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<img alt="The women of NRG Energy BRG for women." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3443d727-ff32-43d1-903b-25429dc5c0c4" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/NRG_3.7.23A1.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="677" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.nrg.com/insights/people-and-community/empowering-others-and-embracing-equity-with-the-women-of-nrg.html" target="_blank">Originally published on NRG Insights</a>

During Women's History Month, we reflect on the achievements and contributions of women from the past and present. The theme of the month is embracing equity — an action that rejects bias, makes progress for equality, and fosters <a href="https://www.nrg.com/insights/people-and-community/fostering-psychological-safety.html" target="_blank">psychological safety</a>. These themes are embedded in our culture, and we continue to strive toward creating a safe space for everyone.

We joined the conversation by putting a spotlight on five incredible women leading Business Resource Groups (BRGs) at our company. BRGs are employee-led collectives that foster community and contribute to workplace culture. We learned more about each woman’s experiences and how they are embracing equity in their day-to-day.

Meet the women

Ashley Osei-Kuffour – Senior Associate, Sustainability &amp; Partnerships

Ashley co-leads the Early Career Success (ECS) BRG. This group empowers members to enhance their professional development through a network dedicated to career growth, interpersonal relationships, and cross-functional learning.

Mareza Lopez – Manager, Go To Marketing Acquisition

Mayra Morales – Pricing Analyst

Mareza and Mayra are co-leaders of Hola! Club, a Hispanic/Latin BRG with a mission to foster cultural diversity, understanding, and inclusiveness.

Reneé Meaux – Director, National Partnership Development

Reneé is one of the leaders of Women in Power (WIP). Their mission is to empower, strengthen, and connect female employees to foster growing careers.

Renuka Joopelli – Senior IT Project Manager

Renuka is an active member of VIVIDH which serves as a platform for South Asian employees to educate and share their culture with everyone.

What does #embracingequity mean to you?

Embracing equity starts with acknowledging that there is a gap. It also involves recognizing that every human being holds different experiences and unique perspectives that are essential to growth. Whether that be from a professional standpoint or a societal one. When there's fairness, everyone feels valued, and we all succeed. – Ashley

For me, that means making sure that everyone has access to the same opportunities while taking into account that the differences in our backgrounds and where we come from can create barriers to participation. It's also ensuring that everyone gets the necessary tools to be successful and that those tools are what is best for them. – Mareza

Embracing equity is ensuring everyone is not only present but being heard. It's also having thoughts and opinions across all genders, races, and ages. It means everyone is acknowledged, considered, and valued. – Reneé

Embracing equity is creating an environment where everyone feels included and valued at work. It's also providing the resources specific to their needs no matter their gender, age, race, or position. This fosters a positive work experience and increased productivity resulting in better service to our company. – Renuka

What have you learned from women in the workplace?

One of the biggest things I've learned is how to be adaptable. You always have to be open to change and ready to pivot. If you're always thinking everything has to fit the status quo, then it’ll be hard to move forward in your career. I've learned that from many women across the organization and throughout my professional development. I hope to pass it along to others as they're building their careers. – Ashley

What would you go back and tell your younger self?

You are smart, you are capable, and you deserve a seat at the table. If they don't want to give you a seat at the table, then make your own table. Bring your own chair. You are where you're at because you work hard and deserve it. Don't doubt yourself. You have so much to give, so share that and empower other people. – Mareza
<img alt="NRG women holding signs: equity, women in power, early career success." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b9bbf935-6c95-485d-bef9-ea093c5ba6b1" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/NRG%20Energy_3.7.23B1.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="676" loading="lazy" />Why is it important to have women represented in leadership roles?

I was reading an article that said there were only two female CEOs in Fortune 500 companies back in 2000. Now, we've got 53. That speaks volumes, and it lets that little girl watching know, 'if they've done it, why can't I?' When I see women leaders who have climbed up the ladder in our company, I see that could be me one day. It also motivates me to know that my children can see women leaders doing big things. – Mayra

One of the biggest reasons is for people to see what's possible. We all come from different backgrounds, perspectives, and privileges. If we were in a company where women were not present in leadership, my perspective of potential opportunity would be much more limited than what it is today. – Reneé

How do you help other women enhance their skills in the workplace?

I would encourage them to speak up. One way to do that is by making introductions and connecting women to each other. At NRG, I've learned that I can get mentorships that help elevate not only myself but others. – Mayra

I've had the opportunity here at NRG to advance as a leader. One of my favorite things has been getting to help other people develop and become leaders themselves. The best thing I can do as a leader is to give honest feedback and not be afraid of challenging conversations because those are often opportunities for the biggest growth. – Reneé

What woman from the past or present has inspired you the most?

I was born and raised in India and migrated to the US when I got married. My parents lived in a rural area when I was born, but my mother worked hard to ensure that I got the best education. She sent me to live with my aunt and uncle during my childhood in a far-off urban city where I attended one of the best schools and colleges. I am forever grateful to my mother for paving my future and my aunt for raising me with great values. – Renuka

Celebrating women everywhere

We enjoyed learning more about a few of the women at NRG and are proud to have this opportunity to highlight their affinity groups, voices, and accomplishments. Join us in celebrating Women's History Month as we recognize the achievements of women at NRG and around the world.

To learn more about about NRG Energy, click<a href="https://www.nrg.com/insights/all-insights.html" target="_blank"> here.</a>

Empowering Others and Embracing Equity With the Women of NRG

<img alt="global electronics council and epeat logos" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89e76ce6-9f73-488c-aad6-baeafcc78186" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/gec-epeat.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="200" loading="lazy" />PORTLAND, Ore., March 21, 2023 /CSRwire/ - The Global Electronics Council (GEC), a non-profit organization founded to promote sustainable electronics, today announced the addition of criteria within its EPEAT ecolabel system focused on decarbonizing the supply chain for solar panel production. These criteria are the first by a global ecolabel to set thresholds on the embodied carbon in photovoltaics (PV) and will be a requirement for achieving the EPEAT ecolabel designation for PV modules.

“While renewable energy is essential in the transition to the green economy, we must also consider the underlying infrastructure’s contribution to climate change,” explained Bob Mitchell, CEO of GEC. “The market needs a trusted methodology to evaluate the carbon emissions of solar panels during production in order to make informed purchasing decisions.”

Solar installations are designed to have a net zero impact in their generation of electricity; however, the embodied carbon in solar panels may vary greatly depending on the supply chain used to manufacture them. “Not all solar technology is created equal, and the new Ultra-Low Carbon Solar criteria establish an important framework with which to evaluate the embodied carbon in solar panels,” said Samantha Sloan, VP of Global Policy, Sustainability and Marketing, First Solar, Inc. “This important initiative not only acknowledges solar technology’s carbon footprint, but it also creates a tool for solar project developers and asset owners to enable their net-zero carbon goals by selecting solar technologies that align with their net-zero ambitions.”

Illustrating the value to solar developers is Nastassja Hagan, Lightsource bp’s Vice President, Sustainability, who said “Lightsource bp’s ability to procure products with lower embodied carbon is critical to meeting our targets to reduce Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As a solar company, our Scope 3 emissions comprise over 99% of our total footprint, with the large majority from our supply chain, including the embodied carbon in solar panels and other equipment. Reducing the embodied carbon in solar farm equipment can bring the emissions payback period for solar assets from 1-3 years, depending on local energy mix, to under 1 year in many locations, accelerating the positive impact that solar energy development has on climate change.”

The EPEAT criteria focus on measuring and reducing what is known as Scope 3 carbon emissions or the carbon generated in the design, material sourcing, and manufacture of these products. Highlighting the importance of these reductions is Jen Snook, Deputy Director at the Clean Energy Buyers Institute, who said: “As we make strides towards a carbon-free grid, the updated EPEAT ecolabel for solar modules gives energy customers an actionable tool to drive decarbonization within their solar supply chain. Importantly, for manufacturers pursuing the higher level of achievement, the new criterion allows for credible market-based emission factors to meet the more ambitious ULCS target. As such, energy customers who preference ULCS are not only reducing their scope 2 emissions, but also likely driving further decarbonization in the grids where modules are sourced.

GEC expects to launch its public registry of solar panels that meet the new criteria in late September. Solar panel manufacturers interested in registering their products against the new criteria, which includes an independent, third-party product review, should begin the process as soon as possible.

“We are excited to see GEC take this important next step of publishing the low-carbon criteria they are incorporating into the EPEAT ecolabel for PV,” said Michael Parr, Executive Director of the Ultra Low-Carbon Solar Alliance. “We appreciate the high level of transparency in the criteria and the fact that calculations have to be reviewed twice – by lifecycle experts and a GEC conformance assurance body.”

Purchasers and manufacturers can visit <a href="https://globalelectronicscouncil.org/epeat-solar-panels-inverters/" target="_blank">globalelectronicscouncil.org/solar</a> to learn more about EPEAT for solar panels and inverters. Visit <a href="https://epeat.net/about-epeat" target="_blank">epeat.net/about-epeat</a> to read the new EPEAT criteria, under the photovoltaics modules and inverters category, for the EPEAT Criteria for the Assessment of Ultra-Low Carbon Solar Modules.

<a href="https://globalelectronicscouncil.org/?utm_campaign=bob-mitchell-new-ceo&amp;utm_medium=press-release&amp;utm_source=3blmedia&amp;utm_term=About-the-Global-Electronics-Council&amp;utm_content=text-link" target="_blank" title="GEC Homepage">About the Global Electronics Council</a>  
The Global Electronics Council (GEC) is a mission-driven nonprofit that leverages the power of purchasers to create a world where only sustainable technology is bought and sold. GEC manages the EPEAT ecolabel, a free resource for procurement professionals to identify and select more sustainable products. Visit <a href="http://www.epeat.net" target="_blank">www.epeat.net</a>. In addition, the EPEAT ecolabel is a resource for manufacturers to demonstrate that their products conform to the highest sustainability standards. Since its launch in 2006, procurement professionals have reported purchases of 2.4 billion EPEAT products, generating cost savings of $24.6 billion USD and a reduction of 286 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

<a href="https://globalelectronicscouncil.org/?utm_campaign=bob-mitchell-new-ceo&amp;utm_medium=press-release&amp;utm_source=3blmedia&amp;utm_term=About-the-Global-Electronics-Council&amp;utm_content=text-link" target="_blank" title="GEC Homepage">Contact</a>  
Erik Fessler  
Manager, Global Communications  
Phone Number: +1 971-380-4088  
Email: efessler@gec.org

Global Electronics Council (GEC) Announces Initiative To Advance Decarbonization of Solar Panel Production

<img alt="Solidia Technologies logo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fbdfdcdb-cbbf-4b58-a8f5-c60b5d2cb382" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Solidia%20Logo_orig.jpg" width="400" class="align-center" height="1200" loading="lazy" />SAN ANTONIO, Texas, March 21, 2023 /CSRwire/ - <a href="https://www.solidiatech.com/?utm_source=pressrelease&amp;utm_medium=media&amp;utm_campaign=hqexpansion" target="_blank">Solidia Technologies</a>®, a leading provider of decarbonization technologies and sustainable solutions to the construction and building materials industries, is expanding production capacity of its proprietary Supplementary Cementitious Material (SCM), a key component used in concrete, at its headquarters in San Antonio, Texas. Solidia’s high-performing, engineered SCM product improves the durability, workability, and overall properties of concrete while mineralizing captured CO₂ to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% to 40%. With significantly more production capacity and proximity to key customers, suppliers, and partners, the expansion continues the company’s move from research and development into commercialization.

Over the past year, the Solidia team has made tremendous strides optimizing the product to achieve the desired attributes, consistent quality, and high performance required for end-use applications. This enables Solidia SCM to be used at much greater cement replacement levels than fly ash and other existing alternatives in most concrete applications. With those improvements, Solidia has invested to increase capacity, with production beginning at the facility in mid-2023.

“Our achievements in R&amp;D have enabled us to invest in expanding annual SCM production capacity to ~1,000 tonnes,” said Pradeep Ghosh, Solidia’s Senior Director of Strategy and Business Development. “This will allow us to supply key stakeholders, like ready-mix suppliers and government entities, with material for testing, trials, and projects.”

The expanded capability is also a first step toward addressing the supply chain challenges ready-mix producers are experiencing with cement and existing SCMs such as fly ash. Fly ash, a byproduct of coal-fired power plants, is the most common SCM, but with coal-fired plants continuing to be retired, concrete producers may face increasing shortages. Most importantly, the expansion helps advance Solidia’s cement and CO2 mineralization technologies that collectively lower concrete’s overall carbon footprint by up to 50%.

“Increased production capacity is a significant milestone for advancing Solidia’s SCM technology and combined with our commercial focus on carbon-mineralizing concrete products represents our strong commitment to reduce the construction industry’s carbon footprint,” said Russell Hill, Ph.D., Solidia’s CEO. “The expansion of our SCM production will allow us to provide a higher-performing, higher-quality, more consistent product to concrete producers and customers.”

For more information, visit <a href="https://www.solidiatech.com/?utm_source=pressrelease&amp;utm_medium=media&amp;utm_campaign=hqexpansion" target="_blank">www.solidiatech.com</a>.

# # #

About Solidia Technologies®  
Based in San Antonio, Texas (USA), <a href="https://www.solidiatech.com/" target="_blank">Solidia Technologies</a>® is a leading provider of decarbonization technologies and sustainable solutions to the construction and building materials industries. Investors include <a href="https://imperative.vc/" target="_blank">Imperative Ventures</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-elenowitz-51722017/" target="_blank">Zero Carbon Partners</a>, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (<a href="https://www.cppinvestments.com/" target="_blank">CPP Investments</a>), <a href="https://www.breakthroughenergy.org/" target="_blank">Breakthrough Energy Ventures</a>, <a href="https://www.preludeventures.com/" target="_blank">Prelude Ventures</a>, <a href="http://www.piva.vc/" target="_blank">PIVA Capital</a>, John Doerr, <a href="https://www.bp.com/en/global/bp-ventures.html" target="_blank">BP</a>, <a href="https://www.ogci.com/climate-investments/" target="_blank">OGCI Climate Investments</a>, Bill Joy, <a href="https://www.kleinerperkins.com/" target="_blank">Kleiner Perkins</a>, <a href="https://www.basf.com/global/en/who-we-are/organization/locations/europe/german-companies/BASF_Venture-Capital.html" target="_blank">BASF Venture Capital</a>, <a href="https://www.holcim.com/" target="_blank">Holcim</a>, <a href="http://www.total.com/en/" target="_blank">Total Carbon Neutrality Ventures</a>, <a href="https://www.airliquide.com/group/aliad-venture-capital" target="_blank">Air Liquide Venture Capital (ALIAD)</a>, and other private investors. Recognition includes Fast Company 2021 World Changing Idea; <a href="https://solarimpulse.com/efficient-solutions" target="_blank">Solar Impulse 1000 Efficient Solution</a>; <a href="http://www.cleantech.com/indexes/global-cleantech-100/2014-global-cleantech-100/" target="_blank">Global Cleantech 100</a>; Inc.'s Top Start-Up to Watch 2020; Best Place to Work in NJ; <a href="https://www.bp.com/en/global/corporate/sustainability/climate-change/low-carbon-accreditation-programme.html" target="_blank">BP Advancing Low Carbon</a> accreditation; <a href="http://www.eralberta.ca/emissions-reduction-alberta-announces-winning-projects-round-two-era-grand-challenge-innovative-carbon-uses/" target="_blank">ERA Grand Challenge</a> finalist; <a href="https://sustainiaworld.com/sustainia100/" target="_blank">Sustainia 100</a>; NJBiz <a href="http://www.njbiz.com/article/20151208/NJBIZ01/151209823/njbiz-names-business-of-the-year-winners" target="_blank">Business of the Year; </a>and <a href="https://www.rd100conference.com/" target="_blank">R&amp;D Top 100</a>. Follow Solidia on <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/solidia-technologies-inc-?trk=hb_tab_compy_id_2337390" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/solidiatechnologies/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SolidiaCO2" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCogxqW9JyzUSPjY3FIVazLA" target="_blank">YouTube</a>.

Solidia Technologies Expands SCM Capabilities, Capacity at San Antonio, Texas, Headquarters

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1578b582-f0c9-47b5-bf3b-53851d74df0c" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/IMGL6764_Scaled%20copy_Cropped-1.jpg" width="640" height="800" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Clean, safe water provided from Planet Water Foundation's AquaTower</figcaption></figure>March 21, 2023 /CSRwire/ - Planet Water Foundation is responding to the recent United Nations (U.N.) call for an urgent response to accelerate clean water access to all by deploying a combination of 22 clean drinking water systems, sanitization systems, and water-health education programs across six countries during its World Water Day programming spanning March 15 to March 22.

According to recent United Nations (U.N.) data, the world is seriously off track on achieving the 2030 U.N. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 6) of achieving water and sanitation for all. The data shows that governments must work, on average, four times faster to meet the goal on time.[1] To meet this goal, the U.N. recently announced its Water Action Agenda 2023, intended to accelerate current global projects and rapidly deploy new solutions.[2] In response to this global declaration for immediate action, Planet Water Foundation, through its World Water Day 2023 commitment partners, are providing 22 multi-solution deployments across Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Philippines and Vietnam.

Planet Water’s 2023 World Water Day deployments are turnkey community-based solutions that improve outcomes for young children around safe drinking water, hygiene intervention and sanitization. Safe drinking water and hand-washing access are delivered through Planet Water’s AquaTower, water-health and hygiene behaviors are introduced and reinforced through its education programs, and each school receives an AquaSan, Planet Water’s surface disinfection system that meets World Health Organization standards.

“Global organizations with a commitment to social responsibility programs (CSR) are awakening to the need for clean drinking water access and partnering with Planet Water Foundation at a record pace because our solutions are single-day community engagements paired with long-term visibility into their success,” said Mark Steele, CEO and Founder of Planet Water Foundation. “We thank our returning World Water Day program partners and welcome our newest partners that are expanding our capabilities and reach in 2023.”

Planet Water Foundation’s 2023 World Water Partners include: Airnov Healthcare, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), Capital One Philippines, Cole Haan, Electrolux, Kimberly-Clark de México, Gen, Ludacka Wealth Partners, MetLife Foundation, Spiro, The Starbucks Foundation, Valmont Industries, Inc., Watts Water Technologies, and Xylem.

ABOUT PLANET WATER FOUNDATION

Planet Water Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on bringing clean water to the world's most impoverished communities through the installation of community-based water filtration systems and the deployment of hygiene education programs. Planet Water Foundation projects are focused on children, schools, and rural/peri-urban communities across Asia and Latin America. Since 2009, Planet Water has deployed more than 1,700 projects that provide clean water access to more than three million people across 26 countries. For more information, visit <a href="https://pr.report/G1KZEvoh" target="_blank">www.planet-water.org</a>

For further information, please contact:  
John Deotrakul - <a href="mailto:john@planet-water.org">john@planet-water.org</a>  
 

[1]  <a href="https://www.unwater.org/news/world-water-day-2023" target="_blank">https://www.unwater.org/news/world-water-day-2023</a>

[2]  <a href="https://sdgs.un.org/conferences/water2023/action-agenda" target="_blank">https://sdgs.un.org/conferences/water2023/action-agenda</a>

Planet Water Foundation Accelerates Clean Drinking Water Deployments in Response to Urgent U.N. World Water Day Declarations

<img alt="BobCat Gallery owner Catherine Sweet" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fbdf6806-86d5-439e-b7b0-111b2b43f77c" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/GoDaddy_3.6.23A.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="560" loading="lazy" /><ul><li>The gender split of British microbusiness founders in the last 12 months is 46% female vs 53% male, a much narrower gap than microbusiness owners in general (38% female vs 60% male)</li>
	<li>The shift could be due to flexible working patterns and the normalisation of working from home, GoDaddy experts believe</li>
	<li>But obstacles remain to female entrepreneurship as 82% are still responsible for domestic chores and 44% see childcare as a barrier</li>
	<li>GoDaddy salutes ‘Unstoppable Women in Business’ ahead of International Women’s Day 2023</li>
</ul>London, UK, March 20, 2023 /CSRwire/: The proportion of British microbusinesses owned by women has surged during the cost-of-living crisis and since the start of the pandemic, new data from GoDaddy shows.
<img alt="BobCat Gallery owner Catherine Sweet behind a laptop." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bce74f19-0b39-444c-bcbb-9a917447cfa7" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/GoDaddy_3.6.23B.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="427" loading="lazy" />Research conducted among microbusiness owners* shows that, in general, the gender split is 38% female, 60% male and 2% non-binary. But in businesses that have launched since 2020, the split is 47% female vs 52% male, and in businesses created in the past 12 months it’s 46% female vs 53% male. 

However, GoDaddy’s ‘Unstoppable Women’ study also shows that female founders face different challenges from their male counterparts. 
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a0db575b-2095-49af-bae8-e2a5fb162a76" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/GoDaddy_3.6.23C.png" width="640" height="410" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>BobCat Gallery owner Catherine Sweet looking at her business website.</figcaption></figure>While 78% of female entrepreneurs believe there are more opportunities for women owning a business rather than working for someone else, many still contend with pressures outside of work. Over four fifths of female business owners (82%) say they are responsible for most domestic household duties, while 44% say the costs and expectations associated with childcare are a barrier to female entrepreneurship. Almost half (46%) of the respondents to the GoDaddy survey said they have children under 18.
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5e20cd4-06a9-4f06-831a-255f4557b601" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/GoDaddy_3.6.23D.png" width="640" height="410" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Catherine admiring a framed work of art.</figcaption></figure>In general, set-up costs (52%) and time commitments (48%) were highlighted as the biggest obstacles to women starting a business, despite 72% of female founders creating their business for under £1,000. 

One female entrepreneur who has overcome challenging circumstances to set-up a thriving microbusiness is GoDaddy customer, Catherine Sweet, founder of Bobcat Gallery. 
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="75354213-930e-4d21-bd61-e2964e1de5bc" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/GoDaddy_3.6.23G.png" width="640" height="410" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>A bit of tidying up in the gallery.</figcaption></figure>She says: “Caring responsibilities towards members of my family held me back from starting my own business for a long time. I was always passionate about making art buying more inclusive and affordable while showcasing emerging artists, but while being a carer I could never find the time, resources or mental space. When my situation changed and my former employer went through a restructure, I decided to take a leap of faith and follow my dream. Working with GoDaddy, I was able to easily launch the Bobcat Gallery website, which has enabled me to grow my business and establish credibility in the art world.”
<img alt="BobCat Gallery owner Catherine Sweet " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a55d8551-cb03-408e-9375-21ce280053af" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/GoDaddy_3.6.23F.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="412" loading="lazy" />Tamara Oppen, GoDaddy Vice President, adds: “Women want to start businesses and become entrepreneurs, but too often they face barriers which prevent them from doing so. However, the rise in flexible working patterns and working from home has made it easier to fit in running a microbusiness alongside other commitments. At GoDaddy, we pride ourselves on helping all entrepreneurs thrive, and ahead of International Women’s Day, we are saluting women like Catherine who are achieving great success against the odds. They really are unstoppable.”

For more information, please contact MHP Group: <a href="mailto:godaddy@mhpgroup.com" target="_blank">godaddy@mhpgroup.com</a>
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="Catherine admiring a painting.A bit of tidying up in the gallery." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e15d71ba-3520-42a2-9a6a-b17eee735168" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/GoDaddy_3.6.23E.jpg" width="640" height="425" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Catherine admiring a painting.</figcaption></figure>Notes to editors:

*Antenna, an independent consumer research agency on behalf of GoDaddy, conducted an online survey of 1010 female business owners in United Kingdom. The survey was conducted between 23/12/22 – 09/01/23. The survey data collection was national and respondents were sourced using an accredited online research access panel. Data was weighted for representation against country census data.

About GoDaddy 
GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start, grow, and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a professional website, attract customers, sell their products and services, and accept payments online and in-person. GoDaddy’s easy-to-use tools help microbusiness owners manage everything in one place and its expert guides are available to provide assistance 24/7. To learn more about the company, visit <a href="https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/Q3_9C8qPgsELQmAIn7kAD?domain=godaddy.com" target="_blank">www.GoDaddy.com</a>.

About the GoDaddy Survey 
Research methodology: Antenna, an independent consumer research agency on behalf of GoDaddy, conducted an online survey of n=1009 women business leaders in Canada. The survey was conducted between 23/12/22 – 09/01/23. The survey data collection was national and respondents were sourced using an accredited online research access panel. Data was weighted for representation against country census data.

Cost-of-Living Crisis Unleashes New Generation of Female Entrepreneurs

Today bp publishes an update on progress against its 20 net zero, people and planet aims in its 2022 Sustainability report. The report sets out bp’s broader approach to sustainability, through the strong foundations it has built over many years and its work to embed sustainability across bp. The report reflects updates made to some of bp’s aims earlier this year – including its pathway for its net zero production aim.

The report is now available to download using the link below.

“With three years of experience and delivery under our belt, we have increased confidence that the direction we set is the right one. The company is performing well and the strategy – underpinned by or sustainability frame – is working.”

Bernard Looney, Chief executive officer

Highlights from 2022:

Getting bp to net zero and helping the world get to net zero:

<ul><li>Achieved cumulative reductions in Scope 1 and 2 emissions from bp’s operations of 41% vs the 2019 baseline.</li>
	<li>Reduced the absolute emissions from the carbon in bp’s upstream oil and gas production by 15% since 2019.</li>
	<li>Reduced the carbon intensity of the products bp sells by 2% compared to 2019.</li>
	<li>Decreased methane intensity from 0.14% to 0.05% vs 2019.</li>
	<li>Around 30% of bp’s total capital expenditure went into its transition growth engines (bioenergy, convenience, EV charging, hydrogen and renewables and power) – up from 3% in 2019.</li>
	<li>Actively supported many of the climate and energy related provisions in the US Inflation Reduction Act. And worked with several companies to help meet their decarbonization needs.</li>
</ul>Improving people’s lives:

<ul><li>Took further steps across bp’s five aims to improve people’s lives to embed social sustainability more systematically in bp’s business.</li>
	<li>bp confirmed that all its employees globally were being paid a fair wage based on analysis of Fair Wage Network benchmark data and local market conditions.</li>
	<li>Together with its partner EnBW, invested over £1 million to support training and reskilling in the offshore wind industry in Scotland.</li>
	<li>Launched a social mobility framework for action with plans to create more opportunities for people from disadvantaged backgrounds.</li>
</ul>Caring for our planet:

<ul><li>Made progress against bp’s five planet aims and we are starting to see impacts on the ground.</li>
	<li>Initiated site-based assessments to improve water efficiency, starting with Castellón refinery in Spain. </li>
	<li>Put bp’s net positive impact framework for biodiversity into action in several new projects, including a pipeline replacement project in Trinidad and Tobago.</li>
	<li>Launched a new framework to help identify opportunities for circularity across the business.</li>
</ul>“I am pleased to see how much progress we have made, despite a year of challenges for the world. We are embedding sustainability in the way we do business. We are in action on the aims we set ourselves for net zero, people and planet – with some tangible results.” Giulia Chierchia, EVP strategy, sustainability and ventures.

Media Contact: 
bp press office, London: +44 7919 217511, <a href="mailto:bppress@bp.com ">bppress@bp.com </a>

Reimagining Energy for People and Our Planet: bp Publishes 2022 Sustainability Report

<img alt="Aerial view of four construction workers overlooking a blueprint." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="007a54d1-caf2-4654-8540-f4020602d9b3" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/construction_acre_021723.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="600" loading="lazy" />The BBC recently published an article on age discrimination in the workplace entitled <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-64441775" target="_blank">‘Over-50s at work: 'You feel your usefulness has passed'’</a>. Although I’m not in that age bracket, I’m certainly not in the first flush of youth either! It made me reflect on the skills and experience I’ve gained not only through the kind of jobs I’ve had throughout my career, but also what I’ve learned from other people – whether they are a line manager, inspirational CEO, or colleague who’s had a different experience to me.

This subject matter also came up a few weeks ago when Acre Frameworks hosted a roundtable attended by Health, Safety and Sustainability leaders. One of the many subjects that was discussed was the lack of opportunity for people with different skillsets and experiences, to share their expertise.

The importance of experience cannot be underestimated - someone could be highly decorated with lots of letters after their name, but real-world experience and learning on the job is crucial.

It’s worth noting that an age-diverse workplace enables an organisation to gain a variety of experiences and points of view, as different perspectives often become a source of innovation. Differences in terms of experience mean that each person brings their own unique skillsets to a business. More mature workers can use their years of experience in the workforce to teach newer employees the ropes and conversely, the newer employees have an opportunity to teach modern technology methods or industry-related skills to the more mature members of the team. The aim is to build relationships that are both cross-functional and span generations.

It was also recognised that organisations need to motivate professionals who have extensive experience to make changes to enable them to go on a development journey. There were different expectations of a safety role 20 or 30 years ago, not only because the physicality of a safety role takes its toll, but in terms of mindset as well. How is it possible to encourage already-skilled people to become re-invigorated and enthusiastic about their current role? Is it about expanding and developing skillsets by becoming a mentor for those with less experience? However, this can only work when an organisation places value on continual learning and skill-building for employees at all levels of experience.

Going back to my initial thoughts at the beginning of the article and thinking of the roles we play at work – as a mentor, coach or friend – I think of the impact it has had. Now with the gift of hindsight and a few more years experience, I hope I have more humility, the wisdom to know when to challenge, and when to be curious. I feel that whatever our stage of life, we all still have value to bring and a legacy to leave behind - but it’s about taking time to know and understand that, which can be the biggest challenge of all.

About Acre

At Acre, we work with the most aspirational businesses with potential to make real change; from those who are just starting out to those who are well on the journey to crafting a legacy.

Our 18 years' experience in sustainability recruitment, combined with our extensive global network, enables us to provide talent solutions that are designed to deliver this change.

Through our unique behavioural assessment technology, we understand the types of people, skills and behaviours required to create impact. We can develop these qualities within your existing teams too.

We find talented people and develop their skills to ensure they make a true impact in ambitious, progressive organisations.

Acre. Making companies ready for tomorrow.

The importance of experience cannot be underestimated - someone could be highly decorated with lots of letters after their name, but real-world experience and learning on the job is crucial.

Utilising the Skillsets in Your Workplace

During Women's History Month, we reflect on the achievements and contributions of women from the past and present. The theme of the month is embracing equity — an action that rejects bias, makes progress for equality, and fosters psychological safety. 

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="Dynita McCaskill turning a valve on an industrial pipe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f1e15685-8e3a-4d73-a91b-aa909c69f66f" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/DynitaMcCaskill_MArathon_031423.png" width="640" height="563" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Dynita McCaskill</figcaption></figure>Dynita McCaskill, known to her friends and family as Lady Dy, is one of the few female operators at the Detroit refinery. She says it’s a great career for anyone who loves learning and being busy.

McCaskill graduated with a Bachelor of Science from <a href="https://www.cmich.edu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Central Michigan University">Central Michigan University</a>. After graduation, she started working in an office doing payroll and accounting, but she quickly found that it wasn’t a good fit for her.

“I’m far too curious to be at a desk,” said McCaskill. “There are only so many ways you can do accounts payable. I need to learn something new every day and be excited every day about what I do.”

That being the case, it wasn’t long before McCaskill left the office job to start a career in operations. She worked as an operator for the City of Detroit Water Department for 18 years. In 2015, she joined Marathon Petroleum as a field operator and has loved it ever since.

“Today, I get the rush that I was looking for in a job,” said McCaskill. “I’m constantly using my mind to solve problems, and I learn something new every day. It’s exciting and keeps me interested.”
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="Dynita McCaskill looking up at industrial equipment chain." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a40c233-558f-4097-80c5-915602a34163" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dynitaworking_marathon_031423.png" width="640" height="562" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Everyone brings something to the table, and I bring something different. - Dynita McCaskill</figcaption></figure>As a field operator, McCaskill is responsible for monitoring the equipment that processes crude oil at the refinery. She’s checking for potential leaks and issues, communicating with the foreman, writing work requests, and prepping equipment for the maintenance team.

<blockquote>
“I’m constantly using my mind to solve problems, and I learn something new every day. It’s exciting and keeps me interested.”
</blockquote>

“A major part of my job is to identify problems before they happen,” said McCaskill. “I focus on making sure I’m safe, and the people around me are safe. Our team is also focused on making sure that the community around us is safe. We are constantly looking and listening for any changes that need to be addressed.”

She acknowledges that it can be labor intensive at times but shared that any woman interested in the field could do this job. She says her co-workers, who are mainly men, do everything possible to make sure she is successful on the job.

“In Complex 2 where I work at the refinery, I have never felt like I couldn’t do something,” said McCaskill. “My team doesn’t even let me ask for help. It starts with ‘we are going to help you.’ We trust each other. Everyone brings something to the table, and I bring something different.”
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot;_&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5ac13947-48a7-46a8-a9d2-fe9c3510c25e" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/GirlsEngineering_marathon_031423.png" width="640" height="562" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>McCaskill talks to the students from the Girls in Engineering Academy about what she loves about her job as a Refinery Operator.</figcaption></figure>She said they all benefit from that type of camaraderie, and they keep safety as their number one priority. McCaskill is also involved in the Women’s employee network chapter at the Detroit refinery to help attract, retain, inspire, support and empower other women and allies. She recently volunteered to educate students from the <a href="https://www.esd.org/programs/gea/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Girls in Engineering Academy">Girls in Engineering Academy</a> in Detroit about engineering when they toured the refinery.

Throughout her career, McCaskill has continued her formal education on the side, earning degrees from Oakland Community College and Wayne County Community College. She’s currently attending Schoolcraft College in Livonia for the Electronics Technology AAS degree to possibly move into the analyzer/instrumentation group at the refinery.

Dynita McCaskill, known to her friends and family as Lady Dy, is one of the few female operators at the Detroit refinery. She says it’s a great career for anyone who loves learning and being busy.

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