Tag: PR Newswire

HONG KONG, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Envision Energy, a global leader in green technology, announced the successful closing of a USD 600 million equivalent 1+2 year sustainability-linked syndicated term loan in Hong Kong. This marks the company’s largest non-project syndicated loan in the international offshore credit market through a broadly distributed public syndication, attracting strong participation from leading global financial institutions. The transaction represents a significant milestone in Envision’s continued expansion of diversified international financing channels and demonstrates strong confidence in its solid credit profile and long-term sustainability strategy.

The loan is jointly lead-arranged by Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank as Sustainability Structuring Coordinators, Mandated Lead Arrangers, Bookrunners and Underwriters with a consortium of banks from various jurisdictions including Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Middle East and China. The transaction receives an overwhelming response from the banking community with over-subscription, and is upsized to USD 600 million equivalent from the initial amount of USD 500 million equivalent with 13 banks participating in the final syndication and an additional USD 100 million greenshoe option.

The transaction is arranged as a sustainability-linked loan (SLL). Its structure is contingent on the achievement of Sustainability Performance Targets, including Scope 3 GHG emission intensity and annual wind turbine installed capacity. The framework complies with the Loan Market Association / Asia Pacific Loan Market Association / Loan Syndications and Trading Association (“LMA/APLMA/LSTA”) Sustainability-Linked Loan Principles (“SLLP”) and has been independently verified by DNV Business Assurance Limited.

“This transaction demonstrates the strong confidence of leading global financial institutions in Envision Energy’s credit profile, business model, and sustainability leadership.” said Joseph Ma, Co-CFO of Envision Energy, “We are delighted to partner with a distinguished group of financial institutions that share our vision of accelerating the global energy transition. This financing enhances our flexibility to scale our innovations in renewable energy systems, energy storage, and green hydrogen while reinforcing our commitment to measurable sustainability performance. As we continue pioneering Physical AI to build the future energy system, we remain dedicated to building a secure, intelligent, and sustainable energy future, and to creating long-term value for our customers, partners, and society.”

“This transaction reflects the mutual trust we have built with Envision Energy over time, as well as our commitment to supporting our clients at every stage of their growth, particularly in their international expansion and sustainable transformation,”said Jorge González Jacob, Head of Corporate Lending of BBVA.”Envision’s resilient business model and measurable sustainability targets align closely with our financing priorities, strengthening our support for its long-term international expansion. We are proud to leverage BBVA’s global distribution platform and sustainable finance expertise to back business models that are accelerating the energy transition in dynamic markets such as Asia.”

Quentin Galmiche, Head of Corporate & Leveraged Finance, Asia Pacific from Credit Agricole CIB said: “The success of this landmark transaction in China’s wind power sector demonstrates Envision Energy’s position as a global leader in renewable energy. Its commitment to sustainable development, and its flexible international and diversified financial strategy impressed numerous banks, and generated strong market response, fully reflecting the confidence in Envision Energy’s strategic vision.  As one of the global leaders in renewable energy financing, Crédit Agricole CIB has witnessed Envision Energy’s rapid growth and is honored to be appointed to set this benchmark for Envision Energy’s continued growth in the offshore credit market and its expanding international presence.” 

Envision’s strong ESG performance provided a solid foundation for this collaboration. In 2025, the company achieved operational carbon neutrality for the fourth consecutive year and maintained 100% renewable electricity usage for the second consecutive year, fulfilling its RE100 commitment ahead of schedule. It was named to S&P Global Commodity Insights’ inaugural 2025 Tier 1 Cleantech Companies list for both Wind and Energy Storage, highlighting its financial credibility, technological maturity, and operational excellence. As a pioneer in net zero transition, Envision Energy has also earned the EcoVadis Gold Medal and CDP A rating for climate change for two consecutive years.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/envision-energy-completes-largest-non-project-offshore-syndicated-financing-with-usd-600-million-sustainability-linked-loan-302706578.html

SOURCE Envision Energy

SAN FRANCISCO, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TeraWatt Technology Inc. (Headquartered in California, USA) is pleased to announce that Mr. Douglas McW Duncan has joined the company as Director of International Business Development, responsible for overseeing the United States, Europe, and Asia (excluding Japan). As demand for lightweight, high-power, and safe battery solutions continues to grow across global markets, Mr. Duncan brings extensive experience in international business development and partnership building across more than 13 countries, with a proven track record in commercializing custom lithium-ion battery solutions for industrial, mobility, and stationary applications.

Most recently at Durapower Holdings, Mr. Duncan led international business development and strategic planning, driving APAC expansion, securing port electrification battery system contracts, defining go-to-market strategies for EVs, marine, stationary ESS, and charging infrastructure, and launching a 1GWh battery assembly joint venture in Thailand. Prior roles at Diebold Nixdorf, Wayne Fueling Systems, and Cobasys further honed his expertise in energy, retail infrastructure, and energy storage business development.

At TeraWatt, Mr. Duncan will leverage his global execution track record, OEM and strategic partner network, and multi-region market entry experience to accelerate customer development, partnerships, and business expansion in international markets.

Mr. Duncan commented: 

“I am thrilled to be joining TeraWatt Technology at such an exciting time. The company has built a compelling technology and manufacturing platform in next-generation lithium-ion batteries, and I see tremendous opportunity to bring these solutions to industrial and mobility markets around the world.”

TeraWatt Technology founder CEO Ken Ogata, Ph.D. commented:

“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Duncan as our international business development director. Mr. Duncan’s deep knowledge of the battery and industrial sectors,combined with a proven track record in international business development, will significantly accelerate TeraWatt’s global growth.”

About TeraWatt Technology Inc.
TeraWatt Technology Inc. is a California-based company that produces lightweight, high-power, and safe next-generation lithium-ion batteries.

Company Overview
Name: TeraWatt Technology Inc.
Representative: Co-founder and CEO Ken Ogata
Headquarters: 28 Geary St, Suite 650, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States
Founded: January 2020
Established: December 2019
URL: https://www.terawatt-technology.com/

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/terawatt-technology-appoints-douglas-duncan-as-director-of-international-business-development-to-accelerate-global-expansion-302705291.html

SOURCE TeraWatt Technology Inc.

NEW YORK, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026, stock exchanges around the world will once again take part in the 12th annual Ring the Bell for Gender Equality campaign, jointly organised by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), UN Global Compact, UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) Initiative, UN Women, and the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE).

Under this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” the campaign calls on capital markets to strengthen transparency, accountability and incentives that support women’s rights and economic empowerment, ensuring markets work for women and girls everywhere.

Over 110 stock exchanges around the globe will host bell-ringing ceremonies and related activities that draw attention to the critical role the private sector plays in advancing gender equality and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These events provide an opportunity for collective action across markets, with participating exchanges invited to consider concrete measures to continue promoting equality between women and men and women’s economic participation. Find a list of all participating exchanges here.

The initiative also highlights the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), a set of global best practices developed by UN Women and the UN Global Compact to help businesses advance gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community. Building on this framework, the UN SSE, UN Women, and the IFC recently published a WEPs-based analysis of gender equality disclosure metrics, underscoring the need for greater transparency and standardisation of sex-disaggregated information to support the rights of women and girls.

About Ring the Bell for Gender Equality

Launched in 2015 by the UN Global Compact, UN SSE and UN Women, the Ring the Bell for Gender Equality campaign has grown from a small number of participating stock exchanges to a global series of coordinated events uniting exchanges with investors, regulators, issuers and civil society. Since 2016, the initiative has been expanded to include the IFC and the World Federation of Exchanges among its organising partners.

Together, these global partners aim to raise awareness of the pivotal role that financial markets and the broader private sector play in driving equality of women and men —encouraging exchanges and companies to implement practices that improve women’s access to finance, participation in leadership, and economic opportunity.

About our Partner Organizations

International Finance Corporation (IFC)

IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.1 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org. Follow us on our social media platforms: www.ifc.org/SocialMediaIndex. 

The Sustainable Stock Exchanges initiative

The SSE initiative is a UN Partnership Programme organised by UNCTAD, the UN Global Compact, UNEP FI and the PRI. The SSE’s mission is to provide a global platform for exploring how exchanges, in collaboration with investors, companies (issuers), regulators, policymakers and relevant international organizations, can enhance performance on ESG (environmental, social and corporate governance) issues and encourage sustainable investment, including the financing of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The SSE seeks to achieve this mission through an integrated programme of conducting evidence-based policy analysis, facilitating a network and forum for multi-stakeholder consensus-building, and providing technical assistance and advisory services. To learn more about becoming a Partner Stock Exchange or participating as a regulator or investor, visit sseinitiative.org. Follow us on LinkedIn. 

United Nations Global Compact

The ambition of the UN Global Compact is to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of business by upholding the Ten Principles and delivering the SDGs through accountable companies and ecosystems that enable change. With more than 20,000 participating companies, 5 Regional Hubs, 66 Country Networks covering 85 countries and 9 Country Managers establishing Networks in 16 other countries, the UN Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative — one Global Compact uniting business for a better world. For more information, follow @globalcompact on social media and visit our website at unglobalcompact.org.

United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)

UN Women is the UN organization dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. A global champion for women and girls, UN Women was established to accelerate progress on meeting their needs worldwide. UN Women supports UN Member States as they set global standards for achieving gender equality and works with governments and civil society to design laws, policies, programmes and services needed to ensure that the standards are effectively implemented and truly benefit women and girls worldwide. It works globally to make the vision of the Sustainable Development Goals a reality for women and girls and stands behind women’s equal participation in all aspects of life. In collaboration with the UN Global Compact, UN Women engages the private sector through the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) — a global framework and engagement platform to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community. As of 2025, WEPs has attracted over 10.000 CEOs and their companies in 190 countries to accelerate this agenda. UN Women also coordinates and promotes the UN system’s work in advancing gender equality. Learn more at: www.unwomen.org and www.weps.org Follow us on Twitter @UN_Women, @WEPrinciples and on LinkedIn: UN Women, WEPs.

About the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE):

Established in 1961, the WFE is the global industry association for exchanges and clearing houses. Headquartered in London, it represents over 250 market infrastructure providers, including standalone CCPs that are not part of exchange groups. Of our members, 37% are in Asia-Pacific, 44% in EMEA and 19% in the Americas. WFE’s 87 member CCPs and clearing services collectively ensure that risk takers post some $1.3 trillion (equivalent) of resources to back their positions, in the form of initial margin and default fund requirements. WFE exchanges, together with other exchanges feeding into our database, are home to over 51,000 listed companies, and the market capitalisation of these entities is over $110 trillion; around $140 trillion (EOB) in trading annually passes through WFE members (at end 2024).

The WFE is the definitive source for exchange-traded statistics and publishes over 350 market data indicators. Its free statistics database stretches back 49 years and provides information and insight into developments on global exchanges. The WFE works with standard-setters, policy makers, regulators and government organisations around the world to support and promote the development of fair, transparent, stable and efficient markets. The WFE shares regulatory authorities’ goals of ensuring the safety and soundness of the global financial system.

With extensive experience of developing and enforcing high standards of conduct, the WFE and its members support an orderly, secure, fair and transparent environment for investors; for companies that raise capital; and for all who deal with financial risk. We seek outcomes that maximise the common good, consumer confidence and economic growth. And we engage with policy makers and regulators in an open, collaborative way, reflecting the central, public role that exchanges and CCPs play in a globally integrated financial system. Website: www.world-exchanges.org.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/over-110-exchanges-unite-for-this-years-ring-the-bell-for-gender-equality-302706200.html

SOURCE United Nations Global Compact

NEW YORK, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026, stock exchanges around the world will once again take part in the 12th annual Ring the Bell for Gender Equality campaign, jointly organised by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), UN Global Compact, UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) Initiative, UN Women, and the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE).

Under this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” the campaign calls on capital markets to strengthen transparency, accountability and incentives that support women’s rights and economic empowerment, ensuring markets work for women and girls everywhere.

Over 110 stock exchanges around the globe will host bell-ringing ceremonies and related activities that draw attention to the critical role the private sector plays in advancing gender equality and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These events provide an opportunity for collective action across markets, with participating exchanges invited to consider concrete measures to continue promoting equality between women and men and women’s economic participation. Find a list of all participating exchanges here.

The initiative also highlights the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), a set of global best practices developed by UN Women and the UN Global Compact to help businesses advance gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community. Building on this framework, the UN SSE, UN Women, and the IFC recently published a WEPs-based analysis of gender equality disclosure metrics, underscoring the need for greater transparency and standardisation of sex-disaggregated information to support the rights of women and girls.

About Ring the Bell for Gender Equality

Launched in 2015 by the UN Global Compact, UN SSE and UN Women, the Ring the Bell for Gender Equality campaign has grown from a small number of participating stock exchanges to a global series of coordinated events uniting exchanges with investors, regulators, issuers and civil society. Since 2016, the initiative has been expanded to include the IFC and the World Federation of Exchanges among its organising partners.

Together, these global partners aim to raise awareness of the pivotal role that financial markets and the broader private sector play in driving equality of women and men —encouraging exchanges and companies to implement practices that improve women’s access to finance, participation in leadership, and economic opportunity.

About our Partner Organizations

International Finance Corporation (IFC)

IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.1 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org. Follow us on our social media platforms: www.ifc.org/SocialMediaIndex. 

The Sustainable Stock Exchanges initiative

The SSE initiative is a UN Partnership Programme organised by UNCTAD, the UN Global Compact, UNEP FI and the PRI. The SSE’s mission is to provide a global platform for exploring how exchanges, in collaboration with investors, companies (issuers), regulators, policymakers and relevant international organizations, can enhance performance on ESG (environmental, social and corporate governance) issues and encourage sustainable investment, including the financing of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The SSE seeks to achieve this mission through an integrated programme of conducting evidence-based policy analysis, facilitating a network and forum for multi-stakeholder consensus-building, and providing technical assistance and advisory services. To learn more about becoming a Partner Stock Exchange or participating as a regulator or investor, visit sseinitiative.org. Follow us on LinkedIn. 

United Nations Global Compact

The ambition of the UN Global Compact is to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of business by upholding the Ten Principles and delivering the SDGs through accountable companies and ecosystems that enable change. With more than 20,000 participating companies, 5 Regional Hubs, 66 Country Networks covering 85 countries and 9 Country Managers establishing Networks in 16 other countries, the UN Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative — one Global Compact uniting business for a better world. For more information, follow @globalcompact on social media and visit our website at unglobalcompact.org.

United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)

UN Women is the UN organization dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. A global champion for women and girls, UN Women was established to accelerate progress on meeting their needs worldwide. UN Women supports UN Member States as they set global standards for achieving gender equality and works with governments and civil society to design laws, policies, programmes and services needed to ensure that the standards are effectively implemented and truly benefit women and girls worldwide. It works globally to make the vision of the Sustainable Development Goals a reality for women and girls and stands behind women’s equal participation in all aspects of life. In collaboration with the UN Global Compact, UN Women engages the private sector through the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) — a global framework and engagement platform to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community. As of 2025, WEPs has attracted over 10.000 CEOs and their companies in 190 countries to accelerate this agenda. UN Women also coordinates and promotes the UN system’s work in advancing gender equality. Learn more at: www.unwomen.org and www.weps.org Follow us on Twitter @UN_Women, @WEPrinciples and on LinkedIn: UN Women, WEPs.

About the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE):

Established in 1961, the WFE is the global industry association for exchanges and clearing houses. Headquartered in London, it represents over 250 market infrastructure providers, including standalone CCPs that are not part of exchange groups. Of our members, 37% are in Asia-Pacific, 44% in EMEA and 19% in the Americas. WFE’s 87 member CCPs and clearing services collectively ensure that risk takers post some $1.3 trillion (equivalent) of resources to back their positions, in the form of initial margin and default fund requirements. WFE exchanges, together with other exchanges feeding into our database, are home to over 51,000 listed companies, and the market capitalisation of these entities is over $110 trillion; around $140 trillion (EOB) in trading annually passes through WFE members (at end 2024).

The WFE is the definitive source for exchange-traded statistics and publishes over 350 market data indicators. Its free statistics database stretches back 49 years and provides information and insight into developments on global exchanges. The WFE works with standard-setters, policy makers, regulators and government organisations around the world to support and promote the development of fair, transparent, stable and efficient markets. The WFE shares regulatory authorities’ goals of ensuring the safety and soundness of the global financial system.

With extensive experience of developing and enforcing high standards of conduct, the WFE and its members support an orderly, secure, fair and transparent environment for investors; for companies that raise capital; and for all who deal with financial risk. We seek outcomes that maximise the common good, consumer confidence and economic growth. And we engage with policy makers and regulators in an open, collaborative way, reflecting the central, public role that exchanges and CCPs play in a globally integrated financial system. Website: www.world-exchanges.org.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/over-110-exchanges-unite-for-this-years-ring-the-bell-for-gender-equality-302706200.html

SOURCE United Nations Global Compact

SHANGHAI, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — International Women’s Day is an annual occasion to extend blessings to women around the world. Recently, Soul App, a leading AI+ immersive social platform in China, together with its research arm Just So Soul Institute, published the Soul App Report on the Life Status and Self-Pleasing Consumption of Gen Z Women. Drawing on a validated sample of 2,618 female users, 97% of whom belong to Generation Z, the report shows that today’s young women are increasingly prioritizing internal order over external labels.

I. Rediscovering the Authentic Self

Over 60% of respondents said they feel indifferent toward labels like “queen.” That sentiment is especially pronounced among post-2000s women, where only 16.12% find such terms appealing. The findings point to a growing wariness among young women about excessive labeling. Rather than outright rejecting festive greetings, they simply want to be seen and understood as authentic individuals.

In terms of lifestyle, more than 87% of respondents agree that taking an “intermittent mental pause” is a necessary form of psychological self-care. When energy reserves run low, “unplugging” becomes a necessity. Whether through solitary strolls or an information detox, Gen Z women are prioritizing mental well-being as a way to reset their pace. For them, a pause is not a withdrawal; it is a replenishment. It is the essential gathering of strength for the long haul.

When it comes to personal growth, only 10.89% of respondents maintain a high frequency of skill-based investments. Most prefer to plan their development at their own pace. They do not shy away from competition or progress, but seek a balance between realistic conditions and personal goals, emphasizing steady advancement over blind conformity. It’s worth noting that, according to the data, Gen Z women are particularly drawn to narratives about empowered women and are looking for more inspiring figures to look up to.

II. Heart over Hype

The sample predominantly consists of women who are either still in school or in the early stages of their careers. Yet, they demonstrate considerable maturity in value judgment and boundary setting.

The report shows that 70% of post-2000s women consider “comfort and a sense of meaning in work” as important factors. In the context of widespread AI adoption, more than half of respondents earning over RMB 10,000 per month frequently use AI tools to enhance efficiency. At the same time, 47% believe that automated performance evaluations may negatively impact their sense of well-being, and over two-thirds actively seek ways to reduce algorithmic interference in their lives.

These women embrace AI-driven efficiency without sacrificing independent judgment. They refuse to be shaped by algorithms, insisting that technology should offer both utility and warmth.

Furthermore, 48% of respondents identify inner alignment as the cornerstone of personal growth. This internal shift is fueled by tangible self-investment: half of those surveyed view spending on new skills as a vital safety net. For them, growth is an intentional pursuit on their own terms, rather than a reactive escape from peer pressure.

III. The Evolution of Self-Pleasure

For today’s women, self-pleasure is undergoing a profound shift. Moving past the checkout counter, it now represents a proactive stance on mental health and personal balance.

The report reveals that 59.23% of post-2000s women are investing in “small, frivolous joys,” such as stress-relief toys and aromatherapy. These “self-pleasing” purchases act as an “emotional band-aid,” providing a vital buffer to restore mental energy. Notably, 65.92% of the respondents reported spending over RMB 2,000 on such purchases. For many, these modest indulgences are more than just shopping; they are intentional acts of emotional recharge and self-repair.

The report also highlights a structural shift in aesthetic awareness. Interestingly, 37.27% of women in lower-tier cities identify “aesthetic expression” as a core spending priority — outpacing their counterparts in first-tier hubs. This suggests that, even in contexts with varying resources, aesthetic expression remains an important form of self-affirmation. For these women, clothing choices and personal interests are not about keeping up with others, but about defining who they are in a complex world.

Ending

Soul App, a key hub for young users, has long championed the value shifts within its community. For the platform, International Women’s Day is a call for empathy and insight. By grounding its report in real-world perspectives, Soul App helps shape a more inclusive conversation, spotlighting the multifaceted lives of women today.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/soul-app-releases-international-womens-day-report-gen-z-women-unplugging-to-thrive-302706366.html

SOURCE Soul App

The Much-anticipated Experience was Meticulously Designed to Ignite a Passion for Elephant Conservation

SAN DIEGO, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park celebrated the official opening of the all-new Denny Sanford Elephant Valley. Park guests were invited to experience the much-anticipated space for the first time following an opening ceremony with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance leaders and government officials. The ceremony included remarks from San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and San Diego Councilmember Marni van Wilpert. Other city and community leaders including Escondido Mayor Dane White were in attendance.

Now open, Elephant Valley has been meticulously designed to generate greater empathy, understanding and appreciation for elephants, while igniting a desire to protect them and their native habitats. Surrounded by African savanna elephants on multiple sides, guests of all ages will encounter what it feels like to share common ground with the herd. Walking beside the world’s largest land mammal, they will notice the intricacies of the elephants’ wrinkled skin and long eyelashes, and create a connection with one of the most powerful, sensitive, and complex animals on the planet. Walking over the bridge to reach the other side of the valley, visitors will notice an elephant passageway directly beneath their feet. This underpass is similar to wildlife corridors in native habitats.

“If you talk to any of our experts here today or throughout our Alliance, they will tell you that conservation is a long-term commitment. Victories and successes are built on years, decades of focused efforts and research, and meaningful collaboration,” said Shawn Dixon, president and chief executive officer, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “Elephant Valley not only mirrors the African grasslands—it represents the vital role San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance plays in international conservation.”

The Safari Park’s elephant herd consists of eight individuals: matriarch Swazi, Ndlulamitsi (Ndlula), Umngani, Qinisa (Nisa), Phakamile (Kami), Khosi, Mkhaya and Umzula-Zuli (Zuli). The herd’s founding members, Swazi, Ndlula and Umngani, were rescued in 2003. Elephant Valley is an immersive journey for guests to learn about the crucial role elephants serve as ecosystem engineers and better understand the nuances of the herd’s rich social structure.

At the heart of Elephant Valley is the two-story restaurant Mkutano House. Inspired by the rich and varied culinary traditions across Africa’s many regions and blending them with global influences, the restaurant offers a harmonious fusion of familiar flavors with bold notes. The Swahili word Mkutano refers to gathering with purpose. Mkutano House is uniquely positioned directly alongside one of Elephant Valley’s two expansive watering holes, a 240,000-gallon oasis where the herd wades, swims and plays—a profound experience for those who pay witness to their natural bonding behavior. Nearby, Mkutano Park serves as a gathering place to learn from educators about the awe-inspiring wildlife of the region.

“I am so proud to see Elephant Valley become one with the Safari Park today,” said Pat McTigue, interim executive director, San Diego Zoo Safari Park. “A central component of this transformative space is community. Visiting Elephant Valley gives us chance to celebrate the wonders of nature together, whether it’s the African savanna or the San Pasqual Valley. I’m excited to see how this space inspires our community to protect and connect with wildlife and wild places for years to come.”

The Elephant Valley experience will shine a spotlight on San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s global conservation partners and celebrate the vibrant cultures and local communities in Kenya where people and elephants coexist. Vibrantly beaded talking sticks representing traditional Samburu artistry are unique location markers and storytelling stopping points throughout Elephant Valley. Mkutano House is adorned with stunning artifacts hand made by BeadWORKS Kenya artisans. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is proud to partner with BeadWORKS Kenya, a social enterprise of Northern Rangelands Trust. BeadWORKS helps women artisans in seminomadic, pastoralist communities earn a reliable income using traditional beading skills passed down through generations.

The rich plant life in Elephant Valley has been curated by a team of expert horticulturists and arborists to authentically replicate the sights, sounds and smells of Africa’s diverse ecosystems, specifically the vast savanna and grasslands. More than 350 individual plants have been grown for Elephant Valley, representing rare and endangered African plants.

Elephant Valley bridges the vital work happening in San Diego to the collaborative elephant conservation initiatives San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance supports in the African savanna. African savanna elephants are currently listed as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species due in large part to the rise of human-elephant conflict across range countries. Research conducted in Africa and with the Safari Park’s elephant herd provide an opportunity to advance technologies and approaches to monitor and protect elephants in the wild, and support coexistence. Increasing knowledge of elephant health needs and the complexity of their social behaviors has equipped the organization and its partners with valuable insight into what successful conservation outcomes look like for the species.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is grateful for the more than 5,200 donors who have made Elephant Valley possible, including a lead gift from Denny Sanford and foundational gifts given by Stephanie Petersen, the Warren Family Foundation, Marian Frank, Gisela Hill, Nelson Millsberg, Frank and Linda Riolo, Lisa and Wayne Stelmar, Tisha Hunte Wheat, and Betty Jo Williams.

The Safari Park, spanning 1,800 acres in Escondido, California, is home to over 3,000 animals representing more than 290 species. This one-of-a-kind destination offers guests of all ages the opportunity to strengthen their connection to wildlife and the natural world. Elephant Valley is included with Safari Park admission. For more information, visit sdzsafaripark.org/elephantvalley. For weddings at Mkutano House, visit https://sdzwa.org/weddings.

PRESS ROOM: sdzwa.org/PR/elephant-valley-opening-day 

Link includes:

• B-roll and photos of the grand opening of Elephant Valley on March 5, 2026
• B-roll and photos of Elephant Valley at the Safari Park

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/san-diego-zoo-safari-park-celebrates-official-opening-of-elephant-valley-302706114.html

SOURCE San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

March 14 to 21, 2026 | More than 40 countywide community events will mobilize Miami-Dade to address extreme heat, flooding, and drive local climate solutions

MIAMI, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Miami Climate 365 (MC365), a year-round initiative that unites public, private, and community leaders to strengthen Miami-Dade’s response to climate risks, today announced the official lineup for the second annual Miami Climate Week (MCW) 2026, taking place March 14 to 21 across Miami-Dade County.

With rising temperatures, sunny-day flooding, and sea level rise increasingly reshaping daily life in South Florida, Miami Climate Week is a ground-up showcase of community-driven climate solutions that brings together community organizations, researchers, public agencies, and residents to drive real-world action.

Miami Climate Week 2026 will feature more than 40 events led by over 50 community-based organizations, universities, public agencies, and cultural institutions across Miami-Dade County. Workshops, forums, and hands-on activities throughout the week will highlight solutions such as resilient infrastructure to mitigate flooding, strategies to address extreme heat, emerging climate research, and neighborhood-level nature-based solutions.

Two major convenings will anchor the week’s programming: the Resilience 365 Conference, hosted by the University of Miami Climate Resilience Institute on March 17-18; and Impact in Action: Community Meets Research with the Resilient305 Collaborative, on March 19 at The Kampong. These events will bring together national and regional leaders, researchers, community nonprofits, and public sector partners to examine emerging approaches to climate resilience and translate research and data into practical solutions for Miami-Dade communities.

“Building resilience requires a whole-of-society approach. This year we examine the intersection of gray and green infrastructure, finance, and public health,” said Michael Berkowitz, Executive Director of the Climate Resilience Institute at the University of Miami. “Miami Climate Week and the Resilience 365 Conference create a space for researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to focus on what works. By bringing together the people generating the data with those implementing solutions on the ground, we can move from research to real-world impact.”

The week’s programming reflects the growing collaboration between research institutions, government, and community organizations working on climate solutions across the region.

“Climate action in Miami is not theoretical. It is measurable, it is local, and it is happening in real time,” said David A. Duckenfield, executive director of Miami Climate 365. “From neighborhood organizations to research institutions, leaders across Miami-Dade are working block by block to strengthen communities and advance practical solutions. Miami Climate Week highlights that progress and turns ideas into action.”

Miami Climate Week 2026 signature events include:

Climate and Culture Dialogue at The Bass (March 14): Hosted at The Bass Museum in Miami Beach, the Climate Museum and eco-artist Xavier Cortada will explore how cultural institutions can move beyond awareness to inspire climate action.

Native Ecological Preservation at The Deering Estate (March 14): Hosted at the historic Deering Estate, this volunteer planting initiative will demonstrate nature-based adaptation through the restoration of native species.

Heat Season Recap and 2026 Forecast (March 16): Hosted by Miami-Dade County, county officials and National Weather Service leadership will review last year’s heat response efforts, including the operation of 64 cooling sites and expanded outreach, and outline preparedness strategies for the upcoming season. Extreme heat remains the leading weather-related cause of death nationwide.

Resilience 365 Conference (March 17 and 18): Hosted by the University of Miami Climate Resilience Institute in Coral Gables, national and regional leaders will examine resilient housing, resilience finance, urban water management, AI and data science applications, heat health, and equitable infrastructure. The program also includes a closed-door roundtable with the chief resilience officer focused on implementation.

Impact in Action: Community Meets Research with The Resilient305 Collaborative (March 19): Held at The Kampong, this event will highlight the work of the Resilient305 Collaborative (R305C), a partnership uniting universities, community organizations, local governments, and business leaders across Greater Miami and The Beaches to advance climate research and action. The program will unveil findings from a year of collaborative research between community nonprofits and scientists from the University of Miami and Florida International University, and debut the Miami Resilience Meter, an online dashboard tracking neighborhood conditions across more than 17 indicators, including flooding frequency, heat exposure, and access to transit. The event will also invite additional nonprofits to join the Collaborative’s research network to strengthen the data and insights guiding climate solutions across Miami.

Climate Change and Women’s Health Forum (March 19): Hosted by The CLEO Institute in Miami, experts will examine how rising temperatures disproportionately affect women’s health and maternal outcomes.

Climate Migration Panel at the Historic Hampton House (March 20): Hosted at the Historic Hampton House in Brownsville, academic and human rights leaders will explore how climate impacts are driving displacement locally and globally.

Biscayne Bay Kayak Clean Up (March 21): Led by Miami Waterkeeper in Biscayne Bay, volunteers will remove marine debris from mangrove and coastal habitats while highlighting the role of community stewardship in protecting critical ecosystems.

Coastal Resilience Forum (March 21): Hosted at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in partnership with The REEFLINE, scientists, conservation leaders, and local officials will explore hybrid seawall infrastructure, coral reef restoration, and historic preservation strategies designed to address sea level rise and storm surge.

Day in the Dirt at The Underline (March 21): Hosted along Miami’s 10-mile Underline urban trail, volunteers will plant native flora that supports green infrastructure, helping reduce urban heat and improve stormwater absorption.

These events are among more than 40 community-driven activities scheduled across Miami-Dade County throughout the week. A full list of Miami Climate Week events, including full event descriptions, locations, and directions, is available at MiamiClimate365.com.

Through Miami Climate Week, MC365 connects science, public policy, and grassroots leadership to strengthen Miami-Dade’s ability to prepare for climate risks. Organizations and residents are invited to host, co-host, or participate in events that advance practical solutions and elevate local leadership.

The week also supports broader regional efforts tied to Miami-Dade County’s Risk and Resilience Tech Hub, a regional initiative advancing climate technology, research, and implementation through collaboration among government, industry, academia, and philanthropy.

The inaugural Miami Climate Week, held in March 2025, convened more than 2,600 participants across 43 events hosted by 58 partner organizations throughout the region. The first Resilience 365 Conference convened more than 100 speakers and 300 attendees to examine topics ranging from clean energy innovation to equitable climate adaptation.

About Miami Climate 365
Miami Climate 365 (MC365) is a year-round initiative focused on strengthening community-driven efforts to address environmental challenges across Miami-Dade County. The collaborative effort unites stakeholders around practical solutions to extreme heat, flooding, and related climate risks. Miami Climate Week serves as the flagship event of the MC365 initiative, showcasing progress and mobilizing action. For more information, visit www.miamiclimate365.com.

About University of Miami Climate Resilience Institute
The Climate Resilience Institute supports interdisciplinary research and education to deliver solutions to climate impacts and environmental stressors in partnership with industry, government, and community stakeholders. For more information, visit resilience.miami.edu.

About Miami Climate Week
Miami Climate Week is the signature event of Miami Climate 365, designed to mobilize residents, institutions, and organizations around collective climate action across Miami-Dade County. Through workshops, forums, and volunteer opportunities, the week strengthens partnerships and advances long-term strategies. For more information, visit www.miamiclimate365.com/about-mcweek.

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SOURCE Miami Climate 365

GRETNA, Neb., March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What can homeowners gain by upgrading to an energy-efficient HVAC system? According to a HelloNation article, Ben Fleck of GP Fleck & Sons Heating & Air Conditioning explains how a modern system can lower utility bills, improve comfort, and support healthier indoor living. His insights help homeowners understand why an energy-efficient HVAC system offers both immediate and long-term advantages.

The article notes that heating and cooling often make up a large portion of household energy use. An energy-efficient HVAC system is designed to deliver steady temperatures while using less power. Fleck explains that features such as variable-speed motors, smart thermostats, and high-efficiency compressors allow the system to adjust output based on real-time demand. This reduces wasted energy and lowers monthly costs, especially during the hottest and coldest months.

Comfort also improves with a modern setup. Older systems tend to cycle on and off, creating uneven temperatures and weak airflow. A newer energy-efficient HVAC system runs longer at lower speeds, keeping temperatures consistent while improving airflow and humidity control. For many families, this leads to a more stable and comfortable indoor environment throughout the year.

Indoor air quality is another key benefit. Many newer systems include advanced filtration and better ventilation to help remove dust, allergens, and excess moisture. Fleck notes that these features can support healthier breathing, especially for people with allergies or respiratory issues.

Environmental impact is also an important factor. By using less electricity or fuel, an energy-efficient HVAC system helps reduce carbon emissions. For homeowners aiming to make their household more sustainable, this upgrade offers a meaningful step toward lower energy use.

Financial incentives provide additional support. Rebates, tax credits, and utility-sponsored programs can offset part of the upfront cost and improve long-term savings.

The article, The Benefits of an Energy-Efficient HVAC System, features insights from Ben Fleck, HVAC Expert of Gretna, NE, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative “edvertising” approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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SOURCE HelloNation

The 2026 REMADE^® Circular Economy Tech Summit & Conference Will Convene Next Week in Washington, DC

ROCHESTER, N.Y., March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The REMADE Institute^®, a 150+ member public-private partnership established in collaboration with the United States Department of Energy (DOE), is pleased to announce that presentations on nearly 50 innovations to increase the reuse, remanufacturing, recovery and recycling of critical and key materials will be featured next week at the 2026 REMADE® Circular Economy Technology Summit & Conference.

The nearly 50 presentations are based on, and detailed in, peer-reviewed research papers covering a range of novel technologies, including efforts in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to advance a Circular Economy in the U.S.

The 2026 conference, which is organized by REMADE in partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, will take place next Wednesday and Thursday, March 11-12, 2026, at the National Academy of Sciences Building, 2101 Constitution Ave., N.W., in Washington, D.C.

“In addition to the 50 innovations, our conference will feature renowned global experts as keynoters and panelists,” said REMADE CEO Nabil Nasr. “These experts represent industry, academia, leading government and scientific agencies, and more. Industry innovators, academic and national laboratory researchers, business and NGO leaders, policymakers, as well as others interested in advancing a Circular Economy are strongly encouraged to attend this national thought leadership event.”

A detailed conference agenda is available here: 2026 Agenda – REMADE Institute.

The annual REMADE conference attracts hundreds of attendees and advances the conversation on how a circular approach can benefit nations, including the U.S., in meeting their multiple energy, environmental, manufacturing competitiveness, supply chain resilience, and economic growth goals. The event highlights technologies capable of increasing the reuse, remanufacturing, recovery and recycling of critical and key materials in U.S. manufacturing.

The 2026 REMADE conference will feature several high-level keynote speakers and expert panel discussions in addition to the 50 paper presentations. Panel topics include critical minerals and rare earths recovery and recycling; textiles recycling; and the importance of university-based research and innovation.

Keynoters include:

• Paul Ekins, Professor of Resources and Environmental Policy, University College London Institute for Sustainable Resources, in the United Kingdom, and lead coordinating author of the recently released UN Environment Programme (UNEP) International Resource Panel (IRP) report, “Financing the Responsible Supply of Energy Transition Minerals for Sustainable Development”
• John Shegerian, CEO of ERI, the largest electronics recycler in the U.S.
• Heinz Schandl, Senior Science Leader, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), in Australia
• Nancy Bocken, Professor in Sustainable Business & Circular Economy, Maastricht University, in the Netherlands
• Billy Frank, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Remanufacturing Division, Caterpillar Inc.
• Jeff Pacuska, Lead – Office of Future Technology Transition, U.S. Army DEVCOM Solder Center
• Nabil Nasr, CEO, REMADE Institute, and Associate Provost, Academic Affairs, and Director, Golisano Institute for Sustainability, Rochester Institute of Technology

“Economic growth and more resilient supply chains would be well served by strong moves towards a Circular Economy,” said Ekins, who will provide a broad overview of the concept in his keynote talk. “This is particularly true for the critical minerals that are at the heart of so many important modern technologies.”

“We’ve rarely been at such a crucial crossroads as we are now,” said Shegerian, who will discuss the vital need for increased electronics recycling in his keynote. “It is critical we ensure that there is a safe and secure supply of the critical minerals needed to power our future. Responsible circularity and the efficient recovery of rare earths is the solution, and I’m honored to have been invited to share insights and participate in these important discussions alongside my industry colleagues at the REMADE Institute and their esteemed lineup of expert speakers at the Circular Economy Tech Summit & Conference in Washington. Our friends at REMADE continue to produce vitally important impact events, and this timely and informative gathering is no exception.”

Schandl, who like Ekins and Nasr is a member of UNEP’s IRP, will present a case study on Australia as part of his keynote. He believes a circular approach can benefit not only industry, but everyone.

“At its core, the circular economy is a productivity strategy: restoring value in material use systems, strengthening economic competitiveness, and easing cost-of-living pressures,” Schandl said.

“Industry is getting better at recycling,” Bocken said. “While this is an important circular economy strategy, we need to prioritize the acceleration of advanced circular strategies: reduce, reuse and regeneration. In this way, the pace of resource use can be slowed and natural systems that have been exploited for our unsustainable production and consumption patterns can be restored and enhanced.”

Bocken will cover these important issues in her keynote presentation, “Accelerating Advanced Circular Business Models.”

In his keynote, Billy Frank, vice president of sales and marketing for Caterpillar’s Remanufacturing Division, will share insights on the company’s Circular Economy journey. Caterpillar is one of the world’s leading remanufacturers.

“For more than 50 years, Caterpillar has built a proud remanufacturing legacy, delivering value to our customers by extending the life of their products and lowering their total cost of ownership,” Frank said. “Today, we remain just as focused on serving our customers, supporting the Circular Economy and living our purpose of building a better, more sustainable world.”

The 2026 REMADE Circular Economy Technology Summit & Conference is open to REMADE members, non-members, and all of those interested in increasing the reuse, remanufacturing, recovery and recycling of critical and key materials. Members of the media are also welcome to attend.

To learn more and register for the 2026 conference directly, go to: 2026 Conference Registration – REMADE Institute.

To access papers presented at REMADE’s conference last year, go to: Papers – REMADE Institute. These papers are open-access and freely available to researchers and the broader public, and are published at no cost to the authors or their organizations.

About REMADE^®
Founded in 2017, REMADE is a 150+ member public-private partnership established in collaboration with and funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy. REMADE is the only national institute focused entirely on developing innovative technologies to accelerate the U.S.’s transition to a Circular Economy. In partnership with industry, academia, trade organizations, and national laboratories, REMADE enables applied research and development that will increase the reuse, remanufacturing, recovery and recycling of critical and key materials in U.S. manufacturing. For more information about REMADE, visit www.remadeinstitute.org.

For additional information, contact:
Megan Connor Murphy
Director, Marketing & Communications
REMADE Institute
585-339-8379 cell
mconnormurphy@remadeinstitute.org

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SOURCE REMADE Institute

BETHLEHEM, Pa., March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — B. Braun Medical Inc., a leader in infusion therapy and pain management, today announced the purchase of renewable electricity for its operations in the U.S., leading to a significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and furthering B. Braun’s dedication to protecting people and the planet by reducing environmental impact. This action will result in a greater than 30% reduction of B. Braun’s scopes 1 & 2 CO2e emissions in North America and represents a significant investment in renewable energy deployment. 

The purchase agreements are part of B. Braun’s commitment to reducing CO2e emissions 50% by 2030* and will result in all of the company’s U.S. based manufacturing facilities, affiliated distribution centers and locations in Pennsylvania being matched with 100% renewably sourced electricity from 2026 onwards. B. Braun is also taking additional steps to invest in alternative energy technologies, including the installation of a fuel cell microgrid at B. Braun’s 710,000 sq. ft. IV fluid and generic pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Irvine, California.

“B. Braun’s purchase of matching renewable energy certificates and investments in clean energy technologies demonstrate our commitment to environmental responsibility and global health, while highlighting sustainability as one of our core values,” said Christian Hutter, Associate Director of Sustainability. “These actions represent not a cost, but an investment in our collective future.”

*B. Braun Group has committed to reducing scopes 1 & 2 CO2e Emissions 50% by 2030.

About B. Braun

B. Braun Medical Inc., a leader in infusion therapy and pain management, develops, manufactures, and markets medical products and services to the healthcare industry. Other key product areas include nutrition, pharmacy admixture and dialysis. The company is committed to eliminating preventable treatment errors and enhancing patient, clinician and environmental safety. B. Braun Medical is headquartered in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and is part of the B. Braun Group of Companies in the U.S., which includes B. Braun Interventional Systems, Aesculap^® and CAPS^®. 

Globally, the B. Braun Group of Companies employs more than 64,000 employees in 64 countries. Guided by its Sharing Expertise^® philosophy, B. Braun continuously exchanges knowledge with customers, partners and clinicians to address the critical issues of improving care and lowering costs. To learn more about B. Braun Medical, explore our website. 

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SOURCE B. Braun Medical Inc.