Tag: 3BL

In today’s increasingly interconnected world, networking equipment and secure operations have become essential to nearly every aspect of business and daily life. This is even truer for storage networking since data access is vital to applications, including the Artificial Intelligence (AI) realm. As reliance on networking infrastructure grows, so does the need to advance sustainability in business practices and technologies. With the intent of progressing toward a more sustainable future, organizations can benefit from designing storage area networks (SANs) that are not only secure, high performance and reliable, but also with less impact on the planet. At Cisco, we have a goal for 100% of new Cisco products and packaging to incorporate Circular Design Principles by Cisco’s fiscal year 2025. Circular design means designing products and systems that enable reuse, minimize environmental impacts, drive innovation, and realize value for our stakeholders.

This blog post addresses the following topics relating to sustainability in SANs:

Combining energy consumption reduction and circularitySustainability in hardware and software design with monitoring includedStriving to evolve to a regenerative, circular model for products and packagingDesign best practices

Combining energy consumption reduction and circularity

Both energy consumption and power efficiency are critical factors when architecting sustainability in SANs. Energy consumption not only has an environmental impact but also contributes to operating costs. As such, choosing power-efficient switches is crucial. The Cisco MDS 9000 series switches are an excellent example of networking equipment optimized for the SAN designed to reduce energy consumption and operating costs while maintaining high performance and resiliency. This value proposition can get even stronger when paired with engineering efforts to align with the principles of a circular economy. Consider the ability to upgrade-in-place to a new generation of linecards and minimize replacement of parts. Consider the extended lifetime derived from a modular and highly reliable design. Consider the ability of extended use by loading the latest firmware release on the portfolio on sale, enabling an updated feature set and a solid security posture. This can help reduce the contribution of embodied carbon to overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Sustainability in hardware and software design with monitoring included

The Cisco MDS 9000 series switches follow hardware design guidelines that support activation of several software features to facilitate a reduced power footprint. The switching application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) keep evolving along a trajectory of doubling power efficiency (Gbps/Watt) at new generations. Moreover, current 64G chipsets incorporate the ability to reduce energy consumption while reducing port speed, further contributing to power efficiency in SANs. Power supplies hold third party Titanium certification for up to 96% efficiency.

Smart software capabilities keep gaining in importance. They allow for remote powering off of individual components such as switching modules and power supply units when they are not needed. This way SAN administrators can benefit from ready-to-activate spare components, minimize energy consumption and increase power efficiency. In addition, the recent transceiver power control feature introduces industry-unique power reduction innovation at the port level. The combination of these advanced power management features helps optimize energy consumption of SANs, which can minimize energy waste and reduce operating costs.

Improvements in the energy posture can be automatically captured and tracked. For example, the Nexus Dashboard management tool can monitor and display real-time and historical trends of consumed electrical power for Cisco MDS 9000 series switches. In conjunction with the Panduit Intelligent Power Distribution Units (iPDUs), it becomes possible to collect and unify IT and facility data points, gaining visibility of sustainability metrics at the site, equipment, or PDU outlet level.

Striving to evolve to a regenerative, circular model for products and packaging

Cisco’s focus on sustainability goes beyond energy efficiency in products, as we also have initiatives in place to help reduce waste. Cisco is a member in the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), Circular Products and Materials pathway. This pathway focuses on promoting and implementing circular economy principles in the production and use of materials and products. With our Product Takeback and Reuse Program, customers can responsibly return their used networking equipment at no cost. Cisco strives to process returned products to their next best use, whether it is refurbishing, reusing, reselling or harvesting their components and responsibly recycling them. Cisco reuses or recycles nearly 100 percent of products that are returned to us. Where applicable, customers can even opt-in to receive a Certificate of Recycling (COR), further promoting a circular economy approach.

Additionally, our focus on improving packaging and reducing plastic enables Cisco MDS 9000 series switches to stand out in the overall networking landscape. Reduction of plastic bags for transceivers and accessories, reduction of virgin raw materials in favor of recycled materials, improvements in product packaging cube efficiency: this pinpoints the current ambitious direction for product development and packaging.

Design best practices

When architecting sustainability in SANs, there are several best practices to consider. Virtualization and consolidation in the compute farm can reduce the number of physical switches and ports needed, which can help lower energy consumption and operating costs. Enabling advanced power management features on devices, such as those offered by the Cisco MDS 9000 series switches, can help further reduce energy usage. Topology considerations and product selection can also make a difference. The adoption of port-optimized low-power fabric switches for small SANs or top-of-rack deployments can help minimize energy consumption and cabling. When appropriate, the move to a multi-fabric collapsed core design with the Cisco MDS 9718 can help reduce the number of chassis and inter-switch links (ISLs), supporting tangible power and cost savings. The MDS 9718 can have up to 768 ports, allowing a moderately sized SAN to exist on a single switch. This means that ports can be connected to end devices instead of “wasted” on ISLs. A larger SAN can be designed with multiple MDS 9718 directors, each operating as an individual fabric. Finally, monitoring energy consumption and utilization can help identify areas for improvement, and choosing energy-efficient equipment and components can help maximize energy savings.

Cisco MDS 9000 series can help advance sustainability in your SAN

Architecting sustainability in SANs is essential for organizations moving toward more sustainable practices and looking to reduce their carbon footprint and operating costs. Power-efficient switches, such as the Cisco MDS 9000 series, can offer advantages in terms of energy consumption and cost savings. Organizations can also benefit from Cisco’s sustainability initiatives, such as Cisco’s Takeback and Reuse Program and our plastic reduction efforts. By following these practices, organizations can design SANs in a more sustainable way, which can benefit the environment and their bottom line. Modernizing SANs with sustainability in mind can help yield a high Return on Investment. We estimate that, over five years, the energy and footprint savings from the old systems can sometimes cover the cost of the new SAN, effectively allowing organizations to “pay for” the upgrade through operational efficiencies.

References

Cisco’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) Reporting Hub

Cisco evolving the business to circular economy

Cisco’s Product Takeback and Reuse program

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December 4, 2024 /3BL/ – More than two dozen major companies are heading to Capitol Hill this week for a series of meetings with Republican members of Congress to make the business and economic case for maintaining the federal clean energy tax credits and other incentives that were included in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

The meetings this week mark the first since the 2024 Presidential election, the outcome of which will have major implications on tax policy in 2025. As Congress prepares to comb through the tax code, business leaders attending the meetings this week are making the clear case to maintain the clean energy tax credits that are delivering investment, manufacturing jobs, energy projects, and reduced costs to members’ states and Congressional districts.

Businesses participating in the meetings include AES Corporation, Amalgamated Bank, Avangrid, DHL Group, HASI, Heirloom, Hitachi Energy, IKEA USA, the National Ski Areas Association, ReVision Energy, and Samsung Electronics America, among others. 

“Clean energy tax credits are helping IKEA US and our partners create jobs and reduce carbon pollution, with major benefits to our co-workers and customers,” said Doug Murray, public affairs leader, IKEA US. “With 61 retail locations and 16,000 co-workers across the country, IKEA believes these clean energy tax credits deliver for the economy, businesses, and workers, and we are excited to meet with members of Congress to help tell this story.”

“With the U.S. experiencing a surge in electricity usage, which is only expected to grow, Hitachi Energy is proud to continue its investments to help meet the need for innovative technologies to modernize our electric grid, transmit and deliver reliable, clean power, and promote energy security,” said Abigail Singer, VP, Government and Institutional Relations, US, Hitachi Energy. “Public policy such as federal clean energy incentives provide crucial support for U.S. investments in both technology development and production capacity and can play a key role in meeting the nation’s energy needs and driving economic development going forward.”

“Sector-wide energy tax credits are an engine for U.S. economic growth and a critical enabler for keeping power prices low. These diverse energy tax code provisions have underpinned historic levels of private sector investment in domestically produced clean energy projects across every corner of America, bolstering our energy independence and fueling our nation’s prosperity,” said Gil Jenkins, vice president of corporate affairs, HASI. “With the U.S. experiencing an unprecedented surge in electricity demand — driven largely by the increased onshoring of manufacturing and massive AI-driven data center expansion — it’s crucial now more than ever that we, as business leaders, raise our collective voice to Congress and underscore the importance of the energy tax credit structures in the code today in sustaining elevated deployment levels of clean, reliable, and affordable power generation that our economy needs.”

“As America’s leader in direct air capture, Heirloom is creating a new class of carbon management jobs that cleanly map onto the traditional energy workforce and infrastructure. Our investments are supported by performance-driven policies, like tax credits, that ensure this technology is developed in the United States to strengthen our energy security and global competitiveness,” said Vikrum Aiyer, head of global public policy, Heirloom. “We look forward to working with lawmakers to highlight the remarkable progress we’re making — from the West Coast to the Gulf Coast — to bring a critical industry to scale.”

“Sealed believes the IRA home energy rebates have the potential to support contractors, lower energy bills, and increase energy reliability for families across the country,” said David Kolata, vice president for policy, Sealed.

Businesses have been major supporters of the clean energy tax credits because of their economic benefits, including the creation of new manufacturing jobs, the strengthening of domestic supply chains to bolster U.S. competitiveness, and the delivery of affordable, reliable, American-made clean energy.

Since the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law in 2022, the tax credits have positioned the U.S. as a global magnet for clean energy investment. They have already unleashed more than $350 billion in new private investment, creating more than 330,000 new jobs to manufacture and deploy clean technologies like batteries, vehicles, solar panels, and much more in the U.S. Most of the private clean energy investment since the Inflation Reduction Act became law has gone to Republican-held districts.

At Capitol Hill events organized by the responsible business organization Ceres, companies have met with policymakers on both sides of the political aisle to make the economic case for preserving the tax credits throughout 2024. Over the summer, 18 Republican members of Congress —14 of whom are expected to be seated in the upcoming Congressional term — signed a letter urging Congressional leaders to maintain the clean energy tax credits.

“Federal clean energy tax credits and incentives are benefiting all Americans by bringing back U.S. manufacturing, ensuring energy security, and reducing costs for businesses and families across the country,” said Zach Friedman, senior director of federal policy, Ceres. “As Congress seeks solutions to better position the U.S. economy, Ceres is excited to bring business leaders to Capitol Hill this week to help demonstrate why these policies – and the private-sector capital they have unleashed – are crucial to U.S. industry and the nation’s ability to compete in a changing global marketplace.”

About Ceres

Ceres is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more just, and sustainable world. United under a shared vision, our powerful networks of investors and companies are proving sustainability is the bottom line—changing markets and sectors from the inside out. For more information, visit ceres.org.

Media Contact: Helen Booth-Tobin, booth-tobin@ceres.org

Cummins

by Cummins Components Business Unit

Key Takeaways:

Turbochargers for natural gas engines have evolved significantly, driven by stringent emissions regulations and the adoption of stoichiometric burning.Modern natural gas turbochargers feature distinct components compared to their diesel counterparts.Cummins’ innovations in natural gas turbocharger design have improved the cost-effectiveness and environmental performance of natural gas engines.

A decade ago, turbochargers for natural gas and diesel engines were not very different. However, new emissions regulations have driven the development of turbochargers specifically designed for natural gas engines. These turbochargers are adapted to stoichiometric burn conditions, where the mix of oxygen and fuel is precisely balanced. This balance ensures efficient combustion, leaving no unburnt fuel or excess oxygen.

Turbochargers developed for modern natural gas engines, have unique components like a dual wastegate port, larger actuators and a material housing made of composite materials that can withstand the higher temperatures a stoichiometric burn requires.

Cummins has spent decades developing innovative solutions for diesel and natural gas engines. This article explores how different turbocharger technologies are used for natural gas vehicles and how they have evolved to meet the challenges and demands of a transportation industry seeking more sustainable solutions.

Key differences between turbochargers for natural gas and diesel engines

Turbochargers for natural gas engines are distinct from those used in diesel engines due to the unique demands of natural gas combustion like higher operating temperatures and distinct air-to-fuel ratios. Unlike diesel engines, which operate with a lean burn and a higher air-to-fuel ratio, natural gas engines require a stoichiometric burn. This means the mixture of oxygen and fuel is balanced precisely (1:1 air-to-fuel ratio) for efficient combustion, ensuring no unburnt fuel or excess oxygen remains. Consequently, natural gas engines require smaller turbochargers since less air is needed for stoichiometric combustion compared to the leaner burn in diesel engines. For example, a diesel engine might need an HE500 turbo, but a natural gas engine could use an HE300 or HE400 due to its lower air requirements.

Achieving this efficient combustion has led to significant modifications in many system components, including the incorporation of a dual wastegate port to handle the high bypass capability necessary for natural gas turbochargers. This port regulates exhaust flow, controls pressure and prevents over-boost.

The intense temperatures and pressures of natural gas engines also influence turbocharger design. While diesel engines prioritize turbocharger efficiency, natural gas engines focus on achieving the required mass flow rate and meeting exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) demands. As a result, turbochargers for natural gas engines are built with high-temperature materials, particularly at the turbine stage, to resist thermal fatigue.

These turbochargers also require water-cooled bearing housings to manage the elevated temperatures, necessitating additional piping and connections to maintain coolant flow.

Housing Materials:

Cummins employs advanced materials in turbocharger construction to withstand the high temperatures of stoichiometric combustion in natural gas engines. These materials include graphite and stainless steel for the turbine housing, as well as higher-grade alloys like Chrome-Moly, which contains chromium and molybdenum. These materials allow the turbochargers to endure turbine inlet temperatures exceeding 760°C, far surpassing the operating temperatures of diesel engine turbochargers, which typically remain below 700°C.

Actuators:

Turbochargers for natural gas engines use larger actuators compared to those in diesel engines. A natural gas turbocharger uses a T4 actuator, which is 4 square inches, while a diesel engine turbocharger only requires a T2 actuator, a 2-square-inch component. This increase in actuator size is essential for managing the higher bypass capabilities and temperature demands of natural gas engines.

Modifications from diesel engines:

While natural gas engines share many components with their diesel counterparts, key modifications have been made to turbochargers to accommodate the use of gaseous fuel. These changes address the higher temperatures and different flow characteristics unique to natural gas, ensuring optimal performance and durability.

The evolution of the natural gas turbocharger

A decade ago, natural gas and diesel turbos were nearly identical, but stringent emissions regulations like Euro 6 and EPA standards have driven significant changes, including the shift to stoichiometric burning, which increased operating temperatures and created the need for new turbocharger configurations.

By shifting to stoichiometric burning, Cummins was able to reduce the need for aftertreatment systems like Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOCs) or Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems, which ultimately lowered the cost of the engines and turbos.

As a leader in turbocharger innovation and technology, Cummins is committed to working with customers to provide the right solutions for their applications. With Natural Gas being a critical player in decarbonizing commercial transportation, Cummins continues to optimize natural gas engine design, improve the economics of the engine systems while meeting strict emissions standards and make natural gas a competitive alternative to diesel in many applications.

Originally published by Northwestern Mutual

MILWAUKEE, December 3, 2024 /3BL/ – Northwestern Mutual, through its Foundation, today announced its continued support of those affected by childhood cancer with a $500,000 donation toward higher education for childhood cancer survivors and childhood cancer siblings. As part of the company’s 2025 Childhood Cancer Scholarship Program, 25 childhood cancer survivors and 25 childhood cancer siblings will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship, with the option to renew for a second year for a total of up to $10,000 per student.

“Studies show that 60% of families lose significant household income and are hit with financial hardship as a result of a childhood cancer diagnosis,” said Steve Radke, president of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation. “Each year, it’s an honor to provide some relief to these families and alleviate part of the financial burden tied to higher education, but the real joy is being able to see these students looking forward to their future and the brighter moments they have ahead them.”

Since the program’s inception in 2017, more than 320 scholarships have been awarded to children undergoing treatment, survivors and siblings of those who have been affected by childhood cancer, totaling $3 million. The Childhood Cancer Scholarship Program is one of several initiatives that the Northwestern Mutual Foundation commits to as part of its ongoing mission to the childhood cancer cause.

“For over a decade, it has been the Foundation’s mission to help find better treatments and cures for childhood cancer, while supporting families undergoing treatment and survivors living with long-term effects of treatment,” said Radke. “Part of that includes celebrating the ‘goldeNMoments’ and breakthroughs along the way, like survivors and siblings affected by childhood cancer pursuing their aspirations through higher education.”

Applications for the 2025-26 school year scholarship program are now being accepted through Feb. 3, 2025, unlocking an additional $500,000 in student scholarships.

The Childhood Cancer Scholarship Program is administered through Scholarship America, an organization dedicated to developing scholarship solutions for student success. Northwestern Mutual helps identify the criteria Scholarship America uses to select each year’s recipients, including the student’s essay, family income level, grade point average and geographic location. The scholarship is for full-time undergraduate studies and students must be a childhood cancer survivor or sibling of someone who had or has childhood cancer. For more information about the Childhood Cancer Scholarship Program and to apply, visit https://northwesternmutual-foundation.com/scholarships/.

Since 2012, Northwestern Mutual’s Childhood Cancer Program has been committed to accelerating the search for better treatments and cures for childhood cancer while supporting families undergoing treatment and survivors living with long-term effects. To date, Northwestern Mutual, through its Foundation, has funded more than 700,000 hours of research to accelerate the search for better treatments and cures for childhood cancer and contributed more than $60 million to the cause overall. To learn more about the company’s commitment to childhood cancer, visit the Northwestern Mutual Foundation’s website here.

As a mutual company improving lives through financial security, we know the actions we take today shape tomorrow. Our disciplined approach to governance, risk management and shared value through the lens of sustainability and social impact protects our long-term financial strength, creates positive economic and societal impact, and helps ensure we’re here to serve for generations to come. By delivering financial security and expanding financial access, investing in our communities, strengthening a culture of belonging, and reducing our environmental impact, we’re building a resilient tomorrow for policyowners and clients, our employees and financial advisors, and our communities. nm.com/sustainability

About Northwestern Mutual Foundation

The mission of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation is to improve the lives of children and families in need. The Foundation has given more than $500 million since its inception in 1992 and is designed to create lasting impact in the communities where the company’s employees and financial representatives live and work. We accomplish this by combining financial support, volunteerism, thought leadership and convening community partners to deliver the best outcomes. Our efforts are focused nationally on curing childhood cancer, and locally on education, neighborhoods and making our hometown of Milwaukee a great destination. Visit Northwestern Mutual Foundation to learn more.

About Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 165 years. Through a comprehensive planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what’s most important. With more than $627 billion of total assets being managed across the company’s institutional portfolio as well as retail investment client portfolios, nearly $36 billion in revenues, and $2.3 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than five million people with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. Northwestern Mutual ranked 111 on the 2023 FORTUNE 500.

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (investment advisory and services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance). Not all Northwestern Mutual representatives are advisors. Only those representatives with “Advisor” in their title or who otherwise disclose their status as an advisor of NMWMC are credentialed as NMWMC representatives to provide investment advisory services.

SOURCE Northwestern Mutual

NEW YORK, December 3, 2024 /3BL/ – Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS) has announced that its annual goIT Global Innovator of the Year (IOTY) competition is open for entries. From now through December 31, 2024, TCS is encouraging students aged 6 to 17 to submit their world-changing ideas for addressing global challenges that are aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Now in its third year, the competition provides a global stage for young people to tap into their creativity to help build a more sustainable and inclusive world, while furthering their own professional development.

“The goIT Global Innovator of the Year competition is about empowering young people to solve problems on a global scale,” said John DiChiara, TCS global goIT program manager. “It offers them a unique opportunity to make an impact and, while fostering a long-term interest in technology as a powerful tool for social good.”

The competition, along with the ongoing goIT Monthly Challenge and other TCS programs, are key elements of TCS’s commitment to inspiring students to develop the soft skills and technical expertise needed for their future career, while encouraging them to become action-oriented, global citizens.

Submissions from the 2024 goIT Monthly Challenges, goIT online or goIT Live events have already been entered into the competition. To submit a new concept or participate for the first time, students or student teams must submit a 1-to-3-minute video pitch, presentation, or written proposal explaining their idea and the specific SDG it addresses. Submissions can target any of the 17 SDGs and should be selected based on the issues that matter most to them or their communities.

In early 2025, several regional competitions will identify winners and runners up, with all regional finalists advancing to the program judges’ final review, who will determine the 2024 goIT Innovator of the Year. All participants will receive a certificate of achievement, while top finalists will compete for awards such as mentorship opportunities, scholarships, and support to bring their ideas to life.

Educators, students and parents can find more information at https://tcsempowers.tcsapps.com/amer/goit-main/ioty. Entries must be submitted by December 31, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. (entrants’ local time).

About TCS’ goIT Program

TCS’ Go Innovate Together program (goIT) is TCS’ flagship STEM education program. Focusing on digital innovation and career readiness, goIT engages students from diverse backgrounds with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) subjects and computer science, design thinking and digital innovation. The program offers an industry-developed, customizable curriculum that teaches students the 21st century skills necessary for a career in technology. Lessons cover topics including design thinking, rapid prototyping, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and more. For more information, visit https://on.tcs.com/goIT-AMERS.

About Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

Tata Consultancy Services is an IT services, consulting and business solutions organization that has been partnering with many of the world’s largest businesses in their transformation journeys for over 56 years. Its consulting-led, cognitive powered, portfolio of business, technology and engineering services and solutions is delivered through its unique Location Independent Agile™ delivery model, recognized as a benchmark of excellence in software development.

A part of the Tata group, India’s largest multinational business group, TCS has over 612,700 of the world’s best-trained consultants in 55 countries. The company generated consolidated revenues of US $29 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, and is listed on the BSE and the NSE in India. TCS’ proactive stance on climate change and award-winning work with communities across the world have earned it a place in leading sustainability indices such as the MSCI Global Sustainability Index and the FTSE4Good Emerging Index. For more information, visit www.tcs.com

CNH brand, Case IH, has donated tractors to young training farmers in Southland, New Zealand.

This is helping make a big difference in the lives of young people with a passion for agriculture who may not have the resources to fund the training required to get a foothold in the industry.

Jeff Farm is a 2,433ha property near Gore, owned and run by the Salvation Army since the early 1950s. It was gifted by farmer Edmund Jeff, with the stipulation it be “used to train young people in farming practices – who would not otherwise have such a career option”.

Michael Benton has been General Manager of the training property for the past 12 months, arriving as its Assistant Manager two-and-a-half years ago.

There are five trainees at Jeff Farm at any one time, usually coming straight from school. They also live on the property and for the next two years they’ll develop a raft of skills—everything from learning how to operate motorbikes, chainsaws and tractors, to fencing, stock procedures and training a working dog.

“The idea is that we teach them the necessary skills needed to make them attractive employees in the agriculture industry once they leave here,” Michael said.

The trainees have recently welcomed a new tractor, a Case IH Puma 220, which is the first Case IH tractor on Jeff Farm—now it’s the biggest in the fleet.

Michael has said the team at the local Case IH dealership, Agricentre South, had been keen to become involved in the property when they learned about it and what it had been established to achieve.

“They wanted to know the story behind it, which was important to us, and the service they’ve provided has been great. The new Puma has everything we need, and the trainees are certainly enjoying the additional horsepower and all the technology it offers, and how that can assist us in performing all the tasks around the property, enhancing efficiency and productivity,” Michael said.

MIAMI, December 3, 2024 /3BL/ – In a continued effort to strengthen the small business community, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava joined Miami-Dade County’s Office of Innovation and Economic Development and Wells Fargo leaders to officially launch the Strive305 HUB, an all-in-one resource platform designed to help small business owners connect with essential resources, community partners, and growth opportunities. Powered by Miami-Dade County and funded and sponsored by Wells Fargo, the Strive305 HUB aims to make small business support more accessible and impactful by offering a wide array of tools including resource mapping, training modules, event promotion, and community engagement features.

“We know that small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we are committed to providing them with the resources they need to succeed,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “The Strive305 HUB is more than just a portal; it’s a comprehensive support system. By connecting entrepreneurs to invaluable resources, technical assistance, and mentorship, we’re investing in Miami-Dade’s future as a thriving, resilient economy.”

Through the County’s Office of Innovation and Economic Development, Mayor Levine Cava’s administration has spearheaded STRIVE 305, the county’s flagship program offering resources, capital access, and trainings; allocated $25 million to more than 120 small businesses through grants; and, launched an online Small Business Resource Guide and to empower small businesses in the county with essential resources for starting, managing, and growing their operations.

“Wells Fargo is thrilled to join the effort to support small businesses across Miami-Dade County. As part of our long-standing commitment to work with small businesses to drive growth across South Florida, the Strive305 HUB will support small businesses and economic development by providing local small businesses and entrepreneurs with enhanced access to funding, resources and expertise to help them serve their customers across the region,” said Jason Rosenberg, head of Public Affairs at Wells Fargo.

Building on prior Wells Fargo small business investment in South Florida, including its $20 million Miami Open for Business grant, Wells Fargo is also supporting this online hub, which will aid new and existing entrepreneurs through the business development process. From opening and registering a new business, preparing for emergencies and business planning to accessing networking, mentoring, tax and legal services, business owners will find resources that will help remove barriers and foster growth and development of healthy business ventures.

In addition to Wells Fargo, the Strive305 HUB is also supported by partners such as the Small Business Administration, Florida International University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA).

For more information, visit www.Strive305HUB.Com.

Contact: 
William Porro, Miami-Dade County Office of Innovation & Economic Development 
William.porro@miamidade.gov 
305-582-5757

Gabriela Lambertus, Wells Fargo 
gabriela.lambertus@wellsfargo.com 
305-619-8898

Originally published in Quest Diagnostics’ 2023 Corporate Responsibility Report

Safeguarding our patients’ data

Quest safeguards the privacy and security of our patients’ health information through policies, procedures, and by developing solutions to tackle emerging data security threats.

DATA PRIVACY 
We have a mature and effective privacy program that includes detailed privacy policies and procedures, training, auditing, and ongoing privacy awareness reminders. Our comprehensive program addresses a broad range of privacy subjects including protected health information disclosures, key privacy safeguards, and minimum necessary access to patient health information. These policies are available to employees on our intranet site. All employees undergo annual training on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). For both new and existing employees, we may provide more specialized privacy training based on an employee’s job function. In addition, the Company continues to review new regulations and state laws and implements required controls as needed.

CYBERSECURITY 
The strength and resilience of our cybersecurity and data privacy programs are critical in maintaining the trust of our patients, customers, employees, shareholders, and other stakeholders. Securing our business, customer, patient and employee data, and our information technology (IT) systems is an important part of our overall risk management framework. Quest’s cybersecurity program is overseen by the Chief Information Security Officer who reports to our Chief Information and Digital Officer.

Quest maintains a comprehensive cybersecurity program developed to align with best-practice frameworks, applicable laws and regulations, and our contractual obligations. We’ve designed the enterprise-wide program to secure our facilities and information systems and safeguard data throughout its lifecycle, including data provided to third parties performing services on our behalf. Our cybersecurity program incorporates standards, processes, and controls over a number of domains, including, but not limited to, governance, IT risk management, access controls, facility and data protection, IT systems and data transmission security, threat intelligence and incident response, supply chain risk management, disaster recovery, and vulnerability management.

Our cybersecurity risk management program monitors our systems and networks for threats, breaches, intrusions, and other vulnerabilities; assesses the security of our company-wide software, applications and systems; conducts security audits and threat assessments; responds to cybersecurity incidents; and facilitates training for our employees. We’ve also convened an IT Risk Council, with enterprise-wide representation, which receives quarterly and ad hoc updates on our cybersecurity efforts. Recognizing the interconnected nature of the healthcare industry, we prioritize supply chain security to mitigate the risks of third-party breaches. We assess the security posture of our vendors and partners with whom we interface, or who store, process, host, or transmit confidential patient and employee data or other confidential information.

Our cybersecurity program is based on multiple security frameworks, including, but not limited to, the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s NIST 800 Special Publication Information Security standard, MITRE 40 ATT&CK Framework, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, the System and Organization Controls for Service Organizations 2, and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015 and ISO 15189.

Our cybersecurity program is continuously evolving to adapt to emerging threats, strengthen our security posture, and ensure the resilience of our services. Our Board of Directors oversees our cybersecurity via the Cybersecurity, Quality & Compliance, and Audit & Finance Committees.

Read more

Originally published in Leidos Sustainability Report

Strengthening our communities through volunteerism is part of our Leidos vision statement and our employees have a long history of deep engagement in our communities. We allocate charitable resources — including budget, time and talent — to a variety of organizations and causes that best align with our priorities as a company. By combining corporate giving with passionate and inspired employee participation, Leidos is making a meaningful difference to those in need.

Our Leidos Employee Volunteer Incentive Program celebrates employees who go above and beyond, as demonstrated by the volunteer hours they log; employees with the most hours are highlighted on Leidos’ intranet and recognized by leadership. In 2023, Leidos donated more than $5 million to charitable organizations and our employees volunteered more than 43,600 hours in their communities. We also updated the volunteering categories in our online system to better align to Leidos’ core giving areas and represent the many areas where Leidos employees passionately spend their volunteer hours.

Charitable Giving Focus Areas

Healthier Lives
Represents our commitment to health and well-being, including
our deep commitment to addressing the myriad challenges around
mental health.

Leadership and Inclusion
Represents our focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.

National Security and Military
Represents our long-time commitment to the military and national security organizations.

Education/STEM
Represents our commitment to educational support across all grade levels, with a focus on science, technology, engineering and math.

Environment
Represents an understanding of the growing importance of climate and other environmental issues

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OSLO, Norway, December 3, 2024 /3BL/ – SLB Capturi has reached a significant milestone of mechanical completion of the carbon capture plant at Heidelberg Materials’ cement facility in Brevik, Norway.

With the full-scale carbon capture plant now complete, including the carbon capture system, compression system, heat integration system, intermediate storage, and loadout facilities, the plant is now ready for testing and commissioning. When operational, this world-first commercial-scale carbon capture plant at a cement facility will enable production of net zero cement, without compromising on the product strength or quality.

“Reaching this milestone is a testament to the power of working together and the collective determination to make a positive climate impact,” said Egil Fagerland, CEO, SLB Capturi. “We look forward to continuing these collaborative efforts as we move toward the commissioning and operational phases of the project. The Brevik CCS plant sets a precedent for future carbon capture initiatives, where learnings and insights from this groundbreaking project enable others to follow.”

Due to the inherent emissions of cement production, the sector is dependent on carbon capture and storage to reach net zero. The carbon capture plant is designed to capture up to 400,000 metric tons of CO2 annually from the cement facility. Strong execution support from Aker Solutions and the local industry has been instrumental in completing the construction of this project.

“The mechanical completion of the Brevik CCS project is a landmark achievement in the decarbonization journey of the cement industry,” said Giv Brantenberg, general manager Northern Europe, Heidelberg Materials. “This project exemplifies our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and the pursuit of solutions that address the pressing issue of climate change. We are immensely proud of the dedication and hard work of our teams and partners who have made this possible.”

The Brevik CCS plant is part of The Longship CCS project, Europe’s first complete value chain for the capture, transport, and storage of industrial CO2 emissions. The Brevik plant will now move into commissioning phase, with operations starting during 2025.

About SLB
SLB (NYSE: SLB) is a global technology company that drives energy innovation for a balanced planet. With a global footprint in more than 100 countries and employees representing almost twice as many nationalities, we work each day on innovating oil and gas, delivering digital at scale, decarbonizing industries, and developing and scaling new energy systems that accelerate the energy transition. Find out more at slb.com.

About SLB Capturi
SLB Capturi is dedicated to carbon removal and reduction solutions. The company’s proven modular technologies enable industries to deploy capture technology at speed and scale, meeting the requirements of tomorrow and the opportunities of today. The company is currently delivering seven carbon capture plants to bioenergy, waste to energy, and cement facilities. Find out more at capturi.slb.com.

Media
Josh Byerly – SVP of Communications
Moira Duff – Director of External Communications
SLB
Tel: +1 (713) 375-3407
Email: media@slb.com

Hanne Rolén  – Head of Sustainability & Communications
SLB Capturi
Tel: +47 990 02 571
Email: Hrolen@capturi.slb.com

Investors
James R. McDonald – SVP of Investor Relations & Industry Affairs
Joy V. Domingo – Director of Investor Relations
SLB
Tel: +1 (713) 375-3535
Email: investor-relations@slb.com

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