New initiative aims to address the water crisis in India and create measures to promote sustainable usage of water

SOURCE:Ecolab

DESCRIPTION:

NEW DELHI, March 22, 2018 /3BL Media/ - The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), along with its member company, Nalco Water (an Ecolab company) today launched their CEO Water Alliance (CEWA) Initiative in New Delhi. CEWA aims to bring together CEOs and other stakeholders from various platforms, including both government and private institutions, to address the water crisis in India and create proactive measures that will promote sustainable usage of water.

Water scarcity is impacting several countries across the globe today. In India, some estimates predict that the nation will be water scarce by 2025. It is estimated that $114 billion in annual sustainable water management investments are needed over the next 15 years in India to ensure availability of this finite resource.

USISPF believes it is a corporate imperative to not only conserve water for business continuity, but also to protect surrounding communities. USISPF’s member companies have expressed great interest in working within the CEWA initiative in order to share best practices and work with governments to establish an effective policy framework that will help ensure a sustainable water future for India.

The CEWA has discussed the objectives of this initiative with the relevant stakeholders - both within the government and in the private sector. Members of the CEWA are committed to providing inputs about best practices for water conservation through introduction of new technology. The initiative will provide a platform for potential investors and funders to come together and establish areas of collaboration.

USISPF President and CEO Dr. Mukesh Aghi applauded the efforts of member companies that are collaborating with USISPF on this important initiative. “Water scarcity is a major social and economic problem being faced by all countries. The recent water crisis in Cape Town, South Africa, captured the attention of governments around the world. The need to act to protect our most coveted natural resource is now. USISPF looks forward to working with our member companies to address this serious problem and to prepare for a more sustainable future.”

The formation of the CEWA initiative is an outcome of the CEO roundtable event in November 2017, hosted by the U.S. Commercial Service and Nalco Water, which promoted the importance of water for business continuity and highlighted best practices and technologies for smart water management. A takeaway from this event was the need to form this alliance of  India’s leaders to work individually and collectively to set tangible goals for reducing water use.

About the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF):

The U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum is committed to creating the most powerful strategic partnership between the U.S. and India. Promoting bilateral trade is an important part of our work, but our mission reaches far beyond this. It is about business and government coming together in new ways to create meaningful opportunities that have the power to change the lives of citizens.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., USISPF has offices in New York, Silicon Valley, Mumbai, and New Delhi.

For more details, please visit http://www.usispf.org. You can also follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Contact: 
USISPF
Nina Anand
nanand@usispf.org

KEYWORDS: Ecolab

by Philippe Delorme, EVP, Building & IT Business

SOURCE:Schneider Electric

DESCRIPTION:

As the world continues through large transitions, including increased digitization and the seemingly endless demand for more energy, accurate data collection has become a priority — the foundation of successful innovation and collaboration. Realizing this need, many companies have initiated efforts to collect energy data. This admirable and critical first step is not enough, however. The next step is to connect the data to the right people quickly, consistently, and effectively.

The data disconnect

Many companies are collecting data but not transforming that data into meaningful action to reduce energy spend or consumption. A recent Schneider Electric study found that 79 percent of companies have energy and sustainability data collection projects, but only 41 percent said this information is shared globally across their enterprise.

Solutions like Schneider Electric EcoStruxure™ software bridge the gap, connecting IoT devices in buildings to enable experts to analyze data and find opportunities for greater efficiency. In fact, Verdantix recently named Schneider Electric a leader in facility optimization software, and our software has won multiple awards across energy management and sustainability management software.

Innovation: connecting technology

For example, Marriott uses enterprise-wide sustainability tracking and reporting to monitor and improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions and waste.

This is what the digital transformation of energy management and automation is all about: empowering facility managers to make the best decisions about energy procurement and risk management; more accurately tracking energy performance through connected energy meters, sensors, HVAC equipment, and lighting systems; and streamlining maintenance to help facility managers make the most of their time. This is what it means to power the digital economy.

Collaboration: connecting people

The best strategies for efficiency are achieved through a collaborative process — not by applying a one-size-fits-all solution. Active energy management addresses this issue head-on at an operational level, breaking down departmental siloes so that energy supply, demand, and sustainability strategies and data can combine to form a cohesive strategy that benefits all.

But the speed at which the new energy landscape is forming means that collaboration isn’t enough. External expertise is also needed. In a world transforming as rapidly as ours in terms of technology, energy resources, connectivity, and whatever obstacles or advantages tomorrow brings, continual access to expertise is a must.

This is essentially our philosophy behind energy services — encouraging increased collaboration between an organization’s energy departments and offering our expertise to help them keep their energy strategy sharp, flexible, and effective. In fact, Navigant Research recently ranked Schneider Electric as the leading energy service company in their ESCO Leaderboard.

Connecting to an energy-efficient future

The combination of connected people (collaboration) supported by connected technology and data  (innovation) has the power to truly transform businesses for the better. This is not just an opportunity to boost business performance through energy efficiency and operational efficiency; it’s also an opportunity to fulfill our responsibility to fight climate change and co-create a sustainable future.

Tweet me:WATCH how @SchneiderElec helps customers like #Marriott connect to an #energyefficient future through #IoT #EcoStruxure http://bit.ly/2G7KA6U #blog #SDGs

KEYWORDS: Active Energy Management, Carbon Emissions, Digital Economy, EcoStruxure, energy efficiency, IoT, sustainability, Schneider Electric

HP joined Ava DuVernay and Reese Witherspoon to celebrate Black Girls Code and its mission to boost women of color in tech.

SOURCE:HP, Inc.

DESCRIPTION:

Everything starts with a story. Just ask Sasha Williams, a 16-year old with big dreams. On Feb. 24th, Williams didn’t just get a selfie — she got a hug and words of encouragement from Ava DuVernay, the directing powerhouse whose work, from 13th to Selma, tackles inclusion and racial division head on and continues to find new ways to define the art of storytelling.

The occasion was an event organized by HP, Disney and Nissan to bring together girls from Black Girls Code, a nonprofit that nurtures the tech skills of girls of color, to celebrate the release of DuVernay’s big-budget film, A Wrinkle in Time. With seven chapters in the U.S. and South Africa for girls 7 to 17, Black Girls Code runs after-school programs, summer camps and hackathons where local groups build projects ranging from websites to robots.

Giddy and tearful, Williams was electrified by her encounter with the director. “I've always looked up to [Ava]” says the young California native, who hopes to one day become a virtual-reality game designer. “And now, for her to take on this story about a little black girl trying to become a warrior, about being who you are, it’s just really inspiring.”

Williams wasn’t the only one energized by the moment. At the event, part coding challenge/part affirmation, 40 or so girls were treated to the first public showing of the film, as well as talks with several of the movie’s stars, including Storm Reid, who plays the story’s hero, Meg Murry; Reese Witherspoon; Chris Pine; and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. 

A movement to create the leaders of tomorrow

“Just like a lot of you, my daughter just wanted to be able to create the games she was engaging in,” said Kimberly Bryant, the founder of Black Girls Code, while leading a panel at the event. She began BGC in 2011 out of frustration when her then-12-year-old daughter, Kia, started going to tech programs and camps — and found she was the only black girl in the room. It was a scenario that Bryant, who had a successful career in biotech, knew all too well. “My frustration grew into a movement that now, hopefully, will help all of you become the leaders that much older engineers like myself will look up to in the coming years.” 

Taking on the coding challenge 

Next, the girls broke into groups of four to start working on the main activity of the day — the Warriors Who Code Challenge. For this project, the teams built apps inspired by the movie’s themes of self-discovery and self-esteem. Sasha Williams partnered with 15-year-old Kimora Oliver, a friend from Oakland, as well as 14-year-old Cadence Patrick and 13-year-old Kaelyn Hendrix. “Before Black Girls Code,” says Oliver, “I was oblivious — I didn't know what coding was. It feels so good now to go in and have people who look like you, who are trying to reach the same goal as you.” The girls name their team “By Storm,” inspired by the actress who plays Meg. 

Tears of joy

When DuVernay walked through the door at the BGC event, Sasha Williams dashed across the room to meet her. After she told DuVernay how much she admired her, Williams says, the director asked, “Why do you say you admire me?” Williams replied, “Because you’re doing what I want to do when I grow up, and you're not telling me that I have to wait until I grow up, you're telling me that I can do it now and I should just go for it!” As she was talking, Williams says, she started to cry. DuVernay reached out and pulled Williams in for a huge hug. “Meeting her inspired me to do more,” says Williams, who made sure to give DuVernay her card. “If she can do it, I can do it, too.”  

Inspiration from an HP pioneer

Judy March, a panel member and a manager of  a group of HP software developers that creates cloud-based printer-management software, floated from team to team, mentoring the girls. March was recruited by HP out of grad school to be a software developer 18 years ago. Along with other members of her HP team in Boise, Idaho, March has volunteered to help local high school girls develop their coding skills while also providing them with a real-life role model. “It’s a recurring theme,” she says. “I hear it again and again: People steer away from tech when they don’t see themselves reflected in the industry.”

“I’ve loved this book since I was 12.”

Later in the day, super-producer and Oscar- and Emmy-winning actress Reese Witherspoon joined the party. In the film, Witherspoon portrays Mrs. Whatsit, the youngest and most playful of A Wrinkle in Time’s celestial beings. “I’ve loved this book since I was 12 years old,” Witherspoon tells the girls. “[This movie] is a great opportunity to see women being the heros of their own story, which is what every woman in this room will be.”

On being a warrior — one of the movie’s central themes — Witherspoon says: “A warrior is a woman who stands in her own power. There’s a great line where I say to Meg, ‘Accept your faults, because they’re a huge part of you. You’re not perfect in anything, and you’re not supposed to be perfect in anything. You’re supposed to be your unique, beautiful self.’” 

Confidence and motivation

It’s finally time for the girls to unveil their creations, with each team getting about 2½ minutes to present. By Storm’s app, called Inner Warrior, delivers quotes from famous people and tasks the user can do each day to boost their confidence, self-acceptance and motivation.

Bryant notes that by having the girls work in teams and present their work to each other, BGC builds leadership skills as well as coding skills. Williams agrees. “Knowing when to step back and knowing when to stand up is a skill I learned and developed by working with a bunch of different kinds of people at hackathons,” she says.

To learn more about Black Girls Code, visit their website blackgirlscode.com.

Tweet me:.@HP joined @Ava DuVernay and @RWitherspoon to celebrate @BlackGirlsCode and its mission to boost #WoCintech http://bit.ly/2G8kYK3 #WOCinSTEM @HPSustainable #AWrinkleInTime

KEYWORDS: Black Girls Code, HP Inc, ava duvernay, A Wrinkle in Time, women of color in tech, women of color in stem, Reese Witherspoon

Wednesday, April 4 at 12:30pm ET

SOURCE:3BL Media, LLC

DESCRIPTION:

Join 3BL Media, ESG reporting strategist Tim Woodall and CEO of North America’s leading provider of sustainability management services Nancy Mancilla as they share their observations on how corporate reporters are gearing up for 2018 and beyond. Webcast begins at 12:30pm ET on Wednesday, April 4, 2018. 

REGISTER HERE

About 3BL Media
3BL Media is the world’s leading communications partner for purpose-driven organizations. Through content distribution, multi-media promotion and hands-on learning experiences, we connect organizations to an unrivaled network of sustainability professionals, journalists, bloggers, investors, academics, policymakers and influencers who are passionate about engaging on topics like education, environment, community involvement, supply chain and circular economy, volunteering and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Tweet me:Join @3BLMedia, #ESG reporting strategist @timwoodall and CEO of @ISOSgroup @n_c_mancilla as they share observations on trends in #CR and #sustainability reporting http://bit.ly/2G1A017 #webinar 4/4 at 12:30pm ET

KEYWORDS: 3bl Media, Tim Woodall, Nancy Mancilla, @ISOS group

SOURCE:Atlas Copco

DESCRIPTION:

True Devotion to the Craft

Sarah “Bogi” Latiener is the founder and owner of 180 Automotive in Phoenix, AZ. As a woman in a male dominated industry, she’s used her skill and expertise to educate more women about car maintenance and entice others like her to embrace their passion for cars.

A Truly Special Collaboration

Bogi established Bogi’s Garage as a place for women to work together to build something unique. The Chevy Montage build, which will be revealed at the 2017 SEMA, show is a collaboration of over 40 plus women from everywhere. Some are industry professionals, some are hobbyists, and others simply want to make something with their own hands.

Empowered by Atlas Copco

Powering this rare build is an Atlas Copco GA-11 Rotary Screw Air Compressor and a system of AIRnet piping. The Atlas Copco system delivers quality compressed air to every part of the workspace and ensures all of Bogi’s tools and equipment function smoothly.

See how Atlas Copco AIRNet Piping gives Bogi’s Garage greater versatility

Learn how Atlas Copco’s air compressor is perfect for Bogi’s Garage

Atlas Copco: Committed to Sustainable Productivity

Atlas Copco is a world-leading provider of sustainable productivity solutions. We serve customers in more than 180 countries with products and service focused on productivity, energy efficiency, safety and ergonomics.

Tweet me:VIDEOS | @AtlasCopcoUSA partners with @BogisGarage to help drive the next generation of female automotive specialists. http://bit.ly/2prYh9r #WomenEmpoweringWomen #WomenInTheTrades

KEYWORDS: Atlas Copco, Bogi's Garage, Compressed Air, Car Maintenance

SOURCE:Xylem Inc.

DESCRIPTION:

With climate change and water scarcity threatening countries around the world, we need global water data more than ever. Unfortunately, Xylem’s new research reveals that the world is actually collecting and sharing less water data from on-site sensors. A lot less.

This means governments and leaders are making decisions in the dark. Let’s make smarter decisions based on facts. Learn about this problem and what we can do to fix it.

Download Xylem’s research report: The Value of Water Information

SUBSCRIBE TO MAKING WAVES

Tweet me:.@XylemInc shares how collecting less #water data is putting us at risk http://bit.ly/2pvTJ2O

KEYWORDS: Xylem, The Value of Water Information

SOURCE:GRI

DESCRIPTION:

GRI receives vital support from its GOLD Community members. By working together, we have the chance to reach our common goal – a more sustainable, secure, and stable economy and world. The GRI GOLD Community offers organizations around the world the unique opportunity to join a collaborative, global multi-stakeholder network to do exactly this. Watch this video to find out why more companies and other organizations should join this group, at the heart of the GRI global network.

Tweet me:As a vital support network, the @GRI_Secretariat GOLD Community takes part in the work towards a more #sustainable world. Watch this video to find out why more companies and other organizations should join this group, at the heart of the GRI global network. http://bit.ly/2FYi0c7

KEYWORDS: GRI, GRI Standards, GRI GOLD Community, sustainability reporting, networking, Best Practice

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation discusses impact community gardens are having on youth across America

SOURCE:Scotts Miracle-Gro

DESCRIPTION:

Hosted by the award-winning Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, the We Dig Ohio! Garden Summit is focused on growing the next generation of gardeners and will provide valuable information on community gardening and urban agriculture. Partner organization, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, will share insights learned from their GRO1000 program and work with hundreds of garden groups across the country.

Livestream schedule for March 24, 2018:

Growing Hope, One Garden at a Time 
9 a.m. ET
Listen as The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation team shares inspirational wisdom from its work with hundreds of community garden groups across the country.

Small Seeds, Big Impacts
11 a.m. ET
Join leaders in the national youth gardening movement as they discuss national trends in empowering youth through garden-based learning.

Like @FPConservatory and @ScottsMiracleGroCompanyon Facebook to WATCH LIVE.

Tweet me:Watch #LiveStream coverage of #NextGen #Garden Summit: Discover Big Impacts in #YouthGardening http://bit.ly/2G5EfbN @Scotts_MGro #WeDigOhio2018 #communitygardens #GRO1000

KEYWORDS: Franklin Park Conservatory, We Dig Ohio! Garden Summit, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, youth gardening, community gardening, gro1000, Live Stream

AEG’s Stadiums, Arenas and Convention Centers Around the World Will Compete With One Another to Support Climate Change Awareness

SOURCE:AEG

DESCRIPTION:

LOS ANGELES, March 23, 2018 /3BL Media/ – On Saturday, March 24, AEG will support World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Earth Hour, a worldwide grassroots movement to unite people in protecting the planet. This year, 22 AEG-affiliated facilities, arenas and convention centers in 18 cities, six countries and on four continents will compete with one another in AEG’s first-ever Earth Hour competition organized by AEG 1EARTH, AEG’s industry-leading corporate sustainability program. Additionally, multiple AEG-affiliated music theatres will participate in Earth Hour by turning off non-essential lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. locally.

AEG’s competing facilities will be judged on six different criteria, including: creativity, partnerships, employee engagement, patron engagement, community engagement and campaign communication. AEG will announce a Gold, Silver and Bronze Earth Hour winner on Friday, March 30.

Designed to engage millions of people around the world on climate change, Earth Hour encourages individuals, communities, households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour as a symbol of their commitment to the planet. Each year, more than 7,000 cities show their support for environmental issues by participating in Earth Hour.

“Each year our venues celebrate Earth Hour in a number of ways, from dimming lighting to engaging with guests and fans through Earth Hour-specific campaigns. This year we are taking it to the next level with our first-ever AEG 1EARTH 2018 Earth Hour challenge, in which some of our most iconic venues worldwide will compete with one another to see who can conduct the most innovative and impactful Earth Hour campaign,” said John Marler, Vice President of Energy and Environment, AEG.

AEG venues participating in this year’s competition are (listed alphabetically):

• Barclays Center – New York
• Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre – Brisbane, Australia
• Darwin Convention Centre – Darwin, Australia
• Gila River Arena – Glendale, Ariz.
• Hawaii Convention Center – Honolulu
• International Convention Center, Sydney – Sydney, Australia
• Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• L.A. LIVE – Los Angeles
• Los Angeles Convention Center – Los Angeles
• Mercedes-Benz Arena – Berlin
• Mercedes-Benz Arena – Shanghai
• Microsoft Theater – Los Angeles
• Newcastle Entertainment Centre – Newcastle, Australia
• Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum – New Jersey
• Oracle Arena – Oakland, Calif.
• Puerto Rico Convention Center – San Juan, Puerto Rico
• STAPLES Center – Los Angeles
• StubHub Center – Carson, Calif.
• Target Center – Minneapolis
• The O₂– London
• The SSE Arena, Wembley – London
• Valley View Casino Center – San Diego

In addition to Earth Hour, AEG 1EARTH organizes AEG’s participation in World Water Day, Earth Month, America Recycles Day and other community-based environmental initiatives. Through AEG 1EARTH’s mission to reduce the company’s environmental impact and drive business value through sustainability, AEG’s recent environmental milestones include:

• The announcement of Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin purchasing Renewable Energy Credits (RECs): As of January 2018, the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin is purchasing Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to zero out 100 percent of its carbon emissions associated with its purchases of electric power.
• 2017 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) awarded to Los Angeles Convention Center: The Los Angeles Convention Center was honored by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. with the 2017 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award for its dedication to environmental sustainability.  
• LEED Gold Certification at International Convention Center Sydney (ICC Sydney) in Australia:  ICC Sydney, Australia’s premier convention, exhibition and entertainment venue, was awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in 2017.

About AEG Facilities

AEG, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Anschutz Company, is the leading sports and live entertainment company in the world.  AEG Facilities, a stand-alone division of AEG, and its affiliates owns, operates or consults with more than 150 of the industry’s preeminent venues worldwide, across five continents, providing complete venue management, as well as specialized programs in operations, guest services, ticketing, booking, sales and marketing while providing comprehensive management and planning services to sports and entertainment facilities worldwide through its AEG Facilities Global Solutions division.  AEG Facilities also provides resources and access to other AEG-affiliated entities, including AEG Presents, one of the largest live music companies in the world, AEG Global Partnerships and AEG Real Estate, as well as such industry leading programs as AEG 1EARTH and AEG Encore to support the success of its venues across the globe. The Los Angeles-based organization owns, operates or provides services to the world’s most elite venues, including: STAPLES Center and Microsoft Theater (Los Angeles, CA), StubHub Center (Carson, CA), Sprint Center (Kansas City, MO.), Valley View Casino Center (San Diego, CA), KFC Yum! Center (Louisville, KY.), AmericanAirlines Arena (Miami, Fla.), Prudential Center (Newark, N.J.), Barclays Center (Brooklyn, N.Y.), Target Center (Minneapolis, MN), Oracle Arena and Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum (Oakland, CA), AccorHotels Arena (Paris, France), Mercedes-Benz Arena (Shanghai, China), LeSports Center (Beijing, China), The O2 Arena (London, England), Mercedes-Benz Arena (Berlin, Germany), Barclaycard Arena (Hamburg, Germany), SSE Hydro (Glasgow, UK),  Qudos Bank Arena (Sydney, Australia), Ericsson Globe Arena (Stockholm, Sweden), Los Angeles Convention Center (Los Angeles, CA), Hawaii Convention Center (Honolulu, HI) and the Oman Convention and Exhibition Center (Muscat, Oman). For more information, please visit aegworldwide.com.

Media Contact
Cassandra Zebisch
(213) 763-7712
czebisch@aegworldwide.com

Tweet me:In celebration of #EarthHour @aegworldwide hosts first-ever #EarthHour Competition with its venues around the world! #AEG1EARTH #connect2earth http://bit.ly/2GfKYn0

KEYWORDS: AEG, earth hour, climate change, World Wildlife Fund, AEG 1EARTH, LEED Gold Certified, AEG Facilities

SOURCE:Republic Services

DESCRIPTION:

Responsible landfill management involves the proper handling of landfill gas and liquids, which are byproducts of the decomposition of waste. It requires considerable science, engineering and technology to manage an evolving waste stream in a manner that is protective of the air, land and water for generations to come. It also involves a relentless commitment to innovation.

Landfills can provide multiple opportunities to produce renewable energy and lower our carbon footprint. Whether converting landfill gas into electricity or using our sites as solar energy platforms, we are doing our part to convert yesterday’s waste into renewable energy to meet tomorrow’s power needs.

As waste decomposes in a landfill, it creates gas comprised of methane and carbon dioxide. Republic Services’ modern landfills use a sophisticated system of landfill gas wells to properly collect and control landfill gas.

By applying advances in technology, at Republic, we are able to harvest landfill gas and repurpose it into energy at more than 70 landfills. Combined, the landfill gas we deliver to energy-creating projects reduces carbon dioxide emissions at an equivalent to the electricity used by approximately 200K homes.

Republic Services' Jeremy Walters talked to 8 News Now in Las Vegas about how landfill gas is being repurposed to supply electricity to NV Energy customers. Watch the video here.

Tweet me:Modern landfills use #innovation to collect #landfillgas and convert it into #renewableenergy http://bit.ly/2ugRKnC @RepublicService

KEYWORDS: las vegas, nevada, landfill gas, waste management, nv energy, 8 News Now, Republic Services

SOURCE:IBM

DESCRIPTION:

This was an exciting week for IBM.

On March 21,2018, LinkedIn listed IBM as one of the top 20 companies where people want to work.

And earlier this week, IBM was the only tech firm to accept the coveted Catalyst award for IBM's commitment to advancing women in leadership and for our diversity initiatives around the world.  It is the fourth time IBM received the award.

In addition, there were 30,000 in attendance of IBM's inaugural Think event which is a conference where thinkers gather to make the world of business work smarter.

To learn more about IBM's leadership in service and citizenship, visit IBM's Corporate Responsibility website.

Related Resources:

Squawk Alley

Read the IBM 2016 Corporate Responsibility Report

Contact Info:

Jeff West
IBM CR Leader

KEYWORDS: IBM

Natural aptitude, family support and a remarkable program are shaping the female scientists of tomorrow

SOURCE:Duke Energy

DESCRIPTION:

Jessica Rodriquez first wanted to be a zoologist. Then, an engineer and later, a veterinarian. Now, she’s pretty sure she wants to be a landscape architect.

Jessica isn’t an indecisive college sophomore. She’s 11 and a student at Collinswood Language Academy in Charlotte, N.C. Her mom, Monique, credits Project Scientist with Jessica’s wide-ranging career interests. “Project Scientist introduces girls to all these different careers,” said Monique Rodriquez. “It shows them they have options.”

Options they never even considered – such as becoming a biomedical engineer who helps fix hearts. How many kids even know that’s a job?

“We always tell the girls: The jobs you’re going to go for don’t even exist today,” said Alyssa Sharpe, the Charlotte-based national program director for Project Scientist and a Teach for America alumnus. Formed in 2011, Project Scientist is dedicated to encouraging girls, from pre-kindergarten through age 12, to pursue science in school and later as a career. Forty percent of girls in the program come from economically disadvantaged households and receive scholarships through corporate and foundation partners.

Duke Energy has sponsored 25 girls – five each year since the program’s inception. In fact, Duke Energy was the first corporation to invest in Project Scientist – a program that has trained 2,000 future scientists in Charlotte alone since 2013. The first cohort includes girls who are now 12 and have been part of Project Scientist for five years.

“Project Scientist exposes girls to the limitless career possibilities in STEM and fosters a growing student interest in STEM fields,” said Cari Boyce, president of the Duke Energy Foundation. “We employ thousands of STEM professionals, so we know firsthand how important it is for our communities to develop skilled workers who bring new thinking and innovation to our region.”  

The girls are chosen based on teacher and principal recommendations. They must demonstrate an aptitude for STEM and have the support of a parent or guardian. It’s a multiyear commitment and the organization boasts a 70 percent retention rate. “We offer a safe and sacred space,” Sharpe said, “to pursue science.”

The girls stay engaged during the school year by going on expeditions – on teacher work days – to meet professional women in science. It’s important for girls to meet female scientists, engineers and doctors. A full 78 percent of school-aged girls have an interest in STEM, but women make up only 25 percent of the STEM workforce.

The biggest component of the program is the summer STEM Academy that takes place at UNC Charlotte and Johnson & Wales University.

Science lab as summer camp
The future scientists are immersed in STEM for six weeks. They learn from a curriculum curated largely from the PBS show, SciGirls and facilitated by credentialed educators.

Research indicates that girls with a high aptitude and talent for STEM subjects are not being identified at a young age. Gender stereotyping – when girls first get the message that math and science are for boys – can begin as early as age 4.

Project Scientist Founder Sandy Marshall experienced gender stereotyping herself when she was pursuing a STEM major in college. Now, as a mother of two science-loving daughters, Marshall is committed to changing the status quo for them and for girls across the country.

It’s not just for the benefit of the girls. It’s a societal necessity. By 2020, there will be 1.4 million new computing-related jobs, and women are expected to fill 3 percent of them, according to Girls Who Code.

This summer will be the last one for the first Project Scientist cohorts who joined in 2013. What’s next for them? Project Scientist is working with tech companies to get them connected to programs that align with their interests. The girls will also have the opportunity to serve as “near-peer leaders” to younger girls.

That’s something Jessica Rodriquez hopes to do. Her mom said, “She’s learned to code. She’s done experiments. Her group even went to Carowinds (theme park) when it was closed to study how the rides are designed and built.”

Roller coaster engineer? Now, that’s a career plenty of girl scientists might want to pursue.

Learn more or apply
Applications are being accepted for the next Project Scientist cohort. Spots are open for girls ages 4 to 12 in Charlotte. (There are also programs in four California areas.)

Tweet me:.@ProjScientist introduces girls to #STEM #careers and has trained 2,000 future scientists in Charlotte alone since 2013. http://bit.ly/2pyzgu8 @DukeEnergy

KEYWORDS: Project Scientist, Duke Energy, North Carolina, engineering, scholarships

SOURCE:21st Century Fox

DESCRIPTION:

PHILADELPHIA, March 23, 2018  /3BL Media/ - The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has announced the nominees for the 45th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, and the Steve Rotfeld Productions produced block of E/I shows, Xploration Station, received eight nominations — making it the most nominated educational and informational block of programming on broadcast television this year.

Xploration Station is comprised of six half-hour, STEM-related series (science/technology/engineering/ math) that air in over 100 million homes nationwide primarily on Fox TV stations on weekends.  Five of block’s six shows were nominated across a wide variety of categories:

• Outstanding Education or Informational Series – Xploration DIY Sci
• Outstanding Education or Informational Series – Xploration Outer Space
• Outstanding Travel and Adventure Program – Xploration Awesome Planet
• Outstanding Special Class Series – Xploration Earth 2050
• Outstanding Host in a Lifestyle/Travel/Children’s or Educational and Informational Program – Steve Spangler, Xploration DIY Sci
• Outstanding Writing Special Class – Xploration Earth 2050
• Outstanding Writing Special Class – Xploration Outer Space
• Outstanding Sound Editing – Weird But True!

All of the Xploration Station shows are produced and distributed by Steve Rotfeld Productions. Weird But True! is produced in partnership with National Geographic Kids, and the series is an extension of their popular books brand.  These eight nominations join Xploration Station’s twelve previous nominations, totaling 20 nominations for the critically acclaimed E/I block since its inception in 2015. 

 “Xploration Station continues to gain momentum year after year, and it’s really exciting to see that growth recognized both by the Academy and our viewers,” said Steve Rotfeld, president of SRP, “We believe there is an audience for smart, feel-good television that can be enjoyed by the whole family, and we’re happy to deliver just that. On behalf of everyone here at SRP, I’d like to thank all the talented folks who work on these shows, and our stations and partners for making this all possible.”

For more information on how to watch Xploration Station’s shows, viewers can check their local listings here: https://www.rotfeldproductions.com/tv-schedule/

About SRP:  Steve Rotfeld Productions has been producing and distributing shows for broadcast stations and cable networks for 25 years. In addition to Xploration Station, it also produces and distributes Wild About Animals, hosted by Mariette Hartley, Awesome Adventures, hosted by Nicole Dabeau; Whaddyado, Sports Gone Wild, and Greatest Sports Legends Presents.  Its founder, Steve Rotfeld, Emmy Award winning writer/producer, has also produced cable hits, The Haney Project and Donald Trump’s Fabulous World of Golf for Golf Channel and Wild Weddings on TLC, among other series.

####

Public Relations Contact:
Stephanie Wolf
Steve Rotfeld Productions
610-520-0671
Stephanie@rotfeldproductions.com 

Tweet me:"Xploration Station," Fox's three-hour TV block of #STEM programming for kids and teens, earned eight daytime Emmy nominations: http://bit.ly/2FXcwhr @21CF_Impact @XplorStation @pcousteau

KEYWORDS: 21st century fox, xploration station, Science, Television, STEM Education, Cousteau, Youth, students, National Geographic

One of the most effective ways to inspire girls to pursue a STEM education and careers is to introduce them to professionals in the field

SOURCE:FCA US LLC

DESCRIPTION:

A partnership between North American automaker FCA US LLC and the Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation (MCWT) is making sure that young women ‘GET-IT’, which stands for Girls Exploring Together Information Technology, an after-school team activity designed to encourage young girls to consider and ultimately pursue a career in information technology.

Recently, 75 girls from five Detroit-area middle schools visited the FCA US Information & Communication Technology building in Auburn Hills, to explore augmented reality, CAN-bus networking, UConnect® and other technologies, as well as meet the professionals responsible for implementing them.

Students involved in the GET-IT Girls program receive hands-on exposure to technology, while also enhancing their math and science skills, and confidence. The program, which runs from September through the end of the school year, also helps prepare the students for college, strengthening their teamwork, problem-solving and organization abilities.

About FCA US LLC
FCA US LLC is a North American automaker based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It designs, manufactures, and sells or distributes vehicles under the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, FIAT and Alfa Romeo brands, as well as the SRT performance designation. The Company also distributes Mopar and Alfa Romeo parts and accessories. FCA US is building upon the historic foundations of Chrysler Corp., established in 1925 by industry visionary Walter P. Chrysler and Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (F.I.A.T.), founded in Italy in 1899 by pioneering entrepreneurs, including Giovanni Agnelli. FCA US is a member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. (NYSE: FCAU/ MTA: FCA).

FCA, the eighth-largest automaker in the world based on total annual vehicle sales, is an international automotive group. FCA is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FCAU” and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario under the symbol “FCA.”

About the Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation
The Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation strives to inspire and grow women in technology fields, aspiring to make Michigan the No. 1 state for women in technology. The organization supports Michigan’s female IT workforce, students, corporate partners, schools and the overall community with programming, scholarships, networking, learning, mentoring, and technology experiences. Find more information at https://www.mcwt.org/ and connect via LinkedIn and Facebook.

###

Tweet me:See how @FiatChrysler_NA and @MCWT are inspiring Detroit-area middle school girls to pursue a STEM education and careers. http://bit.ly/2pzZGLU

Contact Info:

Kevin E. Frazier
FCA US LLC
+1 (248) 512-2678
kevin.frazier@fcagroup.com

Ellen Hughes
MCWT Communications
+1 (248) 218-2578ext. 110
ellen.hughes@mcwt.org

KEYWORDS: MCWT, information technology, girls and technology, STEM, #WomensHistoryMonth, women and technology, FCA US LLC

Las Vegas Sands Welcomes Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth as an Accelerator Member, Joining the Marty Hennessy Inspiring Children Foundation as Concert Beneficiaries

SOURCE:Las Vegas Sands

DESCRIPTION:

LAS VEGAS, March 23, 2018 – Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS) is hosting Grammy award-winning artist Jason Mraz for a charity concert celebration at The Venetian Theatre on May 18 as part of the second annual INSPIRE event presented by Sands Cares, with all proceeds from ticket sales benefiting Sands Cares Accelerator Program Members. 

Las Vegas Sands also announced that Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (NPHY) has become the second nonprofit organization invited into the Accelerator Program, joining the Marty Hennessy Inspiring Children Foundation (ICF). The two at-risk youth organizations will be beneficiaries of INSPIRE, which is being underwritten by Sands Cares to help Accelerator Program members increase their impact on the local community.

Headlining the benefit concert, Mraz has quietly amassed a diverse and avid fan base throughout the world. Since getting his start in San Diego coffee houses, he’s brought his positive message and soulful, folk-pop sound to rapt audiences through his vibrant recordings, humorous live performances and philanthropic efforts.  Along the way, Mraz has earned numerous platinum certifications and made pop history with his record-breaking classic single, “I’m Yours.” His single “I Won’t Give Up,” won two Grammy Awards, as well as the prestigious Songwriter Hall of Fame Hal David Award. A dedicated artist and gentleman farmer, Mraz is a committed global citizen through impassioned social activism and philanthropic efforts that span from environmental advocacy to ardent support for human rights.

INSPIRE is the signature fund-raising event for the Sands Cares Accelerator Program, a community partnership in which Las Vegas Sands makes a longer-term investment in promising nonprofit organizations that have the potential to expand service and grow in size with the resources of a committed corporate catalyst. Accelerator members enter the program for three years and receive funding, in-kind services, mentoring, volunteer support and other opportunities, such as proceeds from INSPIRE. The company created the Sands Cares Accelerator Program to build on the entrepreneurial and philanthropic legacy of founder, chairman and CEO Sheldon G. Adelson.

“We hope that joining ICF in the Accelerator program will have a great impact on NPHY’s ability to address Southern Nevada’s significant youth homelessness problem,” said Ron Reese, senior vice president of global communications and corporate affairs at Las Vegas Sands. “Our two Accelerator members complement each other very well, in terms of putting at-risk youth on a positive trajectory. If you care about helping our community’s most vulnerable young people, INSPIRE is the place to be on May 18.”

NPHY has provided Southern Nevada’s homeless youth with help, hope and opportunities to rebuild their lives, guiding them toward a path of self-sufficiency with access to a range of services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Through outreach, emergency shelter, independent living and other programs to assist their transition out of homelessness, the organization meets the needs of homeless youth at various stages in their journeys. 

“Becoming an Accelerator member and being part of INSPIRE is a game changer for NPHY and a tremendous opportunity to raise our community’s awareness about the significant youth homelessness problem in Las Vegas and Clark County,” said Arash Ghafoori, executive director of NPHY. “As Sands is helping us catalyze a movement to end youth homelessness in Southern Nevada, we hope that through our efforts more people will realize that youth homelessness is one of our region’s biggest problems, and that our youth deserve the commitment of the collective community to find real solutions.”

Las Vegas/Clark County has the nation’s third largest unaccompanied homeless youth population among major U.S. metropolitan areas, with more than 90 percent living unsheltered – the second highest rate in the nation. NPHY focuses on keeping youth in school, starting them in the workforce and working toward independent living.  Like NPHY, ICF assists at-risk youth with its unique focus on building life skills and providing leadership development to help them achieve beyond their previously limited beliefs for the potential of their lives.  ICF has mastered a 95-percent rate of college scholarships for youth in the organization’s full-time leadership program, with many entering prestigious universities. 

“Being part of the Accelerator Program and the beneficiary of INSPIRE this past year has made a huge impact on our organization,” said Ryan Wolfington, founder, ICF. “Thanks to Sands Cares, we’ve been able to expand our staff, increase our services and build our organization’s foundation toward a more promising future.” 

INSPIRE Event & Ticket Information

INSPIRE is being underwritten by Sands Cares, the corporate giving program of Las Vegas Sands Corp. and its properties, The Venetian and The Palazzo.  General admission tickets go on sale Friday, March 23, at Venetian.com, in-person at any Venetian | Palazzo box office, or by phone at 702-414-9000.  VIP packages are available through the charitable beneficiaries by contacting the Marty Hennessy Inspiring Children Foundation at 702-767-7531 or manager@inspiringchildren.net; or Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth at 702-383-1332 or events@nphy.org. For more information, visit http://venetian.com/inspire2018.

About Las Vegas Sands Corp.

Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS) is the world's pre-eminent developer and operator of world-class Integrated Resorts that feature luxury hotels; best-in-class gaming; retail; dining and entertainment; Meetings, Incentives, Convention and Exhibition (MICE) facilities; and many other business and leisure amenities.  We pioneered the MICE-driven Integrated Resort, a unique, industry-leading and extremely successful model that serves both the business and leisure tourism markets.

Our properties include The Venetian and The Palazzo resorts and Sands Expo in Las Vegas, Sands Bethlehem in Eastern Pennsylvania, and the iconic Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. Through majority ownership in Sands China Ltd., LVS owns a portfolio of properties on the Cotai Strip in Macao, including The Venetian Macao, The Plaza and Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Sands Cotai Central and The Parisian Macao, as well as the Sands Macao on the Macao Peninsula.

LVS is dedicated to being a good corporate citizen, anchored by the core tenets of delivering a great working environment for 50,000 team members worldwide, driving impact through its Sands Cares corporate giving program and leading innovation with the company’s award-winning Sands ECO360 global sustainability program. To learn more, please visit www.sands.com.

About the Marty Hennessy Inspiring Children Foundation

The Marty Hennessy Inspiring Children Foundation takes at-risk youth off the streets and into greatness. The Foundation works to inspire youth by helping them create a vision for their life, where they can develop their strengths through project-driven learning, mentoring, apprenticeships, academics, and athletics. The program asks children to "earn their way" and to "discover their passions" by helping them create and execute quarterly business plans. Through this process, the leadership and character development program arms youth with a "psychology for life," using mindfulness curriculum, that prepares them mentally, emotionally, and physically to live happy, driven and inspired lives.  For more information, visit http://www.inspiringchildren.net/.

About Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth

NPHY is the most comprehensive service provider for the thousands of homeless youth in Southern Nevada, serving hundreds of youth through its core programs and touching the lives of thousands more through outreach each year. NPHY’s programs stabilize homeless teens’ lives, meeting their immediate needs and providing a safe, supportive environment and a path to self-sufficiency. Through its work with homeless youth, NPHY creates productive, healthy adults who contribute to society. Strengthening and complementing its high-quality direct services for homeless youth, NPHY is dedicated to advocating for the Vegas Valley’s homeless youth population and serves as a leader in systems-level efforts to eliminate homelessness among Nevada’s youth. For more information or to support our life-changing work for homeless youth, please visit www.nphy.org.

Contacts:

Valerie Colapret
Valerie.Colapret@sands.com
702-414-2268

Tweet me:.@Jason_Mraz will headline @LasVegasSands' annual INSPIRE Concert on May 18 to benefit the #SandsCares Accelerator Program http://bit.ly/2G3Gj42 @NVHomelessYouth @InspiringChldrn ‏

KEYWORDS: Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, Marty Hennessy Inspiring Children Foundation, Las Vegas Sands, Jason Mraz

SOURCE:Cone Communications

DESCRIPTION:

After sparking a national anti-gun violence movement, the Stoneman Douglas student group #NeverAgain is preparing to once again push for stricter gun laws with a nationwide march, led by the newest generation of activist consumers: Gen Z. This Saturday, over 1 million people are expected to descend on Washington, D.C. for the March for Our Lives, advocating for changes to gun regulations and school safety, with “sibling marches” expected to take place across the country and world. As students, parents, teachers and allies prepare for the demonstration this weekend, several businesses have taken a stance to show their support:

• Financial support: Gucci was among the first brands to partner with Everytown for Gun Safety to donate $500,000 to the March for Our Lives rally. The dating app Bumble has also donated to the march. Whitney Wolfe Herd, CEO of Bumble, told The New York Times, “This is not super black and white. It’s a very tricky battle we’ve chosen to take on, but I’d rather pursue this than just ignore it.”
   
• Fueling demonstrators: Restaurant groups, ThinkFoodGroup and Eatwell DC, will be giving away free bagged lunches to students under 18 years old who are marching in Washington, D.C. Additionally, D.C.-based &Pizza, Shake Shack, sweetgreen, Sugar Shack Donuts and Cava will all offer 50 percent discounts to students marching.
   
• Encouraging participation: Lyft announced it would provide free rides to and from 50 rallies nationwide for those who RSVP. The ridesharing app will send a promo code on Friday, March 23 to access the discounted rides. This week, retailer American Eagle sent an email stating, “Young people are coming together. They are changing the conversation. And that is something we can all find inspiration in.” The email also included an option to learn more about the march and RSVP to the event. 

To continue reading, please click here.

Tweet me:Business Aligning with Gen Z to Support #MarchforOurLives http://bit.ly/2pAodkf

KEYWORDS: March For Our Lives, gun control, Cone Communications

Por: Rodrigo Martinez

SOURCE:World Environment Center

DESCRIPTION:

Originally Published on mundolatinomedia.com

El Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos anunció el lanzamiento del concurso “El Poder de Crecer”, impulsado por la Red de Innovación e Impacto para identificar, premiar y apoyar microemprendimientos dentro de Centroamérica.

Las empresas al ser seleccionadas podrán acelerar la innovación y la creación de empleos en microemprendimientos de Centroamérica en sectores de agricultura, agroindustria y textil; contribuirán al desarrollo económico de toda la región; y se expandirán hacia mercados regionales e internacionales.

Click here to continue reading on Mundo Latino.

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About Power to Grow

Power to Grow: The Innovation Challenge Fueled By La Red de Innovación e Impacto aims to support micro-enterprises by creating partnerships between mission-aligned organizations and current La Red member companies. Power to Grow selects innovative organizations to join forces with La Red companies (Alumni) towards: accelerating innovation and job creation opportunities for Central American micro-enterprises in the agriculture, agro-industry, and textiles sectors; building capacity of micro-enterprises to expand to new regional and international markets, with a focus on the U.S. market; and, generating economic prosperity across Central America. Awardees will receive a comprehensive support package, up to $43,000 to promote their solution, and partnership with a current member of La Red de Innovación e Impacto working towards the same goal. Visit powertogrow.wec.org to learn more and apply.

About La Red

The U.S. Department of State has funded the World Environment Center (WEC) and its partners, Le Groupe-conseil baastel ltée (Baastel), and RioSlum Studio, to select organizations who are accelerating business development and promoting sustainable economic growth in Latin America. The Program, La Red de Innovación e Impacto (La Red), was established in 2014 and is a collection of 30 innovative solutions from 11 countries in the region.

About World Environment Center

WEC is an independent, global non-profit, non-advocacy organization that advances sustainable development through the business practices and operations of its member companies and in partnership with governments, multilateral organizations, non-governmental organizations, universities and other stakeholders. WEC’s mission is to promote business and societal value by advancing solutions to sustainable development-related problems.

About Le Groupe-conseil baastel ltée

Baastel is recognized for its quality services in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), Results-based Management (RBM), strategic planning, project and program management, and building individual and institutional capacity in these areas. Baastel’s outstanding reputation in the field is built on a record of international and national successes, and expertise that is backed by attention to detail, quality, transparency and neutrality.

About RioSlum Studio

RioSlum Studio offers branding, design, messaging, and strategy services to daring companies with bold vision. We build compelling brands that evoke emotion, demand attention, and attract business. We launched RioSlum Studio to ensure all companies, from one-person startups to global corporations, have access to the high-quality branding and communications services they need to command global attention.

Tweet me:ICYMI: Initiative aids #microenterprises in #CentralAmerica via @mundolatinoweb http://mundolatinomedia.com/iniciativa-apoyara-microemprendimientos-en-centroamerica/ #elpoderdecrecer @StateDept

Contact Info:

Elysa Neumann
RioSlum Studio
+1 (774) 275-4836
press@wec.org

KEYWORDS: central america, agriculture, Sustainable Textiles, agroindustry, sustainable development, entrepreneurship, microenterprise, Innovation Challenge, World Environment Center

By Oonagh Puglisi, Director, Corporate Responsibility at Pfizer Inc. and Executive Director of the Pfizer Foundation

SOURCE:Pfizer

DESCRIPTION:

When most people think of South by Southwest (SXSW), they might picture the latest high-tech gadgets, or a popular band playing at a sold-out concert.

For Pfizer Inc. and Rise Against Hunger, however, the annual music, film and technology festival in Austin, Texas, also served as something else: an opportunity to fight global hunger and support progress toward our shared goal of a more prosperous future.

For four days last week, Pfizer and Rise Against Hunger engaged hundreds of volunteers at the SXSW Trade Show to package meals for vulnerable individuals and families around the world. By the time the last box had been stacked, more than 11,016 donated meals had been prepared.

At Pfizer, we recognize the importance of achieving each of the 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development created by the United Nations to achieve a better world for all by 2030. That includes Goal 2: Zero Hunger, and we’re proud to continue our long-standing support of Rise Against Hunger’s work to help eliminate food insecurity. Last year Pfizer colleagues from around the world, including Peru, Italy, Philippines, South Africa and the U.S., helped to reach Pfizer’s first milestone of completing our first 1 million meals packaged. Pfizer has committed to packaging an additional 1 million meals in 2018.

That same spirit of community and collaboration was on display at SXSW. In addition to making an immediate difference by packaging meals, attendees were also able to learn more about the Global Goals in Pfizer’s interactive exhibit booth – located right next to Rise Against Hunger’s.

Fulfilling the promise of the Global Goals will take all of us – from corporations, to non-profits, to individuals like those who helped package meals on the Trade Show floor. These efforts at SXSW only reinforce my belief that, by working together, we can indeed achieve a healthier world by 2030.

Visit Pfizer.com/IndividualVoices to learn more about Pfizer’s global health programs and how we support the Global Goals.

The Pfizer Foundation is a charitable organization established by Pfizer Inc. It is a separate legal entity from Pfizer Inc. with distinct legal restrictions.

Tweet me:Fighting Hunger and Supporting the @UN #GlobalGoals w/ @Rise2030 at #SXSW2018 http://bit.ly/2GcvNrp

KEYWORDS: Global Health, Corporate Social Responsibility, Rise Against Hunger, SXSW, Pfizer

by Tori Shepherd

SOURCE:International WELL Building Institute

DESCRIPTION:

Have you ever approached a WELL precondition and wondered where to begin? Not to fret - we’ve launched a Navigating preconditions series to help project teams get started incorporating a number of preconditions from different WELL concepts into their project’s design and policies.

What are the building blocks of the Light Concept? 

Within the Light Concept, feature requirements provide illumination guidelines that aim to minimize disruption to the body’s circadian system, enhance productivity, support good sleep quality and provide appropriate visual acuity where needed. Key terms include ambient lighting, illuminance (lux), visible transmittance (VT), equivalent melanopic lux (EML), glazing, color rendering index (CRI), correlated color temperature (CCT), light reflectance values (LRV), spatial daylight autonomy (sDA) and annual sunlight exposure (aSE).

Project teams looking to refresh their knowledge of subjects referenced throughout the Light Concept can consult the Glossary for more information.

Who are the relevant stakeholders?

Depending on project scope, it may be helpful to consider engaging the following team members when implementing the light features:

• Architect
• Electrical engineer
• Interior designer
• Landlord
• Lighting consultant
• Vendor: Building controls and light fixtures

How should you approach a feature? 

1. Understand the feature intent and background. Here you can learn how requirements aim to address particular challenges associated with human health and well-being. If you’re interested in learning more, check out the Light WELLography on the Build WELL App. 
2. Read feature requirements and verification methods.
3. Determine stakeholders.
4. Consult the FAQs: your question may already have been answered!
5. Explore equivalent standards, codes or practices that may be more applicable to your locality.
6. Explore published Alternative Adherence Paths (AAPs). If all other options are exhausted, the project may develop and submit a new AAP which meets the feature intent in a method dissimilar from feature requirements.
7. If pursuing another certification program, consult the BREEAM, Green Star, LEED or Living Building Challenge Crosswalks for guidance on dual certification overlaps and efficiencies, such as features that align to provide partial equivalence or full compliance.
8. Seek inspiration from IWBI’s Article Library, such as WELL Story: Light at Arup.
9. Consult Standard Citations for additional information. You can find these insightful resources by expanding the tab at the bottom of each feature on the Digital Standard.
10. If questions remain after consulting these resources, reach out to your WELL Coaching Contact for guidance and technical support.

Continue reading this article on IWBI WELL Tips >>>

Tweet me:Read this new article by @WELLcertified about navigating preconditions for the #WELLAP #LightConcept http://bit.ly/2pP0kVt #WELLBuildingStandard #BuiltEnvironment

KEYWORDS: International Well Building Institute (IWBI), WELL AP, WELL Building Certified, WELL Certified, Obayashi's Technical Research Institute, Light Concept, built environment

by Chuck Robbins, CEO Cisco Systems

SOURCE:Cisco Systems Inc.

DESCRIPTION:

Two years ago, Cisco made a commitment to positively impact the lives of 1 billion people globally by 2025, and we have made great progress toward that goal. Our efforts have helped people develop digital skills through our Networking Academies around the world, and we have invested in breakthrough, early-stage, technology-based solutions that address social and environmental challenges. We’ve also worked with governments, educational institutions, customers, NGOs, and other partners to drive inclusive growth.

Cisco is incredibly privileged to have significant global reach and impact that can scale to help individuals, countries, and our global environment. Our success and our ability to thrive are only possible because we have been able to establish deep roots in our local communities around the world. The health of our individual communities is vital—to us, to our employees, to our customers, and our partners. Yet some are thriving more than others.

For those of us in the Bay Area, and particularly in Santa Clara County, where Cisco has had our headquarters for over 30 years, it is profoundly evident that homelessness has risen to a crisis level. Santa Clara County has the third-highest rate of chronic homelessness of all counties in the United States. In fact, at this very moment, some 7,400 men, women, and children in the cities and towns around our offices do not know where they will sleep tonight. Addressing homelessness and the issues it raises costs Santa Clara County some $520 million every year.

Though homelessness seems intractable, I believe that it is a solvable issue. I also feel very strongly that we have an opportunity – and a responsibility – to do something about it.

Today, Cisco is proud to announce a five-year, $50 million commitment to Destination: Home, a San Jose-based public-private partnership which has demonstrated that providing permanent housing to chronically homeless people gives them the stability they need to change the trajectory of their lives. What’s more, this commitment can help Santa Clara County reduce unnecessary system costs and make better use of public funds.

Destination: Home has already done great things. Their “Housing First” approach has shown that permanent housing is the first step towards changing someone’s life, not the end game. Destination: Home’s work and dedication has shown that people who are given housing and proper social service support—from medical and behavioral health care to job training and placement assistance—get healthy, beat addictions, reunite with their families, build communities, and find work.

To date, the longer-term results have been excellent: The community’s Supportive Housing system has found housing for more than 5,000 people over the past three years, including nearly 1,000 veterans. Ninety-four percent of those who have received assistance are still in their apartments.

In 2016, Santa Clara County and Destination: Home spearheaded the passage of Measure A, creating a first-of-its-kind $950 million bond—$700 million of which is specifically earmarked for extremely low Income and supportive housing—that will help build 4,800 units over the next ten years. Destination: Home and their partners have also implemented a homelessness prevention system to help vulnerable low-income families keep the homes they have.

I believe that this commitment is a smart, long-term investment in the work that Destination: Home does, allowing them to buy land and build additional housing, pioneer technology solutions around homelessness, enhance data collection capabilities, and test promising social service intervention models. This is also an investment in the place that has been so good to us as a company – the place where so many of us are fortunate not just to work, but to have a home.

At Cisco, our desire to help people all around the world is core to who we are. For over 20 years, we have consistently thought about our potential to provide global impact and how we can make lives better. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished, but there is still much to do. With this commitment to Destination: Home, I believe we are deepening our connection even further to the community we call home. We encourage other companies and foundations based in Santa Clara County to join us, and commit to making a difference. Together, I believe that we can end homelessness in our own community, and provide an example for others to follow.

Watch the video here.

Tweet me:.@Cisco's #CEO @ChuckRobbins discusses his company's 5-yr, $50m commitment to @DSTNHome to end #homelessness in #SantaClaraCounty #California http://bit.ly/2GyBGCI @CiscoCSR

KEYWORDS: santa clara county, California, homlessness, cisco csr, Chuck Robbins, Destination: Home