Tag: 3BL

Originally published on Business Fights Poverty.

Who comes to mind when you imagine a confident entrepreneur? A Silicon Valley tech bro or navy-suited executive in a Western business hub, most likely. But zoom out to the Global Majority and you’ll see something incredibly powerful and systemically ignored: women entrepreneurs leading sustainable businesses with exceeding vision and drive.

There’s a credit gap, not a confidence gap, limiting women entrepreneurs.

Women represent only one in four high-growth entrepreneurs globally. Yet, they are not holding themselves back. Instead, they are systematically disadvantaged by social and institutional barriers, leaving one in three unable to access the critical financial resources needed for business growth.

New research conducted through the Strive Women program, implemented by CARE and supported by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, reveals that 96% of the 2,000 women entrepreneurs spoken to (in countries as different as Pakistan, Peru and Vietnam) report high confidence in their ability to lead and grow their businesses, and 87% have the specific goal to do so.

Click here to continue reading on Business Fights Poverty.

By Liz Rothaus Bertrand | illumination Contributor

Duke Energy is road testing an electric semitruck in North Carolina – a first-of-its-kind pilot project at the company that is reducing air pollution from transportation, the largest domestic contributor of greenhouse gases.

By replacing a traditional semitruck with a zero-emissions vehicle, Duke Energy found it can electrify a supply chain logistics route, efficiently moving materials to its operations centers without burning gasoline or diesel.

Launched in 2024, the pilot focused on electrifying one of the commercial vehicles that transport $1.5 billion worth of cargo annually, essential equipment and supplies that enable the company to maintain a resilient, reliable electric grid for 8.4 million customers across six states.

Duke Energy’s Supply Chain Management team worked with contractor AAA Cooper to procure an EV semitruck for distribution routes covering about 500 miles weekly for the Garner Distribution Center, which serves several sites in the Raleigh, N.C., area.

“We move materials to the right place, at the right time, and in the right quantity,” said Logistics Manager Brad Withers. “Think of our role as the link between each node, transporting materials so that our teams can maintain, repair and build new infrastructure efficiently.”

Meighan Read, manager of products and services at Duke Energy, said the team identified routes within the vehicle’s 250-mile range (on a full charge) to ensure equipment and supplies were delivered on time.

“EVs can be a challenge,” Read said, “but with the right application – whether it’s an electric vehicle or another alternative fuel – they can meet operational needs. That’s one of the biggest learnings from this pilot project: Electric can work in the right application.”

Also promising, Withers said, is the speed at which the zero-emissions truck could be charged and redeployed to continue delivering materials.

“We’ve learned that an EV semitruck can haul and perform like a diesel truck. If necessary, the vehicle can come back, get a healthy charge in about two hours, and deliver the remaining materials to be on time to those locations.”

This flexibility is vital as Duke Energy invests in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner energy sources, including expanded storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear.

“I’m incredibly proud of my team for advocating for new ideas like this,” said Dwight Jacobs, senior vice president, supply chain, real estate and chief procurement officer. “We’re not just leading one of the largest clean energy transitions in North America – we’re literally driving it forward.”

Between January and mid-August, the pilot project’s EV tractor drove 14,000 miles, saving nearly 1,947 gallons of diesel fuel and approximately $7,500 in fuel costs, based on the current rate of $3.85 gallon for an equivalent diesel engine. This equates to a reduction of 19.6 metric tons of CO2, equivalent to 4.7 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven for one year.

Electric vehicles also require less maintenance than conventional vehicles. Without a diesel engine, an EV tractor doesn’t need oil changes or as many mechanical repairs.

As the company works toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, Duke Energy is exploring other ways to cut carbon, some of which have already been implemented – like the Electric Power Take Off (ePTO) systems for material handling bucket trucks. The ePTO system uses a traditional chassis but operates the truck’s boom and auxiliary functions entirely off a battery once on-site, saving fuel and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“It also has safety benefits by making job sites quieter,” Read added. “People in the bucket can talk to folks on the ground and hear them more clearly.”

It’s one more example, she said, of finding the right technology to match the application.

These pilot projects, including the one that electrified Duke Energy’s first supply chain route, continue to provide valuable data. “These projects demonstrate our commitment to cleaner energy,” Withers said. “Electrification is new for larger commercial vehicles at the company, but it’s a step we’re evaluating as part of our long-term strategy.”

We’re working to increase access to EV charging, research how it affects the grid and help electrify fleets

Over the next 26 years, energy consumption is predicted to grow at an average annual rate of nearly 2% – approximately 35% of that growth is expected to come from greater EV adoption. That means energy use could be about 50% greater by 2050 than it is today.

Duke Energy has been preparing for this transition – monitoring and implementing EV load management, and managing charging programs and pilots to help customers save money while lessening the impacts of EVs to system peaks.

You can help play a part, too. If your business is considering adding EVs to its fleet, reach out to Duke Energy so we can help assure a smooth transition. Residential customers can also benefit from Duke Energy EV rebate programs and other resources.

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Originally published in ScottsMiracle-Gro’s 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report

As a leading user of compost in North America, we are uniquely positioned to drive circularity. By redirecting green waste, such as grass, tree trimmings and organic waste from commercial landscaping, tree cultivation and agriculture into our products, we reduce waste that may have otherwise gone to landfills and contributed to methane emissions. Through our products, these waste materials re-enter the growing cycle as soils, growing amendments and mulches. Our company recycled roughly 5.5 billion pounds of green waste in 2023.

Our growing media procurement team has developed a network of hundreds of local, small- and medium-sized suppliers, including green waste suppliers, across North America. This network provides the raw ingredients for our growing media products. This “growing local” strategy reduces costs and emissions associated with shipping heavy organic materials over long distances and contributes to high-quality product blends that meet consumer needs. Our dozens of growing media plants across North America make it possible for the majority of the inputs for our soils to be sourced within a 120-mile radius on average.

For full details about ScottsMiracle-Gro’s 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report, visit here.

Originally published on November 1st on LinkedIn

Sysco’s annual Global Purpose Month kicks off this November with a goal of 20,000 volunteer hours! Our teams will fight hunger by packing meals and partnering with local food charities, driving us closer to reaching our Global Good Goal.

Globally, our teams are rallying local volunteer efforts—both on-site and in the communities we serve. We’re excited to make a positive impact and bring Sysco’s Purpose of Connecting the World to Share Food and Care for One Another to life. Stay tuned to see our progress and the impact we’re making in our communities.

About Sysco

Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. With more than 76,000 colleagues, the company operates 340 distribution facilities worldwide and serves approximately 730,000 customer locations. For fiscal year 2024 that ended June 29, 2024, the company generated sales of more than $78 billion. Information about our Sustainability program, including Sysco’s 2023 Sustainability Report and 2023 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report, can be found at www.sysco.com.

For more information, visit www.sysco.com or connect with Sysco on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SyscoFoods. For important news and information regarding Sysco, visit the Investor Relations section of the company’s Internet home page at investors.sysco.com, which Sysco plans to use as a primary channel for publishing key information to its investors, some of which may contain material and previously non-public information. In addition, investors should continue to review our news releases and filings with the SEC. It is possible that the information we disclose through any of these channels of distribution could be deemed to be material information.

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About 85 percent of chief investment officers say environmental, social and governance information is an important factor in their investment decisions, yet the majority want to hear more from companies about ESG. Steady investor interest in ESG and sustainability is why 3BL is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with IR Magazine, a 30-year-old publication serving global investor relations professionals that attracts over 700,000 site visits annually.

Through this collaboration, IR Magazine will feature the 3BL news feed on their website — showcasing the sustainability achievements and best practices of hundreds of companies with the independent publication’s audience of IR leaders and business professionals seeking the latest market news.

As investors seek more information about corporate ESG performance, IR Magazine offers a unique platform for 3BL clients to share what they’re doing while inspiring IR teams on how best to communicate with investors, raising their thought leadership profiles among key professional audiences around the world. IR Magazine will also leverage the 3BL platform to share its progress updates and original research with a targeted audience keen to engage.

Written by Emma Brownstein| Corporate Communications

Gen Blog | Impact

As Cybersecurity Awareness Month unfolds, it’s important to highlight the contributions of women in the industry. We spoke with Tiffany Walker, the head of product design at Gen, who shared her journey and perspective on how women can thrive in this ever-evolving environment.

The Journey to Product Design 

Tiffany began her career in design when the internet was at its beginning. With no App Store or iPhones, she initially focused on production design for print. However, her passion for digital experiences began when she transitioned to a digital platform. This marked the beginning of her love for software development and design. In her current role at Gen, she leads the product design department.

“Our goal is to create experiences that help our customers feel secure and protected from cyberthreats,” she said.

Challenges Faced as a Woman in Tech 

Throughout her career, Tiffany encountered challenges typical for women in the industry, a historically male-dominated field. She noted that unconscious biases often led to unfair feedback throughout her career. For instance, she recalled times when her directness was perceived as aggression, while her male counterparts would likely be praised for being assertive. To overcome these biases, she adjusted her communication style without compromising her ideas.

“I learned to express my thoughts in a way that encourages collaboration and understanding,” she said.

Through framing her questions with intent, she ensured her voice was heard while navigating this historically male-dominated environment.

Advice for Young Women 

For young women considering a career in tech or cybersecurity, Tiffany offers advice.

“Stay open-minded and ready to evolve. The tech landscape is always changing, and what you do today may look different in ten years,” she said.

The Role of Mentorship 

Mentorship has played a significant role in Tiffany’s career development. A former mentor, a senior executive, helped her navigate challenges and build confidence in her abilities.

“She taught me to recognize that feedback based on gender norms should not define my capabilities,” she shared.

This support has been invaluable in shaping her professional growth.

Skills for Success 

To thrive in the industry, Tiffany believes three key skills are essential:

Expertise in Your Craft: Whether you’re a software engineer, product designer or project manager, being knowledgeable and skilled in your area of work is non-negotiable.Being Ability to Deliver: In tech, speed is critical. It’s often more important to get something out quickly than to wait for perfection. Adapting to the fast pace of the industry is crucial for success.Empathy: Understanding the perspectives of colleagues fosters collaboration. Recognizing and caring about what others prioritize strengthens team dynamics.

The Future of Women in Tech 

Looking ahead, Tiffany is excited about the growing presence of women in the landscape.

“As more women enter the field, we bring diverse perspectives that enrich our projects and solutions,” she said.

As we celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month, let’s recognize the contributions of women in tech and cybersecurity. Their insights, experiences and perspectives are vital to shaping a safer digital world for everyone.

At Gen, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that empowers all employees, especially women, to lead and innovate in the face of new challenges.

Written by Emma Brownstein| Corporate Communications

Gen Blog | Impact

As Cybersecurity Awareness Month unfolds, it’s important to highlight the contributions of women in the industry. We spoke with Tiffany Walker, the head of product design at Gen, who shared her journey and perspective on how women can thrive in this ever-evolving environment.

The Journey to Product Design 

Tiffany began her career in design when the internet was at its beginning. With no App Store or iPhones, she initially focused on production design for print. However, her passion for digital experiences began when she transitioned to a digital platform. This marked the beginning of her love for software development and design. In her current role at Gen, she leads the product design department.

“Our goal is to create experiences that help our customers feel secure and protected from cyberthreats,” she said.

Challenges Faced as a Woman in Tech 

Throughout her career, Tiffany encountered challenges typical for women in the industry, a historically male-dominated field. She noted that unconscious biases often led to unfair feedback throughout her career. For instance, she recalled times when her directness was perceived as aggression, while her male counterparts would likely be praised for being assertive. To overcome these biases, she adjusted her communication style without compromising her ideas.

“I learned to express my thoughts in a way that encourages collaboration and understanding,” she said.

Through framing her questions with intent, she ensured her voice was heard while navigating this historically male-dominated environment.

Advice for Young Women 

For young women considering a career in tech or cybersecurity, Tiffany offers advice.

“Stay open-minded and ready to evolve. The tech landscape is always changing, and what you do today may look different in ten years,” she said.

The Role of Mentorship 

Mentorship has played a significant role in Tiffany’s career development. A former mentor, a senior executive, helped her navigate challenges and build confidence in her abilities.

“She taught me to recognize that feedback based on gender norms should not define my capabilities,” she shared.

This support has been invaluable in shaping her professional growth.

Skills for Success 

To thrive in the industry, Tiffany believes three key skills are essential:

Expertise in Your Craft: Whether you’re a software engineer, product designer or project manager, being knowledgeable and skilled in your area of work is non-negotiable.Being Ability to Deliver: In tech, speed is critical. It’s often more important to get something out quickly than to wait for perfection. Adapting to the fast pace of the industry is crucial for success.Empathy: Understanding the perspectives of colleagues fosters collaboration. Recognizing and caring about what others prioritize strengthens team dynamics.

The Future of Women in Tech 

Looking ahead, Tiffany is excited about the growing presence of women in the landscape.

“As more women enter the field, we bring diverse perspectives that enrich our projects and solutions,” she said.

As we celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month, let’s recognize the contributions of women in tech and cybersecurity. Their insights, experiences and perspectives are vital to shaping a safer digital world for everyone.

At Gen, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that empowers all employees, especially women, to lead and innovate in the face of new challenges.

DENVER, November 20, 2024 /3BL/ – The Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN²), a clean technology program funded by Wells Fargo and co-administered by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), today announced the selection of three startups for its next cohort in the Emerging Tech Track. This cohort targets scalable, drop-in solutions for the built environment to drive energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and support decarbonization across commercial and residential sectors.

“With increasing urbanization, addressing energy demands and building resilience is paramount,” said Sarah Derdowski, IN² program manager at NREL. “These startups have market-ready technologies poised to make a meaningful impact on how we manage buildings’ energy demands. Their solutions are designed for quick deployment across diverse settings, helping to accelerate adoption and maximize energy efficiency and sustainability.”

Each company will receive $250,000 in non-dilutive funding and work closely with NREL’s leading scientists and engineers to refine and validate their technologies. The startups were nominated by IN²’s Channel Partner network, which includes more than 60 business incubators, accelerators, and university programs across the United States.

The selected companies in IN²’s 14th cohort are:

Blip Energy (Chicago, Illinois): Focused on transforming the grid into a resource, Blip’s smart battery platform manages the energy consumption of high load appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, and more. This affordable drop-in technology makes an immediate impact without the typical barriers around permitting and installation. Blip Energy will collaborate with NREL’s Dr. Ravi Kishore.Evercloak (Waterloo, Ontario): Evercloak is revolutionizing how buildings are cooled with its refrigerant-free dehumidification systems, powered by graphene-oxide membrane technology. The solution can improve building cooling energy use by up to 50%. Evercloak will collaborate with NREL’s Dr. Jason Woods.Transaera (Somerville, Massachusetts): Transaera’s advanced dehumidification system addresses the energy-intensive nature of air conditioning in humid climates. Their solution integrates with standard HVAC systems to reduce the energy consumption of commercial air conditioning by 40%. Transaera will collaborate with NREL’s Dr. Nelson James.

These companies’ innovations represent critical advancements toward IN²’s mission of enabling clean technology solutions that address real-world challenges. In addition to financial support, selected startups gain access to NREL’s unparalleled research facilities and expertise, de-risking their technology in the lab and positioning them for continued market success.

“We’re thrilled to continue our work with IN2 and support innovative companies working to address energy and resilience challenges in buildings,” said Jeff Schub, senior vice president and leader of Sustainable Finance Integration and interim co-head of Sustainability at Wells Fargo. “We are particularly excited that this cohort will get real-time feedback from companies in IN2’s new Scalable Tech Track. The demand for innovative solutions in the building and sustainability space is only growing, so we continue to support companies preparing to meet that rising need.”

With the addition of this 14th cohort, IN²’s portfolio now totals 75 companies spanning sectors from agriculture and housing to the built environment. To date, the program’s portfolio companies have collectively secured more than $2.6 billion in follow-on funding, reflecting IN²’s pivotal role in fostering technology that advances sustainability and resilience.

About the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN²)

The Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN²) is a $50 million technology program funded by Wells Fargo and co-administered by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory. IN² advances clean technologies from ideation to commercialization—validating emerging startups in the built environment and infrastructure sectors while facilitating connections with end users who receive practical implementation guidance that supports their sustainability goals. IN²’s mission is to foster innovation and accelerate the pace of market adoption of clean technologies to address urgent climate challenges. For more information, visit in2ecosystem.com.

In its ninth installment, CNH’s A Sustainable Year series returns to demonstrate our commitment to a sustainable future. This digital magazine features innovation, product and other developments from last year. Read about their journey to meeting their goals and key priorities.

The magazine spotlights world-class equipment, technology and services company, CNH’s progress and positive impact – from evolving products including the launch of the CASE electric compact wheel loader in Lecce, Italy, to educating Thailand’s future farm professionals. From building trust in artificial intelligence (AI), to bringing environmental awareness to children in Brazil and speaking to a customer about how New Holland electric mini excavators are helping Denmark reduce carbon emissions.

The publication includes thought leadership pieces from industry and academic experts who also provide insight on implementing sustainable practices.

All the stories in A Sustainable Year highlight CNH’s role in sustainably advancing the noble work of farmers and builders through our iconic agriculture and construction brands.

Now available online at: https://publications.cnhindustrial.com/a-sustainable-year-2023/

Download the latest edition of the A Sustainable Year series in PDF at: cnh_asy_2024_151124_.20fd99eed617.pdf

Originally published by InHerSight

Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for 165 years. Rated most highly for Equal Opportunities for Women and Men, Maternity and Adoptive Leave, and Flexible Work Hours, they receive top-notch reviews like this one from a very satisfied rater: “Northwestern Mutual offers fantastic growth opportunities and leadership really listens to its employees. They are transparent in their communication and offer a very inclusive and welcoming environment.” Click to explore Northwestern Mutual’s ratings, benefits, and open roles now!

A word from InHerSight’s partner Northwestern Mutual

Creating a culture of belonging where women can join, stay, and grow is essential to Northwestern Mutual’s success. We understand the importance of fostering inclusive spaces that empower women to have a seat at the table. We believe that collaboration and mentorship among women and allies benefits women and leads to stronger, more dynamic teams. The mutual exchange of ideas and support helps everyone grow and succeed together.

Northwestern Mutual’s Women’s Employee Resource Group (WERG)

The vision of the Women’s Employee Resource Group (WERG) is to make Northwestern Mutual the destination for top talent where women thrive in our workplace and communities. Our mission is to foster a workplace that values and encourages women to be their genuine selves while supporting their development and contribution to the company’s success at all levels. As part of the Women’s Initiative Strategic Ecosystem (WISE), the WERG’s impact extends beyond the ERG, encompassing mentoring, programming, networking, and other intentional actions. This collective effort ensures that our initiatives not only support women within Northwestern Mutual but also contribute to a broader, more inclusive culture.

Antoinette Thomas, WERG chair and Assistant Director of digital adoption at Northwestern Mutual, said: “The collaboration among the Employee Resource Groups, WISE partners and functional Diversity & Inclusion councils continues to create a space where all women feel seen, supported and encouraged to be themselves and flourish, which continues the progress towards making NM the place where top women talent join, stay and grow.”

An article by Forbes underscores the importance of such impacts. Out of a survey of over 400 men, “…the majority of respondents (88 percent) say they want to help women advance in the workplace, but they don’t know the best actions to take.”  This highlights a significant gap in knowledge and action, which WISE aims to address. 

Created in 2019, WISE brings together the collective power of women and ally groups, fostering deeper connections and meaningful engagements. One shining example of this is initiative is the collaboration between our Male Allies group and VIBE (Visible Intentional Black Excellence). VIBE’s mission is to build community and connections that strengthen inclusion and career success for Black women at Northwestern Mutual. Together, these groups have created a dynamic space for knowledge-sharing programs, such as reverse mentoring. This innovative approach pairs women with male allies, promoting a two-way exchange of insights and experiences. Through these interactions, members of the Male Allies group gain a profound understanding of the experiences women face in both the workplace and our broader communities.

Male leadership on being an ally

By participating in reverse mentoring, male leaders across the company can gain valuable insights into the challenges encountered by their female colleagues and learn how to be more effective allies.

“There is an importance in leaning in and understanding differences,” said Art Mees, VP of Regional Distribution Performance. “Sometimes someone will only be looking for commonality between each other, when you should build confidence in the ability to get more comfortable saying tell me about that difference here… and in doing so, you are more likely able to be in tune with the whole view and your whole experience and create more connection and more ability to be good partners.”  

Our commitment to supporting women in our workplace is reinforced by our leadership’s dedication to these programs.

“Having grown my career in the technology field, it was impossible to not notice that few women were represented. As a result, voices were left out of conversations and a diversity of thought was missing,” said Northwestern Mutual’s EVP and Chief Strategy Officer, and Women’s Employee Resource Group (ERG) executive sponsor, Jeff Sippel. “We have an obligation to help our peers advance in their careers. In traditionally male dominated fields, like tech, there aren’t always accessible opportunities for women. With men leaning in intentionally, we can invite women into those spaces and create opportunities for career advancement.”

The reverse mentorship program

The mentorship program consists of a four-month commitment where pairings meet monthly to build relationships, discuss life experiences and create connections across the organization.   

Members are encouraged to lean into this opportunity to fully embrace the experience. Through the program, male allies gain a better understanding of the issues and challenges and women receive valuable one-on-one face time with male allies and learn about their experiences.  

In its inaugural year, the program, open to anyone to participate, saw 19 mentor pairings. In 2024, we saw nearly a 75 percent increase in pairs of participants.  For leaders within the Male Allies group, the opportunity to connect with VIBE members has aided their allyship journey and served as a leadership tool to broaden perspective. 

Florie Greenhill, lead program manager at Northwestern Mutual, said being part of the reverse mentoring program, “provided me with an opportunity to connect with a senior leader I would never have had a reason to engage with otherwise…He was able to hear tangible examples of experiences I have had as a Black woman in corporate America and draw the connections to where his piece fits into that puzzle for me and other Black women at Northwestern Mutual. It was a safe space to discuss the impact of actions and words and over the course of the mentoring, my mentee would come to our meetings prepared with examples of how my mentorship helped him navigate different situations both professionally and personally.”

These personal connections and dialogues are crucial in fostering an inclusive workplace. 

“Reverse mentoring raises visibility and builds a bridge toward enhanced understanding of the experiences of others—outside and within the organization,” said Noleta Franz, VIBE chair and Assistant Director of Legal Process. “It has opened doors to have conversations about important issues that matter to Black women.”

Northwestern Mutual believes that learning about experiences outside your own is a critical component in how we relate, collaborate, enhance leadership, and are catalysts for change in workplace culture. 

To learn more about our initiatives and how we’re supporting women, visit our Culture page.