Tag: 3BL

SAN DIEGO, October 8, 2024 /3BL/ – My Green Lab, the global nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the sustainability of laboratory research, is proud to announce the addition of two new members to its Board of Directors: Dr. Fiona Adshead, Chair of the Sustainable Healthcare Coalition, and Malcolm Bell, Founder and CEO of Envetec Sustainable Technologies. These appointments mark a significant step in strengthening My Green Lab’s independent governance and expanding its mission to build a global culture of sustainability in science.

“We are delighted to welcome Fiona and Malcolm to our Board,” said James Connelly, CEO of My Green Lab. “Their deep expertise in healthcare, sustainability, and innovation will undoubtedly enhance our ability to develop new tools to advance our programs along the healthcare value chain. Both have been influential in championing sustainability in their respective fields, and their contributions will be instrumental as we expand our mission to encompass the entire healthcare value chain.”

Dr. Fiona Adshead is an internationally recognized leader in public health and sustainability, with a career dedicated to promoting well-being and environmental sustainability across businesses and governments. As the Chair of the Sustainable Healthcare Coalition and a Senior Associate at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, Dr. Adshead has led and championed partnerships that drive sustainability in healthcare worldwide.

“I have long admired My Green Lab’s leadership in promoting sustainable practices within the scientific community,” said Dr. Adshead. “I am honored to join their Board and look forward to helping guide its work toward creating healthier, more sustainable healthcare systems worldwide.”

Malcolm Bell is highly experienced in diagnostics and cleantech innovation. As the Founder and CEO of Envetec Sustainable Technologies, which is Ireland’s leading cleantech company focused on transforming laboratory waste management, Mr. Bell has successfully built multiple businesses in diagnostics and drug discovery, significantly transforming the industry.

“The urgency to enhance sustainable practices in laboratories has never been greater. We must reduce environmental damage while advancing science through responsible and efficient solutions that align with global efforts to combat climate change and minimize waste,” said Mr. Bell. “I am excited to collaborate with My Green Lab to continue transforming laboratory practices, ensuring that innovation and sustainability move hand in hand toward a healthier, more sustainable future.”

About My Green Lab

My Green Lab® is a nonprofit environmental organization with a mission to build a global culture of sustainability in science. The organization is the world leader in developing internationally recognized sustainability standards for laboratories and laboratory products—bringing sustainability to the community responsible for the world’s life-changing medical and technical innovations. Laboratories are some of the most resource-intensive spaces in any industry, but they don’t have to be. By introducing a new perspective and proven best practices within a carefully crafted framework, My Green Lab has inspired tens of thousands of scientists and lab professionals to make positive changes in their labs by reducing the environmental impact of their work.

For media requests, contact Christina Creager at christina.creager@mygreenlab.org.

For more information about My Green Lab, visit mygreenlab.org. 

JACKSON, Miss., October 8, 2024 /3BL/ – Jackson State University is the recipient of a $2 million grant from the Entergy Charitable Foundation to help fund the creation of the Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab. During a press conference at the University on Monday, Oct. 7, Entergy officials presented JSU President Marcus Thompson, Ph.D., with a big check to celebrate the occasion.

This advanced initiative between Jackson State and Entergy will create an innovation hub to help train a highly skilled cybersecurity workforce to meet the growing needs of nuclear, electric and natural gas companies, and electrical cooperatives.

“I am honored to receive this generous grant on behalf of Jackson State University. This gift will have a lasting impact on the lives of our students and the future of the energy sector,” said Thompson. “Looking ahead, this lab will not only benefit Jackson State University and our students, but it will also play a critical role in shaping the broader energy landscape.”

Local, community, and political leaders were present during the event, including Congressman Bennie Thompson, whom the president thanked for supporting Jackson State, describing it as instrumental.

The Power Grid Security Lab Project will be a cornerstone of JSU’s commitment to workforce development, energy infrastructure, and cybersecurity. The lab will provide students with real-world experience safeguarding critical power grid infrastructure. As cyber threats become more sophisticated and aggressive, the importance of a robust defense system in the energy sector cannot be over-emphasized.

“Whether using computers to earn a college degree or checking out at the grocery store, electricity isn’t a luxury for most people, it’s a necessity. And so is thwarting cyber threats in the energy sector,” said Haley Fisackerly, Entergy Mississippi president and CEO. “The robust growth in our company and the state is providing extraordinary opportunities to help build a diverse and skilled workforce in the cybersecurity field. Through this partnership, we’re investing in local talent and competing to keep them here. For more than 100 years we’ve served communities alongside Jackson State University, and we’re proud to continue powering the bright minds they produce.”

The lab aims to equip students with valuable technical skills and contribute significantly to society by fostering a workforce prepared to protect vital national infrastructure.

The cybersecurity workforce gap has also become a pressing issue, as the demand for skilled professionals far exceeds the available supply. (ISC)², a global cybersecurity certification body, reported a shortage of approximately 3.4 million cybersecurity professionals worldwide in 2022, with over 700,000 job openings in the U.S. alone. This shortfall poses a significant challenge to national security and the economy as organizations struggle to defend against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.

In response, Jackson State University is evolving its cybersecurity education curriculum and resources to bridge this gap.

“The establishment of the Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab at Jackson State University is truly a game-changer for our students,” said Dr. Wilbur Walters, Dean of the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology. “Having access to a facility such as this means our students won’t just be learning about cybersecurity—they’ll be directly engaging with the same challenges that professionals are facing in the energy sector today. This hands-on experience makes their education more relevant and impactful. It’s about evolving our curriculum to not only keep pace with the fast-changing tech world but also to ensure our students graduate ready to make a tangible difference.”

The cybersecurity industry has experienced significant growth and transformation over the past decade, primarily driven by the increasing prevalence of digital technology and the corresponding rise in cyber threats. According to a report by Cybersecurity Ventures, global cybercrime costs are expected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, up from $3 trillion in 2015, highlighting the escalating severity and frequency of cyberattacks. This rapid increase has underscored the critical need for a robust cybersecurity infrastructure, leading to substantial investments by the United States private and public sectors.

“At Entergy, we believe that one of our many strengths in serving our customers is the diversity of our workforce. Our partnership with Jackson State University is a testament to our commitment to creating opportunities for students and shaping the leaders of tomorrow,” said Drew Marsh, Entergy Corporation chair and CEO. “By investing in education and fostering inclusion, we are not just building a diverse workforce, we are investing in the heart of our communities where we live, work and serve.”

Jackson State will receive the Entergy Charitable Foundation’s grant over multiple installments. The funds are exclusively for developing the Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab, focusing on cybersecurity in the nuclear, energy, and natural gas sectors.

About Jackson State University: Challenging Minds, Changing Lives

Jackson State University, founded in 1877, is a historically black, high-research activity university located in Jackson, the capital city of Mississippi. Jackson State’s nurturing academic environment challenges individuals to change lives through teaching, research and service. Officially designated as Mississippi’s Urban University, Jackson State continues to enhance the state, nation and world through comprehensive economic development, healthcare, technological and educational initiatives. The only public university in the Jackson metropolitan area, Jackson State is located near downtown, with four satellite locations. For more information, visit www.jsums.edu or call 601-979-2121.

About Entergy

Entergy is a Fortune 500 company that powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at entergy.com and connect with @Entergy on social media. #WePowerLife

Read the full letter and Clorox’s complete FY24 integrated annual report here.

Today we released our fiscal year 2024 integrated annual report. As one of the first companies to integrate ESG into our business reporting, we firmly believe in the positive value we can create for shareholders and for society. We entered fiscal year 2024 with strong momentum but soon faced both expected and unexpected complexity as we navigated a challenging macroeconomic environment, a more pressured consumer and the aftermath of our August 2023 cyberattack.

Thanks to the team’s steadfast execution, we quickly restored operations, fully rebuilt supply and distribution, and recovered most of the market share we lost from the cyberattack. This strong recovery reflects the superior value of our brands, supported by consistent investments through both good and challenging times.

In the face of these hurdles, we continued to deliver on our commitment to rebuild margin, and we achieved another year of double-digit adjusted earnings per share growth while investing strongly in our brands.

We have been relentlessly focused on executing on our IGNITE strategy and made progress against our long-term goals. While there is still more work to do, we are in a position of operational strength as we continue transforming our business and delivering superior consumer experiences that win in the market.

Our purpose — to champion people to be well and thrive every single day — guides everything we do. This past fiscal year, we continued to advance our integrated ESG goals to help drive growth, mitigate risk and create positive value for our brands and stakeholders.

Looking ahead, we see an environment where consumers continue to seek value and superior experiences amid ongoing uncertainty in the world around them.

We created our IGNITE strategy to meet those needs. That’s why we are focused on delivering superior value through brands that consumers love and trust. We are innovating with clear intent. We are creating a more consumer-obsessed, faster and leaner organization. And we are reinvesting in our business to accelerate growth and transform for the future.

We have been purposeful and balanced in our actions, leaning on IGNITE to execute through every challenge. Led by our values of doing the right thing, putting people at the center and playing to win, we are taking the right steps to navigate the near term and stay true to our goal of being a stronger and more resilient company — one that is poised to deliver more consistent, profitable growth and enhance long-term shareholder value.

I would like to thank my Clorox teammates for their contributions and dedication to our business throughout the year, and for their courage and commitment to the road ahead.

Thank you for your continued support and interest in Clorox.

The best way to ensure the long-term safety of your workplace is to identify and mitigate potential risks before they become a problem. This is exactly what an occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) sets out to do.

An effective OHSMS is designed to empower your entire workforce with the tools and resources they need to understand their role in implementing the OHSMS. It should also continuously improve the workplace’s safety standards while boosting morale, productivity, and work culture at the same time.

This blog offers everything you need to know to build a world-class OHSMS in your workplace.

What is a Health and Safety Management System? 

An OSHMS is a formal, top-down, organization-wide approach to managing occupational health and safety risk and assuring the effectiveness of risk controls. This includes systematic procedures, practices, and policies for the management of risk. ​The primary goal of an OHSMS is to establish clear health and safety standards that the entire organization can follow to proactively mitigate risks. Many organizations take a custom approach to implementing an OHSMS that focuses on their individual needs while including applicable regulatory requirements. Some organizations choose to become International Standard Organization (ISO) certified. What works for one organization will likely look different from others.

Benefits of Implementing an Effective OHSMS 

Promotes Safety: An OHSMS is a process for promoting health and safety while reducing risks to employees at work and by making these processes a core value.​

Reduces Risk and Controls Hazards: OHSMSs require proactive hazard identification and risk management. Organizations use these systems to identify, assess, and control hazards in all aspects of their operations. An effective OHSMS prevents incidents such as injuries and process failures, and above all else, builds on the foundation of worker safety and focuses on continuous improvement. They help organizations reduce risks to acceptable levels.​

Performance Management: Organizations use OHSMS to plan, set goals, and measure performance at specific intervals to determine if the management system is effective. Oftentimes, organizations that implement effective systems see increases in performance (and thus, an increase in profits) due to a decrease in incidents and losses.​

Worker Engagement: An OHSMS is intended to be implemented throughout all levels of an organization, including top leadership through the lower-level or frontline workers. OHSMSs are based on leadership and overall accountability. Once the OHSMS is fully integrated in an organization, it becomes the foundation on which people perform their jobs. ​

Continuous Improvement: A common thread in all types of OHSMSs is the element of continuous improvement, which helps an organization identify opportunities for work and process improvements. Many OHSMSs use the Plan-Do-Check-Act approach for achieving continuous improvement.

Key Elements of a World-class Health and Safety Management System 

If you want your OHSMS to be as effective as possible, it will need to contain each of the following elements:

A definition of and commitment to organizational health and safety: First, your OHSMS should define its goal for the health and safety of your organization on your terms. You will design the system around achieving this goal.An accounting of all potential health and safety risks: Be as exhaustive as possible and include everything that you want your safety managers to check on during their inspections.Detailed instructions on all safety protocols: List and describe the safety protocols your workers need to follow on the job in detail. Your safety managers should be able to use these instructions to ensure these protocols are being followed during inspections.A comprehensive safety management and evaluation strategy: Lay out a step-by-step program for safety managers to follow when evaluating the current safety of your workplace, and management steps to take if their evaluations uncover problems.Training and awareness programs: Include a plan for training your workforce to adopt and practice any necessary safety protocols they have not already implemented. Safety training should be proactive and ongoing.A plan for bi-directional communication on health and safety matters: Include a system for workers to report health and safety concerns to management, as well as a way for safety managers to regularly update and inform workers on safety concerns as soon as they’re identified.A commitment to continuous health and safety improvement: The best OHSMS include actionable plans to continuously reevaluate and improve upon health and safety protocols. Revisit your OHSMS whenever you conduct a health and safety audit and look for ways you can continue to improve upon it.

International Standards for OHSMS Development 

As you design and implement your OHSMS, below are some other examples of standards your organization can use to develop your management system. While it’s important to note that these aren’t legal requirements, they still may be useful to include for your organization.

ISO 45001: This is the internationally recognized standard for occupational health and safety management systems. It establishes a framework for OHSMS policy, objectives, planning, implementation, operation, auditing, and review based on the “Plan-Do-Check-Act” methodology.ISO 14001: This establishes a framework for organizations to design and implement environmental management systems. Its objective is to help organizations find ways to minimize their carbon footprint. Many organizations can use ISO 14001 to support their overarching environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.ISO 9001: This is the world’s most well-known standard for quality management. This framework helps organizations of all sizes and sectors implement, maintain, and improve a quality management system.ISO 45003: This update to ISO 45001 adds guidelines for identifying and managing psychosocial workplace risks and for promoting psychological well-being at work.ANSI Z10: These guidelines provide OSHMS considerations and provide flexibility and guidance on how different organizations can conform.

How to Implement a Health and Safety Management System 

Many effective OHSMS use the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) Approach:

The planning stage involves planning, defining controls, documenting procedures, identifying resources, and stating objectives. This stage is where the organization establishes overall objectives and processes necessary to deliver results in accordance with the OHSMS policy. What does the organization want to get out of an OHSMS and how will they get there? What resources do they have in place that will help them achieve their goals?

The do stage is when the organization takes action and implements what they outlined in the planning stage.

Check is focused on measuring the OHSMS for effectiveness and monitoring for conformity. Is the OHSMS achieving the intended goals? Is the organization implementing the procedures they said they would?

Act is the stage where the organization analyzes the effectiveness and makes changes to the management system processes as needed. The overall goal for any management system is to improve its effectiveness.

Plan-Do-Check-Act emphasizes continuous improvement.

Conclusion 

Building a world-class OHSMS isn’t easy, but the results are well worth the effort. If you’d like professional support and guidance creating a fully compliant and effective OHSMS, reach out to Antea Group’s EHS Management System Support experts to discuss how we can support your organization along your OHSMS journey.

Antea Group has also created A Practical and Tactical Guide to Top-Down EHS Management that may help you in your implementation.

October 8, 2024 /3BL/ – The Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council (HPRC) is excited to announce the addition of Envetec Sustainable Technologies (“Envetec”) to its growing membership. Founded in 2021, Envetec is transforming the management of biohazardous or regulated medical waste with its pioneering GENERATIONS® technology. This cutting-edge solution offers a sustainable and efficient alternative to outdated treatment methods, including autoclaving, incineration, and landfill.

GENERATIONS operates on-site to convert biohazardous waste into valuable feedstock for plastic recycling. The technology employs a nonthermal, biodegradable chemical process to disinfect and shred waste, producing high-polymer content material that can be repurposed into new products. This approach helps to close the loop on laboratory plastic waste and advance circular economy solutions.

“There is no one solution or technology that will solve the healthcare plastics recycling challenge and HPRC is continuously seeking tools that can support the healthcare sector improve the recyclability of plastics,” shared Peylina Chu, Executive Director of HPRC. “Envetec’s innovative, clean technology adds another avenue to explore in our journey to creating a more sustainable future for healthcare plastics. We look forward to collaborating with them and integrating their experience into our project work.”

“Joining HPRC aligns with our mission to drive meaningful change in the healthcare industry,” said Conor Connolly, Vice President of Business Development at Envetec. “We are eager to collaborate with industry peers as our customers increasingly recognize the need for circular solutions in biohazardous waste treatment. Hospitals are urgently seeking to adopt new technologies and move away from traditional methods such as autoclaving, incineration, and landfill. By creating valuable feedstock for recyclers, we are creating significant opportunities to strengthen the recycling infrastructure.”

HPRC is currently leading several initiatives designed to enhance the recycling and circularity of healthcare plastics. These include cutting-edge research into advanced recycling technologies capable of handling mixed-stream healthcare plastics, as well as studies focused on optimizing reverse logistics processes for the efficient collection, segregation, and preparation of healthcare plastic waste for recycling.

About HPRC

HPRC is a private technical coalition of industry peers across healthcare, recycling, and waste management industries seeking to improve the recyclability of plastic products within healthcare. Made up of brand-leading and globally recognized members, HPRC explores ways to enhance the economics, efficiency, and ultimately the quality and quantity of healthcare plastics collected for recycling in support of a circular plastics economy. HPRC is active across the United States and Europe working with key stakeholders, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and participating in industry events and forums. For more information, visit www.hprc.org and follow HPRC on LinkedIn.

About Envetec GENERATIONS

Given the life science industry’s commitment to zero operational waste, including eliminating single-use plastic and the ability to recover waste through circular routes such as reuse and recycling, the standard treatment path has remained unchanged for almost 50 years. It involves removing the bagged, untreated waste by road freight for autoclaving, incineration, and landfill.

GENERATIONS breakthrough technology safely and effectively treats biohazardous regulated medical waste, including plastics, glass, PPE, sharps containers, and other general laboratory consumables on-site.

The GENERATIONS technology simultaneously shreds and disinfects infectious waste and materials directly at the source, which can then be recycled. GENERATIONS, which is non-thermal and utilizes a proprietary biodegradable chemical, converts laboratory-produced medical waste into a recyclable polymer flake that is entirely safe to transport for recycling. GENERATIONS is designed to help laboratories begin phasing out today’s unsustainable activities, including incineration, autoclaving, landfill, and the public health risk associated with the transportation of biohazardous regulated medical waste.

GENERATIONS is a registered trademark with pending patents in the EU, UK, and US.

About Envetec Sustainable Technologies

Envetec’s vision is to create clean change with leading clean technology for the treatment and sustainable repurposing of biohazardous waste materials at source, significantly reducing dependency on autoclaving, road haul, incineration, and landfill. Our mission is to revolutionize the way organisations treat biohazardous waste, especially single-use plastics, and fundamentally improve their approach to sustainability.

KeyBank and the KeyBank Foundation announced an investment of $300,000 in Ann Arbor’s Avalon Housing to bolster its supportive services for tenants and clients. This investment will allow Avalon to provide intensive case management services to enhance personalized support for tenants, helping them navigate complex care systems, connect with necessary resources, and achieve long-term stability.

Avalon Housing, a nonprofit provider of affordable housing, uses what’s known as the supportive housing approach. Widely considered the best long-term solution to homelessness, supportive housing prioritizes the health and well-being of tenants by providing resources to help them stay—and thrive—in their homes.

Using grant funding, the staff at Avalon will be focused on providing support to individuals and families who are at the highest risk of housing instability and require intensive support to maintain their housing and improve their overall well-being. Avalon has found that this approach leads to a decrease in evictions, improved health outcomes and increased economic stability for residents.

“KeyBank’s purpose is to help the communities we serve thrive, and accessibility to safe, affordable housing resources is a crucial element,” said Dave Mannarino, KeyBank Michigan Market President. “We are excited to partner with and support Avalon Housing once again, helping to enhance support services necessary in the effort to end homelessness. This partnership will not only strengthen our community, but it will provide Avalon tenants equitable access to jobs, education, healthcare and more.”

A lack of affordable housing is driving a dramatic increase in homelessness in Washtenaw County. Housing First is a proven model for addressing homelessness with an 84% success rate of keeping people housed. By pairing Housing First principles with wraparound support services, Avalon is able to maintain a 95% housing retention success rate. For tenants with a higher acuity of needs and co-occurring issues, they require a higher level of Intensive Case Management (ICM) support from staff who are able to engage them in deeper and more frequent services. Providing these services requires additional support coordinators who manage lower client caseloads.

“We’re grateful for the support from KeyBank,” said Avalon Housing Executive Director Aaron Cooper. “He know the problems of homelessness and a lack of housing affordability are not going away, and we will continue to work to provide solutions. In fact, we have nearly 175 new housing units in the pipeline right now. Partnership and support from the community are essential in our journey toward housing justice and creating a place for all of our neighbors to call home.”

ABOUT KEYCORP

KeyCorp’s roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $187 billion at June 30, 2024.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

ABOUT AVALON HOUSING

Avalon Housing’s mission since its founding in 1992 is to build healthy, safe and inclusive supportive housing communities as a long-term solution to homelessness. Avalon owns and manages 29 sites in Ann Arbor, Dexter and Chelsea, and has 150 units in the pipeline in new projects in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. https://avalonhousing.org/

Yum! Brands

LOUISVILLE, Ky., October 8, 2024 /3BL/ – Today, Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) released its annual Global Citizenship & Sustainability Report, detailing its advancements in reducing carbon emissions, improving packaging and removing barriers. The Company has a longstanding dedication to responsible business practices, investing strategically in its three priority pillars of People, Food and Planet, which are part of its Good Growth strategy. The strategy is grounded on the idea that the Good priorities and the Growth priorities are closely intertwined and enablers of one another.

“In 2023, we experienced a year of remarkable growth and remained focused on greenhouse gas reduction, sustainable packaging and having a positive community impact,” said Yum! Brands CEO David Gibbs. “Our Good Growth strategy has propelled our sales and restaurant development, which allows us to invest more in areas like renewable energy, supplier pilot programs and technical training for at-risk youth in our communities – the Growth advances the Good.”

This report highlights Yum!’s key accomplishments toward building a more sustainable and equitable world, which has led to its inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America, recognition as one of TIME Magazine’s Best Companies for Future Leaders and named to the USA Today’s 2023 America’s Climate Leaders list.

“We made significant progress in 2023 across our global citizenship and sustainability agenda, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead,” said Yum! Brands Chief Government Affairs & Sustainability Officer Jon Hixson. “We believe in the power of collaboration to make positive change, and we continue to work closely with our stakeholders and partners to develop innovative solutions and share learnings that drive advancements.”

Highlights from Yum!’s new Global Citizenship & Sustainability Report include:

People

– In 2023, 44% of global corporate leadership roles were held by women, up from the 2018 baseline of 33%.– In 2023, over 7,100 restaurant general managers and assistant restaurant general managers on six continents completed Leading With Heart through Heartstyles, Yum!’s signature leadership and personal development program.– Since 2020, Yum! has reached 204,000 people and utilized and/or committed $71 million of funding for over 30 community impact programs designed to remove barriers through its Unlocking Opportunity Initiative.

Food

– In 2023, over 70% of Yum!-approved suppliers achieved Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Certification.– Sourced over 90% cage-free eggs for the 25,000 restaurants with a 2026 goal.– Endorsed the Antimicrobial Use Stewardship Principles in Poultry, supporting an initiative that includes over 40% of global poultry meat production.

Planet

– On track to achieve Yum!’s 2030 emission reduction goals across both Scopes 1 and 2, as well as Scope 3 as it relates to energy emissions from franchisee-owned restaurants.– Advanced Yum!’s sustainable supply chain work with KFC Europe committing to source 100% sustainable soy by 2025 and Pizza Hut decreasing emissions by 10% in the milk used for its cheese by improving cattle feed.– Invested in sustainable packaging and infrastructure with Taco Bell expanding its recycling program with TerraCycle beyond its own sauce packets and Habit Burger & Grill reducing paper usage with new takeout bags.

For more information and to view Yum! Brands’ latest Global Citizenship & Sustainability Report visit www.yum.com/impact.

About Yum! Brands, Inc.

Yum! Brands, Inc., based in Louisville, Kentucky, and its subsidiaries franchise or operate a system of over 59,000 restaurants in more than 155 countries and territories under the company’s concepts – KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Habit Burger & Grill. The Company’s KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut brands are global leaders of the chicken, Mexican-style food, and pizza categories, respectively. The Habit Burger & Grill is a fast casual restaurant concept specializing in made-to-order chargrilled burgers, sandwiches and more. In 2024, CDP, a global organization that runs a leading sustainability disclosure program, ranked Yum! with Climate Change and Water Security scores of A-, and all of Yum!’s CDP scores were a B or higher. Yum! was also named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America, and the company was recognized among TIME Magazine’s list of Best Companies for Future Leaders, Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies and USA Today’s America’s Climate Leaders. Yum! also received widespread recognition in 2023, including being listed on the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index; and Forbes’ list of America’s Best Employers for Diversity. In addition, KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut brands were ranked in the top five of Entrepreneur’s Top Global Franchises Ranking for 2023.

By Dana Obrist

Safe and affordable housing is imperative, especially in a city where approximately one-quarter of the population lives below the poverty line.

In Jackson, Mississippi, Pearl Street Community Development Corporation (Pearl Street CDC) and Gulf Coast Housing Partnership, Inc. (GCHP) are working together to meet the health, wellness and housing needs of the low-income senior population who may be especially vulnerable.

In 2022 Pearl Street CDC and GCHP began the 21-month historic rehabilitation and complete redevelopment of the former Jackson Southwest Hotel into The Pearl Apartments.

With 76 one- and two-bedroom apartments for income-restricted individuals primarily ages 55 and over, The Pearl is conveniently situated just minutes from Interstate 20, offering easy access to grocery stores, public transportation and modern onsite amenities such as a fitness center and a computer room for residents.

The Pearl is a GCHP Health + Housing Community, which aims to improve residents’ overall health through building design and convenient access to healthcare services. Residents of The Pearl have access to an onsite community health center operated by Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health Center. They also have free access to a community health worker who can assist with coordinating medical service, provide appointment and medication reminders, and help connect residents to other health and social services.

“GCHP’s mission to create affordable housing and stronger communities throughout the Gulf Coast is only possible through our partnerships,” said Kathy Laborde, GCHP president and CEO. “We are thankful for Regions Bank’s investment in The Pearl, which will have a lasting and positive impact on the residents of Jackson.”

The Regions Foundation provided $500,000 for GCHP Health + Housing projects across the Gulf Coast, while Regions Affordable Housing provided syndication and sponsorship services in support of The Pearl Apartments redevelopment project.

“The Pearl addresses multiple challenges at once,” said Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation. “GCHP is tackling blight by revitalizing an abandoned building, and creating safe and affordable housing by leveraging public and private funding sources. And the focus on seniors and onsite health services is a great example of how we can foster inclusive and sustainable community prosperity.”

“Regions Bank is honored to be part of a project that reaches beyond just brick and mortar to truly invest in the well-being of the seniors within the Pearl community,” said Rachel Thomas-Phillips, Regions Affordable Housing relationship manager in Jackson. “The development of this project is a celebration of what can be achieved when financial resources are combined with the deep commitment of a community.”

An official ribbon-cutting event was held at The Pearl in August 2024.

“Regions Bank is proud to be part of the reimagining of this highly visible property in Jackson,” said John Howie, Regions Jackson Market Executive and Middle Market Banking leader shared during the event.

About Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Southwire is proud to announce that it has achieved a spot on the list of Top Diversity Employers by DiversityJobs.com for the fifth year in a row. Southwire is one of only 26 companies in the Manufacturing and R&D category to top the list in 2024.

DiversityJobs promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace by creating a space for diversity-minded employers to engage the best and brightest diverse talent, and the company’s annual Top Diversity Employers list seeks to recognize organizations that are taking active steps to build a diverse and inclusive workforce.

“It is an honor to be included on this list yet again,” said Jackie Lowery, vice president of talent management for Southwire. “I joined Southwire in 2023, and receiving this recognition not just once or twice, but for five years in a row, demonstrates the reputation we have earned as an inclusive workplace for all of our team members.”

This achievement is made possible through the company’s ongoing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts and inclusive recruitment practices, which combine to create a work environment where different backgrounds and perspectives support positive relationships and collective success.

“The integration of inclusion is a critical success factor. Our team members don’t just show up to work at Southwire; they show up to see themselves represented and supported at all levels,” said Sharita Spruill, director of talent acquisition. “We’re proud of the work we have done to foster an environment that values and empowers our team members and communities, because belonging takes all of us.”

Southwire’s six Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) — Women’s Network, Spectrum, Multigen, T.E.A.M., Veterans Network and ALLIED — provide opportunities for team members to connect and drive Southwire’s DEI mission forward. The company’s commitment to DEI is essential to its strategic plan, to create generational sustainability and to promote continued growth in the industry.

To explore career opportunities with Southwire, please visit www.careers.southwire.com. To learn more about Southwire’s DEI initiatives, please visit the company’s website at www.southwire.com/dei.

By Jeff Simmons

Originally published by Fast Company

From the world’s largest food companies to consumers, we are focused on finding ways to reduce our impact on climate change. For some, the solution has been to give up a staple on tables across the country—the burger.

But I’m here to let you in on a secret. You can have your burger without the side of guilt. That’s because the cow’s environmental footprint just changed.

Some of the world’s largest food companies have set significant climate commitment goals, yet the path to achieve this is one of the industry’s biggest challenges. That’s because it’s difficult to capture the reduction value of Scope 3 emissions—indirect emissions that occur in the value chain. These food companies must not only consider their role in getting the glass of milk on your table, but the footprint of the cow too.

A response to methane

It’s clear we all want a choice in what we eat. Demand for animal-based protein isn’t declining— it’s growing. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations recognized both the need for more animal protein production to address global hunger, while also reducing emissions. In livestock, they’ve identified nine measures to reduce methane emissions 25% by 2030, and to increase livestock productivity 1.7% per year globally by 2050. Cattle are a key part of the answer to addressing some of the world’s biggest societal issues: hunger and climate. The cow is no longer the culprit—the cow is the how.

The biggest opportunity to make a difference in emissions is inside the animal—enteric methane. Methane is shorter lived than carbon dioxide (CO2), lasting about a decade in the atmosphere, but is 27 times more potent at trapping heat. With methane, smaller reductions can create a bigger impact. But you can’t have environmental sustainability without also creating economic sustainability, meaning sustainable practices must also be profitable on the farm to create widespread adoption.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently completed its comprehensive, multi-year review safety and efficacy review of our product, Bovaer® (3-NOP), a first-in-class methane-reducing feed ingredient, for use in lactating dairy cattle. The product suppresses the methane-inducing enzyme in the cow’s rumen. By giving one tablespoon of Bovaer to each lactating dairy daily, we can lower methane emissions by around 30%, equal to 1.2 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions each year. These reductions create a new opportunity for dairy farmers to be financially rewarded for reducing their dairy’s carbon footprint. Feeding one million cows Bovaer would reduce emissions by the equivalent of removing more than 285,000 cars from the road for a year.

Other climate tools

Climate neutral farming keeps U.S. farmers globally competitive so that they can continue to produce more food with a lower, and ultimately balanced environmental footprint. Access to this technology now gives farmers another tool to implement. It starts with innovations in feed, like Bovaer, and other on-farm solutions, implementing tools like our tool UpLook, an insights-based engine designed to measure and monitor greenhouse gas emissions, and Athian’s first-of-its-kind voluntary livestock carbon insetting marketplace to create the necessary ecosystem to help farmers reduce, measure, and monetize their emission reductions, delivering value through the entire food chain.

Climate neutral livestock farms are the future, and will happen this decade. Making the U.S. farmer more profitable and competitive, helping food companies achieve their Scope 3 emissions goals, and giving consumers what they also want—more environmentally conscious animal protein options—environmentally friendly dairy choices from milk and yogurt to cheese, ice cream, and more.

Jeff Simmons is president and CEO of Elanco Animal Health.

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