Reuters Events Sustainable Business

GreenMoney Journal

Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility

Reuters Webinar on Coordination of ISSB and CSRD: Streamlining ESG Reporting for International Businesses

Investing in Resilience & Access: The Microgrid Energy Landscape

The Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) Announces the Honorees at Its First-Ever Inclusión Gala Recognizing Hispanic Excellence During Hispanic Heritage Month

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="Photo of the 2023 Ely S. Parker Award recipient Marlene Watson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6d2510fe-952c-4873-bfbd-7b02e3ca288b" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Marlene%20Watson%20headshot_0.jpg" width="640" height="1463" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>2023 Ely S. Parker Award recipient Marlene Watson</figcaption></figure>ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., September 22, 2023 /CSRwire/ - AISES is celebrating Marlene Watson as the winner of the 2023 Ely S. Parker Award, the highest professional honor AISES confers. Recipients of the award notably follow the example of Ely S. Parker, a 19th-century Seneca Nation chief who broke multiple racial barriers while establishing an enduring legacy that continues to inspire today’s Indigenous leaders. Watson says, "I am very touched by receiving this honor to represent AISES with this prestigious award. It speaks to the dreams, values, and aspirations of so many Natives that being successful in the STEM fields is innate to who we are as Indigenous people. It has been an honor and blessing to be part of so many lives of the AISES family and supporters from establishing AISES student chapters, professional chapters, to mentoring, all involving community outreach. I am grateful my journey has led me to the Architectural and Engineering fields to build sustainable communities. This award is precious to me because I share this honor with all of you, we share a common goal to reach, inspire, and create great opportunities for many to follow."

AISES Board Chair Gary Burnette says, “Marlene has been an Indigenous STEM ambassador her entire career. She is an exceptional leader who shows that education and the promise it holds offers infinite possibilities and experiences as seen in her own rewarding life and career. No doubt she has given her all by supporting students’ access to STEM, educating others about diversity in STEM, and leading by example. We congratulate Marlene for being this year’s Ely S. Parker Award recipient. We are grateful for Marlene’s inspiration and vision to help people and communities realize their dreams and equally impressed in her mission to create positive in the world.”

Watson is a passionate advocate for Indigenous people in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math). A Sequoyah Fellow, she is a longtime AISES member who has amply demonstrated her commitment to the organization’s mission. She held a seat on the Board of Directors from 1995 to 1997, helping to guide the AISES headquarters transition from Colorado to New Mexico. She later filled other AISES roles including chair of the Membership Committee and secretary of the Board of Directors from 2009 to 2010, and again from 2012 to 2015. She also served on the Editorial Advisory Council for Winds of Change magazine, the premier AISES publication, and as vice president of AISES Publishing, Inc., from 2014 to 2015. She has often assisted in the coordination and facilitation of National Conference sessions for student advisors and as a presenter at National and Regional Conferences.

A principal focus for Watson at AISES has been professional and student chapter development, and she has extended herself as a Full Circle mentor. She co-founded the first California AISES Professional Chapter in 1993, and when she relocated to Pasadena, Calif., she co-founded the Southern California AISES Professional Chapter and served as president.

Watson, who is Navajo (Diné) from Wide Ruins, Arizona, and Tohlakai, N.M. , was raised in Oakland, Calif. Her clans are Kinlichii’nii (Red House People), and Nakai Diné (Mexican Clan People). Her record of academic achievement is impressive. She holds three master’s degrees: a Master of Divinity (Fuller Theological Seminary, 2012), an MS in Civil Engineering , Construction and Engineering Management (UC Berkeley, 1992), and an MA in Architecture (UC Berkley, 1991; two bachelor’s degrees: a BA degree in Christian Ministry (2004) and a BA in Architecture (UC Berkeley, 1985); and an AA in Biblical Studies (2002).

Watson has had a distinguished and varied career spanning 38 years. Currently a civil engineer with the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, Watson leads a technical administrative team responsible for program and project management of the Tribal Transportation Program (TTP). Beyond engineering, her background includes a list of diverse roles: training specialist, chaplain, architectural designer, civil designer, job captain, and project manager. This versatile professional is trained in disaster management, homeland security, and emergency management and serves as a Brigade Chaplain with the Alaska State Defense Force, with the rank of Captain.

Watson has participated in the clinical pastoral education (CPE) chaplain residency program for seven semester units at Providence Alaska Medical Center and volunteers at the award-winning Alaska Native Medical Center. As a clinically trained chaplain, she works with an interdisciplinary team to provide the best care to Alaska Native and American Indian people from across the largest state in the U.S.

The Ely S. Parker Award is one of her many impressive honors, which include the Alaska Humanitarian Service Medal (2023), the Alaska Community Service Medal (2023), and the Alaska Native Commendation Medal (2019). Her list of awards reflects her strong leadership in serving others. In 1992 she was instrumental in launching the first Indigenous Peoples’ Day declaration in the City of Berkeley, Calif., where she was part of the Indigenous Peoples’ Day committee. Last year — 30 years later —she worked with the original Indigenous artist to contribute innovative artwork for the Turtle Island Monument Project in Berkeley’s Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park. The monument commemorates the lasting history, beauty, and resilience of the Native nations of Turtle Island.

Watson will be honored as the 2023 Ely S. Parker Award winner at the AISES National Conference Closing Banquet on Saturday, October 21, in Spokane, Wash.

About AISES

Founded in 1977, AISES is focused on substantially increasing the representation of North America’s Indigenous people. This robust nonprofit currently supports individual student and professional members across the U.S. and Canada in critically needed STEM disciplines. Through chartered college and university chapters, tribal chapters, professional chapters, and affiliated Pk-12 schools, members benefit from diverse STEM-focused programming that supports careers and promotes students’ success and workforce development. To learn more visit: <a href="https://www.aises.org/" target="_blank">aises.org</a>.

U.S. Department of Interior Tribal Transportation Program Alaska Region

The Transportation Branch, Alaska Region, provides management and oversight of the Tribal Transportation Program (TTP). Transportation-related program activities are pursued through Government-to-Government program agreements, compacts, and self-determination contracts with the 229 federally recognized Alaska Native Tribes. Program activities include planning, design, construction, road and bridge maintenance, safety, transit, operations, and more. To learn more, visit the <a href="https://www.bia.gov/regional-offices/alaska/transportation" target="_blank">TTP Alaska Region website</a>.

STEM Leader Marlene Watson Receives the 2023 AISES Ely S. Parker Award 

Northern Trust announced today it has released its latest Sustainability Report, highlighting efforts to bolster inclusion in the workplace, engage in philanthropic and social impact investing, and minimize the environmental impact of business operations. 
“Our approach to sustainability is grounded in our enduring principles of service, expertise, and integrity,” said Kimberly Evans, Head of Corporate Sustainability, Inclusion and Social Impact. “While our stakeholders' expectations and demands vary by topic and timing, it is our responsibility to navigate the ambiguity in a way that honors our commitment to people, the planet and prosperity for current and future generations.” 
  
Highlights from the 2022 Sustainability Report include:

<ul><li>Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Northern Trust is committed to advancing an inclusive culture in which all individuals are valued, respected, supported and can fully participate in and contribute to the firm’s success. Examples of Northern Trust efforts include a Women’s Leadership Development Forum in which more than 2,100 women have enrolled.</li>
	<li>Community Development: Northern Trust’s community development portfolio exceeded $3.9 billion as of the end of 2022. Investment priorities include affordable housing; community financial entities that focus on unbanked, underbanked and underserved communities, including support of micro-lending programs; education and social services; and job creation.</li>
	<li>Corporate Philanthropy: In 2022, Northern Trust donated more than $19 million to non-profit groups in support of a philanthropic strategy that focuses on four areas of fundamental impact to broaden opportunities and improve financial futures: educational excellence, food security, accessible health care and affordable housing. Over the past decade, Northern Trust has donated more than $170 million to charities across the globe.</li>
	<li>Materiality Assessment: Northern Trust conducted an assessment in 2022 to evaluate post-pandemic shifts relative to environmental, social and governance issues from our stakeholders' perspectives, the competitive landscape, and needs of the communities in which we work and live. Our expertise is aided by participation with leading frameworks, in industry groups and in stakeholder engagements. This report outlines what we learned and how we're developing plans to address the top priorities. The results will be used to establish our key performance indicators for the next several years.</li>
	<li>Sustainable Operations: A fundamental principle of sustainability is to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the abilities of future generations to meet their own needs. We align our business to this concept by integrating environmental considerations into company-wide processes, continually improving business practices and delivering tangible, positive results related to the environment. Northern Trust managed its business operations to achieve carbon neutrality for the first time in 2022.</li>
</ul>As of Dec. 31, 2022, Northern Trust reduced our energy consumption by more than 30 percent compared to a 2019 baseline. Additionally, Northern Trust in 2022 worked with Climate Vault to reduce carbon emissions through a two-step approach. Climate Vault first purchases and “vaults” carbon emission allowances from government-regulated compliance markets. Climate Vault will then leverage the value of the emission allowances to fund an equivalent or greater amount of carbon removals from new carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies through a bi-annual grant process. Additional information about our GHG emissions can be found in our Statement of GHG Emissions. Media Contact:  
Doug Holt 
312-557-1571 <a href="mailto:Doug_Holt@ntrs.com" target="_blank">Doug_Holt@ntrs.com</a>

<a href="https://insights.northerntrust.com/story/sustainability-report-2022/page/1?utm_medium=digital&amp;utm_source=3bl+reportalert&amp;utm_campaign=corp-global-csr2022-20230914" target="_blank">Read More</a>

Sustainability Report: Balancing Stakeholder Needs

<img alt="Bonsucro CEO and Indian Sugar Mills Association President sign the MoU" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798a279b-069b-473e-a50a-a482a7301199" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Bonsucro%20and%20Indian%20Sugar%20Mills%20Association%20sign%20the%20MoU.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="800" loading="lazy" />September 20, 2023 /3BL/ - Today <a href="https://bonsucro.com/" target="_blank">Bonsucro</a>, the leading global sustainability platform for sugarcane, and <a href="https://www.indiansugar.com/" target="_blank">Indian Sugar Mills Association</a> (ISMA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), that establishes a partnership between the two apex organisations, to share knowledge and create joint initiatives to accelerate sustainability practices in the Indian sugar industry. The MoU represents a milestone for a collaboration to create a sustainable roadmap for the Indian sugar industry.

Right now, the climate crisis is deepening and sustainability challenges require systemic change. India is one of the worlds top sugarcane producers and is a priority country for Bonsucro. The country is acutely feeling the impact of climate change - the World Resources Institute puts India as <a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/water/india-world-s-13th-most-water-stressed-country-wri-66066" target="_blank">the 13th most water stressed country in the world</a>. India is also <a href="https://greenly.earth/en-gb/blog/ecology-news/why-is-climate-change-a-huge-challenge-for-india" target="_blank">vulnerable to extreme heat waves</a> which can damage crops, reduce yields and therefore income. There are also health risks of heat stress for farmers and cane cutters working in high temperatures.

Bonsucro’s footprint in India has been steadily growing over the years, there are now 35 members in the country, nine of which mills certified against the <a href="https://bonsucro.com/production-standard/" target="_blank">Bonsucro Production Standard</a>. Organisations under Bonsucro membership are predominantly mills and farmers but Bonsucro also has productive relationships with local representatives of brands such as PepsiCo, Bacardi and Unilever. ISMA is the body representing private sugar mills in India, working towards the development and growth of the sugar industry. By collaborating, ISMA and Bonsucro can create a more sustainable sugarcane sector in India.
<img alt="The CEO of Bonsucro and President of ISMA shake hands as they hold the signed MoU. Other participants look on." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d0afc365-0a60-42cd-a3a7-dedd196b4f67" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Bonsucro%20and%20Indian%20Sugar%20Mills%20Association%20have%20signed%20an%20MoU.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="800" loading="lazy" />The Memorandum of Understanding includes knowledge sharing, capacity building, sustainability assessments, policy engagement, and advocacy.

Collective action and knowledge sharing are central to Bonsucro’s role as a platform for change. The MoU includes an agreement to share best practices and research findings in relation to sustainable sugarcane and bioenergy production. This will include <a href="https://bonsucro.com/tools-and-resources/" target="_blank">Bonsucro’s existing tools</a> as well as producing new resources created for the local context, relating to efficient agricultural practices, water conservation, waste management, and energy optimisation techniques.

To drive sustainability across the sector, access to training and accurate, relevant resources are essential. By collaborating with ISMA, Bonsucro plans to organise joint workshops and seminars to increase the capacity of staff working in sugar mills as well as farmers and broader stakeholders. These initiatives will focus on improving the environmental impact of sugarcane and strengthening the social approaches to sugarcane cultivation and processing as well as bioenergy production.

ISMA and Bonsucro will work together to develop and implement sustainability assessment frameworks for the Indian sugar industry. This will involve conducting regular evaluations to measure the environmental, social, and economic performance of sugar mills, benchmarking against industry standards, and providing recommendations for improvement.
<img alt="Attendees of the event are gathered for a group picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="07e9a3eb-c757-4b68-a32c-87aa8df7a471" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Attendees%20at%20the%20signing%20of%20the%20MoU%20between%20Bonsucro%20and%20ISMA.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="800" loading="lazy" />Commenting on MoU, Mr Jhunjhunwala, President of ISMA said, "Today we are starting a partnership for the planet, a partnership for our industry and for the recognition it deserves. Sugar and sustainability go hand in hand, no other crop has more potential to be a force of good for the planet as sugarcane whether it is through bio-power, bio-ethanol or other forms of bioenergy and with this partnership with Bonsucro we hope that these don’t just remain words but also translate into certifiable, verifiable reality so that both the farmer and industry can benefit from their contributions to the planet."

The MoU was signed at a lunch event in New Delhi on 20 September, attended by ISMA, Bonsucro members, and other stakeholders. This took place ahead of the <a href="https://theindiasugarandbioenergyconference.com/" target="_blank">Sugar and Bioenergy Conference</a> on 21 and 22 September. Bonsucro’s CEO, Danielle Morley, will speak at the event about how sustainable sugarcane can help create a net zero future at the conference.

Speaking about the formalisation of the relationship between Bonsucro and ISMA, Danielle Morley, said, “India is rapidly changing and as the sugarcane sector looks to the future, knowledge-based collaborations like this are essential. By working more closely with ISMA, Bonsucro can support the Indian sugar and bioenergy sector to achieve net zero targets and contribute to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.”

Bonsucro Signs Memorandum of Understanding With Indian Sugar Mills Association To Accelerate Sustainability

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="future united 2023" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="28708bc6-e2d3-40ae-b213-eb920b62317a" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Futurist-Award_GBCHealth_091923.png" width="640" height="720" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>• future united 2023 •</figcaption></figure> 

September 19, 2023 /CSRwire/ - Global health is based on the deeply held belief that quality health care should be available to everyone, no matter where they are born. Despite significant progress across the planet in recent decades, there’s still much more to be done to attain this goal. Entrepreneurs, innovators &amp; bold thinkers remain a vital part of the solution, creating sustainable and novel innovations to address pressing health challenges; the future united awards were created to amplify their impact.

The awards celebrate both for-profit &amp; non-profit organizations &amp; individuals achieving extraordinary results in the field of global health, whether large or small, and whether working globally or locally.

Based in five different continents, the 2023 winners each bring a fresh approach to solving key problems and improving health for people around the world, and are as follows:  
 

<ul><li>The Provocateur Award – Blackfrog Technologies specializes in the development of patented technologies for precision cold chain and vaccine traceability systems, including Emvólio, a patented rapid cooling technology for safe last-mile transport of vaccines, insulin, breast milk, blood serums, medications &amp; specimens with minimal thermal shock.  
	 </li>
	<li>The Collaborator Award – Neotree develops technology to empower healthcare professionals in low resource settings, like Malawi and Zimbabwe, to count and care for every newborn through use of an innovative digital platform that combines data collection and visualization, digital education, clinical decision support, and quality improvement.  
	 </li>
	<li>The Lodestar Award – Maisha Meds improves access to high-quality, affordable health care through private pharmacies and clinics — a first point of care for millions of people across Africa. Their platform combines cutting-edge technology, deliveries of vetted medications, and targeted subsidies that inform patient and provider decisions. Maisha Meds harnesses the power of the private sector to improve patient outcomes, while generating essential data insights for public health decision-makers.  
	 </li>
	<li>The Futurist Award – OpenBiome is a pioneering nonprofit microbiome health organization based in Massachusetts that addresses systemic inequities in microbiome science to scale its impact on global health. Engaging over 80 research collaborators across nearly 40 countries, OpenBiome catalyzes cutting-edge research, advances life-saving therapies, and expands scientific capacity equitably across the globe.  
	 </li>
	<li>The Multiplier Award – EOS International is a nonprofit social enterprise that provides rural communities in Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador with access to safe drinking water through its innovative market-based Circuit Rider Model which ensures communities have the education, skills, and knowledge to operate their water utilities efficiently and effectively. EOS’ comprehensive model provides safe drinking water to over 1 million people across 2,000 rural communities.  
	 </li>
</ul>“This year’s future united award winners, finalists and nominees are doing the imaginative, brave and bold work that is necessary to change the face of global health,” said Lesley-Anne Long, President &amp; CEO of GBCHealth. “The awards highlight organizations with incredible impact and potential, and by putting them in the global spotlight and welcoming them to the future united community, we help connect them with the partners and collaborators who can help them take the next step and make exponentially more impact.”

The winners were announced during GBCHealth’s ‘Celebrate’ event on September 19th in New York City, made possible through the support of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and Merck.

The future united global awards launched in New York last year with <a href="https://www.gbchealth.org/future-united-press" target="_blank">five incredible winners</a>, followed by the <a href="https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/774321-awarding-african-innovators-shaping-future-health" target="_blank">2023 future united Africa awards</a> earlier this year.

*******

The GBCHealth CEO and winning organizations are available for interview. Please find contact details below.

<a href="http://www.gbchealth.org" target="_blank">GBCHEALTH</a>

GBCHealth is the preeminent organization focused on business engagement in support of meeting global goals for health. Its vision is health equity and a global business community that contributes its assets, skills, influence and reach to create a healthier world for employees, their families, and communities. GBCHealth works with companies worldwide and with the United Nations, governments, academia, civil society &amp; others. In September 2022, GBCHealth launched future united, a global initiative harnessing the power of the private sector to fight for - and achieve - health equity, tackle the impact of climate change on health, and address antimicrobial resistance and future pandemics.

<ul><li>Contact name: Lesley-Anne Long</li>
	<li>Contact title: President &amp; CEO</li>
	<li>Contact email: <a href="mailto:futureunited@gbchealth.org" target="_blank">futureunited@gbchealth.org</a>  
	 </li>
</ul><a href="https://www.blackfrog.in/" target="_blank">Blackfrog Technologies</a>

<ul><li>Contact name: Ashwini Upadhyaya</li>
	<li>Contact title: Administrative Executive</li>
	<li>Contact email: info@blackfrog.in</li>
	<li>Contact phone number: (+91)-820-2572478</li>
</ul><a href="https://www.eosinternational.org/" target="_blank">EOS International</a>

<ul><li>Contact name: Wesley Meier</li>
	<li>Contact title: CEO</li>
	<li>Contact email: wesley.meier@eosintl.org</li>
	<li>Contact phone number: 319-830-2731</li>
</ul><a href="https://neotree.org/" target="_blank">Neotree</a>

<ul><li>Contact name: Michelle Heys</li>
	<li>Contact title: Prof Michelle Heys</li>
	<li>Contact email: m.heys@ucl.ac.uk</li>
</ul><a href="https://maishameds.org/" target="_blank">Maisha Meds</a>

<ul><li>Contact name: Dr. Michael Nedelman</li>
	<li>Contact title: VP, Communications &amp; Advocacy</li>
	<li>Contact email: michaelnedelman@maishameds.org</li>
	<li>Contact phone number: +1-347-766-8437</li>
</ul><a href="https://openbiome.org/" target="_blank">OpenBiome</a>

<ul><li>Contact name: Justin Chen</li>
	<li>Contact title: Director of External Affairs</li>
	<li>Contact email: jchen@openbiome.org</li>
	<li>Contact phone number: 609-578-7230</li>
</ul>

Global Innovators Shaping the Future, United

<img alt="Field to Market logo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="47c8e5c1-8b84-4529-adb1-5c1d3daaadce" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Logo_Field%20to%20Market_CSRwire%20091923.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="554" loading="lazy" />WASHINGTON, DC, September 19, 2023 /CSRwire/ - Today, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture™ announced the annual update to its <a href="https://fieldtomarket.org/publications/climate-commitments/" target="_blank">Climate Commitments Hub</a>, which highlights targeted and aspirational commitments made by its members. This update showcases an increase in climate commitments from across Field to Market’s diverse membership sectors – affiliate, agribusiness, brands &amp; retail, civil society, and grower.

Included in the update are climate commitments made by 126 of Field to Market member organizations – an increase from the 117 commitments found this time last year.

This update is launched in conjunction with <a href="https://www.climateweeknyc.org/" target="_blank">Climate Week</a>, as organizations from across the globe are coming together to celebrate achievements in climate action as well as explore new opportunities for continued improvement.

Field to Market’s <a href="https://fieldtomarket.org/publications/climate-commitments/" target="_blank">Climate Commitments Hub</a> demonstrates that organizations across the agriculture value chain are focusing greater attention on the changing climate, acknowledging the role their sector is prepared to play in driving lasting change.

“We are proud to see our members setting targeted and aspirational public climate goals and commitments to address climate change,” said Field to Market President Scott Herndon. “We must continue to find ways to collaborate to reach our shared goals, as no one organization can solve this challenge alone. We must work together to accelerate climate action in our agricultural value chain.”

By gathering commitments into this resource, Field to Market enables companies and organizations within the agriculture sector to benchmark their ambition with peers, drive greater climate performance, facilitate pre-competitive collaboration, foster additional research where needed, and promote transparency and accountability for these targets. It also provides the public an opportunity to view climate commitments by sector, exploring the progress organizations have made and what is left to be done.

<a href="https://fieldtomarket.org/publications/climate-commitments/" target="_blank">Field to Market’s Climate Commitments Hub</a> will continue to be updated regularly, with a published report to be launched biennially to reflect the current state of the industry’s commitments and progress.

ABOUT FIELD TO MARKET

Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture™ brings together a diverse group of grower organizations; agribusinesses; food, feed, beverage, restaurant and retail companies; conservation groups; universities and public sector partners to focus on defining, measuring and advancing the sustainability of food, feed, fiber and fuel production. Field to Market is comprised of over 190 members representing all facets of the U.S. agricultural supply chain, with members employing more than 5 million people and representing combined revenues totaling over $1.5 trillion. Learn more at <a href="https://fieldtomarket.org/" target="_blank">https://fieldtomarket.org</a>.

Field to Market Announces Updates to Its Climate Commitments Hub, Showcasing Growth in Climate Action Across the Agriculture Value Chain

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4de5850c-92ed-4162-a24f-8a93643698f5" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Coded_by_Kids_Comcast_091223kh1.jpeg" width="640" height="675" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Coded by Kids students at the Universal Sphere in the Comcast Technology Center</figcaption></figure>In July, as part of their Tech and Innovation Internship, 25 high school and college students from our digital equity partner <a href="https://codedbykids.com/" target="_blank">Coded by Kids</a> (CBK) visited Comcast Headquarters for a full day of connecting and learning with Comcast employees about the future of tech. With back-to-school season in full swing, these students will have much to reflect on as they start a new year and continue to develop their interests in coding.

Students started the day with a campus tour and product experience demo, followed by a panel discussion at LIFT Labs, our hub for entrepreneurship and innovation inside the Comcast Technology Center. Featured speakers included members of BENgineers and TECHWomen, our technology resource groups supporting Black and women technologists and engineers. As part of our national volunteerism program <a href="https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/team-up" target="_blank">Team UP</a>, the panelists volunteered to share their career journeys and advice for developing product management and engineering skills. They spoke thoughtfully about the importance of passing the torch to the younger generation and what most excites them about tech.

<blockquote>
Comcast is a company that allows us to pay it forward, especially to those who are young. These kids are the future and will eventually be the ones passing the torch.

QUINCY IHEME

Manager, Software Development &amp; Engineering, BENgineer
</blockquote>

To close the day, the CBK students presented their tech projects and asked for feedback from BENgineers and TECHWomen volunteers. In small groups, they addressed potential solutions to issues across several industries including connecting consumers with local farmers to reduce food waste, using AI to combat loneliness and sleep quality issues in Generation Z, providing parents of young students access to affordable and safe after-school programming, and more. Our volunteers eagerly listened and provided notes to each team to further develop these ideas.
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8b09b5a9-cf08-469e-8618-3fe6b2b9afb3" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Coded_by_Kids_Comcast_091223kh2.jpeg" width="640" height="675" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Coded by Kids tour the Comcast Technology Center</figcaption></figure>“This experience has really shown [them] a new light, that there are people out there that support you, ready to give insight and mentorship. Seeing their excitement about the opportunity to talk through their ideas with people in Comcast, it’s really cool,” said Lennin Antunish, Coded by Kids Team Lead.

Coded by Kids is an organization that prepares underrepresented young people to succeed as tech and innovation leaders through project-based learning and mentorship. Their programs are designed to provide young people of all backgrounds with beginner to advanced level tech skills in areas where the lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion are the greatest.

This day of learning and exploration is just one part of CBK’s Tech and Innovation Internship, a robust 8-week program designed to build technical and professional skills that will prepare high school and college students for opportunities in the workforce and entrepreneurship. As part of the CBK-led <a href="https://www.1phl.org/" target="_blank">1Philadelphia</a> initiative, the internship program serves as a partnership model for how local organizations can work together to create meaningful pathways for young people interested in the tech industry.

We are proud to support CBK’s vision to create equity in the world through technology and innovation as part of <a href="https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up" target="_blank">Project UP</a>, our $1 billion commitment to connect tens of millions of people to the internet and tech opportunities that advance economic mobility. Through our partnership with Coded by Kids, we are helping to create unlimited possibilities for generations to come.

As a CBK chaperone said during the event, “This is a unique exposure for these kids… it’s a reminder of what’s possible.”
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dd8c2b08-3dd3-48bf-9b0c-45be42000045" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Coded_by_Kids_Comcast_091223kh3.jpeg" width="640" height="675" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Students from Coded by Kids learn more from our Product Demo experts</figcaption></figure> 
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="28ffc552-7002-4638-8d5f-141b6bcfdbec" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Coded_by_Kids_Comcast_091223kh4.jpeg" width="640" height="675" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Members of Comcast BENgineers and TECHwomen speak to Coded by Kids students about their career journeys and share advice about how to enter the tech field.</figcaption></figure> 
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="62a833b1-5f26-46d9-9bdb-fa00a67ce561" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Coded_by_Kids_Comcast_091223kh5.jpeg" width="640" height="675" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Coded by Kids present their projects for feedback from Comcast employees</figcaption></figure>

Passing the Torch to Future Tech Leaders

<img alt="corn crop starting to grow in field" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="27d7d542-ee2d-43c2-b51b-b22cd7a9b9bd" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/regenerative-agriculture_Sysco_092023.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="799" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/09/regenerative-agriculture-and-food-security-can-be-helped-along-by-doing-this" target="_blank">Originally published by the World Economic Forum on September 19, 2023</a>  
By <a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/authors/neil-russell" target="_blank">Neil Russell</a>, Chief Administrative Officer, Sysco

<ul><li>We know that climate change contributes to agricultural land degradation, but it also has a ripple effect on the food ecosystem.</li>
	<li>Regenerative agriculture – a combination of farming techniques – can restore the land and sequester large amounts of carbon.</li>
	<li>Better collaboration along the food value chain and among other parties is needed to catalyze financial investment in regenerative practices, provide resources to farmers and drive market demand.</li>
</ul>For decades, industrialized agriculture has been optimized for efficiency and increased yields to feed a growing global population. This industrialization has led to one-third of human-driven global greenhouse gas emissions being attributed to food systems, primarily from agriculture and land use changes, according to a UN <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-021-00225-9" target="_blank">study</a> published in Nature Food.

Furthermore, it has led to our food system becoming under strain and less resilient to climate impacts. In 2019, the <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2019/11/SRCCL-Full-Report-Compiled-191128.pdf" target="_blank">IPCC</a> showed that climate change exacerbates land degradation and threatens food production. Increases in temperatures and extreme weather events, from droughts to floods, have threatened production yields and changed where crops can be grown. This impact has a ripple effect on the food ecosystem, causing short-term supply shocks and long-term shifts in yields and price volatility, ultimately impacting food security.

Agriculture can solve its own problem

Regenerative practices – a combination of farming techniques that look to reverse the impacts of mass farming – have been shown to restore the land and sequester carbon by up to <a href="https://attra.ncat.org/publication/climate-beneficial-practices/" target="_blank">20 tons per acre per year</a>, improving soil health and water retention, enhancing biodiversity, making farmland more resilient and improving food security.

In addition, following the transition and investment, regenerative farms have been shown to have more consistent and higher yields, higher-margin crops and lower input costs, unlocking more profitability for farmers – all while <a href="https://8ce82b94a8c4fdc3ea6d-b1d233e3bc3cb10858bea65ff05e18f2.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/e2/41/8107d1b54145a159b0692041b487/us-agriculture-and-the-net-zero-challenge-sep-2022.pdf" target="_blank">combating climate change</a>.

Over the past decade, some players have slowly transitioned their production to regenerative agriculture. However, these innovative practices have only penetrated high-margin foods at a relatively low scale. We will need more collaboration among the food value chain and its stakeholders to increase adoption across the entire food ecosystem.

As the largest food distributor in the world, Sysco has a key role in connecting the food value chain to help drive this change and protect food security for generations to come. But we can’t do it alone. We need others to come to the table to support farmers and growers as they adopt regenerative agriculture practices and transform farming so that it is economically viable and benefits the planet and people.

<blockquote>
“We need more companies across the food value chain, governments, industry experts, academia and non-profits to come together to empower farmers through education, financing and other resources required to make this transition.”— Neil Russell, Chief Administrative Officer, Sysco
</blockquote>

Collaboration to catalyze regenerative agriculture

Three specific areas where collaboration is needed:

1. Develop effective policies that generate financial investment in regenerative practices

The transition to regenerative practices takes time. According to a recent <a href="https://www.wbcsd.org/contentwbc/download/16321/233420/1" target="_blank">report</a>, it requires a three-to-five-year transition period, depending on the crop, before producing higher yields.

It’s also complex; applying these practices can vary by region, crop, product or farm. For these reasons, farmers can understandably be reluctant to adopt new practices. Collaboration to develop effective public policy can drive investment and enable farmers to make changes. Importantly, this approach will also help ensure new methods don’t cause further food inflation and reduce food security.

2. Empower farmers andmi ranchers through education, financial and technical resources

We need more companies across the food value chain, governments, industry experts, academia and non-profits to come together to empower farmers through education, financing and other resources required to make this transition.

Together, we can engage more farmers and share information about the benefits of regenerative practices and how to implement new techniques and equipment that facilitate regenerative practices. It will require suppliers that purchase agricultural goods to enable farmers to transition. Buyers of finished goods such as Sysco can also help by setting goals and expectations for regenerative practices from their suppliers, providing guidance on transitioning and driving connectivity between farmers and other stakeholders.

Sysco has been driving change in this way for decades. For example, in the Southern Great Plains, Sysco partnered with one of our key suppliers, Cargill and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to bring financial and technical resources to restore grasslands and protect wildlife habitats across 1 million acres in one of America’s most critical beef-producing regions.

Through these grants, conservation experts are working alongside ranchers and farmers in five states to improve soil health and promote biodiversity while sequestering carbon and strengthening the land’s resilience to extreme weather.

3. Drive market demand, increasing consumer awareness and defining regenerative agriculture standards

Ultimately, we must aim to drive market demand for products from regenerative practices. Consumer packaged goods, retail and food distributors such as Sysco must raise the profile of regenerative foods, highlight and explain certifications to customers and increase consumers’ understanding that regenerative benefits human health, nutrition and the environment.

To do this effectively, we must also clearly define regenerative standards. Today, there are varying frameworks, definitions and interpretations of regenerative agriculture standards. That makes it difficult to assess and measure outcomes, which can further hinder adoption by farmers. In addition, consumers appreciate clear market identifiers such as certifications, which makes it easier for them to make purchasing decisions.

Sysco is working to drive awareness with our customers about the general importance of regenerative processes and how they can find products grown using these practices within our assortment to enhance the sustainability of their menus. For example, we are working to identify regenerative certifications in our product assortment to make it easy to support these practices.

If we want to continue nourishing people with all our planet’s goodness, more collaboration is needed to drive sustainable food transformation while keeping costs affordable. At Sysco, we are committed to supporting the transition and leveraging our position at the centre of the food value chain to influence change in all three ways discussed above.

We have made progress but aim to help scale these practices throughout the food industry. These changes will help us secure food supply for generations to come.

View original content <a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/09/regenerative-agriculture-and-food-security-can-be-helped-along-by-doing-this" target="_blank">here</a>.

For decades, industrialized agriculture has been optimized for efficiency and increased yields to feed a growing global population. This industrialization has led to one-third of human-driven global greenhouse gas emissions being attributed to food systems

How Collaboration on Regenerative Agriculture Can Strengthen Food Security

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2edab4ad-a4fb-4585-8a1e-c31ff99aa9b5" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/cargobikes_FedEx_092023.jpg" width="640" height="702" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Hackney City Council is improving the first publicly available cargo bike sharing scheme in the country by adding hub locations and offering training for businesses.</figcaption></figure>EIT Climate-KIC and FedEx announced the launch of the second edition of the <a href="https://www.climate-kic.org/sustainable-cities-climate-impact-challenge/" target="_blank">Sustainable Cities Mobility Challenge</a> (formerly called the Climate Impact Challenge) for European cities. Applicants are invited to request funding to implement solutions that accelerate the transition towards cleaner, sustainable, and inclusive mobility.

City councils, municipalities or local authorities in the EU Member States, Horizon Europe associated countries, the United Kingdom and Switzerland, are all eligible to submit proposals that align with Europe’s climate agenda, including the <a href="https://netzerocities.eu/" target="_blank">EU Mission 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030.</a> Grants of up to €90,000 will support pilot projects or programmes evaluated based on their potential for positive environmental and social benefits, learning and replicability.

As more European cities pledge to rapidly cut carbon emissions, sustainable transport plays a crucial role in the transition to a net-zero carbon society. EIT Climate-KIC will select up to five impactful projects that integrate and implement sustainable transport solutions to help drive the green transition at a local level.

“Celebrating the achievements of the past year, we're excited to announce the launch of the second Sustainable Cities Mobility Challenge, made possible by FedEx,” said Kirsten Dunlop, CEO of EIT Climate-KIC. “We are driven by the ambition to accelerate the transition to cleaner, more inclusive mobility solutions in European cities. With the dedication of city leaders, the support of our partners, and the urgent need for action on climate change, we are confident this year's projects will make significant strides in enabling reduction of transport emissions and improvements in the quality of urban life.”

Transport emissions represent around <a href="https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/topics/in-depth/transport-and-mobility#:~:text=Today%2C%20transport%20emissions%20represent%20around,their%201990%20level%20in%202029." target="_blank">25 percent of the EU's total greenhouse gas emissions,</a> according to the European Environment Agency. Leading the EU-funded <a href="http://netzerocities.eu/" target="_blank">NetZeroCities project,</a> EIT Climate-KIC is uniquely positioned to help cities develop and implement innovative projects shaping the sustainable design of future urban centres.

<a href="https://www.climate-kic.org/news/eit-climate-kic-and-fedex-select-four-cities-to-scale-mobility-projects/" target="_blank">The first edition of the Challenge</a> awarded the cities of Hackney (UK), Espoo (Finland), Olot (Spain) and Karasu (Türkiye) with charitable grants of up to $70,000 (€65,000) to implement their projects. These ranged from expanding cargo bike use, installing safe cycling storage, cycling courses for marginalised groups, and creating safer corridors for walking, wheeling, and cycling.

“Transport remains a key contributor to carbon emissions, so the transformative projects implemented by cities like Hackney, Espoo, Olot, and Karasu in the first edition of the Challenge serve as inspirations for what can be achieved when we unite in pursuit of a common goal. Together, we're committed to creating greener, more equitable cities that define our future,” added Dunlop.

Funding for the Sustainable Cities Mobility Challenge is provided by Charities Aid Foundation, made possible by a grant from FedEx. The transport provider announced its goal to achieve global carbon-neutral operations by 2040, with a roadmap including electrification of its <a href="https://newsroom.fedex.com/newsroom/europe-english/fedex-express-continues-journey-towards-zero-emissions-delivery-as-edinburgh-glasgow-and-cambridge-become-the-next-uk-cities-to-welcome-e-cargo-bikes" target="_blank">FedEx Express pickup and delivery fleet</a>, upscaling use of renewable energy, and advancing scientific research leading to solutions that can sequester hard-to-abate carbon emissions – such as those generated by aviation.

“While we remain focused operationally on <a href="https://newsroom.fedex.com/newsroom/europe-english/fedex-express-continues-journey-towards-zero-emissions-delivery-as-edinburgh-glasgow-and-cambridge-become-the-next-uk-cities-to-welcome-e-cargo-bikes" target="_blank">reducing emissions in our network</a>, our charitable giving platform, <a href="https://fedexcares.com/our-focus/sustainable-logistics" target="_blank">FedEx Cares</a>, allows us to collaborate with charity organisations and cities seeking to promote sustainable mobility more broadly,” said Wouter Roels, SVP Marketing and Customer Experience, FedEx Express Europe. “This contribution will help to implement projects that will improve the liveability of European cities and allow us to support transport decarbonisation beyond our own business.”

The call for applications remains open until 10 November 2023 via <a href="https://www.climate-kic.org/sustainable-cities-climate-impact-challenge/" target="_blank">EIT Climate-KIC.</a>
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9cb1e1b5-9d57-4735-82f7-fe0266c8b2a7" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Bicyclists_FedEx_092023.jpg" width="400" height="240" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>In collaboration with the Helsinki Region Cyclists, the City of Espoo organised cycling courses in five different locations from June to August 2023 to train residents from marginalised groups.</figcaption></figure>About EIT Climate-KIC  
EIT Climate-KIC is Europe’s leading climate innovation agency and community, using a systems approach to shape innovation to support cities, regions, countries and industries meet their climate ambitions.

Together with partners across the globe, EIT Climate-KIC acts to bridge the gap climate commitments and current reality by enabling decision makers to investors to act. They find and implement solutions in integrated ways and moblise finance. They build skills to accelerate learning and explore innovation, opening pathways to shift mindsets and behaviours. Through radical collaboration, EIT Climate-KIC orchestrates large-scale demonstrations that show what is possible when cycles of innovation and learning are deliberately designed to trigger exponential decarbonisation and build resilient communities.

About FedEx Corp.  
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce, and business services. With annual revenue of $90 billion, the company offers integrated business solutions through operating companies competing collectively, operating collaboratively, and innovating digitally as one FedEx. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its 530,000 employees to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. FedEx is committed to connecting people and possibilities around the world responsibly and resourcefully, with a goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2040. To learn more, please visit <a href="https://www.fedex.com/en-us/about.html" target="_blank">about.fedex.com</a>.

EIT Climate-KIC and FedEx announced the launch of the second edition of the Sustainable Cities Mobility Challenge (formerly called the Climate Impact Challenge) for European cities. 

EIT Climate-KIC and FedEx Team Up To Help Scale Cities’ Mobility Projects

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="Group of diverse people standing and holding an oversized prop light switch" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5183383b-7fd2-4b43-a9e5-85bdcefca988" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/FTS-HFHCC_Green-Mountain-Energy_092123.png" width="640" height="900" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Green Mountain Energy and Habitat for Humanity of Collin County (HFHCC) flipped the switch yesterday on the first two homes of the local chapter’s latest project, The Cotton Groves.</figcaption></figure>MCKINNEY, Texas., September 22, 2023 /CSRwire/ - Green Mountain Energy and Habitat for Humanity of Collin County (HFHCC) flipped the switch yesterday on the first two homes of the local chapter’s latest project, The Cotton Groves.

The project uses both traditional construction methods as well as repurposed shipping containers to build energy-efficient, sustainable homes. The development will also include rooftop solar, to be installed by Collective Sun, as well as electric vehicle charging outlets.

The rooftop arrays will allow 14 families to go solar and were made possible through a $210,000 grant by Green Mountain Energy Sun Club and through an innovative financing tool offered by Collective Sun. Combined, the families are expected to save approximately $17,500 in annual energy costs.

“Sun Club is honored to be part of this innovative project that will help low-income families become homeowners,” said Mark Parsons, Green Mountain Energy vice president. “We are thrilled to be able to help these families save money while safeguarding the environment for future generations. This grant will ensure that the new homeowners have a head start on an environmentally conscious lifestyle.”
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="Blue shipping container house on left, burgundy shipping container house on right" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2896f370-c36c-4b9d-97f9-e0f0f32ca5a8" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/HFHCC-Houses_Green-Mountain-Energy_092123.png" width="640" height="900" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>The eco-friendly, former shipping-container units are a high-end design concept made of steel, built to withstand weathering, and require little maintenance.</figcaption></figure>Green Mountain Energy Sun Club has been empowering local communities and advancing sustainability since 2002. The charitable program has donated more than $13 million to 156 nonprofit organizations across Texas and the Northeast. Sun Club supports projects that promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation, education and awareness, clean transportation, and sustainable agriculture. Green Mountain Energy invites its customers and employees to contribute and champion sustainability for people and the planet.

“We are so excited to do our very first solar neighborhood with the help of Sun Club,” said Celeste Cox, chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity of Collin County. “The savings for our homeowners will make a real difference in the lives of these first-time homeowners. Our first families will be moving into their homes soon, and they are truly blessed to be a part of a sustainable community.”

This program is designed to address the need for affordable housing in McKinney, Texas. Eligible low-to-moderate income families make 30-60% of the area median household income.

Families who are interested in homeownership can apply via a pre-approval process. HFHCC’s Family Selection committee will select homeowners based on three criteria: the applicant’s level of need, their willingness to partner with the organization, and their ability to repay a mortgage through an affordable payment plan.

Selected families will move into the 35 three- and four-bedroom townhomes. The eco-friendly, former shipping-container units are a high-end design concept made of steel, built to withstand weathering, and require little maintenance.

Additionally, the project will employ solar installers from low- to moderate-income backgrounds who are newly trained by Green Careers Dallas, creating a career path in a growing industry.
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="Solar panels seen on the roof of a house through a window " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2273dfe1-e160-4895-9320-88e993687374" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/HFHCC-Solar-Panels_Green-Mountain-Energy_092123.png" width="640" height="900" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>The rooftop arrays will allow 14 families to go solar and were made possible through a $210,000 grant by Green Mountain Energy Sun Club and through an innovative financing tool offered by Collective Sun.</figcaption></figure>###

About Green Mountain Energy Sun Club

Green Mountain Energy is inspiring hope, motivating action through the use of clean energy, and advancing sustainable communities through the work of Green Mountain Energy Sun Club. Since its founding in 2002, Sun Club® has donated more than $13 million to 156 nonprofit organizations across Texas and the Northeast. Sun Club collaborates with nonprofit organizations on projects that focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation, and environmental stewardship. To learn more about Green Mountain Energy and Sun Club or to apply for a Sun Club grant, visit <a href="https://www.greenmountainenergy.com/sun-club/" target="_blank">greenmountain.com/sunclub</a>.

About Habitat for Humanity of Collin County

Habitat for Humanity of Collin County is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles. We put God’s love into action by building homes, communities, and hope. We are dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide, believing everyone deserves a decent place to live. We encourage positive relationships throughout the community by advocating for fair housing policies and by providing training to help families improve their shelter conditions.

Habitat Collin County has been serving families in Collin County since August 1992 having built 230 new homes, repaired over 700 homes, and over 70 homes internationally. Habitat serves all of Collin County providing New Home Construction and Home Repair services to qualifying families earning below median incomes for our area. For more information on Habitat Collin County, see <a href="http://www.habitatcollincounty.org" target="_blank">www.habitatcollincounty.org</a> and <a href="http://www.thecottongroves.com" target="_blank">www.thecottongroves.com</a>

GME Media Contact

Estefanía Joy

713-537-5735

<a href="mailto:media@greenmountain.com" target="_blank">media@greenmountain.com</a>

Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/GreenMtnEnergy" target="_blank">@GreenMtnEnergy</a>

HFHCC Media Contact

Celeste Cox

214-616-7373

<a href="mailto:celeste@habitatcctx.org" target="_blank">celeste@habitatcctx.org</a>

Green Mountain Energy and Habitat for Humanity of Collin County (HFHCC) flipped the switch yesterday on the first two homes of the local chapter’s latest project, The Cotton Groves.

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