SOURCE:PepsiCo

DESCRIPTION:

PURCHASE, N.Y., May 18, 2017 / 3BL Media / -- PepsiCo has confirmed that its ambitious new target for greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction has been verified and approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative as being in line with what climate science says is necessary to keep global warming below two degrees Celsius. The global food and beverage company has committed to work to reduce absolute GHG emissions across its value chain by at least 20 percent by 2030.

Under its Performance with Purpose vision, PepsiCo has already had significant success in limiting its GHG emissions. Between 2006 and 2015, it achieved an 18 percent improvement in the energy efficiency of its legacy operations. It also extended its use of renewable energy and introduced fuel-efficient vehicles, as well as vending machines and coolers free of hydrofluorocarbons.

Set in 2016 as part its broader 2025 Agenda, the new climate goal takes into account PepsiCo's direct operations, owned-fleet fuel use and purchased electricity, which account for approximately 7% of the company's total carbon footprint. Importantly, however, the goal also includes the 93% of PepsiCo's carbon footprint that emanates from sources outside PepsiCo direct operations, such as farming, packaging, third-party transportation and consumer use of its products.

To date, 44 companies worldwide have had their climate targets validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative, a partnership between CDP, the World Resources Institute, the World Wide Fund for Nature and the UN Global Compact, with over 200 more companies awaiting validation.

"The Paris Climate Agreement that entered into force in April 2016 set out the obligation for collective action to limit the impact of climate change," said Dr. Mehmood Khan, PepsiCo Vice Chairman and Chief Scientific Officer, Global Research and Development. "We believe combating climate change is critical to the future of our company, our customers, consumers and our world.  Our new target represents a meaningful and measurable contribution to meeting the two degree global goal. Such rigor is now a requirement of any responsible business."

Cynthia Cummis, Director of Private Sector Climate Mitigation at the World Resources Institute and a member of the Science Based Targets Initiative Steering Committee, said: 

"The threat of climate change calls for governments and businesses to commit to science-based action. We congratulate PepsiCo on their science-based target. By seeking to decarbonize its value chain, the company is showing leadership within the food and agriculture sector and strengthening its competitive advantage in the transition to the low-carbon economy."

PepsiCo will work to reduce its GHG emissions by:

• Increasing energy efficiency and transitioning to renewables in its manufacturing operations where feasible;
• Working with suppliers to reduce their GHG impacts;
• Exploring less GHG-intensive packaging materials; and
• Helping direct farmers in an effort reduce GHG emissions in the field through global programs such as the PepsiCo Sustainable Farming Initiative.

Among new actions already underway, PepsiCo has joined the Business Renewables Center at the Rocky Mountain Institute and signed on to the Renewable Energy Buyers Principles, which were developed by leading NGOs and set out the future purchasing expectations of large companies regarding renewable energy in the United States. These actions are informing PepsiCo's renewable energy procurement strategy.

About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated approximately $63 billion in net revenue in 2016, driven by a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker and Tropicana. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

At the heart of PepsiCo is Performance with Purpose – our fundamental belief that the success of our company is inextricably linked to the sustainability of the world around us. We believe that continuously improving the products we sell, operating responsibly to protect our planet and empowering people around the world is what enables PepsiCo to run a successful global company that creates long-term value for society and our shareholders. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com.

About the Science Based Targets initiative
The Science Based Targets initiative champions science-based target setting as a powerful way of boosting companies' competitive advantage in the transition to the low-carbon economy. It is a collaboration between CDP, World Resources Institute (WRI), the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), and the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and one of the We Mean Business Coalition commitments. The initiative defines and promotes best practice in science-based target setting, offers resources and guidance to reduce barriers to adoption, and independently assesses and approves companies' targets."

For a full list of companies that have committed to set science-based targets visit www.sciencebasedtargets.org/companies-taking-action

Tweet me:.@PepsiCo embraces science-based targets in the fight against climate change http://ow.ly/naKk100FHFD

KEYWORDS: Environment, Sustainable Development Goals, Pepsico, performance with purpose, Planet Goals, Energy, environment, Science-Based Targets

Black & Veatch to bring project management expertise to Gross Reservoir Expansion Project

SOURCE:Black & Veatch

DESCRIPTION:

DENVER, May 18, 2017 /3BL Media/  – Black & Veatch has been selected to provide program management services to Denver Water on the Gross Reservoir Expansion Project.

The project is a major component of the utility’s comprehensive strategy to deliver safe, reliable water service and provide resilience to its system in the face of future threats including floods, wildfires and the potential impacts of climate change. The expansion will more than double current reservoir capacity and improve water supply dependability for the 1.4 million people Denver Water serves in the metro area.

As Owner’s Representative, Black & Veatch will assist Denver Water with project controls – including schedule, cost and document control, and eventually construction management – starting in May 2017 and extending through the first filling of the reservoir, expected in April 2026. Once permits are secured, dam construction is expected to occur in three phases over a total of four to five years.

“Black & Veatch is supporting Denver Water’s vision of not only ensuring system resilience, but of providing clean, affordable and reliable water to customers for generations to come,” said Greg Zamensky, project manager for Black & Veatch. “The Gross Reservoir Expansion Project builds on our deep experience in supporting utilities as they execute significant, long-term projects."

The project will raise the height of the existing 340-foot-dam by 131 feet, increasing reservoir capacity from 42,000 acre feet of water to 119,000 acre feet of water. The project will also increase the total output of Gross Dam’s hydroelectric power plant from 7.6 megawatts to 8.1 megawatts.

“Back in the 1950s, the existing Gross Dam was designed and built to accommodate subsequent raises like the one we’re planning today,” said Jeff Martin, program manager for the Gross Reservoir Expansion Project. “Just like the current dam is a strong foundation for our future work, Black & Veatch’s resources and expertise will build on our existing project management team and will contribute significantly to delivering a successful project for Denver Water’s customers.”

Editor’s Notes:

• The project, with an estimated cost of $380 million, will make Gross Dam the tallest dam in Colorado and will increase the dam to 1.5 million cubic yards of concrete, about half the volume of Hoover Dam.
• The expansion will also provide environmental benefits, with agreements in place to protect the South Boulder Creek and the Fraser, Williams Fork, Blue and Colorado rivers.
• Please click link to download a photo of the Gross Reservoir.

About Black & Veatch
Black & Veatch is an employee-owned, global leader in building critical human infrastructure in Energy, Water, Telecommunications and Government Services. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people in over 100 countries through consulting, engineering, construction, operations and program management. Our revenues in 2016 were US$3.2 billion. Follow us on www.bv.com and in social media.

Media Contact Information:

MELINA VISSAT | +1 303-256-4065 P | +1 617-595-8009 M | VissatM@BV.com
24-HOUR MEDIA HOTLINE | +1 866-496-9149

Tweet me:Black & Veatch to assist with Colorado reservoir expansion project to help improve water supply, reliability http://bit.ly/2qsUKKa

KEYWORDS: Energy, Affordable and Clean Energy, sustainable water supply, Water Supply, water resilience, sustainability, clean water, Drinking Water, reservoir system, dam system, project management, Construction Management, engineering, Denver Water, Gross Dam Reservoir Project, Black & Veatch

Part IV: SAP Social Sabbatical Partners to Shape Cape Town’s Future

SOURCE:PYXERA Global

DESCRIPTION:

This is part four in a series highlighting the SAP Social Sabbatical for global engagement in Cape Town, South Africa, which focused on bridging the digital and education divide in the city’s most underserved communities. Read part one, two, and three here.

—

South Africa is home to some of the world’s best universities, but the average young South African likely won’t step foot on any of the country’s prestigious campuses. The legacy of apartheid has perpetuated an economic and education system inaccessible to the vast majority of youth. According to the Public Council of Higher Education in South Africa, only 16 percent of black South Africans go to college—the country is 80 percent black. Access to tertiary education has emerged as a common issue of discourse in South Africa’s political and social landscape as students across the country protest rising tuition costs and unequal access.

In an economy where quality education is necessary for employment, yet unaffordable to most students, the country is facing a gap in skilled labor. This education crisis has fueled a dangerous level of youth unemployment in South Africa; the World Economic Forum ranked the country with the third highest unemployment rate in the world for people between the ages of 15 to 24.

Recognizing this enormous gap in education access, TSiBA, a unique, private, nonprofit business school, was founded in 2004 to enable talented students from underserved communities to become active participants in the South African economy. TSiBA’s mission is to provide full scholarships and academic programs at the tertiary level to talented students who would not otherwise have the resources to continue their education. Since opening its doors 12 years ago to a small group of talented students on a single campus in Cape Town, TSiBA has grown its academic offering to two campuses, four qualifications, and to nearly 500 registered students.

Coninue reading at The Global Engagement Forum: Online. 

Tweet me:Part IV: @SAP4good Social Sabbatical Partners to Shape Cape Town’s Future. #GEFonline @PYXERAglobal http://bit.ly/2ql9Npk

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Education, SAP, pro bono, Digital Divide, PYXERA Global

SOURCE:CITGO Petroleum Corporation

DESCRIPTION:

LEMONT, Ill., May 18, 2017 /3BL Media/ — On April 5, The Three River’s Manufacturers’ Association (TRMA) held its annual dinner meeting to recognize member companies for their commitment to safety. This year, the CITGO Lemont Refinery was awarded the “Partnership Award” in recognition of their 2016 total OSHA workplace recordable incident rate of less than 0.4 with no work-related fatalities. 

“Safety is a core value for CITGO and a collaborative effort at the Lemont Refinery. With the united goal of keeping everyone safe, our employees and contractors work together daily to improve our processes,” said Jim Cristman, vice president and general manager of the CITGO Lemont Refinery.

In addition, CITGO Lemont was able to recognize the following affiliated contractor companies for their leadership in the area of safety while working onsite at the refinery: Hayes Mechanical, Heritage Environmental Services, JM Electric, Manhattan Mechanical Services, Mid-States Industrial, Inc., Per Se Group, Inc., Priority Staffing, Sage ATC Environmental LLC and Universal Plant Services.

Established in 1933, TRMA serves the needs of local manufacturers in Will and Grundy counties. Comprised of small and large companies, including dozens of national and international corporations, TRMA offers a variety of programs to benefit all member organizations, regardless of size.

About the CITGO Lemont Refinery
For over 90 years, CITGO Lemont Refinery has employed more than 750 Chicago area residents on a full-time and contract basis in support of the local economy. In addition to producing high-quality fuels for a large portion of the network of nearly 5,500 locally-owned CITGO stations across the country, Lemont Refinery employees also make a major positive impact on the community. Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer hours and thousands of dollars are given in support of community programs such as Muscular Dystrophy Association, United Way and a variety of environmental and preservation programs. Operations at the Lemont Refinery began in 1925 with a major expansion, doubling the facility, in 1933. Over the years, new units were added to meet the demand for a better quality of gas for automobiles, aviation fuel for WWII, and the production of asphalt. Petróleos de Venezuela, PDVSA, acquired 100% ownership of the refinery in 1997 and began operations as CITGO Lemont Refinery. For more information, visit www.citgoLemont.com. 

About CITGO
CITGO, based in Houston, is a refiner, transporter and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products. The company is owned by CITGO Holding, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. For more information, visit www.CITGO.com.

Tweet me:.@CITGO Lemont Refinery was awarded "Partnership Award" by the Three River's Manufacturers' Associations http://bit.ly/2rrqRqL

Contact Info:

Fernando Garay
+1 (832) 486-1489
fgaray@citgo.com

KEYWORDS: Awards, Ratings & Rankings, Energy, Oil & Gas, TRMA, Partnership Award, Lemont Refinery, Citgo

SOURCE:Voya Financial, Inc.

DESCRIPTION:

As a Senior IT Release Manager for Voya Financial, Erin Andrews coordinates and manages the work of business analysts, developers, and quality assurance analysts from start to implementation to delivery of technical changes across a range of applications for the company. 

"As a Release Manager, you're essentially driving a large group of people to acommplish one goal by crossing everything off your list, -from big ticket items to minutia- in a prioritzed, coordinated manner," says Andrews. 

Click here to continue reading on Equal Opportunity Publications

Tweet me:Careers & the disABLED highlights @Voya's efforts to support employees w/ #specialneeds http://bit.ly/2qU58Z5

KEYWORDS: Diversity & Inclusion, Special Needs, disabled employees, Voya Financial, CAREERS & the disABLED, csr

SOURCE:NRG Energy

DESCRIPTION:

The students of FIRST Robotics are creative, energetic, ambitious, and ready to take the #STEM world by storm. Learn more: nrg.com/first

With our diverse portfolio of traditional and renewable energy solutions, we deliver reliable power to nearly three million customers across the U.S. While we're rooted in the realities of today, we're driven by the possibilities of tomorrow. In fact, we set an ambitious sustainability goal to reduce our carbon emissions 90% by 2050. Our renewables portfolio – from community solar and wind farms, to projects in a number of professional football stadiums – gets us closer to our goals, and helps us realize the potential of energy together.

Visit NRG’s Website: http://www.nrg.com
Find NRG on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NRG/
Find NRG on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nrg-...
Find NRG on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nrgenergy/
Find NRG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/nrgenergy
Find NRG on Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/114644045...

Tweet me:#Video @nrgenergy and FIRST Robotics Brains Behind the Bots http://bit.ly/2qw8xQ7 #STEM

KEYWORDS: Innovation & Technology, FIRST Robotics, NRG Energy, Brains Behind the Bots, STEM

Comprehensive Program to Support Financial Empowerment

SOURCE:MetLife Inc.

DESCRIPTION:

Tweet me:.@MetLife Foundation and @SesameWorkshop ‏Launch “Dream, Save, Do” in Egypt http://bit.ly/2qj7l2A

KEYWORDS: Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment, Education, metlife foundation, Alkarma, Seasame Workshop

SOURCE:Antea Group

DESCRIPTION:

This year's AIHce Conference and Expo is being held at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle on June 4-7, 2017.  Antea Group offers 3 great reasons why you should attend the conference.

About Antea Group
Antea Group is an international engineering and environmental consulting firm specializing in full-service solutions in the fields of environment, infrastructure, urban planning and water. By combining strategic thinking and multidisciplinary perspectives with technical expertise and pragmatic action, we do more than effectively solve client challenges; we deliver sustainable results for a better future. With more than 3,000 employees in over 100 offices around the world, we serve clients ranging from global energy companies and manufacturers to national governments and local municipalities. Learn more at http://us.anteagroup.com.

Tweet me:.@AnteaGroup 3 Reasons to Say Yes to the Upcoming AIHce 2017 Conference and Expo in Seattle http://bit.ly/2rkohTw

Contact Info:

katie.nordenson@anteagroup.com

KEYWORDS: Events, Media & Communications, industrial hygiene, industrial hygiene conference, American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), IH, IH conference, antea group

SOURCE:Mary Kay

DESCRIPTION:

We’ve all been there, walking the aisles of the store or browsing online when a compelling message pops up saying “Buy this product and make a difference!” Before you know it you’ve got a lifetime supply of dish soap to help oil-spill affected animals and everyone’s getting pink dish towels for Christmas because Breast Cancer needs a cure. You can’t remember why you were shopping in the first place, but it sure feels good to know you’re doing your part!

Mary Kay’s Beauty That Counts® program is a lot like that - buy the limited edition selected product, apply and admire your new gorgeous shade, hit the town with confidence knowing you made a difference in someone’s life. Win-win, right?

Since its launch in 2008, the Beauty That Counts® program has donated millions of dollars to worthy organizations from Hong Kong to Russia and everywhere in between helping victims of domestic violence, educating teen mothers, providing food for underprivileged children, bringing comfort to cancer patients, and so much more.

Here in the US, Mary Kay donates $1 from each Beauty That Counts item sold toward The Mary Kay Foundation’s efforts to bring an end to domestic violence through their shelter grants program. This provides critical support, shelter and confidence for survivors of domestic violence. 

Curious how the Beauty That Counts program provides life-changing support around the world? Some of our global markets shared how their Beauty That Counts partners and efforts are making a difference in their communities.  

Rosy Guerra, MK Mexico shared, “Beauty that Counts is a program that is dear to my heart. Statistics show that 7 out of 10 women suffer some form of violence in Mexico. Working with Alternativas Pacíficas, a non-profit organization that provides shelter for women in difficult relationships, Mary Kay Mexico has helped more than a thousand women, providing psychological support, legal counsel and shelter.”

EJ Kim, Mary Kay Korea said, “A mother’s dream is to see her children grow to be happy and successful, therefore we decided to build libraries for children from underprivileged families where they can learn and dream of a better future. Mary Kay Korea has donated 33 Pink Dream Libraries across the country since 2008 working with Childfund Korea (one of the largest professional child welfare organizations in the country).”

Andrea Querido, Mary Kay Canada commented, “Each Beauty That Counts® donation benefits the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation in its efforts to assist women living with cancer through the Look Good Feel Better® program and supports women affected by domestic violence through grants to women’s shelters across the country. This year, we will donate $2 from each sale to support the Foundation and its heartfelt mission.”

Get your blush brush ready for this year’s limited edition Baked Cheek Powder offered in two shades - Kind Heart and Giving Heart.

To learn more about the Beauty That Counts program and global beneficiaries, visit the Beauty That Counts page. 

Tweet me:.@MaryKayNews >> Beauty on a mission to make a difference around the world http://bit.ly/2qy6b3i #BeautyThatCounts

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Media & Communications, Mary Kay

by Gary Coman, Engineering and Development Lead, Cisco Networking Academy

SOURCE:Cisco Systems Inc.

DESCRIPTION:

Everywhere in the world, technology is changing the way we live and work. As director of engineering with the Cisco Networking Academy program, I am part of a global community dedicated to training the next generation of students who can build networks, develop apps, secure devices, and analyze data. Combined with an entrepreneurial spirit, these digital skills can help you stand out in the job market, forget your own path, and even empower you to do work with a purpose.

Whether you’re just planning a career or considering a career change, here are 5 reasons you should include networking technology in your studies.

1. Opportunities abound

People with IT and networking skills are in short supply worldwide. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates the employment of network and computer systems administrators will grow by 31 percent from 2014 to 2024. In Brazil, the IT industry is expected to grow by 3 percent through 2019, with more than 160,000 jobs expected to remain unfilled in the next two years.

The story is the same in country after country, from continent to continent. As organizations and institutions invest in mobile devices, cloud computing, social media, and big data, they depend on a workforce with the digital skills to make the most of these technologies.

Right now, the number of people working and studying technology simply won’t match the expected demand. Individuals who choose to add networking to their studies or professional skills discover new opportunities in today’s digital economy. For example, the hands-on, practical training Diana Nassar received through Networking Academy prepared her to thrive in a technical career and inspire other women in Jordan to follow in her footsteps.

2. You don’t have to be a math wiz

Networking starts with basic logic and connections. The only prerequisite for the Networking Academy IT Essentials course is an interest in technology and basic math and reading comprehension. If you are in or have completed high school, you probably have the skills you need to launch a networking career.

In India, Anudip provides Networking Academy courses at 150 centers, where 60,000 low-income women and youth have trained since 2007. Their experience shows that you can study networking technology at a broad range of educational institutions—high schools, community colleges, institutes, community knowledge centers, and universities—as part of your degree studies or while you work.

3. Innovators are always welcome

Digital skills give you an edge and an opportunity to make a career in almost any sector you can imagine: financial services, education, transportation, manufacturing, technology, government, hospitality, healthcare, retail… you name it.

If you have an interest in a particular field, technology is probably part of it. For example, networking technology is transforming the healthcare industry, and students are finding ways to better use it in practice. At this year’s Rice Business Plan Competition, Cisco awarded its Innovation Challenge Prize to Luso Labs LLC, a student-founded startup using technology to make cervical cancer screenings more accurate and accessible to women worldwide.

Former military members are also enjoying the benefits of IT training. Veteran Arodi Fernandez became a Customer Support Engineer after completing Cisco’s Veteran Talent Incubation Program (VTIP). Whether you see yourself with your own business, as part of a small company or inside a global corporation, networking basics open the door to help advance your career.

4. Get connected to the most connected people

There is a worldwide community of people just like you. More than 6.9 million students in 170 countries have participated in Networking Academy courses since 1997. That’s a lot of friends to find and connect with on LinkedIn or Facebook, which has over 1 million student and instructor members who use it to stay in touch, ask questions, and discover new learning opportunities.

5. The places you’ll go and the things you’ll do

Networking standards are global. That means your skills and certifications are recognized anywhere in the world your career takes you. Cisco-certified professionals have worked their way up through global corporations in places all over the world. They live in every sized community, supporting small businesses, schools, and social services in every town or village where someone connects to the Internet. They build networks for essential communications after disasters like the 2015 earthquake in Nepal. They connect isolated places like refugee camps to the world, giving displaced persons a bridge to a more promising future.

I know that networking can take you wherever you want to go because I’ve lived it. I started out as a systems analyst with Fidelity Investments. But I had ambitions to build life experience and travel the globe. I used my knowledge in networking and technology to move to Europe and then to Asia for over 10 years, advancing my career from systems to sales to business development. Now, as director of engineering for Cisco Networking Academy, I ensure that people everywhere benefit from the power of technology. When you choose to add networking skills and Cisco certification to your résumé, you open the door to opportunities.

Visit NetAcad.com and start studying networking technology today!

Tweet me:.@CiscoCSR: 5 Reasons to Study Networking #Technology Now http://3bl.me/qgvq9f via @HuffPost @CiscoNetAcad #Education #ICT

KEYWORDS: Innovation & Technology, Education, information and communication technology, ICT, cisco csr, Cisco Net Academy, Digital Economy, Digital Divide, skills gap, Global Problem Solver

SOURCE:Points of Light

DESCRIPTION:

When Kylee McGrane sat down with her family to watch Frozen, it gave her a great idea – and she just couldn’t let it go.

Realizing that she looked like Elsa and that her best friend, Maggie McAndrew, looked like Anna, she had an “a-ha moment” that would become her next service project: she wanted to start visiting hospitals as the princesses from Frozen.

At first, Kylee and Maggie had a hard time getting started. But after a series of cold calls and presentations to pitch the idea, Cohen Children's Medical Center on Long Island took a chance on the new princesses and allowed them to come in.

And A Moment of Magic was born.

Eventually, the women were not only visiting children in hospitals during treatments, but also attending nonprofit fundraisers and participating in other events, such as book readings and sing-alongs. As the program expanded, they began recruiting other students to volunteer as princesses and superheroes to meet the needs of the requests coming in.

“Every week is different, but now we make between one and five visits every week, plus attend special events,” said Kylee.

As A Moment of Magic grew from an idea into an organization, its mission becomes clear: "Restoring the magic of believing at a time when a child needs to 'just be a kid' and reminding them to be brave, strong, and fearless". The program also seeks to raise awareness of pediatric cancer –  the leading cause of death by disease for children, with an estimated 250,000 new cases of pediatric cancer each year. That is 250 children worldwide, every day.

Read the full story on the Points of Light blog

Tweet me:#DailyPointofLight Kylee McGrane founded @_momentofmagic to bring joy to hospitalized children: http://bit.ly/2qnpf46

KEYWORDS: Social Impact & Volunteering, Awards, Ratings & Rankings, Points of Light, A Moment of Magic

SOURCE:PepsiCo

DESCRIPTION:

PURCHASE, N.Y., May 19, 2017 / 3BL Media / - PepsiCo, Inc. (NYSE: PEP) announced that it has signed an agreement with Partnership for a Healthier America ("PHA") to independently report and verify the company's progress against previously outlined goals designed to transform its product portfolio and offer healthier options.

PepsiCo's goals, which were announced last October and informed by World Health Organization and other authorities' guidelines, include a focus on reducing added sugars, saturated fat and sodium levels. In addition, the company is focused on offering more positive nutrition such as whole grains, fruit and vegetables, dairy, protein and hydration, as well as greater access to nutritious foods and beverages in underserved communities.

The specific goals that PHA will track focus on added sugars, saturated fat and sodium. By 2025, PepsiCo expects that:

• At least two-thirds of the company's global beverage portfolio volume sold will have 100 Calories or fewer from added sugars per 12-oz (355 ml) serving.
• At least three-quarters of the company's global foods portfolio volume sold will not exceed 1.1 grams of saturated fat per 100 Calories.
• At least three-quarters of the company's global foods portfolio volume sold will not exceed 1.3 milligrams of sodium per Calorie.

"PepsiCo's continued focus on delivering Performance with Purpose has fueled our growth and is positioning our company for future success. We continue to place great emphasis on transforming our product portfolio to meet changing consumer and societal needs, and we're proud of the progress we've achieved to date" said PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi. "Our agenda for the next ten years includes ambitious goals to further improve the nutritional profile of our products and expand our range of wholesome and nutritious offerings. We are deeply committed to working to achieve these goals, and we welcome Partnership for a Healthier America's role in reporting on our progress."

PHA CEO Lawrence A. Soler added: "PepsiCo's vision to transform their products to meet consumer demand for healthier options is a win for the company and a win for consumers. We look forward to evaluating PepsiCo's progress and sharing it publicly."

PepsiCo's decade-long commitment to Performance with Purpose is rooted in the belief that business success is inextricably linked to the sustainability of the world we share.  In addition to its focus on portfolio transformation and offering healthier options, as part of this overarching vision, PepsiCo is also focused on protecting our planet, making the food system more sustainable and empowering people around the world. For more information on Performance with Purpose, please visit: http://www.pepsico.com/purpose/performance-with-purpose.

About PepsiCo 
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated approximately $63 billion in net revenue in 2016, driven by a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker and Tropicana. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

At the heart of PepsiCo is Performance with Purpose – our fundamental belief that the success of our company is inextricably linked to the sustainability of the world around us. We believe that continuously improving the products we sell, operating responsibly to protect our planet and empowering people around the world is what enables PepsiCo to run a successful global company that creates long-term value for society and our shareholders. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com.

About Partnership for a Healthier America 
The Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) is devoted to working with the private sector to ensure the health of our nation's youth by solving the childhood obesity crisis. In 2010, PHA was created in conjunction with—but independent from—First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! effort. PHA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that is led by some of the nation's most respected health and childhood obesity experts. PHA brings together public, private and nonprofit leaders to broker meaningful commitments and develop strategies to end childhood obesity. Most important, PHA ensures that commitments made are commitments kept by working with unbiased third parties to monitor and publicly report on the progress our partners are making. For more information about PHA, please visit www.ahealthieramerica.org and follow PHA on Twitter @PHAnews.

PepsiCo Cautionary Statement
Statements in this release that are "forward-looking statements" are based on currently available information, operating plans and projections about future events and trends. Forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted in any such forward-looking statement. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: changes in demand for PepsiCo's products, as a result of changes in consumer preferences or otherwise; changes in, or failure to comply with, applicable laws and regulations; imposition or proposed imposition of new or increased taxes aimed at PepsiCo's products; imposition of labeling or warning requirements on PepsiCo's products; changes in laws related to packaging and disposal of PepsiCo's products; PepsiCo's ability to compete effectively; political conditions, civil unrest or other developments and risks in the markets where PepsiCo's products are made, manufactured, distributed or sold; the ability to protect information systems against, or effectively respond to, a cybersecurity incident or other disruption; damage to PepsiCo's reputation or brand image; and other factors that may adversely affect the price of PepsiCo's publicly traded securities and financial performance.

For additional information on these and other factors that could cause PepsiCo's actual results to materially differ from those set forth herein, please see PepsiCo's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent annual report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. PepsiCo undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Tweet me:.@PepsiCo Advances 2025 Sustainability Agenda through Agreement with Partnership for a Healthier America http://ow.ly/1a1h100FDN4

KEYWORDS: Responsible Production & Consumption, Pepsico, performance with purpose, Product Goals, Partnership for a Healthier America, PHA

Over 4,000 employees to serve in local communities

SOURCE:Samsung Electronics America, Inc.

DESCRIPTION:

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J., MAY 19, 2017 – Samsung Electronics America, Inc. today will host its bi-annual, companywide Day of Service throughout their national locations in New Jersey, New York, Texas, California and Washington, D.C. and regional offices. The event, which occurs each spring and fall, is part of the company’s overarching Samsung Gives initiative, a platform that creates service opportunities for Samsung employees to connect to meaningful causes within their own communities.

“Samsung believes in being an active corporate citizen and is committed to giving back to the communities where our employees live and work,” said Gregory Lee, President and CEO, Samsung North America. “The Samsung Day of Service allows all employees to serve their communities, work in teams and offer help to causes in need—whether it be feeding the homeless, rebuilding communities or providing workplace training. We strive to encourage employees to be more proactive in their volunteering and through Day of Service grow a better understanding of causes they are passionate about within their communities.”

Since its inception in 2014, the Day of Service has provided over 80,000 hours of service to more than 60 local charities nationwide. This year alone, nearly 4,000 Samsung employees will join together in donating 16,000 hours of service to more than 50 non-profit organizations within their communities, including:

• Local Boys & Girls Club of America
• GrowNYC in New York
• After-School All-Stars in New Jersey
• Special Olympics Texas

Samsung Gives was built on the company’s dedication to help communities and focuses on programs that enhance health, education and sustainability opportunities.  Many of the organizations Samsung partners with for Day of Service share this vision and provide an outlet for Samsung employees to impact change within their communities.

For more information on Samsung’s corporate citizenship initiatives, including Day of Service, visit news.samsung.com/us/category/corporate/social-responsibility.

Tweet me:#Samsung #DayofService: Over 4K #employees contributing 16K hrs of service to #communities http://3bl.me/4fyamy #SamsungGives

Contact Info:

Bernadette Brijlall
Samsung Electronics America, Inc
b.brijlall@sea.samsung.com

KEYWORDS: Responsible Business & Employee Engagement, Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, day of service, samsung gives, Special Olympics, Boys and Girls Clubs, GrowNYC

Learn how you can help the 130,000 children living in foster home get adopted

SOURCE:Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

DESCRIPTION:

With more than 130,000 children in foster care who are in need of a permanent, loving home, foster care adoption is as critical as ever. Learn why we believe that unadoptable is unacceptable. #FosterCareMonth

Tweet me:With 130,000 children in #fostercare in need of a permanent, loving home. Learn how you can help http://bit.ly/2qvdJ4b via @DTFA

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Dave Thomas, Foster Care Month, adoption, foster care, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Children, Recruiter, forever family, Wendy’s

SOURCE:Astellas

DESCRIPTION:

NORTHBROOK, Ill., Friday, May 19, 2017 /3BL Media/ – Yesterday, Astellas was named an honoree of the 2017 When Work Works award by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

The award honors organizations that have created effective workplaces based on six evidence-based components connected to positive employee and employer outcomes: autonomy; work/life fit; supervisor support for work success; earnings, benefits and advancement opportunities; learning opportunities; and a culture of trust.

“As a company, we’re guided by our unique culture every day,” said Collette Taylor, senior vice president Human Resources and Facilities. “We care for our own people, and that care is ultimately reflected in our commitment to the thousands of people around the world who rely on our medicines.”

The When Work Works Awards are unique for their rigorous, two-step selection process, which involves an evaluation of employers’ flexibility programs and practices and a confidential employee survey on the key ingredients of an effective and flexible workplace. The award also examines the real-life experiences of employees at their worksites rather than companywide policies. All applicants are measured against national norms from two representative studies—the National Study of Employers and the National Study of the Changing Workforce.

“Business leaders continue to seek ways to create effective work environments that are conducive to increased productivity, innovation, creativity and engagement. The 2017 winners give strong evidence that effective and flexible workplaces are key to successful business strategies,” said Ellen Galinsky, president of the Families and Work Institute, the originator of the award, and senior research advisor at SHRM.

To see the full list of honorees, click here.

About Astellas:
Astellas is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. For more information on Astellas, please visit our website at www.astellas.us. You can also follow us on Twitter at @AstellasUS, Facebook at www.facebook.com/AstellasUS or LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/astellas-pharma.

About When Work Works
When Work Works is a national initiative, led by the partnership of the Families and Work Institute (FWI) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), to help businesses of all sizes and types become more successful by transforming the way they view and adopt effective and flexible workplaces. When Work Works is one of the foremost providers of resources, rigorous research and best practices on workplace effectiveness and flexibility in the nation. The initiative administers the prestigious annual When Work Works Award, which recognizes exemplary employers for creating effective workplaces to increase business and employee success. Visit www.whenworkworks.org and follow us on Twitter @WhenWorkWorks @FWINews and @SHRMPress.

About the Society for Human Resource Management
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the world’s largest HR professional society, representing 285,000 members in more than 165 countries. For nearly seven decades, the Society has been the leading provider of resources serving the needs of HR professionals and advancing the practice of human resource management. SHRM has more than 575 affiliated chapters within the United States and subsidiary offices in China, India and United Arab Emirates. Visit us at shrm.org and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @SHRMPress.

Tweet me:.@AstellasUS honored for creating a positive, effective workplace by @SHRMPress http://bit.ly/2qyln0g @WhenWorkWorks

KEYWORDS: Awards, Ratings & Rankings, Best Companies to Work For, astellas, When Work Works, Society for Human Resource Management, Careers

SOURCE:PayPal

DESCRIPTION:

PayPal Stories Staff 

Tweet me:Strong work ethic creates opportunity - see how Brandon became a software engineer @PayPal http://bit.ly/2qtjJNh

KEYWORDS: Diversity & Inclusion, Education, PayPal, Careers, work ethic, computer science, programming

SOURCE:International Living Future Institute

DESCRIPTION:

SEATTLE, May 19, 2017 /3BL Media/ -- The International Living Future Institute (ILFI) and New Buildings Institute (NBI) today announced a partnership that will streamline and strengthen the tracking and certification of zero energy (ZE) buildings in order to drive broader market adoption, codification and standardization of ZE technologies in everyday buildings.

“NBI and ILFI are aligned in our shared vision for a future where high performance, ultra-low energy buildings powered by renewable energy are the norm, not the exception,” said Amanda Sturgeon, CEO of ILFI. “Through each of our programs, we have demonstrated time and again that zero energy is achievable and scalable. Together, we can catalyze this movement.”

As a first step, NBI and ILFI will consolidate certified, verified and emerging ZE building projects into a single, unified dataset with common categories. In addition, NBI and ILFI will also share a protocol for data collection, certification and case studies. The partnership builds on the strengths of each organization, and the end result will be one seamless system for tracking, registering, certifying, and evaluating the burgeoning zero energy movement.  The buildings industry—design teams, builders, owners, operators and others—will also get the needed clarity on the standards for zero energy performance using data driven outcomes for validation. 

Within this collaboration, the ILFI will continue as administrator of the Zero Energy Building Certification, while NBI will act as lead certification auditor as well as administrator of the building data.  In addition, projects currently pursuing the Living Building Challenge will be added to the emerging ZE set, creating a broad cohort of leading edge projects worldwide. 

“We have the opportunity to reimagine and remake the built environment by 2050,” said Ralph DiNola, CEO of NBI. “Zero energy buildings offer a pathway to that future. Today, nearly half of U.S. energy and 75% of electricity is consumed by buildings. By combining our efforts, we can dramatically reduce carbon emissions and provide deeper insight into what it takes to get to ZE and in doing so, we will rapidly grow the number of buildings striving for zero energy.”

Over the next several months, ILFI and NBI will work to further integrate the way they accept project data and communicate about the new certification and database protocols. Tracking and spotlighting success and lessons learned remains a key goal for both partners in order to fuel continued growth of projects in the residential, multifamily and commercial sectors.

If you have a zero energy building that you would like to register, please visit www.living-future.org/net-zero/certification/

About the International Living Future Institute
The International Living Future Institute is a hub for visionary programs. The Institute offers global strategies for lasting sustainability, partnering with local communities to create grounded and relevant solutions, including green building and infrastructure solutions on scales ranging from single room renovations to neighborhoods or whole cities.  The Institute administers the Living Building Challenge, the environment’s most rigorous and ambitious performance standard. It is the parent organization for Cascadia Green Building Council, a chapter of both the United States and Canada Green Building Councils that serves Alaska, British Columbia, Washington and Oregon. It is also home to Ecotone Publishing, a unique publishing house dedicated to telling the story of the green building movement's pioneering thinkers and practitioners.

About New Buildings Institute
New Buildings Institute (NBI) is a nonprofit organization working to improve the energy performance of commercial buildings. NBI works collaboratively with commercial building market players–governments, utilities, energy efficiency advocates and building professionals–to remove barriers to energy efficiency, including promoting advanced design practices, improved technologies, public policies and programs that improve energy efficiency. NBI has been a leader in the zero energy buildings movement and is working with industry and partners to mainstream zero energy performance by 2050. Learn more at www.newbuildings.org.

Tweet me:.@Living_Future + @ZeroEnergyBldgs partner to accelerate the Zero Energy movement http://bit.ly/2rj4Kqe #LF17

Contact Info:

Lisa Lilienthal
International Living Future Institute
+1 (404) 661-3679
lisa.lilienthal@living-future.org

Stacey Hobart
New Buildings Institute
+1 (503) 407-2148
stacey@newbuildings.org

KEYWORDS: Energy, Environment, International Living Future institute (ILFI), Zero Energy

Inclusive Growth Opportunities Index helps investors identify technology investments in thematic areas to overcome inequality and enable broad-based participation in economic progress

SOURCE:Morgan Stanley

DESCRIPTION:

May 19, 2017 /3BL Media/ - Today the Morgan Stanley Institute for Sustainable Investing announced the Inclusive Growth Opportunities Index, a report and interactive tool for investors to explore technology-based opportunities that support inclusive economic growth – the first in a body of work that the Institute will produce to help drive private capital toward reducing inequality.

The Institute, with The Economist Intelligence Unit, developed this first of its kind index to offer investors an analytic tool on inclusive growth across four themes.  The Index ranks 20 countries with compelling investment opportunities that enhance access to finance, education and healthcare, and reduce gender disparities.  The opportunities can be analyzed and customized to investors’ specific interests and areas of impact.

Economic growth over the past several decades has led to advances in income, wealth and education for many across the globe.  However not everyone has benefitted, and for some, the impacts have been negative.  “As we seek to achieve an inclusive economy that encourages broad-based participation in the benefits of economic growth, there are many compelling opportunities for investors to achieve attractive financial returns while also solving some of the most critical societal problems,” said Audrey Choi, CEO of the Morgan Stanley Institute for Sustainable Investing.

All markets in the study present opportunities to drive inclusive growth through technology investments across four pillars of inclusion – finance, healthcare, education and gender.  The report sheds light on several key findings:

• In the least developed markets, technology provides significant leapfrog potential, but investment impact is tempered by weak digital literacy and a lack of basic services, like energy, clean water and sanitation.
• More developed markets like Brazil and the United States display some of the highest levels of inequality, not just in income but also in terms of the cost of housing, healthcare and education.
• The United States experiences more income inequality than the U.K., the Netherlands or Australia, and is most similar to countries like China, Argentina and Turkey when it comes to the difference between the rich and the poor.
• Digital divides remain prevalent, even in advanced economies, such as Australia where around 40% of low-income people lack broadband access because of the cost. [1] In Cuba only 6% of households have internet access, despite a well-educated population with a high level of technical ability.[2]

The Inclusive Growth Opportunities Index deepens understanding of the strength and character of investment opportunities connected to inclusive growth. It ranks 20 countries and comprises more than 150 metrics combined into 50 indicators, organized across six categories to identify investment opportunities in technology-based solutions to inclusive growth challenges.

“The analysis shows how technology can be used to improve opportunities for everyone and create a more inclusive society,” said Samantha Grenville, Senior Consultant at The Economist Intelligence Unit. “The Index provides data-driven insights that put investment considerations in the context of financial, healthcare and education needs as well as gender equity.”

The Economist Intelligence Unit worked closely with the Institute for Sustainable Investing and a panel of experts to develop the analytic framework, undertaking extensive research to develop the Index and rate and rank the countries. The Index is housed in an interactive dashboard tool that allows users to customize the parameters to reflect specific priorities and interests (e.g., risk appetite or regional focus), enabling users to develop unique and actionable intelligence. 

This is the first of a two-part study with the Economist Intelligence Unit that seeks to equip investors with data-driven tools on major societal issues. Climate change mitigation will be addressed in a separate, forthcoming index and report covering the same 20 countries.

To explore the Inclusive Growth Opportunities Index in detail, click here.

The Morgan Stanley Institute for Sustainable Investing
The Morgan Stanley Institute for Sustainable Investing builds scalable finance solutions that seek to deliver competitive financial returns while driving positive environmental and social impact. The Institute creates innovative financial products, thoughtful insights and capacity building programs that help maximize capital to create a more sustainable future.  For more information about the Morgan Stanley Institute for Sustainable Investing, visit www.morganstanley.com/sustainableinvesting.

Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is a leading global financial services firm providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services.  With offices in more than 42 countries, the Firm's employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals.  For more information about Morgan Stanley, please visit www.morganstanley.com.

The Economist Intelligence Unit
The Economist Intelligence Unit is the world leader in global business intelligence. It is the business-to-business arm of The Economist Group, which publishes The Economist newspaper. As the world's leading provider of country intelligence, The Economist Intelligence Unit helps executives make better business decisions by providing timely, reliable and impartial analysis on worldwide market trends and business strategies. More information about the Economist Intelligence Unit can be found at www.eiu.com  or follow us on www.twitter.com/theeiu.

Press Contacts:

Morgan Stanley
Sarah Higgins
Sarah.Higgins@morganstanley.com
+1-212-296-3648

Economist Intelligence Unit
Steven McGoldrick
stevenmcgoldrick@eiu.com
+ 44 (0) 20-7576-8224

###

Disclosures:

The material contained in the Inclusive Growth Opportunities Index (“Index”) was developed by the Economic Intelligence Unit with input from the Morgan Stanley Institute for Sustainable Investing.  The data contained herein may be obtained from a variety of sources and may be subject to change.  Morgan Stanley and its affiliates disclaim any and all liability for the information, including without limitation, any express or implied representations or warranties for information or errors contained in, or omissions from, the information. Morgan Stanley and its affiliates, employees and officers shall not be liable for any loss or liability suffered by you resulting from the provision to you of the information or your use or reliance in any way on the information.  References to Economic Intelligence Unit and/or third parties contained herein should not be considered a solicitation on behalf of or an endorsement of those entities by Morgan Stanley.

The information and/or projections generated by the Index regarding the likelihood of various outcomes are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results, and are not guarantees of future results. Since the future cannot be forecast, actual results will vary from the information shown for the future, including estimates and assumptions.  It is possible that these variations may be material. The degree of uncertainty normally increases with the length of the future period covered. As a result, Morgan Stanley cannot give any assurances that any estimates, assumptions or other aspects of the following analyses will prove correct. They are subject to actual known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those shown.

The Technology for Inclusive Growth Index is new and first of its kind without prior historical information or performance and may not be suitable for all investors.  It should not be assumed that any transactions or holdings discussed were or will prove to be profitable. In general, indices are unmanaged.  An investor cannot invest directly in an index.  The index is shown for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the performance of any specific investment or strategy.

This material was published on May 18, 2017 and has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell any security or other financial instrument or to participate in any trading strategy. This material was not prepared by the Morgan Stanley Research Department and is not a Research Report as defined under FINRA regulations. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (collectively, "Morgan Stanley"), Members SIPC, recommend that recipients should determine, in consultation with their own investment, legal, tax, regulatory and accounting advisors, the economic risks and merits, as well as the legal, tax, regulatory and accounting characteristics and consequences, of the transaction. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.

This material contains forward looking statements and there can be no guarantee that they will come to pass. Information contained herein is based on data from multiple sources and Morgan Stanley makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of data from sources outside of Morgan Stanley. References to third parties contained herein should not be considered a solicitation on behalf of or an endorsement of those entities by Morgan Stanley.

International investing entails greater risk, as well as greater potential rewards compared to U.S. investing and may not be suitable for all investors. These risks include political and economic uncertainties of foreign countries as well as the risk of currency fluctuations. These risks are magnified in countries with emerging markets, since these countries may have relatively unstable governments and less established markets and economics. In addition, the securities markets of many of the emerging markets are substantially smaller, less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the securities of the U.S. and other more developed countries.

Because of their narrow focus, sector investments tend to be more volatile than investments that diversify across many sectors and companies.

© 2017 Morgan Stanley & Co LLC and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, members SIPC.

CRC 1800194 5/2017

Tweet me:.@MorganStanley's report w/ @TheEIU discusses #inclusivegrowth across finance, education, gender, health landscapes. http://mgstn.ly/2r01Bfk

KEYWORDS: Awards, Ratings & Rankings, Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment, Morgan Stanley, The Economist Intelligence Unit, Inclusive Growth Opportunities Index

Pharmaceutical companies have long experience in measuring the impact of their business programs. The same should apply to their access-to-medicine efforts

SOURCE:Novartis

DESCRIPTION:

Richard Laing, from the Boston University (BU) School of Public Health and former World Health Organization official, says that many efforts to expand access to medicines fail to gather sufficient evidence on how effective they are. His team at BU recently issued a study highlighting these gaps, and emphasizing the need for companies to better document the impact of their programs.

When Novartis launched its innovative Novartis Access program to supply affordable medicines for chronic diseases to some of the world’s poorest countries, the company asked Laing to do an independent impact evaluation. The team at Boston University has been collaborating with Novartis since the outset, developing a measurement approach which could benefit both Novartis Access as well as other access-to-medicine programs.

Read the interview with Professor Laing on why the independent measurement of access programs is key to their success: https://www.novartis.com/stories/global-impact/novartis-invites-scrutiny-of-effort-to-improve-access-to-medicine

Download the Boston University study in Health Affairs: http://content.healthaffairs.org/content/36/4/706

Learn more about Boston University’s measurement methodology for Novartis Access: http://sites.bu.edu/evaluatingaccess-novartisaccess/

Tweet me:#accesstomedicine expert Prof Richard Laing evaluating #NovartisAccess @Novartis http://bit.ly/2qBf8st

KEYWORDS: Health & Healthcare, Chronic Illness, Novartis, Novartis Access, Novartis Social Business, NCDs, Non communicable diseases

SOURCE:TD Bank Group

DESCRIPTION:

On May 15, the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) and the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Better Buildings Alliance announced the 2017 Green Lease Leaders at the Better Buildings Summit in Washington, D.C. This year’s Green Lease Leader portfolio, which collectively spans almost 200 million square feet of commercial, retail and industrial buildings across North America, recognizes companies who effectively leverage their lease as a smart tool to achieve higher energy and water savings.
 
Together with CBRE, and OPTrust, TD Bank was awarded the 2017 Team Transaction Recognition for our corporate campus location at 101 McNabb Street in Markham, Ontario. This award recognizes deals where all parties come together to push the boundaries of energy efficiency in leased commercial space.
 
Green Lease Leaders, now in its fourth year, was established by IMT and the Better Buildings Alliance to set the bar for what constitutes a green or “energy-aligned” lease, and to recognize pioneering property owners and tenants who add energy and water-saving clauses to their leases that drive high performance in commercial, retail, and industrial buildings.
 
IMT estimates that green leases can help reduce utility bills by up to $0.51 per square foot (11-22 percent) in U.S. office buildings alone, and if all leased office buildings executed green leases, the market could save over $3 billion in annual cost savings. Environmental clauses in green leases range from attaining building performance through energy management best practices to requirements concerning tenant occupied spaces such as installing LED lighting, submetering utility data, and reducing plug loads with advanced power strips and ENERGY STAR equipment. TD recently updated and socialized their Environmental Management Plan (EMP) provisions to further support building performance efficiency, occupant comfort and landlord collaboration across our corporate and retail portfolio.
 
To read the full press release, click here.

Tweet me:.@TD_Canada wins #Green Lease Leader Award for achieving higher #energy & water savings in leased commercial space http://bit.ly/2ruTVO5

KEYWORDS: Environment, Awards, Ratings & Rankings, Institute for Market Transformation (IMT), U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Better Buildings Alliance, 2017 Green Lease Leaders, CBRE, OPTrust, TD Bank, 2017 Team Transaction Recognition