Tag: 3BL

In preparation for the opening of La Plaza, a 150,000 sq ft indoor marketplace, KeyBank’s Kevin Davis, Senior Business Banking Relationship Manager, partnered with teammates across Key, to bring innovative solutions that supported the developer and individual small business owners that are a part of this exciting new project, in Aurora, CO.

La Plaza Colorado needed a banking partner who could accommodate their needs, serving as a resource for 100+ businesses and provide centralized reporting. Most of La Plaza’s business owners prefer to speak Spanish and with KeyBank’s recent focus on Spanish speaking materials and teammates, the partnership was a great fit. With over 100 accounts to open, several of Key’s bilingual Branch Managers and our Regional Community Sales Manager helped to open these business accounts and discuss Key@Work.

Key formed a true partnership with the owners who developed the La Plaza model, Doug McMurrain and his daughter Isabel McMurrain, serving as their trusted advisors throughout this entire process. The team dedicated countless hours to meeting with clients to open accounts and set up the appropriate services. Some of the business owners needed guidance on registering with the Secretary of State and establishing a Tax ID Number and KeyBank teammates were onsite during their soft opening week, helping to activate the Clover merchant devices for every vendor.

“This has been an amazing project, one-and a half years in the making. I’m really excited about our growing presence in the Hispanic community and to see what this marketplace is providing to the city and this community. 

Our approach to the La Plaza prospect and how we implemented our solutions exemplifies how collaboration leads to success. Key teammates quickly embraced the opportunity to help the parent company and individual vendors to get started. I’d like to extend a special thank you to our Spanish speaking teammates who were instrumental in our success!” 

-Kevin Davis, Sr. Business Banking Relationship Manager

Key has an ongoing presence at La Plaza, with a table located at the front of the market and teammates on site on Fridays to answer questions. They have also expanded the support of La Plaza by leveraging their Language Access Program to deliver Key’s Small Business focused Money, Me & Key workshops in Spanish. KeyBank’s “Money, Me and Key” program is a financial empowerment initiative that helps community members improve their financial health. The following workshops were chosen by the vendors and delivered onsite:

Developing a business planHow businesses obtain creditSmall business and financial emergencies

In preparation for the opening of La Plaza, a 150,000 sq ft indoor marketplace, KeyBank’s Kevin Davis, Senior Business Banking Relationship Manager, partnered with teammates across Key, to bring innovative solutions that supported the developer and individual small business owners that are a part of this exciting new project, in Aurora, CO.

La Plaza Colorado needed a banking partner who could accommodate their needs, serving as a resource for 100+ businesses and provide centralized reporting. Most of La Plaza’s business owners prefer to speak Spanish and with KeyBank’s recent focus on Spanish speaking materials and teammates, the partnership was a great fit. With over 100 accounts to open, several of Key’s bilingual Branch Managers and our Regional Community Sales Manager helped to open these business accounts and discuss Key@Work.

Key formed a true partnership with the owners who developed the La Plaza model, Doug McMurrain and his daughter Isabel McMurrain, serving as their trusted advisors throughout this entire process. The team dedicated countless hours to meeting with clients to open accounts and set up the appropriate services. Some of the business owners needed guidance on registering with the Secretary of State and establishing a Tax ID Number and KeyBank teammates were onsite during their soft opening week, helping to activate the Clover merchant devices for every vendor.

“This has been an amazing project, one-and a half years in the making. I’m really excited about our growing presence in the Hispanic community and to see what this marketplace is providing to the city and this community. 

Our approach to the La Plaza prospect and how we implemented our solutions exemplifies how collaboration leads to success. Key teammates quickly embraced the opportunity to help the parent company and individual vendors to get started. I’d like to extend a special thank you to our Spanish speaking teammates who were instrumental in our success!” 

-Kevin Davis, Sr. Business Banking Relationship Manager

Key has an ongoing presence at La Plaza, with a table located at the front of the market and teammates on site on Fridays to answer questions. They have also expanded the support of La Plaza by leveraging their Language Access Program to deliver Key’s Small Business focused Money, Me & Key workshops in Spanish. KeyBank’s “Money, Me and Key” program is a financial empowerment initiative that helps community members improve their financial health. The following workshops were chosen by the vendors and delivered onsite:

Developing a business planHow businesses obtain creditSmall business and financial emergencies

DALLAS, November 19, 2024 /3BL/ – The Arbor Day Foundation and its longstanding collaborator AT&T recently distributed 250 free trees during its community E-Waste Drive to support bridging the digital divide. Hosted at AT&T’s Dallas headquarters, the event also featured music, food and family-friendly activities.

Trees were given to the first 250 attendees who brought “e-waste” to the event. Electronic waste or “e-waste” is discarded or unwanted electronic items like cell phones, computers, monitors, printers, and radios. For every pound of e-waste collected, AT&T committed to donating one laptop to support digital access for members of the local community. In total, nearly 600 pounds of e-waste was collected.

“AT&T is proud to collaborate with the Arbor Day Foundation to not only enhance our community through tree planting but also to promote sustainability through our e-waste initiatives,” said Shannon Carroll, Associate Vice President of Global Environmental Sustainability at AT&T. “In 2023, AT&T recovered 12.9 million devices, ensuring they were reused or properly recycled. E-waste initiatives like this help the public declutter old electronics, help bridge the digital divide, and improve the environment with tree planting, making a significant impact on both sustainability and digital accessibility.”

AT&T has partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation since 2005, helping to plant more than 1.2 million trees nationwide.

“Through nearly two decades of partnership AT&T has demonstrated the meaningful impact that we can create when businesses prioritize people and the planet,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Events like this showcase the power of collaboration to build healthier, greener communities.”

About AT&T

We help more than 100 million U.S. families, friends and neighbors, plus nearly 2.5 million businesses, connect to greater possibility. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to our 5G wireless and multi-gig internet offerings today, we @ATT innovate to improve lives. For more information about AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), please visit us at about.att.com. Investors can learn more at investors.att.com.

About the Arbor Day Foundation 

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners. And this is only the beginning.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.

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DALLAS, November 19, 2024 /3BL/ – The Arbor Day Foundation and its longstanding collaborator AT&T recently distributed 250 free trees during its community E-Waste Drive to support bridging the digital divide. Hosted at AT&T’s Dallas headquarters, the event also featured music, food and family-friendly activities.

Trees were given to the first 250 attendees who brought “e-waste” to the event. Electronic waste or “e-waste” is discarded or unwanted electronic items like cell phones, computers, monitors, printers, and radios. For every pound of e-waste collected, AT&T committed to donating one laptop to support digital access for members of the local community. In total, nearly 600 pounds of e-waste was collected.

“AT&T is proud to collaborate with the Arbor Day Foundation to not only enhance our community through tree planting but also to promote sustainability through our e-waste initiatives,” said Shannon Carroll, Associate Vice President of Global Environmental Sustainability at AT&T. “In 2023, AT&T recovered 12.9 million devices, ensuring they were reused or properly recycled. E-waste initiatives like this help the public declutter old electronics, help bridge the digital divide, and improve the environment with tree planting, making a significant impact on both sustainability and digital accessibility.”

AT&T has partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation since 2005, helping to plant more than 1.2 million trees nationwide.

“Through nearly two decades of partnership AT&T has demonstrated the meaningful impact that we can create when businesses prioritize people and the planet,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Events like this showcase the power of collaboration to build healthier, greener communities.”

About AT&T

We help more than 100 million U.S. families, friends and neighbors, plus nearly 2.5 million businesses, connect to greater possibility. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to our 5G wireless and multi-gig internet offerings today, we @ATT innovate to improve lives. For more information about AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), please visit us at about.att.com. Investors can learn more at investors.att.com.

About the Arbor Day Foundation 

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners. And this is only the beginning.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.

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November 19, 2024 /3BL/ – Due to a decline in coal use, the U.S. power sector saw an 8% reduction in carbon emissions in 2023, according to a new analysis of air emissions for the country’s top 100 power producers released today.

While this decrease is a significant improvement over the marginal reduction of less than 1% in carbon emissions in 2022, 2023 emissions were only 2% lower than 2020 levels due to a surge in natural gas generation.

The analysis titled, Benchmarking Air Emissions of the 100 Largest Electric Power Producers in the United States, now in its 20th edition, examines and compares the air pollutant emissions based on 2023 power generation, plant ownership, and emissions data. These 100 producers own approximately 3,900 power plants and account for nearly 80% of the sector’s electric generation and reported air emissions.

“The electric power sector is a critical industry in the accelerating shift towards a stronger, more resilient, and cleaner economy. Our latest analysis shows that the sector continues to make progress on reducing emissions spurred on by capital investments and support from state and federal policies,” said Dan Bakal, senior program director of climate and energy at Ceres. “If the U.S. is to limit climate risk and meet our goal of cutting emissions in half by 2030, electric power companies must increase their ambition by ensuring they are accelerating capital deployment into clean energy projects. That ambition must be bolstered by bipartisan polices at all levels of government that support the necessary energy infrastructure that will lead to job creation and reduced energy costs through a modern and affordable power grid that serves all communities across the country.”

The report found that in 2023, the U.S. power sector continued shifting toward pre-COVID trends associated with zero-emitting generation growth and the decline of coal production. However, natural gas was responsible for more electricity generation in 2023 than any preceding year and fossil sources were responsible for nearly 60% of generation. Coal generation declined to its lowest level since 1967.

The report examines data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding four power plant pollutants: sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), mercury, and CO2. For the electric sector overall, in 2023, power plant SO2 and NOx emissions were 96% and 90% lower, respectively, than in 1990 when Congress passed major amendments to the Clean Air Act.

“Responsible for about half of America’s carbon-free energy, nuclear power helps avoid more than 440 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually that otherwise would have come from fossil fuels,” said Katie Ott, vice president of sustainability and climate strategy, Constellation. “It is essential that we preserve and expand the nation’s nuclear fleet to enhance grid reliability and protect the environment. In addition to pursuing license extensions for our clean energy centers, we’re increasing the generation output of our nuclear units and pursuing unique solutions like restarting the Crane Clean Energy Center to power critical infrastructure, such as data centers, with nuclear energy.”

“The power sector’s shift to cleaner fuels is accelerating, with reliance on coal dropping to a five-decade low,” said Amanda Levin, director of policy analysis at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). “But we cannot let one fossil fuel replace another. Utilities need to stop their dash to gas, and install the cleanest, safest form of energy: renewable power.”

Additional Findings: 

This reduction in coal generation has largely been replaced by natural gas and renewable energy generation. Natural gas generation has increased by 14% since 2021 and now accounts for more than 40% of all power generation in the U.S.The current generation mix represents a significant shift from even just a decade ago. In 2012, coal accounted for 37% of power production, natural gas 30%, and wind and solar less than 4%. In 2023, that mix had shifted to 16% coal, 42% natural gas, and 14% wind and solar.In 2023, power plant SO2 and NOx emissions were 24% and 17% lower, respectively, than they were in 2022.In 2023, renewables and other zero-carbon resources generated approximately 41% of U.S. electricity.

The benchmarking analysis is a collaborative effort between Ceres, Constellation Energy and NRDC. It is authored by ERM.

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.

About Constellation 

A Fortune 200 company headquartered in Baltimore, Constellation Energy Corporation (Nasdaq: CEG) is the nation’s largest producer of clean, emissions-free energy and a leading supplier of energy products and services to businesses, homes, community aggregations and public sector customers across the continental United States, including three fourths of Fortune 100 companies. With annual output that is nearly 90% carbon-free, our hydro, wind and solar facilities paired with the nation’s largest nuclear fleet have the generating capacity to power the equivalent of 16 million homes, providing about 10% of the nation’s clean energy. We are further accelerating the nation’s transition to a carbon-free future by helping our customers reach their sustainability goals, setting our own ambitious goal of achieving 100% carbon-free generation by 2040, and by investing in promising emerging technologies to eliminate carbon emissions across all sectors of the economy. Follow Constellation on LinkedIn and X.

About ERM 

Sustainability is our business.

As the world’s largest specialist sustainability consultancy, ERM partners with clients to operationalize sustainability at pace and scale, deploying a unique combination of strategic transformation and technical delivery capabilities. This approach helps clients to accelerate the integration of sustainability at every level of their business.

With more than 50 years of experience, ERM’s diverse team of 8000+ experts in 40 countries and territories helps clients create innovative solutions to their sustainability challenges, unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations. Learn more here.

About NRDC 

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law, and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health, and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, Beijing, and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd). Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.

Covia is committed to protecting biodiversity by preserving intact forests, reclaiming land with over 50% native species, managing avian and migratory bird habitats, protecting endangered species and their habitats, and combating invasive species while restoring pollinator habitats where feasible. An important part of our efforts is working with organizations such as the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC). Recently, Covia’s Roff Plant accepted the Wildlife Habitat Council’s challenge to build birdhouses as part of their Artificial Nesting Structure Challenge. This initiative was created in response to the decline of cavity nesting birds over the years due to habitat loss. By providing these artificial nesting structures, they aim to support bird populations and gain insight into the local bird community.

The WHC challenge allowed the plant to showcase its environmental commitment and creativity. It’s a fantastic place to attract wildlife, as Travis Smith, Operations Manager for the Roff, Oklahoma Plant, noted that he often sees owls, deer and badgers, among other species, on the property. When Travis presented the project to the Roff team, they were all on board. One team member, who happens to be a talented woodworker, started building a custom birdhouse. Not just any birdhouse; without realizing it, he had begun building a structure for the purple martin, the largest swallow in North America. 

The ideal purple martin birdhouse should be light-colored, lightweight, have entrance holes 2 1/4 inches in diameter and nesting cavities that are 6” x 6” x 6”. Fortunately, this birdhouse fits the bill perfectly. It features custom shingles and stonework made from materials sourced at the plant. Plus, martins love to perch where they can see open spaces for catching insects, especially near water. To top it off, the birdhouse includes a bird bath held in place by an antler found on the property. It’s strategically placed near the plant’s office entrance, as the best location is within 100 feet of human activity and 40 feet from buildings or trees.

The house is perched over 8 feet off the ground and features a predator guard to keep pesky critters away. This stunning custom home is perfect for purple martins, but the adult birds don’t show up for nesting in Oklahoma until mid-February through May. The team is looking forward to monitoring the box for signs of new inhabitants!

For more information on Covia’s commitment to biodiversity, please see our ESG report.

Las Vegas Sands

Sands’ commitment to Team Member advancement goes beyond job-related training and continuing education programs as part of a holistic approach to helping Team Members thrive. Initiatives offered in Sands’ regions around the world promote physical health, mental wellness and social connection as part of an overall commitment to Team Member well-being.

Sands China

In Macao, Sands China launched the Happy 360 wellness initiative for Team Members in 2021. The centerpiece of Happy 360 is a six-week summer event series that spans health seminars, parent-child interest classes, healing workshops, physical and mental health consultations from professionals, and interactive game booths, all aimed at encouraging Team Members to develop a positive mindset, physical and mental well-being, and a healthy work-life balance.

This year, the Happy 360 Series ran May-July and drew more than 4,000 participants to 11 events including health consultations, mental health awareness games and workshops on developing healthy habits, building resilience and thinking positively.

“Our Team Members are our most valued resource,” Dr. Wilfred Wong, Sands China executive vice chairman, said. “We want to create a work environment in which they can thrive, and an important part of that is caring for their physical and mental well-being. Happy 360 has been a very successful effort in that regard, and we are glad to have offered it for the fourth consecutive year.”

Since its launch in 2021, the Happy 360 program has delivered nearly 200 activities for more than 28,000 participants.

Marina Bay Sands

In Singapore, Marina Bay Sands also offers Team Members a variety of well-being programs including physical activities such as yoga and gym classes; crafts including leather-making and sun-catcher workshops; and educational tours. Since August, Marina Bay Sands has been hosting 15 different activities to enhance Team Members’ physical and mental health.

Marina Bay Sands has also fully reinstated Team Member sports clubs, which had been suspended during the pandemic. Sports include soccer, badminton, dragon bat and running as well as regular training sessions and competitive play. These sports clubs enable Team Members to exercise while enjoying the camaraderie of playing in a team environment.

Corporate

This fall, the corporate human resources team is conducting mental health awareness and resources training for managers to ensure they are equipped to direct Team Members to appropriate support should needs arise. In addition, the EmpowHER Team Member resource group for women and their allies is providing members with one-one-one sessions with a health and wellness coach this fall to provide personalized input for maintaining or improving their health.

Team Member well-being programs are part of Sands’ ambition to invest $200 million to workforce development by 2025. To learn more about the company’s workforce development initiatives, read the latest ESG report:

https://www.sands.com/content/uploads/2024/06/LVS-ESG-Report-2023.pdf

Originally published on HARMAN Newsroom

At HARMAN, we’re dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation. We also know – and have seen firsthand – how diversity accelerates progress and drives growth, yet women remain underrepresented in the tech industry. Through our global cause initiative, HARMAN Inspired, we’re committed to breaking down barriers and empowering the next generation of women to pursue careers in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math).

Together with our longtime partners at the 1,000 Dreams Fund, HARMAN is helping support the aspirations of talented young women in STEAM fields. Since 2017, our “New Face of Tech” scholarship program has provided critical funding and mentorship to women at the start of their careers. To date, we’ve awarded over $150,000 to young women across the country, helping these emerging leaders take bold steps forward in their tech journeys. We’re proud to share the stories of some of these inspiring scholarship recipients – women who are not only dreaming of transforming the tech landscape but are already making it happen. Meet these trailblazers and discover how fostering diverse talent today is creating a more inclusive tomorrow…

Ameek Bindra, a medical student at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, has applied her background in data science and technology to research and projects focused on creating impactful solutions in healthcare.

Click here to view Ameek’s story.

The New Face of Tech scholarship gave Bruna Rocha, a mechanical engineering student at the University of Michigan, the resources and confidence to fully pursue her dream of a future career in engineering.

Click here to view Bruna’s story.

Thanks to the support of HARMAN and the 1,000 Dreams Fund, Daniela Beck graduated debt-free with a degree in Management Information Systems and International Business.

Click here to view Daniela’s story.

Kaylin Moss’s passion for art – specifically photography, music, and creative writing – influenced her choice to study computer science and become a full-time web developer. Her New Face of Tech scholarship helped alleviate financial barriers, allowing her to graduate debt-free. Now, she creates web applications in the healthcare industry while also mentoring Black women and other underrepresented groups who are pursuing careers in tech.

Click here to view Kaylin’s story.

Lisa Kasamba dreams of building a career that empowers others by creating opportunities for meaningful work and gainful employment. Winning the New Face of Tech scholarship provided her with resources that gave her the confidence to continue in her journey.

Click here to view Lisa’s story.

Lusangelis Ramos, a senior at Yale studying neuroscience and global health, dreams of making healthcare more accessible for women, migrants, and other marginalized groups as a future scientist and policymaker.

Click here to view Lusangelis’ story.

Do you have big dreams in tech, or know a STEAM student or innovator who is seeking funding for their education or research? Submit an application by sharing your career dreams for a chance to win a $1,500 grant to support your goals and a career coaching session with a HARMAN executive. Learn more and apply by November 22: https://1000dreamsfund.org/programs/new-face-of-tech-scholarship-program/

Brenda Valley, Director of Finance at Albertsons Companies has been named NextUp’s 2024 Bobbie O’Hare Impact Award Winner! This prestigious award recognizes Valley’s exceptional leadership and her unwavering dedication to developing an inclusive community both within Albertsons Cos. and beyond.

Valley has been an invaluable member of the Albertsons Cos. team for over a decade. Her journey has been marked by numerous achievements and a relentless commitment to excellence, supporting eCommerce, Digital Shopper Experience, Data Science, Data Products, Governance, and Business Intelligence.

Valley currently serves as an officer on the board for NextUp Northern California, which is focused on a mission to advance all women – from leadership skills and career advancement to empowering women to define the success they desire in their personal and professional lives. Valley’s leadership has been pivotal in creating opportunities for women and fostering a boldly inclusive community. Her contributions have made a significant impact, not just in our company, but across the industry.

In a moment of heartfelt recognition, Bobbie O’Hare, Board of Directors Member Emeritus and founder of NextUp regions, personally called Valley to congratulate her. This memorable highlight underscores the profound influence Valley has made.

See original post on LinkedIn and read more about Albertsons Companies and our Recipe for Change on our website.

AMSTERDAM, HONG KONG, and OAKLAND, Calif., November 19, 2024 /3BL/ – As the policy landscape evolves at an unprecedented pace, understanding the implications of these changes is more critical than ever. From the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) to the Ecodesing for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) , staying ahead of regulations isn’t just about compliance – it’s about positioning business for long-term success. To ensure that brands, retailers, manufacturers and supply chain partners in the apparel, footwear, textiles, and broader consumer goods sectors are well-equipped to keep pace, Cascale, formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, will host its Brand & Retail Forum: Brussels on December 4, sponsored by Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data insights platform and exclusive licensee of the Higg Index.

“The competitiveness of the apparel and textile sector relies on circularity, digitalization and innovation for the good of the environment, consumers, workers and businesses alike,” said Dr. Amaryllis Verhoeven, Acting Director, Tourism, Textiles, Digital Transformation of Industry and Social Economy, European Commission, DG GROW, who will give the opening keynote.

“The urgency of the climate crisis and the critical need for social justice in supply chains places the apparel and textile sector at a pivotal moment of transformation,” said Andrew Martin, Cascale executive vice president. “As we navigate these changes, collaboration between policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders is essential to building a sustainable, competitive, and future-proof consumer goods industry. By focusing our efforts on more equitable participation and measurable progress, Cascale is laying the groundwork to ensure the sector thrives while contributing to the EU’s broader goals of sustainability and consumer well-being. Brand & Retail Forum: Brussels provides a critical opportunity to shape the sustainability conversation for the coming decade, and build a more sustainable and equitable future.”

“Our partnership with Cascale is grounded in a shared commitment to helping apparel and consumer goods businesses make measurable progress on social and environmental sustainability and prepare for regulatory requirements,” said Scott Raskin, CEO of Worldly. “We’re providing companies with the critical data and insights they need to understand their impacts and make informed decisions to drive improvements. This collaboration is about empowering businesses to take meaningful steps forward, transforming their operations in ways that benefit both people and the planet.”

The event’s theme – “Policy Dialogue in Action: Finding Common Ground for a Sustainable Consumer Goods Industry” – speaks directly to the urgent need to collectively shape the future of sustainability. Cascale believes that regulation is essential to driving meaningful change and is working diligently to identify and address current and potential gaps between the Higg Index and evolving legislation with key stakeholders, including Worldly. At the Brand & Retail Forum: Brussels, attendees will engage in discussions with EU leadership, network with key policymakers and top industry leaders driving the regulatory agenda, and explore current and upcoming EU legislation. In addition to the December 4 event, which is open to the public, attendees will also have the exclusive opportunity to participate in an immersive experience on December 5, hosted at the European Parliament. This special limited-availability side event, which is not open to media attendees, will include a private tour and a meet and greet with MEPs providing deeper legislative insights and networking opportunities.

“At Zalando, we encourage EU policymakers to establish a consistent regulatory framework that will not only enhance consumer trust but also provide more legal guidance for companies,” said Pascal Brun, Vice President of Sustainability and Diversity & Inclusion at Zalando, who will engage in a closing fireside chat. “Both the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) challenge the industry to set higher standards in measuring and mitigating environmental and social impacts. By embracing these directives, we aim to facilitate more informed choices for our customers, empowering them to make decisions that align with their values”

“The transition towards sustainability in the textile sector requires a technical and holistic approach, addressing all aspects of the industry,” said Marina Prados Espínola, Co-Director of the Policy Hub – Circularity for Apparel & Footwear. “At the Policy Hub – Circularity for Apparel & Footwear, we believe that implementing this transition must account for the diverse realities of the sector, with ongoing discussions on technical details to understand precise impacts and drive meaningful change. Events like the Cascale Brands & Retail Forum offer an invaluable opportunity to delve into policy developments and align with political priorities in the new EU agenda for textiles sustainability and circularity.”

Additional speakers include: Magnus Dorsch, Head of Corporate Sustainability, About You; Dan Dionisie, Head of Unit, Company Law, DG JUST, European Commission; Matjaz Malgaj, Head of Unit, ESPR, DG ENV, European Commission; Romane Malysza, Public Affairs Strategist, Textile Exchange; Greta Koch, Parliamentary Assistant to MEP Axel Voss (EPP), European Parliament; Marie-Pierre Vedrenne (Renew), Member of the European Parliament; Katarzyna Sulisz, Senior Policy Officer, Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI); Chelsea Murtha, Senior Director, Sustainability, AAFA; Dorothy Lovell, Garment and Footwear Lead, OECD Centre for Responsible Business Conduct; Krishna Manda, Vice President of Corporate Sustainability, Lenzing AG; John Armstrong, Chief Technology Officer, Worldly; Tom Mason, Senior Manager, Public Affairs & Stakeholder Engagement, SLCP; and Lisa Süss, Head of Industry Alignment, Fair Wear Foundation, among others. Please visit this page for more information or to register for the Brand & Retail Forum: Brussels 2024, sponsored by Worldly.

ABOUT CASCALE

Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index, which is exclusively available on Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform. Cascale unites over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe through one singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people.

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