Tag: 3BL

With the implementation of the CBAM, companies importing goods into the European Union are facing a significant shift in the regulatory landscape. Designed as part of the EU’s Green Deal, CBAM aims to create a level playing field by pricing carbon emissions embedded in imported goods.

In practice, it means that businesses will need to track and report their carbon footprints meticulously, while managing the financial impact of carbon tariffs at the border. To help you better understand what this means for your business, we’ve outlined the key aspects of CBAM, the reporting requirements you need to prepare for, and the strategic steps you can take to align your operations with these new regulations.

What Is the CBAM?

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is an EU policy designed to impose a carbon price on imports to the region. Essentially, it extends the EU’s existing carbon pricing rules to goods coming from outside its borders: If your products generate significant carbon emissions during production, you’ll face a carbon tariff when bringing them into the EU.

So why does this matter? The EU’s goal with CBAM is twofold.

First, it’s an effort to level the playing field for EU-based companies that already adhere to strict carbon regulations. Without CBAM, these businesses could be undercut by foreign competitors with less stringent environmental standards.

Second, CBAM is intended to encourage global decarbonization. By attaching a financial cost to carbon emissions, the EU hopes to drive sustainable practices beyond its borders, pushing global industries to invest in cleaner technologies and reduce their overall carbon footprint.

CBAM is not just an EU-centric regulation; it has global implications. Companies exporting goods to the EU must now consider the carbon footprint of their products, as these will be subject to the same carbon pricing as products produced within the EU. CBAM is designed to prevent “carbon leakage,” where production might shift to countries with less stringent climate policies. This means that non-EU companies must align their carbon strategies with EU standards to maintain market access.

Benefits of CBAM

Anew Global, a member of the Inogen Alliance, offers CBAM reporting training to help businesses fully understand and prepare for the reality of this new reporting structure. With this insight, they have outlined the benefits of CBAM implementation.

These benefits include:

Laying a foundation for compliance, helping companies prepare for mandatory CBAM requirements during the transition phase (Oct 2023 – Dec 2025).Linking carbon data to CBAM certificates, which allows for accurate emissions tracking and the potential to reduce carbon pricing costs.Supporting competitive supplier selection by enabling companies to provide emissions data, even if they don’t export directly to the EU.Encouraging factories to benchmark emissions, aiding early energy-saving initiatives and reducing potential carbon tax obligations.

Key Aspects of the CBAM Regulation

The CBAM regulation targets industries with high carbon footprints, focusing initially on sectors like cement, steel, aluminum, fertilizers, and electricity. These industries were chosen because they represent a significant share of global emissions, and they’re essential to many supply chains. Companies importing goods from these sectors into the EU should be prepared for the financial implications of this policy.

Timeline

CBAM is being rolled out in phases, with 2024 marking a critical transition period. During this time, importers will be required to report the emissions embedded in their goods without facing actual financial adjustments. This phase is designed to allow businesses to get familiar with the reporting requirements and adjust their processes accordingly. From 2026 onwards, however, carbon tariffs come into full effect, requiring companies to pay based on their imported products’ carbon footprints.

Source: Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) Explained for Businesses

Reporting requirements

CBAM hinges on accurate and transparent emissions reporting. Companies will need to track direct and indirect emissions from production and supply chains, ensuring that all relevant data is collected and verified. This means setting up systems to capture emissions data for each imported good, adhering to specific calculation methodologies outlined by the EU.

Accuracy is key; businesses that underestimate or misreport their emissions could face fines or increased scrutiny from regulators. Preparing robust data collection and verification processes now will be crucial to ensuring compliance once the financial implications come into play.

Preparing for CBAM Reporting: Best Practices

To navigate the upcoming CBAM requirements successfully, businesses need a proactive approach to managing data, assessing risks, and embracing digital solutions. Here are some best practices to help your organization prepare.

Establish accurate data collection systems

A cornerstone of CBAM compliance is having precise and reliable emissions data. Start by setting up or enhancing your existing data tracking systems to ensure comprehensive monitoring of carbon emissions throughout your supply chain. This involves gathering emissions data not from your direct operations as well as from third-party suppliers and partners.

Establish clear protocols for data collection, verification, and storage, with dedicated teams or automated systems to handle these processes. It’s crucial to stay aligned with EU-approved methodologies for calculating emissions, as discrepancies can lead to compliance issues or financial penalties.

Conduct comprehensive risk assessments

With CBAM set to add financial costs to imports based on their carbon footprint, understanding where potential risks lie is vital. Conduct a detailed risk assessment to identify which parts of your supply chain are the most carbon-intensive and where your business could face significant cost increases.

This analysis should also consider market volatility and price fluctuations in carbon credits, as these could directly affect your operational expenses. Assessing these risks early will allow you to develop cost mitigation strategies, renegotiate contracts with suppliers if necessary, or explore alternative sourcing options that are more carbon-efficient.

Implement technology solutions for compliance

Digital solutions can streamline CBAM compliance by automating data collection, calculating emissions, and generating compliance reports. Look into platforms designed specifically for environmental reporting, such as carbon management software or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems with integrated sustainability modules.

These tools can help centralize your emissions data, reduce manual input errors, and provide real-time insights into your carbon footprint. Advanced analytics and AI-driven forecasting can offer predictive insights, helping you anticipate the impact of future regulatory changes and adapt your strategies accordingly. Investing in the right technology now can save you time, reduce errors, and keep your business ahead of compliance demands.

Final Takeaways: Staying Ahead of CBAM Regulations

The introduction of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism signals a major shift in how the EU is addressing global carbon emissions, and the stakes are high for companies importing goods into the region. 

The time to act is now. 

Waiting until the last minute to prepare for these new requirements could not only result in compliance issues but also lead to financial penalties and strained supplier relationships. Taking proactive steps today — building reliable data systems, assessing risks, and leveraging the right technology — you can stay ahead of these regulations and turn compliance into a strategic advantage for your business.

Start Preparing Now

Now is the best time to prepare for the future financial impact of CBAM. Begin by reviewing your current emissions tracking and reporting processes to identify any gaps or areas for improvement. Consider engaging with sustainability experts who can help you refine your strategies, align your operations with CBAM requirements, and explore ways to lower your carbon footprint throughout your supply chain.

For more on upcoming EU regulations to watch, check out our blog here including the Drinking Water Directive, Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and Packaging Reduction Regulation.

Thanks to our Global Sustainability Working Group for expertise and inputs on this topic and teams at ESC and Anew Global Consulting.

If you’re looking for more detailed insights on navigating these changes, explore our additional resources on global sustainability reporting.

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I can’t help but think about the world my daughter Skye and her generation will inherit. From the moment I first held her in my arms, I instantly knew two things to be true: I will never be able to fully shield her from the world, but heck if I’m not going to try anyway. As a mother, and as a conservationist who has spent the last 18 years dedicated to ending plastic pollution’s chokehold on our planet, I fear for my daughter’s future as never before. And yet, at the same time, I have never been more hopeful.

Recent years have seen a groundswell of support for bold solutions to this growing challenge. Polling shows 85% of Americans view plastic waste as a serious problem and support bold and immediate action to address it. In Congress, legislation such as the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act and the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act has been advancing with strong bipartisan support. A growing number of major companies, including The Coca-Cola Company, Mars, Incorporated and Starbucks—all members of the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty—are calling for collective action to combat plastic waste. And on the world stage, negotiators from nearly every nation are currently working on a draft Global Treaty to End Plastic Pollution that aims to halt the flow of plastic into nature by 2040.

All this momentum could be lost if we take our foot off the accelerator for even a second. The treaty negotiations could still fall apart – as the fourth of five rounds of negotiations fell short of expectations in Ottawa this past April. Legislation could lose momentum in Congress. And in the meantime, the relentless tide of pollution will continue to build, suffocating marine life and despoiling our landscapes. Right now, as I pen these words, the equivalent of a dump truck’s worth of plastic is flowing into our oceans every minute. Within the next 20 years, the volume of plastic entering our oceans is projected to triple.

This isn’t just about unsightly litter. Human health and the health of the ecosystems that sustain us are on the line. As evidence for this claim, I could bombard you with dozens more grim statistics, or I could simply invite you to visit folks living in “Cancer Alley,” a 184-mile region along the Mississippi River where you’ll find nearly 400 industrial facilities, including manufacturers of chemicals and petroleum used in plastic production. You can deduce how the region earned its name, and you can find many more like it across the US and around the world.

An effective global plastics treaty would go a long way toward addressing this crisis, in part by creating a framework of common goals and standards that ensure plastic material and products retain their value at every stage of their life cycle, keeping them forever circulating in the economy instead of allowing them to end up as trash in our oceans and other natural systems. Right now, the US lead the world in the production of plastic waste, a dubious honor that underscores the magnitude of our responsibility.

Of course, few things in life are free, and the task of revamping the global economy is no exception. But there are already innovative financing solutions on the table. A leading contender is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), a policy tool that would shift the cost of plastic products’ end-of-life-management to the producers that make them. This would help fund the processing and recycling of plastic, but it would also have the effect of incentivizing more sustainable designs, thereby reducing the amount of problematic plastic that enters the economy in the first place. The concept has already been tested in a few states and there is rising interest in Congress for legislation that would establish a federal EPR framework.

When my daughter Skye was younger, she hated the fact that I had to often travel for my work. She once told me that she knew my job was to save the world, but she wished I would choose her instead. Now that she is older, she understands that as I head to Busan, South Korea this week for the final round of plastic treaty negotiations, my fight to end plastic pollution is very much about choosing her.

And so, to the world leaders, CEOs and the other powers-that-be, many of whom are parents, my message is simple. The world is watching. choose a future free of plastic pollution. Choose your children.

In a world confronted with the urgent realities of finite resources and environmental impact, the need to transition from a linear to a circular economy is more pressing than ever. The consumer goods and retail (C&R) industry, with its substantial reliance on primary raw materials and its significant environmental footprint, has a crucial role to play in this transition.

In this report, we examine the progress of the C&R sector towards circularity. By analyzing six key areas, the report provides a snapshot of the industry’s readiness across its different sub-sectors, highlights leading practices, and offers recommendations for accelerating the shift to a circular economy.

From talk to action

Paving the way for a circular economy in the consumer goods and retail industry

Download full report

Download executive summary

Circularity brings significant opportunities for C&R to reimagine the future.

Embracing circularity is not just an environmental imperative for C&R businesses — it’s a strategic opportunity to unlock new value and build resilience. From the more efficient use of resources, more resilient supply chains, lower operational costs, through to innovative new business models, synergies and collaborations, we believe it’s an opportunity too costly to ignore.

Key recommendations for accelerating circularity

Our research reveals that while many C&R companies have circular ambitions, translating those ambitions into action requires a focused approach. Here are some key recommendations by sub-sector:

Consumer electronics

The consumer electronics sector demonstrates strong circularity readiness, ranking first across multiple indicators, highlighting its willingness to embedding circular practices.Scaling up existing pilot take-back programs across broader geographies and product categories is crucial for the sector to achieve a more significant and lasting impact and to recover precious raw materials from existing electronic waste.Translating ambitious circularity goals into actionable implementation roadmaps and measurable targets will be essential for driving continued progress in the sector.

Fashion

The fashion industry demonstrates strong progress in setting ambitious circularity goals and fostering collaboration, but needs to translate these ambitions into broader implementation and tangible outcomes.Key opportunities for the sector include improving transparency and traceability of materials, increasing the use of recycled raw materials within the industry, and tackling overproduction through circular business models like rental, resale, and repair.Embracing digital product passports, promoting safe material choices, and adopting demand-driven production models will be crucial for advancing circularity in fashion.

Food and beverage

The food and beverage sector excels in collaborative initiatives and communicating a clear circular vision, but faces challenges in improving resource inflow management and reducing food waste at the production and consumption stages.Prioritizing regenerative agriculture practices, implementing nature-based solutions to have more resilient supply chains, and rethinking packaging strategies are crucial steps for the sector.Educating consumers on waste reduction and leveraging technology to manage supply and demand will be essential for achieving a circular food and beverage industry.

Furniture

While demonstrating a commitment to resource efficiency and circular design principles, the furniture sector’s progress is hampered by a lack of ambitious targets and limited cross-industry collaboration.Furniture companies should prioritize due diligence in sourcing sustainable materials, explore new production and sales models that emphasize durability and reuse, and actively participate in sectoral coalitions to advance circularity.Embracing modular design, promoting furniture-as-a-service models, and strengthening Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs will be key to unlocking circularity in the furniture sector.

Home and personal care

The home & personal care sector has an opportunity to strengthen its circularity ambitions and embrace a more unified approach.Simplifying packaging to enhance recyclability, piloting and scaling up take-back programs to to promote circularity, and empowering consumers to adopt circular practices with reusable or refillable items are crucial areas for improvement.Standardizing packaging designs, investing in robust collection and recycling infrastructure will be essential for driving circularity in the sector.

Luxury goods

The luxury goods sector is making good progress in setting circular ambitions and piloting circular business models, but can further enhance its performance by strengthening target-setting, collaboration, and circular design practices.Luxury brands should prioritize the responsible sourcing of raw materials, leverage technology to enhance transparency and traceability, and fully integrate circular targets into their business strategies.Embracing longevity and repairability as brand attributes, and capitalizing on the growing pre-owned market will be key to advancing circularity in the luxury goods sector.

Retail

While demonstrating progress in setting circular goals and engaging in collaborative initiatives, the retail sector faces challenges in improving resource inflow management and fully embracing circular product offerings.Retailers should prioritize the design and promotion of circular products and further explore innovative business models that extend product and packaging lifecycles.Collaborating with suppliers to enhance product sustainability, educating consumers on circular practices, and embracing digital technologies to optimize resource use and reduce waste will be crucial for advancing circularity in retail.

How KPMG can help

01 
Circular economy strategy development:

Circular economy strategy development is not a far-fetched goal, but a realistic ambition. We offer expert guidance to define strategies that are sustainable and profitable, ensuring they align with your business objectives, industry context, and market opportunities. 

02 
Circular economy measurement and steering:

Effective circularity transformation relies on data-driven insights. We provide the tools and sector expertise to help you track your circular performance, measure impact, and make informed decisions to optimize your strategy.

03 
Operational Transformation:

Translating circular ambitions into operational reality is a challenge that requires a structured approach. Our execution and delivery services simplify the complexity of adopting circular practices, helping you transform your operations, engage your supply chain, and embed circular practices into your business DNA.

04 
Circular maturity assessments:

Understanding your starting point can be crucial for effective circular transformation. Leveraging our robust assessment framework, we provide tailored circular maturity readiness assessments that pinpoint strengths, identify risks and opportunities, and chart a clear path forward on your circularity journey.

Ready to unlock the potential of a circular economy? Contact us today to discuss how KPMG can help your business thrive in a circular future.

From talk to action 
Paving the way for a circular economy in the consumer goods and retail industry

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by Andrew Keesee of Trailhead Capital

Trailhead Capital is a Denver, CO based venture capital firm investing in the regenerative future of food and agriculture through its $50M Regeneration Fund I LP, which has made 27 investments since launching in April of 2021.

The Regenerative Agriculture niche of the VC market is put into even further perspective when taking into account global food & agriculture’s contributions to certain environmental decay accounting for up to 34 percent of global GHG emissions, 80 percent of global deforestation, and 70 percent of freshwater usage. We believe that regenerative agriculture practices, and more specifically tech-enabled solutions promoting such practices, can help turn agriculture from a carbon source to a carbon sink, replenish our waterways through healthier and more absorbent soil, improve the quality of food consumed, and allow biodiversity to thrive across our lands, all while improving the way food and other raw materials are produced and delivered to end consumers.

Trailhead is looking to capitalize on this outsized opportunity set by creating a positive impact throughout its portfolio where over 30M acres of land are already being impacted by its portfolio companies, 24.3 MT of carbon is being sequestered from the atmosphere, and 445M gallons of water are being conserved thanks to the technologies and innovations these companies provide to farmers, ranchers, and other land stewards.

Read Andrew’s full article here – https://greenmoney.com/venture-capital-investing-in-regenerative-agriculture

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Electrifying transportation in Georgia is a powerful climate solution, and the benefits of upgrading to electric school buses go beyond carbon. The transition to electric buses supports the local economy and can positively impact our kids’ health, too.

We recently spoke with representatives from Drawdown Georgia Climate Solutions & Equity grant recipient Mothers & Others for Clean Air about their partnership with the Georgia State Medical Association and Georgia Clinicians for Climate Action to advance the transition to electric school buses in Georgia’s school districts.

Read the full blog here to learn more about the exciting work this grant is funding, and how these grant partners are taking action to support schools, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve local air quality across the state.

Electrifying transportation in Georgia is a powerful climate solution, and the benefits of upgrading to electric school buses go beyond carbon. The transition to electric buses supports the local economy and can positively impact our kids’ health, too.

We recently spoke with representatives from Drawdown Georgia Climate Solutions & Equity grant recipient Mothers & Others for Clean Air about their partnership with the Georgia State Medical Association and Georgia Clinicians for Climate Action to advance the transition to electric school buses in Georgia’s school districts.

Read the full blog here to learn more about the exciting work this grant is funding, and how these grant partners are taking action to support schools, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve local air quality across the state.

Originally published in Osceola County Lifestyle Magazine

by Melissa Donovan

On October 17, Wesco, a Fortune 500 company, strengthened its commitment to community welfare by partnering with Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County to support Habitat’s Home Preservation Program. This program aims to provide vital education, inspections, and repairs to residents, ensuring they can maintain safe and affordable homes, particularly during and after hurricane season.

The Need for Home Preservation 

In Central Florida, where the impact of hurricane season looms large, the need for robust home preservation initiatives cannot be overstated. The Home Preservation Program addresses critical issues residents may face when struggling to maintain their homes due to financial constraints or lack of resources. This program offers services that focus on the physical integrity of homes and empower families through education and support.

“We are incredibly grateful to Wesco for their continued generosity, commitment to and understanding of our mission,” Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County President and CEO Catherine Steck McManus said. “Their contribution will significantly strengthen our Home Preservation Program that makes lasting impacts on the lives of homeowners and help create stronger, more resilient communities.”

The donation from Wesco will support education, free wind mitigation, and 4-point inspections for those who qualify, which are essential inspections when looking at the structural integrity and safety of homes.

Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County has long been at the forefront of tackling housing insecurity. Founded in 1986, the nonprofit has built, rehabilitated, or repaired over 900 homes in the region. Through initiatives like Face the Housing Crisis™ and the Cornerstone Housing™ Initiative, Habitat is actively addressing the complex and pressing issue of affordable housing in Central Florida, a challenge that deeply affects community well-being and stability.

Wesco’s Commitment to Community 

Wesco’s support of Habitat’s Home Preservation Program reflects the company’s dedication to social responsibility and community engagement. With annual sales of about $22 billion and a workforce of approximately 20,000 employees, Wesco has established itself as a leader in providing electrical, communications, security, and utility solutions. Their global presence, with nearly 800 locations across more than 50 countries, allows Wesco to leverage its resources effectively to make a meaningful impact.

“Natural disasters such as hurricanes Milton and Helene have devastating effects on our community, and we must take preventative measures to ensure homes are as safe and secure as possible,” Chris Wolf, Wesco Chief Human Resources Officer and executive sponsor for Wesco Cares said. “We encourage other organizations to support Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County in their mission to create and maintain affordable housing in our community.”

The donation is not merely financial. A group of Wesco team members rolled up their sleeves to volunteer on-site, assisting with the framing and sheathing of walls for a Habitat home under construction in Orlando’s Holden Heights neighborhood. This hands-on involvement illustrates Wesco’s commitment to fostering community connections and directly contributing to the housing needs of local families.

Building a Brighter Future 

The collaboration between Wesco and Habitat for Humanity is a beacon of hope for many families in Central Florida. As Habitat continues to fight against the affordable housing crisis, partnerships like this one are crucial. They not only provide immediate assistance through physical repairs and improvements but also lay the groundwork for long-term stability and resilience in the community.

Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County’s achievements speak volumes. As one of the top 40 producers among over 1,100 Habitat for Humanity International affiliates, their effective model has gained recognition and trust, making them a critical player in the fight for affordable housing. Their role as a HUD-certified local Housing Counseling Agency further underscores their commitment to empowering families with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive.

Through supporting essential programs like Home Preservation, Wesco contributes to residents’ immediate safety and stability and residents but also inspires a broader movement towards sustainable housing solutions in Central Florida.

This collaboration serves as a reminder that together, businesses and nonprofits can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and families. As hurricane season may be coming to a close soon, the work of Habitat and the support of partners like Wesco become increasingly vital. With continued engagement, education, and hands-on efforts, the dream of safe, affordable housing for all can move closer to reality. For more information on Habitat for Humanity and its ongoing initiatives, visit HabitatOrlando.org.

Originally published in Osceola County Lifestyle Magazine

by Melissa Donovan

On October 17, Wesco, a Fortune 500 company, strengthened its commitment to community welfare by partnering with Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County to support Habitat’s Home Preservation Program. This program aims to provide vital education, inspections, and repairs to residents, ensuring they can maintain safe and affordable homes, particularly during and after hurricane season.

The Need for Home Preservation 

In Central Florida, where the impact of hurricane season looms large, the need for robust home preservation initiatives cannot be overstated. The Home Preservation Program addresses critical issues residents may face when struggling to maintain their homes due to financial constraints or lack of resources. This program offers services that focus on the physical integrity of homes and empower families through education and support.

“We are incredibly grateful to Wesco for their continued generosity, commitment to and understanding of our mission,” Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County President and CEO Catherine Steck McManus said. “Their contribution will significantly strengthen our Home Preservation Program that makes lasting impacts on the lives of homeowners and help create stronger, more resilient communities.”

The donation from Wesco will support education, free wind mitigation, and 4-point inspections for those who qualify, which are essential inspections when looking at the structural integrity and safety of homes.

Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County has long been at the forefront of tackling housing insecurity. Founded in 1986, the nonprofit has built, rehabilitated, or repaired over 900 homes in the region. Through initiatives like Face the Housing Crisis™ and the Cornerstone Housing™ Initiative, Habitat is actively addressing the complex and pressing issue of affordable housing in Central Florida, a challenge that deeply affects community well-being and stability.

Wesco’s Commitment to Community 

Wesco’s support of Habitat’s Home Preservation Program reflects the company’s dedication to social responsibility and community engagement. With annual sales of about $22 billion and a workforce of approximately 20,000 employees, Wesco has established itself as a leader in providing electrical, communications, security, and utility solutions. Their global presence, with nearly 800 locations across more than 50 countries, allows Wesco to leverage its resources effectively to make a meaningful impact.

“Natural disasters such as hurricanes Milton and Helene have devastating effects on our community, and we must take preventative measures to ensure homes are as safe and secure as possible,” Chris Wolf, Wesco Chief Human Resources Officer and executive sponsor for Wesco Cares said. “We encourage other organizations to support Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County in their mission to create and maintain affordable housing in our community.”

The donation is not merely financial. A group of Wesco team members rolled up their sleeves to volunteer on-site, assisting with the framing and sheathing of walls for a Habitat home under construction in Orlando’s Holden Heights neighborhood. This hands-on involvement illustrates Wesco’s commitment to fostering community connections and directly contributing to the housing needs of local families.

Building a Brighter Future 

The collaboration between Wesco and Habitat for Humanity is a beacon of hope for many families in Central Florida. As Habitat continues to fight against the affordable housing crisis, partnerships like this one are crucial. They not only provide immediate assistance through physical repairs and improvements but also lay the groundwork for long-term stability and resilience in the community.

Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County’s achievements speak volumes. As one of the top 40 producers among over 1,100 Habitat for Humanity International affiliates, their effective model has gained recognition and trust, making them a critical player in the fight for affordable housing. Their role as a HUD-certified local Housing Counseling Agency further underscores their commitment to empowering families with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive.

Through supporting essential programs like Home Preservation, Wesco contributes to residents’ immediate safety and stability and residents but also inspires a broader movement towards sustainable housing solutions in Central Florida.

This collaboration serves as a reminder that together, businesses and nonprofits can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and families. As hurricane season may be coming to a close soon, the work of Habitat and the support of partners like Wesco become increasingly vital. With continued engagement, education, and hands-on efforts, the dream of safe, affordable housing for all can move closer to reality. For more information on Habitat for Humanity and its ongoing initiatives, visit HabitatOrlando.org.

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sargeant Dominic Fernandez stood proudly as he and his family received a new 2024 Chrysler Pacifica minivan. After serving multiple tours of combat overseas and dedicating years of service to his country, it was his time to be served. The vehicle marks the 50th payment-free vehicle donated by U.S. Bank and Freedom Alliance and the 80th vehicle donated by U.S. Bank overall since the inception of the Driven to Serve program in 2018. It also marks the 12th vehicle donated just in 2024.

U.S. Bank has a long history of supporting veterans and active military employees, customers and community members. In addition to vehicles, U.S. Bank also partners with Freedom Alliance and Operation Homefront to donate mortgage-free homes to veterans, providing stabilization for them and their families. Since 2013, U.S. Bank has donated 28 homes to veterans across the United States, with two additional home donations planned by the end of 2024. U.S. Bank has also helped fund 29 critical home repair projects for veterans since 2017.

“Our veterans and servicemembers give everything for our collective freedom. We thank them for their service and sacrifice,” said Greg Cunningham, Chief Diversity Officer for U.S. Bank.

Supporting Employees

U.S. Bank is nationally recognized as one of America’s top corporate supporters of veterans and military families. The bank recently ranked #10 in the Military Times Best for Vets 2024 Employers list, marking the third consecutive year U.S. Bank has ranked in the top 10. In addition to partnering with military service and other community organizations, such as Freedom Alliance, U.S. Bank supports veterans and military family members through a suite of military-specific banking products and services.

In 2024, U.S. Bank Proud to Service chapters, the bank’s business resource group for military veterans and active military members, have hosted 42 employee events across the country. More than 1,660 employees have participated in these events. Additionally, more than 20 volunteer events have taken place.

U.S. Bank is thankful for the more than 2,000 military and veteran employees and are proud to be nationally recognized as one of America’s top corporate supporters for veterans and military families which includes our Proud to Serve business resource group.

Supporting Veterans and their families

On the heels of Veterans Day, U.S. Bank was part of the San Diego Fleet Week 2024. As part of the event, the U.S. Bank Good Truck was on hand to promote Spouse-ly, a marketplace which helps military spouses who own small businesses sell their products. Military families often struggle financially, and one in four military spouses is unemployed due to constant relocation. Spouse-ly is committed to supporting military families seeking income-generating opportunities no matter where military life takes them.

Supporting Communities

U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance, the community investment and tax credit division of U.S. Bank, recently supported the completion of an affordable housing project benefitting veterans in California. A Jamboree Housing affordable housing development, Buena Esperanza is a former Econo Lodge motel that was revitalized to include 69 studio units of permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals, with 20 reserved for veterans. The development also includes a social gathering place, kitchen and food pantry.

U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance and Jamboree have a longstanding partnership, with the first deal closing in 2001. Impact Finance has collaborated with Jamboree to provide about $281 million in debt and $106 million in equity to support its affordable housing projects across California.

For more information visit USBank.com.

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sargeant Dominic Fernandez stood proudly as he and his family received a new 2024 Chrysler Pacifica minivan. After serving multiple tours of combat overseas and dedicating years of service to his country, it was his time to be served. The vehicle marks the 50th payment-free vehicle donated by U.S. Bank and Freedom Alliance and the 80th vehicle donated by U.S. Bank overall since the inception of the Driven to Serve program in 2018. It also marks the 12th vehicle donated just in 2024.

U.S. Bank has a long history of supporting veterans and active military employees, customers and community members. In addition to vehicles, U.S. Bank also partners with Freedom Alliance and Operation Homefront to donate mortgage-free homes to veterans, providing stabilization for them and their families. Since 2013, U.S. Bank has donated 28 homes to veterans across the United States, with two additional home donations planned by the end of 2024. U.S. Bank has also helped fund 29 critical home repair projects for veterans since 2017.

“Our veterans and servicemembers give everything for our collective freedom. We thank them for their service and sacrifice,” said Greg Cunningham, Chief Diversity Officer for U.S. Bank.

Supporting Employees

U.S. Bank is nationally recognized as one of America’s top corporate supporters of veterans and military families. The bank recently ranked #10 in the Military Times Best for Vets 2024 Employers list, marking the third consecutive year U.S. Bank has ranked in the top 10. In addition to partnering with military service and other community organizations, such as Freedom Alliance, U.S. Bank supports veterans and military family members through a suite of military-specific banking products and services.

In 2024, U.S. Bank Proud to Service chapters, the bank’s business resource group for military veterans and active military members, have hosted 42 employee events across the country. More than 1,660 employees have participated in these events. Additionally, more than 20 volunteer events have taken place.

U.S. Bank is thankful for the more than 2,000 military and veteran employees and are proud to be nationally recognized as one of America’s top corporate supporters for veterans and military families which includes our Proud to Serve business resource group.

Supporting Veterans and their families

On the heels of Veterans Day, U.S. Bank was part of the San Diego Fleet Week 2024. As part of the event, the U.S. Bank Good Truck was on hand to promote Spouse-ly, a marketplace which helps military spouses who own small businesses sell their products. Military families often struggle financially, and one in four military spouses is unemployed due to constant relocation. Spouse-ly is committed to supporting military families seeking income-generating opportunities no matter where military life takes them.

Supporting Communities

U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance, the community investment and tax credit division of U.S. Bank, recently supported the completion of an affordable housing project benefitting veterans in California. A Jamboree Housing affordable housing development, Buena Esperanza is a former Econo Lodge motel that was revitalized to include 69 studio units of permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals, with 20 reserved for veterans. The development also includes a social gathering place, kitchen and food pantry.

U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance and Jamboree have a longstanding partnership, with the first deal closing in 2001. Impact Finance has collaborated with Jamboree to provide about $281 million in debt and $106 million in equity to support its affordable housing projects across California.

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