Entergy Corporation

Owens Corning

Schneider Electric

Giving Back Takes Us Forward: A Look at Entergy Mississippi’s Centennial

Employee Q&A: The Importance of Being Inclusive – and Authentic

Schneider Electric Sustainability Impact Program Continues Progressing in Q1 2024

<img alt="A person leaning against agricultural machinery " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a60bf3e3-5650-42fc-8ef3-a40ba67a910f" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/2-Lina-Marcela-Gonzalez-Vasquez_CNH_041024.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="900" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.casece.com/northamerica/en-us" target="_blank">CASE Construction Equipment</a>, a <a href="https://www.cnh.com/" target="_blank">CNH</a> brand, highlights the inspiring story of a construction professional who is always in pursuit of improving her skills in the sector.

Historically, women in construction have faced major challenges, including gender discrimination and lack of equal opportunities. However, they have persevered and made significant strides in the fight for equality in the industry.

In a story where passion and attitude are essential pillars, CASE presents the story of Lina Marcela Gonzalez Vásquez, Commercial Coordinator of the dealer <a href="https://partequipos.com/" target="_blank">Partequipos</a>, the official distributor for CASE in Colombia. "The word that best defines what work means to me is "fulfillment", says Lina, “Every day, having the opportunity to contribute, grow professionally, and achieve goals within my field of work gives me a sense of satisfaction and personal accomplishment that I find invaluable."

In her day-to-day work, Lina plays a fundamental role, supporting and sustaining the commercial process to promote the development of each sales opportunity, providing accompaniment to both commercial advisors and others involved. In addition, she oversees the negotiation processes with international suppliers, always maintaining a results-oriented approach, with a high level of productivity and quality in her work.

Women play a prominent role throughout the sector's value chain, which has increased in recent years. "Personally, I am optimistic about the growing presence of women in a male-dominated sector like mine. Participation not only fosters gender equality, but also enriches our work environment with a variety of perspectives and skills."
<img alt="A person stood in front of agricultural machinery " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="70acedb0-763e-46b8-9f69-0dfdcfce2be3" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Lina-Marcela-Gonzalez-Vasquez_CNH_041024.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="900" loading="lazy" />12 years of hard work later, Lina still finds herself in a position to learn more about her field every day. "My journey in the heavy machinery field has taught me the importance of adaptability, effective communication, and continuous learning. I have learned to face challenges with flexibility and determination, to value customer satisfaction, and to constantly look for opportunities to improve my skills. These learnings have been fundamental for my personal and professional growth in the field," said Lina.

Since 2016, Partequipos has been an official CASE distributor in the Latin American country. Currently, it has points of sale in seven of the main cities of the country, providing coverage and assistance at a national level, ensuring a comprehensive and effective service throughout the territory.

From strategic locations, the distributor offers the wide portfolio of the brand's construction line, highlighting skid steer loaders, backhoe loaders, motor graders, excavators, among others, equipment that plays a fundamental role in the growth and development of the country.

Sharing Lina’s story is a demonstration of CNH’s commitment to integrating diverse experiences and perspectives into the work of its brands and dealers. The company continuously supports women in Ag and Construction to continue Breaking New Ground.

CNH Brand Supports Women in Construction

<img alt="Static Image 1st place winner, by EL Mikkelsen, Arizona State University" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="78ab7a08-3733-4116-9f72-3a02d5a12676" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/more-important-recognize-power-donating-money-support-international-disaster-relief_USAID_050124.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="1080" loading="lazy" />May 2, 2024 /CSRwire/ - The USAID Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) and USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/BHA) are proud to announce the winners of their annual PSAid contest, a public service announcement design competition for college students. Each year, participants are invited to create PSAs explaining why “Cash is Best” when donating to international disaster relief efforts.  
When disaster strikes internationally, Americans want to help. While well intentioned, most people are unaware that donating material goods can hinder relief efforts by creating logistical challenges and overwhelming local infrastructure. Monetary donations to trusted organizations working on the ground helps support international disaster relief efforts and makes a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by these devastating events.  
The 2024 winning PSAs were selected from submissions received from universities and community colleges across the country in three categories: video, static image and GIFs.  
Congratulations to the 2024 PSAid contest winners:  GIF:

<ul><li>1st: <a href="https://www.psaid.org/portfolio-items/cash-is-best-7/" target="_blank">Cash is Best</a>, Izie Figueroa, Arizona State University</li>
	<li>2nd: Cash is Fast, Emyli Hinojosa Rafael, Arizona State University</li>
	<li>3rd: Why is Cash Best?, Hyelim (Amy) Song, Arizona State University</li>
</ul>Static Image:

<ul><li>1st: <a href="https://www.psaid.org/portfolio-items/send-cash/" target="_blank">Send Cash!</a>, EL Mikkelsen, Arizona State University</li>
	<li>2nd: Unblocking Relief Efforts, Emma Klarin, Arizona State University</li>
	<li>3rd: Change is Magic, Sydnee Reed, Arizona State University</li>
</ul>Video:

<ul><li>1st: <a href="https://www.psaid.org/portfolio-items/global-chat/" target="_blank">Global Chat</a>, Natalie Clark, Arizona State University</li>
	<li>2nd: No Matter the Disaster, Alula Valdivia, Arizona State University</li>
	<li>3rd: Quick and in Quantity, Gabe Pante, Arizona State University</li>
</ul>"Throughout this experience, I learned how valuable cash is during international disasters,” said Sydnee Reed of Arizona State University, third-place winner in the static image category. “I hope people see this and understand that needs are different in every situation, and the best way to make a change is to donate something that is universally valued.”  
A panel of experts from the fields of humanitarian assistance, communications and design served as volunteer judges: Oktay Dogramaci, former vice president of PayPal Giving, CTO and co-founder of MissionFish; Hillary Hoffower, editor and writer; Jeff Odom, director of digital marketing for IndyCar; Gretel Truong, producer; and Marcia Wong, deputy assistant to the administrator for USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance.  
USAID also invited the public to vote for their favorites in the People’s Choice contest.  People’s Choice winners:

<ul><li>GIF: Finding Your Zen With Cash, Alliyah Zaragoza, Arizona State University</li>
	<li>Static Image: The Pocket Sized Solution, Avery Cluff, Arizona State University</li>
	<li>Video: One Solution, Cash is Best, Jasmine Lawson, Arizona State University</li>
</ul>The winning PSAs will be used in CIDI’s “Cash is Best” outreach efforts. Previous winning PSAs have reached over 1 billion people and have been in more than 150 media markets, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta. Winning broadcast PSAs have appeared on streaming services, such as Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime. Winning static PSAs and GIFs have been featured in Forbes, Rolling Stone, The Boston Herald, and the Arizona Republic, to name a few publications.  
All winning entries can be viewed at <a href="https://www.psaid.org/" target="_blank">PSAid.org</a>.  
###  About USAID CIDI  
USAID CIDI was created in 1988 by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance to inform the public about the advantages of giving monetary donations to relief organizations and warn about the risks of donating unsolicited material goods. Through its “Cash is Best” messaging, CIDI’s goal is to support donors and relief agencies as they work to provide quick, effective, and efficient relief to people affected by disasters. CIDI provides donations guidance to individuals, groups, embassies, businesses, and corporations. For more information about “Cash is Best” and helping international disaster survivors, please visit USAID CIDI at <a href="http://www.cidi.org/" target="_blank">www.cidi.org</a>.  Media Contact:  <a href="mailto:ariel.selzer@hillandknowlton.com" target="_blank">Ariel Selzer White</a>  
(713) 492-5627

<a href="https://www.psaid.org/" target="_blank">Learn More</a>

It’s More Important Than Ever To Recognize the Power of Donating Money To Support International Disaster Relief

BXP’s sustainability &amp; impact strategy aligns with our mission to envision, develop, and manage exceptional properties that enhance client success, strengthen communities, and advance opportunity. We believe that responsible real estate ownership, investment, and management contribute to progress on economic, social, and environmental issues. In 2023, we remained focused on measurable impacts. 
BXP’s strategy contributes to our commercial success while protecting asset value and our distinction as a premier workplace developer, owner, and manager. Our long-term investment in our people, our properties, and our communities, and implementation of our sustainability program have prepared BXP to navigate an evolving landscape of sustainability objectives, transitionary changes, regulations, and disclosure requirements. 
2023 highlights include:

<ul><li>Remaining on track to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2025</li>
	<li>Managing transition risks and building performance standard compliance, retrocomissioning 9 million square feet of our portfolio to optimize energy performance</li>
	<li>Executing a power purchase agreement for an additional 21 MW of new solar generation capacity as a component of our strategy to reduce carbon emissions</li>
	<li>Issuing an additional $750 million of “Green Bonds” in our sixth Green Bond offering</li>
	<li>Increasing efforts to advance built environment climate technology through continued engagement and investment with Energy Impact Partners</li>
</ul>BXP will host its third annual Sustainability &amp; Impact Investor Update on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. The webcast will be hosted by Doug Linde, President, and Ben Myers, SVP, Sustainability. The webcast will be accessible in the <a href="http://investors.bxp.com/" target="_blank">Investors</a> section of our website at <a href="https://www.bxp.com/" target="_blank">www.bxp.com</a>. 
BXP’s commitment to sustainability and impact has been recognized by numerous industry groups and rankings. BXP was recently recognized for Best ESG Program by Commercial Property Executive and was again named an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year - Sustained Excellence Award winner, as well as a Best in Building Health winner by the Center for Active Design. BXP was recognized as an inaugural Platinum-level Green Lease Leader by the Institute for Market Transformation and the U.S. Department of Energy and was the recipient of Nareit’s prestigious Leader in the Light Award. About BXP 
BXP (NYSE: BXP) is the largest publicly traded developer, owner, and manager of premier workplaces in the United States, concentrated in six dynamic gateway markets - Boston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, DC. BXP has delivered places that power progress for our clients and communities for more than 50 years. BXP is a fully integrated real estate company, organized as a real estate investment trust (REIT). As of December 31, 2023, including properties owned by unconsolidated joint ventures, BXP’s portfolio totaled 53.3 million square feet and 188 properties, including 10 properties under construction/redevelopment. For more information, please visit our website at <a href="https://www.bxp.com/" target="_blank">www.bxp.com</a> or follow us on <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/boston-properties" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> or <a href="http://www.instagram.com/bxpbostonproperties" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Media Contact <a href="mailto:lsesody@bxp.com" target="_blank">Laura Sesody</a> 
Senior Vice President, Corporate Marketing &amp; Communications

BXP Releases 2023 Sustainability & Impact Report

Summary 
Schrödinger has published its second annual Corporate Sustainability report, which provides a comprehensive overview of the company's progress developing and executing on its strategy for addressing environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters. 
Throughout 2023, the company advanced every aspect of its ESG performance and created a road map that includes setting goals for each of its identified material ESG topics in alignment with its Corporate Sustainability strategy. This strategy is grounded in the concept of shared value, which the company has labeled VALUE2: “When we add value to the world, we create value for our company, and when we build value for ourselves, we generate value for the world.” 2023 Report Highlights Social

<ul><li>Schrödinger and two City University institutions were co-awarded a $1 million National Science Foundation grant to increase underrepresented students' access to industry-leading technology.</li>
	<li>To ensure a cohesive corporate strategy for social impact initiatives and provide employees consistent guidance, Schrödinger launched its inaugural Global Social Impact Policy in 2023.</li>
	<li>Schrödinger advanced its work with universities and K-12 schools to further STEM education and careers through multiple programs and initiatives.</li>
	<li>Building on its comprehensive suite of employee benefits, Schrödinger introduced new health and well-being options for its employees, including holistic health and mindful return for new parents.</li>
	<li>Advancing its diversity, equity and inclusion commitments, Schrödinger introduced new focus areas for its employee resource groups (ERGs), aiming to increase engagement, accountability, and growth opportunities.</li>
</ul>Environmental

<ul><li>Schrödinger completed an inventory of its operational environmental footprint, including energy use, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, water usage and waste generation.</li>
	<li>Based on its operational environmental footprint inventory, Schrödinger reported environmental data in 2023 for the first time, including Scope 3 GHG emissions.</li>
	<li>Schrödinger signaled its intention to establish science-based emissions reduction targets aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative by the end of 2025.</li>
	<li>The company released its first Environmental Policy that sets forth its commitments and methods for achieving them.</li>
	<li>Through its computational platform, Schrödinger continued to facilitate better environmental outcomes for its life science and materials development customers.</li>
</ul> Governance

<ul><li>As part of its commitment to strong corporate governance, Schrödinger updated and strengthened a host of company policies and developed, or is in the process of developing, policies covering:
	<ul><li>Health &amp; Safety</li>
		<li>Supplier Code of Conduct</li>
		<li>Human Rights</li>
	</ul></li>
	<li>Schrödinger established its first Ombuds Office, a neutral and independent third-party reporting channel for employees, business partners, customers, and members of the public to report concerns about the company.</li>
	<li>The company continued implementing its cybersecurity policies, processes, and technology in alignment with the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework.</li>
</ul>Guided by its mission to improve human health and quality of life by transforming how therapeutics and materials are discovered, Schrödinger is dedicated to continued progress on its Corporate Sustainability commitments. 
Schrödinger’s 2023 Corporate Sustainability Report references the Global Reporting Initiative Standards and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board Biotechnology &amp; Pharmaceuticals and Software &amp; IT Services standards. Access the report <a href="https://www.schrodinger.com/company/corporate-sustainability/" target="_blank">here</a>. 
  About Schrödinger 
Schrödinger is transforming the way therapeutics and materials are discovered. Schrödinger has pioneered a physics-based computational platform that enables discovery of high-quality, novel molecules for drug development and materials applications more rapidly and at lower cost compared to traditional methods. The software platform is licensed by biopharmaceutical and industrial companies, academic institutions, and government laboratories around the world. Schrödinger’s multidisciplinary drug discovery team also leverages the software platform to advance a portfolio of collaborative and proprietary programs to address unmet medical needs. 
Founded in 1990, Schrödinger has approximately 850 employees and is engaged with customers and collaborators in more than 70 countries. To learn more, visit <a href="https://www.schrodinger.com/" target="_blank">www.schrodinger.com</a>, follow us on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/schr-dinger/" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/schrodinger.inc/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or visit our blog, <a href="https://extrapolations.com/" target="_blank">Extrapolations.com</a>. Media contact <a href="mailto:allie.nicodemo@schrodinger.com" target="_blank">Allie Nicodemo</a> 
Schrödinger, Inc. 
617-356-2325

Schrödinger Shares Corporate Sustainability Progress in 2023 Report

Boston Scientific released its <a href="https://www.bostonscientific.com/en-US/corporate-responsibility.html" target="_blank">2023 Performance Report</a> highlighting the company’s actions to improve patient outcomes while prioritizing environmental, social and governance (ESG) progress. 
“Because we know that patient health is interconnected with the health of communities and of the planet, we take seriously our responsibility to make sustainable progress,” said Mike Mahoney, chairman and chief executive officer, Boston Scientific. “This dedication is shared by our more than 48,000 employees worldwide, whose talent and commitment to the highest standards of quality allow us to raise the bar, year after year.” 
The report describes how teams across the company applied the science and transformation that define Boston Scientific’s business to advance its ESG priorities and goals, focused on advancing innovative care, empowering people and contributing to a healthier planet, while performing with integrity. 
Highlights of Boston Scientific’s 2023 ESG progress include:

<ul><li>Helping improve the lives of more than 37 million patients around the world with nearly 90 product launches and $1.4 billion invested in research and development.[1]</li>
	<li>Advancing health and addressing inequities by increasing diversity in clinical trials, donating more than $76 million to fund global medical research, fellowships, education and charitable organizations.</li>
	<li>
	Increasing workforce diversity, with mid-level leadership[2] roles now held by 43.5% of women globally and 22.6% by multicultural employees in the U.S., including Puerto Rico.
	</li>
	<li>Achieving 82% renewable electricity,[3] bringing the company closer to meeting its goal of 100% by the end of 2024.</li>
	<li>
	Further defining the company’s path to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.[4]
	</li>
	<li>Delivering more than 40 million products and spending approximately $340 million on small and diverse suppliers.</li>
</ul>The Boston Scientific 2023 Performance Report was prepared with reference to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards as well as alignment with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) standards for the Medical Equipment &amp; Supplies industry and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations. 
Detailed information about the company’s progress is available on its <a href="https://www.bostonscientific.com/en-US/corporate-responsibility.html" target="_blank">corporate responsibility website</a>. 
All data as of December 31, 2023, unless otherwise specified. About Boston Scientific 
Boston Scientific transforms lives through innovative medical technologies that improve the health of patients around the world. As a global medical technology leader for more than 40 years, we advance science for life by providing a broad range of high-performance solutions that address unmet patient needs and reduce the cost of health care. Our portfolio of devices and therapies helps physicians diagnose and treat complex cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, oncological, neurological and urological diseases and conditions. Learn more at <a href="http://www.bostonscientific.com/" target="_blank">www.bostonscientific.com</a> and connect on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/boston-scientific/" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/bostonsci" target="_blank">X</a>, formerly Twitter. Contact 
Media: Emily Anderson +1 617.515.2000 
Investors: Jon Monson +1 508.683.5450

[1] Represents GAAP R&amp;D expense per Annual Report on Form 10-K. 
[2] Mid-level leadership includes managers, principals, senior managers and fellows. 
[3] Includes renewable electricity generated onsite and purchased electricity matched with electricity from renewable sources. Inclusive of all manufacturing and key distribution sites only. 
[4] Across the company's entire value chain (scopes 1, 2 and 3) with a base year of 2019 as approved in 2022 by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Net-Zero Standard.

Boston Scientific Reports 2023 Actions Toward a Healthier, More Equitable World

<img alt="Two smiling children looking at an open laptop while sitting on an outdoor table." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="75c3003d-266d-47ac-92df-60c75c8a6c99" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/closingdivide_comcast_041724.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="563" loading="lazy" />For more than a decade, Comcast has been dedicated to closing the digital divide. Achieving digital equity is at the heart of the work we do because we know how life-changing a reliable home Internet connection can be in today’s digital economy.

Through the federal government’s <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/acp" target="_blank">Affordable Connectivity Program</a> (ACP), more than 23 million households across America – <a href="https://www.bsgco.com/acp-fact-sheet" target="_blank">nearly 50% of which are military families</a> – are able to get online at little to no cost. Unfortunately, the ACP is only fully funded through April and is expected to lapse by May. This puts at risk all the progress we have made in keeping Americans connected to this critical resource.

<a href="https://corporate.comcast.com/stories/funding-affordable-connectivity-program-critical-for-our-countrys-future" target="_blank">As I said in January</a>, we believe that Congress and the White House should find a way to extend the ACP so people can stay connected and benefit from the Internet for education, healthcare, workforce development, veterans’ assistance, and so much more.

At Comcast, we remain committed to doing our part to help including:

Partial ACP Credit – To help ease the transition, all ACP customers will receive a federally funded ACP credit of $14 on their Xfinity bills ($35 on Tribal lands) for the month of May as the government program winds down.

Internet Essentials – We continue to offer <a href="https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/internet-essentials" target="_blank">Internet Essentials</a> – our reliable, low-cost high-speed Internet service – for $9.95/month. That is the exact same price it has been since 2011, when it was first introduced, despite inflation, while speeds have increased five times for no additional cost. Millions of Americans have been connected to Internet Essentials, which has become the largest and most comprehensive private-sector Internet adoption program in the country. All current ACP customers are eligible to switch to Internet Essentials tiers during this transition.

Internet Essentials+ – For customers looking for even faster speeds, Internet Essentials Plus offers double the speed – up to 100 Mbps – for $29.95/month.

Xfinity Mobile Savings – For those looking to save money on their monthly bills, we’re also offering discounts to customers who bundle their Internet service with <a href="https://www.xfinity.com/mobile/?CMP=KNC-43700053507087418-GOOGLE-694334329635-c-xfinity%20mobile-e-XM_Brand+Only_BR_Exact_North&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpcmetaOrhQMVkXNHAR2NmwxvEAAYASAAEgLYlvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Xfinity Mobile</a>. New Internet Essentials Plus customers can take advantage of a free line of Xfinity Mobile for one year. Additionally, current customers enrolled in ACP with Comcast who add Xfinity Mobile can get an additional free unlimited line for one year, potentially saving them hundreds of dollars per year.

NOW WiFi Pass – For individuals and families on the go, Comcast has introduced <a href="https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/wifi?CMP=KNC-43700075421305697-GOOGLE-680335120269-c-buy%20wifi%20pass-p-Wifi_Pass_NB_Phrase_National&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0oXQta2phQMV3XJHAR3pVQusEAAYASAAEgLdwPD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">NOW WiFi Pass</a>, which connects them to our 23 million+ Xfinity WiFi hotspots nationwide. Now through June 30, customers can get online for $10/month with no additional equipment required, no long-term commitments, or any cancellation fees.

Lift Zones – Individuals, whether they’re our customers or not, can access one of our more than 1,250 WiFi-connected <a href="https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/digital-equity/lift-zones" target="_blank">Lift Zones</a> across the country. Working with our extensive network of nonprofit partners, Lift Zones provide free Internet access in neighborhood locations like nonprofits, community centers, gyms, and parks and recreation facilities. Additionally, many locations have <a href="https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up/digital-navigators" target="_blank">Digital Navigators</a> – trusted and trained individuals who help them get online and learn digital skills.

Internet Essentials Partnership Program – Our <a href="https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/digital-equity/internet-essentials-partnership-program" target="_blank">Internet Essentials Partnerships Program</a> (IEPP) provides the opportunity for school districts and other organizations to fund and connect large numbers of students and families to broadband access at home. Since 2020, IEPP has collaborated with hundreds of entities across the country to help connect K-12 students.

Partnerships and Project UP – We also continue to work with our network of thousands of nonprofit partners nationwide who are on the front lines of closing the digital divide. We’re investing in organizations that train thousands of trusted Digital Navigators who connect people to the Internet; and partners who advance economic mobility and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators. This is all backed by <a href="https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up" target="_blank">Project UP</a>, our $1B commitment to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities.

While we have all these products and services available today, we will continue to create even more packages and options to offer our customers and the communities we serve. We’ve made so much progress closing the digital divide and we remain committed to doing our part to ensure more Americans stay connected and that no one gets left behind.

Broderick D. Johnson is Executive Vice President, Public Policy, and Executive Vice President, Digital Equity for Comcast Corporation.

Comcast Remains Dedicated to Closing the Digital Divide

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cd9d47db-b13f-4aff-8933-aa80d88a1829" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Napa-Recycling_U.S.%20Bank_4.26.24A.jpeg" width="640" height="675" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Napa Recycling general manager Greg Kelley at the company's facility where it processes recyclable materials it collects.</figcaption></figure><a href="https://www.usbank.com/about-us-bank/company-blog/article-library/longtime-bank-client-has-grown-while-protecting-the-environment.html" target="_blank">Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog</a>

As the amount and scope of materials being recycled has grown over the years, so has longtime bank client Napa Recycling.

Napa Recycling began in 1990 and offered curbside recycling and organic composting services, said general manager Greg Kelley. It has expanded over the years to include services for all recyclable products and organic materials, including yard waste and food waste from residential homes and commercial kitchens.

“When we started in 1990, we were processing about 10,000 tons of organics and 15,000 tons of recyclables per year,” Kelley said. “Now, between our two composting sites, we do 300,000 tons of organic waste and 60,000 tons of recyclables.”

Napa Recycling employs 240 people throughout its companies, he said. That includes people who collect recyclables and organic waste, people who process it, people in customer service and more. It serves both residential homes and commercial businesses across different industries.

“The easy part is collecting recyclable material,” Kelley said. “The harder thing is to sort recycling to market specs and to truly recycle something to be used to make a new product.”

The company has seen a lot of innovation in the sorting and processing areas over the years, he said.

“Back in ’90s we were all manual hand-sorting,” Kelley said. “We eventually added screens to separate paper from containers, and now we have air classifiers that use optics to sort, and also have robots that sort. They basically use AI and learn as they go just as a human would.”

There have been innovations on composting organic materials as well, he said.

“We now do aerated composting where, basically, we’re blowing air into our piles 24/7 so it’s actively composting at optimal temperatures for 22 days, where in the past it would take about three months and never be at optimal temps except about 20 minutes a day,” Kelley said. “Not only are we making a better, mature product, we’re cutting emissions into the environment while doing it.”

The composted materials are sold as soil amendments to farmers, he said. Recyclable materials are sold to various manufacturers. For example, recyclable plastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate (known as PET) water bottles, are melted down and made into pellets that are sold to manufacturers to produce new products.

Napa Recycling’s relationship with U.S. Bank began in 2005 with predecessor company Union Bank.

“It’s been a great relationship for our company and our communities,” Kelley said. “The bank has treated us well. With their assistance, we have been able to use California municipal bonds for our major expansions.”

Napa Recycling partners with the U.S. Bank environmental banking group, which is part of Commercial Banking and specializes in serving waste management companies.

“Napa Recycling is a vital community partner providing waste management services, especially recycling and composting, to its communities to meet the State of California’s waste diversion goals,” said Hassan Salem, head of Commercial Banking. “We are happy to continue to support this client’s growth with specialized industry bankers from our Environmental Services Group."

Napa Recycling also uses U.S. Bank for other services that include accounts payable products, online banking tools, cash management solutions and more, he said.

“The bank has been a great partner for us over the years,” Kelley said.

Napa Recycling began in 1990 and offered curbside recycling and organic composting services, said general manager Greg Kelley. It has expanded over the years to include services for all recyclable products and organic materials, including yard waste and food waste.

Longtime Bank Client Has Grown While Protecting the Environment

<img alt="Two butterflies on a purple-flowered plant." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="275bdb9d-914f-4108-aeb5-0f7cba1110cf" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/butterflymeadow_covis_050124.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="1200" loading="lazy" />Covia is thrilled to be partnering with <a href="https://monarchjointventure.org/" target="_blank">Monarch Joint Venture</a> (MJV) in an effort to safeguard and enhance the habitat of the migratory monarch butterfly and other pollinators. Through MJV’s work, they aim to protect monarchs and their migration by collaborating with partners, like Covia, to deliver habitat conservation, education, and science across the monarch range. The monarch butterfly is facing significant challenges that have raised concerns about the sustainability of its long-distance migration. These obstacles have led to population declines, prompting consideration for protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Factors such as habitat loss, climate change, pesticide use, and the decrease in milkweed plants, crucial for monarch breeding, have all contributed to this decline.

Our shared goal includes the distribution of milkweed plugs throughout the eastern monarch population range in states such as Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, North Carolina, Arkansas, Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri, often referred to as the "Monarch Central Flyway." These efforts align with Covia's commitment to the conservation, restoration, and enrichment of biodiversity. Learn more about Covia’s ESG efforts at <a href="https://www.coviacorp.com/esg/" target="_blank">https://www.coviacorp.com/esg/</a>.
<img alt="An outstretched hand holding a yellow flower. A butterfly landed in the middle." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77eb637d-177e-4745-aa1a-14bcdc26c8f7" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/monarch_covia_050124_0.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="641" loading="lazy" />As part of our partnership, Covia will be distributing nearly 5,000 milkweed plugs to employees located within the monarch population footprint. We will be using various native milkweed species such as common, showy, swamp, butterfly, whorled, and spider milkweed to accommodate different regions. Milkweed plays a vital role as a food source and breeding ground for monarch butterflies.

In addition to the milkweed distribution, Covia's Cleburne, Texas, plant is collaborating with MJV on a yearlong project to develop a multi-acre pollinator habitat at the plant. MJV will be offering guidance, expertise, and technical support in designing the habitat layout, preparing the site, selecting native plant species, and giving recommendations for dormant seeding.

“We are pleased to share that we have established a partnership with Monarch Joint Venture,” said Natalie Eglinton, Director of ESG. “Monarch butterflies and pollinators play a crucial role in our ecosystem, and we look forward to contributing to the enhancement of habitats for these important species. It is exciting to see that many of Covia's facilities align with the Monarch Central Flyway, providing us with a unique chance to support the habitat improvement for pollinators and other wildlife.”
<img alt="A butterfly on a plant." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="277e8b1c-c859-46da-bb27-edbcf5791004" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/butterfly_covia_050124_0.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="1200" loading="lazy" /> 
<img alt="&quot;Monarch Joint Venture&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="99f1fa94-03da-4fb9-876b-e2da3511cb3b" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Copy%20of%20Color_source_horizontal%20text%20%281%29%20%281%29%20%281%29.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="338" loading="lazy" />

Covia is thrilled to be partnering with Monarch Joint Venture (MJV) in an effort to safeguard and enhance the habitat of the migratory monarch butterfly and other pollinators.

Covia and Monarch Joint Venture: United To Protect and Enhance Pollinator Populations

<center><iframe allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="370" src="https://www.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/2024-04/NM%20ESI%20Video%203_Environment_16x9%20v06.mp4" width="100%"></iframe></center>

<a href="https://www.northwesternmutual.com/who-we-are/sustainability-report/" target="_blank">Originally published in Northwestern Mutual 2023 Sustainability and Social Impact Report</a>

Since 1857, <a href="https://www.northwesternmutual.com/who-we-are/sustainability-social-impact/environment/" target="_blank">Northwestern Mutual</a> has been committed to doing what’s right—working to deliver positive, transformative results for generations to come. The value we place on both today and tomorrow requires a commitment to environmental sustainability; we work to be good stewards for our policyowners and clients, our people and our communities. 

We manage our day-to-day facility operations to reduce our climate impact through energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management and a continued focus on our carbon footprint. We also recognize the importance of the relationship between spaces and the people who will use them, from our corporate employees and financial advisors and representatives to members of the public enjoying our campus. Our environmental sustainability commitment carries through to our investment strategy and to the investment products we offer consumers.

ESTABLISHING AN ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE CORPORATE FOOTPRINT

Building design, construction and operation at Northwestern Mutual considers the environment as well as people’s health and well-being. We’ve built to sustainability standards such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), focused on environmental impact and sustainability, and the WELL Building Standard, focused on people’s health and wellness. We have 3.27 million square feet of corporate office space across three campuses—and more than 40% of that office space is LEED Gold certified (our Milwaukee Tower, Commons and Van Buren buildings). This matters because LEED buildings use, on average, 25% less energy than conventional buildings1. As part of our commitment to environmental protection, we continue to find new ways to increase facility energy efficiency, reduce water use and waste, and expand focus on our carbon footprint.

Energy efficiency and focus on carbon footprint 

As part of our efforts to better understand and measure Northwestern Mutual’s impact on the environment, we’re expanding the metrics we use to measure our exposure to climate risk. This includes accounting for our scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions consistent with Greenhouse Gas Protocol guidelines. 

In 2024, we’re rolling out enhanced Energy Manager software to gather data from our Milwaukee and Franklin campus building systems, diagnose underperforming equipment, forecast energy use, and prioritize action. We’re adding HVAC submeters to improve energy tracking in our Van Buren office building. Daylight sensor harvesting will help reduce overhead light use and yield substantial savings. We’ve also invested in refrigerant recovery and reduction, and in using more eco-friendly options.

Water and waste management 

Our focus on environmental stewardship inspires us to conserve water and decrease and divert waste from our corporate operations. 

In programs that date back nearly 100 years, the cafeterias at our Milwaukee and Franklin campuses minimize food waste by planning and buying ingredients accurately, using “just in time” food production and composting organic materials. Partnering with local food and composting providers, this year we diverted thousands of pounds of food waste from landfills. 

We engage employees in continually decreasing waste, coordinating recycling of paper, plastic, cardboard, metal, batteries, shoes, glasses, ink pens and more— with a specialized technology recycling program to address computers, monitors, printers and other equipment. In 2023, we also removed bottled water from our cafeterias and break areas, promoting water stations for reusable cups and drink containers. 

Our rooftop gardens on the Milwaukee campus—planted with 34,000 square feet of plants and foliage—divert more than 500,000 gallons of stormwater runoff a year.

Enhanced employee experience 

We know the physical environment affects people’s well-being and the work they’re capable of doing. Northwestern Mutual considers employee feedback and empathetic design to create a welcoming environment that supports health, comfort and connection as well as productivity. In addition to our renowned free lunch for employees, we offer: 

<ul><li>Increased focus on air quality, with regular third-party testing </li>
	<li>Natural lighting and green spaces to encourage well-being </li>
	<li>Museum-quality art experiences to foster vibrant, innovative and diverse physical and cultural environments </li>
	<li>Free exhibitions of relevant contemporary artwork by notable artists in our public indoor and outdoor spaces </li>
	<li>Electric vehicle charging stations at our Milwaukee and Franklin campuses now available at no cost to employees </li>
	<li>Technology that lets employees submit facility service requests using their mobile devices, helping identify opportunities to save energy and reduce potential water waste</li>
</ul><img alt="Northwestern Mutual campus with lots of green space" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="48031472-ce30-4abb-9663-b8518e92da9a" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/campus_northwesternmutual_042224.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="990" loading="lazy" />ASSESSING CLIMATE-RELATED RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Our cross-functional Climate Risk Stakeholder Group, accountable to the Enterprise Risk Executive Committee, is an extension of Northwestern Mutual’s time-tested governance practices. These subject matter experts: 

<ul><li>Conduct physical and transition climate risk and opportunity identification and analysis as part of the company’s enterprise risk prioritization and assessment processes. </li>
	<li>Determine integration points for climate-related risks and opportunities into operations, strategic planning, and reporting. </li>
	<li>Identify emerging climate risk practices, guidance and standards through close monitoring of and engagement with regulators, policymakers and other key stakeholders. </li>
</ul>For more information about how Northwestern Mutual assesses and manages climate-related risk, see our annual Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) filing administered by the California Department of Insurance on behalf of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

POWERING CHANGE THROUGH SOCIALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENTS

 Northwestern Mutual aims to use its best efforts to invest at least 5% of general account assets in socially and environmentally responsible investments without compromising return objectives. It’s good for business—and the right thing to do. We’ve consistently exceeded our target; such investments today total more than $24.8 billion. For retail investment clients interested in this focus, we offer a variety of responsible investment options.

General account investments 

As a mutual company, Northwestern Mutual exists for the benefit of our policyowners. We seek to maximize long-term value through superior returns while maintaining exceptional financial strength, taking a balanced portfolio approach focused on diversification. We also believe proactively integrating social and environmental factors will enhance our investment process and outcomes. In particular, we focus on:

<ul><li>Environmentally responsible investments that support or are sensitive to the environment, including public and private corporate and sovereign green, social, sustainable, and sustainability linked-bonds and loans linked to renewable and alternative energy projects, projects qualifying for Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing, real estate investments that meet nationally recognized sustainable building and occupant wellness standards, and projects that invest in cleaning up state and federal environmentally contaminated sites. We’re also exploring approaches to the low carbon transition through thoughtful allocation of capital and a variety of initiatives.  
	 </li>
	<li>Socioeconomically responsible investments that promote goals such as affordable housing, healthcare access, economic development through education and social infrastructure projects in underdeveloped areas, and success for businesses with owners from underrepresented groups.  
	 </li>
	<li>
	Impact Investment Fund investments that generate social benefits, such as deploying capital to underserved communities and businesses, looking to enhance capital access, physical or social infrastructure, or underserved neighborhoods. 

	Examples of these investments include the following:

	<ul><li>Environmental transformation. Northwestern Mutual’s real estate investment team is partnering to redevelop more than 30 acres near the Dallas-Fort Worth airport, a site that had housed a petroleum bulk facility and transfer station since 1960. The site had included piping infrastructure and 15 above-ground steel tanks, 2,000 to 3.36 million gallons each, containing gasoline, diesel, ethanol and other fuel additives. Northwestern Mutual’s investment requires this equipment to be decommissioned and the property decontaminated, consistent with the partners’ Soil and Groundwater Management Plan. We will then develop four LEED-certified warehouse buildings on the site while creating hundreds of jobs in this densely populated area.  
		 </li>
		<li>Affordable housing. Our local Impact Fund is invested in the Milwaukee Community Land Trust’s “Homes MKE” initiative, which seeks to preserve access to affordable homeownership. Since 2010, Milwaukee has lost 15-20% homeownership in underserved neighborhoods, largely due to out-of-town acquisitions of city property. Families in these neighborhoods face headwinds to homeownership including low income, education about the homebuying process, and affordability. The Milwaukee County Land Trust, with the help of Northwestern Mutual, addresses all three headwinds. Low-income residents can purchase homes at or below market prices, based on neighborhood property value, cost to redevelop, and family income. In return, homebuyers agree to sell their home to other qualified individual homebuyers in the future, making affordable homeownership opportunities available to future generations.  
		 </li>
		<li>Responsible investments for our clients We offer a suite of responsible investment options for retail investment clients looking to match their values with value. These offerings include mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and individual securities that, like all other offerings, are rooted in Northwestern Mutual’s proprietary capital market assumptions and disciplined approach to investing, with the common objective of maximizing risk-adjusted return. Learn more about these investment options at <a href="https://www.northwesternmutual.com/esg-investing" target="_blank">northwesternmutual.com/esg-investing</a>.</li>
	</ul></li>
</ul>Learn more about Northwestern Mutual’s commitment to reducing our environmental impact in the <a href="https://www.northwesternmutual.com/who-we-are/sustainability-social-impact/environment/" target="_blank">2023 Sustainability and Social Impact Report</a>. 
 

1U.S. Green Building Council, “<a href="https://www.usgbc.org/articles/top-10-reasons-certify-leed" target="_blank">Top 10 reasons to certify to LEED</a>”

Since 1857, Northwestern Mutual has been committed to doing what’s right—working to deliver positive, transformative results for generations to come. The value we place on both today and tomorrow requires a commitment to environmental sustainability.

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