Tag: 3BL

What happens when you combine the power of genomics with the dedication of citizen scientists at scale? You create powerful datasets to understand and improve the health of our world’s oceans. 

That’s exactly what Xavier Pochon from the Cawthron Institute and the Citizens of The Sea project aims to do – outfitting seafaring vessels across the South-West Pacific region with environmental DNA (eNDA) sample collection kits and pairing it with the sequencing expertise of Sequench laboratory in New Zealand.

See more of their work here.

We recognize the importance of the environment in creating a healthy, sustainable future for all. Learn more about Illumina’s environmental stewardship here.

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

Dru Christine Fabrics & Design is a one-stop shop for all things fashion in downtown Cleveland. Owned and operated by Andrea “Dru” Thompson, the shop is not only a broad variety clothing store, but also serves as a studio for adults and kids sewing classes, wig making, fashion design, and creative workshops.

Dru opened a personal account with U.S. Bank back in 2002, and through her friendship with Norlynn Story, U.S. Bank Business Access Advisor, she now does all her business banking with U.S. Bank as well. With Norlynn’s guidance, Dru recently participated in a financial literacy course that has already paid off with better financial results for her small business.

“Looking at a bank you think it’s this huge thing that’s not going to help this little small business,” said Thompson. “What Norlynn did made it feel like U.S. Bank does see me as a business owner. You know, I’m a small business owner, not a million-dollar business. But to me it’s a million dollars.”

To learn more about Dru Christine Fabrics & Design, check out the video above.

Covia continues to prioritize reducing the risk of exposure to respirable silica dust and related diseases, such as silicosis. Through a hands-on approach, Covia worked with plants to apply collective expertise and best practices for the protection of its employees, neighbors, and the environment. This included:

Working more closely with sites experiencing elevated silica exposure levels to develop advanced dust control measures;Establishing routine meetings with safety and health leaders to discuss specific risks and opportunities; andIncreasing communication across the organization, including a summary of activities and exposure levels.

Covia invested $2.0 million in projects focused on reducing dust exposure across its locations. Notably, the Wedron, Illinois, plant introduced several impactful tools and initiatives to improve dust mitigation in its silica operations. This included:

Stationing a wheel wash at the transition from unpaved to paved roadways to reduce mud, dust, and fugitive emissions;Installing concrete sand-storage bunkers at numerous locations at the facility to temporarily accumulate sands and reduce contamination;Replacing pavement with easier to clean surfaces across the site, and purchasing two street sweepers; andReplacing a water scrubber, used to control particulate emissions, with a more efficient and effective scrubber.

Covia’s Oregon, Illinois, plant also adopted an innovative update to the screen-change procedures to reduce dust exposure. By applying a small amount of Covia’s DST® Dust Suppression Technology on the site’s screening equipment (outside of the machines, screen decks, and screens) prior to maintenance, the plant achieved a 60% reduction in airborne respirable dust.

For more information about this and other corporate responsibility topics, visit our library of topic-specific summary documents.

Constructing New Wor(l)ds, our new podcast series on sustainable construction

Modern human activities are partly responsible for rising temperatures, carbon emissions, and declining biodiversity.

The construction industry is building and renovating more and more sustainably to deal with the climate crisis and scarcity of natural resources. With these innovative solutions and new construction methods, we have a whole new vocabulary that this podcast is going to decipher for you!

On this episode, learn about embodied emissions; carbon embedded in the materials used in the construction of a building. Today, new buildings are increasingly more energy-efficient, which means that the estimated share of embodied carbon throughout the building’s lifecycle are increasing.

Listen here: E…for Embodied Emissions, A Saint-Gobain Podcast

About Saint-Gobain

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group’s commitment is guided by its purpose, “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.

€47.9 billion in sales in 2023 
160,000 employees, locations in 76 countries 
Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050

KeyBank and the KeyBank Foundation announced an investment of $150,000 in Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County (HFHSJC) to help launch its new Homeownership Training Center and home office.

The vibrant new space, a renovated former medical building in Mishawaka, will be twice the size of HFHSJC’s current location and large enough to accommodate their organizational growth, allowing for more mission-driven services.

Over the next three years, the nonprofit is aiming to:

Welcome 3,0000 individuals into the new Homeownership Training Center to learn about their homeownership programming,Offer homeownership classes to approximately 95 families, presenting information on construction and home maintenance, budgeting, life insurance and estate planning, andUtilize the space to host informational sessions, celebrations and other events—partnering with local organizations with coinciding missions.

HFHSJC is also planning to address Black homeownership rates with its new Advancing Black Homeownership (ABH) initiative. The nonprofit is dedicating efforts to educate Northern Indiana community members of the history of discrimination as well as continued inequities in housing by creating additional home-build and roof repair/replacement opportunities specifically for Black homeowners.

By 2027, Habitat plans to build 30 homes for Black families of St. Joseph County by empowering an estimated 80 adults and children who would have otherwise been excluded from homeownership to have access to decent, stable, affordable housing.

“KeyBank’s purpose is to help the communities we serve thrive, and accessibility to homeownership resources is a crucial element,” said Bhumika Norris, Northern Indiana KeyBank Market President. “We are excited to partner with and support Habitat, helping to connect our community members to industry experts and resources in the homeownership arena. This partnership will not only strengthen our community, but it will lead to even greater stability and prosperity that our local families deserve.”

“KeyBank has been an engaged partner with Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County for years,” said Jim Williams, President and CEO of HFHSJC. “We so appreciate their commitment to help address the housing affordability crisis in our community and their investment in our new Home Ownership Training Center. The positive impact of the financial and home ownership education families will receive will be felt for years to come.”

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.

NEW YORK, September 5, 2024 /3BL/ – The names of the Top 20 Chief Sustainability Officers of North America have been revealed today, together with the names of the Grand Jury that will select the three winners of the Futur/io CSO Awards North America.

The winners will be announced during the CSO Awards gala ceremony in New York City on September 23, during the UN General Assembly and New York Climate Week.

The 20 CSO Awards Nominees are, in alphabetical order:

Alan B Horowitz – AramarkAlanna Boyd – Sun LifeAlison Taylor – Archer Daniels Midland CompanyAnn Tracy – Colgate-PalmoliveCassandra Garber – DellEllen Jackowski – MastercardEmilio Tenuta – EcolabEmma Stewart – NetflixJeannie Renne-Malone – VF CorporationKatharina Beumelburg – SLB Schlumberger LimitedMary de Wysocki – CiscoMeigan Terry – ScotiabankMelanie Nakagawa – MicrosoftMichael Kobori – StarbucksRenee Morin – EbayRobert Coviello – BungeSarah Chapman – ManulifeSophie Beckham – International PaperSuzanne Dibianca – SalesforceVictoria Emerick – Bristol Myers Squibb

The Grand Jury, who will choose the three winners among the 20 nominees, includes stellar names such as John Elkington, known as “the Godfather of Sustainability”, Sandrine Dixson-Declève, co-president of the Club of Rome, Vandinika Shukla, deputy director of Global Programs at the Obama Foundation, Livio Scalvini, co-founder and executive director of the Leonardo Centre on Business for Society at Imperial College London, and Niyanta Spelman, founder and CEO of Rainforest Partnership, among others.

The CSO Awards North America is an initiative of the Futur/io Institute, a pioneering organization dedicated to nurturing and inspiring leadership in sustainable innovation and building the most impactful network of CSOs globally. The European version of the CSO Awards takes place every year during the World Economic Forum week in Davos.

“The CSO Awards celebrates the people who are championing change within the corporate world,” says Harald Neidhardt, CEO & Curator of the Futur/io Institute. “I’m honored to announce the names of the 20 nominees to the CSO Awards, and also of the members of the Grand Jury, who will choose the winners. They are some of the most inspirational voices in sustainability, and the combination of such incredible and diverse experiences, backgrounds and points of view will certainly bring powerful insights, shining a light on the next wave of sustainability leaders within the corporate world.”

“The purpose of having a Jury in our CSO Awards is to integrate the human factor into the evaluation criteria for our CSO Awards can help to identify and promote CSOs who are not only effective sustainability leaders, but also empathetic, innovative, and capable of fostering positive change within their organisations and beyond.” added Harald Neidhardt.

In July, Futur/io published a list of the Top 100 CSOs of North America, which included sustainability leaders from a diverse range of industries, including retail, consumer brands, services and technology.

From an extensive database including all the major companies of the USA and Canada, the most relevant names were selected using a four-quadrant model criteria, developed by Futur/io and scientific partner the Leonardo Centre on Business for Society at Imperial College Business School, and supported by knowledge partners Denominator, specialized in human-centric data, and Rainforest Partnership, focused on biodiversity.

The four quadrant model takes into consideration the maturity of corporate behaviours, regulatory performance on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) criteria, environmental and human impact and also a self assessment survey.

Now, the members of the Grand Jury will add the human factor to the selection process, using their expertise to choose the three final winners, to be announced at a gala ceremony in New York City on September 23, during the UN General Assembly and Climate Week. The CSO Awards North America are supported by premium partners IntegrityNext and Celonis.

CSO Awards North America Grand Jury

John Elkington

Founder of Volans and chief pollinator. A true pioneer and foundational figure in the global sustainability movement, John brings over 50 years of experience as a strategic advisor to businesses across the world. 

Known as the creator of the “Triple Bottom Line” concept—People, Planet, and Profit—John’s visionary approach has become a fundamental part of business strategy worldwide. He has been at the forefront of movements such as the Global Reporting Initiative, Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes, and B Lab UK, and continues to guide sustainability conversations globally. 

John has addressed over 1,000 conferences around the world and was a faculty member of the World Economic Forum from 2002-2008. He is the author or co-author of 21 books including the best-selling Green Consumer Guide and the recently published “Tickling Sharks”.

Katja Iversen

CEO of the Museum for the United Nations – UN Live. Defined as an “agile extension of the United Nations”, the UN Live Museum is an unconventional, independent, borderless museum which, in collaboration with hundreds of partners across five continents, makes global problems tangible through cultural experiences and programmes. 

Katja’s extensive experience spans leadership roles in civil society and the United Nations, as well as training Fortune 500 executives in cross-cultural leadership. She has advised global leaders, including serving on Prime Minister Trudeau’s and President Macron’s G7 Gender Equality Councils and advising the World Economic Forum and MIT Solve Challenge. Katja has also worked closely with artists to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Holding a Master’s in Communications and a Leadership Degree from Columbia University, Katja was named Dane of the Year in 2018 and received a Woman of the Decade award in 2022. In 2022, she also earned an honorary doctorate for her significant contributions to cross-cultural connections.

Larry Adams

Founder of BLKFAM.tv, a TV platform dedicated to Black American family friendly content, with Hollywood Star Whoopi Goldberg as backer and investor. He also founded XStereotype, an award-winning inclusion OS aimed at analyzing and eliminating stereotypes and bias in marketing.

Larry’s impressive career includes key roles as SVP of digital strategy at AT&T and WarnerMedia, where he helped launch HBO Max and DIRECTV NOW. He also led marketing at Vimeo and served as a Senior Advisor for the Bloomberg 2020 presidential campaign.

Livio Scalvini 

Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Leonardo Centre on Business for Society at Imperial College London and leads the Sustainable Development Strategy of Imperial College Business School. 

With over 30 years of international experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, social impact, and venture capital, Livio’s expertise spans across diverse sectors including finance, sustainability, and education. His extensive background includes serving in C-level roles at financial institutions, advising start-ups, and co-founding the GOLDEN for Impact Foundation.

He has published books and articles on entrepreneurship, sustainability, business strategy, strategic planning, and risk management. He served as an advisor and investor in a wide range of start-ups and NGOs across Europe and Africa. Livio holds a Degree in Economics & Business Administration, MSc in Macroeconomics, and Executive Education in Exponential Technologies at Singularity University.

Niyanta Spelman

Founder and CEO of Rainforest Partnership, an international NGO that works to protect rainforests by empowering Indigenous and local communities on the front lines of deforestation. 

Under her leadership, the organization has safeguarded over 1 million acres of rainforest, making a significant impact on biodiversity and climate. With a background in environmental policy, Niyanta is a thought leader in global conservation efforts.

Niyanta has received numerous honors and awards, including The Women Of Change® Award at the Family Office Impact Summit, hosted by 5th Element Group PBC in the Delegates Dining Room at the United Nations in 2019, and the Profiles in Power award from the Austin Business Journal in 2020. She also spearheads the Rainforest Collective, convening leaders to drive action for forest protection.

Raj Joshi

Professor of Columbia University, founder of Bridging Ventures, and President & Executive Director of Project Regeneration. He served as the inaugural Associate Dean for Climate Action at Columbia Climate School, leading initiatives such as the Global Policy Impact Lab. 

Rajiv S. Joshi is an economist, community organizer, and entrepreneurial leader working at the intersection of environmental, social, and economic justice. Of Kenyan-Indian origin and born in Scotland, he has played a key role in global climate action, co-authoring the Decisive Decade Inquiry and supporting efforts to phase out fossil fuels, transform food systems, and advance climate finance.

Rajiv has advised world leaders, grassroots NGOs, and leading brands on systemic change. Rajiv co-founded Bridging Ventures, driving cross-sector collaborations to address global challenges. As the former Managing Director of The B Team, he worked with CEOs and activists to drive corporate accountability and climate action. Rajiv holds degrees from Strathclyde Business School and Columbia University.

Sandrine Dixson-Declève 

Co-President of the Club of Rome and Earth4All initiator. She chairs the European Commission’s Expert Group on Economic and Societal Impact of Research & Innovation (ESIR), and is involved in climate missions and advisory boards for organizations like BMW, UCB Climate KIC, and Imperial College London.

A TED global speaker and author, Sandrine’s recent publications like Earth4Alll aim to guide humanity towards a sustainable future. She was recognised most recently by Reuters as one of 25 global female trailblazers and by GreenBiz as one of the 30 most influential women across the globe driving change in the low carbon economy and promoting green business.

Vandinika Shukla

Deputy Director of Global Programs at the Obama Foundation.

With over a decade of experience at the crossroads of human rights, tech policy, and democracy, her journey includes shaping AI tools at MIT Media Lab, incubating the Practicing Democracy Project at Harvard Kennedy School, and crafting gender policies at the United Nations.

Vandinika’s commitment to social change is reflected in her work, her teaching, and her writing, which has been featured in major publications like The Boston Globe and Slate Magazine.

Chair of the Grand Jury: Harald Neidhardt

CEO and Curator of the Futur/io Institute, where he has grown an influential faculty and think tank of innovators, futurists and thought leaders – home to the co-creators of desirable, regenerative futures. He is the initiator of the Futur/io CSO Awards for sustainable leadership, and the host of the CSO Impact Podcast.

Harald is an advisor to the UNFCCC Resilient Frontiers initiative and an expert member of the World Economic Forum workgroup on digital platforms & ecosystems projects. He is a Singularity University alumnus and is a keynote speaker on sustainable innovation at many international conferences, including COP26, TEDx (Hongkong, Hamburg, Marrakesh), SXSW, SingularityU Summit (NL/USA/DE), Wired, Next, MWC/4YFN and is a speaker at corporate executive events.

He’s published five books, most recently “Leadership for Sustainable Futures”, “Moonshots for Europe”, and “Before this Decade is Out”.

Selection Criteria: the Four Quadrant Model 

1 – Science & Behaviour Based Maturity Index – Imperial College (External Research Based): 

The Leonardo Centre at Imperial College has created a comprehensive global dataset that analyses corporate sustainability behaviours, enabling a thorough assessment of the maturity levels of the top 100 companies. Utilising this dataset, the Impact Maturity Index ranks companies within various sectors and geographies, providing valuable insights into their sustainability performance.

2 – ESG Qualitative Rating (External Research Based): 

Using publicly available ESG Ratings, it was assessed which companies are exceeding regulatory requirements in their advancements on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria.

3 – Planet (Internal & External Research Based) & People (External Research Based):

Futur/io trained an AI tool to analyse 100 sustainability reports from the companies of the Top 100 shortlisted CSOs for the CSO Awards, extracting pertinent information on Greenhouse Gas emissions, Biodiversity measures, and Water usage. Additionally, research partner Rainforest Partnership carried out an in-depth analysis on biodiversity aspects of each company.

Finally, research partner Denominator created a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) matrix score and research partner Rainforest Partnership created a matrix score for rainforest impact to assess relevant data in these areas. After that, scores were assigned for these five impact areas (GHG, Biodiversity, Water, DEI and Rainforest Impact).

4 – Survey & Self-Assessment (Internal Research Based):

The Top 100 CSOs were invited to contribute to a Survey & Self-Assessment, based on external ESG Ratings and the Imperial College Maturity Index.

About Futur/io Institute

We believe in co-creating desirable futures where ideas and innovation drive a regenerative economy that benefits people and the planet within the planetary boundaries.

The Futur/io Institute is a pioneering organization to serve the most impactful network of Chief Sustainability Officers dedicated to transforming businesses to drive positive impact for people, planet and prosperity. We do this through publications, podcasts and convening at inspiring locations like Davos, Basel, Lisbon, Venice and New York.

With a mission to inspire ambition, action and cross-pollination to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the institute provides a platform for thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers to shape the futures of business and society.

Futur/io works with organizations like the UNFCCC or corporations in leadership training and curates Executive Programmes to inspire future leaders in sustainable innovation. Each year in Davos, the institute organizes executive receptions and recently debuted the annual CSO Awards to shine a light on the leadership role of Chief Sustainability Officers.

Futur/io is based in Hamburg and works as a think-tank with a selected international and diverse faculty of 100+ leaders in sustainability. The most recent book “Leadership for Sustainable Futures” was published in May 2024 with Murmann Publishers. CEO & curator Harald Neidhardt hosts the CSO Impact Podcast, which launched in June 2024.

futur.io

Additional Info

https://www.csoawards.org/north-america

Grand Jury: https://www.csoawards.org/north-america/2024/grand-jury

Top 20 List: https://www.csoawards.org/north-america/2024/top-20-csos

Selection Criteria: https://www.csoawards.org/north-america/2024/criteria

Media Contacts

Barbara Axt – Media Relations

barbara@futur.io

Luciana Prestes – Head of Marketing

luciana@futur.io

NEW YORK, September 5, 2024 /3BL/ – The names of the Top 20 Chief Sustainability Officers of North America have been revealed today, together with the names of the Grand Jury that will select the three winners of the Futur/io CSO Awards North America.

The winners will be announced during the CSO Awards gala ceremony in New York City on September 23, during the UN General Assembly and New York Climate Week.

The 20 CSO Awards Nominees are, in alphabetical order:

Alan B Horowitz – AramarkAlanna Boyd – Sun LifeAlison Taylor – Archer Daniels Midland CompanyAnn Tracy – Colgate-PalmoliveCassandra Garber – DellEllen Jackowski – MastercardEmilio Tenuta – EcolabEmma Stewart – NetflixJeannie Renne-Malone – VF CorporationKatharina Beumelburg – SLB Schlumberger LimitedMary de Wysocki – CiscoMeigan Terry – ScotiabankMelanie Nakagawa – MicrosoftMichael Kobori – StarbucksRenee Morin – EbayRobert Coviello – BungeSarah Chapman – ManulifeSophie Beckham – International PaperSuzanne Dibianca – SalesforceVictoria Emerick – Bristol Myers Squibb

The Grand Jury, who will choose the three winners among the 20 nominees, includes stellar names such as John Elkington, known as “the Godfather of Sustainability”, Sandrine Dixson-Declève, co-president of the Club of Rome, Vandinika Shukla, deputy director of Global Programs at the Obama Foundation, Livio Scalvini, co-founder and executive director of the Leonardo Centre on Business for Society at Imperial College London, and Niyanta Spelman, founder and CEO of Rainforest Partnership, among others.

The CSO Awards North America is an initiative of the Futur/io Institute, a pioneering organization dedicated to nurturing and inspiring leadership in sustainable innovation and building the most impactful network of CSOs globally. The European version of the CSO Awards takes place every year during the World Economic Forum week in Davos.

“The CSO Awards celebrates the people who are championing change within the corporate world,” says Harald Neidhardt, CEO & Curator of the Futur/io Institute. “I’m honored to announce the names of the 20 nominees to the CSO Awards, and also of the members of the Grand Jury, who will choose the winners. They are some of the most inspirational voices in sustainability, and the combination of such incredible and diverse experiences, backgrounds and points of view will certainly bring powerful insights, shining a light on the next wave of sustainability leaders within the corporate world.”

“The purpose of having a Jury in our CSO Awards is to integrate the human factor into the evaluation criteria for our CSO Awards can help to identify and promote CSOs who are not only effective sustainability leaders, but also empathetic, innovative, and capable of fostering positive change within their organisations and beyond.” added Harald Neidhardt.

In July, Futur/io published a list of the Top 100 CSOs of North America, which included sustainability leaders from a diverse range of industries, including retail, consumer brands, services and technology.

From an extensive database including all the major companies of the USA and Canada, the most relevant names were selected using a four-quadrant model criteria, developed by Futur/io and scientific partner the Leonardo Centre on Business for Society at Imperial College Business School, and supported by knowledge partners Denominator, specialized in human-centric data, and Rainforest Partnership, focused on biodiversity.

The four quadrant model takes into consideration the maturity of corporate behaviours, regulatory performance on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) criteria, environmental and human impact and also a self assessment survey.

Now, the members of the Grand Jury will add the human factor to the selection process, using their expertise to choose the three final winners, to be announced at a gala ceremony in New York City on September 23, during the UN General Assembly and Climate Week. The CSO Awards North America are supported by premium partners IntegrityNext and Celonis.

CSO Awards North America Grand Jury

John Elkington

Founder of Volans and chief pollinator. A true pioneer and foundational figure in the global sustainability movement, John brings over 50 years of experience as a strategic advisor to businesses across the world. 

Known as the creator of the “Triple Bottom Line” concept—People, Planet, and Profit—John’s visionary approach has become a fundamental part of business strategy worldwide. He has been at the forefront of movements such as the Global Reporting Initiative, Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes, and B Lab UK, and continues to guide sustainability conversations globally. 

John has addressed over 1,000 conferences around the world and was a faculty member of the World Economic Forum from 2002-2008. He is the author or co-author of 21 books including the best-selling Green Consumer Guide and the recently published “Tickling Sharks”.

Katja Iversen

CEO of the Museum for the United Nations – UN Live. Defined as an “agile extension of the United Nations”, the UN Live Museum is an unconventional, independent, borderless museum which, in collaboration with hundreds of partners across five continents, makes global problems tangible through cultural experiences and programmes. 

Katja’s extensive experience spans leadership roles in civil society and the United Nations, as well as training Fortune 500 executives in cross-cultural leadership. She has advised global leaders, including serving on Prime Minister Trudeau’s and President Macron’s G7 Gender Equality Councils and advising the World Economic Forum and MIT Solve Challenge. Katja has also worked closely with artists to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Holding a Master’s in Communications and a Leadership Degree from Columbia University, Katja was named Dane of the Year in 2018 and received a Woman of the Decade award in 2022. In 2022, she also earned an honorary doctorate for her significant contributions to cross-cultural connections.

Larry Adams

Founder of BLKFAM.tv, a TV platform dedicated to Black American family friendly content, with Hollywood Star Whoopi Goldberg as backer and investor. He also founded XStereotype, an award-winning inclusion OS aimed at analyzing and eliminating stereotypes and bias in marketing.

Larry’s impressive career includes key roles as SVP of digital strategy at AT&T and WarnerMedia, where he helped launch HBO Max and DIRECTV NOW. He also led marketing at Vimeo and served as a Senior Advisor for the Bloomberg 2020 presidential campaign.

Livio Scalvini 

Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Leonardo Centre on Business for Society at Imperial College London and leads the Sustainable Development Strategy of Imperial College Business School. 

With over 30 years of international experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, social impact, and venture capital, Livio’s expertise spans across diverse sectors including finance, sustainability, and education. His extensive background includes serving in C-level roles at financial institutions, advising start-ups, and co-founding the GOLDEN for Impact Foundation.

He has published books and articles on entrepreneurship, sustainability, business strategy, strategic planning, and risk management. He served as an advisor and investor in a wide range of start-ups and NGOs across Europe and Africa. Livio holds a Degree in Economics & Business Administration, MSc in Macroeconomics, and Executive Education in Exponential Technologies at Singularity University.

Niyanta Spelman

Founder and CEO of Rainforest Partnership, an international NGO that works to protect rainforests by empowering Indigenous and local communities on the front lines of deforestation. 

Under her leadership, the organization has safeguarded over 1 million acres of rainforest, making a significant impact on biodiversity and climate. With a background in environmental policy, Niyanta is a thought leader in global conservation efforts.

Niyanta has received numerous honors and awards, including The Women Of Change® Award at the Family Office Impact Summit, hosted by 5th Element Group PBC in the Delegates Dining Room at the United Nations in 2019, and the Profiles in Power award from the Austin Business Journal in 2020. She also spearheads the Rainforest Collective, convening leaders to drive action for forest protection.

Raj Joshi

Professor of Columbia University, founder of Bridging Ventures, and President & Executive Director of Project Regeneration. He served as the inaugural Associate Dean for Climate Action at Columbia Climate School, leading initiatives such as the Global Policy Impact Lab. 

Rajiv S. Joshi is an economist, community organizer, and entrepreneurial leader working at the intersection of environmental, social, and economic justice. Of Kenyan-Indian origin and born in Scotland, he has played a key role in global climate action, co-authoring the Decisive Decade Inquiry and supporting efforts to phase out fossil fuels, transform food systems, and advance climate finance.

Rajiv has advised world leaders, grassroots NGOs, and leading brands on systemic change. Rajiv co-founded Bridging Ventures, driving cross-sector collaborations to address global challenges. As the former Managing Director of The B Team, he worked with CEOs and activists to drive corporate accountability and climate action. Rajiv holds degrees from Strathclyde Business School and Columbia University.

Sandrine Dixson-Declève 

Co-President of the Club of Rome and Earth4All initiator. She chairs the European Commission’s Expert Group on Economic and Societal Impact of Research & Innovation (ESIR), and is involved in climate missions and advisory boards for organizations like BMW, UCB Climate KIC, and Imperial College London.

A TED global speaker and author, Sandrine’s recent publications like Earth4Alll aim to guide humanity towards a sustainable future. She was recognised most recently by Reuters as one of 25 global female trailblazers and by GreenBiz as one of the 30 most influential women across the globe driving change in the low carbon economy and promoting green business.

Vandinika Shukla

Deputy Director of Global Programs at the Obama Foundation.

With over a decade of experience at the crossroads of human rights, tech policy, and democracy, her journey includes shaping AI tools at MIT Media Lab, incubating the Practicing Democracy Project at Harvard Kennedy School, and crafting gender policies at the United Nations.

Vandinika’s commitment to social change is reflected in her work, her teaching, and her writing, which has been featured in major publications like The Boston Globe and Slate Magazine.

Chair of the Grand Jury: Harald Neidhardt

CEO and Curator of the Futur/io Institute, where he has grown an influential faculty and think tank of innovators, futurists and thought leaders – home to the co-creators of desirable, regenerative futures. He is the initiator of the Futur/io CSO Awards for sustainable leadership, and the host of the CSO Impact Podcast.

Harald is an advisor to the UNFCCC Resilient Frontiers initiative and an expert member of the World Economic Forum workgroup on digital platforms & ecosystems projects. He is a Singularity University alumnus and is a keynote speaker on sustainable innovation at many international conferences, including COP26, TEDx (Hongkong, Hamburg, Marrakesh), SXSW, SingularityU Summit (NL/USA/DE), Wired, Next, MWC/4YFN and is a speaker at corporate executive events.

He’s published five books, most recently “Leadership for Sustainable Futures”, “Moonshots for Europe”, and “Before this Decade is Out”.

Selection Criteria: the Four Quadrant Model 

1 – Science & Behaviour Based Maturity Index – Imperial College (External Research Based): 

The Leonardo Centre at Imperial College has created a comprehensive global dataset that analyses corporate sustainability behaviours, enabling a thorough assessment of the maturity levels of the top 100 companies. Utilising this dataset, the Impact Maturity Index ranks companies within various sectors and geographies, providing valuable insights into their sustainability performance.

2 – ESG Qualitative Rating (External Research Based): 

Using publicly available ESG Ratings, it was assessed which companies are exceeding regulatory requirements in their advancements on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria.

3 – Planet (Internal & External Research Based) & People (External Research Based):

Futur/io trained an AI tool to analyse 100 sustainability reports from the companies of the Top 100 shortlisted CSOs for the CSO Awards, extracting pertinent information on Greenhouse Gas emissions, Biodiversity measures, and Water usage. Additionally, research partner Rainforest Partnership carried out an in-depth analysis on biodiversity aspects of each company.

Finally, research partner Denominator created a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) matrix score and research partner Rainforest Partnership created a matrix score for rainforest impact to assess relevant data in these areas. After that, scores were assigned for these five impact areas (GHG, Biodiversity, Water, DEI and Rainforest Impact).

4 – Survey & Self-Assessment (Internal Research Based):

The Top 100 CSOs were invited to contribute to a Survey & Self-Assessment, based on external ESG Ratings and the Imperial College Maturity Index.

About Futur/io Institute

We believe in co-creating desirable futures where ideas and innovation drive a regenerative economy that benefits people and the planet within the planetary boundaries.

The Futur/io Institute is a pioneering organization to serve the most impactful network of Chief Sustainability Officers dedicated to transforming businesses to drive positive impact for people, planet and prosperity. We do this through publications, podcasts and convening at inspiring locations like Davos, Basel, Lisbon, Venice and New York.

With a mission to inspire ambition, action and cross-pollination to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the institute provides a platform for thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers to shape the futures of business and society.

Futur/io works with organizations like the UNFCCC or corporations in leadership training and curates Executive Programmes to inspire future leaders in sustainable innovation. Each year in Davos, the institute organizes executive receptions and recently debuted the annual CSO Awards to shine a light on the leadership role of Chief Sustainability Officers.

Futur/io is based in Hamburg and works as a think-tank with a selected international and diverse faculty of 100+ leaders in sustainability. The most recent book “Leadership for Sustainable Futures” was published in May 2024 with Murmann Publishers. CEO & curator Harald Neidhardt hosts the CSO Impact Podcast, which launched in June 2024.

futur.io

Additional Info

https://www.csoawards.org/north-america

Grand Jury: https://www.csoawards.org/north-america/2024/grand-jury

Top 20 List: https://www.csoawards.org/north-america/2024/top-20-csos

Selection Criteria: https://www.csoawards.org/north-america/2024/criteria

Media Contacts

Barbara Axt – Media Relations

barbara@futur.io

Luciana Prestes – Head of Marketing

luciana@futur.io

By Nicole Burford, Clean Energy Credit Union

As the impacts of climate change become more evident, the urgency to transition away from fossil fuels is clear. Investing in renewable energy is crucial for the future of our planet, yet it remains a challenge for many. Clean Energy Credit Union is poised to change that narrative. Our not-for-profit model focuses on making clean energy affordable and accessible to a wide range of people across the country by providing an attainable entry point for individuals to invest in the clean energy movement with a low minimum deposit. This innovative approach advances sustainability and democratizes access to renewable energy investing.

Our Bold Mission — At the heart of Clean Energy CU lies the vision to create a world where everyone can participate in the clean energy movement. We are making this vision a reality by:

Making it easier for everyone to afford clean energy and energy saving products and services by offering clean energy loans with amazing terms.Making it easier for everyone to invest in the clean energy movement by offering federally insured checking accounts, savings accounts, and clean energy CDs whereby the deposits are solely used to help others pursue their clean energy and energy saving projects.

Clean Energy CU operates as a not-for-profit financial institution, enabling us to prioritize the needs of members. This unique structure allows the credit union to offer competitive interest rates on clean energy loans, high dividends on share accounts including 3.5% interest on rewards checking, and minimal fees.

The credit union’s mission isn’t just about dollars and cents — it’s a commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and a sustainable financial future. 

Read Nicole’s full article here – https://greenmoney.com/powering-a-sustainable-future-with-clean-energy-credit-union

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By Nicole Burford, Clean Energy Credit Union

As the impacts of climate change become more evident, the urgency to transition away from fossil fuels is clear. Investing in renewable energy is crucial for the future of our planet, yet it remains a challenge for many. Clean Energy Credit Union is poised to change that narrative. Our not-for-profit model focuses on making clean energy affordable and accessible to a wide range of people across the country by providing an attainable entry point for individuals to invest in the clean energy movement with a low minimum deposit. This innovative approach advances sustainability and democratizes access to renewable energy investing.

Our Bold Mission — At the heart of Clean Energy CU lies the vision to create a world where everyone can participate in the clean energy movement. We are making this vision a reality by:

Making it easier for everyone to afford clean energy and energy saving products and services by offering clean energy loans with amazing terms.Making it easier for everyone to invest in the clean energy movement by offering federally insured checking accounts, savings accounts, and clean energy CDs whereby the deposits are solely used to help others pursue their clean energy and energy saving projects.

Clean Energy CU operates as a not-for-profit financial institution, enabling us to prioritize the needs of members. This unique structure allows the credit union to offer competitive interest rates on clean energy loans, high dividends on share accounts including 3.5% interest on rewards checking, and minimal fees.

The credit union’s mission isn’t just about dollars and cents — it’s a commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and a sustainable financial future. 

Read Nicole’s full article here – https://greenmoney.com/powering-a-sustainable-future-with-clean-energy-credit-union

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LINCOLN, Neb., September 5, 2024 /3BL/ – The Arbor Day Foundation subawards $4.7 million in urban forestry grants to 18 community-based nonprofits in partnership with the USDA Forest Service. The Foundation’s Community Roots Program, a grant opportunity established with Inflation Reduction Act funds, saw great demand in its first phase with more than 230 applicants.

The grants awarded will be used to plant trees, grow green spaces, and foster environmental justice in disadvantaged communities of greatest need, as defined by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool. Proposed projects range in focus from addressing the urban heat island effect, to natural disaster recovery, to establishing food forests. A full list of the community-based nonprofit subawardees is below.

“Trees are a critical part of building healthy and resilient cities. The overwhelming response to our Community Roots Program underscores the immense need for continued investment in urban and community forestry,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “We’re confident these local organizations will leverage this funding to maximize the positive impact trees can have in the neighborhoods that need it most.”

The USDA Forest Service awarded the Arbor Day Foundation a $50 million Inflation Reduction Act grant in 2023. The nonprofit has already subawarded $27 million of the funding to municipalities in 14 states.

The same grant helped the Arbor Day Foundation create the Community Roots Program. The program’s first phase subawarded funding to community-based nonprofits. The second phase will subaward $8 million to Tribes and Tribal organizations across the country. The application portal for this second phase of funding will remain open through September 30 and can be accessed here.

 

COMMUNITY ROOTS PROGRAM FUNDING RECIPIENTS

 AwardeeProject NameArea of FocusAlief Super Neighborhood CouncilAlief Arbor InitiativeAlief, TXAlliance for Cape Fear TreesCapacity Building to Improve the Canopy Through Integrated Tree Care and Community OutreachWilmington, NCBeyond Housing24:1 Tree Canopy RestorationSt. Louis, MODenver Urban GardensDig Deeper Initiative: Food ForestsDenver, COForest ReLeaf of MissouriCommuniTree Program ExpansionKansas City & St. Louis, MO, and communities across MissouriFriends of Bellefontaine CemeteryEnhancing Community and Ecological Health through Tree ManagementSt. Louis, MOFriends of the RappahannockExpanding Urban and Community Forestry Opportunities in the Rappahannock and York River WatershedVarious communities in VirginiaFriends of the Urban ForestAdopt-A-Yard-TreeSan Francisco, CAMississippi Children’s Museum-MeridianDeep Roots Urban Pocket ParkMeridian, MSNewport Tree ConservancyIncreasing Tree Canopy and Environmental Stewardship in NewportNewport, RIOregon Urban Rural and Community ForestryRogue Valley’s Treesilience: Transforming Urban Canopies TogetherJackson County, ORRoytens Enrichment Academy Community Hope (REACH)TreeVitalize: Sowing Community Roots TogetherCalifornia City, CASacramento Tree FoundationCommunity Forests and EducationSacramento, CAServe Ethiopians WashingtonSouth King County Tree CaptainsSeattle, WASpeak for the TreesNeighborWoodsBoston, MASustaining Our Urban Landscape (SOUL)Reforesting New Orleans’ Lower 9th WardNew Orleans, LATree TrustCooling Northern Dakota CountyMinneapolis-Saint Paul, MNReTreeUsGrowing Roots of Environmental Justice through School and Community Orchard Capacity BuildingVarious communities across Maine and New Hampshire

About the Arbor Day Foundation

Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation is the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees. Together with our partners, we have helped plant more than 500 million trees in neighborhoods, communities, cities and forests throughout the world. Our vision is to lead toward a world where trees are used to solve issues critical to survival. Through our members, partners and programs, the Arbor Day Foundation inspires people across the globe to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information is available at arborday.org.

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