Meet Kristopher Charles, our Product Owner Lead based in Toledo, Ohio! Kris is a Veteran of the U.S. Navy and a member of our Salute Affinity Group, which is a community of Owens Corning employees focused on accelerating the inclusion and recognition of our current and former military members. When Kris is not supporting his fellow Veterans, you can catch him spending quality time with his family riding bikes or enjoying playing video games with his kids. Follow along as Kris takes us through a typical day in his life! From everyone at Owens Corning, we thank you, Kris, and all of our Veterans for your service.
Tag: 3BL
The demand for transparency and accountability regarding environmental impact has never been louder. Stakeholders, regulators, and consumers are all calling for more insight into business operations, prompting organizations to turn to voluntary reporting frameworks to proactively share their sustainability initiatives.
But what exactly are these frameworks, and why do they matter?
Understanding Voluntary Reporting Frameworks
A voluntary reporting framework offers businesses a structured way to disclose their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, beyond what is strictly required by law. Unlike mandatory regulations, voluntary frameworks give companies the flexibility to choose how they report their efforts.
For companies with operations across borders, frameworks like the Carbon Disclosure Project and Ecovadis offer tools to standardize and showcase their sustainability progress. These platforms have become essential resources for global brands, helping them communicate their impact to diverse stakeholders and actively support global sustainability goals.
Overview of CDP and Ecovadis
Each of these frameworks offer distinct approaches to sustainability assessment, catering to various aspects of environmental and social impact.
Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)
CDP focuses primarily on environmental transparency, offering companies a robust framework to disclose their impact on critical areas like climate change, water security, and supply chain sustainability. With CDP, businesses can report on how they manage carbon emissions, conserve water resources, and engage suppliers in their sustainability practices. This data is then scored to reflect an organization’s progress in addressing these issues, providing a snapshot that’s useful for both investors and regulatory bodies.
Given the European Union’s increasing emphasis on environmental impact, CDP reporting aligns well with the EU’s climate objectives, positioning it as a vital tool for companies looking to support global sustainability benchmarks. For U.S. companies with global ambitions, participation in CDP can serve as a strategic step toward meeting international standards and aligning with investor expectations.
Ecovadis
This framework takes a broader approach, assessing companies across a range of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ESG criteria. Ecovadis evaluates areas such as labor practices, ethics, and sustainable procurement alongside environmental performance, offering a comprehensive assessment of corporate responsibility.
Ecovadis appeals to businesses seeking to present a holistic image of their ethical and sustainable practices. With a strong presence in Europe, Ecovadis has become a trusted source for many EU-based organizations, while its growing influence in the U.S. market makes it an equally relevant choice for North American companies aiming to showcase their ESG credentials globally.
Why Voluntary Reporting is Essential in a Global Context
Voluntary frameworks offer companies a proactive way to align with evolving regulations, such as the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which is broadening ESG disclosure requirements. Using reporting frameworks like CDP and Ecovadis helps businesses prepare for compliance before it becomes mandatory, easing the transition to future regulations.
These frameworks also support global sustainability goals: CDP aligns with the Paris Agreement by helping companies track and reduce emissions, while Ecovadis addresses broader sustainability issues, including labor and sourcing practices, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
For multinational organizations, voluntary reporting creates a consistent structure across regions, helping them navigate varying regulations and demonstrate commitment to sustainable practices, accountability, and leadership across global markets.
Comparing CDP and Ecovadis: Choosing the Right Fit
Both CDP and Ecovadis offer valuable tools but cater to different aspects of ESG performance. Here’s a closer look at each.
CDP
Focus: Primarily on environmental metrics, such as climate change, water security, and supply chain impact.Best suited for: Industries with significant environmental footprints, like manufacturing, energy, and transportation.Benefits: Ideal for companies with ambitious carbon reduction goals, as CDP provides a structured way to track and publicly disclose greenhouse gas emissions.Geographic relevance: CDP’s alignment with EU environmental targets makes it especially beneficial for companies with European operations or those aiming to meet EU regulatory standards.
Ecovadis
Focus: A broad assessment of ESG factors alongside CSR practices.Best suited for: Companies that prioritize a range of ESG criteria, such as sustainable procurement, labor practices, and ethical operations.Industries: Often a strong choice for retail and consumer goods sectors, where a well-rounded approach to sustainability is key for brand reputation and stakeholder trust.Geographic relevance: With a strong foothold in Europe and growing relevance in the U.S., Ecovadis supports companies aiming to showcase a comprehensive ESG commitment across diverse markets.
Selecting a framework—or combination—that best aligns with your sustainability goals, industry, and geographic reach, can ensure your reporting efforts are impactful, transparent, and supportive of global accountability standards.
Empowering Businesses with Voluntary Reporting
As global demands for transparency and accountability grow, voluntary reporting frameworks like CDP and Ecovadis offer a powerful way for companies to move beyond basic compliance and truly drive impactful sustainability efforts.
Our Associate in Australia, Peter J. Ramsay and Associates, went through the Ecovadis certification because one of their major clients was requesting it for all their suppliers. The benefit to PJRA was that they critically reviewed their sustainability performance. The end result was benchmarking by Ecovadis as performing at the gold level of sustainability which is the highest and rates them in the top 5 %.
In Spain, for our Associate MediTerra, the process of obtaining Ecovadis certification was a transformative and enriching experience. Initially, the process started as a requirement to be able to collaborate with an important global technology client. However, as they got deeper into the assessment, they realized that it was an invaluable opportunity to reflect on their own sustainability processes and practices.
“Reviewing our internal aspects allowed us to identify areas for improvement and strengthen our commitment to the environment and social responsibility. We are proud to have achieved the silver medal in this certification, which reflects our effort and dedication in this area. But we are not stopping here; we are motivated to keep moving forward and working on internal improvements that will allow us to aspire to the gold medal in the future. This journey has not only benefited our company, but has also strengthened our organizational culture, encouraging an environment where sustainability is a priority. We are excited for what is to come and committed to continue making MediTerra an example of best practices in sustainability,” Nila Nielsen, Founder & Director of MediTerra.
What also makes this process unique and transformational is the support seen across Inogen Alliance Associates where in some cases smaller companies may not have as much experience yet, so our more mature or larger companies have guided and mentored those with less experience.
Now is the time for companies to embrace voluntary reporting as a core element of their ESG strategies. Whether aiming to reduce carbon emissions, improve supply chain resilience, or enhance corporate social responsibility, these frameworks provide a pathway to meaningful, measurable change.
Learn about Global Sustainability Reporting services offered by Inogen Alliance Associates
Inogen Alliance is a global network made up of dozens of independent local businesses and over 6,000 consultants around the world who can help make your project a success. Our Associates collaborate closely to serve multinational corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, and we share knowledge and industry experience to provide the highest quality service to our clients. If you want to learn more about how you can work with Inogen Alliance, you can explore our Associates or Contact Us. Watch for more News & Blog updates here and follow us on LinkedIn.
Originally published by TriplePundit
By Erin Bakst
Imagine the power of harnessing every employee’s creativity and brainpower to drive your company’s success. At Indigo, we’ve found that one of the most effective ways to make work meaningful — and to stay at the cutting edge of our industry — is by giving everyone the opportunity to innovate. This means providing employees with the space and support to contribute to the company’s mission, even outside the bounds of their “official” roles.
You’ve probably heard of hackathons, which, after their humble beginnings in the tech sector in the late 1990s, have grown into a widespread phenomenon that now transcends industries. At Indigo, hackathons are an important and enduring part of our culture. They are designed to foster collaboration, creativity and professional growth. Each year, for one day (and sometimes a night), employees from all departments come together to “hack” on projects that can directly impact the business. The ideas they generate can offer valuable insights into our company’s strategic direction and inspire new investments in our future.
The beauty of a hackathon lies in the diversity of ideas and the freedom to experiment. It’s an event where an engineer might team up with a marketer and a data analyst to solve a problem, drawing on each other’s skill sets and unique experiences. Anyone at Indigo can participate, which encourages collaboration across departments. Together, people create solutions that could have a real impact on our mission and our customers — whether that’s a prototype, a productivity tool or a new way to tackle a complex problem.
Innovating for real-world impact
The true goal of these hackathons goes beyond generating ideas and solving problems. By working on projects they’re passionate about, employees develop new skills and learn to think creatively. Their projects are reviewed by a team of Indigo’s senior leaders, who vote for their favorites across categories such as “Instant Gratification” (for the quick wins) and “Customer First” (for solving a customer need), as well as more distinctive categories like “Engineer’s Best Friend” and “One Indigo.” These awards encourage both fun and focus, rewarding the projects that demonstrate the greatest promise for Indigo and our customers.
Some ideas may end up on the back burner or be tossed out altogether, but others lead to substantial change. A standout example is Project Lightning, which won several awards in 2023. This project aimed to significantly reduce the data-entry burden for farmers participating in our Carbon Program, all while preserving the scientific rigor needed to ensure data integrity. By rethinking and streamlining the data-entry process, Project Lightning achieved a remarkable outcome: an estimated 90 percent reduction in the time farmers spend submitting data — a real, measurable impact on their experience and ours.
Then there’s Credit Explorer, an interactive tool created in Indigo’s 2024 Hackathon to democratize access to carbon program metadata for internal users. Before the Hackathon voting was even complete, the tool had already been launched and put to use. Credit Explorer basically became the prototype for a reimagined Carbon Calculator — making our carbon program outcomes more explainable and predictable for our customers.
From hackathons to innovation sprints: Expanding the impact
Recognizing the positive results from our hackathons, Indigo decided to build on the concept and make it a part of our regular operations. In September 2024, we launched what we call Innovation Sprints — a year-round initiative that empowers employees to bring fresh ideas forward whenever inspiration strikes, not just during our annual Hackathon. This program encourages “bottom-up” thinking, allowing employees to propose ideas or tackle items from our roadmap backlog that they feel passionate about.
During an Innovation Sprint, team members dedicate focused time to dig into a new idea and explore its potential. The goal is to push the idea to a new level of maturity and determine if it’s worth pursuing further. Two leaders from different areas of the company champion the Innovation Sprint program, offering support and guidance while ensuring that promising ideas align with Indigo’s strategic goals. This structure allows us to prioritize impactful projects while maintaining accountability.
Balancing the day-to-day with big ideas
Of course, dedicating time to Hackathons and Innovation Sprints means that employees are pulled away from their “day jobs” for a period. However, we believe the potential return more than justifies the time invested. When people are given the opportunity to work on “what ifs,” we unlock a wealth of talent and creativity that often goes untapped in the normal course of business.
This approach not only helps generate innovative ideas, but also fosters a deeper connection to Indigo’s mission. Employees feel empowered and trusted, knowing their ideas can make a difference. By making innovation an integral part of our culture, we’re building a workforce that’s engaged, motivated and equipped to help us get in front of challenges.
In conclusion: A culture of innovation = more meaningful work
Fostering a culture of innovation not only advances business goals, but also makes work deeply meaningful for employees by connecting them directly to the company’s purpose. When employees can participate in problem-solving and contribute ideas, they feel valued and empowered. This can lead to a stronger sense of ownership and pride in the company’s success.
Programs like Hackathons and Innovation Sprints also break down silos and encourage collaboration across departments, unlocking potential in ways that traditional roles may not always allow. Employees gain new skills, see the tangible impact of their contributions, and experience the satisfaction of creating solutions that help the company grow. In an age where purpose and engagement are essential for employee retention, providing meaningful avenues for employees to influence the company’s future is both a business strategy and a way to foster a fulfilling work environment.
By inviting employees to bring fresh ideas and address real challenges, companies create a workplace where everyone can be part of something bigger than their day-to-day responsibilities — a place where innovation isn’t just a buzzword but a shared mission that brings out the best in people.
Discover how our employee-driven innovation fuels the sustainability solutions that can benefit you — click here to learn more.
This article series is sponsored by Indigo Ag.
As 2024 comes to a close, companies across the U.S. who conduct business in California are gearing up for the climate-related financial risk disclosures required under Senate Bill 261 (SB 261), passed in 2023 and reinforced with the amendments provided in SB 219.
This landmark legislation positions California as a leader in addressing the economic implications of climate change by mandating qualifying companies to publicly report their exposure to climate-related financial risks and the strategies they employ to mitigate them. With the new year on the horizon, understanding who must comply, when to act, and what data to collect is critical for ensuring compliance and aligning with California’s push for transparency and accountability in the face of environmental challenges.
Who Must Comply?
SB 261 applies to public and private companies, including financial institutions, that conduct business in California1 with gross revenues over $500 million in the preceding fiscal year. The law’s reach is expansive, covering not just companies directly involved in environmental sectors, but those across industries like banking and real estate, which might face significant financial risks from climate change. While insurance companies are considered to be exempt from SB 261, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners adopted a standard for insurance companies to also report their climate-related risks in alignment with the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). For covered subsidiaries, if the parent company also qualifies, then the parent company disclosure satisfies the requirement for both.
It is estimated that 10,000 companies will be affected by this regulation. This means that organizations operating in California need to start thinking about how climate change may affect their financial health. Failure to comply may result in financial penalties of up to $50,000 USD per year.
When Does Compliance Begin?
Companies need to act soon. The law requires the first climate-related risk disclosures be published on or before January 1, 2026, with biennial updates thereafter. This first deadline provides only a limited window to prepare, making early action critical for meeting the stringent requirements. Companies should begin developing a plan, identifying relevant internal stakeholders, identifying where external expert support will be needed, and building internal systems to assess and manage climate risks.
What Data Must Be Collected?
The heart of SB 261 lies in its demand for clear, actionable climate-related disclosures in alignment with the internationally recognized TCFD framework. As such, companies must report the following:
1. Climate-Related Financial Risks
Companies must identify material risks to their operations, assets, and value chains associated with climate change, and disclose the potential financial impacts of the identified risks, over the short-, medium- and long-term. These risks are divided into two categories:
Physical Risks: Risks associated with events such as extreme weather, wildfires, floods, and droughts. Transition Risks: Economic risks stemming from the global societal shift to low-carbon technologies and regulatory environments.
Companies will also need to perform scenario analysis to determine how risks and impacts are expected to develop under different future climate states. The scenario analysis should include a low carbon scenario, such as a 2° Celsius or lower warming trajectory.
2. Governance
Companies must describe the role of their board of directors and senior management in overseeing climate-related risks and opportunities. This includes outlining how these risks are identified, assessed, and managed at various levels of the organization.
3. Risk Management and Adaptation
Companies need to demonstrate how climate-related risks are addressed in broader business planning and strategy. This may include strategies like transitioning to renewable energy sources, reinforcing supply chain resilience, and adopting energy-efficient technologies.
4. Metrics and Targets
Companies must disclose the key metrics used to measure and manage climate-related risks and opportunities and describe any relevant climate-related targets (e.g., emissions reduction targets).
Important Note on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting:
Senate Bill 253, passed along with SB 261 in October 2023, establishes reporting standards for GHG emissions. Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions are part of the TCFD’s recommended disclosures, and entities may need to calculate them to fully understand their climate risks. Scope 3 emissions—those resulting from indirect activities such as supply chain operations—can be challenging to measure but are critical for comprehensive risk assessment.
Senate Bill 253 will be covered in a future blog, so stay tuned!
Why Does This Matter?
As climate change accelerates, the financial risks tied to it become more significant. SB 261 seeks to ensure that businesses remain transparent and accountable for their actions, providing investors and stakeholders with the information they need to make informed decisions. The regulation also encourages businesses to take proactive steps in managing climate-related risks, helping mitigate potential long-term financial losses. By requiring companies to address these risks now, California is setting a nation-wide precedent for climate action that is inspiring similar measures in other states and regions such as Illinois, New York, and Washington.
For businesses subject to SB 261, compliance will require careful planning, data gathering, and risk assessment. However, those who act now can not only meet the regulatory requirements but also position themselves as leaders in climate responsibility.
Ready to get Started?
Discover how Antea Group can assist you with comprehensive climate-related risk assessment and disclosure preparation. Learn more about our Climate-Related Risk Assessment services.
FOOTNOTE:
1 The State of California defines “doing business” if you meet any of the following:
Engaging in any transaction for the purpose of financial gain within California; Are organized or commercially domiciled in California; or The company’s California sales, property, or payroll exceed certain thresholds.
NORTHAMPTON, Mass., December 10, 2024 /3BL/ – The growing focus on sustainability is not just influencing corporate communications strategies, it’s transforming how audiences interact with impact stories. As highlighted in 3BL’s end-of-year analysis: audiences are more engaged with sustainability communications than ever before.
This report offers a comprehensive overview of how sustainability communications performed throughout 2024. It provides valuable insights for businesses to refine their strategies and better align with public expectations, ensuring lasting impact in a changing environment.
We cover:
Measuring ROI in Sustainability Communications: We reveal the return on investment companies are experiencing from communicating impact. With metrics highlighting both content reach and audience engagement, businesses can understand how well their efforts resonate.
The Role of Sentiment: We analyze the most frequently used terms in impact communications and assess which ones generate the most positive sentiment. This insight is essential for businesses as it reveals the language that sticks with audiences, enabling them to create content that fosters greater engagement.
Content Categories and Industries Resonating with Audiences: We examine the content categories with the highest growth, those that saw increased engagement throughout the year, and the leading categories that consistently attract audience attention. Additionally, we highlight the top five industries generating significant interest.
About 3BL
3BL is the leading sustainability and social impact communications partner, connecting organizations’ stories of purpose and progress with the audiences who matter most.
3BL partners with over 1,500 companies – from global corporations and mid-sized enterprises to NGOs and nonprofits – to elevate their reputations as players in the world of responsible business. We do this through unrivaled news and content distribution, bespoke storytelling support, and our digital media division, TriplePundit.
Originally published in International Paper’s *Thinking Inside the Box* white paper
Effective leadership in the circular economy requires companies to think carefully about the entire life cycle of their products. With much of modern commerce occurring online, this has led to the development of a complex global supply chain that is often erratic, wasteful and energy intensive. Businesses throughout the value chain, as well as individual consumers, are becoming more aware of how their habits contribute waste to the landfill after use. The packaging industry and packaging users must continue to prioritize renewable solutions that can be easily reused or recovered as a sustainable alternative to products made from nonrenewable resources.
While the circularity story of a corrugated box starts in the forest, it ends with high collection and recovery of this valued natural resource. The fiber-based packaging cycle naturally aligns with the circular economic model. Still, there is always room for improvement in residual loss, resource efficiency, and striving for a closed-loop resource cycle to reduce GHG emissions and prevent pollution.
A point of contention within the fiber-based packaging industry is whether virgin fiber or 100% recycled fiber is more sustainable. At first glance, it might seem that using only recycled fiber would be more sustainable, but recycled fiber is only one part of a sustainable fiber system. The other part is virgin or ‘new’ fiber, which, when sourced from forests whose ecosystems are sustainably managed, plays a critical role in mitigating climate change and promoting biodiversity. While the use of recycled fiber avoids some GHG emissions from landfills, new fiber from sustainably managed forests can support the removal of carbon emissions from the atmosphere.16 Underscoring the need for new fiber inputs is that trees are a renewable natural resource and provide considerable benefits to humans and biodiversity while they are growing in the form of carbon sequestration. Using new fiber maintains the demand for sustainably managed forests.
On average, containerboard producers use 56% recycled fiber in their production process.17 International Paper believes that, in the long run, using a mix of new and recycled fiber is more sustainable. Recent studies on the recyclability of packaging materials show that fibers can be recycled up to 25 times without significant losses in strength properties.18 This is significant, but at some point, the fibers will become brittle and lost. Using a mix of new and recycled fiber increases the useful lifespan of a single corrugated box, because recycled fibers cannot be used indefinitely.
Given the limited reusability of any recyclable material, including wood fiber, businesses labeling their products as 100% recycled fiber are procuring their recycled material from new kraft manufacturers and vertically integrated companies like International Paper. This collaboration within the packaging supply chain requires input in the form of new fiber.
Digital tools and data infrastructure have led to improvements in the recovery process. As a member of the American Forests & Paper Association, International Paper facilities contribute data to the Fiber Box Association Life Cycle Assessment report, which has documented considerable improvements in the overall circularity of the box lifecycle since 2008.
From 2006 to 2020, industry-wide recovery rates increased from 72% to 90%, which reduces both landfill emissions and the requirement for extraneous new fiber production. During the same time, containerboard that was made from 100%-recycled fiber increased from 22.3% to 31.8%.
The introduction of fresh fiber into the system drives the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere, while the use of recycled fiber contributes to the avoidance of CO2 and methane from the landfill.19
Looking at either stream of production in isolation has advantages and disadvantages, but the combination of new, fresh fibers and recycled fibers maximizes fiber reuse and enables circularity. By investing in sustainable forest management as well as its recycling infrastructure, true circularity can be brought to the wood fiber value chain.
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.
17 National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc. LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF U.S. AVERAGE CORRUGATEDPRODUCT (2020)
18 NCASI, , NC: National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc, Recyclability of paper and paperboard. White Paper (WP-23-03). Cary (2023) [link]
19 National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc, LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF U.S. AVERAGECORRUGATED PRODUCT (2020)
December 10, 2024 /3BL/ – Ken Hirlinger is a dedicated and impactful leader with a deep commitment to both his military service and CACI’s mission. His story is one of resilience, leadership, and a deep-rooted drive to support those around him — qualities that have left a lasting impact both in the air and on the ground.
Following his graduation from the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), Hirlinger joined the Air Force in 1985 as an Acquisition Officer. In 2004, he deployed as the Director of Information Operations for the Office of Military Cooperation-Afghanistan, where he led the development of a strategic information operations campaign plan. He unified media relations, psychological operations, local intelligence, and civilian affairs into a cohesive and powerful partnership that created a streamlined approach to support operational success.
His ability to bring clarity and purpose to complex challenges continued as he subsequently led a coalition disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration information campaign team, integrating mission-critical information, much like he had done previously as the Air Force Y2K Fusion Center Watch Officer. Other Air Force assignments saw him serve as a program manager in diverse areas, including nuclear hardening, missile flight testing, air vehicle integration, and suppression of enemy air defense. While on Air Staff he managed the Air Force’s largest communications and information program, valued at $4.6 billion, he set standards that continue to guide the program today.
Hirlinger retired as a major after his last duty as the HQ Air Combat Command Network Engineering and Sustainment Branch Chief, where he established himself as a distinguished leader in Air Force network operations.
Reflecting on his legacy, Hirlinger shares his pride in watching his daughter serve in the Air Force. “It has been an honor to watch my daughter start her own military journey the same way mine began, graduating from VMI and commissioning into the Air Force,” he said.
Following his military career and 15 years in the industry, Hirlinger brought his expertise and passion to CACI in 2020, taking on the role of Director of Program Performance and Pursuits. His contributions have spanned solution architecture, capture management, and performance assessment, drawing on his wide breadth of expertise. “The military develops a broad experience base, combining leadership, discipline, and teamwork,” he said. “All of these are essential attributes in a company serving the federal government.”
At CACI, Hirlinger found a place where his commitment to service extended beyond his own growth, allowing him to support fellow veterans in a meaningful way. When he joined the company, he received a welcome message from CACI’s Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG) that impressed him and left a strong impression. “I was delighted to find that I now worked for a company that promotes its military, veteran, and spouse heritage with such energy,” he shared. “After 20 years of service, it was inspiring to see, and I knew I wanted to be part of VERG.”
Now as VERG’s president, Hirlinger guides the group’s leadership team overseeing ten chapters across the U.S. and abroad as well as four veteran-focused committees. His leadership strengthens CACI’s inclusive workforce, where pride in military heritage is more than just a value—it’s a practice. “Our leaders demonstrate the pride we take in our employees and in helping our national security customers,” he said. “Supporting our military and veterans is part of CACI’s longstanding culture, and I am proud to be part of this mission.”
Maj. Gen. Gary Patton, U.S. Army (Ret.), Vice President of Veterans and Military Affairs at CACI, spoke on Hirlinger’s impact: “From his first days in the VERG, Ken has been a tremendous contributor and strong group leader, first as vice president of membership and now as president. He has been the driving force in expanding the VERG internationally, establishing 10 total chapters across both the U.S. and Germany. “
With 42% of new hires and 38% of full-time employees being veterans or military-affiliated, CACI offers many career opportunities for veterans to thrive. Continue your mission at CACI.
About CACI
At CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI), our 24,000 talented and dynamic employees are ever vigilant in delivering distinctive expertise and differentiated technology to meet our customers’ greatest challenges in national security. We are a company of good character, relentless innovation, and long-standing excellence. Our culture drives our success and earns us recognition as a Fortune World’s Most Admired Company. CACI is a member of the Fortune 1000 Largest Companies, the Russell 1000 Index, and the S&P MidCap 400 Index. For more information, visit us at www.caci.com.
There are statements made herein which do not address historical facts, and therefore could be interpreted to be forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in CACI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, and other such filings that CACI makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Any forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon and only speak as of the date hereof.
# # #
Corporate Communications and Media:
Lorraine Corcoran
Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications
(703) 434-4165, lorraine.corcoran@caci.com
SAN DIEGO, December 10, 2024 /3BL/ – My Green Lab, the global nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the sustainability of laboratory research, is proud to announce the recommendation of both My Green Lab Certification and the ACT Ecolabel Program into the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Program. This mark of distinction from EPA highlights the credibility of My Green Lab’s programs and their alignment with international best practices.
EPA’s Recommendations of Specifications, Standards, and Ecolabels help federal purchasers identify and procure environmentally preferable products and services. Federal purchasers are directed in Executive Order 14057 on Catalyzing American Clean Energy Industries and Jobs through Federal Sustainability, the Federal Sustainability Plan, and subpart 23.1 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation to procure products and services meeting the Recommendations to meet net-zero emissions and other procurement goals. Alignment with federal sustainability goals demonstrates that My Green Lab Certification and the ACT Ecolabel Program meet the highest international standards, driving meaningful progress toward reducing the environmental impact of scientific research.
“EPA’s recommendation is a powerful validation of our work at My Green Lab,” said James Connelly, CEO of My Green Lab. “This distinction affirms the integrity of our programs and their critical role in reducing the environmental impact of laboratories and laboratory products. With EPA’s support, we are one step closer to making green labs the global standard.”
This independent review by one of the world’s most recognized environmental authorities affirms that both My Green Lab’s standard development process and its criteria adhere to best practices for environmental certifications. EPA’s recommendation further establishes My Green Lab Certification as the world’s most trusted standard for implementing sustainability best practices in laboratories, while the ACT Ecolabel serves as a critical tool to help procurement teams and scientists make informed, sustainable choices that align with federal sustainability goals.
About My Green Lab
My Green Lab® is a nonprofit environmental organization with a mission to build a global culture of sustainability in science. The organization is the world leader in developing internationally recognized sustainability standards for laboratories and laboratory products—bringing sustainability to the community responsible for the world’s life-changing medical and technical innovations. Laboratories are some of the most resource-intensive spaces in any industry, but they don’t have to be. By introducing a new perspective and proven best practices within a carefully crafted framework, My Green Lab has inspired tens of thousands of scientists and lab professionals to make positive changes in their labs by reducing the environmental impact of their work.
My Green Lab Certification
The world’s most trusted green lab certification, guiding scientists and lab teams toward actionable sustainability practices. Supported by third-party verification from Impact Laboratories, My Green Lab Certification has engaged 3,450 labs in 50 countries reaching over 41,000 scientists.
My Green Lab ACT Ecolabel
The ACT Ecolabel provides transparent, third-party verified data about the environmental impact of laboratory products. By offering clear information on product sustainability, the ACT Ecolabel empowers procurement teams and scientists to make informed, sustainable choices. The ACT Ecolabel database includes 3,400 labels from 40 manufacturers.
For media requests, contact Christina Creager at christina.creager@mygreenlab.org.
For more information about My Green Lab, visit mygreenlab.org.
SAN DIEGO, December 10, 2024 /3BL/ – My Green Lab, the global nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the sustainability of laboratory research, is proud to announce the recommendation of both My Green Lab Certification and the ACT Ecolabel Program into the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Program. This mark of distinction from EPA highlights the credibility of My Green Lab’s programs and their alignment with international best practices.
EPA’s Recommendations of Specifications, Standards, and Ecolabels help federal purchasers identify and procure environmentally preferable products and services. Federal purchasers are directed in Executive Order 14057 on Catalyzing American Clean Energy Industries and Jobs through Federal Sustainability, the Federal Sustainability Plan, and subpart 23.1 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation to procure products and services meeting the Recommendations to meet net-zero emissions and other procurement goals. Alignment with federal sustainability goals demonstrates that My Green Lab Certification and the ACT Ecolabel Program meet the highest international standards, driving meaningful progress toward reducing the environmental impact of scientific research.
“EPA’s recommendation is a powerful validation of our work at My Green Lab,” said James Connelly, CEO of My Green Lab. “This distinction affirms the integrity of our programs and their critical role in reducing the environmental impact of laboratories and laboratory products. With EPA’s support, we are one step closer to making green labs the global standard.”
This independent review by one of the world’s most recognized environmental authorities affirms that both My Green Lab’s standard development process and its criteria adhere to best practices for environmental certifications. EPA’s recommendation further establishes My Green Lab Certification as the world’s most trusted standard for implementing sustainability best practices in laboratories, while the ACT Ecolabel serves as a critical tool to help procurement teams and scientists make informed, sustainable choices that align with federal sustainability goals.
About My Green Lab
My Green Lab® is a nonprofit environmental organization with a mission to build a global culture of sustainability in science. The organization is the world leader in developing internationally recognized sustainability standards for laboratories and laboratory products—bringing sustainability to the community responsible for the world’s life-changing medical and technical innovations. Laboratories are some of the most resource-intensive spaces in any industry, but they don’t have to be. By introducing a new perspective and proven best practices within a carefully crafted framework, My Green Lab has inspired tens of thousands of scientists and lab professionals to make positive changes in their labs by reducing the environmental impact of their work.
My Green Lab Certification
The world’s most trusted green lab certification, guiding scientists and lab teams toward actionable sustainability practices. Supported by third-party verification from Impact Laboratories, My Green Lab Certification has engaged 3,450 labs in 50 countries reaching over 41,000 scientists.
My Green Lab ACT Ecolabel
The ACT Ecolabel provides transparent, third-party verified data about the environmental impact of laboratory products. By offering clear information on product sustainability, the ACT Ecolabel empowers procurement teams and scientists to make informed, sustainable choices. The ACT Ecolabel database includes 3,400 labels from 40 manufacturers.
For media requests, contact Christina Creager at christina.creager@mygreenlab.org.
For more information about My Green Lab, visit mygreenlab.org.
We hear it everywhere — organizations who work with Climate Vault are feeling an increased amount of pressure to take action on their emissions. In today’s economy, cost can be prohibitive to taking action (although it’s more affordable than you might think). With this in mind, we put together a list of actions you can take as an individual at home and as an organization at the office that cost nothing (and we’ll also include some low-cost alternatives). Since remote work is more common than ever before, whether you’re working from home or in a traditional office environment, these tips are easy to implement and can make a significant impact.
Starting Sustainability in Your Daily Life At-Home
Sustainability begins with simple, everyday habits that, when combined, can lead to major change. While one person’s actions might seem insignificant, collective small efforts drive meaningful progress.
Conscious Energy Usage: One of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint is by being mindful of energy consumption. Turn off lights when leaving a room, unplug electronics when not in use, and leverage natural light. Not only will this reduce emissions, but it can also lower your utility bills.Water Conservation: Conserving water is as easy as turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, taking shorter showers, and fixing leaky faucets. If you have outdoor space, consider collecting rainwater for gardening. These small steps can save gallons of water daily.Recycle and Reuse: Avoid single-use plastics and opt for items with minimal packaging. Reuse containers and bags whenever possible, and make recycling a regular habit. This reduces landfill waste and promotes a circular economy.Sustainable Transportation: Choosing to walk or bike for short trips not only reduces carbon emissions but also improves your physical health. If driving is necessary, consider carpooling, ride-sharing, or using public transportation.Sustainable Eating Habits: Reducing food waste starts with planning meals to avoid overbuying. Composting food scraps enriches your garden and reduces landfill waste. Try to buy local, seasonal produce to reduce transportation emissions and support local farmers.Local Cleanups: Cleanups encourage communities to become actively involved in local sustainability efforts. These events often focus on cleaning up parks, beaches, and other community spaces. This can raise awareness about waste issues and can even inspire longer-term behavioral changes, like reducing single-use plastic or choosing more sustainable products.
Scaling Up for the Office: Bringing Sustainability to the Workplace
The same habits you adopt at home can often translate into the office, creating an environmentally conscious culture that doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether your organization has sustainability goals or you’re looking to spearhead small initiatives, many of the practices we’ve discussed for individual use can be scaled up to benefit businesses.
Energy Efficiency in the Office: Just like at home, being mindful of energy use can make a big difference at work. Turn off lights and equipment when not in use, and make use of natural light.Low-Cost Office Solutions: Consider upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, installing smart thermostats, or switching to LED lighting or motion-sensing lights throughout the office. These small investments can lead to significant savings over time.Water-Saving Measures: Install low-flow faucets or motion-sensing taps in office restrooms. Not only are these measures inexpensive, but they can also reduce water consumption by up to 60%.Team Initiatives: Organizations can engage employees in water-saving challenges or encourage remote workers to adopt water-saving habits at home. It’s about creating awareness and embedding sustainability into the company culture.Rethink Office Waste: Encourage employees to reduce waste by opting for reusable coffee cups and water bottles. Set up easy-to-use recycling stations and avoid single-use plastics in the office kitchen. Over time, these efforts can drastically cut down on waste.Recycling Stations: Set up clearly labeled recycling stations throughout the office, and consider offering incentives for employees who consistently engage in waste-reduction practices.Green Commuting Programs: Encouraging employees to adopt more sustainable transportation methods can be a huge win for both the environment and employee wellbeing. Some companies offer public transportation subsidies or carpool incentives, while others set up ride-sharing programs for employees commuting from similar areas.Low-Cost Office Solutions: Adding bike racks, encouraging remote workdays, or even participating in public transportation discount programs are all cost-effective ways to reduce your organization’s transportation footprint.Build Community and Engage in Sustainability: Engage your employees in local cleanup efforts, tree-planting initiatives, or volunteer days at community gardens. These activities are often free and can also serve as valuable team-building exercises.Online Resources: Activities like these are often free and can also serve as valuable team-building exercises. Engaging in collective action like this benefits the company’s goals.
Leverage Technology to Drive Change
In today’s digital age, technology can support your sustainable workplace practices by making them more accessible and measurable:
Virtual Meetings and Remote Work: Opting for virtual meetings and remote work, even hybrid schedules, reduces the need for travel and lowers carbon emissions. It’s a simple yet effective way to contribute to sustainability.Carbon Neutral Events: In-person meetings, parties, and conferences contribute to your organization’s carbon footprint — but they don’t have to. Apps like Climate Vault’s Event Emissions Calculator allow you to measure and reduce the footprint of your celebratory and team-building events in just a few minutes. Yes, we’re shamelessly self-promoting here, but we’ve seen firsthand from our supporters just how cost-effective and simple it can be to run carbon neutral events.Online Communities and Resources: Sustainability is as much about building a sense of community as it is about reducing carbon emissions. Encourage employees to join online sustainability groups or platforms that align with your organization’s climate goals where they can share tips, find resources that benefit the company’s goals.
Making the Shift to a Sustainable Mindset
Sustainability doesn’t have to come with a high price tag or be seen as a major budget item. By adopting a sustainable mindset and starting with small, everyday actions, both individuals and organizations can make significant strides towards a more sustainable future. Whether it’s reducing energy and water use, cutting down on waste, or promoting greener commuting options, these free or low-cost actions are a testament to the power of collective impact.
Remember, sustainability begins with you — and every small action counts. By integrating these practices into your home and workplace, you’re contributing to a global movement that’s reshaping the future of our planet.
If your organization is looking to take its sustainability efforts to the next level, Climate Vault offers tools that make reducing your carbon footprint easy and cost-effective. Explore the Climate Solutions Platform to see how your business can make a real impact today.