Tag: 3BL

In a recent episode of The Bridge, Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN) CEO Shannon Razsadin spoke with Leidos Health & Civil Sector President Liz Porter about the challenges military families face—and how technology and empathy can help strengthen military family well-being. 

Drawing on her experience as both a corporate leader and retired military spouse, Porter discussed how innovation and public-private partnerships are advancing solutions that enhance military family readiness, resilience, and quality of life.

Porter and Razsadin explored several pressing challenges for military families today:

• Accessing resources: Support exists but navigating it can feel like “a labyrinth.” Porter said improving care coordination and navigation—enhanced by tools like telehealth—can help individuals move more smoothly through each stage of their care journey, from identifying needs to accessing timely, specialized support.
   
• Mental health stigma: Awareness is growing, but stigma still discourages many from seeking help. Expanded access to behavioral health and telehealth services can create more approachable entry points – offering private, flexible ways to begin care, stay engaged, and sustain progress toward recovery.
   
• Spouse employment: With military spouse unemployment around 20%, according to 2024 Department of Defense data, Porter called on employers to embrace flexibility and remote work. “Military spouses are an untapped resource,” she said. “They’re resilient, resourceful, and ready to contribute.”

Listen to the podcast

NORTHAMPTON, Mass., December 10, 2025 /3BL/ – Companies doing sustainability well are seeing measurable returns.

The gap between what research shows and what business leaders actually do is stark. Companies that integrate sustainability well achieve substantial financial gains:

• 36% increase in firm value
• 21% boosts in profitability
• 57% reduction in employee turnover

Yet many organizations remain skeptical. Steve Rocklin, founder and CEO of Impact ROI and lead author of the Project ROI Report series, has watched this skepticism persist for decades:

“I’ve been in the field for almost thirty years, and it’s sort of like back to the future for me because we’re hearing the same debate that I entered the field with. The argument goes: the business of business is business. Sustainability is not conventional business. It’s either taxation or regulation under a different name. And by definition, it does not create financial value.”

The data contradicts this narrative entirely.

What This Means Right Now

In today’s economic environment, companies face a critical choice: double down on sustainability as a competitive advantage, or cut back to preserve margins.

Most are cutting. Most are wrong.

The best financially performing companies actually lean into environmental and social performance during downturns, not away from it. They do this when facing huge competition and needing to differentiate. When the business cycle goes down and they need to climb back up, they lean in.

Why? Sustainability investments drive brand differentiation, employee retention, and stakeholder trust.

Get the Full Conversation

We’re offering early access to this exclusive conversation to business leaders, sustainability professionals, and corporate communicators who want to understand what actually works, and what doesn’t.

GET EARLY ACCESS HERE

The interview features:

• Steven Rochlin, founder and CEO of Impact ROI.
• Dennis Duquette, Head of Community Responsibility, President & CEO of MassMutual Foundation.
• Mo McNally, Head of Engagement and Systems of Mass Mutual.
• Mary Mazzoni, Executive Editor of TriplePundit.

About 3BL
3BL is the leading sustainability and social impact communications partner, connecting organizations’ stories of purpose and progress with the audiences who matter most.

3BL partners with over 1,500 companies – from global corporations and mid-sized enterprises to NGOs and nonprofits – to elevate their reputations as players in the world of responsible business. We do this through unrivaled news and content distribution, bespoke storytelling support, and our digital media division, TriplePundit.

For years, the conversation around sustainability has revolved around ambition.

We’ve talked about goals, commitments, and net zero promises by pending timelines. But ambition alone doesn’t cut it anymore; not for brands, not for manufacturers, and certainly not for the planet.

The real shift now underway is about measurement. Because what we measure, and how, is what drives real progress.

From Afterthought to Engine

Measurement has often been treated as the last step in the process: collect the data, report the results, and move on. But in truth, it should be the first. When you start with measurement — with visibility and credible data — you create the foundation for meaningful change.

That’s why the latest update to the Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM) matters. Released by Cascale earlier this month, the 2025 version introduces sharper emission factors, improved verification guidance, and new facility categories. It’s more than a technical update — it’s a reflection of where the industry needs to go: better data, better insights, better decisions.

The Regulatory Shift

Meanwhile, policy frameworks like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) are tightening expectations across the apparel and consumer goods sectors. They’re not just about ticking boxes; they’re about showing impact.

Soon, large brands operating in the EU will need to prove how they’re managing risks, engaging suppliers, and cutting emissions, with data that stands up to scrutiny. And that means upstream manufacturers and suppliers will need to be part of that proof chain.

The question isn’t whether our industry will have to measure and report on progress. It’s whether we’ll measure well enough to turn the need for compliance into strategic outcomes that drive business value.

Aligning Data with Action

This is where the conversation gets interesting. Because if we can continue to align measurement tools like the Higg Index with regulatory readiness, we move from compliance to competitiveness. (Read about our efforts to map the Higg BRM with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), as another strong indication).

The 2030 vision is closer than we realize. Instead of an industry scrambling to meet disclosure deadlines, we can become one that utilizes credible data to drive smarter sourcing, targeted investment, and collaborative action. While it’s not always glamorous work, it’s the kind of work that builds resilience — in companies, in supply chains, and in the industry as a whole. Isn’t that a goal that benefits us all?

A Communications Perspective

From where I sit — leading marketing and communications at Cascale — an integral part involves storytelling through data. For too long, sustainability communication has leaned on grand ambition. Now it’s time to tell the story of progress: how we measure, how we improve, and how we make it meaningful.

The more transparent we are about the process, the more credible and impactful the message becomes.

Looking Ahead

At Cascale, our role is evolving with the industry. We’re not just providing tools. We’re helping brands and manufacturers connect the dots between measurement, regulation, and action. Because when measurement becomes the engine, and not the afterthought, sustainability stops being a side project and starts becoming business as usual.

Read More from Lee

Originally published by Derbyshire Times

Alfreton Park School has opened its new library – designed to allow students to discover the joy of reading, develop their literacy skills, and build confidence.

The official opening ceremony was held at 10am on Wednesday, November 26, when members of Griffith Foods delegation cut the ribbon with a help of Alfreton Park School students.

Griffith Foods donated £7,000 to help with the project, and the library has already put first of many smiles on pupils’ faces.

Continue reading the original article here.

Note: The library is designed for children with special educational needs, provides a calm and focused environment where students can discover the joy of reading and build confidence.

After two years, six continents, and more than 800 miles of swimming, cycling, and running, Ariana Luterman achieved what no woman has accomplished before: setting the world record for completing six Ironman triathlons on six continents in a single year.

But for Ariana, it was never about the record, the finish line, or the spotlight.

Her pursuit was defined by the process: the discipline, the growth, and the discovery along the way.

Like the entrepreneurs GoDaddy supports, Ariana didn’t just chase results; she built something lasting – a stronger, truer version of herself.

Ariana’s story is a reminder that success is not measured solely by achievements, but by the transformation that comes from the journey itself.

GoDaddy celebrates Ariana Luterman’s remarkable accomplishment and the spirit of perseverance she shares with entrepreneurs everywhere – those who build, evolve, and redefine what’s possible every day.

Ready to start your own journey?

Discover the tools, guidance, and support to bring your ideas to life at teamariana.godaddy/worldrecord

About GoDaddy

GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a website and logo, sell their products and services, and accept payments. GoDaddy Airo^®, the company’s AI-powered experience, makes growing a small business faster and easier by helping them to get their idea online in minutes, drive traffic and boost sales. GoDaddy’s expert guides are available 24/7 to provide assistance. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com 

Traditional remediation methods have long focused on quick fixes like digging, dumping, and moving contamination elsewhere, but as environmental challenges grow and climate resilience, carbon footprint reduction, and long-term site stewardship become a priority, sustainable remediation is emerging as a smarter, more holistic approach to environmental remediation. In this Q&A, we hear from Jason Lagowski, Senior Consultant at Antea Group USA; and Gabriele Cerutti, Technology Leader Geologist at HPC Italy, to explore why sustainable remediation matters, what hurdles remain, and how collaboration and innovation are shaping the future of soil and groundwater cleanup.

 

Listen to the full podcast episode here.

 

Q&A

Q: Why is it so important to prioritize sustainable remediation practices? 

Gabriele (Italy):

Water and soil pollution is increasing dramatically and causes damage to the entire community. Many traditional technologies aim for quick intervention but often shift the problem or fail to fully consider recovery of environmental metrics. Modern sustainable remediation practices help reduce energy use, minimize waste, and support circularity across the project lifecycle. Sustainable remediation seeks to reduce consumption and enhance environmental metrics throughout the process. Every step of the project should achieve sustainable objectives.

Jason (USA):

We live on this planet, and personally, I’m a parent and a grandparent. I hope we’re smart enough to improve the environment for future generations. Doing it in a sustainable way just makes sense. It’s about improving outcomes, reducing long-term liability, and avoiding the “dig-and-dump” cycle that simply relocates contamination. It’s about better outcomes and improving quality of life, not moving a problem from one place to another.

 

Q: How do you define sustainable remediation, and how does it differ across regions?

Jason:

Sustainable remediation looks at reducing carbon footprint and using more passive, natural approaches—like in-situ methods and green chemistry to degrade contaminants in place. It’s about lifecycle cost and aiming for zero waste outcomes. In the U.S., there’s still reluctance because sustainable approaches can take longer, and there’s a myth they cost more. Education and data-driven decision-making are key to accelerating adoption.

Gabriele:

In Europe, especially Italy, traditional methods persist in industrial areas, but sustainable remediation is gaining ground in agricultural and public green sites. We see progress in codifying environmental and technical criteria for land recovery using biological technologies. Drivers include cost and the ability to reuse soil without transformation.

 

Q: What’s the cost of inaction if organizations don’t adopt sustainable methods?

Jason:

In the U.S., we have a concept called cradle-to-grave. If you dig something up and move it, your liability doesn’t stop. It can follow you. Treating contamination in place extinguishes liability once endpoints are achieved. Plus, sustainable approaches reduce long-term risk.

Gabriele:

The cost is carbon emissions and loss of soil conservation. We should move as far as possible from carbon-consuming interventions. Nature often gives us the solution, we just need to understand it.

 

Q: Are there emerging technologies we should watch?

Gabriele:

Phytoremediation is becoming one of the best solutions for certain sites, especially agricultural areas. It’s not without challenges, but it’s promising.

Jason:

Advancements in bacteria strains and fungi for bioremediation are exciting. For PFAS, we’re seeing linked technologies—separation, concentration, and destruction—that achieve zero waste outcomes. Innovation will continue to drive progress.

 

Key Takeaways

• Sustainable remediation reduces carbon footprint, protects human health and the environment, and supports circularity.
• Education and mindset shifts are critical to overcoming cultural and regulatory hurdles.
• Collaboration between stakeholders, universities, and global partners drives innovation.
• Emerging technologies like phytoremediation and PFAS destruction carry new potential.

 

Inogen Alliance is a global network made up of over 70 of independent local businesses and over 6,000 consultants around the world who can help make your project a success. Our Associates collaborate closely to serve multinational corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, and we share knowledge and industry experience to provide the highest quality service to our clients. If you want to learn more about how you can work with Inogen Alliance, you can explore our Associates or Contact Us. Watch for more News & Blog updates, listen to our podcast and follow us on LinkedIn.

Wesco Anixter, in collaboration with the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP), proudly launched its Global Philanthropic Event Series this November, empowering young people across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. to explore the world of STEM. This initiative was made possible by Wesco’s VOICE business resource group program in collaboration with the sustainability team who collaborated to design a day focused on exposure to STEM fields that support the local community.

As part of this initiative, Wesco partnered with the Chesterfield FC Community Trust (CFCCT), a selected local charity, to host a special event for young people in Chesterfield, U.K. Fourteen young people visited the Wesco Anixter warehouse site in Bolsover, where they embarked on a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility, engaged with a panel of speakers from Wesco Anixter, and participated in interactive STEM activities. The event also featured a shared lunch, fostering meaningful connections between organisers, panellists and attendees.

The panellists took the time to share insights from their own professional journeys, highlighting the importance of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning in shaping a successful career. They recounted key moments where overcoming challenges led to personal growth, and offered practical guidance tailored to young people preparing for their own futures. From stressing the value of staying curious and embracing new opportunities, to encouraging attendees to seek out mentors and develop a strong work ethic, the panellists provided inspiration and actionable advice to help students make informed decisions as they consider their future career paths.

Reflecting on the day, Dan Lynch, Wesco Anixter Vice President and General Manager – International Markets (EMEA and APAC) and event panellist, remarked, “It was truly inspiring to witness the enthusiasm and curiosity of the young people as they engaged with our team and explored the possibilities within STEM. The part we play in local community engagement is important and we hope we were part of sparking new ambitions today.”

During the visit, students were introduced to the cutting-edge robots used in the warehouse, learning firsthand about operational efficiencies and the exciting possibilities technology brings to the energy industry. “Our students had the opportunity to visit the warehouse and as I watched their faces throughout the day, they were totally engaged. I hope it’s given them the experience and confidence to really think about the world of work,” said Jayne Bacon, Head of Community at CFCCT. “The team at Wesco Anixter were so supportive and welcoming, showing a true connection with our community”. 

The Global STEM Event Series reflects Wesco’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders by providing youth with unique, hands-on experiences and opening doors to a diverse array of career pathways within their local communities.

About Wesco Anixter

Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wesco is a FORTUNE 500® company with more than $22 billion in annual sales and a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions. Wesco offers a best-in-class product and services portfolio of Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. The Company employs approximately 20,000 people, partners with the industry’s premier suppliers, and serves thousands of customers around the world. With millions of products, end-to-end supply chain services, and leading digital capabilities, provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, contractors, government agencies, educational institutions, telecommunications providers, and utilities. Wesco operates nearly 800 branches, warehouses and sales offices in more than 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and global corporations.

About CFCCT

Chesterfield FC Community Trust delivers life-changing programmes that support health, education, and wellbeing for people of all ages. From toddlers to older adults, from grassroots football to mental health support, our work is shaped by local need and driven by impact. We use the power of the Chesterfield FC badge to connect with our communities, create opportunity, and deliver over £5 million in social value each year.

About NGCP

The National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) is a United States–based network that brings together a wide range of youth-serving STEM programs. We believe that STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills can be acquired by anyone and fostered in everyone. Our initiatives build confidence and cultivate a community of “lifelong STEM activators.” Through the power of collaboration, we spark curiosity and inspire a passion for STEM. NGCP also advances global participation through the Global Girls Collaborative, working to increase access and opportunities for youth in STEM worldwide. We provide resources that help organizations and girl-serving programs engage girls in STEM, strengthen partnerships, and improve evaluation and assessment practices.

PORTLAND, Ore., December 10, 2025 /3BL/ – The Global Electronics Council^® (GEC) today announced the launch of EPEAT^® 2.0, the next generation of the world’s leading ecolabel for sustainable electronics. Building on more than two decades of measurable impact, EPEAT 2.0 represents a major step forward to support the vast stakeholder community invested in responsible electronics, including significant updates to the underlying science-based criteria, reflecting today’s most urgent priorities.

Among other notable changes, EPEAT 2.0 now addresses not only the sustainability aspects of the products themselves, but also broader corporate commitments and value chain due diligence.

“EPEAT 2.0 represents the next evolution of leadership in responsible technology,” said Bob Mitchell, CEO of GEC. “By working together with a multi-stakeholder community, we’ve built on a solid foundation to create an innovative framework that accelerates measurable progress toward a more sustainable future. This system change dramatically widens EPEAT’s scope, impact and practical value for the organizations that rely on it every day.”

EPEAT 2.0 expands on the existing framework with a modular, harmonized approach that prioritizes impact. The updated criteria address sustainability consistently across product categories and focus on the most urgent environmental and social priorities, including:

• Climate: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain.
• Circularity: Accelerating design for reuse, repair and recycling while addressing packaging, water and waste.
• Chemicals of Concern: Eliminating toxic substances hazardous to human health and the environment.
• Responsible Supply Chains: Advancing fair labor practices, work health and safety, and responsible sourcing of materials.

EPEAT 2.0 has launched with registered products available from Dell Technologies, HP, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

“This update will make it easier for central procuring organizations like the Office of Government Procurement in Ireland to identify and source products that meet the sustainability goals of Irish Public Sector bodies,” said Fergal Ryan, Portfolio Manager ICT Procurement, Office of Government Procurement in Ireland.

Developed and operated by GEC, the EPEAT Program has long set the benchmark for environmental and social performance in electronics. In addition to the criteria updates, the transition to EPEAT 2.0 also includes a host of system updates to meet the needs of global purchasers, policy makers, and manufacturers committed to measurable sustainability outcomes, including an upgraded EPEAT registry and specific programs for retailers and supply chain partners.

EPEAT will enter a transition period during which products may be registered under both EPEAT 1.0 and EPEAT 2.0. Participating Manufacturers can continue registering new products to EPEAT 1.0 criteria until July 1, 2026. By July 1, 2027, all products listed on the EPEAT Registry will meet EPEAT 2.0 criteria, concluding the transition period.

Products registered under EPEAT 1.0 will remain visible on the EPEAT Registry throughout this period, ensuring uninterrupted access for purchasers and full transparency.

Developed through a balanced, multi-stakeholder consensus-based process, EPEAT 2.0 reflects the collaboration of manufacturers, scientists, sustainability advocates, government agencies, and institutional purchasers worldwide.

Visit epeat.net for more information on EPEAT 2.0 and to view registered products.

About the Global Electronics Council

The Global Electronics Council (GEC) envisions a world with only sustainable electronic technology that enhances the well-being of people and planet. Our mission is to accelerate the transformation of markets toward prioritizing the most sustainable electronic products and services.

As stewards of the EPEAT ecolabel, we set global standards for electronics that empower brands, their value chains and their buyers to achieve ambitious sustainability goals. Through our thought leadership, advocacy, and EPEAT ecolabel, GEC is helping to reshape the electronics industry into a driving force for environmental preservation and global well-being.

Our EPEAT Ecolabel

We are stewards of the EPEAT ecolabel, the definitive global standard to drive change across the technology sector from extraction to end of life. EPEAT enables manufacturers to follow strict third party verified standards while providing transparency for buyers.

Since its launch in 2006, procurement professionals have reported purchases of over 2.7 billion EPEAT products, generating cost savings exceeding 34 billion USD and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 341 million metric tonnes.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Erik Fessler 

Senior Manager, Global Communications 
+1.971.380.4088
efessler@gec.org

KeyBank has named Olivia Walters corporate responsibility officer for the Hudson Valley/Metro NY and Eastern Pennsylvania markets. In this position she will oversee KeyBank’s philanthropic budget and investment strategies to meet community needs, as well as create and maintain relationships with community-based nonprofit organizations. Walters also will oversee KeyBank’s Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) compliance goals throughout the region.

Previously, Walters served as director of programs at All Star Code, leading national community engagement strategies to close the digital divide and increase access to technology and leadership development for young men of color. She has also worked as vice president of programs for The Steinman Foundation.

“Olivia’s dedication to community and passion for driving measurable impact make her an ideal fit for this position,” said Mattie Jones Hollowell, regional corporate responsibility officer, KeyBank. “KeyBank is committed to responsible banking and investing in the communities we proudly call home. I am thrilled to have Olivia bring her significant expertise to lead and expand KeyBank’s community outreach efforts.”

An active member of her community, Walters serves on the board of CHI Saint Joseph Children’s Health, where she contributes to strategies that enhance health outcomes for children and families through community partnerships.

The PSEG Foundation was recently honored with the Spirit of Edison Corporate Community Leader Award from Thomas Edison State University, recognizing 30+ years of support for military and veteran students. 

The PSEG Foundation is proud to continue that support by helping increase scholarships and support new course development in nuclear energy engineering technology, assisting students transitioning into high-demand civilian careers. 

To all military and veteran students, thank you for your service.

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