Tag: 3BL

Originally published in International Paper’s *Thinking Inside the Box* white paper

International Paper implements circular principles and practices throughout its value chain to ensure that its products are responsibly sourced, recovered and recycled into new boxes.

The company’s Vision 2030 goals align with the principles of the circular economy—and its actions demonstrate a commitment to progress and growth in the sustainability space. By 2030, IP aims to source 100% of its fiber from responsible sources, meaning sources that conform to 3rd party certification standards. The company also aims to create products that are 100% reusable, recyclable and compostable.

Setting measurable sustainability goals helps packaging companies align to the principles of a circular economy: to eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials and regenerate nature.

Eliminate Waste and Pollution

Much of the world economy operates in a way that converts raw materials to products and then eventually disposes these products as waste. Waste accumulates and becomes unusable. At the same time, landfills are one of the largest producers of GHG emissions. Circular economic thinking treats waste as a “design flaw”20, which can be mitigated and eventually solved through adaptations to the use and reuse of products.

Responsible use of natural resources and transparency in sourcing are essential to meeting increased demand for wood fiber without destroying valuable forests. The recovery and recycling of fiber-based products is integral to “reducing consumption footprints, providing sustainable products and thereby contributing to creating more sustainable lifestyles.”21

A core component of any circularity strategy are products that enjoy multiple lives through repeated cycles of reuse, recovery and recycling, and the assurance that any byproducts of the manufacturing process are put to good use. Every year, IP uses five million tons of recovered fiber to make new fiber-based packaging, making International Paper one of the world’s largest users of recovered fiber. Additionally, nearly 50% of the company’s manufacturing waste is diverted from landfills each year for beneficial use. For example, the ash created from burning tree bark and other residuals is used to stabilize pH levels in farmland. Dry ash can be used in road construction and in the manufacturing of concrete. Other wood byproducts are used to make everyday products such as paints, fabrics, lubricants and even cosmetics.

In International Paper’s Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, the company is promoting sustainable and renewable products by developing solutions for all types of packaging. As a result of these efforts in EMEA, IP’s corrugated products have replaced 765 tons of plastics in 2022, and 1,410 tons replaced since the beginning of the decade.

Circulate Products and Materials

International Paper occupies a unique position in the market as both a producer of fiber-based products and a consumer of reclaimed cardboard. As such, the company has a marked impact on the overall industry for recycled cardboard.

There are few products in the world where a used product can generate revenue, but cardboard is one. In the customer success story below, International Paper was able to solve the customer’s challenges created by China’s withdrawal from the import waste market, generate revenue from would-be waste product, and close the circularity loop in its sustainable packaging story.

A national wholesaler was faced with the challenge of needing to diversify its recycling partners. A single distribution center uses tens of thousands of tons of cardboard each year. Without an outlet, its used cardboard would accumulate on its loading docks and in its parking lots, impeding business, creating a fire hazard and otherwise threatening human safety. As both an aggregator and manufacturer, International Paper offered end-to-end circularity. International Paper has a nationwide network of 18 recycling plants to handle the old corrugated containers (OCC) volume produced by a national wholesaler of this scale. IP also had the transportation infrastructure to step in from day one and guarantee movement of 100% of this wholesaler’s OCC volume from its distribution centers nationwide— thousands of tons per year. And, as the largest producer of containerboard in the country, making as much as a third of all U.S. corrugated packaging, only International Paper could also guarantee that this wholesaler’s OCC would be appropriately recycled and reused. With its scale, national network and recycling expertise, International Paper was able to offer an end-to-end solution.

Another example of a circular customer solution comes from Italy where IP collaborated with long-standing customer Colgate-Palmolive to design a circular supply chain solution to decrease waste and increase recycling. A local transport company collects paper and corrugated packaging scraps from the Colgate-Palmolive plant and delivers them to a local recycled paper manufacturing facility. IP’s Pomezia, Italy box plant then transforms it into the Circular Box, which is used for transporting personal care products. The result is a closed and sustainable circular supply chain. The Circular Box was chosen as a finalist in the Best Packaging 2022 contest, organized by the Italian Packaging Institute (Istituto Italiano Imballagio) in collaboration with Conai (National Packaging Consortium).22

Positively Impact Nature

1.6 billion people worldwide depend on healthy forests for their livelihoods.23 Because the creation of paper-based products begins in the forest, packaging companies should be committed to using only fiber from sustainably managed forests, as well as recovered fiber.

It all starts with responsible and transparent sourcing. At IP, the fiber supply team has developed an internal fiber procurement mapping tool called ForSite™, an industry-leading platform that exemplifies transparency, risk mitigation and targeted collaboration. ForSite™ enables IP to know where its wood is coming from and ensures that the right resources and decisions are made before the fiber enters the mill system.

This system guides IP‘s responsible fiber procurement on non-certified forestland in the U.S. It ensures that conservation approaches, similar to those practiced on third-party certified lands, are incorporated in forest management and harvest practices on non-certified lands.

ForSite™ uses Geographic information system (GIS) technology to display and organize spatial data within the complex network of family-owned and institutional “stands” that make up the forests where IP procures its fiber. ForSite™ data includes an array of environmental and spatial attributes, including rare, threatened and endangered species, priority forest types and landscapes, soil types, topography and hydrology, satellite imagery and optimized delivery location. This data is presented in an easy-to-use mobile app, which allows fiber supply team members to make informed decisions prior to the fiber entering IP’s supply chain. In addition, ForSite™ assists partners in the tree farming industry and conservation groups.

By knowing the exact location of the direct fiber purchased, IP can ensure not only that its fiber is derived from sustainably managed forests, but also that it is delivered to the most cost-effective facility.

As one of the world’s leading producers of renewable, fiber-based packaging, International Paper uses new pulp from sustainably managed forests, and millions of tons of used cardboard, which is processed into new boxes. It is this end-to-end circular model that sets IP’s approach apart from almost every other cardboard recycler.

International Paper works at every level of the circular economy to improve recovery and recycling of fiber; it is critical to its entire business. IP makes about one of every three cardboard boxes used in the United States, and on average, a third of the fiber in any given box is recycled. As such, International Paper is one of the largest buyers of used cardboard globally. The company recovers, processes, buys or facilitates the sale of more than 7 million tons of fiber every year. That is 12% of the entire U.S. market for recycled cardboard. And IP has increased recovery of OCC by 60% since 2010. That recovery is good for communities nationwide as it reduces the volume of materials sent to landfill and extends the useful life of natural resources.

The current rate of recovered fiber is high: nearing 70% in the United States and Europe, and 80% in Japan, this number approaches what the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) estimates to be the “maximum that can be practically achieved”.24 An estimated 10 tons of recovered bulk cardboard yields approximately 8 tons of reusable pulp. While that is a high ratio, it will likely never be 100%. If the industry had to rely solely on recovered fiber, it could run out of raw material entirely within six months. Additionally, recovered fiber can only produce “new paper of an equal or lower grade,” meaning new fiber is necessary to retain a high level of quality. This is why International Paper uses both responsibly grown and managed new fiber along with recycled fiber to make sustainable, fiber-based products.

Learn how International Paper applies circularity principles to the manufacturing of it’s sustainable packaging products in their white paper ‘Thinking Inside the Box.

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, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2023 were $18.9 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com/.

About International Paper – EMEA

In Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), International Paper focuses on the production and marketing of fiber-based packaging and specialty pulp, employing approximately 4,400 people. As a leading supplier of high-quality corrugated containers for a multitude of applications, we serve customers throughout the region from our network of two recycled containerboard mills and 23 box plants in France, Italy, Morocco, Portugal and Spain. Specialty pulp is made in Gdansk, Poland. Other products available from International Paper in the region include a variety of Kraft linerboard and other pulp products.

On Friday, December 13, 2024, AEG’s Dignity Health Sports Park held its 11th annual Women in Entertainment Luncheon in Carson, CA, where more than 250 women from the film, television, music, sports and fashion industries gathered for a day of empowerment and discussion.

The sold-out event was hosted by presented National Association of Black Female Executives in Music and Entertainment, Inc. (NABFEME Los Angeles) and Women Helping Women in Entertainment. Presenting sponsors included City National Bank, Coca-Cola, Los Angeles Sparks, Sony Music, FOX, EDITION Modern Luxury Magazine and AREVON.

“The Women in Entertainment Luncheon was created to celebrate and empower women who are breaking barriers and leading change across industries. This event is a testament to the strength of community and collaboration, where diverse voices come together to inspire and uplift one another,” said Tamala Lewis, Sr. Director, Community Relations & Foundation, Dignity Health Sports Park. “Each year, I am reminded of the incredible impact women can make when we support and amplify each other’s journeys. It’s not just about celebrating success but fostering meaningful connections and conversations that drive progress.”

The event included a panel discussion that was moderated by Pat Shields from Black Dot, LLC, and featured female executives Fabiola Torres, the Global Chief Marketing Officer, GAP; Nichol T. Whiteman, Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation; Aneesha Saleem, Executive Director, We the Best Foundation; Natalie White, VP, Community Relations & Social Impact, Los Angeles Sparks; Michelle Edgar, Vice President Strategy & Operations, Athlete-Driven Worldwide; and Rhea Roberts-Johnson Vice President Operations & Community Engagement, Goldenvoice and AEG. The discussion explored each speaker’s career trajectory, including trials and successes, as they have navigated their careers.

The event also recognized Areva Martin, a CNN Contributor and Award-Winning Civil Rights Attorney and Advocate and Attica and Tembi Locke, the executive producers of Netflix’s limited series “From Scratch,” for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to their craft while uplifting women in the industry.

The event also included a live performance by GRAMMY®-nominated artist Angie Fisher and celebrity DJ, Iesha Irene.

The problem

Climate change is not gender neutral and our response shouldn’t be either. Women are disproportionately impacted by climate change and biodiversity risks. The impacts are broad and varied: women’s health is at risk due to working in extreme temperatures and malnutrition from unpredictable food supplies; ever greater amounts of time are being spent on unpaid care and domestic tasks as women walk further to collect depleted forests and water supplies; increasingly unpredictable incomes are causing stress within families and putting women at risk of gender-based violence. There are many others.

Women are not passive victims of climate change and there is a strong evidence base demonstrating the benefits of considering gender, and working with women’s rights organisations, in our response to climate change. Effective efforts to combat climate change should enable women to be drivers of locally led mitigation, adaptation, and nature-based solutions. We need to support women’s leadership in a just transition to a green, inclusive economy.

To do this, we must mainstream and integrate gender disaggregated data into climate modelling, strategy, implementation, and evaluation, particularly in climate investing. By integrating gender metrics into the investment lifecycle, asset owners and managers will not only be able to quantify the risks and co-benefits, but actually help accelerate the pace of reaching their climate targets while increasing returns (such as IFC’s study showing that private equity and venture capital teams with gender balance achieve 10% to 20% higher returns1).

The opportunity

There is a clear business case for investing in women. Increasing the participation of young women in Africa’s workforce will drive an estimated USD $287 billion to its economy by 20302. $1.4 trillion in annual global GDP could be created if the employment and earnings gap for refugee women were closed.3

Women have important roles in communities as stewards of the environment, including managing resources and food production for their families. The facts support this. A 1% rise in the proportion of women managers in a company is associated with a 0.5% reduction in CO2 emissions.4 As entrepreneurs and business leaders, women can develop climate solutions in a way that meaningfully considers how these solutions can be designed effectively to serve all segments of society. A Bloomberg study found that having 30% more women on boards is linked to better climate governance and increased innovation in key sectors.5

Our solution

In March of this year, KPMG and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) hosted a public-private roundtable to discuss the financing gaps and strategies to mainstream gender in climate finance. The roundtable was an opportunity for public and private investors, women’s rights organisations, development professionals, and technical specialists to convene on the challenges and barriers to investing in climate and nature solutions with a gender lens.

A key takeaway from this roundtable was the need for case studies and best practices that can help financiers that lack the tools, infrastructure, and incentives to fully mainstream gender into climate investing.

In response to this need, KPMG has developed a pilot training for asset managers, asset owners, and intermediaries on how to integrate gender and climate considerations into the design and structuring of different financing mechanisms, especially focusing on emerging markets. The nature and structure of the finance provided can have an impact on gender and climate outcomes, so it is important to identify key considerations, risks, and opportunities when it comes to choosing the right financing route (instruments and structure).

The training focuses on sharing case studies and ideas of various gender-focused climate financing mechanisms – and how the gender and climate lenses can strengthen business cases. This training is designed to be applicable to a broad range of asset owners, managers, and intermediaries with the option of providing bespoke trainings tailored to local realities and different organisational structures as well.

You can download our training brochure here. If you are interested in taking part in this pilot training, please contact Cathy Chen.

Click here to view this on kpmg.com

Cathy Chen
Associate Director
KPMG in the UK
Profile | Email | Phone

1 Report: Moving Toward Gender Balance in Private Equity and Venture Capital (ifc.org) 
2 Gender Parity will unlock $287B for Africa’s Economy by 2030: Mastercard Foundation Report – Mastercard Foundation (mastercardfdn.org) 
3 Gender and Climate Investing — 2X Global 
4 https://www.oliverwymanforum.com/climate-sustainability/2023/jan/applying-a-gender-lens-to-climate-investing.html 
5 More Gender Diversity on Corporate Boards Makes for Better Climate Governance and Innovation | BloombergNEF (bnef.com)

By Kim Borges

Jenny Walker can immediately spot the signs.

People who say they’ve forgotten their glasses when they’re asked to read aloud. Or who always order without looking at the menu.

One in every five Americans struggles with literacy; and 54 percent of people read at below a sixth-grade level.

“Imagine being at a first grade reading level and having second-grade student as a child,” said Walker. “That’s what gets me out of bed in the morning and what keeps me up at night.”

Literacy is an issue offering anyone valid cause for concern given lower reading rates are estimated to cost the U.S. $200 billion in safety and health issues and two-plus trillion dollars in lost productivity each year.

Walker has been on a personal mission to advance literacy from her early public school teaching days to her current role as executive director of the Texarkana-based nonprofit and Regions Bank customer Literacy Texas. But she’s the first to tell you no one can do this work alone.

That’s why Walker and her team collaborate with 300-plus fellow nonprofits and government agencies across the Lone Star State, including the Literacy County of Bowie and Miller Counties and 100 Families, two Regions Bank community partners. Walker formerly led the first nonprofit and helped establish the second.

Our great network of community partners and corporate partners like Regions Bank offer the support we need. And there’s a really big need in Texas for the work we’re doing.

“Our organization serves as a backbone of support,” explained Walker of Literacy Texas’s role connecting and equipping adult and family literacy programs through resources, training, networking and advocacy. “Our great network of community partners and corporate partners like Regions Bank offer the support we need. And there’s a really big need in Texas for the work we’re doing.”

How big?

“Texas is at a 28 percent level one for reading, and 40 percent of our population reads on a third-grade level,” said Walker. “That means people can put together short passages of text, but struggle with completing basic forms like job applications, medical history forms and back to school packets for their children.”

Just eight months into the job, Walker is already implementing her vision to address those struggles.

We also want to help them with life skills; we’re focused on providing holistic support. If we didn’t pick up those pieces, no one else would.

Jenny Walker

“We’re helping people develop workforce skills like writing resumes,” she said. “We also want to help them with life skills; we’re focused on providing holistic support. If we didn’t pick up those pieces, no one else would.”

The greatest challenge Walker and her team are working to resolve?

The digital divide – from both a navigation and a geographical perspective.

“We’re helping improve computer and digital literacy and getting out to our rural communities to connect people with broadband technology,” Walker said. “So many forms like food benefit applications are online now. Some of us take technology for granted because we use it every day, but a large part of the population does not. Vocabulary terms like ‘upload’ can be challenging and intimidating. We do a really good job of making things more intuitive.”

Walker understands where Literacy Texas’s clients come from – literally. She proudly calls on her hometown roots advocating for the organization at events like National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week in Washington, D.C., in September.

Through the support of our community partners, we’re not only contributing to an educated workforce, we are empowering people to dream – some of them for the first time in their lives.

Jenny Walker

“Look at little ol’ me from Texarkana,” Walker said about making the trip. “I think people in small towns sometimes feel stuck; I’ve felt that before. But I’ve learned I’m not stuck. I’ve learned you can do big things in a small town. I don’t allow being from a small town to hold me back from taking advantage of big opportunities.”

It’s the same message she imparts to Literacy Texas’s nonprofit partners and those they serve.

“Early on, I asked myself, ‘How can we support those we serve with our small staff and their big dreams?’” she said. “That’s where things like computer and digital literacy come in; they’re powerful tools we can share and help people leverage. Through the support of our community partners, we’re not only contributing to an educated workforce, we are empowering people to dream – some of them for the first time in their lives.”

Check out these Regions Bank and Regions Foundation community partners promoting youth literacy:

Read, Write and Rock OnTurn the PageLoving to Learn: Regions Foundation Awards Grants to ReadyKids! ReadingPals

December 16, 2024 /3BL/ – To escape hostilities, more than 1 million people in Syria have fled their homes amid widespread humanitarian challenges after the government was overthrown.

“After more than 13 years of conflict, Syria is a country with more than 16 million people in need of urgent assistance and with very high levels of food insecurity. The situation was already very dire before the latest events, and before the recent influx of families fleeing the conflict in Lebanon to find refuge in Syria,” said Elise Madouche, Action Against Hunger’s Country Director in Syria.

90% of Syria’s population lives under the poverty line and with winter quickly approaching, families face new risks.

“In some areas, access to food and water has been hampered. Humanitarian interventions are more urgent than ever, especially with new displacements and harsh weather,” Madouche said. “Since we can only expect needs may increase, the important thing now is to provide shelter and safety for the most vulnerable individuals in both the host and displaced communities.”

Action Against Hunger has been working in Syria since 2008. The organization’s multi-sectoral programs focus on providing maternal and childcare, reproductive health services, water supply and sanitation, and support to famers and their families.

“All non-governmental organizations had to put on hold their activities because of the situation,” said Madouche. “It is important that humanitarian organizations like ours resume the work of all activities that we have been implementing for years, to continue supporting all vulnerable communities in Syria.”

Action Against Hunger teams in Syria are fully prepared to resume operations put on hold and scale up all programs and respond to unfolding needs.

“Action Against Hunger’s commitment remains steadfast as we continue to address the urgent needs of the population and support their path towards a stable and peaceful future,” said Madouche.

About Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 21 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 59 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

Originally published in Mary Kay’s 2024 Sustainability Report

As a global sustainability advocate, Mary Kay continues to make strides in corporate water stewardship at its manufacturing sites around the world and to engage for healthy oceans through work in partnership and advocacy for women leaders in conservation.

WATER AT MARY KAY

Water, a fundamental and precious resource, is at the center of sustainability and crucial to Mary Kay’s manufacturing process. As a global sustainability advocate, the company is committed to reducing water utilization at its global manufacturing facilities in Lewisville, Texas and Hangzhou, China.

Mary Kay has a commitment to monitor our water usage as we work cross-functionally to continually improve on our comprehensive water dashboard to automate the collection of water usage data at our manufacturing site. Our goal is to improve accuracy and identify other advancements while being a responsible water steward in our local community.

100,000 GALLONS SAVED MONTHLY1
In August 2023, Mary Kay implemented an improvement (shutting off sample ports) that is projected to save approximately 100,000 gallons per month in our R3 site. 

572,000 GALLONS SAVED ANNUALLY
Between 2021 and 2023, Mary Kay optimized several manufacturing cleaning processes which resulted in saving a projected 572,000 gallons of water each year based on production forecast in our R3 site. 

Global Alignment: Mary Kay is a signatory to two crucial causes addressing global water challenges through corporate water stewardship: the CEO Water Mandate and the United Nations Global Compact’s Sustainable Ocean Principles.

OCEAN CONSERVATION: “SUPER REEFS”

For 36 years, Mary Kay has partnered with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to tackle ocean health and coral reef awareness the world over. Through this long-standing partnership, Mary Kay supports the “Super Reefs” initiative which identifies, protects, and grows a global network of highly resilient coral reefs that can survive in a warming ocean.

The Super Reefs team brings together reef governments and communities with experts in ocean science, conservation, and management from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Stanford University, and The Nature Conservancy, along with private sector support from Mary Kay. Several areas of interest have been identified including Hawaii, Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Belize.

37 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP 100 CONSERVATION PROJECTS SUPPORTED WORLDWIDENEARLY 50% OF THE EARTH’S CORAL REEFS HAVE BEEN LOST TO DATE.

ADVOCACY FOR WOMEN LEADERS IN CONSERVATION

The panel “Putting Coral Reef Restoration at the Heart of Ocean Conservation Action” held during the Economist Impact’s 10th World Ocean Summit in Lisbon, Portugal, allowed Mary Kay to highlight women’s crucial role in ocean conservation and to showcase our partnership with The Nature Conservancy as a best practice of private sector engagement.

WATCH THE PANEL HERE

1 Methodology: These projected water savings are calculated by monitoring the data pulled from our flow meters installed and brought online in 2023 and forecasting the annual projections based on daily and weekly averages. We will continue to monitor water usage and forecast savings as projections are subject to change based on external factors such as demand.

Feature by Sophia Mendelsohn

The 29th UN Climate Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, aimed to advance a new climate finance goal and inspire stronger national climate commitments. While progress was made, the private sector must now play a pivotal role in turning these ambitions into actionable outcomes. Central to this effort is the energy transition, one of the key economic growth drivers of our time.

The energy transition is creating a profound shift across industries and global economies. Amplified by technological innovation and intense competition, it is reshaping sectors and shifting economies toward renewable energy. This change is not only an environmental necessity but also a catalyst for economic growth, challenging the traditional dominance of fossil fuels. With capital investments increasingly directed toward renewable energy infrastructure, investors are aligning their priorities with sustainability, signaling that profitability and environmental stewardship can coexist. Yet, the ongoing prominence of oil and gas underlines the complexity and scale of this transition.

In parallel, the circular economy is gaining momentum as businesses address the dual challenges of material scarcity and carbon reduction. At COP29, there was significant discussion about how a circular approach focused on rethinking supply chains, redesigning products, and optimizing resources could reduce dependency on finite materials while driving sustainable economic growth. By adopting circular economy principles, businesses can minimize waste and keep valuable materials in circulation, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future.

The Role of Business in Transforming Climate Commitments into Tangible Outcomes 

One of the central discussions at COP29 was the need for harmonizing global standards for carbon reduction and accounting. Foreign policy players, along with the private sector, stressed the importance of mobilizing finance for sustainable capitalism. In particular, there was a call for clearer and standardized reporting frameworks to simplify the process and ensure transparency. One critical area was the importance of accurate data collection for carbon markets and product-level carbon accounting, which can help businesses engage consumers and reduce emissions.

There are three ways technology plays a pivotal role in addressing some of these challenges:

Sustainability data is available in every organization’s ERP system, so it’s time to start automating data collection and reporting processes to ease some of the regulatory burden.Companies should leverage IT spending to support sustainability initiatives, specifically by applying generative AI to optimize climate solutions and create circular products.Companies must shift focus on the carbon footprint of specific products to pinpoint areas with the most significant impact.

From Policy to Practice: How Technology and Global Standards Can Accelerate Climate Action 

Empowered by technology and guided by clear policies, businesses have a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between high-level climate commitments and actionable, on-the-ground strategies.

Central to this is aligning sustainability and financial priorities. Effective climate action demands collaboration between chief sustainability officers and chief financial officers, as climate change has evolved from an ethical and environmental issue to a pressing financial imperative.

To accelerate progress, we need globally harmonized policies, rigorous carbon accounting frameworks, and advanced technology solutions. By embedding AI-driven innovation, robust reporting standards, and actionable insights into business operations, we can ensure that COP events, such as COP29 in Baku, are remembered as turning points – not just discussions. While the challenges ahead are formidable, the opportunities for transformative action are even greater – and SAP is here to lead the way on a low-carbon, circular future.

Sophia Mendelsohn is chief sustainability and commercial officer at SAP.

December 16, 2024 /3BL/ – Lenovo is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Platinum Medal by EcoVadis, the leading global provider of business sustainability ratings. With a score of 85/100, this recognition places Lenovo in the top 1% of all companies rated by EcoVadis worldwide and underscores its ongoing commitment to sustainability.

This achievement also recognizes Lenovo as a Leader in Carbon Management, achieving the highest ranking in its category with a best-in-class greenhouse gas (GHG) management system and strong ambition for decarbonization. Lenovo has embedded sustainability into its global value chain, operations, and product innovation. With measured improvements across environmental responsibility, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement, Lenovo continues to elevate its sustainability efforts in alignment to global standards.

“Being awarded a Platinum Medal by EcoVadis is a key milestone for Lenovo,” said Laura Quatela, Senior Vice President, Chief Legal & Corporate Responsibility Officer, Lenovo. “Our focus on collaboration, credibility, and accountability will continue to power us forward on our sustainability journey. We’re honored by this recognition and remain focused on the short-term and long-term goals ahead.”

Lenovo has made meaningful advancements in its sustainability strategy in past years, including committing to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Lenovo was in the first group of companies to have its goals validated by the Science Based Targets initiative in January 2023. In January 2024 Lenovo maintained its AAA status on MSCI’s ranking and in September 2024 was awarded the strongest score in the IT industry for environmental and social achievements in the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index, receiving an AA score overall. 

The EcoVadis score reflects the quality of a company’s sustainability management system at the time of the assessment. EcoVadis Medals and Badges recognize eligible companies that have completed the EcoVadis assessment process and demonstrated a relatively strong management system that addresses sustainability criteria with policies, actions, and significant results. More information on the EcoVadis assessment process can be found here. 

Read more about Lenovo’s Environmental, Social, and Governance performance in the FY2023/24 ESG Report.

About Lenovo

Lenovo is a US$57 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #248 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company with a full-stack portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo’s continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our  StoryHub.

CAMDEN, N.J., December 16, 2024 /3BL/ – Subaru of America, Inc., and its WinterFest partner, POWDR, today announced the return of the automaker’s annual mountain tour, Subaru WinterFest, the premier winter playground for music fans, skiers, snowboarders, and dog lovers alike. WinterFest will be arriving at six mountain destinations across the U.S. this winter.

Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President, Marketing at Subaru of America, Inc.: “WinterFest is one of our most highly anticipated events of the year, and we look forward to bringing the experience to some of the coolest mountain locations again this winter. For anyone seeking adventure, entertainment, and an opportunity to give back to charitable causes, WinterFest is the perfect combination to meet these priorities.”

Headlining artists including Grace Potter, The National Parks, The Travelin’ McCourys, Ashes to Amber, Shadowgrass, Into the Fog and more are set to perform this season’s tour along with incredible supporting acts.

“We’re thrilled to join forces once again with Subaru for the WinterFest series, promising attendees an unforgettable event this season,” said Meghan Matschke, Vice President of Partnerships at POWDR. “With an impressive lineup of musicians, activations with leading outdoor brands, and a deep commitment to the community, excitement is at an all-time high. Get ready to carve unforgettable memories with us on the slopes!”

As part of its commitment to being “More Than a Car Company,” WinterFest attendees who complete a lead form will be able to choose a non-profit charity partner for Subaru to make a $5 donation on their behalf, up to $10,000 per charity over the course of the tour. Organizations will include Operation Warm®, SheJumps, and Wasatch Backcountry Rescue. In addition, Subaru and POWDR have a joint community investment fund aligned with the values of the Subaru Love Promise and POWDR’s Play Forever commitment to support important community and environmental initiatives.

This year’s tour will include the automaker’s adventure-ready 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness and the2024 Subaru Solterra. Subaru ambassadors will be available to highlight features such as Harmon Kardon sound systems and more.

Guests will have access to a variety of WinterFest activities. Returning this year, the Americana-inspired Harman Kardon Warming Hut will provide WinterFest attendees with an opportunity to demo Harman Kardon’s latest portable Bluetooth products in a cozy and warm environment. Attendees can also check out the newest gear from acclaimed brands such as Thule, Nordica, 100%, Mammut, Luno, and Dynamic Wax, in addition to Wilderdog for their furry companions. Leave No Trace will also have experts available to inform people of ways to conserve the outdoors. Attendees can get an energy boost in the morning at the Wilderness Cafe with complimentary coffee from Alpine Start, and craft hot cocoa, served in a YETI mug along with Kate’s Real Food organic energy bars, (while supplies last). There will also be a Solo Stove Hangout Zone at every stop for guests to warm up by the fire and roast marshmallows for s’mores in the afternoon. Additionally, there will be daily giveaways of wonderful prizes from the automaker’s partners.

As a special treat for some lucky Subaru owners, some Subaru Winterfest events will feature exclusive ‘on-mountain’ experiences, intimate music sessions, VIP parking privileges and exclusive gifts (subject to availability).

The full schedule for Subaru WinterFest 2025 can be found below:

WeekendResortHeadline ArtistJanuary 31 – February 2Killington Resort, VT*The Travelin’ McCourysFebruary 21 – 23Copper Mountain Resort, COThe National ParksMarch 7 – 9Eldora Mountain Resort, COShadowgrassMarch 15 – 16Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, CA*TBDApril 4 – 6Snowbird, UTAshes to AmberApril 11 – 13Mt. Bachelor, ORGrace Potter

*Killington and Sierra-at-Tahoe are not POWDR-owned or operated resorts. 

For more information on Subaru WinterFest locations, please visit www.subaruwinterfest.com and follow #SubaruWinterFest on social media.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $320 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 100,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company® and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.

About POWDR

POWDR is an adventure lifestyle company that inspires every human being with cool experiences in awesome places. POWDR’s awesome places include Copper Mountain and Eldora Mountain Resort in Colorado; Boreal Mountain Resort and Soda Springs in the Lake Tahoe region of California; Mt. Bachelor in Oregon; Snowbird in Utah; and SilverStar Mountain Resort in British Columbia, Canada. The company also fuels adventure through a collection of experiences from the mountains to the valleys including Sun Country Tours river rafting outfitter based in Oregon, Powderbird heli-adventure operator based out of Snowbird in Utah, Stovepipe lodging and concessions based in Death Valley National Park, and coming soon (2025), the Zion Lodge concessions based in Zion National Park. POWDR’s Woodward brand empowers and inspires the next generation of action sports enthusiasts through summer camps, mountain experiences, and mountain centers, incorporating dynamic programming and innovative environments at Woodward Park City in Utah, Woodward PA in Pennsylvania, Woodward Copper in Colorado, Woodward Tahoe and Woodward West in California.

POWDR is headquartered in Park City, UT. For more information, please visit: www.POWDR.com.

Contacts:

Diane Anton
Corporate Communications Manager
(856) 488-5093
danton@subaru.com

Adam Leiter
Corporate Communications Specialist
(856) 488-8668
aleiter@subaru.com

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The 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference – better known as the 29th meeting of the Council of the Parties (COP29) – wrapped up on November 24 in Baku, Azerbaijan with a mixed bag of new climate agreements but limited progress on commitments to finance the global clean energy transition. Looming over the meeting was the election victory by former President Trump and his pledge to pull the U.S. out of the 2015 Paris Agreement climate treaty for the second time.

In our Top Stories in this issue, we have several articles on the developments that came out of COP29 and what they mean for efforts to reduce carbon emissions worldwide.

ESG Today reported on a breakthrough agreement on the first day of the meetings to establish standards for the creation of carbon credits under Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement. According to the report, the agreement is “key for advancing the establishment and growth of a global carbon market” and will “establish a market-based system for carbon credits… and accredit third-party verification bodies.” 
 Reuters reported on an agreement reached after two extra days of negotiations to adopt a global finance target of US$300 billion a year by 2035 to help developing nations cope with impacts of climate change. According to Reuters, the agreement was criticized by developing nations as falling “woefully insufficient” of what is needed. While the new target is three times higher than the previous target set in 2009 of $100 billion a year by 2020, Reuters noted, “that earlier goal was met two years late, in 2022” and that the new agreement includes a broader goal of raising $1.3 trillion a year by 2035, which is what “economists say matches the sum needed to address global warming.” 
 Allen Schaeffer of Engine Technology Forum wrote that discussions at COP29 appear to have been dominated by the impending change in the U.S. administration and anticipated reversal of support for the Paris Agreement. He does take an optimistic view that despite the upcoming collision between global climate agreements and the Trump administration, he expects “leaders in advanced engines and fuels to keep innovating their existing products and exploring new technologies and fuels like advanced renewable biofuels electrification, or hydrogen… because they know customers demand it and market competition ensures it.”

The mixed results coming from COP29 highlight the limitations faced by multi-national organizations such as the UN in forging the consensus needed to address global issues like climate change. Faced with these limitations, some countries are turning to the justice system. In another of our Top Stories, AP World News reported on a landmark case being heard about climate change at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the top court of the UN based in The Hague, Netherlands. According to AP, the case is the largest ever taken up by the ICJ, with written comments from 62 nations and organizations. The case, which was sent by the court by the UN General Assembly, was brought by several small island nations hoping to hold major polluting nations to account. While any decision by the ICJ would be non-binding and would not directly force wealthy nations into action, AP notes that “it would be more than just a powerful symbol since it could be the basis for other legal actions, including domestic lawsuits.”

Our team at G&A is continuing to monitor developments around the world that impact efforts by governments and businesses to combat climate change. We look forward to keeping you updated and are available to provide guidance on how these developments could affect your sustainability goals and targets. Email us at info@ga-institute.com.

This is just the introduction of G&A’s Sustainability Highlights newsletter this week. Click here to view the full issue.