Tag: PR Newswire

The Awards Program Recognizes Breakthrough Achievements in the Global Clean Technology Industry, Speaking to Caelux’s Market Leadership

BALDWIN PARK, Calif., April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Caelux^®, a pioneer in utilizing perovskites to make solar energy more powerful and cost-effective, is honored to announce today that the company has been named the 2025 CleanTech Breakthrough Award’s Solar Technology Company of the Year. The CleanTech Breakthrough Awards is a prestigious program by Tech Breakthrough, a global platform dedicated to recognizing innovations in competitive technology sectors. Companies are evaluated by an independent panel of industry experts seeking to recognize the world’s most innovative organizations in the energy, climate, and clean technology industries.

The second annual CleanTech Breakthrough Award acknowledges and celebrates the notable companies, products, and individuals who are driving sustainability, innovation, achievements, and environmental consciousness in the ever-evolving clean technology, climate, and global energy sectors. Evaluation is determined by several key factors including innovation, performance, ease of use, functionality, value, and impact in the solar energy technology industry.

This award validates Caelux’s unwavering commitment to creating solutions that make solar energy more powerful and cost-effective to enable the next generation of solar innovation. Caelux is an energy technology disruptor making significant strides to deploy industry-scale solutions through energy innovation to build US energy innovation and independence. The company focuses on how advancements in perovskite technology evolve solar power by way of efficiency, improved quality, reduced costs, and enhanced performance. Because cost is a barrier to entry for many would-be solar adopters, Caelux has provided affordable and powerful solutions, allowing for broad implementation.

“As the solar technology industry experiences rapid growth and innovation, we are incredibly honored to be named this year’s CleanTech Breakthrough Award for Solar Technology Company of the Year,” said Scott Graybeal, CEO of Caelux. “At Caelux, we’re focused on innovation first, prioritizing AI development to contribute not only to the advancement of solar energy, but also to local workforce development and economic growth.”

Caelux’s groundbreaking product, Caelux^® One, enables up to 30% more power and reduces installation costs by 20%. The product accelerates the proliferation of lower-cost solar panels, all while seamlessly integrating into existing photovoltaic module manufacturing processes. With Caelux One, the company provides the simplest path for silicon photovoltaic module companies to leverage advanced perovskite technology to boost their product’s performance.

To learn more about Caelux, visit https://caelux.com.

About Caelux
Caelux^®‘s proprietary technologies improve the performance of any new crystalline silicon module, making solar energy more powerful and cost-effective. Headquartered in Baldwin Park, California, Caelux is at the forefront of the emerging science of perovskites, a special class of nanomaterials. Its flagship product, Caelux^® One, is an innovative product that integrates seamlessly into existing PV module manufacturing processes, boosting performance, reducing installed costs, and accelerating the proliferation of solar. For more information, visit www.caelux.com or connect on LinkedIn.

Press Inquiries:
Kristen Aikey
JMG Public Relations
212-206-1645                                                                                                        
kristen@jmgpr.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/caelux-wins-2025-cleantech-breakthrough-award-for-solar-technology-company-of-the-year-302425801.html

SOURCE Caelux

WASHINGTON, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — U-Store, a family-owned self-storage company with a legacy spanning five decades, proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Founded in 1975 by partners Harry S. Sellers, a U.S. Navy officer and Bernard Fensterwald Jr., DC Attorney, U-Store has grown from a single location in Daytona, Florida, to a trusted brand with nine locations across Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Florida. Both Harry Sellers and his son Richard Sellers were involved early on in the Self Service Storage Association (SSSA) in the Southeast Region. The entities include U-Store Management Corporation as well as its various U-Store limited partnerships.

The first location was selected on a family vacation, and from there the company evolved into a multi-generational company with properties located in three states and the District of Columbia. The growth of the company has been a journey that has included an acquisition of a storage business in the basement of a building in San Francisco (later sold), a property acquired during the Savings & Loan Crisis in the early 1980’s from the Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC), and several others in suburban Maryland and Baltimore in the 1990’s. Throughout its history, three generations of the Sellers and Fensterwald families have grown and managed the U-Store brand, maintaining a steadfast commitment to customer service and convenient storage solutions. In addition to developing the family business, Richard Sellers, Co-Owner and President of U-Store was instrumental in creating and developing both the Virginia Self Storage Association (VASSA) and Maryland Self Storage Association (MDSSA).

“Reaching 50 years in business is a milestone that speaks to the family’s dedication and the loyalty of our customers,” said Richard Sellers. “Partnering with Self Storage Plus has allowed us to enhance our operations while staying true to the values that have defined U-Store for half a century.”

With nearly 500,000 square feet of storage totaling 6,450 units, U-Store locations feature a wide variety of unit sizes, drive-up access, climate-controlled options, and video security monitoring. Customers continue to benefit from Self Storage Plus’s industry- leading management, seamless online rental system, and customer-first approach.

Since 2022, U-Store has been managed by Self Storage Plus, a leading third-party management provider in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern U.S. The addition of U-Store’s nine locations marked a historic milestone for Self Storage Plus, becoming the company’s largest management assignment at that time. “When U-Store joined our portfolio, it was a defining moment for Self Storage Plus,” said Noah Mehrkam, CEO of Self Storage Plus. “We remain committed to honoring U-Store’s legacy while continuing to deliver exceptional service to its customers.”

About Self Storage Plus:
Self Storage Plus is proud to serve the storage needs of local communities with over 95 locations across Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. Our core purpose is to give our customers Room to Pursue Life^®. For more information about Self Storage Plus, or to rent or reserve your unit online, visit www.selfstorageplus.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/u-store-celebrates-50-years-of-serving-communities-with-quality-self-storage-solutions-302425756.html

SOURCE Self Storage Plus

Partnership marks Sense’s entrance into Japanese market, with intent to jointly develop smart meters with up to 1MHz data for improved grid efficiency, safety, and reliability

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sense, a leader in grid edge intelligence and Chugoku Keiki Kogyo Co., Ltd. (CHK), the in-house provider of grid technology solutions for Chugoku Electric Power, a leading electric utility company in Japan, today announced a partnership to bring grid edge intelligence that processes up to 1MHz data to Japanese utility companies. Under the partnership, both companies will first localise Sense software and develop a retrofit sensor for Japan employing a chip capable of processing this high resolution data. They subsequently plan to bring an AMI 2.0 smart meter to market with Sense-enabled high-resolution data, distributed processing, and real-time networking to create a sensing, compute, and control platform for Japan’s modern electric grid.

As Japanese utilities manage increasingly complex infrastructure in the face of extreme weather events, achieving a high-resolution view of the distribution grid is critical. Sense’s and CHK’s partnership centers around a shared commitment to this goal, and marks Sense’s initial entrance into the Japanese market as utilities move to AMI 2.0 solutions.

“Next generation smart meters will help deliver the energy transition, and utilities across Japan are ready for this transformation,” said Michael Jary, Sense’s Managing Director of EMEA and APAC. “CHK is a forward-thinking company and a natural partner for arming the grid with data resolution that enables edge intelligence. Today’s announcement is a consequential moment for Japanese utilities.”

CHK and Sense will develop high-resolution data enabled smart meters for utilities to detect object-on-wire and arc faults. Additionally, the real-time intelligence provided will boost demand response and power forecasting capabilities. Sense’s platform also offers a low-cost, scalable way for utilities to support the next generation of consumer applications with existing infrastructure, while providing consumers with personalized, actionable insights for energy and cost savings.

Working together, CHK and Sense will use their shared expertise and innovations to further transform the relationship between utilities, their customers, and shared assets and infrastructure. Armed with real-time insight into device-level energy use, CHK customers can make decisions and adjustments backed by data and easy-to-reference insights. CHK’s grid visibility will strengthen demand flexibility, grid resilience, and customer engagement.

“Smart meters with high resolution data, the ability to run distributed software, and real-time networking are transformative. These capabilities turn meters into a connected intelligence system at the edge of the grid,” said Sense CEO Mike Phillips. “Just like smart phones fundamentally shifted our view of phones, smart meters transform how we interact with energy. These latest meters open doors to an efficient, sustainable and resilient grid – for both utilities, and their customers.”

Contact Sense to learn more about how 1MHz processing and on-meter AI can redefine safety, reliability, and grid intelligence for utilities worldwide.

About Sense
Sense is transforming the relationship between homes and the grid by delivering real-time intelligence directly through next-generation smart meters. Our high-resolution insights improve grid reliability, safety, and operational efficiency—empowering utilities and their customers to collaborate for a stronger, smarter grid. For more information, please visit our website www.sense.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sense-partners-with-chk-to-bring-grid-edge-intelligence-to-japanese-utilities-302425696.html

SOURCE Sense

– Startek Australia earns recognition for its people-first culture, inclusive practices and employee satisfaction.

DENVER, April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Startek® a digital-first global customer experience (CX) solutions provider, today announced that Startek Australia has been named a 5-Star Employer of Choice 2025 by Human Resources Director (HRD) Australia and New Zealand. This marks the third consecutive year that Startek Australia has received this prestigious recognition, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to delivering an exceptional employee experience.

The HRD 5-Star Employers of Choice awards celebrate organizations that excel in people practices and foster inclusive, engaging workplaces. The evaluation process comprises a comprehensive submission of HR strategies and initiatives, followed by anonymous employee surveys assessing satisfaction across benefits, compensation, culture, employee development, and diversity and inclusion. To qualify, organizations were required to meet a minimum employee response rate and achieve an average satisfaction rating of 75% or higher.

“We are proud to once again be named a 5-Star Employer of Choice by HRD,” said SM Gupta, Chief People Officer, Startek. “At Startek, we believe that the best workplaces are built on the intersection of people and technology. We consistently strive to create an environment where our associates thrive by implementing innovative, people-first practices while embracing digital transformation. This recognition is a validation of our commitment to nurturing a culture that supports both professional growth and technological advancement.”

Startek Australia’s continued recognition underscores its dedication to championing employee well-being, fostering inclusive leadership and building a workplace that empowers its people to excel in a digitally evolving world.

About Startek
Startek® is a global leader in customer experience management, delivering comprehensive digital transformation and CX solutions. With over 35 years of expertise, Startek empowers businesses across diverse industries to create memorable, personalized customer interactions. Operating in 12 countries with a team of 38,000 associates, Startek is committed to connecting brands with their customers through innovation, empathy, and operational excellence.
To learn more, visit www.startek.com and follow us on LinkedIn @Startek.

About HRD Australia
Human Resources Director (HRD) is Australia’s leading multi-media resource for HR professionals. Award-winning products across Australia, New Zealand and Asia Pacific deliver essential news, insight and analysis, and constitute the most effective channel through which to reach senior HR professionals.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2222919/4299556/Startek_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/startek-australia-recognized-as-a-5-star-employer-of-choice-2025-by-hrd-for-third-consecutive-year-302425627.html

SOURCE Startek

MCKINNEY, Texas, April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The recent earthquake in Myanmar has left a tragic impact, claiming over 3,000 lives and a growing number of injured and missing. A powerful 7.7 magnitude quake struck near Mandalay on March 28, resulting in severe devastation.

When Afghanistan fell to the Taliban in 2021 Global Catalytic Ministries’ robust underground church network served as command center to rescue 3,000 lives and shelter families in over 30 safe-houses.

Following the catastrophic earthquake, Myanmar faces unprecedented challenges. Global Catalytic Ministries stands ready with its crisis response experience. Trained teams are prepared to act in Myanmar, where the underground church is eager to deliver vital aid and hope. In fact, the crucial work has already begun.

The current situation in Myanmar is critical. Watch the urgent update now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb0MqG1gbF0

The underground church leaders in Myanmar are under grave threat from a government hit list that endangers their very existence. Since the 2021 coup, the toll has been devastating with 144 believers martyred and 16 leaders still missing. While tragedy surrounds, their faith and resilience in Christ remain unwavering, shining through their commitment to fellowship and prayer.

Despite ongoing dangers from corruption and military conflicts, Global Catalytic Ministries deploys a silent yet efficient operation, similar to their work in Afghanistan. Well-prepared teams have begun to provide critical support to all those affected.

In August 2021, the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan led to unimaginable turmoil for those left behind, particularly the Afghan Christians who showed remarkable faith under dire circumstances. Despite the severe persecution they faced, they clung to their mission of sharing the gospel amid overwhelming darkness.

With fear gripping communities as young girls were forcibly taken and families were shattered, Global Catalytic Ministries emerged to provide essential support to these vulnerable believers.

Global Catalytic Ministries launched over thirty safe houses since the fall of Kabul. These facilities served as sanctuaries, guiding thousands toward new beginnings and sharing the gospel that brought many to Christ.

Global Catalytic Ministries’ mission is centered on uniting faith and action addressing both urgent needs and spiritual desperation. Guided by James 2:14-17, the ministry ensures that everyone receives the love of Christ through its hands.

Since 2011, Global Catalytic Ministries bravely navigates perilous regions and witnessing incredible faith despite severe persecution. Films like Sheep Among Wolves I & II capture the hope and resilience encountered in these efforts.

As past experiences are reflected upon, these lessons guide the actions of Global Catalytic Ministries in Myanmar today.

The recent earthquake has plunged Myanmar into chaos, and the need for support is more urgent than ever. The teams on the ground are valiantly overcoming difficulties posed by a corrupt military; ensuring aid reaches those who need it most. Just as they stood firm for their brothers and sisters in Afghanistan, they now rally for the underground church in Myanmar.

Support is vital in delivering essentials to communities devastated by this disaster. Time is of the essence—joining this mission will provide much-needed assistance and hope to the persecuted believers of Myanmar.

Send Critical Aid to the Persecuted Church in Myanmar Today

https://catalyticministries.com/support-myanmar/

Media Contact:

Mike Patino CEO

305.803.1104

393152@email4pr.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-catalytic-ministries-rescued-3-000-lives-in-afghanistan-and-now-urgently-mobilizing-teams-in-myanmar-crisis-302425203.html

SOURCE Global Catalytic Ministries

ST. LOUIS, April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Verde Resources Inc. proudly announces the successful completion of its proof-of-concept project at the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) Test Track, resulting in the issuance and sale of the world’s first-ever Biochar Carbon Removal Credits from asphalt applications.

In collaboration with Oregon Biochar Solutions and NCAT, Verde produced and installed 110 tons of cold mix asphalt integrated with 5 tons of biochar in December 2024. The showcase project, completed on December 20th, demonstrated a breakthrough in sustainable infrastructure, combining cold mix asphalt with biochar to deliver both greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and carbon sequestration benefits. This unprecedented winter showcase—from production to installation—was captured here. The resulting 8 tons of Carbon Removal Credits have been issued by Puro.earth, the world’s leading crediting platform for engineered carbon removal, and have already been pre-purchased by one of the world’s largest financial institutions focused on Carbon Dioxide Removals (CDRs).

“Our showcase demonstrates that common-sense economics and Net Zero infrastructure solutions can go hand in hand,” said Jack Wong, CEO of Verde Resources. “Bio-Asphalt isn’t just cheaper, more durable and efficient—it’s scalable, sustainable, and deliver real benefits. Our industry partners can reduce costs while also tap into the value of carbon credits that go straight to their bottom line. Going green has too often been perceived as a luxury, but Verde’s solution is a win for asphalt producers, frontline workers, taxpayers, and the environment.”

Verde’s Bio-Asphalt can be produced and applied year-round, even during winter, without the need for heat or solvents. This extends paving and production seasons, which unlocks additional economic benefits while significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions. It’s also odorless, making it safer for frontline workers.

“We congratulate Verde Resources and Oregon Biochar Solutions for their pioneering and innovative storage of biochar into asphalt. The use of biochar in certain asphalt products is deemed an eligible biochar end-use that preserves its carbon storage value under Puro Standard Biochar Methodology,” said Alvin Lee, Head of Supply at Puro.earth.

The NCAT cross section served as the proving ground for Verde’s Net Zero Blueprint—an approach that integrates advanced asphalt technology with Carbon Removal Credit potential that results in even stronger project economics. The technology is rigorously tested under real-world conditions for resistance to extreme temperatures, structural integrity, and long-term durability.

“Verde Resources has delivered an innovative and reliable solution for modern infrastructure that not only reduces GHG emissions but also actively contribute to carbon sequestration,” said Perrine Legoubé, Carbon Director at GECA, who oversees Verde’s Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) certifications. “As Verde’s global licensing model expands, the project’s positive impact on United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 9.4 and 11.6 will only continue to grow.”

With multiple high-impact contracts under negotiation in the hard-to-abate construction sector, which is responsible for 37% of global emissions, Verde is positioned for rapid scale. The company is targeting the removal of 5,000 tCO₂eq by 2026 and at least 50,000 CO₂eq annually by 2030, accelerating decarbonization in one of the world’s most emission-intensive industries while delivering sustainable road pavement solutions at the lowest possible life cycle cost.

About Verde Resources Inc.:
Verde Resources Inc. (OTCQB: VRDR) is a leader in sustainable infrastructure, specializing in innovative and cost-effective solutions to help the industry seamlessly #TransitionToZero™. By integrating proprietary technologies with sustainable practices, Verde is at the forefront of creating low-carbon materials for infrastructure worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/verde-sets-industry-first-with-puroearth-carbon-credits-from-asphalt-302424985.html

SOURCE Verde Resources Inc.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Consolidated Credit is proud to announce that April Lewis-Parks, Director of Education and Corporate Communications, and William Wolf, Director of Strategic Partnerships, have coauthored a groundbreaking research article alongside Dr. Albert Williams of Nova Southeastern University. The report, titled “Is Credit Card Usage for Entertainment Related to Demographic, Psychological, and Financial Characteristics of Credit Card Owners?”, is now published in the Journal of Academy of Business and Economics (JABE).

JABE is a peer-reviewed academic journal published by the International Academy of Business and Economics, with a mission to promote contemporary, high-quality research that bridges theory and practice in global business and economics.

The study appears in Volume 25, Issue 1 of the journal (page 107) and explores the relationship between entertainment-related credit card usage and various consumer factors such as age, income, personality traits, and financial behavior. The findings shed light on patterns that may influence how credit cards are used for discretionary spending—insights that are particularly relevant amid rising consumer debt and changing economic conditions.

“This research is an extension of our mission at Consolidated Credit: to understand the financial behaviors that shape people’s lives and help create solutions,” said April Lewis-Parks. “Working with Dr. Williams and William Wolf on this academic study was a great opportunity to share our field experience with a global scholarly audience.”

“Credit card debt related to non-essential purchases is an often-overlooked driver of financial instability,” added William Wolf. “By examining the factors influencing this behavior, we can better develop educational tools and interventions that resonate with real-life consumers.”

Dr. Albert Williams, professor of finance and economics at Nova Southeastern University, noted the collaboration as a successful example of academic and nonprofit synergy. “We were able to combine rigorous methodology with real-world experience from Consolidated Credit to gain new insights into how consumer behavior intersects with credit usage. This kind of research can inform both financial education and public policy.”

The article contributes to a growing body of literature that emphasizes the importance of financial psychology in understanding consumer debt. It is also timely, given recent national trends indicating that Americans are increasingly turning to credit cards for entertainment and lifestyle expenses—even as interest rates and debt levels rise.

The full article is available through JABE’s current issue: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:ca50713e-59d9-4101-b862-f0206a551d0a

About Consolidated Credit
Consolidated Credit is a nonprofit organization that has helped more than 10 million people overcome debt and achieve financial freedom through education, counseling, and debt management programs. For over 30 years, the organization has been a trusted resource for financial wellness nationwide.

About Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is the largest private research university in Florida and a top employer in the state, with more than $5 billion in projected economic impact. NSU is classified as an R1 institution by the Carnegie Foundation among universities with the highest level of research activity. NSU educates more than 22,000 enrolled students from more than 115 countries and all 50 U.S. states. NSU is a Military Friendly School, committed to meeting the needs of its active military and veteran population. It is 1 of 4 universities in the U.S. with both M.D. and D.O. colleges and is the largest educator of physicians in Florida. Research at NSU addresses such critical areas as cancer, marine life, and brain health.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/consolidated-credit-and-nova-southeastern-university-coauthor-academic-study-published-in-international-business-journal-302422318.html

SOURCE Consolidated Credit

LEO is a purpose-designed solution built with Google Cloud for smarter, faster, and more efficient sustainability disclosure, developed in partnership with Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

• Corporates and financial institutions face growing demands to meet sustainability due diligence and disclosure requirements, yet data gaps and inefficiencies persist.
• Powered by ESG Book’s platform and BCG’s Climate and Sustainability Data Template, LEO has been designed to align with evolving requirements and supports regulatory reporting, risk management, and opportunity creation.
• Smart pre-fill capabilities reduce the reporting burden, with access to 200,000+ disclosures cutting the time and cost of sharing sustainability information.
• Corporates can use LEO to efficiently manage disclosure requests, map data across frameworks, and securely share privileged data with multiple stakeholders. 
• Leading financial institutions including ING, Lloyds, and NatWest are adopting or piloting LEO to support critical use cases including risk management, supply chain resilience, and capacity building.

LONDON and NEW YORK, April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ESG Book, in partnership with BCG, today announced the launch of LEO, a purpose-built solution for smarter, faster, and more efficient sustainability disclosure, built with Google Cloud.

Corporates and financial institutions face growing demands to meet sustainability due diligence and disclosure requirements, making reliable, standardised data essential for risk management and regulatory compliance. However, challenges persist, as recent changes of corporate disclosure requirements could widen data gaps for financial institutions and make data collection inefficient and incomparable.

In response, LEO has been developed to offer a streamlined new approach to sustainability data sourcing and reporting, supporting corporates and financial institutions for a range of use cases including meeting evolving regulatory requirements, while reducing cost and effort.

Powered by ESG Book’s disclosure platform, which leverages cloud and AI technology, LEO is a secure, framework-neutral solution that helps corporates and financial institutions customise disclosure and data sourcing practices to meet regional regulations, industry standards, and stakeholder expectations.

Its modular reporting template, designed to be interoperable with global standards including those from the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), adapts to the diverse needs of companies – from SMEs to large enterprises across industries and regions. Smart pre-fill capabilities, which allow for publicly disclosed data to be pre-filled into the template, ease the reporting burden with access to over 200,000 disclosures.

Leading financial institutions including ING, Lloyds, and NatWest are adopting or piloting LEO to ease client reporting burdens, increase efficiency of data sourcing, strengthen resilience, and drive capacity building.

ESG Book LEO enables corporates to:

• Manage disclosure requests and easily map data across multiple frameworks and stakeholders.
• Reduce the reporting burden using pre-filled data.
• Manage data and control access in one place, saving time and money.
• Securely share data publicly or privately with multiple counterparties, with no need for lengthy questionnaires.

While supporting financial institutions to:

• Automate and standardise data collection from clients and vendors, increasing efficiency and lowering costs.
• Facilitate compliance preparation for key regulations including EBA Pillar 3 and Basel III requirements.
• Enhance and streamline data access to support critical use cases including risk management and opportunity creation.  
• Improve data response rates from suppliers, enhancing engagement for use cases including supply chain resilience.

Justin Fitzpatrick, CEO of ESG Book, said: “As regulatory requirements evolve, managing risks and leveraging sustainability as an economic driver remains crucial for corporates and financial institutions. LEO cuts through complexity, simplifies reporting, and helps businesses focus on what matters – using data to drive efficiency, reduce costs, and create long-term value. Through our partnership with BCG and in collaboration with Google Cloud, we’re making data sharing smarter, faster, and more cost-effective.”

Roy Choudhury, Managing Director and Senior Partner, BCG, said: “As the demand for reliable and comparable climate-related information continues to grow, a standardised data request and reporting template is essential. Our collaboration on the LEO platform leverages BCG’s intellectual property and sustainability expertise to foster an innovative response to this challenge. The platform provides a common framework that helps companies respond more efficiently, making decision-useful information easier to access and interpret. This is especially valuable when requesting data from privately held companies, where these disclosures are often limited. BCG is proud to have led the harmonisation of data requirements across the industry for the LEO platform.”

“Businesses need to focus on driving sustainable growth, efficiency, and resilience rather than being burdened with complex reporting and disclosure requirements,” said Justin Keeble, Managing Director of Global Sustainability for Google Cloud. “Cloud and AI are at the heart of LEO and help to make reporting easier and more efficient, allowing companies to focus on delivering performance.”

Caroline Haas, Head of Sustainable Finance Advisory, NatWest, said: “We’re proud to have helped support the launch of the LEO platform, which aims to provide more efficient tracking of sustainability disclosure. Our business customers are often searching for tools to help them capture their sustainability performance with the aim to help their value chain with regulatory reporting and risk management. This launch shows progress as the LEO platform aims to assist them do this more efficiently. Businesses are prioritising growth and value creation, while facing multiple external requests to provide their sustainability credentials and progress, so having the LEO platform as an option means help is potentially at hand to provide more efficient sustainability reporting.” 

Cristina Gil White, Chief Engagement Officer at GRI, said: “We’re pleased to support the launch of the LEO platform. As a licensed GRI software partner, ESG Book’s practical digital reporting tools help organisations to effectively apply GRI’s globally leading standards for sustainability impacts. Providing a clear and structured set of metrics, LEO supports companies in navigating the GRI Standards alongside other frameworks – an approach that aligns with our aims to enable streamlined yet comprehensive sustainability reporting.” 

“More than 30 jurisdictions representing approximately 60 percent of global GDP are progressing towards introducing ISSB Standards in their regulatory frameworks,” said Andrew Brenner, Director of Client Integration, IFRS. “In order to facilitate corporate disclosure in this new regulatory environment, it’s imperative that various services and tools integrate ISSB Standards. As such, we welcome the development of the LEO platform, which aims to support the disclosure process.”

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2661042/ESG_Book_LEO.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2661041/ESG_Book_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/esg-book-leo-launches-to-transform-sustainability-reporting-for-corporates-and-financial-institutions-302425484.html

SOURCE ESG Book

• The awards, organised in collaboration with B Lab Spain and GSMA Foundry, recognise technological projects with a sustainable vision
• The 17 finalists, selected among 157 candidates, will gather on the 12^th of June in Barcelona to discover the winners of this first edition of the MWCapital Awards

BARCELONA, Spain, April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mobile World Capital Barcelona (MWCapital), in collaboration with B Lab Spain and GSMA Foundry, has announced the 17 finalist projects for the first edition of the ‘MWCapital Awards: Technologies for a Sustainable Future’. This new awards programme recognises the most innovative projects that leverage technology to drive the transition towards a more sustainable and inclusive future. Aligned with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the initiative celebrates creativity, innovation, and tangible impact – supporting a responsible and global digital transformation. The winners will be revealed during a dedicated ceremony on 12 June at Torre Glòries, Barcelona.

The call for entries, which closed in March, attracted 157 applications from 34 countries, reflecting strong global interest in technology solutions with social and environmental impact. The finalists, from 11 countries, represent a wide range of actors including startups, corporations, public institutions, non-profit organisations, and research or academic bodies.

From advancing energy sustainability to protecting biodiversity, early disease detection, and combating misinformation, the finalist projects reflect a strong commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. By leveraging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data, nanotechnology, and the Internet of Things, these solutions demonstrate the power of digital transformation in building a more resilient and equitable world.

• AI for Selective Fishing (Spain) – Satlink’s an AI-enhanced device that enables sustainable fishing by differentiating tuna species under Fish Aggregating Devices. (SDG 14 – Life Below Water)
• BraiN20® (Spain) – Time is Brain S.L. is a real-time brain monitoring device revolutionizes stroke care with continuous functional data. (SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being)
• Data-Driven City for Citizens (Finland) – Tampere’s smart city initiative integrates AI and digital twins to enhance urban sustainability and citizen participation. (SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities)
• Embrace the Forest (Brazil) – Umgrauemeio’s wildfire management software, Pantera, leverages AI for prevention, detection, and impact analysis to mitigate CO2 emissions. (SDG 13 – Climate Action)
• Gov.pt – Portuguese Digital Wallet (Portugal) – It is a national app that digitizes official documents and streamlines access to public services. (SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions)
• H2SAREA (Spain) – Nortegas’ project integrates green hydrogen into natural gas networks, contributing to decarbonization and climate neutrality. (SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure)
• Julieta (Colombia) – Developed by Salva Health S.A.S, this AI-powered, portable device enables early disease detection without radiation or specialized personnel, making healthcare more accessible in underserved regions. (SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being)
• Kyiv Digital (Ukraine) – The Kyiv City Council’s smart city app enhances urban services and citizen safety. (SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities)
• Luchando contra la desinformación (Spain) – Universidad Politécnica de Madrid offers an AI-powered tool that combats misinformation, supporting journalists, fact-checkers, and public institutions. (SDG 4 – Quality Education)
• Natura 2000 Passport (Portugal) – Palombar’s initiative raises awareness about biodiversity preservation within the Natura 2000 network. (SDG 15 – Life on Land)
• Nut4Health (Mauritania) – SIC4Change’s blockchain-driven initiative fights malnutrition, supporting thousands of vulnerable families and aiming for global expansion. (SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being)
• PDApp (Spain) – Fundació Espigoladors’ digital platform streamlines agri-food surplus management, reducing food waste and supporting circular economy principles. (SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production)
• Saving Norway’s Endangered Atlantic Salmon (Norway) – Huawei’s AI-powered system sorts invasive species from rivers to protect the Atlantic salmon population. (SDG 14 – Life Below Water)
• SIMPaCT (Australia) – Western Sydney University’s IoT-driven smart irrigation system optimizes urban cooling and water efficiency. (SDG 13 – Climate Action)
• Tecnología con Propósito (Spain) – Samsung Electronics Iberia’s AI-driven accessibility initiatives support individuals with ALS, ASD, and speech disorders. (SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities)
• Victoria, Vaso Linfático Artificial (Mexico) – Universidad Panamericana’s nanotechnology-based implant addresses secondary lymphedema in breast cancer patients. (SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being)
• Xworks AI (United Kingdom) – Uses AI to transform waste into valuable secondary raw materials, advancing circular economy goals. (SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production)

MWCapital Awards Jury and Evaluation Process

During the next phase a jury of national and international experts in sustainability, technology, and social innovation will evaluate the 17 shortlisted projects to select one winner per category, plus the Barcelona Horizon Award.

Among the experts participating in this first edition are John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Ltd.; Irene Kaggwa, Director General of the Uganda Communications Commission and representative of ITU’s GIGA initiative; Antonio Torralba, professor at MIT; and Xavier Sala i Martin, Professor at Columbia University.

The panel also includes Lucas Hunter, Interim Executive Director at B Lab Spain; Carlos Mataix, Director of the Innovation and Technology for Development Centre at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid; Pilar Roch, General Director of AMETIC and Xavi Pont Martin, co-founder of Ship2B, among others. Public administrations and the foundation’s founding partners will also take part in the evaluation panel.

This diverse and multidisciplinary group ensures a robust evaluation process, considering the innovation, scalability, and potential for real-world impact of each project. The six winners will be selected based on their ability to leverage technology to address social and environmental challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Among the six selected winners, one project will be awarded up to €50,000 to pilot its solution in Barcelona, based on its potential for local impact in the city.

A platform for global visibility and collaboration

The MWCapital Awards ceremony will take place on 12 June 2025 in Torre Glòries, Barcelona. During the event, the six winning projects will be announced, recognised for their level of innovation and their ability to drive positive change through technology.

Winners will have the opportunity to present their solutions at MWC26 Barcelona, gaining international visibility and access to strategic partnerships, funding, and collaboration opportunities. Additionally, the special prize “Barcelona Horizon Award” highlights the tangible impact of the MWCapital Awards within the city, where the winning project will implement the pilot. With this initiative, MWCapital aims to inspire a global movement around responsible innovation and strengthen Barcelona’s role as a hub for technology with impact.

About Mobile World Capital Barcelona

Mobile World Capital Barcelona is a public-private foundation that promotes the digital development of society to build a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable future through the humanistic use of technology. MWCapital contributes to positioning Barcelona as a global benchmark in the digital field and to consolidating MWC’s legacy throughout the year, promoting initiatives in the field of technology transfer, the promotion of digital talent, and the development of innovative technological projects with social impact. MWCapital hosts MWC in Barcelona, is the founder of 4YFN and connects the international community of developers with the Talent Arena Project.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2660889/MWCapital_Awards.jpg
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2289657/Mobile_World_Capital_Barcelona_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mobile-world-capital-barcelona-announces-17-finalists-of-the-first-mwcapital-awards-302424366.html

SOURCE Mobile World Capital Barcelona

Actor and environmental advocate Auli’i Cravalho welcomed guests to London’s Natural History Museum to honor the coastal communities behind one of the world’s largest* coral reef restoration programs

LONDON, April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the SHEBA^® brand, part of the Mars family of brands, announced the new documentary, “Reef Builders,” will be available to stream globally from Monday 14th April on Prime Video. The film saw its official World Premiere last night at an exclusive teal-carpet event hosted by the SHEBA^® brand at The Natural History Museum in London.

The new documentary spotlights the inspiring stories of the people behind the Sheba Hope Grows™ program – part of one of the world’s largest* coral reef restoration programs led by Mars Sustainable Solutions (MSS) – and the vital role of ocean communities in the move to restore our planet’s coral.

The SHEBA^® brand hosted the World Premiere for the film, with attendees including broadcaster and author Stacey Dooley, press, creators, and members of the film’s cast and crew, including actor, environmental advocate and associate producer, Auli’i Cravalho. Guests walked the teal carpet, a homage to the sweeping footage of underwater ocean scenes that can be seen in the documentary, and experienced the first official public screening of the film.

“Growing up in the islands of Hawaiʻi taught me just how lucky we are to live in harmony with our oceans. It’s easy for me to want to protect my own backyard, but this film allows audiences around the world to come together to learn about the vital importance of coral reef restoration. Being a small part of the solution makes me optimistic about the future of our oceans,” says Auli’i Cravalho, actor, environmental advocate and associate producer. “I’m thrilled to be here in London to present ‘Reef Builders’ to the world. The huge platform that Prime Video provides will allow those both near and far from the restoration conversation to have a front row seat not only to coral reef degradation and restoration, but also the profound impact on local coastal communities.”

Following the screening of the film, guests enjoyed a panel discussion featuring Auli’i, Victoria Noble, Executive Producer, Professor David Smith, Chief Marine Scientist, Mars Incorporated, and Senior Director, Mars Sustainable Solutions, Mindy Barry, Global Vice President, SHEBA^® and Tamsin Raine, Co-Founder, Ocean Culture Life (OCL).

“The SHEBA brand is all about creating extraordinary experiences for cats and cat parents – from the products we make to telling extraordinary stories of hope,” said Mindy Barry, Global Vice President of Marketing, SHEBA Brand. “Since 2021, the Sheba Hope Grows™ program has supported coral reef restoration and the communities and partners who are leading this critical work around the world. The release of ‘Reef Builders’ marks a huge milestone for the program to share this incredible story of hope through the power of film, which enables audiences to immerse themselves in the rich stories of local communities, scientists, and reef builders. Our aspiration is for audiences to walk away feeling hopeful that there are solutions and to be inspired to take action themselves.”

The premiere event featured a brand-new immersive soundscape experience incorporating sounds recorded on a healthy coral reef. The 360 immersive audio-visual journey – brought to life by the Grammy and Emmy award-winning composer Emily Bear – surrounded guests with experiences of the reef, engaging both sight and sound.

The audience witnessed a conceptual coral reef transform before their eyes, as dynamic lighting shifted the atmosphere from dark and subdued, to vivid and lively. This showstopping experience underscored the urgent need to protect coral reefs. New research from the SHEBA^® brand reveals a critical gap in public awareness about coral reefs – driven by limited education, media coverage and personal exposure. Most people (73%) underestimate how much of our coral reefs have been lost in the past 30 years (Wakefield Research survey, 2025). But in truth, in the period between 1957 and 2007, researchers found that the world’s coral reefs declined by over 50% (One Earth, 2021). 

“Sound can create intense emotion in humans, and in the case of coral reefs, it can be a sign of life. While drawing inspiration from marine scientists on this project, it was fascinating to learn that thriving coral reef ecosystems produce a symphony of sounds, such as popping, whooping, and crackling. It’s full of movement, rhythm, and harmony – something that holds true in music as well,” says composer Emily Bear. “Creating this soundscape was a unique opportunity to bring the ocean’s voice to an on-land audience. This experience helps really underscore the larger mission of the ‘Reef Builders’ film.”

Dive into the inspiring story of coral reef restoration – “Reef Builders” will be available to stream globally on Prime Video beginning Monday the 14th of April. Plus, for those in the U.S. and Canada, the SHEBA brand has partnered with Amazon on a Stream it Forward donation campaign. From April 14 – June 29, 2025, Amazon will donate $1 (USD) for every hour streamed in the U.S. (up to $100,000) to non-profit organization Kuleana Coral Restoration, the SHEBA brand partner helping to restore and protect Hawai`i’s coral reefs and native ecosystem. Similarly, from April 14-June 29, 2025, Amazon will donate $1CAD for every hour streamed in Canada (up to $30,000 CAD) to Corales de Paz, the SHEBA brand partner helping to restore and protect coral reefs in Colombia.

To learn more about the documentary and the Sheba Hope Grows™ program visit SHEBA.com/Sustainability and follow the brand on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. 

About Mars, Incorporated  

Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a $50bn+ family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services support pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN^®, PEDIGREE^®, WHISKAS^®, CESAR^®, DOVE^®, EXTRA^®, M&M’s^®, SNICKERS^® and BEN’S ORIGINAL™. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™ and ANICURA™ span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH® offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 150,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet.   

For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. 

*In terms of restoration sites and partners.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2661556/SHEBA.jpg
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2636893/SHEBA_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/reef-builders-makes-waves-with-world-premiere-hosted-by-the-sheba-brand-ahead-of-prime-video-launch-302425047.html

SOURCE SHEBA