Today, Costa Cruises, together with Banc dels Aliments de Barcelona, has presented its donation project for the food that has been prepared and not served on board.

SOURCE:Carnival Corporation & plc

SUMMARY:

• Today, Costa Cruises, together with Banc dels Aliments de Barcelona, has presented its donation project for the food that has been prepared and not served on board. As a result, Barcelona becomes the first port in Spain to develop this collaboration. Since its inception in other Mediterranean ports, this initiative has managed to give a second life to more than 70,000 food servings.
• The action is a fundamental part of 4GOODFOOD. This program, developed on all the ships of the Costa fleet, through the review of processes and the involvement of crew and guests, is halving the surplus food generated on board by 2020, ten years before the date proposed by the United Nations in its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

DESCRIPTION:

BARCELONA, Spain, November 26, 2018 /3BL Media/Those dishes prepared on board a ship that have not been served to guests now have a new life. Banc dels Aliments of Barcelona and Costa Cruises start a collaboration agreement whereby these dishes will be distributed, thanks to the Banc dels Aliments, between NGOs in the Barcelona area to help the people in need.

The gastronomy onboard is a fundamental aspect of a cruise, in fact, Costa prepares about 54 million meals a year. In this context, the company wanted to take a fundamental step and recognize the value of food resources and develop a project to reduce food waste. With this program, Costa has wanted to completely review all the processes of its catering service and reform them in all its ships, using an integrated system based on sustainability ensuring the proactive commitment of crew and passengers.

According to the FAO, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, almost a third of the food produced worldwide ends up being lost or wasted. This could equal to the waste of 1.3 billion tons of food. As a result, 4GOODFOOD was born with the objective of reducing by 50% the food surpluses generated in Costa ships by the year 2020.

4GOODFOOD is a powerful program that considers every aspect of the preparation and consumption of food on board. As a starting point, Costa began with the review of all the internal processes for creating dishes. Priority was given to sustainability and the selection of quality local and seasonal ingredients. Next, in collaboration with Winnow, specialists in process optimization in professional kitchens, Costa has included new scales in all its kitchens and has made a register with the aim of mapping, quantifying and analyzing the waste generated during the processing and preparation of the foods. To carry it out successfully, the training of almost 2,400 kitchen employees on how to reduce waste and apply sustainable processes has been crucial.

The company has also developed an awareness campaign on board, Taste don't Waste, which directly involves guests and encourage responsible behavior, especially in the buffet area. After almost one year of its implementation on board the Costa ships the results are in line with the expectations.

Costa Cruises, recognizing the success of this program, is aware that there is still a certain part of the food prepared on board that is not served to the guests. Because of this, the company wanted to develop, as part of 4GOODFOOD, collaborations with different food banks in the ports where it operates in the Mediterranean. Therefore, after Savona, Civitavecchia, Marseille, Bari and Palermo, Costa presents, together with Banc dels Aliments, the arrival of this donation project to Barcelona, one of the most important port of the Mediterranean.

In this way, Costa selects those dishes, from their excellent gastronomy, which are ready to be consumed and have been prepared in the kitchens the night before they arrived in Barcelona. The food is placed in aluminum containers which are sealed and labeled for traceability and are kept in cold refrigerated rooms until delivery. The next morning, in the port of Barcelona, the containers are handed over to the Banc dels Aliments volunteers who distribute them to different associations, Fundació Acollida i Esperança and the Hogar Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, which, in turn, offer the collected food to people in need.

During the presentation ceremony, Stefania Lallai, Costa Cruceros’ Director of Sustainability and External Relations explained: "At Costa, we understand that it is essential to recognize the indispensable value of food and today we can take a new step in the fight against food waste. In this sense, and in accordance with the objectives set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we intend to halve the surplus food generated aboard our ships by 2020, ten years before the United Nations’ established date. We are very grateful to the Banc dels Aliments de Barcelona for making it possible in Barcelona, the most important port in the Mediterranean, and we are confident that the collaboration will be a success. "

Additionally, Roser Brutau, president of Banc dels Aliments de Barcelona, explained:"We are very grateful to Costa Cruises for having made this project a reality. This initiative marks a new impulse in the work that we have been carrying out for more than 30 years. A work that we carry out in a solidary and sustainable manner and that allows us to distribute food surpluses among multiple entities in the Barcelona region. "

Luíca Parreño del Moral, technical director of Fundació Acollida i Esperança, said: "Our foundation, based in Badalona, is a non-profit organization and we seek to serve people who suffer social exclusion. This initiative is a great opportunity for us and a great example of a collaborative economy that allows us to offer quality food and benefit many families in the region.”

For further information:

Costa Cruises

Press Office -  Tel. 010 5483523 / 010 5483068 -  costapressoffice@costa.it

Gabriele Baroni – Communication Director – Cell 3497668013 - baroni@costa.it

Davide Barbano - Media Relations Manager – Tel. 010.5483523 – Cell 334.6525216 - barbano@costa.it

Tweet me:.@CostaCruises food donation project now active also in Barcelona. http://bit.ly/2P3juBi

Contact Info:

Claire West
+1 (214) 208-3718
claire@ldwwgroup.com

KEYWORDS: 4GOODFOOD project, gastronomy, FAO, Food And Agriculture Organization, Taste dont Waste, sustainability, Food Waste, NYSE:CCL, Carnival Corp, Costa Cruises, Banc dels Aliments de Barcelona

250 meals donated for every qualifying checking account opened this holiday season

SOURCE:CIT

DESCRIPTION:

PASADENA, Calif.  November 27, 2018 /3BL Media/ — OneWest Bank today announced a new campaign in partnership with Feeding America^® inviting customers to help people in need this holiday season.  As part of the campaign, OneWest will donate 250 meals[1] for every qualifying checking account opened, in addition to providing a $250 cash back bonus for each customer.[2] Donations will benefit food banks serving Southern California, including areas impacted by the recent wildfires, and will go toward a broader company goal of donating one million meals this holiday season. 

“We’re pleased to help customers meet their financial objectives while giving back to the local community at the same time,” said CIT President of Consumer Banking Steve Solk. “OneWest is particularly grateful for the opportunity to support people in need and to help Southern California rebuild following the catastrophic fires that have impacted so many.”

Participants can also follow the #GiveLikeYou hashtag on OneWest Bank’s Facebook page to cast their vote in support of Feeding America’s Back Pack Program, Mobile Pantry Program and Senior Grocery Program. For every vote, OneWest will donate 10 meals to the program of choice.

 “We encourage customers, employees and others to participate through social media or by opening a new account in one of our local branches,” continued Solk.

The #GiveLikeYou campaign is part of a national partnership spearheaded by OneWest’s parent company CIT. The campaign will donate a total of one million meals this holiday season.

Feeding America^® is a nationwide network of 200 local food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs that together serve more than 46 million people each year. The organization estimates 1 in 8 people in America faces hunger. 

About CIT
CIT is a leading national bank focused on empowering businesses and personal savers with the financial agility to navigate their goals. CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT) is a financial holding company with over a century of experience, approximately $50 billion in assets as of Sept. 30, 2018, and operates a principal bank subsidiary, CIT Bank, N.A. (Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender). The company’s commercial banking segment includes commercial financing, real estate financing, equipment financing, factoring and railcar financing. CIT’s consumer banking segment includes its national online bank, CIT Bank, and a Southern California branch bank, OneWest Bank. Discover more at cit.com/about.

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CIT MEDIA RELATIONS:               
Olivia Weiss                                       
212-771-9657
Olivia.Weiss@cit.com

[1] $1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America® on behalf of local member food banks.

[2] To receive a bonus, customers must open a new checking account (Personal Checking, Premium Checking or OneAccount Checking) with a minimum initial deposit of $1,000 in new money between November 27 and January 15, 2019, and satisfy certain other important requirements.  See full terms and conditions at www.onewestbank.com/holidaygiving.

Tweet me:OneWest Bank today announced a new campaign in partnership with @FeedingAmerica inviting customers to help people in need this holiday season. http://bit.ly/2Rh71vY

KEYWORDS: OneWest Bank, CIT, NYSE:CIT

SOURCE:Rebuilding Together

DESCRIPTION:

With the holidays underway, many homes are at increased risk of fire caused by candles and decorative lights. Many of our neighbors who are unable to heat their home will be using their oven to stay warm, which can be extremely dangerous! 

Rebuilding Together’s work saves lives, and so can you! Help us install more smoke alarms and CO2 detectors. With your help, we can ensure families escape life threatening danger in case of a fire or gas leak. #RebuildAHouse to help our neighbors stay safely at home: https://rebuild.rebuildingtogether.org/ #GivingToStay #GivingTuesday

Tweet me:.@RebldgTogthr's‏ work saves lives, and so can you! #RebuildAHouse to help a neighbor stay safely at home http://bit.ly/2P0JX2w #GivingToStay #GivingTuesday

KEYWORDS: rebuilding together, giving tuesday, Giving to stay

SOURCE:Bacardi Limited

DESCRIPTION:

Bacardi sustainability efforts continue to draw attention, this time in China. DRiNK Magazine, Asia’s leading bar industry website, awarded the campaign the first ever Sustainability Award presented at The DRiNK Magazine Bar Awards (DMBA). A panel of 160 judges selected Bacardi as a leader in adopting a sustainable culture as part of day-to-day operations. Earlier this year, Bacardi launched its global movement, in collaboration with Lonely Whale, to eliminate single-use plastic straws in Shanghai with a media event co-hosted with Cachet Hospitably Group. The global campaign asks bars, restaurants and consumers to join a pledge to ensure The Future Doesn’t Suck with the goal to eliminate one billion plastic straws by 2020. The award was by accepted by Adam Devermann, Bacardi Associate Advocacy Director – Greater China, during the DMBA ceremony in Shanghai on November 19, 2018.

Join the pledge to eliminate single-use plastic straws:
English: www.thefuturedoesntsuck.org
Chinese: https://www.thefuturedoesntsuck.org/cn/zh/

Tweet me:.@BacardiLimited wins first-ever #Sustainability Award at #DMBA2018 for its #TheFutureDoesntSuck campaign with @LonelyWhale http://bit.ly/2DWHQeU #Bacardi

KEYWORDS: Bacardi, Lonely Whale, The Future Doesn't Suck, #TheFutureDoesntSuck, Drink Magazine

SOURCE:Mohawk Industries

DESCRIPTION:

November 27, 2018 /3BL Media/ - Complementing Mohawk Group’s Nutopia carpet plank collection, Nutopia Matrixpresents two lower-profile flat loop 12" x 36" patterns also inspired by the idea of “urban fabric.” Urban Transit has an active, shifting pattern, while Urban Terrain offers an overall gestural pattern. These two styles are made to coordinate with the Nutopia collection or used independently to create biophilic environments inspired by nature’s presence in urban areas.

The Living Product Challenge Petal certified system is manufactured with a mix of heathered and solid Duracolor solution-dyed nylon yarns to emphasize depth of pattern. Carbon-neutral Nutopia Matrix features Mohawk Group’s newest generation of Red List-free carpet tile backing. Using advanced materials and patent-pending engineering, EcoFlex™ Matrix lowers environmental impact without sacrificing performance. The sustainable backing is dematerialized to use fewer raw materials and energy. It also simplifies floor preparation and installation, greatly reduces sub-floor moisture concerns, and is easier to ship and handle.

As part of Petal Certification and to leave a handprint rather than a footprint, Mohawk Group engaged in a special handprinting strategy to offset the water used in the manufacturing of Red List-free Nutopia Matrix. The flooring company has partnered with Hampton University in Virginia to install 152 low-flow showerheads, resulting in an annual water savings of approximately 4 million gallons. Between its sustainability features and distinct design innovations, Nutopia Matrix inspires like the poetry of city life.

About Mohawk Group
As the world’s leading producer and distributor of quality commercial flooring, Mohawk Group believes that better floor coverings emerge from better design, innovation, sustainability, project solutions and operational excellence. Mohawk Group addresses the unique challenges and opportunities in contract interiors with a comprehensive carpet and hard surface portfolio of all types and price points. As the commercial division of Mohawk Industries, the company has a heritage of craftsmanship that spans more than 130 years. To learn more about our full line of flooring products, please visit MohawkGroup.com.

Tweet me:Meet Nutopia Matrix — @MohawkGroup's latest #carpettile influenced by #biophilicdesign in city centers http://bit.ly/2DW2uN4 #carbonneutral #livingproduct

Contact Info:

Luke Chaffin
+1 (762) 204-5607
luke_chaffin@mohawkind.com

KEYWORDS: NYSE:MHK, mohawk group, Nutopia Matrix, Living Product Challenge Petal certification, Carbon Neutral

SOURCE:Shire Pharmaceuticals

DESCRIPTION:

Shire’s 4th annual Global Days of Service, held around the globe throughout September and October to give back to local communities, surpassed previous employee volunteer participation rates. Shire had more than 7,600 employees participate - about 1/3 of the company, who volunteered more than 41,000 hours at more than 240 volunteer sites worldwide.

Since its launch in 2015, Shire's Global Days of Service has brought thousands of employees together each year from many parts of the organization and all around the globe. Throughout September and October this year, Shire employees worldwide came together to donate their time and talents for local causes. Volunteering in force fosters camaraderie and teamwork and builds on Shire's longstanding tradition of giving back to communities where employees live and work. The Global Days of Service is a cornerstone of Shire’s Responsibility commitment and an integral component of our employee and community engagement program. 

From Singapore to Cambridge, Massachusetts, and points in between, teams set out to meet community needs, many of which focused on children overcoming challenges – from refurbishing classrooms in city schools to packaging meals for the homeless, from cleaning up conservation hiking trails to repairing playground equipment. Also during our Global Days of Service, more than 1000 employees volunteered their time to work on enhancing three of the camps that are part of SeriousFun Children’s Network that Shire supports globally.

To learn more about Shire’s Responsibility commitments and goals, please visit Shire’s Annual Responsibility Review at www.shire.com/who-we-are/responsibility or view its video on Responsibility.

For more information, please visit www.shire.com. Follow Shire on Social Media: Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Tweet me:.@Shireplc employees make an impact around the globe #volunteering in their communities for Global Days of Service http://bit.ly/2P3pyd2 #CSR #nonprofits #socialimpact #ShireGDS

KEYWORDS: Shire, Global Day of Service

By Debra Vernon, Senior Director, Corporate Social Responsibility

SOURCE:Tyson Foods

DESCRIPTION:

Caring for our team members and our communities is part of who we are. In honor of Giving Tuesday, I wanted to share a few of the ways Tyson Foods and our team members are giving back to the causes we care about.

As the largest food processing company in the U.S., Tyson Foods supports hunger relief in a big way. In 2015, we put a stake in the ground when we pledged $50 million in cash and in-kind donations over a five-year period to fight hunger. That pledge is known as the “50-in-5” commitment.

Three years after we made the commitment, we are less than $5 million away from reaching our goal. As of the end of our 2018 fiscal year, Tyson has donated more than $45,875,000 toward hunger relief in the form of product donations and charitable grants.

Our contribution grew nearly 40 percent in 2018 alone, with donations totaling more than $17.3 million.

These contributions take many forms:

• We've teamed up with strategic nonprofit partners to provide children with the nutrition they need while also growing our business. Examples include our social enterprise projects with No Kid Hungry and OneEgg.
• We also awarded grants to strategic Feeding America food banks that serve our Tyson communities. Some grants help address urgent supply needs through short-term feeding programs. Others improve the efficiency of the food banks’ operations so they can better distribute food.
• 2018 also brought a couple of catastrophic disasters in the form of Hurricanes Florence and Michael. Our Meals that Matter disaster relief team deployed cook teams and volunteers to North Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Here team members served and provided well over 2.5 million meals, the equivalent of 625,000 pounds. And after the destructive California wildfires this month, we donated a truckload of pet treats to split between two large animal shelters in impacted communities.
• Through our Miles that Matter program, for every mile a team member walks, runs or cycles, the company donates a pound of protein to area food banks. This season, our teams logged enough miles to donate 275,000 pounds of protein to local hunger relief agencies in our corporate communities.

The spirit of giving is in our team members

Our team members not only participate in corporate-sponsored hunger initiatives, they generously donate to the causes they’re passionate about.

Through our Giving Together matched giving program, our team members have donated more than $250,000 to the causes of their choice. With eligible company matches, that’s nearly $450,000 in support of the causes and charities they care about.

Since the program began in March 2018, the total donations have increased an average of nearly 10 percent each month.

There are hundreds of charities to choose from, but these are the top five categories that were near and dear to our team members’ hearts in 2018:

1. Education: Schools, colleges, teachers, and students. Examples include local schools, universities, and trade schools.
2. Human Services: Organizations supporting children and families, youth development, people with disabilities, senior citizens, and more. Examples include children’s shelters, rescue missions, hospices and credit counseling.
3. Philanthropy/Volunteerism/Grantmaking Foundations: Organizations connecting volunteers with causes. Examples include The Cancer Challenge and local chapters of United Way and the Boys and Girls Club.
4. Health: Organizations dedicated to treating diseases and disorders, providing medical services and treatment, performing medical research, and providing patient and family support. Examples include The Mayo Clinic, Children's Miracle Network, and Ronald McDonald House.
5. Crime and Legal Services: Organizations that represent and protect vulnerable people in our communities. Examples include CASA, mediation centers, safe houses, and more.

These are just a small sample of the types of causes team members can support. With the holiday season ramping up, we can expect to see even more examples of caring in our communities.

I’m excited about the progress we’ve made toward our 50-in-5 goal. I’m proud to work for a company that cares so much about our team members and our communities. And I’m proud to work alongside team members who are so dedicated to lifting our communities up. Together we are truly raising the world’s expectations for how much good food can do.

Tweet me:On #GivingTuesday, @TysonFoods shares an update on their $50 million pledge to #FightHunger and how their team members have helped raised over $450k to support causes & charities of their choice http://bit.ly/2zudPzb #RaisingExpectations #TysonCommunities

KEYWORDS: NYSE:TSN, Tyson Foods, giving tuesday

SOURCE:World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)

DESCRIPTION:

Rwanda will use agroforestry to meet its targets for land restoration and enhancement of biodiversity

The Government of Rwanda is setting out to increase national tree cover by 30% and to restore 2 million hectares of degraded land to fulfil its commitments to the national Vision 2020, Bonn Challenge and African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative. Owing to the country’s limited land area, 85% of this restored tree cover will be through integration of more trees into farming systems, that is, agroforestry. This commitment, along with other land restoration and conservation initiatives already underway, will help Rwanda reach its ambitious targets, supported by a new project.

Harnessing the Potential of Trees on Farms for Meeting National and Global Biodiversity Targets (Trees on Farms for Biodiversity) is led by the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It is implemented not only in Rwanda but also Honduras, Indonesia, Peru and Uganda. It is supported by Germany’s International Climate Initiative of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety.

“We recognize the global importance of our forests and understand our obligations as citizens of the world to sustainably manage resources,” said Jean Claude Musabyimana, Permanent Secretary of Rwanda’s Ministry of Lands and Forestry. “Our latest National Forestry Policy links our forest conservation operations to the Paris climate change agreement, Bonn Challenge and other international and regional conventions. Trees on farms contribute to the preservation of biodiversity.”

Natural forests in Rwanda are protected for the purposes of maintaining biodiversity, mitigating climate change and as a source of income through tourism.

However, acknowledging that protected areas alone are inadequate for preventing biodiversity loss, Trees on Farms for Biodiversity will contribute to Rwanda’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, which builds on the country’s commitment to Aichi Target 7 of the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity: the sustainable management of agriculture, aquaculture and forestry, ensuring conservation of biodiversity.

“The concept of trees on farms to improve biodiversity has not received much attention,” said Prime Ngabonziza, director-general of the Rwanda Water and Forestry Authority. “It is worthwhile to consider how trees on farms improve biodiversity, provide economic benefits and increase soil fertility, pollination and other ecosystem services.”

As in many other developing countries, Rwanda’s agriculture is the biggest driver of deforestation. According to the Natural Resources Authority, from 2008/09 to 2013/14 the area of productive forests shrank from about 285,000 to around 258,000 hectares through conversion to agroforestry and agriculture. Shrubland, including wooded savannah, diminished from about 192,000 hectares to an estimated 143,000 hectares through conversion to agroforestry and agriculture. To put it another way: agricultural land increased from 1,460,000 to around 1,503,000 hectares through conversion of productive forests and shrubland. The establishment of new settlements and mining activities are also hindering the Government’s efforts to protect biodiversity.

“Biodiversity will suffer unless measures are put in place, simply because agriculture accounts for more than 60% of Rwanda’s economy,” said Charles Karangwa, IUCN’s regional coordinator of the Forest Landscape and Livelihoods Programme. “We must invest in innovative research to understand trees-on-farms uptake by smallholders. We recognize that farmers want to plant fast-growing exotic tree species for fuel. We must balance between those and indigenous species to meet farmers’ needs.”

Agroforestry, the practice of integrating trees with crops and livestock, provides products and services vital for improving livelihoods and ecosystems, such as more diverse and plentiful food, timber and fuelwood and improved soil and water conditions. Agroforestry systems are inherently more diverse than monocultural crop systems, automatically helping to increase biodiversity.

“Rwanda’s landscape was traditionally defined by the co-existence of the four elements of people, crops, livestock and trees,” said Athanase Mukuralinda, ICRAF’s Rwanda representative. “Problems started when people started cutting down trees. The Trees on Farms for Biodiversity project will help to bring back trees to restore the landscape.”

“The Trees on Farms project will increase our knowledge of the links between trees, agriculture and biodiversity,” said Anja Gassner, the project leader. “We will develop a biodiversity assessment tool to measure the contribution of trees on farms to biodiversity and sustainability.”

Following the stakeholder forum, the Rwanda Ministry of Lands and Forestry, IUCN and ICRAF convened a high-level panel of delegates from different sectors to chart a path towards improved cross-sectoral collaboration on designing sustainable ways to ‘green’ Rwanda.

“Rwanda has made its commitments towards land restoration,” said Phil Dobie, the project’s senior advisor. “It has also made a commitment to transformational development. Trees on Farms for Biodiversity extends the restoration agenda to farms, protects biodiversity, and contributes to a green economy through agriculture.”
 

Trees on Farms for Biodiversity is a partnership between the World Agroforestry Centre and Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza, Center for International Forestry Research, International Union for Conservation of Nature, University of Hannover and University of Göttingen. It will run for four years from April 2018.

About The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)

The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) is a centre of scientific excellence that harnesses the benefits of trees for people and the environment. Knowledge produced by ICRAF enables governments, development agencies and farmers to utilize the power of trees to make farming and livelihoods more environmentally, socially and economically sustainable at multiple scales. ICRAF is one of the 15 members of the CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future. We thank all donors who support research in development through their contributions to the CGIAR Fund.

Tweet me:Rwanda is setting out to increase national tree cover by 30% & to restore 2 million hectares of degraded land. Learn more about their plans for land restoration & enhancement of #biodiversity here: http://bit.ly/2PFw92p @ICRAF

KEYWORDS: World Agroforestry Centre, ICRAF, Land Restoration, biodiversity, Rwanda, Conservation, sustainability

Employees step up for #GivingTuesday

SOURCE:Duke Energy

DESCRIPTION:

Today is #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving during which individuals, families and communities come together to donate their time or money to a worthy cause. Giving back to the communities in which we live and work is an integral part of Duke Energy's commitment to our customers – on #GivingTuesday and every day of the year.

This year, our employees proudly answered the call of service. Through our recently concluded 2018 Power of Giving campaign, Duke Energy’s employees donated $5.3 million to over 3,700 different nonprofit organizations serving our communities. Combined with the Duke Energy Foundation matching gifts, that’s more than $10 million to support our communities. Now, that is powerful. Watch this video to see how our employees are inspired to give.

Our employees are also giving their time. During the holiday season, our employees are participating in dozens of company-organized and employee-led service projects across our operating footprint. So far this year, employees have served more than 100,000 volunteer hours through our Duke Energy In Action program.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve our communities. By harnessing our collective power for good, we will energize our communities and change lives.

Tweet me:.@DukeEnergy employees step up for #GivingTuesday through #charitablegiving and #volunteering http://bit.ly/2RpjD3S #WeAreDE

KEYWORDS: Duke Energy, giving tuesday

$100,000 sustainability grant supports IDEA’s mission to achieve net-zero energy

SOURCE:Green Mountain Energy

DESCRIPTION:

WESLACO, Texas, November 27, 2018 /3BL Media/– IDEA Public Schools’ headquarters in Weslaco is one step closer to becoming the first self-sustaining building in South Texas, thanks in part to a $100,000 donation from the Green Mountain Energy Sun Club.

Weslaco Mayor David Suarez, community leaders, teachers and students came together to officially “flip the switch” on a new 1,072-panel, 364-kilowatt rooftop solar array that will harness the power of the sun to provide the educational facility with electricity. As one of the largest solar systems in the Rio Grande Valley, it will offset 861,898 pounds of carbon dioxide per year, the equivalent of 789 households turning off their lights for a year or not driving 1,064,204 miles.

“Our mission is to support organizations like IDEA Public Schools that share in our commitment to conservation and environmental education,” said Mark Parsons, president of Green Mountain Energy Sun Club. “Not only will IDEA’s headquarters be energized with solar power, but students will also have the ability to learn how alternative energy sources can help our communities achieve long-term sustainability.”

The solar array further establishes IDEA as a leader in sustainability, and with the inclusion of edible gardens, power generation and innovative waste solutions, the headquarters and future IDEA projects will aim to achieve net-zero energy status.

“The generous donation from Green Mountain Energy Sun Club will benefit our students, organization and the environment for years to come,” said Tom Torkleson, chief executive officer of IDEA Public Schools. “The savings in energy costs each year will allow our team to serve even more students across the region on their road to and through college.”

This partnership furthers Green Mountain Energy Sun Club’s support across the Rio Grande Valley area. The organization has also installed solar arrays at the National Butterfly Center ^TM in Mission, Texas as well as the Valley Nature Center in Weslaco. The Sun Club is a unique program that enables Green Mountain Energy Company’s residential customers, including many in the Rio Grande Valley, to support projects and nonprofits promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency and environmental stewardship in their communities.

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About IDEA Public Schools

Since 2000, IDEA Public Schools has grown from a small school with 150 students to the fastest-growing family of tuition-free, Pre-K-12 public charter schools in the United States. IDEA serves nearly 26,000 students at 39 schools across the Rio Grande Valley, continues to rank among the best charter schools in the state and nation, and is on track to maintain its legacy of sending 100% of its graduates to college. More than 2,400 IDEA alumni are currently attending, or have graduated from, 150 colleges and universities across the country. To learn more or apply, visit www.ideapublicschools.org.

About Green Mountain Energy Sun Club

Since its founding in 2002, the Green Mountain Energy Sun Club has donated more than $4 million to solar and sustainability projects focusing on renewable energy, energy efficiency and resource conservation in numerous communities in Texas and also in the Northeast. Contributions to the Sun Club^® come from Green Mountain Energy Company’s residential customers in Texas, as well as from Green Mountain, its employees and other Sun Club supporters. Green Mountain’s customers are vital to the Sun Club mission of supporting local nonprofit organizations through solar and sustainability projects. To learn more about the Sun Club and to apply for a sustainability grant, please visit www.gmsunclub.org.

KEYWORDS: green mountain energy sun club, sun club, IDEA Public Schools, Solar Energy, sustainability

SOURCE:Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

DESCRIPTION:

For Darcy Doege, R.N., B.S.N., of the Levine Cancer Institute, finding cancer early in patients means hitting the road.

Darcy is the Program Coordinator for the Lung B.A.S.E.S. 4 Life Program for the Charlotte-based cancer center, which launched the first mobile lung screening unit in the U.S. in 2017. This innovative idea was built to increase the early detection of lung cancer for underserved populations across North and South Carolina, thanks to a grant from the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation

Darcy has seen firsthand how the mobile unit is driving change by bringing state-of-the-art cancer screenings to populations in need.

“When you’re able to connect with patients on their turf and in their community, they’re more willing to receive care,” Darcy says.

Historically known as the Tobacco Belt, North and South Carolina share some of the highest incidence and mortality rates from lung cancer nationwide. Lack of transportation to medical facilities, inability to secure the support resources necessary for adequate preventive care and poor understanding of risk factors block thousands of Americans from receiving necessary preventative care.

As part of her job, Darcy travels extensively with the unit from the mountains of Appalachia to the Atlantic beaches, meeting patients and interacting with medical staffs at clinics along the way.

The goals of the unit are to reduce the stigma of smoking, focus on screenings and early detection and ensure patient follow-up is the number one concern.

For many people who receive a screening in the mobile unit, this is their entry point into the healthcare system.

Patients are assessed and connected to resources in their community before the screening date. Once patients receive their screening, they are connected to smoking cessation resources and offered other free screenings through the Levine Cancer Institute.

Every patient is navigated closely by Darcy, who maintains contact every step of the way.

The mobile unit makes patients comfortable,” Darcy says. “When we enter a community, we ensure the mobile unit is parked where people are comfortable coming to or are already receiving care. This alone reduces barriers and diminishes fear. If something comes back positive on their scan, we plug them in for care immediately.”

Nursing was a natural fit for Darcy, who as early as high school knew she wanted to pursue a career that helped others. She began her nursing career as a medical-surgical nurse, followed by time spent serving patients in intensive care.

But being a nurse navigator has allowed her to make even more of an impact, she says.

Navigating patients comes very natural to me,” says Darcy. “There are so many gaps in care and lack of resources that cause patients to not seek care. I feel passionately about making sure those gaps are closed. If I don’t know the answer, I will figure it out.”

And the best part of the job?

“The patients we serve are so appreciative of the services we provide,” she says. “It’s amazing to think about the effect we have on the communities. We’re finding cancer early, educating the community and continuously coming up with innovative ways to educate patients on smoking cessation.”

Click here to learn more about Bristol-Myers Squibb’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and global citizenship.

Tweet me:Mobile #healthcare units are driving change by bringing state-of-the-art #cancer #screenings to populations in need http://bit.ly/2zttMpi @BMSNews #CSR #accesstocare #lungcancer

KEYWORDS: Cancer, screenings, Prevention, Bristol-Myers Squibb, lung cancer, Access to care, North Carolina, South Carolina

SOURCE:HanesBrands

DESCRIPTION:

Every year approximately 3.5 million men, women and children experience homelessness – and more than a million of those living homeless are employed full- or part-time. Hanes is entering its ninth year of working to raise awareness of this issue and bring comfort to those who need it most by supporting agencies fighting homelessness in every state – and you can help.

Visit www.hanes.com/sockdrive to learn more about the issue of homelessness in America, how you can help and donate a pair of socks or other basic apparel to those who need it most.

Tweet me:WATCH: @Hanes' National Sock Drive is raising awareness of #homelessness in America http://bit.ly/2Q0lHTD @HanesBrands

KEYWORDS: Hanes, HanesBrands, homelessness, homeless, Sock Drive

‘5G: A New Digital Dawn’ is a visual guide for stakeholders to gear up for full embrace of fifth-generation wireless

SOURCE:Black & Veatch

DESCRIPTION:

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., November 28, 2018 /3BL Media/ – As tech shorthand for fifth-generation cellular wireless, 5G is on the horizon and promises unprecedented speeds and capabilities that could transform the way we live, work and play. But 5G also presents considerable complexities in technology deployment and how stakeholders should get ready to benefit from 5G digitalization.

Black & Veatch cuts through that clutter. The global leader in telecom announces the release of a visually explanatory, free electronic book that explores the evolution of 5G and its significance to carriers, utilities, industries, fleet managers and municipalities. “5G: A New Digital Dawn,” – the company’s latest e-Book – looks at the technical aspects and the applications of the high-speed communications platform, ultimately pressing stakeholders to start preparing now.

With rollouts starting this year, 5G networks are the latest iteration of mobile capabilities, offering groundbreaking connectivity, ultra-fast data-moving speeds and real-time responsiveness because of lower latency. With 5G, the full evolution of the Internet of Things (IoT) is possible, and the applications are boundless. The eBook illustrates how 5G will accelerate connected transportation, enhance telemedicine, automate electric grids, and integrate public safety systems for coordinated emergency response. For cities and industries, 5G may stoke new services and efficiencies that build wealth and deliver vital services.

Supported by existing 4G networks, which are straining to meet capacity demands, 5G is seen as the upgrade critical to enable “faster delivery of data and instantaneous connectivity to sites and devices,” propelling digitalization across industries. But time is of the essence because infrastructure transformations are multi-faceted, capital-intensive efforts that require careful coordination and have long lead times for engineering, permitting and construction.

Think of deploying 5G as clicking thousands of LEGO pieces into place, knowing that doing so will take time and good planning.

“With the right guidance and the understanding that all-hands-on-deck collaboration is key, making the migration to 5G doesn’t have to be intimidating. The rewards can be profound,” said John Janchar, president of the telecommunications business at Black & Veatch.

With 5G on the cusp of reality, it’s time for carriers, utilities, industries, fleet managers and municipalities to get ready for the “next gig thing.” Although adapting to 5G may appear overwhelming to many stakeholders, the eBook outlines a few well-planned strategic actions for each stakeholder to get started. Broadly, all stakeholders are urged to get ready for data, identify the 5G capabilities needed for their future states, rethink their policies and procedures regarding technology protocols, and hire enough staff to support new systems and capabilities, including data management.

Editor’s Note:

• Please click here to download “5G: A New Digital Dawn.”
• Black & Veatch’s other e-Books examine digital electricity and autonomous vehicles.

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 2017 were US$3.4 billion. Follow us on www.bv.com and in social media.

Media Contact Information:

JIM SUHR | +1 913-458-6995 P | +1 314-422-6927 M | SuhrJ@bv.com

24-HOUR MEDIA HOTLINE | +1 866-496-9149

KEYWORDS: 5G, fifth-generation wireless, e-book, high-speed communications, Digitalization, cellular wireless, Internet of Things, IoT, connectivity, smart utilities

Quantifies market reaction in returns, volume of trades; Higher-quality long-term plans, larger reaction

SOURCE:CECP: The CEO Force for Good

DESCRIPTION:

NEW YORK, November 28, 2018 /3BL Media/ — Institutional investors act when they hear how companies will create value over the long-term. In a new study, The Economic Significance of Long-Term Plans published by KKS Advisors and CECP’s Strategic Investors Initiative (SII), an abnormal change in market returns and an increase in trade volume is observed after that company’s CEO presented a long-term plan to institutional investors. This is the first time the reaction to a CEO-presented long-term plan has been quantified and is early evidence that the audience of institutional investors find the information in these presentations decision-relevant.

“This research answers the question ‘If a CEO presents a long-term plan, do investors care?’, said George Serafeim, Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, co-founder of KKS Advisors, and a co-author of the study. “The evidence from this research demonstrates that investors value the information in these plans, giving CEOs further incentive to create and disclose high-quality long-term plans. This will help mobilize capital markets and reorient them for the long-term.”

The study examined 21 plans presented by CEOs at CEO Investor Forums, scored the CEO presentations against 22 measures of content and quality, and examined the market’s reactions over a three- to five-day window after the plans were presented. For both stock prices and trading volumes, the delivery of long-term plans is associated with abnormal market returns of 1.83% and share turnover (volume) of 7.6%. Companies whose senior leaders communicated plans with higher-quality information are linked to larger capital market reactions. The data did not show significant difference in analyst revisions of their forecasts, which the authors note is consistent with sell-side analysts being primarily focused on short-term financial results.

“CECP launched the Strategic Investor Initiative because investors said CEOs are too short-term oriented and 86% of CEOs agreed,” said Daryl Brewster, CEO, CECP: The CEO Force for Good. “They wanted a platform to reach long-term investors. For CEOs who want to attract investors versus merely traders, CECP now has a proven platform to tell their long-term story.”

The presentations included in the study were delivered at SII’s CEO Investor Forums, which provides a platform for CEOs to tell their authentic long-term value story to long-term institutional investors. In addition to the 9 themes in the study, successful long-term plans also draw from the 7 question in the Strategic Investor Initiative’s Investor Letter to CEOs signed by Vanguard and other leading institutional investors. More than 30 CEOs and senior leaders have delivered or committed to deliver their company’s long-term plans at the Forums.  Together these CEOs represent more than $2 trillion in market capitalization. The in-person audience for these presentations include institutional investors that represent more than $25 trillion in assets under management, as well as thousands who view the presentations live online.

According to the authors of the report, to deliver a high-quality long-term plan, CEOs should touch upon the 22 topics summarized in 9 themes: Financial performance, Capital Allocations, Trends, Competitive positioning, Risk and opportunities, Corporate governance, Corporate purpose, Human capital, and Long-term value creation. Plans that detailed forward-looking metrics on these subjects were rated higher than plans that disclosed backward-looking data or were limited to boilerplate language.  

“The nine themes developed in this white paper offer a framework for CEOs to use in developing their long-term plans,” said Brian Tomlinson, Research Director, Strategic Investor Initiative, CECP. “The CEOs who have led the charge at our CEO Investor Forums have created a robust portfolio of long-term plan presentations. This research project provides a user-friendly guide to enable more CEOs to develop and present decision-relevant long-term plans.” Tomlinson co-authored the report along with Serafeim and the KKS Advisors team that included Sakis Kotsantonis, Managing Partner; Christina Rehnberg, Associate Consultant; and Bronagh Ward, Senior Associate Consultant.

The next CEO Investor Forum will take place on February 25, 2019 at the Park Hyatt in New York City and will feature long-term plan presentations from Steve Collis, CEO AmerisourceBergen; Robin Hayes, CEO, JetBlue; Mark Schneider, CEO, Nestlé; and Peter Van Camp, Executive Chairman of Equinix. Early access pricing of $595 is available until December 31, 2018, and the $795 full-price tickets are available until the event reaches capacity. Investors are encouraged to register in advance by clicking here or referring to SII’s site: cecp.co/SII

The Economic Significance of Long-Term Plans report is available for free on KKS Advisor’s website https://www.kksadvisors.com/publications/ and on SII’s website cecp.co/SII​

ABOUT CECP: THE CEO FORCE FOR GOOD

CECP is a CEO-led coalition that believes that a company’s social strategy — how it engages with key stakeholders including employees, communities, investors, and customers —determines company success.  Founded in 1999 by actor and philanthropist Paul Newman and other business leaders to create a better world through business, CECP has grown to a movement of more than 200 of the world’s largest companies that represent $11.3 trillion in revenues, $23.8 billion in societal investment, 17.4 million employees, and $15 trillion in assets under management. CECP helps companies transform their social strategy by providing customized connections and networking, counsel and support, benchmarking and trends, and awareness building and recognition.  

ABOUT THE STRATEGIC INVESTOR INITIATIVE

The Strategic Investor Initiative (SII) is a coalition of leading companies and investors committed to re-orienting capital markets toward the long-term. SII convenes CEO-Investor Forums to provide a venue for CEOs to share their long-term strategic plans with audiences of long-term investors. Through leading research, SII assists companies in developing and communicating long-term plans that help inform the decisions of institutional investors.

ABOUT KKS ADVISORS

At KKS, we advise leading organizations on bold and effective strategies that pave the way to a sustainable society. Formed with the vision to reshape markets, we enable clients to create long-term value through the integrated management of environmental, social and governance factors. Applying our unique, research-backed approach, we work with corporations, foundations, NGOs and investors on sustainable strategies that deliver lasting impact. For more information, visit www.kksadvisors.com  

Tweet me:New research published by @CECPTweets and @KKSAdvisors demonstrates that long-term investors want to hear CEOs long-term plans – and they’ll move capital in response. Read all about it https://cecp.me/2TSvjht #longtermism #CSR #sustainability

Contact Info:

Sara Adams
CECP
+1 (212) 825-1252
sadams@cecp.co

Christina Rehnberg
KKS Advisors
+44 747332339
christina.rehnberg@kksadvisors.com

KEYWORDS: CECP: The CEO Force for Good, Long-term, Investor Relations

80 percent of what is thrown away during the holidays can be recycled or repurposed

SOURCE:Republic Services

DESCRIPTION:

PHOENIX, November 28, 2018 /3BL Media/ – With parties, decorations, gift giving and travel, Americans generate 25 percent more waste than average between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day – equating to almost 1,000 pounds of trash per household. However, roughly 80 percent of what is thrown away during the holidays can be recycled or repurposed, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The experts at Republic Services, an industry leader in U.S. recycling and non-hazardous solid waste disposal, encourage consumers to incorporate simple environmentally responsible practices into celebrations and family gatherings to minimize waste.

“Many of us want to be better recyclers during the holidays, but we aren’t sure how or just don't have the time,” said Pete Keller, vice president of recycling and sustainability at Republic Services. “With a few simple steps during the holidays, we can all do our part to make environmentally responsible choices throughout the holiday season and help make a positive impact in our communities for generations to come.”

Simple holiday recycling tips include:

1. Save and reuse gift bags, ribbons and bows for next year – it’s smart for the environment and for your wallet!

2. Shipping gifts? Make shredded paper out of old newspapers and magazines, or be sure to reuse last year’s bubble wrap and foam peanuts.

3. Think twice when it comes to wrapping paper. Standard wrapping paper should be recycled, but anything with glitter or foil belongs in the trash (or save it for next year!). Generally, the fancier the wrapping paper, the less recyclable it is.

4. Getting a new device this holiday season? Make sure your old phone or tablet isn’t tossed in recycling. Check with your local service provider for special instructions or electronics recycling options.

Click here to view Republic Services’ new video showcasing simple holiday recycling tips.

Common holiday items that do not belong in recycling include: bubble wrap, cellophane, holiday ribbons and bows, batteries, food waste, clothing and shoes, holiday lights, electronics and foam packaging. All of these items and materials should be placed in a waste container, not recycled.

Additionally, toy packaging made of heavy cardboard is only recyclable when the cardboard is separated from the plastic. This includes the plastic window on the box of a doll or action figure. Sticky gift tags are not recyclable by themselves, but they are acceptable if affixed to an envelope or wrapping paper. Check with your local service provider to ensure you are aware of any changes in holiday collection schedules and how to properly dispose of real Christmas trees.

Visit RecyclingSimplified.com for tips to help consumers become better recyclers for our Blue Planet® and their local communities:

• Know What to Throw – Paper and cardboard, metal cans and plastic bottles and jugs. With bottles and jugs, remember to keep the caps on.

• Empty. Clean. Dry.™ – When recyclables are compressed in the truck, leftover food or liquid can ruin perfectly good recyclables.

• Keep It Loose – Never bag or bundle your recyclables.

About Republic Services
Republic Services, Inc. is an industry leader in U.S. recycling and non-hazardous solid waste disposal. Through its subsidiaries, Republic’s collection companies, recycling centers, transfer stations and landfills focus on providing effective solutions to make responsible waste disposal effortless for its 14 million customers. We’ll handle it from here.®, the brand’s promise, lets customers know they can count on Republic to provide a superior experience while fostering a sustainable Blue Planet for future generations to enjoy a cleaner, safer and healthier world.

For more information, visit the Republic Services website at RepublicServices.com. “Like” Republic on Facebook at Facebook.com/RepublicServices and follow on Twitter @RepublicService and Instagram @republic_services.

Media
480-757-9770
Media@RepublicServices.com

Tweet me:80% of what is thrown away during the #holidays can be #recycled or repurposed. Here's how you can be more #environmentallyfriendly this season: http://bit.ly/2P5Dgw6 @RepublicService #sustainability

KEYWORDS: Republic Services, Recycling, holidays, Gifts, Wrapping paper, electronic recycling, waste management

SOURCE:Whirlpool Corporation

DESCRIPTION:

As technology evolves rapidly, the gap in access to technology platforms and utilization rates among generations has been growing. Furthermore, interaction between the younger and older generations has been diminishing as a result of changing communication behavior among young adults. To address these issues and raise awareness about them, Whirlpool Corporation has embarked on a journey to bridge the gap between older and younger generations, bringing them together under the #AgelessTechnology movement.

READ MORE

Tweet me:Whirlpool Corporation has embarked on a journey to bridge the gap between older and younger generations, bringing them together under the #AgelessTechnology movement. http://bit.ly/2RlsoMq

KEYWORDS: whirlpool corporation, #agelesstechnology, Ageless Technology, NYSE:WHR, Middle East

New tool provides guidance and resources for assessing and disclosing emissions from agricultural production

SOURCE:Ceres

DESCRIPTION:

The vast majority of greenhouse gas emissions from food companies come from agricultural production, yet few companies assess and disclose these emissions, let alone set targets to reduce them. Today, Ceres released a new tool to improve disclosure and mitigation of supply chain emissions in the food sector, known as Scope 3 emissions, which are a significant contributor to global climate change.
 
Measure the Chain: Tools for Assessing GHG Emissions in Agricultural Supply Chains provides companies with an assessment of tools and methods to better manage and disclose Scope 3 emissions generated by food system suppliers. Most supply chain emissions are from agricultural production, such as fertilizer use, and associated land-use change, including deforestation.
 
Scope 3 emissions from 15 major food companies that disclosed in 2017 totaled 629.9 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to annual emissions from 156 coal-fired power plants or 70.9 billion gallons of gasoline. These indirect emissions accounted for 85 percent of the companies’ total carbon footprints, including Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.
 
“The data is clear that agriculture supply chains are major contributors to climate change,” said Julie Nash, director of food and capital markets at Ceres. “With recent advancements, food companies have guidance and tools to measure these supply chain emissions. Many iconic food brands are already disclosing supply chain emissions and setting targets to reduce them. More companies will need to do the same.”
 
“Any food and beverage company that takes climate action seriously must set meaningful targets to reduce emissions from agricultural production,” said Kevin Rabinovitch, Global Vice President, Sustainability at Mars, Incorporated. “At Mars, 75 percent of our full value chain emissions come from agriculture and land use. To reduce these emissions, our Sustainable in a Generation Plan includes ambitious, science-based targets.”
 
A recent survey conducted by Ceres found that less than one-third of the 50 largest food and beverage companies in the U.S. and Canada publicly disclose emissions from agricultural production. Of the 50 companies analyzed, 30 have active, company-specific greenhouse gas  emissions reduction targets for their own operations. Among these 30 companies, only 15 provided Scope 3 emissions. And only eight have explicit targets to reduce these emissions.

“We know that the investors and companies that we work with want a better understanding of the risks and opportunities associated with agricultural supply chains. That’s why the CDP climate change questionnaire allows organizations to disclose their Scope 3 emissions and mitigation targets – including those associated with land use and land use change,” said Sultana Bahir, Global Director of Forests at CDP. “Significantly, companies are presented with sector-specific questions that allow further breakdown of this information by business activity – i.e. by agricultural or forestry activities – offering the level of detail needed to really assess and manage impacts.”
 
In recent years, a variety of methods and tools to aid companies in measuring Scope 3 emissions have become available. Supply chain emissions are challenging to track because most large food companies purchase agricultural products and therefore emissions from farms and forests tend not to be under their direct control. Improvements in methodology are removing these barriers, making disclosure of supply chain emissions easier and more accurate. By measuring Scope 3 emissions, food companies can better assess where most emissions are occurring in their supply chains, identify which suppliers are leaders or laggards in their sustainability performance, and recognize cost reduction opportunities in their supply chains.
 
Given the magnitude of reductions needed to limit average global temperature rise to below 1.5 degrees Celsius, as urged by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, measuring and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is critical. According to the IPCC, the agriculture and land-use sector currently produces almost one-quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions -- more than either the industry sector or the transport and building sectors combined.

“It’s clear to us that if a food and beverage company is serious about reducing its climate impacts, it absolutely must be working to reduce the emissions associated with agricultural production of its products,” said Allan Pearce, Shareholder Advocate at Trillium Asset Management. “Working to measure and manage these supply chain emissions will help build supply chain resiliency and preserve shareholder value, which is why we at Trillium are interested in how food and beverage companies are addressing their scope 3 emissions.”

Given the advanced methods and tools, as compiled in Measure the Chain and reviewed by CDP, investors now expect companies to fully disclose Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions and to have a scientific basis for their disclosure, including evidence on issues ranging from which estimation methods were used to how companies included land-use change in their assessment.
 
“Food companies can make a major contribution to meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement, and several of them are leading the way by setting science-based targets that include Scope 3 emissions from agricultural,” said Meryl Richards, Science Officer for the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) and lead author of Measure the Chain. “Transparently measuring progress on these targets sends a signal to investors and consumers that companies take climate change seriously.”
 
Ceres is a sustainability nonprofit organization working with the most influential investors and companies to build leadership and drive solutions throughout the economy. For more information, visit www.ceres.org and follow @CeresNews.

Tweet me:#MeasureTheChain provides companies with an assessment of tools and methods to better manage and disclose #Scope3 #GHG #emissions generated by #food system suppliers. http://bit.ly/2E1aRWV #EngageTheChain #Agriculture #SupplyChain

Contact Info:

Tessa Castellani
Ceres
+1 (617) 247-0700ext. 145
castellani@ceres.org

KEYWORDS: CERES

SOURCE:Booz Allen Hamilton

DESCRIPTION:

San Diego is the place to be for tech professionals. The city ranked first among U.S. cities for projected tech hiring in human resource consulting firm Robert Half’s annual report of forecasts and trends. In this hot market for talent, Booz Allen continues to stand out.

On November 11, The San Diego Union-Tribune and Energage (formerly WorkplaceDynamics) recognized Booz Allen as a 2018 Top Workplace and honored the tech giant with the Innovation Spotlight Award for being an organization that encourages new ideas.

Booz Allen’s San Diego office has a long history of interesting work, from supporting the Navy Marine Corps community for the last 30 years to serving as a longstanding industry partner to the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command.

“We’re excited to welcome cyber professionals, project managers, engineers, data scientists, and others to this world-class city and provide them with the opportunity to do great work, support our clients’ missions, and dream about what’s next,” said Vice President Jennie Brooks, who leads Booz Allen’s business supporting Navy clients in San Diego.

Employees shared further secrets to their success.

Learning without limits

When employees start work at Booz Allen San Diego, they join a supportive culture of skill-building, business understanding, and creative collaboration—and they’re encouraged to chart a dynamic path, regardless of their designated team or project.

“We work in close-knit, connected teams,” said recruiter Alexa Montgomery. “Employees wear multiple hats—they can become experts in both consulting and cyber, for example.”

Cybersecurity engineer Kathy Brown attests to this. “I didn’t come in with technical experience, but my career manager gave me opportunities to learn and grow.”

Engagement from day one and beyond

It’s a commitment that starts with Launch, a year-long onboarding experience.

“Our employees’ first-year journeys are critical and we want them to feel supported and empowered as they become acclimated to the company,” said Bekah Ekstrom, the lead for Launch. “Launch provides them the building blocks to develop professional skills, connect with leaders and mentors, and accelerate their careers.”

Booz Allen continues to engage employees with wide-ranging resources, including:

• Workshops, conferences, and local learning opportunities with the San Diego Chapter of Women in Defense
• Programs like Hiring Our Heroes for veterans and military spouses
• The opportunity to coach, judge, and mentor young innovators at FIRST LEGO League competitions

“The culture here is friendly and community-driven,” said Montgomery. “While we’re a big city, it actually feels like a small town.”

Learn more about the San Diego Tribune award and life at Booz Allen’s San Diego office.

Tweet me:What makes @BoozAllen stand out in tech hub San Diego? http://bit.ly/2zvUH3P

KEYWORDS: NYSE:BAH, Booz Allen Hamilton, awards and recognitions, San diego, workforce

SOURCE:Discovery Education

SUMMARY:

• Tata Consultancy Services and  Discovery Education Pioneer Transdisciplinary Teaching Approach through Ignite My Future in School
• Program has Reached Educators in 55 U.S. School Districts in First Year; Digital Content for Educators used in all 50 States and D.C.

DESCRIPTION:

NEW YORK & SILVER SPRING, Md., November 28, 2018 /3BL Media/ – Tata Consultancy Services, (TCS), (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS) a leading global IT services, consulting and business solutions organization, and Discovery Education, the leading provider of digital education content and professional development for K-12 classrooms, have far surpassed joint goals for the first year of Ignite My Future in School (IMFIS). During the 2017-2018 school year, IMFIS reached 5,100 teachers and 300,000 students, gaining strong momentum against a five-year vision to engage 20,000 teachers and one million students.

IMFIS empowers educators using a first-of-its-kind approach to integrate computational thinking and problem solving into core subjects such as math, science or the arts. Launched in the Fall of 2017, this pioneering transdisciplinary approach has provided educators in 55 school districts with free in-person professional development on computational thinking, aligned to standards and built on the K-12 Computer Science Framework. Early adopter school districts include the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, Texas, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, New York, Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan and California.

“We envisioned Ignite My Future in School as a revolutionary spark that empowers educators and transforms how we prepare younger generations for future careers," said Surya Kant,President, TCS North America, UK and Europe. "I am extremely proud to see the program’s impact on educators, students and districts across America in its first school year. As students become computational thinkers, they can harness the power of today’s digital technologies to create tomorrow’s path breaking innovations.”

Teachers who received professional development instruct a variety of subjects, including English language, arts, social studies, science, mathematics, physical education, and theater. Almost 99 percent of educators who participated felt ready to incorporate an element of computational thinking in their classroom, while 45 educators have stepped up to become Learning Leaders for their district and community, deepening the engagement and impact of the program. IMFIS has also engaged parents, guardians and other stakeholders through Community Nights, where they experienced the power of the lesson plans through hands-on exercises like Decoding DNA, Recycle and Reuse! and Drop the Beat.

“Over the last year, TCS’ extraordinary commitment to helping teachers integrate computational thinking into classroom instruction has been one of the drivers of this initiative’s tremendous success, and we are grateful for the visionary leadership TCS has provided in this space,” said Bill Goodwyn, President and CEO, Discovery Education. “Heading into its second year, ‘Ignite My Future in School’ has great momentum nationwide and Discovery Education is excited to continue supporting this important effort to transform the learning experiences of students nationwide.”

Educators from all 50 U.S. states and D.C have made use of the open source, standards-aligned resources on the IMFIS digital platform. This includes 40 lessons plans, four curriculum connectors, educator guides, three career vignettes, and K-12 computational thinking resources. To date, participating educators have obtained more than 575 micro-certifications through completion of the self-paced, e-learning modules for the eight computational thinking strategies.

The top five states where the IMFIS lesson plans have been used are California, New York, Texas, Florida, and North Carolina, and the top three lesson plans used are Build A Movement, Outbreak and Celebrate Together.

"The early success of IMFIS represents a paradigm shift in democratizing access to computational thinking for students early on in their learning journey. Our district partnerships help to customize program implementations based on community needs, enabling educators to impart 21^st century skills in an equitable manner. Finally, our transdisciplinary approach is inclusive, empowering educators to integrate computational thinking across any subject, any district, and any standards,” said Balaji Ganapathy, Head of Workforce Effectiveness, TCS.

TCS is a long-time supporter of national efforts like CSForAll and regional ones like Computer Science for All NYC Students (CSNYC) that have helped to drive much needed momentum for computer science by creating policies, standards, certifications, teacher training, and teacher recruitment. IMFIS supplements these efforts by expanding opportunities for students, educators and districts to learn and teach foundational computational thinking techniques, such as collecting and analyzing data, finding patterns, deconstructing problems, abstraction, building models, and developing algorithms.

In August 2018, IMFIS also launched the TCS Ignite Innovation Student Challenge, inspiring students to use these techniques to pressing problems encountered in their communities. Winners of the challenge will earn scholarships totaling $20,000, virtual mentorships with TCS employees and the opportunity to work with TCS to bring their idea to life.

In its second school year, IMFIS is poised to launch in more districts within the U.S., as well as make a foray into other countries. Educators will receive more resources to help envision how the lesson plans can be brought to life within a classroom setting. Learning Leaders will share their experiences with educators and help more school districts adopt the pioneering transdisciplinary approach. The program will continue to incorporate various teaching innovations, as well as develop computational thinking as a discipline alongside institutions of higher education. Furthermore, TCS is engaging lawmakers to recognize computational thinking as part of the Every Student Succeeds Act, which governs the U.S. K-12 public education policy.  

###

About Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS):

Tata Consultancy Services is an IT services, consulting and business solutions organization that has been partnering with many of the world’s largest businesses in their transformation journeys for the last fifty years. TCS offers a consulting-led, cognitive powered, integrated portfolio of business, technology and engineering services and solutions. This is delivered through its unique Location Independent Agile delivery model, recognized as a benchmark of excellence in software development.

A part of the Tata group, India's largest multinational business group, TCS has over 411,000 of the world’s best-trained consultants in 46 countries. The company generated consolidated revenues of US $19.09 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018, and is listed on the BSE (formerly Bombay Stock Exchange) and the NSE (National Stock Exchange) in India. TCS' proactive stance on climate change and award winning work with communities across the world have earned it a place in leading sustainability indices such as the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), MSCI Global Sustainability Index and the FTSE4Good Emerging Index. For more information, visit us at www.tcs.com. To stay up-to-date on TCS news in North America, follow @TCS_NA. For TCS global news, follow @TCS_News.

About Discovery Education: 

As the global leader in standards-based digital content for K-12 classrooms worldwide, Discovery Education is transforming teaching and learning with award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia content, professional learning, and the largest professional learning community of its kind. Serving 4.5 million educators and over 50 million students, Discovery Education’s services are available in approximately half of U.S. classrooms, 50 percent of all primary schools in the UK, and more than 50 countries around the globe. Inspired by the global media company Discovery, Inc., Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and like-minded organizations to captivate students, empower teachers, and transform classrooms with customized solutions that increase academic achievement. Explore the future of education at DiscoveryEducation.com. Stay connected with Discovery Education on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @DiscoveryEd.

Media Contacts:

Ben Trounson, Tata Consultancy Services, b.trounson@tcs.com

Charmion N. Kinder, Discovery Education, charmion_kinder@discovery.com

Tweet me:.@tcs_na and @DiscoveryEd celebrate #IgniteMyFutureTurns1! Over the last year, this transdisciplinary approach has empowered nearly 300,000 students and 5000+ teachers to think creatively and develop innovative solutions in classrooms across the U.S., http://bit.ly/2zx0Fl9

KEYWORDS: discovery education, NYSE:DISCA, TCS

Automaker partners with Best Friends Animal Society to host first-ever pet adoption event inside booth at the auto show

SOURCE:Subaru of America

DESCRIPTION:

LOS ANGELES, November 28, 2018/3BL Media/ – Subaru of America, Inc. today announced it will be hosting a pet adoption event during the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. Through a partnership with Best Friends Animal Society’s No Kill Los Angeles (NKLA) initiative, the adoption event is aimed at finding pets great homes in the Los Angeles (LA) community. The first-of-its-kind event will be held inside the Los Angeles Convention Center at the Subaru exhibit, located in the West Hall, Booth 102, where attendees will have the opportunity to adopt and take home a new dog.

“At Subaru, we look forward to the additional opportunities to celebrate our furry friends and return the unconditional love they show us each and every day,” said Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President, Marketing of Subaru of America, Inc. “Partnering with organizations like Best Friends Animal Society reinforces our commitment to keeping all animals, especially those in shelters, happy; increasing their overall chance of finding safe, loving homes.”  

Auto show attendees will be able to interact with these adoptable pups during select times each weekend of the show, as outlined below:

• Saturday, Dec. 1, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Sunday, Dec. 2, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Saturday, Dec. 8, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Sunday, Dec. 9, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

“Best Friends is extremely grateful for the opportunity to partner with Subaru to give these great dogs a second chance,” said Jose Ocano, Pacific Region Director for Best Friends Animal Society. “Our mission is to end the killing of homeless pets in LA and across the country. Helping pets find fantastic forever homes is key to making that happen, so partnering with a brand like Subaru that has shown tremendous support for pets and the betterment of their lives was a natural fit for us.”

In addition to being able to take these canine friends home, attendees will be given the chance to make rope toys as a donation to the shelter or for their own pet, as well as be able to create custom pet tags using the Subaru Loves Pets engraver. All activities will be complimentary with donations and proceeds going to Best Friends Animal Society’s work in Los Angeles.

This LA Auto Show adoption event is a part of the Subaru Loves Pets initiative, which is dedicated to helping improve the safety and well-being of animals in communities nationwide. The automaker’s commitment to pets is one part of its Love Promise.

NKLA is an initiative led by Best Friends Animal Society, bringing together passionate individuals, city shelters and an entire coalition of animal welfare organizations to end the killing of homeless pets in LA city shelters.

For more information about Subaru Loves Pets, please visit www.subaru.com/pets.

About Subaru Love Promise
The Subaru Love Promise is just that. A promise. It is a promise to do right by our community by partnering with nonprofit education, health, community, environment, and animal organizations - to set Subaru apart through our deeds and the deeds of our partners. To be unlike any other car company by doing what is right and good, just for the sake of doing it.

AboutBest Friends Animal Society
Best Friends Animal Society is a leading national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America's shelters. In addition to running lifesaving programs in partnership with more than 2,200 animal welfare groups across the country, Best Friends has regional centers in New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Salt Lake City, and operates the nation's largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals. Founded in 1984, Best Friends is a pioneer in the no-kill movement and has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters nationwide from 17 million per year to about 1.5 million. That means there are still more than 4,100 dogs and cats killed every day in shelters, just because they don’t have safe places to call home. We are determined to get that number to zero by the year 2025. Working collaboratively with shelters, rescue groups, other organizations and you, we will end the killing and Save Them All. For more information, visit bestfriends.org. To become a fan of Best Friends on Facebook, go to Facebook.com/bestfriendsanimalsociety. Follow Best Friends on Twitter (@BestFriends) and Instagram (@BestFriendsAnimalSociety).

About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 630 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone, and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA has donated more than $120 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged more than 40,000 volunteer hours. As a company, Subaru believes it is important to do its part in making a positive impact in the world because it is the right thing to do.

For additional information visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Tweet me:.@Subaru_USA and @bestfriends Animal Society partner to host the first pet adoption event at the @LAAutoShow #SubaruLovesPets http://bit.ly/2P1Zyil #SaveThemAll #NKLA #AdoptDontShop

KEYWORDS: NYSE:FUJHF, Subaru of America, Best Friends Animal Society’s No Kill Los Angeles, pet adoption, Subaru Loves Pets, Los Angeles Auto Show