Transparent messaging about PFAS can build trust with clients, stakeholders, and the public. Stay informed on litigation and address legacy PFAS issues to mitigate risks.Product: Now is the time for companies to work with their suppliers to assess the PFAS content in their products and, where possible, eliminate non-essential PFAS. Stay compliant with the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) and the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reporting requirements and keep teams updated on toxicology research.People / Worker Exposure: Protect workers by evaluating operational processes for PFAS. Transition to PFAS-free fire suppression foams and ensure compliance with regulatory standards like TSCA, TRI, and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

4 Key Actions to Take 

There are several proactive steps that businesses can take to manage PFAS risks effectively. These steps can help you stay ahead of regulations and show responsible management to clients and stakeholders.

Conduct a Thorough Desktop PFAS Screening: Use available digital tools to screen updated safety data sheets, identifying potential PFAS risks across all operations. A proactive screening process is often the first and most critical step in minimizing PFAS exposure.Collaborate with Supply Chain Vendors: Work with suppliers to find and implement PFAS alternatives. Vendors are quite savvy now, and they understand the need to move away from PFAS. They may have alternatives ready for you.Research and Development for Safer Alternatives: Look for substitutions in your own products lines. For example, explore fluorine-free options and ask your suppliers for alternatives. In some cases, conducting product testing to find suitable replacements is a good idea.Stay Informed and Ready for Regulatory Changes: Use innovative tools to monitor, track, and respond to regulatory changes effectively.

Recent PFAS Regulatory Updates 

The regulatory landscape for PFAS is dynamic and varies widely, from local initiatives to international bans. Understanding these updates is crucial for staying compliant and managing risk effectively.

US Updates 

First, there is the TRI Act Expansion. The EPA has proposed adding over 100 new PFAS chemicals to the list, with mandatory reporting for small emissions (100 lbs. a year). This expansion requires businesses to be vigilant in tracking and reporting PFAS emissions.

Second, the TSCA Deadline Extension. The reporting deadline has been delayed from May 2025 to January 2026 for most companies, with an additional six months added in for small businesses. This extension provides businesses with more time to comply with reporting requirements.

Third, the CERCLA Designation. As of this past summer, PFOA and PFOS are now designated as hazardous substances, requiring mandatory reporting for releases over one pound in 24 hours. This designation enables EPA to enforce cleanups at contaminated sites. But the regulations aren’t just in the US, they’re global, too.

Global Updates 

In the EU, the EU REACH Proposal aims to restrict or ban about 10,000 PFAS compounds, with exceptions for critical uses such as medical devices where there isn’t a good PFAS substitution yet. Decisions are expected in 2025, with potential enforcement by 2026 or 2027.

Canada is largely aligning with international PFAS standards but has delayed the inclusion of fluoropolymers in its regulations, instead focusing on phasing out specific uses like firefighting foams. South America, led by Brazil, is beginning to adopt international standards, with a focus on water contamination and public health impacts.

Tools for Tracking PFAS Regulations 

As you can see, regulations vary around the globe and even from state to state in the US, and these regulations change over time. That’s why it’s so important to monitor, track, and compare the regulations in each region of your operations to minimize the penalties and costly violations you could run into. But you don’t have to do this alone. There are tools that can help. For example, Antea Group’s Global PFAS Regulatory Dashboard can help you stay up to date on regulations in the US and globally.

PFAS Forensic Tools 

Another significant question many businesses face is determining the source of PFAS contamination. PFAS is present throughout the natural and built environments, and identifying the origin can be critical for cost-effective remediation and risk management. The latest forensic tools use advanced techniques such as AI/machine learning and predictive modeling to identify PFAS sources with accuracy.

Some approaches include: 

Data Visualization: Techniques like radar plots help visualize PFAS data and identify patterns.Applied Statistics: Methods such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis identify patterns and outliers in PFAS data.Machine Learning: Algorithms trained on diverse data sets can accurately classify and identify PFAS sources, providing valuable insights for remediation efforts.

While PFAS forensics can be complex, it’s important to note that advanced forensic methods for identifying the sources of PFAS contamination are continually improving, and we’ll likely hear more on this in the future.

Key Takeaways 

First, with all the recent PFAS developments, now is the time to evaluate your PFAS risk. Don’t wait. Second, a growing regulatory trend for PFAS is to ban PFAS as a class rather than as individual compounds like PFOA, PFOS or other PFAS constituents. That’s why it’s so important to stay informed about regulatory changes to ensure compliance and avoid penalties. Third, machine learning is a viable method for PFAS source identification and environmental samples, something we’ll hear more and more about.

All in all, staying ahead of PFAS regulations and understanding your risk exposure is critical for navigating this complex landscape. By taking proactive measures, businesses can mitigate risks and ensure compliance in an ever-changing regulatory environment.

Do you want help or have questions about PFAS regulations or your PFAS risk? Our team of experts is here to help, reach out today!

In 2020, Mary Kay launched the Young Women in STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) grant program and social campaign to help shift the perception of “the face of science,” and encourage young women to pursue STEM paths. Since then, we have awarded 29 grants providing nearly $200,000 to young women in STEM all around the world.

Meet 2024 STEM Grant Recipient Valeria Coralles! Valeria is the cofounder of ValPat STEAM, a YouTube channel that inspires and motivates youth, especially girls, to enter the world of STEM. There are over 550 videos in the channel, covering topics on engineering, robotics, science, electronics, and mathematics. These engaging videos teach fun and simple projects, where students from Spain and Latin America (or anywhere in the world!) can learn about STEM subjects for free.

What/Who inspired you to get into STEM?

My introduction to the STEM world was thanks to Goldie Blox, a female-engineer doll that came with a lot of pieces, Lego style, where I could build many different projects (a zip line, a carriage…). My parents saw something was shining in my eyes and they bought me many kits to learn to build other things. Since I was in a small city in the north of Spain, I also tried many things online, coding platforms where I could learn from home. I was only 7 or 8 years-old, but those things took me to many years doing projects and learning in the STEM world.

What are some advantages you think being a female brings to the STEM field?

I think that women are a great advantage in technology since they can contribute many more ideas than are already created. We are 50% of the population but somehow technology is still a male’s world, with many products and services created by men because there are many more than women. I think girls and women give different perspectives to problems and solutions and those views can bring a lot of value to products and to society.

What would you tell young girls who are interested in STEM, but too intimidated or discouraged to pursue it?

I would tell them to try things, that technology is also for them. I would tell them not to be afraid because most probably they are going to love all the things they can do. Technology has no limits, and it is in everything in our daily lives, whatever things they do in the future will have technology, so I encourage all the girls who are scared to try it.

What do you think is most exciting about the future of STEM, and is there a specific advancement you’d like to see happen?

What excites me most about the future of STEM is everything new that will be invented and learned about cures for diseases, how many lives will be impacted thanks to the advancements technology will provide. I am sure that, as time passes, we will investigate and learn much more about these and we will be able to help many people. Something that I am also very interested is in seeing how artificial intelligence advances, I find it something fascinating and I know that it is constantly growing

Who’s your favorite female icon and why?

Without a doubt, Patricia Heredia, my colleague at ValPat STEAM, who has been a teacher and mentor, and who now is my partner and friend. She has inspired me from the moment I met her when I was only 8 years old. She was my greatest reference in technology, and she continues to teach me and to push me in learning and being better. Thanks to her I am where I am now, she is the best thing that could have happened to me.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., November 7, 2024 /3BL/ – For observances of National STEM Day 2024, global edtech leader Discovery Education and select partners offer a curated collection of free resources to engage students in STEM education. Held annually on November 8th, National STEM Day unites communities to celebrate the importance of teaching science, technology, engineering, and math to students in grades K-12.

Among the free STEM resources now available to educators, students, and families from Discovery Education and its partners are:

Virtual Field Trips

Premiering on November 21, 2024, the Mission Possible Virtual Field Trip: Re-powering the Future brings students to field locations being repurposed to host different energy generation sites and introduces new STEM professionals who share the skills required for careers in STEM. This VFT is the first in a new series from the STEM Careers Coalition, an alliance of industries and non-profit organizations partnering with Discovery Education to create equitable access to free STEM content and career connections. Since 2019, the STEM Careers Coalition has reached over 10.7 million students, including 2.97 million in the 2023-2024 school year alone, 65% of which are from Title I schools.The Innovators for Impact Virtual Field Trip from STEM Forward, a program with Panasonic and Olympian & Presidential Medal of Freedom award winner Katie Ledecky. In this VFT, participants will travel virtually to Japan with Katie Ledecky to meet and interact with Panasonic STEM specialists who are exploring innovative ways of living and working today and in the future. A 4-time Olympian, 9-time Olympic Gold Medalist (14-time Olympic Medalist), and 21-time World Champion, Katie is a proud STEM advocate.In the Internet of Things Virtual Field Trip from Conservation Station: Creating a More Resourceful World—an educational initiative produced in partnership with Itron–students get an exciting look at how the internet they use in their everyday lives can be used to conserve natural resources, protect ecosystems, and create safer, more sustainable communities.

Classroom Resources

Futurelab+ – an educational initiative from Discovery Education and Genentech, a member of the Roche Group – offers resources to support independent research projects for students in grades 9-12 that can be used to apply knowledge of biotechnology to real-world scenarios. The capstone resources provide students and teachers with various tools to support academic success, connect your students to biotech industry volunteers for free through Career Connect, and learn about various career paths in the growing STEM industries.Inspire the problem-solver in every student with easy-to-implement activities that encourage students to tackle real-world challenges while developing a fundamental understanding of the world around them. Students can find inspiration from the 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge finalists and winners who are changing the world for the better with a single innovative idea. These resources are from Young Scientist Lab, a program with 3M.

Professional Development

The Master Class series from Sustainable Futures provides a model for educators looking to expand lessons beyond the classroom. Experienced fellow educators who have used outside resources demonstrate just how effective they can be in the classroom. Lessons come alive, connections between theory and real-world application become clear, and students engage more deeply with the material. Sustainable Futures is a program developed in collaboration with global climate innovator, Trane Technologies.Educators can build confidence in using immersive resources while learning how to create powerful learning moments in any learning environment with Discovery Education and Verizon’s Innovative Learning curated AR/VR professional development content. Using these resources, educators will learn new techniques and teaching strategies that focus on increasing student engagement using immersive technology in the classroom. Educators can discover more Immersive Learning solutions from Discovery Education here.

These specially curated resources and more are available at the National STEM Day Discovery Education website and on the award-winning K-12 learning platform, Discovery Education Experience.

“At Discovery Education, we are thrilled to collaborate with our partners to ignite a passion for STEM in classrooms everywhere. With these incredible resources, educators are empowered to spark students’ curiosity and inspire them to explore the wonders of the universe around them. By fostering a strong foundation in STEM, we are preparing the next generation to tackle the challenges of the future,” said Amy Nakamoto, Executive Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at Discovery Education.

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

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About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and corporate partnerships, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

Contacts 
Grace Maliska 
Discovery Education 
Email: gmaliska@dicoveryed.com

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Within our Nasdaq IR Intelligence practice, we believe it is critical to keep our pulse on the evolving needs of our corporate clients, as we continuously focus on advancing our value. We invite you to take a brief 10-15 minute survey to share perspectives on day-to-day responsibilities, key priorities, and challenges facing issuers in today’s increasingly complex investment landscape and macro environment. 

Kindly note that the data we collect will be captured on a non-attributable and aggregated basis, and we look forward to sharing our findings with you.  

The survey will remain open through November 22, 2024. At the end of the survey, you will have the option to be entered into a raffle for a $500 Amazon Gift Card. The winner will be notified the week of December 2, 2024. 

The Comcast Center Campus in Philadelphia further expands its accessibility offerings with the opening of a Sensory-Friendly Room, designed in partnership with The Arc of Philadelphia.Public spaces at the Comcast Center Campus have been designated a Certified Autism Center™ by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).

PHILADELPHIA, November 7, 2024 /3BL/ – Aligned with Comcast’s recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), Comcast announced today expanded accessibility offerings at the company’s headquarters campus in Philadelphia with the opening of a Sensory-Friendly Room at the Comcast Center.

The Sensory-Friendly Room is open free to Comcast employees and members of the public. Designed in partnership with The Arc of Philadelphia as a multisensory environment, the Sensory-Friendly Room provides both quiet, calming activities and sensory stimulation to accommodate a wide range of sensory needs.

The space is outfitted with custom sensory devices by Southpaw Enterprises, a global leader in developing and manufacturing sensory integration and neurodevelopmental products for more than 40 years. Multisensory products featured in the Sensory-Friendly Room include bubble tubes, color-changing liquid floor tiles, fiber-optic waterfalls, interactive panels, sensory rocking chairs, a visual infinity wall, and more.

The Sensory-Friendly Room was developed to make the Comcast Center Campus an even more welcoming space for autistic and neurodivergent visitors through Comcast’s continued work with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).

Comcast first partnered with the IBCCES, a global leader in autism and neurodiversity certification, when The Universal Sphere was named a Certified Autism Center™ in 2021. This year, Comcast worked with the IBCCES to earn Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation for the Comcast Center Campus’ public spaces.

The expanded certification demonstrates Comcast’s ongoing commitment to creating accessible, inclusive experiences for the widest audience possible.

We are proud that public spaces at the Comcast Center Campus are designated a Certified Autism Center, and are thrilled to offer a best-in-class multisensory experience for all with our new Sensory-Friendly Room.

KAREN DOUGHERTY BUCHHOLZ

Executive Vice President of Administration, Comcast Corporation

“We are grateful for our continued partnership with leading disability community organizations, including the IBCCES and The Arc of Philadelphia. Collaboration with these partners is vital to ensure representation from the communities we serve,” said Tom Wlodkowski, Vice President of Accessibility, Comcast.

As part of the CAC certification process, staff and security ambassadors participated in extensive, specialized training to best serve autistic and neurodivergent visitors. The IBCCES performed an on-site review of the campus’ sensory impacts, which informed a sensory guide visitor resource, and the recommendation to create a dedicated sensory-friendly room as a place of respite for visitors who become overstimulated or dysregulated.

Comcast collaborated with The Arc of Philadelphia, a longstanding partner dedicated to advocating for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families, to develop a dedicated sensory-friendly room.

“We are excited for the opportunity to support Comcast’s work to enhance accessibility for all visitors to the Comcast Center Campus,” said Shane Janick, The Arc of Philadelphia’s Executive Director. “Providing a sensory-friendly environment fosters inclusivity and welcomes neurodivergent individuals.”

Comcast champions accessible, inclusive experiences across a wide range of products and services for all. At the company’s headquarters campus in Philadelphia, the public is welcomed to enjoy free content and experiences. The Comcast Center Campus is wheelchair-accessible and service animal-friendly, and CAC-certified ambassadors are committed to welcoming all guests. Accessibility devices and sensory kits are available upon request.

The Sensory-Friendly Room, located in The Concourse at Comcast Center, is open to the public, Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours during the holiday season. Guests can ask a security ambassador for access. Learn more about accessibility at the Comcast Center Campus by visiting comcastcentercampus.com/accessibility.

In the fight against climate change, collective action is critical. No organization embodies this principle more than the Kermit Collective—a community of boutique software agency leaders who share a passion for doing great work for their clients while providing fulfilling careers for their employees. As a community of direct competitors who remain committed to fostering collaboration and meaningful dialogue between themselves, they have recognized that sustainability must be central to their mission. Each of the 30 companies, all coming from different cities and markets, have been affected by climate change. So, when it was time to plan their annual leadership retreat this year, they focused on a singular goal: using their influence to drive collective action against climate change. This realization led to their partnership with Climate Vault to verifiably minimize their environmental impact during their recent gathering and forge a roadmap for climate action.

A Collective Commitment to Sustainability

The Kermit Collective prides itself on hosting intimate gatherings that foster thought leadership and community building. Sustainability has always been a priority for the Kermit Collective, but as Mark Rickmeir, Founder of Kermit Collective, explained, their 10-year anniversary in 2024 marked a turning point in their approach.

“We got together and decided to make sustainability more of a priority. It’s always been important to us, but this year we took the steps to accommodate and manage our carbon footprint in a more structured way,” he shared.

As the Kermit team began to think more deeply about their environmental impact, they realized that their events could be contributing to climate change in ways they hadn’t fully considered. From electricity at their venue to transportation to the retreat, they wanted to assess and address that carbon footprint—no easy feat for a small and entirely remote organization.

“Having the ability to understand your carbon footprint is always the first step,” Mark explained. “Without that understanding, it’s hard to take climate action that actually moves the needle.”

Leveraging Measurement Data to Spark Conversations

As one of the goals of the retreat was to inspire deeper conversations on sustainability, Kermit Collective turned to Climate Vault’s Event Emissions Calculator to ensure the gathering had a minimal environmental impact. One of the key benefits of working with Climate Vault was the ease of using the Event Emissions Calculator.

“It was great to be able to get the report and say, ‘This is the exact impact of everything we’re doing for the event,” Mark said. The tool closely measured multiple varied elements of their retreat, from attendee meals to on-site energy use, allowing the community to understand the full environmental impact of their annual retreat.

As an added benefit of using the calculator, the group was also able to take swift action to verifiably offset those emissions through Climate Vault’s integrated carbon reduction and removal approach.

“The Event Calculator gave us an opportunity to neutralize the emissions we created during our retreat—it wasn’t just about offsetting for the sake of it but also understanding how we’re contributing to the bigger picture,” Mark shared.

During the retreat, Mark used the data from the calculator to educate attendees on the impact the event had on the planet and what the Kermit Collective was doing to verifiably mitigate the damage to the atmosphere. This experience laid the groundwork for deeper conversations during the retreat on not only the organization’s long-term climate strategy but also those of its individual members.

Navigating the Corporate Climate Action Journey

While neutralizing the retreat’s carbon footprint was a critical step, the community’s commitment to sustainability didn’t stop there. Building on the insights from the Event Emissions Calculator, the Kermit Collective next introduced Climate Vault’s Climate Action Maturity Curve during the retreat.

The interactive tool enabled attendees to assess their organization’s progress on climate action across various stages, from understanding their current emissions to setting climate goals to reporting frameworks. Each user then received actionable insights to help them push their climate action forward to evolve and mature.

“The maturity model really helped spark important conversations among us,” said Mark. “What struck me was the realization of where we are on the curve versus where we need to be. It was eye-opening—almost like seeing your carbon footprint for the first time. You just can’t manage what you don’t measure.”

While the Event Emissions Calculator enabled Kermit Collective to measure and neutralize their event’s footprint, the Climate Action Maturity Curve pushed attendees to assess where their businesses stood on their respective climate journeys.

Encouraging Others to Measure and Manage their Carbon Footprint

During the retreat one thing became clear: For the Kermit Collective and its members, sustainability isn’t just about reducing their own carbon footprint—it’s about inspiring others to do the same.

Mark’s advice to other organizations just beginning their sustainability journey is simple: “The first step is at least to know what your footprint is—that forces the conversation. A valid answer is, ‘Not yet,’ but at least you’ve had the conversation about how you might go forward.”

Whether it’s through events or everyday operations, understanding your environmental impact is key to making informed decisions and fostering dialogue within your organization.

The Value of Collective Action

Through its partnership with Climate Vault, the Kermit Collective has taken important steps to credibly measure, manage, and mitigate their annual retreat’s carbon footprint. For their team, sustainability is about more than just neutralizing the impact of one-off events. They are focused on long-term impact and are exploring ways to further integrate sustainability into their operations.

“We realized that there is a bigger impact to be made,” said Mark. “What we have come to understand is the value of collective action and measuring it. We know this isn’t just about neutralizing one event, but about how we continue to drive this narrative forward as an organization and within our community.”

The Kermit Collective is committed to taking collective action to help solve one of the greatest challenges of our generation. Climate Vault is proud to support them one event at a time, as they credibly combat climate change and inspire others to join them on their climate action journey.

Climate Vault’s Event Emissions Calculator makes it simple to measure, reduce, and remove the carbon impact of your events—no matter the size. Get started calculating the footprint of your first event for free. 

Across North America, women at Saint-Gobain take the lead in Making The World A Better Home. They are manufacturers, innovators, scientists, engineers, and executives, all playing a vital role in shaping our industry.

After her career as a teacher, Martha wanted to return to a field she loved – manufacturing! Today, she works as a process engineer at Saint-Gobain Surface Solutions in Worcester, MA where she is making a difference as a mentor for engineers just entering the field.

In this video, let’s meet Martha Degnan, Process Engineer, Saint-Gobain Surface Solutions, as she explains what makes her feel empowHERed to work at Saint-Gobain.

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 145 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.

Discover your career at Saint-Gobain North America here

Watch the Saint-Gobain video series empowHERed 

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’s commitment is guided by its purpose, “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.

€47.9 billion in sales in 2023 
160,000 employees, locations in 76 countries 
Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050

As the sport of pickleball continues its meteoric rise as one of the most popular athletic and recreational activities in the U.S., Veolia North America signed on in 2024 as a national partner and official sustainability provider for the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA Tour) – a three-year partnership that aligns with Veolia’s mission to support organizations and industries that want to become more environmentally sustainable.

Veolia will be the title sponsor of six tournaments each year, with the next one scheduled for November 14-17, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This is a great opportunity to further the company’s commitment to the Milwaukee community following the opening of the new office in the city’s downtown. 

Pickleball, a sport growing rapidly in popularity, embodies the spirit of sustainability and community engagement. Just like Veolia, the PPA Tour recognizes the importance of preserving the planet and promoting responsible practices, and the values of diversity, equity and inclusion. By joining forces, Veolia aims to make a significant impact on the environment, contributing to a cleaner, greener future for all.

Through this partnership with the PPA Tour, Veolia North America aims to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability in sports and encourage other organizations to follow suit. Veolia North America believes that by integrating sustainable practices into sports events, it can inspire positive change on a larger scale and create a lasting legacy for future generations. A year into this partnership, Veolia has introduced plastic pickleball recycling, tours of Veolia’s mobile water unit, information booths on Veolia’s work and more to help drive sustainability at the PPA Tour. In addition, Veolia North America has joined the Green Sports Alliance, a member organization working to create a positive change in the environment through the cultural influence of sports.

As part of our sponsorship of the PPA Tour, Veolia North America aims to leave each city we visit better than we found it. This commitment is not just about the sport, but also about the communities that host tournaments.

In preparation for tournaments, Veolia teams up with local communities, pickleball professionals and PPA staff to give back in meaningful ways. They organize clean-up drives to improve the local environment and foster community spirit. Their involvement not only enhances their connection with the community but also serves as an inspiration for others. 

About the PPA Tour
Founded in 2019, the Carvana PPA Tour is where pickleball’s top athletes go head-to-head to determine the best male and female players in the world. The Carvana PPA Tour organizes and conducts tournaments at world-class facilities across the country, establishes player rankings, and showcases the world’s best pickleball week in and week out. Inviting amateur players to also compete and “play where the pros play,” the Carvana PPA Tour offers divisions for every age group and skill level. Characterized by a uniquely festive and fun atmosphere, Carvana PPA Tour events deliver unparalleled experiences for fans on-site, including pro player meet-and-greets, clinics, food, beverages, live entertainment, giveaways, games, shopping, and VIP upgrades.

The stars of the game battle for titles and PPA Ranking points at 26 tour stops across the United States. All roads lead to the PPA Finals, the prestigious season finale held in San Clemente, CA, which features only the Top 8 qualified singles players and doubles and mixed doubles teams in the world. The tournament also features the crowning of the year-end PPA World No. 1, the ultimate achievement in pickleball.